Visits
Arlene H. was in church Sunday, but without Dean. Arlene said that Dean had fallen and injured his shoulder. I stopped at their house to visit on the way home (right on the way) and brought communion. Other visits have taken place in the office, and on the phone. I made one stop to a member at Rotary Commons, but she did not answer the phone. Another member declined a visit as she wasn't feeling well.
Preschool Open House
We installed our Preschool staff and board members on Sunday, and then from noon until 3 was the open-house/registration/orientation for the coming school year. Kudos and thanks to everyone for all their hard work leading up the first day of school next month, and to the congregational volunteers who helped with the event, including board members Nancy Pickens and Rocky Eskins Also on hand to help were greeters Erica Eskins and Carol Stout, and staffing the refreshment tent were Dale and Karen Wilson, and Minetta Erf.
Parking Lot
Work on the parking lot got started on Thursday instead of Wednesday because of weather. However, Lenny (spoke to him briefly on Thursday) said that they should be able to finish by end of day Friday. I'm not there to know one way or another, and I'm not positive about the readiness of the new surface for Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning parking by those coming for worship.
Implications of sex abuse by priests story
It's always heartbreaking to learn of immoral and illegal behavior by Christians priests, pastors, and others in positions of leadership, trust and responsibility. The firestorm of the grand jury report of sexual abuse by priests in six dioceses in the Catholic Church has abated, but the story isn't going away. I read with interest conservative political commentator Andrew Sullivan's response to the report. He's both gay and Roman Catholic, and you can read his blunt assessment (caution, a few foul words are used) can be read here. The Church Law and Tax website, a subsidiary of Christianity Today magazine, weighs in here with an article entitled "The Pennsylvania Grand Jury Report: How Will Your Church Respond?".
Eastern Conference Pastors Meeting
On Tuesday morning I traveled to Grace Castalia to attend the Eastern Conference Pastors Meeting, my first since 2011 when I was still at St. Peter in Norwalk. Our Eastern Conference includes Norwalk, Huron, Willard, Sandusky, Bellevue, Fremont and Gibsonburg.
The meeting was held in the new entrance at Grace, a $750,000 project completed several years ago, and is almost completely paid for. I have posted some photos of the area, which I have linked here. (I'm hoping this link doesn't require some kind of sign-in.) As you can see, the area has tables chairs, sofas, a kitchenette, and a ramp for access to the worship area. The project also includes a small prayer chapel which is open 24/7 to anyone who needs a quite place to pray.
Of particular interest and inspiration was the posters attached to the ramp railing, one for each year since 2010, listing the ministries that the congregation has accomplished that year. Pastor Katie Suggett has done an excellent job of keeping the congregation focused on outreach and mission.
Pastor Jody Rice, Grace Fremont, our Conference Dean, provided a summary of the meeting, which you can read here. Jan L., note the Festival of Hymns scheduled for October. Have you received info about this event? Our next meeting is November 13 at Faith in Fremont.
Our guest and program was Rev. Jim Dumke, from Genacross, one of our synod's affiliated ministries. Of particular interest to our group was the status of Lutheran Memorial Home on Bardshar Road, which has recently been closed because of decreasing need of beds and an outdated facility. Pr. Phil Gardner, Trinity Venice, expressed frustration that the facility has not been re-purposed, as there are organizations in the are that could acquire the property and serve the community. Pr. Dumke sent an email thank you, intended for everyone in our congregations:
Greetings to all of you, This is just a brief note of thanks for the opportunity to share a bit about the ministry of Genacross Lutheran Services at last Tuesday’s Eastern Conference meeting…even more, I want to thank you for your faithful support; we are, of course, your ministry, as together “…we embrace individuals and families with compassionate care and services throughout life’s journey” (from Genacross’ Mission Statement). Please share with the members of your congregation the importance of the work they are doing with and through Genacross. Blessings, Jim Dumke, Genacross Lutheran Services
Speaking for the Christian Education Network of the ELCA (CEN), Pastor Juli reminded of the "How to Create a Safety Plan for your Church" workshop at Zoar Perrysburg on Saturday, September 22, from 10 - 2. The CEN is one of the ELCA's best kept secrets. I sometimes forget that this is a resource that is available to our ELCA congregations, and I didn't know that Pr. Juli is the president. But I do now! The website for the Network is faithfulteaching.org.
Fall meeting October 23 St. John Oak Harbor
Every year, our bishop meets with pastors and congregations in several locations around the synod for the purpose of conversation and encouragement in the ministry we share. The meeting that will be closest for us to attend will be at St. John's in Oak Harbon on October 23, 7pm.
ELCW Worship News August 2018
The August edition of ELCA Worship News has arrived. You can read it here.
Reflections from Tanzania Part 1
Bishop Daniel, accompanied by several others from our synod, spent several weeks visiting our companion synod, the Dodama Diocese in Tanzania. A first installment of their report can be found here.
LEAD Update
You may remember that in last week's update I said that I'd be contacting the LEAD, the organization that provides leadership resources to ELCA congregations. I had a phone conversation with Beth, one of their staff associates, and we agreed that while St. John's cold benefit from LEAD resources in the future, at this time a formal relationship is not indicated. Beth provided several book resources which I will check into.
Trinity's New Beginning
The latest issue of this informative newsletter from Trinity Lutheran Seminary can be foun here.
Five Simple Ways to Develop Leaders in Your Church
One of the benefits of our Breeze Church Management Software is weekly blog posts written by members of the Breeze team, who are all active in their own congregations. You can read the latest post on leadership development here. You can find other interesting and helpful posts here
St. Peter Endowment Trust Document
I had asked Pastor Ann Marshall from St. Peter in Norwalk to provide a copy of the Continuing Resolution which established and continues to guide the Endowment Trust Fund at St. Peter. She send me the resolution, and I have posted it here. Perhaps this document can be a helpful resource as St. John's develops a plan for receiving and disbursing bequests large and small.
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