June 6, 2000

Dear Member/Attender of First Ev. Free Church,

Your Call Committee has met three times since its formation. We are concerned to move ahead quickly, whenever that is possible, so that there will be no unnecessary delays in the process of finding a new Senior Pastor for our congregation.

One of our first responsibilities was to set up a survey in order to have current information about our congregation, your concerns about who our next pastor needs to be, and how you are feeling about our church at this point in its history. This is a clearly expected, and highly valuable tool as we proceed to work with the District Office, the National Office and eventually with actual candidates. This is one of your best opportunities to give significant feedback to this committee, as well. Each bit of information, and each comment will be carefully read and considered as we proceed.

The enclosed survey should be answered as simply and completely as you can. You need NOT place your name on it. There will be a special receptacle at the information desk in the foyer of the church in which you may place the completed surveys either next Sunday, June 11th, or the following Sunday, June 18th. During the week they may be taken or mailed to the church office. The final deadline for returning them is June 20th. Any received after that will not be considered. Everyone who is a member, or a regular attender, is urged to complete the survey. Students between the ages of 15 and 18, who feel they are a part of this body, even though not members, are welcome to participate. If there are not enough survey forms enclosed with this letter, forms will be available at the information desk both Sundays, and at the Church Office until June 20th.

We should also explain that the work of the Call Committee, for the sake of those being considered, has to remain confidential. If word got back to a congregation that their pastor was being considered by our church, even though this were only at a beginning, superficial level, it could have negative effects on that ministry. We must not let that happen. So if you feel the Committee is being quite secretive -- hopefully you will be close to right.

The responsibilities of this committee are indeed very heavy. It will require wisdom and strength much beyond our collective abilities. Here is another area where you can be most helpful. Do make this committee, and the leadership needs of our congregation, a prayer project until we have what we feel is God's provision. Pray expectantly, with perseverence, and joyfully as we seek His will -- that "good, pleasing and perfect will" (Rom 12:2). United hearts in His church are most pleasing to God.

Grateful for your cooperation,

The Call Committee

Go to the survey.