The Board of Elders met on March 28, 2023 for our regular monthly meeting. Our Interim Lead Pastor, Al Fedorak, led a time of teaching on the power of prayer, how it is the foundation of the church and the key to the kingdom of God. Al drew material from the book “Ekklesia Rising” by Dean Briggs. We are excited and blessed to see Holy Spirit working in our church family while we are in this transition period. We must continue to pray for God’s guidance and provision as we enter this next phase of our transition.
The Pastoral Search team has posted the Lead Pastor position on several sites. They are currently working on the process for evaluating the submissions. Also, they have been discerning who they should approach as potential applicants. Please pray as they look to Holy Spirit for guidance as they continue the search process.
We were blessed to receive 11 people into membership this month. In addition, several people have asked for membership applications. An “Explore LHAC” class will be held on May 1st for those who want to know more about baptism and membership.
Our fiscal year ends June 30, 2023 and the Finance Team and staff are preparing the 2024 budget. We are thankful for your continued generosity and giving to our budgeted needs. A strong finish to the year, with a surplus, would be a great gift to the incoming pastor.
An addition to our leadership structure resulted in the formation of a new category of volunteers called “The Commissioned”. Pastor Al will be producing a video that will be sent to all members describing this change. On March 26th we held our first training session for this new group. The plan is that this group will gather at least once a quarter for vision clarification and training.
Our Board has commissioned another “Natural Church Development” church health measurement. The last measurement was in 2020, just prior to the Covid restrictions. With all the transitions that have occurred in the past three years, we decided it would be good to get a new measurement of our health. This will give our next pastor an accurate picture of the health of Living Hope. Information regarding the results will be forthcoming.
The Nominating Committee has been meeting to discern and identify the persons whom Holy Spirit would have in leadership for the coming year. Living Hope members are invited to send suggested names to any member of the Nominating Committee by the end of April.
A new connecting feature for our newer people will begin on April 16th. We will be offering church tours immediately following the Sunday service. These will be led by our volunteers; our staff will be available in the various ministry areas to answer any questions.
Thank you for praying for LHAC. Prayer is key to the success of our church. The Psalmist says in Psalm 27:14 (The Passion Translation):
“Don’t give up; don’t be impatient; be entwined as one with the Lord. Be brave and courageous, and never lose hope. Yes, keep on waiting – for he will never disappoint you!”
May you know the joy and assurance of our risen Lord Jesus, as you celebrate Easter.
Your Board of Elders:
Allen Fedorak (Interim Lead Pastor) Lola Sotomi
Kevin Gatschene (Vice-Chair) Deji Oyetuga
Shannon Vinter (Treasurer) Steven Munro
Gwendolyn Schroeder (Secretary)
