Dear Gloria Dei,
Two important announcements for you:
Number One: Some of you may know, yet I’m guessing that most of you don’t know, that Gloria Dei has a bylaw in our Constitution that states that whenever a Sr. Pastor either accepts a calling to another congregation or retires, that all the Associate Pastors are required to resign their positions as well. This bylaw has been in our documents for a long time now, from a time when Gloria Dei was much smaller in size and ministry. Gloria Dei is one of only a very few ELCA churches to have such a requirement.
Upon the recent announcement of my pending retirement, which allows for ample time to begin and complete the search process for the next Sr. Pastor, the Church Council has had many conversations about this bylaw requirement. These conversations have included all four of the pastors currently serving at Gloria Dei.
Upon much prayer and consideration, the Church Council is recommending that we as a congregation remove this Bylaw from our governing documents.
It is the Council’s opinion, and I fully agree, that the required resignation of our three superb Associate Pastors would be very unhealthy and detrimental to the ongoing vibrant ministry happening in and through this congregation. Gloria Dei is a thriving congregation, and we all desire a smooth transition. A high level of continuity in mission and ministry will be vital going forward, even as new ideas and new leadership take place.
With that in mind, the Council is calling for a Special Congregational Meeting on Sunday, April 12, beginning at 10:00 a.m. in the sanctuary. A change or removal of a bylaw is not a change to our Constitution. Therefore, what is needed is a two-thirds majority vote at a meeting which has a quorum of at least fifty voting members of the congregation present in-person.
You will hear more about the rationale for such a change when we gather on April 12. You will also have a chance to give input and ask any questions prior to the vote.
If you would like to read the bylaw being voted upon, please go to our website and find the Constitution under Church Life -> Administration.
The bylaw under consideration is C9.05.01 on page 14.
Number Two: Former Gloria Dei Pastor, John Degelau will soon be celebrating his 100th birthday. The following is a note from Pastor John’s son John.
Pastor John Degelau turns 100!
Pastor John Degelau, Gloria Dei visitation pastor and professional greeter from 1993-2012 turns 100 on March 13! He lives in Lakeville, Minnesota with his partner Jane Solberg and is doing pretty well.
He still says “that’s just great!” and can recite those awful jokes.
There is a light lunch reception from 12-2 pm on Saturday, March 14th with sandwiches, salads and cake. It is at St. John’s Lutheran Church 20165 Heath Avenue, Lakeville MN, if you are in the area and wish to stop by.
(Send a text or voicemail to Dr. John Degelau at 218-410-3527 by March 10 if you think you might stop by so we can have a rough count)
If you wish to send a card (no money please), his address is:
Rev. John Degelau
Vivie Highview Hills
Apartment # 350
20150 Highview Avenue
Lakeville, MN 55044
For this weekend in worship, if you have time, please read through Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount found in Matthew chapters five through seven.
Thanks for your partnership in the Good News of Jesus,
Pastor Tim
