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."
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