Interim Update for April 30, 2021

Final Issue of Interim Update

Welcome to the final issue of St. John's Interim Update. I hope this has been helpful -- for me it's become a discipline to sit down on Friday and think about the week that has passed, what happened, and what was accomplished. This blog will remain as archive of the past 34 months. Each post is linked in the Blog Archive in the right column -- all 144 of them. To view and read, all you have to do is type https://stjohnsbellevue.blogspot.com into your browser. If you are searching for something specific, you can use the small search window in the upper left corner.

Final Weekend Update "From Pastor Mark" Message

I have penned a final "From Pastor Mark" message that has normally appeared as the first item in the Weekend Update emails that became a regular Saturday thing in 2020. The purpose of these messages was to keep the congregation better informed about what was happening, and to provide a pastoral message regarding significant national news, or a reflection on the scripture readings for the coming Sunday. Now, this final one provides some thoughts as my time as your interim pastor comes to an end. It will appear in Saturday's Weekend Update, and you can read it then, or if you prefer, you can also read it now HERE.

Post-Worship Plans for Sunday

I have been informed that the Fellowship Team is planning a parking lot event after worship on Sunday as a way for me to visit with St. John's people on my last Sunday with you. Light refreshments will be provided. The Meteorologist is forecasting a nice day - in the 70's and no rain, so thank you, Lord! I will also be advertising a "drive-through" hello/goodbye opportunity from 12:00 - 12:30, as I'm assuming that there are still some who are still uncomfortable about being out and about, or those for whom standing is difficult.

Letter sent to Non-email Group

We still have about 27 households in our database that don't have email, and for whom the church office has been sending out snail mail updates. Our most recent update was send Wednesday with my "From Pastor Mark" message, and information regarding Confirmation and my last Sunday on May 2.

Computer/Internet/Breeze Transitions

Heather and I have been working on transitioning internet accounts that have used my log-in information to accounts that will be accessible to Heather, Pastor Bob, as well as others. Today we made necessary changes to Zoom, Mail Chimp, and on Sunday we will do YouTube. I have added Pastor Bob to the St. John's Files folder in Dropbox, and got him set up with a user account in Breeze (congregation database).

Five Things to Do Post-Pandemic

Speeaking of Breeze, we receive monthly blog posts from the Breeze staff on congregation management. The most recent post speaks of five things congregations should do post-pandemic. You can read the post HERE.

Interim Update for April 23, 2021

Exit Interview on Tuesday

An exit interview for St. John's and me was held on Tuesday, April 20. The interview was led by our Call Process Facilitator, Mary Boals, and our new Eastern Conference Dean, Pr. Stacy Lauer of St. John's Union Corners. This was a chance to reflect on the progress that the congregation has made during the interim time, including things that went well, as well as challenges still facing the congregation. There were about nine members of St. John's that attended this Zoom metting, in addition to Mary, Pr. Stacy and I. Mary will be completing a report of the meeting and will share it with us when it is ready, and then I turn will share it with you. Thanks to all who took the time to participate in this meeting -- it was very helpful!

Confirmation will Include Baptism

Earlier this year we resumed our Confirmation learning sessions, focusing on the Means of Grace -- the Word and the sacraments of Holy Baptism and Holy Communion. One of our confirmaton youth, Sam Doster, invited his friend Jonny to join us for some of those sessions. As we talked about Holy Baptism, it must have sparked something in Jonny as he expressed an interest in being baptized. I contacted his mom and let her know that if Jonny wanted to be baptized, he could join his friends and be baptized on the same day that they would affirm their faith on April 25.

Jonny and his parents took us up on this offer, and our worship on Sunday will not only feature seven of our 8th and 9th graders (our 9th grader is Kaden Miller, who would have been the lone confirmand last year) affirmaing their baptismal faith, but also Jonny receiving the Sacrament of Holy Baptism. I was able to combine the baptism and confirmation services so that this will all happen at the same time.

We did rehearsal on Wednesday evening, with Heather and Cindy Mira assisting. Heather, Sherri and Rebecca (Christian Ed) have been working hard on the details such as flowers, a breakfast on Sunday morning for the youth, gifts for the confirmands, emails to the parents with logistic details, and getting estimates of number of family members and assigning them to pews. Cindy will present the candidates. We are expecting attendance of at least 80 representing confirmands and baptismal families, so we will be very near capacity for our pandemic seating of every other pew. If you are concerned about coronavirus exposure, you may choose to worship via YouTube, which will be streamed in its normal time slot beginning at 8:30 am and on demand after that.

Confirmation youth will be introduced at the beginning of the YouTube service, so congregation members not attending in person will be able to see those affirming their faith, and will also be able to meet Jonny. All will be highlighted with brief bios in Saturday's Weekend Update.

Jonny No Stranger to St. John's

Jonny (Jonathan) Zilch, son of David and Deana Zilch, is our baptimal candidate. An 8th grader at Bellevue Middle School along with other members of the Confirmation Class, Jonny has spent time at St. John's in the past. He is a proud graduate of St. John's Christian Preschool. He also has family connections at St. John's -- Jonny's mother is a twin sister of Dana Beier, which makes Jonny a first cousin to Brooke and Brock. Another touching connection is that two of the confirmands, Cora and Lauren, were acolyting one Sunday last year (pre-pandemic) on a Sunday that Dana and Brooke were present for worship. Cora and Lauren wondered if there was something that the confirmaton class could do to help Brooke and Dana, and as it turned out, there was. Brooke needed a new personal hygiene chair. Cora and Loren's concern led to a fundraiser to help Dana purchase the chair.

Trinity Connection

Trinity Connection is a quarterly newsletter from Trinity Seminary in Columbus. You can read the spring issue HERE.

From the Stewardship Team

Our program emphasis for stewardship this year is Saints Alive! Living Generously.

Generous giving involves more than giving financially. With a cheerful heart, we desire to give all glory to God for the ultimate sacrifice Jesus made on our behalf. We desire to center our thoughts on the needs of others, no matter the cost to us, for God's Word reminds us that "God is able to make all grace abound.....in every good work."

And none of these acts of service are about being acknowledged as the giver, but rather the giving will overflow with many thanksgivings to God.

Our acts of giving reflect in a small way the greatest gift of salvation by grace given to us in Christ. May our hearts be filled with generosity for others and may we discover opportunities where we can reveal His love, compassion and servanthood. Turning our hearts and minds toward His plans for us, we cheerfully first offer ourselves to His service and then submit to HIm whatever additional harvest is needed. Understanding the price He paid for us is nearly impossible, but loving sacrificially in return is possible.

Give generously through Him, Love sacrificially for Him.

Stewardship Ministry,
Linda Bollenbacher
Aleta Sieger
Emma K. Wagner

Drive-Through Holy Communion Suspended

Drive-Through Holy Communion will be suspended until further notice. With the next two Sundays of Confirmation and my last Sunday on May 2, there will just not be time to do this. I have certainly enjoyed this "Eucharistic Ministry," using the basic order for Celebrating Holy Communion in Special Circumstances.

ELCA Worship News

You can read the latest issue HERE.

Interim Update for April 16, 2021

Executive Team Meeting with Pastor Robert Ohrstedt

On Thursday afternoon, the Executive Team met with and completed an agreement with Pr. Robert Ohrstedt, who will be the bridge pastor for St. John's until the arrival of the newly called pastor. Pastor Bob's home is in Columbus, and he will be commuting to Bellevue several times a week, as well as working remotely from home. Starting date will be May 3, and his assignment is full time. Most recently, Pastor Bob completed an interim at St. Paul's in Waldo, where Pastor Sarah Schaaf served for a number of years until she was called to the Synod staff as Director of Community Engagement. Pastor Bob was also able to visit briefly with Heather regarding our YouTube service, and she learned that Pastor Bob has a computer that can be used until a new laptop arrives (see next story).

New Laptop Computer on the Way

A new laptop computer has been ordered and is on the way, although it won't arrive until mid May. This purchase was necessary, as we have been using my personal computer to stream our Sunday morning and special services on YouTube. We are using a rebate from Perry ProTech for our new copier to fund this purchase.

Congregation Annual Reports Meeting

Our Congregation Annual Reports Meeting, postponed from February, is ready to go this Sunday, April 18, immediately following the 10:00 in-person worship. You can view the agenda, along with the printed reports HERE. Attendance via Zoom will be an option, but in order to participate online you will need to complete a form so Heather will know what addresses to send the Zoom invitation. View and complete the form HERE.

Exit Interview

In last week's Update I included information about an exit interview which will give us an opportunty to reflect on this interim time with these thoughts in mind:

• to take a final look at "how have things gone;"
• to bring meaningful closure prior to departure;
• to enhance future ministry and congregational life.

The date and time for this interview will be Tuesday, April 20, at 6:00 pm. It will last form 1.5 to 2 hours, and will be offered exclusively via Zoom. The meeting will be led by Conference Deans Steve Bauerle and Stacy Lauer. You can view an outline of the interview HERE. I hope that many of you will be able to participate in this meeting. I will send the Zoom link on Tuesday, so watch for it then.

Imagining Renewal Microgrants

Last year, our Synod raised money for, promoted, and granted funding for new ministry projects in our synod congregations. St. John's donated $3,000 last fall from our Mission Endowmenet Fund to this special fund. Last year, $23,375 was awarded to fund 23 projects throughout the synod.The synod is now announcing another round of grants. From a recent synod email:

Spurred on by a generous donation, and in conjunction with 2021: the Year of Generosity, we are now offering a 2nd Round of Imagining Renewal Microgrants. The Northwestern Ohio Synod Council has designated up to $30,000 in microgrant funding to offer support and resources to individuals, congregations, and organizations who have a desire to engage in a new and original community-based project that uniquely meets a community need, encourages community engagement, and furthers the good news of Jesus.

This round of microgrants will focus on 4 Categories of Care: Discipleship, Generosity, Care for Creation, and Community Regeneration. Take a moment today to imagine how God might do a new thing through you!

For more information about these grants, and for a link the to the synod Imagining Renewal Microgrants website, go HERE.

Last Confirmation Learning Session

Our final learning session for Confirmation was on Wednesday, during which we reviewed a resource called "Ready to Affirm." We talked about what it means for youth to affirm their faith, and the promises that they will be making. We also talked about their final essays, along with possible topics and thought starters for writing. These will be due this coming Wednesday at 6:30 at which we will also rehearse the Rite of Confirmation and get youth fitted with their gowns. Education Team is handling other details, such as flowers, gifts, and a take home "Confirmation Muffin," since we will not be able to offer a more traditonal reception.

Kristen's schedule next week

Kristen wll be out of the office some next week, including Monday afternoon when she has a doctor appointment for her ankle, and all day Wednesday to be with her husband Chuck who is having surgery. She may take part or all of Thursday depending on how things go for Chuck.

First Communion

Four of our congregation kids will begin communing on Sunday. I have met with kids and parents on the past two Wednesdays during which time we learned about the meaning of Holy Communion and its Biblical basis. Kids and families will come forward during worship to be introduced, and we'll offer a special prayer for them.

Installation of Council

I will do a brief service of installation during worship on Sunday for Council Members who are present. I will not ask anyone to come forward, just to stand where you are for this service.

Interim Update for April 9, 2021

40 Days of Giving -- Thank You!

We added to our Lenten journey this year a challenge to live those 40 days learning, thinking about, and doing something about people in our world who lack the most basic need of food. People who are hungry. In week 1 we were challenged to think more about "we" than "I". Week 2 challenged us to be honest listening to the cries of pain, exploitation, injustice and violence that contribute to world hunger. Week 3 encouraged us to to pay attention to issues of justice. Week 4 continued this theme by stressing the importance of investment in creating a just world where all are fed. Week 5 called us to act on what we have learned to help end hunger.

At St. John's one of our "actions" was to give $1, $2, $3 a day for the 40 days of Lent, or any amount to the ELCA Hunger program. We set an initial goal of $1,000, which we met. We set a second goal of $1,500 which we met. We moved the goalposts to $2,000, and I'm happy to report that current total is $1, 985! Thank you for your generosity! And the ELCA Hunger Program also thanks you. I encourage you to read that thank you HERE.

Exit Interview

On Thursday I received an email from Sherry Krieger (NWOS Director of Leadership Development for Congregational Care) asking if I would like to do an exit interview. I said yes, as I have done this once before when I left First in Galion in 2018. I found it to be a helpful process for me, and the congregation leaders at First who participated also expressed appreciation for this conversation. The purpose is to reflect on this interim time with these thoughts in mind:

• to take a final look at "how have things gone;"
• to bring meaningful closure prior to departure;
• to enhance future ministry and congregational life.

This interview will be hosted by Mary Satterfield, the chair of our synod team of Call Process Facilitators (one for each of the six conferences). Also participating will be our new Eastern Conference Dean, Pr. Stacy Lauer. The date has not yet been determined -- Mary is working at find a date that will work for the key participants - right now it looks like either Tuesday, April 20, or Thursday April 22 at 6pm. It will last for 1.5-2 hours, and will happen on Zoom. Once the date is determined, I will let you know so you can determine your availability.

Update on Bridge Pastor

I learned from Sherry Krieger on Thursday that the recently retired pastor she had originally indicated to me as the one who would be the bridge pastor between me and the new called pastor has withdrawn his name from consideration. However, Sherry has found another pastor that is available for this assignment. Marc has received his contact info and will be contacting him soon to begin a conversation hopefully leading to an agreement for him to serve in this bridge capacity. He recently completed an interim in the SE Conference, and is willing to be full-time.

Youth Ministry returns to Parking Lot

The excellent weather we had this week was conducive to doing our children and youth activities outside:

• At 5pm on Wednesday, I did the first of two sessions with our grade school kids who are learning about Holy Communion in preparation to begin receiving the sacrament. We did some activity in the parking lot, and moved to the lawn in the shade for our lesson time. We have one more learning session next week, and first communion Sunday will be April 18.
• At 6:30 middle school youth met for their final confirmation session. For a bit of end of season fun, I set up a darball court in a parking space, and we used beanbags as darts. The boys eeked out a 7 inning victory over the girls. I posted some pics on the St. John's Facebook page, which you can view HERE. We ended with a pizza snack from Marco's, served up by employees Gunnar and Mason. This was the last session for 6th and 7th graders, and 8th graders plus Kaden will use the next two Wednesday sessions to learn about what it means to affirm their faith.

Interim Update for April 2, 2021

Second Pfizer shot

Received Pfizer #2 this morning at Huron County Fairgrounds Expo center, organized and staffed by Fisher Titus. Some were saying that the second is harder on you than the first. For me, the opposite was true. No side effects, and just mildly sore at the injection site.

Preschool Update

Mrs. Lilly reports a total profit of $2,152 from their annual Easter Candy Sale. "Thank you to everyone who helped with the fundraiser by making candy, selling candy, purchasing candy :), and/or praying for our ministry. " Preschool has been on spring break this week. Kudos always due our excellent Preschool and all who make it that way. Over the past pandemic year they have shown resiliency, flexibility, innovation, and always, dedication to their call to serve Bellevue preschoolers and their families.

40 Days of Giving Goal Shattered Again!

When we began the season of Lent with our 40 Days of Giving thorugh the ELCA World Hunger program, we set a goal of $1,000. Well, that goal was met, and we set another goal of $1,500. Well, that goal was surpassed recently, and our total giving now stands at $1,785. We plan to keep the fund open for at least a week post Easter, so if you'd like to help reach another goal ($2,000?) you can do so HERE. Or give via mail or Sunday morning offering, and mark your gift "40 Days of Giving."

Maundy Thursday and Good Friday

These Three Days services were livestreamed beginning at noon on Thursday and Friday. I did Maundy Thursday solo, and in the message completed the sixth and final piece of "The Puzzle of the Cross" with the theme "Salvation." For the good Friday service I was assisted by Worship and Music team members Jan and Cathy, who were also able to help with stripping the altar, and then decorating for Easter worship, which made it possible to move directly to.....

Recording and Uploading Easter Worship

Our 8:30 Easter Sunday service made it necessary to record and upload Easter worship. The service will go live at 6:00 am on Easter morning, and be available on demand after that. Thanks to Cindy and Evelyn who assisted this service with piano, guitar and vocals. YouTube decided to flag our music when it uploaded, even though we chose hymns in the public domain. Wasn't sure what I should do when I got the notices -- gave the option of editing the music out or silencing it -- I did neither and clicked "Next" and the video was published anyway.

First Communion Class set

I'll be leading a First Communion class on Wednesdays April 7 and 14 at 5:00 pm. I have four kids who will be participating, including a child of a first time visitor last Sunday, who is actually a fifth grader this year, but his mom said she would bring him. So I will have one 2nd grader, two third graders (from last year) and one fifth grader. Will plan to do First Communion Sunday on April 18.

Registration for Easter worship

Our registration form for Easter worship has been getting some decent traffic. There are 50 registered for 10:00 service and 14 for 8:30. Have you registered yet? If not, click or tap HERE.

Bishop Eaton's Easter Message

You can view and listen to Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton's 2021 Easter Message HERE.

Interim Update for March 26, 2021

An Unexpected Trip to Missouri

On Wednesday, Marcy asked if I would accompany her to Missouri to visit her mother, Martha, who is in the process of moving out of her home where she has lived for the past 20 years with her husband, Philip. Philip, age 97, has recently moved to a care facility for rehab care following a recent illness. Martha, age 89, also has health issues which make it impossible to live by herself in a large house out in the country. Martha will be moving in with Philip at the care center until they can move into a new assisted living facility in the nearest town, Fayette. Marcy and I drove to Martha's house on Thursday (about 11 hours) and today (Friday) Marcy, along with her sister Peggy, who flew in from Pittsburgh, and Peggy's daughter Diana, who flew in from Rapid City, are assisting their mom/grandma with personal items in her home so the house can be ready for one of Philip's grandsons to move in. Marcy and I will return to Ohio on Saturday.

Confirmation Details Meeting

On Wednesday, I invited parents of Confirmation Youth to join our Zoom meeting at 7:15 following our 6:30 session to discuss details of Confirmation. These detais included such things as final class sessions for confirmands on April 14 and 21, suggestions for final faith essays and confirmation verses, photos (Doug Klein will do, flowers, robes, etc. Kaden Miller will join the 8th graders, as he was scheduled to affirm his faith last year, but did not do so because of the pandemic. There will be seven St. John's youth who wil affirm their faith on April 25.

Luther's Small Catechism Link

To help confirmands review the Catechism that we have studied over the past two years, a prepared and published an online version. If you'd like to take a look to read and review, you can do so HERE.

Ready to go for Palm Sunday

Executive met last Sunday after YouTube worship to finalize the plans for our return to in-person worship on Palm Sunday. A few minor changes have been made since our previous period of in-person worship. A reminder that our previous protocols regarding masks, distancing, limited speaking/singing will continue to be observed.

Help Needed for Return to In-Person Worship and Beyond

This is a repeat from last week. Worship Helpers for In-Person worship beginning Palm Sunday are needed. For a list and description of the helpers we need, along with an online form to sign up, please click or tap HERE. Executive Committee will meet at 9:30 Sunday Morning to finalize plans for Palm Sunday.

Maundy Thursday and Good Friday

Holy Week Services of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday will be offered as YouTube livestreams only, which can also be viewed later on demand. Both services will go live at noon. YouTube links will be emailed and text messaged shortly before noon on Thursday and Friday.

Two Services on Easter Sunday!

There will be two services on Easter Sunday, at 8:30 am and 10:00 am. We would prefer that attendance at each service not exceed 100, and are asking that you use the online form linked below to register your intention, or call the church office at 419-483-5442.

Online Registration Form for Easter Sunday

Interim Update for March 19, 2021

Thrivent Choice Dollars Deadline

I know that most of you don't own Thrivent products, and even if you do, not all of them generate Choice Dollars. These are the funds that the company must disperse to the community to keep their non-profit status as a fraternal insurance company. Policy owners can disberse the accumulated funds to the non-profit of their choice. St. John's Lutheran Church and St. John's Christian Preschool are both on the list. The deadline for designating your funds is March 31.

Funeral for Paul Wott

The funeral for Paul Wott will be Saturday, March 20, 10:00 am at St. Johns. Rest eternal grant him, O Lord! We extend our sympathy to Paul's family, and thank God for Paul's faithfulness and service. You can read Paul's obituary HERE.

Council met on Tuesday

Council held its March meeting on Tuesday at 7:00pm, with some attending in-person and others attend via Zoom. Toni has posted the draft (unofficial) of the minutes, which you can read HERE.

New Copier Ordered

An item of business at the meeting was the purchase of a new copier. Our Ricoh is no longer supported by our vendor, MT Business Systems. We decidedd to purchase a new Richoh color copier, which will cost of less money than our current monochrome copier. Our new vendor is Perry Pro Tech out of Perrysburg. The sales rep met with Shaun on Thursday afternoon, and completed the sales contract.

Congregation Notified of Pastor Mark's last Sunday

A message from me regarding my last Sunday at St. John's was sent out on MailChip on Wednesday, and linked by text message. A snail mail letter was sent to our non-email members on Thursday. In case you missed it, you can read it HERE.

The Puzzle of the Cross and 40 Days of Giving

Our theme this week was Savior, and we move on to the "Sacrifice" piece on March 24, "Sacrifice" and "Salvation" on April 1, Maundy Thursday.

Keep monitoring the St. John's Facebook page for information and resouces for our 40 Days of Giving theme, which is sponsored by the ELCA Hunger Program. We set a goal of raising $1,000 for this program, which helps fight hunger around the world, and have suggested a gift of $1, $2, or $3 a day for 40 days of Lent. So far we have received $1,260!! Let's set a new goal of $1,500! I've pledged at the $3 rate, or $120. You can give directly to a special St. John's fund through our online giving portal HERE, or mark your gift "40 Days of Giving."

Help Needed for Return to In-Person Worship and Beyond

Worship Helpers for In-Person worship beginning Palm Sunday are needed. For a list and description of the helpers we need, along with an online form to sign up, please click or tap HERE. Executive Committee will meet at 9:30 Sunday Morning to finalize plans for Palm Sunday.

First Communion Class scheduled

I have two third-graders and one second grader who will participate in a first communion learning program. We will meet via Zoom at 5:00 pm on Wednesdays, Apri 7 and 14. Possibly a First Communion Sunday on April 18.

Confirmation Parents Meeting Scheduled

I have asked parents of those who will be affirming their faith (five 8th graders and one ninth grader) to join the Confirmation Zoom at the end of our session at 7:15 so we can discuss details regarding confirmation on April 25. I've sent a message to Cindy Klein to see if she could do the class photo to add to the St. John's hallway gallery.

Preschool Kids Sing Some Songs

On Wednesday morning and afternoon, I grabbed my guitar, dusted off my vocal chords, and led some songs for the preschool classes. I sang and played from the hallway (mask on) and the kids sang along. Repeated the process on Thursday for that day's classes.