Dear friends,
My Congregation, St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Stratford (LCC) is facing that fork in the road that we all fear. Because of declining attendance we are now considering disbanding.
Following Service today, we are having a special voters meeting to consider this issue, and based on the recommendations of our planing committee, Council, and Elders, we will be bringing forward a motion to disband. As chairman of elders, the bringing of the motion has been put into my hands.
There is much hurt, anger, and sadness among our membership.
I must admit that at this point in time the Holy Spirit has not revealed to me what direction we should go. I love my Church and my Congregation and the whole Church. I just do not know.
Please pray for us, so that we can discern our Lord's Will in this matter.
A number of non-attending members will be present as they are still eligible voters. Many of whom in the past have been very hateful and disruptive at our meetings in the distant past.
Please pray also that our meeting can proceed in a spirit of Christian love, charity, and peace.
Thanks and may God's will be done.
Mark