Identifying the best person to recommend as St. Mark's next pastor is a deliberate and intentional process that is based on both prayer and great hope. The Call Committee has been interviewing pastoral candidates since late August. The process can be slow at times due to the difficulties of scheduling around the busy schedules of pastors, particularly where travel is involved. We continue to receive and review application papers forwarded to us by our synod office. We also have received names through members of St. Mark and have followed up on each of those recommendations. Please contact a committee member if you have a name you would like us to pursue.

Other than to assure you we are hard at work, the confidentiality required by the process prevents us from sharing details about the candidate. Synod and ELCA guidelines require confidentiality to protect the families of candidates, the ministry/current congregation of candidates and the jury-style system of the committee itself. Keeping confidentiality in mind, we will continue to keep the congregation informed to the extent we are able.

Call, write, e-mail callcommittee@stmarkwdm.org or engage any or all members of the Call Committee as the process continues:

• Dale Bunting - 223-7752
• Matt Dahlen - 279-1276
• Lynn Gossen - 225-6051
• Paul Kramme - 334-5038
• Arnie Latare - 225-1084
• Chris Nelson - 226-0931, Chairman
• Deb Stein - 440-1797
• Linnea Stockwell - 222-0291
• Denise Wieland - 255-2428

Most importantly, every member of the congregation is asked and encouraged to pray and pray often for this process. Pray also for the wonderful ministry of Pastor Roy Nilsen who continues to guide St. Mark during this time.

Watch upcoming ReMarks, bulletin inserts and congregation wide communications for regular updates.