Hello members and friends of Lutheran Church of the Cross,

I would like to share with everyone an update on where we stand in the call process at LCC.

We are finalizing the call committee and have been in touch with the Indiana Kentucky Synod office about the next steps in the call process. Our church council and the call committee are planning to meet with the Synod in July or August, where representatives of the Synod will lead us in a program called Exploring God's Expectations. This program will help the congregation discover its gifts and what qualities it desires in the next pastor. We will continue to give updates as we know them.


Sunday mornings may look a little different in the weeks and months ahead. We have reached out to many pulpit supply pastors and are slowly filling in Sundays for them to lead our service,preach, and serve communion. This Sunday, the 15 th , we are excited that our own James Hilleson will be presiding. Our next outdoor service is scheduled for June 22 nd and I am excited to say that my dad, Marcus Tripp from the United Methodist South Georgia Conference, will be presiding. As we continue to confirm pulpit supply pastors, we plan to share that list via email so
you know a little about what to expect each Sunday.


During this time of transition between pastors, our church is assigned a Pastor of Record by theSynod. Pastor Jerry O’Neil from Holy Trinity, here in Muncie, has offered to serve in this roll. He will be present at council meetings and be called for any legal business that may need to be addressed during this time. He is also here to support our congregation in times of pastoral need,illness and hospitalization. I have included his email, and if it is an urgent matter I ask that you call Pam Kirklin or me and we will help connect you to him.

Pastor Jerry’s email address - htlcmunciepastor@gmail.com

Many of us at LCC have been through the transition between pastors and many have not experienced it until now. It is never easy, no matter how many times you go through it. We need to remember that this is a time for us to work together, learn about ourselves and each other, and grow stronger as a church so we can be ready for the next pastor that God calls to Lutheran Church of the Cross.


In closing, I want to include a scripture and prayer that we shared during our recent church council meeting and I felt that others might appreciate this little prayer as well.

“Cast all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7

Dear God,
We thank You for the reminder in Your Word that we can cast all our anxieties on You. We know that we will face challenges, but we also know that You are greater than any challenge we encounter. Help us to trust You completely in every circumstance, knowing that You care for us and will provide what we need. When anxiety creeps in, remind us of
Your faithfulness and Your promises.

Lord, we also pray that You would guide us through difficult times with wisdom and peace. Strengthen our trust in You, so that we can lead with confidence and hope. May our faith in Your ability to provide be evident to the congregation, so they too can trust You in their own challenges. Thank You for Your constant presence and provision.
Amen

God’s peace to you my friends,
Molly Graybeal
Cell- 404-295-8536
Email - mollygraybeal@att.net