Dear Members of Cross of Christ and Cannon River Lutheran Churches,

In his book, A Change of Pastors, Loren B. Mead of the Alban Institute says that an “interim period of time” can trigger many different feelings for members of a congregation. Much of what happens depends on the history of the congregation, how long ago a congregation experienced a pastoral change, and how any given congregation experiences and deals with change. In any case, most congregations, he says in his study, will look back on the complex process of going through the time after one pastor has left and another pastor arrives, as not only challenging, but also exciting and enlivening, that is, full of potential.

In my brief 3 weeks at Cannon River and Cross of Christ, I have heard many different sentiments voiced in one way or another. Some folks have expressed lingering sadness, even grief, over the departure of a beloved pastor, who, for six years, shared many joys and sorrows with them. Grief is a process and takes time. I have heard expressions of the normal stresses that accompany any situation of change in our lives, including our church lives. I have heard expressions of uncertainty about the future, that is, many questions about what direction Cannon River/Cross of Christ might take as they now move into this new chapter of life together as paired congregations in this particular part of southeastern Minnesota.

I have also heard people speak about the future with a renewed sense of anticipation and even a sense of “wonder” about what God might have in store for this ministry: How has Cannon River/Cross of Christ’s particular histories and rich heritage shaped how this ministry understands itself in terms of its identity and purpose? How will that identity inform a response to God’s ever new challenge to move into the future with new understandings?

Where is the Spirit of God already at work in this community and how is the gospel

calling for new and fresh ways of dreaming forward to 2020? All of these questions raise a host of uncertainties. They also suggest that, as Dr. Mead indicates, an interim period of time can be rich and full of potential and creativity!

All of this is to say, that Faith, at least in part, has something to do with the courage to live with ambiguity and uncertainty long enough to discern where God’s Spirit might be leading. “Those who wait on the Lord, shall renew their strength,” the prophet Isaiah assures the people. And of course we embrace a God who promises, “Behold I make all things New,” who

promises a new heaven and a new earth, puts new wine in old wine skins, and calls us to be the people of God in this time and in this place.

As your Interim Pastor, I am charged with the responsibility of helping Cannon River and Cross of Christ move through this interim period and on to the next chapter of shared ministry. And, my first impression is that Cannon River and Cross of Christ are blessed with strong caring leadership, on both the Church Council and with those now leading the Transition process. People, who I sense, have the best interests of the people of God’s Church at heart. I sense that they will be listening to you as they move forward. How you see the identity and purpose of this ministry, its strengths, and its opportunities for growth moving forward.

It is a privilege to serve as your Interim Pastor during this uncertain yet creative “in-between” time for Cannon River and Cross of Christ. Thanks again for the opportunity to be with you in this time and in this place!

Joy K. Bussert, Interim Pastor