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.
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