December 2021
Council Corner
Some significant news occurred during our most recent council meeting. As many of you know, Pastor Birk has expressed a desire to retire sometime in the near future. He has served our church in a time of great need when many of us felt a great deal of uncertainty during a worldwide health pandemic. Subsequently, I contacted the president of the Babbitt Evangelical Lutheran Church (BELC), Bonnie Eichoff, to discuss taking the first steps in this journey. Then, based upon this conversation, the council at HLC formally voted to begin the call process in search of a permanent pastor. This does not necessarily mean that we will have a pastor in place by a definitive date. It could be a relatively short process. It could be a relatively long process. Regardless, please say a prayer for our church as we begin this journey.
As stated in our church constitution, a call committee will consist of six members. Three of the members are required to come from Hope Lutheran. Three of the members are required to come from Babbitt Evangelical. Committee members cannot presently serve as members of the church council. I strongly urge members of our church to take part in this process. It will provide you with an invaluable learning experience. If interested, do not hesitate to contact the church, one of our council members, or Pastor Birk.
The council also set the time for our annual x-mas services. It will take place @ 4 p.m. on December 24. Because we anticipate increased attendance for this service with people sitting close together, we felt the need to require masks for this gathering. This is not a return to wearing masks every Sunday. It merely represents a precaution for just this Sunday. HLC will also offer radio services for those who would like to listen within the safety and security of their vehicles in the church parking lot. Either way, we hope to see you in attendance!
With the winter season upon us, we also discussed the topic of plowing. Once again, the council is looking for volunteers to help plow the church parking lot. St. Louis County increased its price for plowing private lots. Paying them the amount of money they were asking for did not make practical sense for our church. Thus, we are looking to you for help. If interested, please contact Stan at the church. You will be compensated for your volunteerism. The council plans to decide at our next meeting whether this amounts to a flat stipend for the winter or a payment per time you plow. Thank you in advance for your service to the church.
May God grant you peace until we meet again next month…….
In God’s Name,
Lance Kupka
Council President
Hope Lutheran Church of Embarrass