Interim Update for October 26, 2018

Why I Give statements

Last week I am asked you write a sentence or two that responds to the statement "Why I Give." I'd like to get ten to fifteen statements that I would print out and include with the Stewardship letter and Commitment Cards that are going to be distributed on November 11. Email (or otherwise deliver) your statement to me at mark@bogen.org by next Sunday, November 4. For some inspiration, read the next paragraph, "Let Giving be Joyful."

"Let Giving be Joyful"

This is the title of Bishop Daniel's weekly email message, in which he describes a visit to Zoar Lutheran in Perrysburg, and being impressed by their Stewardship Drive which is currently underway. He then outlined the themes of their program. It's worth your read, and you can do so here.

Stewardship Newsletter

While we're talking on the subject of stewardship, I refer you to the latest ELCA Stewardship newsletter, StewardNet. Lots of links you can follow. You can read it here.

ELCA Worship News

Another offering from Churchwide (the term sometimes used to refer to the national office of the ELCA) is the current issue of Worship News. I see that the ELCA has published a funeral planning guide. I could have used this before going to my last Pines retreat (described in last week's Update). You can Worship News here.

Doing my Health Maintenance Duty

In 2003, I had my first colonoscopy at age 50. All clear. I was supposed to return for another one ten years later, five years ago. As the saying goes, better late than never. So on Monday, November 5, I'm scheduled for another round. I can't eat anything on on Sunday, November 4, and drink the prep stuff later in the afternoon. I report to FTMC in Norwalk on 6:30 am.

Orchard Grove and Bellevue Care Center

This was the week for my monthly trip to Orchard Grove and Bellevue Care . Not all SJ's folk come to the group Holy Communion service, so I make a point to visit those not present in their rooms.

Bishop's Fall Meeting

On Tuesday evening, I attended the Bishop's Fall Gathering at St. John's in Oak Harbor. Also attending form St. John's were Dennis Bauer, Jan LaBonte, and Ken and Mary Johnson. We began with worship during which Bishop Daniel introduced the synod-wide emphasis for 2019, Scripture. Following worship we gathered in the Fellowship Hall for pumpkin dessert. My "Pumpkin Yummy" did not win, but it helped to raise a few of the over $300 that was raised for the Bishop's Discipleshp program. There were two break-out sessions, and I attended the one led by Pr. Kent Wilson, the synod Director of Leadership Development and Congregational Vitality. He spoke on the issue of stewardship, and emphasized creating a culture of stewardship in your congregation, which includes acknowledging and thanking people for their gifts. He spoke of the importance of adopting a "Learner mindset" as opposed to a "Judger mindset." You can view the chart Pr. Wilson displayed and used to explain the difference here. This is very interesting, and could apply to lots of issues besides stewardship.

Confirmation Night With the Bishop Taking Shape

I was able to speak with Bp. Daniel briefly on Tuesday evening, and he is excited to come to meet with our Conference Confirmation youth on Wednesday evening, November 28, 7pm at St. John's. I've started to get a few RSVP's including 18 from the LIFT congregations in Fremont.

Preschool Chapel Time!

I had the privilege of leading Chapel Time for the preschool. We learned the song "I've Got the Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy, Down in my Heart" song, and heard the story of Zacchaeus. The kids were all well behaved. Kudos to our preschool staff for everything they do with these kids every day of the week.

Big Day at St. John's this Sunday!

• It is Reformation Day, and in observance we will begin with a Procession as we sing "A Mighty Fortress". I have secured the services of a special preacher for the day. Martin Luther will be bringing the message.
• This is the day that we celebrate and honor Marlene Buck on 60 years as organist at St. John's. The observance will include some special words by Paul Lieber, a service of appreciation, thanks and blessing during the prayers part of our worship, a brief concert by Marlene at the close of the service, and a catered dinner in the Fellowship Hall after worship.
• Third Graders will receive bibles, having completed a two session introduction to the Bible led by Nancy P. and Joyce B.
• A bulletin insert will be the first of our four week stewardship program which has the theme "Live Simply."

Executive Committee meets with Thrivent reps

On Thursday afternoon, Executive Committee met with local Thrivent reps to receive information regarding what Thrivent would have to offer the congregation in terms of investments for endowment gifts, especially now that we have received the Ruth George bequest.

FLAMe Pastors meet

Meanwhile, I attended the monthly meeting of FLAMe pastors in Sandusky. The new clergy couple, Bill and Kris Schroeder, were present, as they were at the Bishop's meeting on Tuesday evening. Pastor Kris will be installed at Zion, Sandusky, on Thursday, November 1, 6:30 pm, after which there will be a caravan to St. Paul's Sandusky where Pastor Bill will be installed. Refreshments will follow the service at St. Paul's.

Healthy Churches Faithful pastors discussion continues

Our discussion on Sunday mornings, 9:00 am and Thursday mornings, 10:00 am continues, as we have been discussing a list of expectations that congregations have of pastors. There has been good discussion, and if you haven't attended yet, you are most welcome to join the group at any time.

Concrete pad installed

A concrete crew worked this week to install a pad near the street to store the trash bin. A section of sidewalk from the circle driveway to the first parking lot driveway was also replaced. The location will enable the garbage truck to empty the bin from the street instead of driving on the parking lot.

Interim Update for October 19, 2018

Council Workshop

Thanks for coming to the workshop on Saturday. I thought our time together was well spent, and I hope you learned a few things. I always enjoy listening to Dr. Steinke -- even when I've heard him say the same things before. If anyone wants to re-view the video, or view it for the first time (if you didn't see it Saturday), just let me know and I can lend it to you. It's in DVD format, so you'll need that kind of a player. If you want to view another talk by Dr. Steinke with much of the same content, entitled "Congregations as Emotional Systems," online on YouTube, you can do find it here. The essay by Dr. Wengert, "Serving the Gospel for Tomorrow," can be viewed and/or downloaded here.

Pines Retreat

My retreat at Our Lady of the Pines Retreat Center went well. It's always a good day and a half together with other pastoral colleagues. We "check in" with each other, talking about what's happened in our lives, (personal, family, ministry) since our last meeting. We also do walks and talks on the Pines grounds, and talk about our planned activity in our group meeting. This retreat's assignment was to prepare our own funeral service or obituary and share it with the group. It got us all thinking about what's inevitable for all of us. We sang lots of funeral hymns at this retreat.

Why I give statements

One thing I forgot to do at Thursday night's Council Meeting is ask you to do something. I am asking you write a sentence or two that responds to the statement "Why I Give." I'd like to get ten to fifteen statements that I would print out and include with the Stewardship letter and Commitment Cards that are going to be distributed on November 11. Email (or otherwise deliver) your statement to me at mark@bogen.org by next Sunday, October 28. Thanks! Some examples from a previous interim are listed below, and can serve as thought starters for your own:

I give to God. In the Bible it says you should give 10% (a tithe) to God. This could be money, time, talent, or a combination of the three. I love God. He is always with me. God will provide. Lori

We were taught from little on up to give to the church. Anything important to us must be supported with time and money. The Bible tells us to give from our heart. These are some of the reasons we give what we can. Rick and Sharon

Maybe this is too simple of an answer; "Cause it’s the right thing to do.” Like going to church, following the Golden Rule, etc. It’s just what you do if you are able. If you’re blessed with resources and time, it’s just what you do. Randy

It would be easy as the President of Council to say how it is important to give to keep the doors open. But when I look at all the mission work (our congregation) does, it is far more important for me to give, simply because I have received. Kevin

Synod Interim Pastors Meeting

On Thursday I attended the (mostly) monthly meeting of our synod interim pastors. There were 11 of us in attendance, and the surprise new attender is former Bishop Marcus Lohrmann! He has assumed the role of interim pastor at Memorial Lutheran Church in Toledo. This meeting is always helpful, providing ideas and inspiration for our own interim settings.

Don Reiderman death and funeral

Don died on Tuesday of this week. This came much more quickly than anyone was expecting. The funeral is Saturday, October 20, at 12:00 noon at the church, with visitation from 10 to 12. Keep Connie, Josh, Carl, and all the family in your prayers. You can read the obituary for Don here.

Bishop Daniel's weekly message

This week's message is entitled "A Transformational Gift." You can read it here.

Confirmation - Briefly Back in the Saddle

Cindy had the night off from Confirmation class, as she had teacher/parent conferences. For the first time in a long time I lead a confirmation class session, which I have always enjoyed doing. Cindy will be back this coming week, and we have a bit more to watch of the Luther movie.

Fall Gatherings and Bishop's Bake-off

We talked about this at Council, and I have registered Nancy, Ken and Dennis. Time is 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm and location is St. John's Lutheran Church, Oak Harbor. No meal, but pumpkin dessert will be served. I'll be bringing one to enter into the contest, and if it's the best, for mine so that I win!!

Newsletter deadline

Deadline for the November newsletter is Saturday, October 20. I guess Sunday or Monday will do. That reminds me. Time to get my contribution contributed.

Interim Update for October 12, 2018

Council Workshop almost ready to go

I spent a chunk of today finishing plans and preparations for our Council Workshop tomorrow morning. I know I have called it Council workshop, but everyone on the email list for this Interim Update blog is welcome to attend. We will begin by taking a look at our Statement of Faith, then move to a video presentation by Dr. Peter Steinke, a noted authority on congregations as emotional systems, and we'll finish with what I hope will be helpful information about the interim process. The workshop will be in the Fellowship Hall. I have volunteers for refreshments, and the plan will be to finish by noon so that we can all go home and watch the Buckeyes play the Golden Gophers. Minnesota has won only once in the 27 times they have have played each other.

First Ruth George Information/Sharing session in the books

Shaun led the first of four sharing sessions on Thursday at 11 am regarding the Ruth George bequest and our plans for administering this gift. Shaun (with Heather's significant assistance) has prepared a nice photo collage of Ruth. About ten people were present for this meeting, and there was good discussion and several ideas were shared both verbally and on the forms that Shaun prepared. There will be three more meetings; Saturday and Sunday after worship, and next Tuesday evening at 7:00 pm. Thanks, Shaun, for your excellent work on this project.

ELCA Mission Investment Fund

The ELCA Mission Investment Fund (MIF) is one of the investment vehicles that has been suggested for George bequest funds. Money invested in MIF is loaned to congregations who are expanding their facilities. An email sent by MIF this week can be viewed here.

Pines Plans

About fifteen years ago, I accepted an invitation to attend a series of four retreats at the Pines Retreat Center in Fremont, called Seasons for Renewal. Retreats are held Monday and Tuesday, with an overnight stay, and include group sharing and learning, walks and talks around the grounds, personal time for rest and reflection, and and evening service of Holy Communion. Once we finished the four retreats the first year, we continued meeting twice a year, fall and spring. Our next retreat is this coming Monday and Tuesday, so next week I will not be coming to the office until Wednesday.

Confirmation update

For the last several Confirmation sessions, we have been focusing on the Reformation and the role that Martin Luther played in challenging the church of his day to return to biblical teaching. We have been watching the Martin Luther movie that was released a few years ago. We also have begun a three session study of the Lord's Prayer.

Bishop Daniel's letter

Bishop Daniel's weekly letter can be seen here. The main topic is the Fall Gatherings, with our gathering scheduled for Tuesday, October 23, at 6:30 pm. Click on the links in the message for more information and to register.

Ministry Site Profile

I have mentioned several times the Ministry Site Profile. This is the multi-page document that explains St. John's to prospective candidates. I can't emphasize enough how important this is, in how information is gathered, and how it is presented in the profile. The Transition Team, which will begin its work early in 2019, will assume the primary responsibility for completing the Profile. A blank sample of the profile can be viewed here.

Installation for Pastors Schroeder

Zion in Huron and St. Paul in Sandusky have called a clergy couple. Rev. Kristine Schroeder has been called to Zion, and Rev. William Schroeder has been called to St. Paul. Services of installation will be held Thursday evening, November 1, beginning at 6:30 pm in Huron, and then process to Sandusky. A flyer with more information can be viewed here.

Visits

On Thursday I visited our five members at Willows Care Center. They are all doing OK. Our two 100+ members, Hazel O. and Ruth P., were both awake and conversant. We also have Betty N., Beth L. and Carol H. Carol attends the group service led by Pr. Katie (Grace Castalia) and accompanied by Jan L. Others I visit in their rooms or day rooms. Keep Don R. in your prayers. I had planned to visit on Thursday, but he called to say he wasn't feeling well enough for a visit.

Hurricane Relief through LDR

The ELCA has an organization called Lutheran Disaster Relief (LDR), which dispenses relief funds to areas affected by natural disasters. LDR is now receiving gifts for Hurricane Michael Relief. You can read more here, which includs a button for online giving. You can also give through St. John's, and designate your gift "Disaster Response."

Interim Update for October 5, 2018

Tour of Pipe organ

On Tuesday I noticed that Paul was working upstairs in the pipes chamber above the balcony. I went up to to take a look, and Paul obliged with a tour of the guts of the St. John's organ. It was a fascinating look at something that is most often heard. The 3500+ pipes plus all the conduits for the air delivered by the fan in the basement and the circuitry that all works together to create the sound that Paul and Marlene deliver for us on Saturdays and Sundays is exceedingly remarkable! I took some photos, which you can view here.

Reminder regarding Ruth George bequest and Endowment Fund plans information meetings

These are scheduled for:

• Thursday, October 11, 11:00 am
• Saturday, October 13, following 5:00 worship
• Sunday, October 14, following 10:00 worship
• Tuesday, October 16, 7:00 pm and will be led by Shawn (Thursday, Saturday, Sunday) and Mike (Tuesday)

Also, Shaun has prepared a form that congregation members can put their thoughts and ideas in writing. These will be available at the meetings and in the narthex. I am planning to put the form online and Breeze, providing yet another means of congregational input.

Wedding for Ernie and Dianne

On Wednesday, I conducted a wedding service for Ernie Blank. and his new wife, Dianne. Dianne is a permanent resident at Bellevue Care Center, so that's where the big event took place. Many of the residents at BCC had gathered for the event, with Activities Director Becky in charge of the reception. Following the service, cake and ice cream was enjoyed by all. A photo of the newlyweds can be seen here.

St. John's Christian Preschool updates

• The Preschool received a surprise visit (that's the way it's done) from the state inspector yesterday afternoon. Linda reported that there were zero violations, so this inspection was passed with perfection. Congrats to and blessings on all who make St. John's Christian Preschool a vital and top-notch part of the congregation's ministry.
• You may know that this is the preschool's 40th anniversary year. One of several special events being planned for the anniversary observance is happening this Sunday at 2:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall -- musician Jim Gill will be presenting a concert for our preschool kids and their family. One of Jim's specialties is singing for and engaging kids. Everyone is invited to this free concert. You can learn more about Jim here.

Sympathy to the family of Sharon Francis

We extend our sympathy to the family of Sharon Francis. Sharon's father, William Gohlike, died on Wednesday, following a brief illness. At this writing I do not know any details regarding visitation or services. Keep the family in your prayers.

Last Kiwanis Meeting

When I moved to Norwalk in 1995 to begin my call as the Associate Pastor at St. Peter, one of the earliest things that I did in the community was join the Norwalk Kiwanis Club. Over the years I attended the weekly luncheon meetings and participated in the club's projects and fundraisers. I served on the board, including a year as club president. Kiwanis was an excellent way to connect with other leaders and business people in the community who were not members of St. Peter, and the weekly programs and speakers were an excellent way to learn about existing and new programs and businesses in the community. St. Peter paid my way to be a member, and also paid the way for Pastor Wiecher's membership in the Norwalk Rotary.

When I began doing interim ministry in 2012, I kept my membership in Kiwanis, even though I was unable to attend most meetings. After moving to Huron last year, I have no longer felt the need to retain my membership, so I announced my intention to not renew my membership (membership year begins October 1), and attended my last meeting on Thursday. It was a good run of 23 years as a member.

When your new pastor is called, encourage her or him to join one of your Bellevue service organizations. There is a Kiwanis Club in Bellevue, so that would certainly be a possibility. And offer to pay their dues!

Worship Meeting

I met with Worship Team on Thursday. We talked about Bible presentation on Reformation Sunday, and discussed the special plans for Marlene's 60th anniverasary as organist on the same day. Also, we plan to have congregational members come forward and light candles on All Sainst Sunday November 4 in memory of loved ones who have joined the Church Triumphant. We will do Thanksgiving worship on Wednesday, November 21 at 7:00 pm. We'll need a sub organist for Thanksgiving weekend. We're wondering if we need to up our sub payment from $60, to, perhaps $75, to insure that we can find someone to do the job. Christmas Eve will we at 5 and 9 pm. Chris and Paul with both play for both services.

Stewardship Meeting

Met with Stewardship Team on Thursday. We are finalizing our plans for our Stewardship drive in November. Our theme is "Keep it Simple," and we will have a four-Sunday emphasis. Here's a summary of the Sundays and activities:

Date	Theme	Activity
October 27-28	Live Simply: Follow Jesus	Bulletin Insert
November 3-4	Live Simply: Face the Truth	Bulletin Insert
November 10-11	Live Simply: Act Together	Bulletin Insert, Distribute Commitment Cards
November 17-18	Live Simply: Share Enough	Bulletin Insert, Return Commitment Cards, Simple Lunch, Annual Meeting

Education Meeting

Met with Education Team on Thursday. One of the main topics at the edcation meeting was the need to find mentors for our six confirmation youth. We're looking for two men and four women. Also discussed was Sunday school program and how to organize our expenses for the 2019 budget.

Council Workshop

A reminder that our Council Workshop is scheduled for next Saturday, October 13, from 9:00 - 12:30. Topics will include:

• A review of our Statement of Faith
• An overview of Interim Focus Points and processes
• View and discuss video on Congregational Anxiety
• Hopefully lots of conversation, discussion, and sharing our hopes and dreams for St. John's

Can someone volunteer to make coffee and bring a few refreshments?

Bishop's message and Reminder about Fall Meeting

You can read Bishop Daniel's latest message here. In the message there's a link to info about the Fall Meetings. Ours is at St. John's Oak Harbor on Tuesday, October 23, 6:30 pm. I'm hoping for a good representation from St. John's.