Hello St. Martin family!We have been in a time of transition since June.  When we started this path, the plan was that Vicar Meghan James would intern with our congregations at St. Martin and Abiding Savior for 6 months.  At the end of that time, we would assess on both sides how things were going, and if both parties were agreeable, she would be presented to us as the first candidate in our call process for a new Pastor.  

Well the time has come!  On December 3rd, Vicar Meghan was approved for ordination and now we have the opportunity to call her officially as our Pastor!  This is an important decision, and one not to take lightly.  We were given an unheard-of opportunity by the Bishop and Dean.  While most congregations in our area average 15 to 35 MONTHS without a clergy person, our interim Pastor, Randy Melleville, was only needed for 3 WEEKS before Vicar Megan joined us under the guidance of Pastor John Scarafia during her internship.W

e have had 6 months to get to know her and for her to get to know us.  She has shown her gifts for relatable sermons, has visited our shut ins, and already made a strong connection with our youth.

Our next step is to vote whether to call her to St. Martin.  There will be a special congregational meeting on Sunday, December 18th, immediately after the worship service to vote.  We need you to attend that day to cast your vote!

All those who are voting members, please come to worship on December 18th at 9:00.  Immediately after the worship service, members will stay in the sanctuary.  We will hand out a paper ballot asking whether you agree, Yes or No, to extend a call Meghan James.  The ballots will be counted and the decision whether we will extend the call to her will be announced. 

Our constitution states in section C9.01 – “Authority to call a pastor shall be exercised in this congregation by at least a two-thirds majority written ballot vote of members present and voting at a meeting regularly called for that purpose…”  

Section C8.02 defines that “Voting members are confirmed members, 16 years of age and older.  Such confirmed members shall have communed and made contributions of record to St. Martin Lutheran Church during the current or preceding year.”  

Voting by proxy or by absentee ballot is not permitted according to our Constitution, voting members need to be present.  (Section C10.05).  If you need a ride, please reach out as soon as possible so council can work to arrange a ride for you that day. 

I hope each of you is as excited about this vote as I am and are excited about the future.  If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me or a member of council.  I can be reached by phone or text at 814.490.4866 or by email at jessicadows@yahoo.com.  

Blessings in Christ,

Jessica Dows

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