Welcome to the St. John's Interim Update blog! I have gotten into the habit of writing a periodic email message for council members and other leaders, to keep you abreast of what I've been doing as interim and how the interim is progressing. It's also provides a way to share important information, documents, and links to other resources on the internet. Writing a regular blog post also helps me keep on top of what I've been doing and how I've been spending my time. I am putting these updates into a blog so that everything I have written will be easily accessible, in case there are bits of information that you may be looking for.
Death of and Funeral for Bob Birr
At the close of my first Sunday service at St. John's last Sunday, I received word that Bob Birr had died. His son Jim and his wife Karen were present at worship, and I was able to meet with them following the service. We planned another meeting on Tuesday morning to continue plans for Bob's service. Here are the details, ICYMI: Visitation at Foos and Foos Funeral Service in Bellevue on Friday, July 6, from 4-7 pm, and service on Saturday at 10 am at St. John's. Commital service at Bellevue Cemetery and then lunch in the fellowship hall following. Bob was a long time member of St. John's, and for years was the Plant Manager at the GE Lamp Plant here in Bellevue. You can find the full obituary here.
My First Week at St. John's
Because of the 4th of July holiday on Wednesday, my time in the office has been rather limited. I've spent some time just getting myself oriented to the details of a new office, such as how to send items from my computer to the printer. Terri has been very helpful, and we are already exchanging emails and documents such as weekend bulletins by email and shared Google Docs. Later on Tuesday afternoon, I met with Treasurer Shaun, and we got things set up for payroll, and me registered with Portico for the billings that will come from them for such things as pension and other benefits that employers provide.
On site vs. Work from Home
As your interim pastor, I will be working both on site in the office and around town and the area for ministry purposes, and from home. My proposed schedule is to take Monday as a regular day off, and be on site on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Friday will be a work from home day. I will do additional travel on Mondays and Fridays for such things as funeral ministry, or for emergencies.
Trinity Seminary's New Beginnings
I'm on the email list for a Trinity Lutheran Seminary update written by the seminary dean, Rev. Dr. Kit Kleinhans with the title "Trinity's New Beginnings." In recent issues she announces the death of former Trinity president Fred Meuser and reminds us of his ministry and legacy to the church (June 20 and 27) and in the July 4 issue she addresses the immigration crisis on the border. All three of these are available to read using the links below.
Death of Pr. John Mawhirter
I have just learned, via a Facebook post from the family, of the death of Pastor John Mawhirter. John was called by Zion in Sandusky first as associate, and then as senior pastor, and served there for twenty years. In December of 2014, he underwent quadruple heart bypass surgery, and after recovering from that was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in June of 2015. He subsequently resigned his position at Zion and he and his wife Dianne moved to Columbus. He was a faithful pastor, and much loved by both members and friends of Zion. He was a huge Ohio State fan, and his son Aaron was a walk-on long-snapper for the Buckeye football team. A December 2016 article in the Toledo Blade told of how, in the midst of being treated for his cancer, he still wouldn't miss seeing his son Aaron play at the Shoe in Columbus. You can read the article here. I wasn't a close personal friend of John, but knew him well through our Eastern Conference pastors meetings. He had a passion for the gospel and a Christ-like love for the people he served as pastor. Rest eternal grand him O Lord, and let light perpetual shine on him. Just posted by his wife Dianne, the arrangements: "Sat. July 14 visitation from 1pm-5pm at Spence Funeral Home in Pickerington. Sun. July 15- Visitation from 2pm with Memorial Service at 3pm at Epiphany Lutheran Church Pickerington. We appreciate all the thoughts, prayers and cards over the last 3 years. Well done good and faithful servant."
Stewardship Training from Pr. Kent Wilson
Not sure if anyone from council was at the synod assembly, but if you were, you may remember Pr. Kent Wilson's request to fill out a stewardship survey. Those who did so had a chance at winning a gift basket. Those of us who didn't win got a email from Pr. Wilson asking us to view a video on stewardship. Pastor Wilson is our synod's Director of Leadership Development and Congregational Vitality and in that position offers resources and programs to help congregations strengthen their mission and ministry. If you're on the Stewardship Committee, I'd recommend reading this and viewing the video. He says it's 57 minutes long, but he also says there's some freebies for us if we view it and answer a few questions. You can read Pastor Wilson's message here.
Bishop Daniel's Weekly Message
Perhaps some if not many of you are already on the Bishop's email list for his weekly messages. You may know by now that this year's them is Prayer. It is good to see the theme verse, Philippians 4:6 "Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God" displayed prominently in the welcome center of the church. You can read Bishop Daniel's latest message, focusing on Centering Prayer, here.
That's about all I have for the first installment of St. John's Interim Update. There will be more. Look forward to seeing you again this weekend -- don't forget the Meet and Greet where I will be able to meet and greet you all at 9:30 on Sunday morning. I understand that we'll be upstairs again in the fellowship hall again. With the meet and greet, that will work well. See you soon.
No comments:
Post a Comment