Dear friends, the synod has promised to send Holy Trinity’s call committee a list of names by the end of this month. Soon you will be interviewing candidates and calling a pastor! Given that the process is moving forward, the synod has asked me to consider other congregations in need of transition pastors. While nothing is definite yet, it is likely that I will be moving on in the near future.
The question I am sure is on everyone’s mind is “What will happen if Pastor Kleiber leaves and we don’t have a new pastor?” There are two possibilities as I see it.
1. You will be close to calling a pastor but still some months away from that pastor’s arrival. Your council works with the synod to find an interim pastor who will lead worship and provide pastoral care during the time between my departure and the arrival of your new pastor.
2. You will be very close to calling a pastor who may arrive within just a few weeks. Your council works with the synod to find supply pastors to preach. Pastors from nearby churches offer to help in case of pastoral care emergencies.
While, I do not yet have a covenant with a new congregation I want to let you know that the process of moving on has started. When a new assignment has been confirmed I will let you know.
Let me also say that I continue to delight in our ministry together at Holy Trinity. While this congregation faces enormous challenges you also have enormous potential. You have some of the finest staff I have ever known and a dynamic, forward thinking council. I plan to enjoy the remaining time I have with you. I will not be absent until I am actually gone!
Blessings to you all!
Pastor Kleiber