On May 31st, Pastor Suelzle retired. We thank the Lord for his ministry and for being our shepherd the last 14+ years!
Due to the retirement of Pastor Suelzle, our congregation is in a pastoral vacancy, meaning that we do not have a called pastor. During this vacancy, the congregation continues the Call Process, which ultimately results in the congregation issuing a divine call to a pastor or seminary candidate to serve as the next pastor here at Grace. The process can be long and tedious. However, it is important to diligently complete all parts of the process. It is important to also remember that the Lord has already picked our next pastor! We simply need to go through the process to determine His will for our congregation.
Due to the retirement of Pastor Suelzle, our congregation is in a pastoral vacancy, meaning that we do not have a called pastor. During this vacancy, the congregation continues the Call Process, which ultimately results in the congregation issuing a divine call to a pastor or seminary candidate to serve as the next pastor here at Grace. The process can be long and tedious. However, it is important to diligently complete all parts of the process. It is important to also remember that the Lord has already picked our next pastor! We simply need to go through the process to determine His will for our congregation.
Vacancy Information
Vacancies can be stressful for congregations because many things which are familiar to us may need to change and, as with many people, change is scary and difficult. However, because we do not have a pastor, we made certain changes to accommodate those who will be assisting us through the process. Below are some of the changes put in place during our vacancy. Please remember that these are subject to change based on varying needs.
During our vacancy, pastor Bernie Worral from Immanuel Lutheran Church in Fargo is serving as vacancy pastor. Again, it is important to understand that he are already serving a full-time call to hi congregation, Immanuel, as well as covering a vacancy there, and must prioritize any needs he has. We are thankful that pastor Worral has agreed to step in to help us!
During our vacancy, pastor Bernie Worral from Immanuel Lutheran Church in Fargo is serving as vacancy pastor. Again, it is important to understand that he are already serving a full-time call to hi congregation, Immanuel, as well as covering a vacancy there, and must prioritize any needs he has. We are thankful that pastor Worral has agreed to step in to help us!
- Wednesday evening worship services are now on Tuesdays at 7 PM. DCM Jon Smelser, or another elder, will lead vespers, reading a sermon provided by our vacancy pastor or another ordained pastor. Communion will be offered on the Tuesday following the 1st Sunday of the month. Pastor Suelzle, or another ordained pastor, will lead.
- Sunday morning worship services are now at 9:30 AM
- Sunday School and Adult Bible Class now starts after worship at 10:50 AM.
- 6th Grade Confirmation is being taught by DCM Jon Smelser on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM. 8th Grade Confirmation is at Immanuel.
- Shut-in personal communion visits will be made by Pastor Worral upon request, either by the individual shut-in, a member of their family, or an elder. To request as visit, please call the church office (701-232-1516). The office will relay the request to Pastor Worral.
- The new Christ Care group will also make visits to our shut-ins!
- Hospital calls will be made by Pastor Worral of Immanuel, assisted by DCM Jon Smelser if they are not available.
- Funerals will be ordinarily conducted by Pastor Worral. Pastor Suelzle is available to conduct at the request of the vacancy pastor.
Call Process
Congregation Self-Study
The process to call a new pastor involves several steps. First, a congregational self-study is conducted. This study helps us to examine ourselves, "take stock," and to determine what we are looking for in our next pastor. The self-study includes questions about congregation demographics, practices, and a section regarding how our congregation feels about it's current direction, as well as questions regarding our next pastor. While many of the questions will be answered by various administrative boards, there is a section meant for all members of the congregation. It is crucial for all members to provide feedback.
The self-study has been completed. Thank you for all of your input! A copy of the self-study is sent to the pastor we call.
The self-study has been completed. Thank you for all of your input! A copy of the self-study is sent to the pastor we call.
Call Timeline
Below is a general timeline we will follow for issuing our fist call. Please note that all of this is subject to change.
- Our 3rd Call Meeting is scheduled for October 29th at 2 PM in the Fellowship Hall.
- Please submit any nomination forms as soon as possible to the church office!
- We will have a refreshed call list to consider. Please make sure to review PIFs and SETs in the Upper Room prior to the meeting!