By Victor Minetola
The Call process for the site pastor at University Lutheran Chapel (who will also round out the lead pastoral team for St. Luke Lutheran Church) is underway in earnest. We have received names from the Michigan District and are going through all of the information to discern with whom we will enter the interview process. It is exciting, to be sure. Being part of a multi-site congregation, it is important that we have representatives from each of the sites in the Call process. With The Chapel being focused on student ministry, it is also important that those students have a voice in the process as well. Let’s meet the ULC Site Pastor Call Committee!
Sean Lindblade: Call Committee Chair
Sean and his family (Kim, Ava – 6 and Noah – 3) have been members at University Lutheran Chapel for 4.5 years. Sean is currently part of the Spiritual Leadership Council and has been active on several committees, including: the Transition Team, Stewardship Committee and St. Luke-Ann Arbor Site Pastor Call Committee.
“Like many with a secular vocation, the ‘call process’ through which LCMS pastors are asked to move from church to church was initially difficult for me to grasp. The realization that there is often a church that loses a pastor in the process seems unfair. But when you give up the personal reservations and realize that the pastors and congregations involved are actively participating in God’s ongoing plan for his church, you also realize the process requires the exciting opportunity to re-examine where we are as a congregation, our vision and goals, and the ministries that we are being led to pursue. We need to make sure we know where the Holy Spirit is leading us so that we are on the same page with the pastor that we’re led to call. It’s a bit overwhelming to realize that we’re actually part of an ongoing,
complex process impacting congregations all around the world and it is a humbling experience to play even a bit part.
“The introduction and indoctrination to the idea of ‘being called to something’ that came as part of serving on my first call committee was a personal blessing. After being immersed in a process full of prayer, reflection and discernment, it became clear to me that the process should apply to all of our vocations; the choice, timing and purpose of ‘what we do’ is part of God’s greater plan not just for those who lead his church but for all of us. It led to a great deal of time spent examining my own career and expectations and I look forward to continuing that growth as part of this new experience.”
Rick Darragh: St. Luke-Ann Arbor Representative
Rick and his wife Debbie have been members of St. Luke since 1984, long enough to raise their family here and see their children raising their families at St. Luke as well. Rick currently serves as a site elder at St. Luke-Ann Arbor, a member of our Video Team, and formerly served as chair of the Minister of Discipleship Call Committee.
“I am looking forward to see the person God will provide to help lead the ULC site and the St. Luke multisite in a closer walk with Jesus. I am particularly excited about the impact this person will have in the lives of students that ULC currently ministers to and those whose lives will be touched in the future.”
John Wall: ULC Representative
John has been a member of St Luke since 2001 and has been attending at ULC since 2009 where he met his wife, Erin. He has been involved in various committees and volunteer positions over the years and is currently serving as the chair of the Administrative Board. His favorite church activity is Tuesday night basketball.
“I am honored to be a part of the call committee and pray the Lord leads us to call the man best equipped to grow His kingdom through the ministry of ULC.”
Victor Minetola: ULC Staff Representative
Victor is the worship leader and interim site-leader at University Lutheran Chapel. He and Christine have been part of St. Luke Lutheran Church since 2002. Technically, their oldest daughter, Emilia, became a member first when she was baptized in March of that year. Victor and Christine became members the following month. Youngest daughter, Isabella, loves to turn off the projectors and screens after the late service. They began worshipping at The Chapel shortly after Pastor Scott came. Victor started volunteering to run the audio and video, which eventually turned into his current position at the church.
“While I miss working with my friend, Pastor Scott, I am excited to be part of the divinely led process to discern who God has in store for the next part of our journey. Jesus is Lord of the Church, and it is humbling to be entrusted with this duty!”
Margaret Neblock: Living Water Representative
Margaret has attended Living Water since 2004. She has had the privilege to serve in many ministry areas in the last ten years, but currently volunteers as a high school youth leader, worship design team member, and on the SAT. Her home also serves as an anchor for Living Water in the Whitmore Lake community as the gathering space for both the middle and high school youth groups as well as a practice space for the worship band.
“It is an awesome opportunity to work with a team dedicated to finding the shepherd that ULC needs to reach up, in, and out. It is exciting to see how God is working in this call process in order to raise up all three of our sites!”
Alan Phillips: ULC Student Representative
Alan moved to Ann Arbor in May of 2013 after transferring to the University of Michigan from the community college in his hometown, Alpena Michigan. He began attending ULC shortly after moving here. He is currently heading up the garden project behind the chapel and has also been working with other students to build a tight-knit student Christian community at ULC. Alan is studying Honors Physics and Mathematics.
“I spend a lot of time at the chapel and it really means a lot to me that I have been given this opportunity to serve. I’m looking forward to working on the team as we search for the next pastor here at ULC.”
Yewon Youm: ULC Student Representative
Yewon has attended University Lutheran Chapel for four years. She graduated from the University of Michigan last year with a degree in math and computer science. Yewon helps with the 5-7 year olds in Sunday School and occasionally sings and plays keys in service.
“I am very blessed to be serving on the call committee. It is a great opportunity to learn more about the process, the church, and also to connect with the church community. I am excited to see what God has in store for ULC and to see what kind of pastor God has already set aside for this site.”
Kathryn Shindeldecker: ULC Representative
Kathryn began attending ULC with her husband Brian shortly after moving to Ann Arbor in 2009 for graduate studies. They became members of the church in 2013. Although they currently spend the majority of church services chasing their active two year old Lucy, Kathryn cannot imagine a better church home and faith community.
“It is a blessing to serve on this Call Committee for ULC. It has been a wonderful learning experience for me, as well as an exceptional growing process for the church. I pray that God continues to bless ULC and all the men considered to lead our site as the Call process continues. I am excited to continuing growing in faith during this time at ULC!”
