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2022
Congregational President Message - August 3, 2022
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Thank you for your prayers and patience as we waited to hear back from Pastor Richard Browning and whether he would accept the call to serve at Our Savior’s Way. Pastor Browning reached out to me on Sunday afternoon, and we had a heartfelt conversation. He was very excited to receive our call and believed that he and his family would be leaving Florida and moving to Ashburn soon. But as events have unfolded, it has become clear to him that God has other plans.
As many of you are aware, Pastor Browning’s wife was diagnosed with breast cancer during our call process. Her medical team is planning her treatment and anticipates that she will undergo surgery next year. Pastor Browning has prayerfully considered the options and believes that God is calling him to remain as the pastor at Hope Lutheran. Please continue to pray for Pastor Browning, his wife, and his family during this challenging time.
I want to extend a huge thank you to the members of the Call Committee for the endless time and dedication they poured into the selection process for our next Senior Pastor. Their work was an act of faith on behalf of the congregation, and we are grateful for the efforts of Matt, Sean, Heather, Beth, John, Stu, Laura, Jodi, Cheryl, Jonathan, Kristen, and Syam. We trust that their work was a vital step for our congregation as the Holy Spirit continues to lead OSWLC on this journey.
Throughout our history, God has ensured that OSWLC has been well cared for. We are truly blessed to have Pastor Tyson Labuhn and Pastor Dave Labuhn here to minister to our congregation. I am confident that, with God’s help, they will see us through this next chapter.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. ~Proverbs 3:5-6
God’s peace,
Pam Griffis
OSWLC Congregation President
Congregational President Message - June 19, 2022
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Four weeks ago today, the Voters’ Assembly of Our Savior’s Way Lutheran Church unanimously voted to extend a call to Pastor Richard Browning of Hope Lutheran Church to become our Senior Pastor. As a congregation, we have completed the mission of determining our choice. Now we pray. We pray for two congregations: our congregation and Hope Lutheran’s congregation. We pray for both congregations because the decision at hand is God’s to make. We pray that He will lead Pastor Browning to the decision that HE sees is best for Our Savior’s Way and Hope.
Pastor Browning will be returning to our church on June 27th and 28th. At that time, he will be meeting with staff members and elected OSWLC leaders to become more familiar with the operations of our church and school, as well as the Ashburn community.
Please allow Pastor Browning the time and space to prayerfully consider where the Holy Spirit is leading him and his family. Thank you for your patience, grace, and continued prayers as we await his decision.
In God’s peace,
Pam Griffis
Congregational President
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” ~Philippians 4: 6-7
Congregational President Message - May 25, 2022
Dear Members of Our Savior’s Way Lutheran Church,
The history of our congregation added a new chapter on Sunday. For the first time since the establishment of OSWLC in 1994, we have called a Senior Pastor. After sixteen (16) months of extensive research and prayers, the Call Committee presented a candidate for Senior Pastor - Rev. Richard Browning. Those present at the meeting voted unanimously to extend a call to Pastor Browning. The next step will be for Pastor Browning to accept the call.
The Holy Spirit led our congregation to this decision, and the Holy Spirit will lead Pastor Browning to his. Please continue to pray for our church family and staff of OSWLC, Pastor Browning, and his family.
Thank you to all of you who were able to attend the Special Voter’s Assembly.
In Christ,
Pam Griffis
OSWLC Congregation President
Call Committee Update - April 27, 2022
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
We’re writing with exciting news about the senior pastor call process. As you’ll recall, two pastors visited Our Savior’s Way to meet the congregation in a series of town hall meetings. The next step is to hold a Special Voters’ Assembly to extend a call
On Sunday, May 22nd at 2:00 pm, the Call Committee will present Rev. Richard Browning’s name to the congregation as the final candidate for a vote to extend a call to be our Senior Pastor. He has the unanimous support of the Call Committee. Pastor Browning is currently the Senior Pastor of Hope Lutheran Church in Bonita Springs, Florida.
The committee’s interaction with Pastor Browning throughout this process instills great confidence that he is ideal to lead OSWLC into the next season. We truly believe God’s Holy Spirit has guided us to this moment. During the visit, OSWLC members learned about his ministry, experience, and pastoral style. Many shared with the committee that they felt he would be a great fit for our congregation. All the feedback we received was enormously helpful.
Following the visits, Pastor Skovgaard withdrew his name from consideration. We thank him deeply for taking the time to visit us and pray that God continues to bless his ministry.
More details about the Special Voters’ Assembly will be provided separately in the coming weeks. In the meantime, please mark your calendar for May 22nd at 2:00 pm.
In His Service,
The OSWLC Call Committee
Beth Anton, Stu Dunnett, Jodi Folta, Jonathan Halls, Kristen Harris, Matt Niermann, Sean Noble, Heather Novak, Syam Pilli, Cheryl Richardson, John Scherbenske, and Laura Taylor
Call Committee Update - January 20, 2022
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
We’re writing to update you on the call process for the position of Senior Pastor. We have appreciated your prayers and support during this long and deliberative process. God has a plan for our congregation and its leadership and we’re honored to be part of the process as He reveals this.
The Call Committee reviewed a list of 15 pastors nominated by members of the congregation and the district president, and recently interviewed five. Interviews were conducted in a prayerful, balanced, and intentional manner:
- We reflected on Scripture throughout the process. In particular, what God wants His church to be and what He looks for in leaders. We prayed for wisdom and guidance by the Holy Spirit. (Romans 8:26 to 28)
- We structured interviews to be consistent across all candidates and balance the diverse insights of committee members, who each represents different parts of our diverse church community. (1 Corinthians 12:12 – 27)
- We intentionally looked for experience of strong preaching, innovative community outreach, and visionary leadership, with a strong commitment to, and involvement with youth ministry. These were the priorities expressed by members in the 2020 Pastor Profile Survey of what members hoped for a future senior pastor.
This process has been a blessing. We were inspired by the different ways each pastor on the call list serves God as we learned about their ministries. But our exercise wasn’t really about gauging if a pastor was good or not – they were all great – it was about learning how their gifts and experience as a senior pastor aligns to what church members hope for, as expressed in the Pastor Profile Survey.
Based on the interviews, we selected three very strong candidates to continue the call process. One has withdrawn for personal reasons. We have invited the remaining two pastors to visit Our Savior's Way as soon as they are able and hope to welcome them in the coming months. We will let you know the full details about two weeks before each event because we want you to meet them.
We want to thank Pastor Tyson Labuhn for participating in the interview process. After careful and prayerful consideration of the opinions expressed in the Pastor Profile Survey, the committee did not select Pastor Labuhn to continue the call process. This decision does not change Pastor Labuhn’s role in our church. Pastor Labuhn is a called Associate Pastor here at Our Savior’s Way and will continue to serve as our Acting Senior Pastor. Pastor Labuhn is a member of our church family and a tremendous blessing to our congregation. He continues to shepherd us through difficult times. We believe we speak for the entire congregation when we express gratitude for him and his ministry. We are looking forward to seeing what God has in store for his ministry here at Our Savior's Way.
In His Service,
The OSWLC Call Committee—Beth Anton, Stu Dunnett, Jodi Folta, Jonathan Halls, Kristen Harris, Matt Niermann, Sean Noble, Heather Novak, Syam Pilli,
Cheryl Richardson, John Scherbenske, and Laura Taylor
2021
Call Committee Update - October 20, 2021
The Call Committee has been working diligently these past few weeks. We have received names of potential candidates for the Senior Pastor position from the district. We are in a deliberation stage as we spend time discussing the candidate profiles and speaking to the candidates informally. We will be scheduling more formal interviews in the next few weeks. Please keep praying for us that we will have the spirit of discernment and that our church will be strengthened as we walk through this process.
In His Name,
The OSWLC Call Committee - Beth Anton, Stu Dunnett, Jodi Folta, Jonathan Halls, Kristen Harris, Matt Niermann, Sean Noble, Heather Novak, Syam Pilli, Cheryl Richardson, John Scherbenske, and Laura Taylor
Call Committee Update - August 20, 2021
Church Family,
We’re writing to update you on some exciting milestones in the process of calling a Senior Pastor to lead OSWLC. We also want to thank those who prayerfully considered names of pastors they felt would be a good fit for our congregation and those who submitted nominations.
Earlier this summer, the Call Committee completed the church profile documents that were requested by the LCMS Southeastern District. The District staff provided a template for us to fill out as part of the call process. The completed templates were submitted to the District on June 21st for review. In addition, the committee also prepared a church profile document to be shared with candidates. The church profile can be found on our website under Members/Church Documents. You will first need to sign in as a member to access this information.
In early July, the list of names submitted by OSWLC members was forwarded to LCMS Southeastern District President Rev. John Denninger. He is currently reviewing our list as well as conducting a search throughout the LCMS. President Denninger is developing a list of candidates who could be a good fit for OSWLC. We expect him to send us this list later this month.
What happens after this?
The list of candidates is forwarded to our Circuit Visitor, Rev. Andrew Lissy. He will contact each candidate to determine whether they are willing and able to be considered for a call at this time. This will take a few weeks. Pastor Lissy will then forward the list of candidates who wish to be considered to the OSWLC Call Committee.
When we receive that list, we will begin reviewing candidates and assessing how they might be called to lead our church. We’ll keep the church informed as we continue to do this.
During this time, we can be confident that God is with each of us and our church. Please pray that He blesses us with peace and understanding as we seek to do His will here on earth. Pray that the pastoral candidates feel God’s presence as they seek to discern His plan for their lives. And pray also for Pastor Tyson Labuhn, Acting Senior Pastor, as he leads us through this season.
In His Name,
The OSWLC Call Committee
Beth Anton, Stu Dunnett, Jodi Folta, Jonathan Halls, Kristen Harris, Matt Niermann, Sean Noble, Heather Novak, Syam Pilli, Cheryl Richardson, John Scherbenske, & Laura Taylor
Call Committee Update - May 17, 2021
Over the past several weeks the Call Committee has been preparing several key documents that are part of the call process. These documents serve to inform pastoral candidates about our church, the role of the Senior Pastor, and our community.
The first document is the Church Profile. The Church Profile describes our church and is intended to provide pastoral candidates with knowledge of who we are and what we believe here at Our Savior’s Way Lutheran Church. The second document is the Pastor Profile document. The Pastor Profile describes the results of the congregational survey and describes the role of Senior Pastor at OSW. It also contains specific information, such as benefits packages. The third document is an appendix covering Demographics, providing a detailed description of the Ashburn area.
The three documents will be completed by the end of May. At that time, they will be made available to members of the congregation. The documents will also be submitted to the LCMS Southeastern District. The documents will be reviewed by the District and will serve to guide the selection of potential candidates for the Senior Pastor position here at Our Savior’s Way. Following the submittal of the profile and demographic documents, the District will begin compiling names of potential candidates. If you know a pastor you believe should be considered for this call, please email
The Call Committee has prayerfully asked God for His guidance as we go about our work. We ask that you pray for God to bless and equip us to do His calling.
Letter from our Congregational President - February 3, 2021
Dear Members of Our Savior’s Way Lutheran Church,
I am reaching out to update you on OSWLC’s next step in our vacancy journey. At the last Congregational Voters’ Assembly, the congregation authorized the Mission and Ministry Servant Leaders’ Group (MMSLG) to appoint a Call Committee. Since this call is for our senior pastor, the MMSLG desired Call Committee Members who participate in several of the many ministry areas of OSWLC. Although it is not possible to have individuals with experience in every ministry area and every demographic, we felt that having diverse perspectives would help ensure that the Call Committee and the candidates under consideration understand the rich and complex ministries of OSWLC.
The MMSLG selected individuals based on their discerning commitment to the Divine Call process to determine the right Senior Pastor for OSWLC and not just their particular background. Although individuals may have certain demographic or ministry background, they do not “represent” those areas, but act on behalf of the Voters Assembly and the Church as a whole in conducting their duties. I am pleased to announce the OSWLC Senior Pastor Call Committee –
- Beth Anton
- Stu Dunnett
- Jodi Folta
- Jonathan Halls
- Kristen Harris
- Matt Niermann
- Sean Noble
- Heather Novak
- Syam Pilli
- Cheryl Richardson
- John Scherbenske
- Laura Taylor
The Call Committee will have their kick-off meeting later today, February 3rd. Please join me in prayer – May we have no timetable but God’s. May we be determined to find God’s perfect will in God’s perfect time. “Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is” (Ephesians 5:17). Amen.
As always, we continue to move forward, the only way we know how—together in faith. For we are stronger together, be the light. John 1:5 “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
Blessings,
Heather Ann Schigur Novak
Congregational President
At Our Savior's Way, we glorify God and make disciples for Jesus by: Forming Relationships, Experiencing Jesus Together, and Sharing God’s Love.
2020
Letter from Our Congregational President - June 1, 2020
Dear Friends in Christ,
I am reaching out to share a change in our Pastoral Leadership during our Vacancy Journey. In early March, the congregation approved the Call to Rev. (Dr.) John M. (Mike) Ramey to serve as an Intentional Interim Senior Pastor for Our Savior’s Way Lutheran Church for a period of one-year. Prior to his arrival, the OSWLC campus closed due to COVID-19. Pastor Ramey arrived on March 16th in the midst of the pandemic when we quickly found ourselves needing to focus almost entirely on operational needs, shifting worship and ministry services from in-person to online and the technical challenges that posed, addressing the financial/budget needs of church and school, and working to re-open the church and school within state guidelines to name a few.
These operational needs due to COVID-19 in large part have not made it possible for Pastor Ramey or OSWLC to address the goals of the intentional interim ministry, which included grieving Pastor Mann’s retirement, ensuring our staffing structure aligned to our 3 to 5 year goals, completing our congregational assessment, and assisting with overall operations. Recognizing these difficulties and the continued challenges in the months ahead, the Mission & Ministry Servant Leader Group and Pastor Ramey mutually agreed that the Interim Ministry Agreement should be terminated. This was effective as of May 29, 2020, and we wish Pastor Ramey well as he returns to his home in North Carolina.
With Pastor Ramey’s departure, Pastor Tyson Labuhn has become our Acting Senior Pastor, in accordance with the resolution approved at the November 2019 congregational meeting.
At OSWLC we are blessed with wonderful pastors and staff. I ask for your support as we work to re-open the church and school, and as we create a new plan to complete the goals during this period of transition through “tiger teams” comprised of staff, congregational members, and leaders from across the church. We will not be seeking another Intentional Interim Pastor, but plan to revisit the call process for a permanent Senior Pastor in the coming months.
Our vacancy journey will move forward, the only way we know how—together in faith. For we are stronger together, be the light. John 1:5 “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
Blessings,
Heather Ann Schigur Novak
Congregational President
Results from March 1 Congregational Voters' Assembly
We are happy to report that the resolution to approve the Call to Rev. (Dr.) John M. (Mike) Ramey to serve as an Intentional Interim Senior Pastor for Our Savior’s Way Lutheran Church for a period of one year, beginning on March 16, 2020, was approved overwhelmingly by the congregation at last week’s Voters' Assembly.
Transition timeline:
- March 16th - Pastor Ramey’s arrival
- Arrival till Easter – Assessing the organization/kicking-off Intentional Interim Ministry (IIM)
- After Easter – Pastor Ramey added to sermon schedule
- May – Pastor Ramey provides IIM proposal to MMSLG
- May – MMSLG-endorsed proposal shared with congregation for approval as needed
- TBD – Complete Church Profile
- August – Earliest possibility for congregational vote for Senior Pastor Call Committee (dependent on IIM proposal leaning toward November).
If you have any questions regarding this resolution or the transition process, please contact any member of the MMSLG.
Letter from the Congregational President – February 5, 2020
Dear Friends in Christ,
Here is an update on our Vacancy Journey…
The Intentional Interim Pastor (IIP) Call Committee met with our IIP candidate Rev. Dr. John Michael Ramey (Pastor Mike Ramey) on January 25th. They felt that Pastor Ramey is exceptionally well qualified to meet our immediate needs and has a clear understanding of the role.
Here is a high-level summary of his background:
Pastor Ramey has served the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod as a Pastor for over 36 years, in mission plants, rapid growth environments, and turn-around situations. He has further served as a Chaplain in the Army, including deployment during Operation Desert Shield /Desert Storm. Pastor Ramey is supportive of our current communion practice and supports women in service and leadership roles. His worship style is adaptive to the community he serves, and he is comfortable in a range of styles.
The IIP Call Committee believes that Pastor Ramey will be an excellent resource to help OSWLC build on our 25-year legacy from Pastor Mann and continue our mission to glorify God and make disciples for Jesus.
The IIP Call Committee unanimously and enthusiastically recommends that the OSWLC Voters Assembly extend a Call of one year to Pastor Ramey as an Intentional Interim Pastor (IIP).
To support the congregation with this possible Call the MMSLG has provided goals for Pastor Ramey and ensured the IIP agreement is supportable within the church’s budget. There is a detailed FAQ available here.
Additionally, Pastor Ramey will visit OSWLC on February 23rd. He will attend the 8:00 am service and be available after that service and throughout the morning to meet and greet the congregation.
Finally, the MMSLG is calling a Voters’ Assembly Special Meeting on March 1st to consider the following resolution:
In accordance with the OSWLC Congregation By-Laws, article 6(A), the Call Committee recommends that the Voters Assembly approve a Call to Rev. (Dr.) John M. (Mike) Ramey to serve as an Intentional Interim Senior Pastor for Our Savior’s Way Lutheran Church for a period of one-year beginning on March 16, 2020.
Please reach out with your thoughts, questions, and/or concerns.
Blessings,
Heather Ann Schigur Novak
Congregational President
Update from the Congregational President – Jan. 12, 2020
Dear Friends in Christ,
Here is an update on our Vacancy Journey…
As we have moved into Epiphany and continue to celebrate our 25th anniversary, we are thankful for God's goodness, who by the design of the Holy Spirit, brought Pastor William Mann to Our Savior’s Way Lutheran Church. Together we have been serving God and the Ashburn community for the last 25 years. As we marked Pastor Mann’s retirement, our appreciation for his service to God at Our Savior’s Way is unmeasurable. In addition to the handwritten bible presented to him in service last Sunday, the congregation provided Pastor Mann a monetary bonus in appreciation for his long and dedicated service at the retirement celebration in November.
We will all process this change in different ways. I have prayed on this a countless number of times and have found great peace and joy in celebrating the next chapter for Pastor Mann and Sally, they have climbed the mountain, and can finally enjoy the view. As each of you process this change in your own way I would remind you of Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
To aid both Pastor Mann and Our Savior’s Way transition towards our next Senior Pastor, we have together completed a Ministry Covenant wherein Pastor Mann will remain separate from the congregation for a bit, at least 12 months (no attendance or pastoral acts). As approved at the November Voters Meeting, effective January 6, 2020, Pastor Tyson Labuhn is our Acting Senior Pastor. Pastor Labuhn, with the Our Savior’s Way staff, will continue to ensure our mission and ministry services run smoothly during the transition. Questions related to Pastor Mann’s retirement should be directed to Pastor Labuhn.
The Mission & Ministry Servant Leaders Group (MMSLG) has created a Call Committee to call an Intentional Interim Pastor (IIP) as Senior Pastor for a limited time frame. The MMSLG has received an IIP recommendation, Rev. Dr. J. Mike Ramey, from Southeastern District Lutheran Church Missouri Synod and the Call Committee has started the review/interview process. The Call Committee members are Jim Kane, Phil Kuhn, Kay Lewis, Aida Toledo, Carolyn Broemmer, and Penny Payne.
The MMSLG will continue to work with the Southeastern District Lutheran Church Missouri Synod to complete our Congregation profile, which is key to moving forward in calling our next Senior Pastor. Additionally, a Prayer Committee has been established with the following members: Kay Lewis, Diana Allison, Roxie Sullivan, Martie Dunnett, and Anita Born. Be sure to look for their prayers in the Mid-Week and Sunday Bulletins, thank you for your efforts!
Please reach out to Pastor Tyson, the MMSLG, or a Transition Committee member with your thoughts, questions, and/or concerns.
Blessings,
Heather Ann Schigur Novak
Congregational President
Letter from the Congregational President – Jan. 8, 2020
Dear Friends in Christ,
Here is an update on our vacancy journey…
As we have moved into Epiphany and continue to celebrate our 25th anniversary, we are thankful for God's goodness, who by the design of the Holy Spirit, brought Pastor William Mann to Our Savior’s Way Lutheran Church. Together we have been serving God and the Ashburn community for the last 25 years. As we mark the retirement of Pastor Mann, we cherish the many blessings God has given to our congregation during this time of mission and ministry service.
We will all process this change in different ways. I have prayed on this a countless number of times and have found great peace and joy in celebrating the next chapter for Pastor Mann and Sally, they have climbed the mountain, and can finally enjoy the view. As each of you process this change in your own way I would remind you of Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
To aid both Pastor Mann and Our Savior’s Way, Pastor Mann has agreed to give the congregation a bit of separation, at least 12 months, in order to help with our transition towards our next Senior Pastor. During this transition time, the congregation has placed Pastor Tyson Labuhn as the Acting Senior Pastor, until an IIP who is appropriate for OSWLC has been identified. Pastor Labuhn, with the OSWLC’s staff, will continue to ensure our mission and ministry services run smoothly during the transition.
The Mission & Ministry Servant Leaders Group (MMSLG) has created a Call Committee to call an Intentional Interim Pastor (IIP) as Senior Pastor for a limited time frame. The committee members are Jim Kane, Phil Kuhn, Kay Lewis, Aida Toledo, and Penny Payne. The MMSLG has received an IIP recommendation from Southeastern District Lutheran Church Missouri Synod and the Call Committee has started the review/interview process. The MMSLG will continue to work with the Southeastern District Lutheran Church Missouri Synod to complete our Congregation profile, which is key to moving forward in calling our next Senior Pastor. Additionally, a Prayer Committee has been established with the following members: Kay Lewis, Diana Allison, Roxie Sullivan, Martie Dunnett, and Anita Born. Be sure to look for their prayers in the Mid-Week and Sunday Bulletins, thank you for your efforts!
Please reach out to the MMSLG or a Transition Committee member with your thoughts, questions, and/or concerns.
Blessings,
Heather Ann Schigur Novak
Congregational President
2019
Letter from the Congregational President – Nov. 20, 2019
Dear Friends in Christ,
Here is an update on our Vacancy Journey.
What a wonderful turnout for Pastor and Sally Mann’s “Appreciate & Celebrate" event! The feedback I received was all positive and a good time was had by all. Thank you to all who attended and all who worked to host such a wonderful event.
As we enter into our 25th year in December, you will see some fun celebration opportunities, such as the OSWLC stickers that were available last weekend with voting. We will also be offering an opportunity to purchase customized bricks again that will be included in one of the church's entries. This will run for several months and could be a great Christmas gift! More information to come soon.
At the November 17th Congregation Voters’ Assembly we held continuous voting for Church Officers, MMSLG At-Large Members, and Board of Governance At-Large Members and the results are provided in an article from Mike Meese, our Congregational Vice President, below.
I would like to highlight the 2 motions that were considered, discussed, and passed by the Congregation:
- The membership of OSWLC has designated Pastor Ralph Wiechmann as Pastor Emeritus at Our Savior’s Way Lutheran Church.
- The membership of OSWLC has authorized the MMSLG to: create a Call Committee to call an Intentional Interim Pastor as Senior Pastor for limited timeframe; contract Vacancy Pastors as needed to supplement the work of current called staff during transition; appoint Pastor Tyson Labuhn as the Acting Senior Pastor effective 7 January 2020. The completed motion is available for review here.
What’s next?
The MMSLG has reached out to the Southeastern District Lutheran Church Missouri Synod to let them know we intend to call an Intentional Interim Pastor and will form the Call Committee. MMSLG, with the Transition Committee and Prayer Committee, will work to complete a draft Congregation Profile and reach out to the Congregation to gain feedback on what are we looking for in our next Senior Pastor. This Congregation Profile will be approved by the membership as part of the Senior Pastor Call Process.
As always please reach out to the MMSLG or a Transition Committee member with your thoughts.
God’s blessings to you!
Heather Ann Schigur Novak
Congregational President
Letter from the Congregational President – Oct. 16, 2019
Dear Friends in Christ,
Here is an update on our Vacancy Journey…
This coming December is OSWLC’s 25th year. Pastor Mann has led us on this most wonderful journey, and for that, we wish to honor and celebrate both him and Sally at an “Appreciate & Celebrate” event on November 9th, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Be sure to RSVP.
The Mission & Ministry Servant Leaders’ Group (MMSLG) is actively preparing for the November 17th Voter’s Assembly. In addition to holding elections for church officers, at-large members of the MMSLG, and the Open Arms Board of Governance, we will be providing an update on your feedback around the desire for an Intentional Interim Pastor or a Vacancy Pastor to assist in the new year with Pastoral support. This update, depending on the recommendation that will be put forward, could also include a vote on "Creating a Call Committee" as that would be needed for an Intentional Interim Pastor.
BUT WAIT, there is still time to provided feedback if you have not already. While the MMSLG and Transition Committee have been actively working to gather feedback from across the Congregation, you can still reach out as your voice matters. Please provide your feedback to myself or Jim Kane (
God’s blessings to you!
Heather Ann Schigur Novak
Congregational President
Letter from the Congregational President – Oct. 2, 2019
Dear Friends in Christ,
Here is an update on our Vacancy Journey…
This coming December is OSWLC’s 25th year. Pastor Mann has led us on this most wonderful journey, and for that, we wish to honor and celebrate both him and Sally at an “Appreciate & Celebrate” event on November 9th. You can volunteer to assist with this celebration by reaching out to Nikki Deacon.
The MMSLG has completed the process of establishing a Transition Committee, which is to act as an open group that supports group decisions, fosters change, solicits input from the congregation, and communicates freely about the transition. The MMSLG and the Transition Committee met with District President, Rev. Dr. John Denninger, of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, to kick-off the process and understand our options as a Congregation. As I noted at the August Congregational Meeting the direction we take is up to the congregation. President Denninger and his team are here to help us and offer guidance, but the choices are ours to make.
With that, the Congregation has a choice to consider. Would we like to consider an Intentional Interim Pastor or a Vacancy Pastor in the new year?
An Intentional Interim Pastor is a called pastor for a fixed period of time, they specialize in transition, would assist in sustaining our ministries, and will help us with this large change to our ministry.
A Vacancy Pastor is contracted for specific services, covers basic pastoral needs, and could be a rotation of pastors.
Note: Pastors serving in these roles would NOT be eligible for a Tenured Call, their purpose is to assist during our vacancy only. Additionally, a Voters' Assembly is needed to establish a Call Committee and to vote on a Call.
The MMSLG and Transition Committee is looking to gain feedback from the Congregation on this topic. Please reach out to the MMSLG or a Transition Committee member with your thoughts.
Transition Committee:
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God’s blessings to you!
Heather Ann Schigur Novak
Congregational President
Letter from the Congregational President – July 24, 2019
Dear Friends in Christ,
I am reaching out to provide follow-up related to Pastor Mann’s retirement this upcoming January. The MMSLG has reached to District President, Rev. Dr. John Denninger, of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, and received our “Vacancy Journey” package which provides guidance as we move forward. We have scheduled a September meeting between the MMSLG, Church Administration, President, Rev. Dr. John Denninger and his team to walk through our options and next steps. Additionally, the MMSLG will be forming a Prayer Team and Transition Team over the next month.
The MMSLG will provide additional information at the August 18th Congregational meeting, and I look forward with seeing you there. If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to reach to myself or any member of the MMSLG.
I hope you enjoy the rest of your summer and God’s blessings to you!
Heather Ann Schigur Novak
Congregational President
Letter from the Congregational President – June 19, 2019
Dear Friends in Christ,
I am reaching out to provide support to you and to wish Pastor Mann all the best on his decision to retire. This is an exciting new chapter for Pastor Mann, and a new chapter for Our Savior’s Way.
While change can be hard at times, I want to reassure you that the Mission and Ministry Servant Leaders Group (MMSLG), is actively working on the next steps to move forward in the future. We are reaching out to our District President, Rev. Dr. John Denninger, of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, and will be creating a transition committee. In addition, we will work closely with Pastor Mann, Pastor Labuhn, and the church staff throughout the transition process. The MMSLG will be providing you more information over the next few weeks and at our August congregational meeting.
I would ask for your prayers and support during this time, and that God would continue to richly bless Pastor Mann and Our Savior’s Way Lutheran Church. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to me or any member of the MMSLG.
Heather Ann Schigur Novak
Congregational President
Pastor Mann Announcement – Jun 18, 2019
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
This letter serves to announce my decision to retire on Epiphany—January 6, 2020. I want to thank you for the many ways you allowed me to be your pastor. As the years go by I will remember with joy our time together. I trust the same will be true for you.
I have been the pastor of Our Savior’s Way Lutheran Church for 25 years. I’ve watched children be born. I’ve baptized, confirmed, performed marriages and funerals. I’ve visited hospitals and shut-ins. I’ve seen Our Savior’s Way grow from a small group of 27 people meeting in my living room to a thriving congregation with a bustling Open Arms Christian Child Development Center. I have been privileged to work with excellent church staff and lay leaders. Together we have realized many dreams, lived through a few trials, and persevered. Together we have faithfully served our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the mission of His gospel.
While I am leaving you, there is One who remains constant—Jesus Christ. He has been here from the beginning and He will be with you for the rest of time. My prayer is that you will allow the Holy Spirit of Jesus to guide you into the future, because I believe that Our Savior’s Way will always have a vital purpose in God’s plan. It may not always look like the church we have today. There will be challenges to face and decisions to make. But a passion for the gospel and our shared mission—To glorify God and make disciples for Jesus Christ by: "FORMING RELATIONSHIPS, EXPERIENCING JESUS TOGETHER, and SHARING GOD’S LOVE"—will see you through.
Some of you may wonder why I am choosing to retire now. Certainly, the events of the past year have caused me to reevaluate God’s calling on my life. The death of my father and brother brought home to me the understanding that our lives on this earth have an end point. I have tried to consider how I can best serve Him with the time He has given me. After much prayer, I have come to know that God is leading me in a new direction.
While the retirement of a pastor is certainly a significant time in the life of Our Savior’s Way, it is not unexpected and I believe we have in place a leadership team and staff who will develop a plan that will enable this congregation to move confidently and boldly into God’s future. As we make this transition over the next six months, I will ask you to remember this above all else—while I am moving on, God is staying put. I commend to you the words of the prophet Jeremiah:
“For I know the plans I have for you” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you; plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:11-13)
Blessings to you all,
Pastor Bill Mann