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.
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