Community Church

Call Committee Update (December 17, 2007)

Waiting surrounds us during Advent – and the call process is no exception to this. We are waiting – for information on candidates, -- for response from candidates -- in anticipation of interviews. And we wait together as a congregation.

In her book, “Seven Spiritual Gifts of Waiting”, Holly Whitcomb (a UCC minister) writes: “When we face an extended period of waiting, we have an opportunity to engage in a radical kind of patience that can take us beyond surviving -- to thriving. We can partner with the waiting rather than treat it as the enemy. We can involve ourselves in an active waiting that opens doors, creates opportunities, and stretches our minds, bodies, and souls. While waiting may necessitate a certain powerlessness, this does not mean giving up intelligence, action, and hope. Active waiting teaches us to trust that each small step is part of a larger process – a process in which we can participate with steady determination and lively expectation.”

Waiting together with steady determination and lively expectation as we look forward to interviews in January.

Lynda Nordholm, on behalf of the Call Committee

Community Church

Call Committee Update (December 10, 2007)

Our congregation is experiencing Advent in a new way this year – as we eagerly wait for word of a new pastor, and ponder just how the gifts and skills of this person will integrate with and offer new light to the mission and vision that is Holy Trinity.

A sense of excitement is bubbling as we look forward to interviews with four candidates the first weeks of January – and the conversations we will have together. More candidates are being contacted by the synod, while names from national sources continue to come our way.

Lynda Nordholm, on behalf of the Call Committee

Community Church

Call Committee Update (December 3, 2007)

“Another step forward” is a key phrase that we on the Call Committee use often in relating our progress. Some of these steps are quite small – almost undistinguishable – while others signify great strides. Yet these steps are affirmation that we are indeed moving forward, step by step.

For the committee, a noteworthy step forward came this week when we conducted a mock interview. This coaching helped to further our sense of being prepared and confident that in this first round of interviews we are connecting on issues essential to Holy Trinity’s ministry. Candidates chosen for initial interviews are now being contacted.

Lynda Nordholm, on behalf of the Call Committee

Community Church

Call Committee Update

Our most recent meetings have centered on shaping interview questions that reflect the essence of Holy Trinity’s ministry. Later this week we will put these questions into practice as we conduct a mock interview.

Each call process is shaped by its unique time, context, and participants, but we are aware of always moving along in the process. It is apparent to those of us in the stream of this process that careful contemplation and purposeful discerning surround each meeting – and that we find pleasure and honor in working together on this endeavor.

Lynda Nordholm, on behalf of the Call Committee

Community Church

Call Committee Update

With further nominations from the Synod this week, we now have names of all candidates who will be considered in the first round of interviews. During this next week, we will finish reading the extensive mobility papers and identify which candidates will be chosen for initial interviews in that first round. As we get closer to the actuality of interviews, we continue to fine-tune style, content and nature of questions.

As we approach Thanksgiving, we offer our heartfelt thanks for your prayers that continue to encourage and sustain us as we persevere with the task of calling our next pastor.

Lynda Nordholm, on behalf of the Call Committee

Community Church

Call Committee Update

In the first set of nominations, we have received 20 or so names of candidates. They represent a diverse pool of candidates in terms of age, gender, geographic location, and contextual experience. Reading through each viable candidate’s mobility papers is the task at hand as we anticipate and prepare for initial interviews – perhaps as early as December.

We are connected to a process using diverse sources for identifying candidates – including and beyond synod recommendations – and will allow for interviews with all fitting candidates as time progresses. We commit an open procedure that allows all nominated candidates full and equal consideration.

As always, your comments are invited and encouraged. Please speak with any Call Committee member directly or email us at: callcommittee@htlcmpls.org . Also, don’t forget to check out the Call Committee blog at: www.htlcmpls.org.blogspot.com/

Lynda Nordholm, on behalf of the Call Committee

Community Church

Call Committee Update (November 5, 2007)

At our October 29^th meeting, Bishop Craig Johnson and the Call Committee assessed the initial slate of candidates by the Synod, self nomination, and congregational nomination. We received mobility papers for each candidate, indicating their desire to be considered for the pastoral position. These papers present information on the candidate’s personal life, experiences, and practices. Reading through the large packet of mobility papers is the next step, after which we will discern which candidates to consider for initial interviews.

The Call Committee remains committed and active in identifying candidates from diverse sources, including and beyond synod recommendations. All nominated candidates will be given full and equal consideration.

Lynda Nordholm, on behalf of the Call Committee

Community Church

Call Committee Update (October 29, 2007)

In anticipation of receiving the first round of candidate names from the Synod at our meeting October 29^th, the Call Committee remains absorbed in fine-tuning the leadership objectives of the lead pastor. These objectives will serve to provide a springboard for the Committee’s interviewing, while at the same time presenting for candidates a consummate portrayal of ministry expectations.

We continue to be grateful to all persons who invite conversations with members of the Call Committee. These conversations reveal that a wide range of expectation exists within the congregation as to the length of time necessary for the process – some anxious to move faster, some eager to slow it down. This is natural in such a process. We offer our assurance that the Committee will be as efficient as practical in moving the process along, while at the same time honoring the importance of considering all essential avenues in the course.

Lynda Nordholm, on behalf of the Call Committee

Community Church

Call Committee Update (October 22, 2007)

In considering the call process by which Holy Trinity is currently working with the Minneapolis Area Synod, it is good to realize that the Synod – in which Holy Trinity is one of 167 congregations – is the largest of the ELCA’s Synods and home to some of the largest Lutheran congregations in the world. The synod (meaning “meeting together”) will next meet with the Call Committee on October 29^th, at which time Bishop Johnson and Bishop’s Associate David Wangaard will present a list of apt candidates.

Independent of this cooperative effort with the Synod, the Call Committee continues to move forward with designing effective tools for the interview process.

Lynda Nordholm, on behalf of the Call Committee

Community Church

Call Committee Update (October 15, 2007)

While the Call Committee anticipates the Synod’s presentation of its amassed list of available pastoral candidates toward the end of October, it met twice this past week engaging in analysis of the essential tools for the interview process.

Mindful and deeply grateful to the congregation for its continued and sustaining prayers, we ask that you also pray for all clergy desiring to enter the call process with Holy Trinity.

Lynda Nordholm, on behalf of the Call Committee

Call Committee Update

October 8, 2007

With back-to-back meetings scheduled for this coming week, the Call Committee aims to frame the structure and tactic best suited for finding Holy Trinity’s next pastor.

Throughout this process, the Committee remains mindful and deeply grateful to the congregation for its prayers that sustain and guide us. Please also hold in pray all clergy sensing a call to enter the process with Holy Trinity.

Comments, questions, or concerns are invited by the Call Committee. Please speak directly to Call Committee member, email to callcommittee@htlcmpls.org, or leave a message via voicemail at 612.729.8358, mailbox #23 (after hours, press #23 once you hear the recording).

Lynda Nordholm, on behalf of the Call Committee

Back-posting

Obviously, there have been quite a few weeks missed since the last post was made. Apologies for that. The following is the best compilation I (Korla) have been able to pull together from the lost time. They are ordered from earliest to most recent with more to come.


October 1

As the Call Committee begins formulating its methodical approach for candidate interviews, the Synod also now begins background reviews of all nominated candidates for Holy Trinity’s pastoral position – those nominated by Holy Trinity members, those by self-nomination, and those by Synod nomination. Holy Trinity is not limited by the synodical process, but the Call Committee is committed to going down this path – to the extent it continues to work in the best interest of the congregation. By all regards the most efficient and cost-effective method by which to initially proceed, it also imparts a reasonable continuation of the working relationship established between Holy Trinity, the Minneapolis Area Synod and the ELCA.

Members are reminded that copies of the COMPASS Team’s comprehensive congregational report – which has been foundational for the Call Committee’s work – may be obtained from the library. Comments, questions, or concerns are invited and may be made directly to a Call Committee member, by email to callcommittee@htlcmpls.org, or by voicemail at 612.729.8358, mailbox #23 (after hours, press #23 once you hear the recording).

Lynda Nordholm, on behalf of the Call Committee

September 24

The process for receiving names of candidates for the pastoral position through the congregation is now complete. These names will be considered within the total pool of suitable candidates.

Having discerned the extensive work of the COMPASS Team’s report, completed the integration of that material into the Congregational Profile, and considered programmatic staffing options, the Call Committee now focuses on identified ministry priorities and skills as we proceed with interview preparation.

The Call Committee invites your comments, questions, or concerns: Please feel free to speak with a committee member, email to callcommittee@htlcmpls.org, or leave voicemail at 612.729.8358 ask for mailbox #23 (after hours, press #23 once you hear the recording).

Community Church 9/2

Call Committee Update

Having received the COMPASS Team’s recommendations for priorities and possible staffing models, the Call Committee is now contemplating the direction and effect it will have in shaping the call of Holy Trinity’s pastoral leadership. At the same time, the Committee continues to complete the requisite Congregational Missional Profile, a document that will clarify the needs and desires of the congregation and introduce Holy Trinity to potential candidates. The Call Committee invites your comments, questions, or concerns: Email: callcommittee@htlcmpls.org or Voicemail: 612.729.8358, mailbox #23 (During office hours, ask for #23, after hours, press #23 once you hear the recording). - Lynda Nordholm for the Call Committee

Lynda J. Nordholm

Lynda is a five year member of Holy Trinity. She began participating at Holy Trinity as an usher and member of the Altar Guild, then grew in involvement through the Outreach and Personnel Committees. She served on the Church Council as secretary, vice president and president of the congregation.

Lynda holds an undergraduate degree in Communication from Augsburg College. She is employed by the ELCA for two units: Evangelical Outreach/Congregational Mission, and Mission Investment Fund.

Lynda is married to (lifelong) Holy Trinity member Dennis Nordholm, residing in the Longfellow neighborhood. Holding the belief that congregational life is central to their married life, together are involved in worship and learning opportunities, congregational fine art events, fellowship dinners, theater outings, dialogue events, and vacation church school.

Lynda enjoys reading, bicycling, cooking & baking, traveling, friendships, and family – as mother of three and “Nana” of three.

Community Church 8/13

Call Committee Update #2

Particular care has been taken by the Call Committee during these initial meetings to clarify tasks and to reason through the dynamics by which the group will operate. Its first strides at establishing respectful guidelines, realizing the gifts of one another, and reaching agreement on foundational elements, point to the committee coalescing as a group.

Absorbing the findings and implications of the COMPASS Team report is the next task, while awaiting the Team's nearly completed recommendations for staffing options. At the same time, another reading on transition in churches and size/structure of congregations is being considered.

In striving to keep the congregation aware of the Call process, various channels of communication are being explored. Regular announcements during Sunday worship services are beginning this week, in addition to weekly articles in the Community Church. A strong likelihood exists for having a dedicated voice mail and e-mail address which would link congregational members directly to the Call Committee. Other possibilities might include space on Holy Trinity's website and perhaps a "blog".

Scheduled next for the Call Committee are meetings on Monday, August 13th and Tuesday, September 4th, the initial meeting with Bishop Craig Johnson of the Minneapolis Area Synod.

Your conversations, questions, concerns, and recommendations are invited and encouraged by the Call Committee. Please feel free to speak with any member directly or by phone listed in last week's article. [Please note the correction of Korla Masters' cell phone number: 612-251-1430.]

Please continue to pray for the Call Committee as we navigate the search process and begin to discern calling the next lead pastor of Holy Trinity in the months ahead.

Lynda Nordholm

on behalf of the Call Committee

Community Church 8/6

Call Committee Update #1

Realizing a strong imperative to keep the congregation aware of its progress and in striving for transparency in the process, the Call Committee will include an “update” in each week’s Community Church -- whether or not the Committee meets that week.

Retracing the First Steps

Holy Trinity’s Council appointed six members of the congregation to form the committee that will discern, interview and make recommendation for calling its next pastor. Those member representatives are: Cliff Brown, Mike Mann, Korla Masters, Lynda Nordholm, John Sulzbach, and Dawn Wieczorek -- with Bob Hulteen (Council President) serving in the capacity as ex-officio).

Having been installed at worship on July 8^th, the Call Committee first met that afternoon with the Executive Committee of Council to begin framing the process and to coordinate schedules for initial meetings.

Along with representative members of the COMPASS Team, the Call Committee next convened July 29^th to hear findings, implications and recommendations from the team’s final report. (Note that copies of the COMPASS Team report are available for congregational reading from the church library).

August 3^rd was the Call Committee’s first “solo” meeting. Sorting through procedural issues, establishing ground rules, and defining particular tasks made for a full agenda -- but also allowed for building an understanding of ways in which the committee will work together. With willing spirits and recognition of the variety of gifts within the group, the Call Committee identified and sorted out tasks for which each member will assume responsibility. The Committee is built on the accord that no one task is any more or any less important than another -- but rather all work together for the good of the whole:

Recorder Mike Mann (Bob Hulteen)

Programmer Dawn Wieczorek

Communicator (oral) Korla Masters

Correspondent (written) Lynda Nordholm

Convener John Sulzbach

Connecter (synod) Cliff Brown

Next Steps

Call Committee meetings are set for August 9^th and 13^th. In addition, a remainder group of the COMPASS Team will meet in the near future with the Call Committee to look at likely staffing models/options.

Conversations, questions, concerns, and recommendations are invited and encouraged by the Call Committee. Please feel free to speak to any one of its members directly. The next update will provide an email address by which you might also contact the Call Committee electronically. Following are contact phone numbers:

Cliff Brown 612-347-1707

Mike Mann 612-724-4454

Korla Masters 612-251-1430

Lynda Nordholm 612-724-8190

John Sulzbach 612-722-5912

Dawn Wieczorek 651-487-9608

As Holy Trinity moves forward with the shaping of things to come, please continue to pray that the Holy Spirit speaks to us about what God’s desire is for this community.

Lynda Nordholm

on behalf of the Call Committee