From the Pastors Desk - May 29, 2022
For those of you who are wondering if we have given up our search for a pastor, the answer is, no. I know it feels as if we have abandoned this process, but we primarily, at this point, have received no news from pretty much anyone. Many of you know that we did have a gentleman interested in the position, but he was unable to make it work with his current interim position.
I even tasked Rod to contact the churches that we are in full communion with to see if they had any part time candidates. They told Rod that they were willing to work with us, but it had to be through the appropriate channels of our own synod. Not surprising, but still disappointing.
Rod and I contacted our own synod with the hope of receiving just some simple information regarding the programs available of sharing resources between churches. Rod received a little information, but not enough to be able to make decisions let alone formulate any type of questions. However, my understanding is that the Northeast Ohio Synod will be having a summit with the Canton area churches on June 26th. This summit will, hopefully, answer many of the questions we might possibly have, and, maybe, put us in touch with another church who would like to partner and share resources. I have been informed that the council presidents will receive information regarding this summit) (editor’s note: information has been received)
If you ask my opinion, I personally believe that the Synod is at as much of a loss as to what to do as we individual churches are. The pandemic has given a large number of people an excuse to no longer physically attend church. I believe that many are saying that they are just watching on line, but the analytics numbers don’t lie- they don’t seem to be doing that either. The vast majority of the mainline churches are all having the same problem. Couple inactivity and disinterest with the youth my kids’ ages trying to decide if they’re agnostic or atheist, and I’m more than a bit concerned for the future of the church in general.
I am hoping that through this June summit we will be led in the appropriate direction that will be most helpful for Good Shepherd. I don’t expect answers from our hierarchy. However, when we’re motivated enough to keep a church open, hopefully we can take it upon ourselves to connect ourselves with some solutions. I just pray that our Synod will be willing to work with us regardless of how creative our solution may be!
Faithfully,
Lei Fahrner
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