Interim Update for November 30, 2018

Church picture directory

I received a phone call from a United Church Picture Directories representative. She will be in the area on Thursday, December 6. I said I would be available at 12:30 pm. The last picture directory was done in 2012, so a new one would be in order and would be very helpful for your new pastor. Would this fall to any committee in particular? Evangelism, perhaps? Or anyone that would be interested is welcome to join me on Thursday, December 6, 12:30 pm.

Orchard Grove and Bellevue Care Center

Tuesday was my day to do group communion at these neighboring care centers. Florence and Vera were in attendance at Orchard Grove, and Gloria Wood at Bellevue Care. I also stopped to see new residents Pat and Helen Sellinger. Pat and Helen are members at St. Peter in Norwalk, where Pat was the bookkeeper for decades, and Helen was Sunday School treasurer for an equal amount of time. It was good to see them again. Helen's mind is good, body not so much, and Pat's good and not so much are reversed.

Thoughts on motion to leave ELCA

There's that thing called Monday Morning Quarterbacking, in which someone criticizes or suggests alternative courses of action from a position of hindsight after the event in question. In this case I'm suggesting an alternative course of action for Mike's motion at the Annual Budget/Elections meeting on November 18. The motion should have been called Out of Order, because in the Bylaws to the St. John's Constitution it says this is B10.01.3:

The following agenda items may be included at either annual meeting:
a. Opportunity to vote on any proposals submitted by the Congregation Council.
b. Opportunity to vote on any proposals submitted by at least 20 voting members.

Also, B10.01.1.c states:

All proposals, including the budget proposals, shall be published and distributed to all voting members of the congregation at least two weeks in advance of the meeting.

Mike's motion lacked both of these required aspects in the bylaws -- a proposal which is submitted by at least 20 voting members, and submitted at least two weeks in advance.

Evening with Bishop Daniel

Confirmation youth and adult leaders from several congregations in the Eastern Conference gathered at St. John's Wednesday evening for a meeting with Bishop Daniel. Daniel started us out in the sanctuary with scripture, prayer and sharing the peace. We all then went up to the fellowship hall, where Daniel talked to us about what it means be be a follower of Jesus, prayer, and purpose, showing us a video about Pastor Ed Dobson, who became disabled from ALS. Daniel then challenged us, as he has the entire synod, to read the Bible in a year, 3-4 chapters a day. All enjoyed snacks and beverage at the end of our time together. Thanks to the Education Team who coordinating serving the snacks. I took several photos, which you can see here.

Executive Interviews candidate for Office Manager

One Friday, Executive Team interviewed a candidate for Office Manager, sent to us by WeStaff in Norwalk. WeStaff does the vetting including background checks, so we can we sure that base is covered before we start to interview. We had a second interview lined up, but this candidate withdrew. Executive will contact WeStaff on Monday to check for any additional candidates, and if there are not, will make a decision on the person interviewed today. That candidate would be available to spend some time with Terri for orientation and training.

Preschool Silent Auction set to begin soon

You will notice lots of nice wrapped gifts in the preschool halls that you will soon be able to bid on during much of the month of December. Check them out, and you may be able to get a quick start on your Holiday shopping!

St. John’s Advent Midweek Worship 2018

December 5, 12 and 19, 7:00 pm in the chapel
Theme: “Light in the Darkness”

Wednesday, December 5
In the Darkness of Despair, There Is the Light of Hope
Isaiah 9:1-7

Wednesday, December 12
In the Darkness of Suffering, There Is the Light of Life
John 1:1-18

Wednesday December 19
In The Darkness of Oppression, There Is the Light of Salvation
Luke 2:1-7

Interim Update for November 23, 2018

Sunday's Annual Meeting

I thought Sunday's meeting went well -- I heard good comments about the budget and financial reports prepared by Shaun. We can now move forward on forming a committee for Endowment Fund. We knew that something like the vote to leave the ELCA proposed by Mike was coming, and although it might have been better to discuss it more and hopefully defeat the motion, Paul's motion to table (technically was out of order, as motions to table aren't meant to end discussion of an issue, but make room for other more important business), which passed by a vote of 42-13, indicated that there is likely insufficient support right now to initiate any proceedings toward leaving the ELCA. I have done two things in response to that action at the meeting; I had positive conversations with Mike and Pat, the maker and seconder of the motion. I also included a report on the meeting in my Pastor's Message for the December newsletter. You can read that when you get the newsletter, or if you'd rather not wait, you can read it here.

Executive Meeting on Tuesday

Executive met Tuesday morning. The main items of business were discussion regarding a new office person (hire in or out of congregation? use a temporary service?) Mike is doing some research on the temp service possibility. Also discussed was Christmas bonuses or gifts for staff, and some existing gaps in janitor coverage, as Shaun reported limited hours being turned in. Denise has spent some hours cleaning the woodwork in the sanctuary, where were billed to the congregation.

Heather's Announcement

Heather is out of town this weekend, and asked me to post this in the update:

Council Gift Basket for the Preschool

Reminder that all donations for the council Gift Basket are needed in the office by Sunday, November 25th. Each committee was challenged to provide something small to represent your committee within the church. If you need ideas, clarifications or additional time, please contact Heather Smith at 440-935-6099.

Thanksgiving Worship and an ICU visit

There were about 25 persons present for Thanksgiving Worship on Wednesday evening. At 6:30, half an hour before the service was to begin, I received a phone call from Bellevue Hospital ICU staff. They were looking for a pastor to come and pray with a woman for whom death was drawing near and her family. The woman is Roman Catholic, and no priests could be located. I said I would come after worship. It was a large extended family that filled her ICU room and the waiting room lobby. I did a commendation of the dying service at the bedside, and the family was very appreciative.

Funeral for Denise

Denise died on Monday, November 19, and the visitation was on Friday and funeral at the church on Saturday. I heard many wonderful stories about what a faithful servant Denise was, everything she did for St. John's and the community, one who lived her faith every day. There was a nice representation of congregation members at the service, with six members occupying the pew where she usually sat. The luncheon was excellent. Thanks to Marilyn and her faithful team. You can read the obituary here.

Bishop Daniel's Weekly Message

Bishop Daniel speak of "Four Dimensional Praying" in this weeks message. Also, a synodical finances update. You can read the message here.

Interim Update for November 16, 2018

California Fires

The news out of California continues to get worse. The death rate continues to rise, as does the number of reported missing. One of our ELCA congregations in Paradise was completely destroyed with the rest of the time. This is unimaginable. In some cases victims' bodies have been so completely charred that it has been difficult to find any DNA to check for identification. For more about the disaster and our ELCA response, you can go here.

Bishop Beaudoin's Weekly Message

Bishop Daniel's weekly message can be read here. Remember that our Eastern Conference Confirmation Youth will be hosting Bishop Daniel here at St. John's on Wednesday evening, November 28. We're expecting a group of about 50. Education Team is helping with refreshments. Should be an inspiring time for our kids.

First Mentoring Session in the Books

Our Mentoring Program for our Confirmation Program got off the ground this past Wednesday evening. There will be a total of ten 30 minute sessions at 6:30 on Wednesday Evenings prior to either Confirmation Class or Advent/Lent Services. There will also be a session as part of a planned overnight Friday into Saturday retreat in February. Reviews of the first session were thumbs up on both sides of the mentoring equation.

Lutheran Home

St. John's is one of the original corporate members of the Lutheran Home on Bardshar Road in old Venice. You may be aware that the home shut down about a year ago, and there is still no decision about how to repurpose the building and/or property. Genacross, formerly Lutheran Homes Society, first managed, then bought the property. A Sandusky Register report on the closing can be read here. Rick Marshall, CEO of Genacross, was in attendance at our Eastern Conference Pastors meeting this week, who updated us on the Lutheran Home property as well as other things Genacross.

Eastern Conference Pastors Meeting

Eastern Conference Pastors met on Tuesday of this week, hosted by Pr. Juli at Faith Fremont. As mentioned above, Rick Marshall from Genacross was one of our speakers. We also heard a presentation by Pr. Eric Bodenstab, Zion Sandusky, who gave a PowerPoint presentation regarding results of a recent Pew Research Center study regarding trends in the ELCA. Here are some of the summary findings:

• Smallest adult membership age group is 18-29 at 12%. Everyone else is older.
• Baby Boomers are the largest generation cohort at 37%. (born from '46-'64)
• Women outnumber men 56-44%.
• We are 96% white.
• Our immigrant status is 89% third generation or higher.
• Only 24% of members are parents with children 18 years or younger.
• Half of ELCA members attend worship once a month or less
• 63% of ELCA members seldom or never attend or participate in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups
• 44% of ELCA members seldom or never read scripture.
• 85% believe in heaven, but only 59% believe in hell.
• 43% identify or lean as Republican, and 47% identify or lean Democratic (doesn't account for regional differences)

If you want to view the entire report including helpful bar graphs, you can find it here.

Newly installed pastors Kris and Bill Schroeder were present, Kris at Zion Huron and Bill and St. Paul Sandusky. Only congregations in our conference now in interim or call process are Faith Fremont and St. John's Bellevue.

New member

As I reported at Council, we have a new member. Dianne, Ernie Blank's new wife, expressed a desire to become a member of St. John's. I visited on Wednesday, and we did the Affirmation of Baptism service from ELW with her. Terri prepared a certificate, which she hopes to frame and display in their home. While at their apartment, I saw Ernie's model railroad (takes up a big chunk of their living room! I took a photo of the happy couple and the amazing model railroad -- you can see it here.

Visiting Denise

Made two visits to Denise S. at Stein Hospice inpatient unit in Sandusky this week. She is still awake and alert -- and doctors have moved to to palliative medication only. She is looking forward to being with Bobby again. And I met her niece Donna who had been staying with her. Keep her in your prayers.

Newsletter deadline coming

Terri needs your info for the December newsletter. 20th is the deadline, but keep in mind that Thanksgiving break is coming.

Time to return Commitment Cards

Stewardship program Commitment Cards have been requested to be brought to worship this weekend. You can also put a stamp on the enclosed envelope and mail it. And don't forget Stewardship Stew for lunch on Sunday, and our congregational meeting to follow.

Interim Update for November 9, 2018

Executive Team meeting prior to congregational Budget/Election meeting

I met with Executive on Tuesday morning, and part of their agenda has been discussion of how the congregation will be handling the Ruth George bequest. Based on the input from the four input meetings from the congregation, Shaun had prepared a possible pie chart for how to allocate the almo##st million dollars St. John's has received or is in the process of receiving. We know that St. John's preschool will receive a significant amount, as will a capital improvement fund, and the largest share would be placed in a permanent Endowment Fund. I have started to work on a resolution that would put some of these details in writing for the congregation at the November 18 meeting. Exec will tweak the resolution, and bring it to council Thursday night.

Clergy Housing Allowance Update

One of the tax benefits that pastors receive is a housing allowance that is free of Federal (and State and Local) income taxes to the extent that it is used for housing expenses. This amounts to a significant savings, but is offset by the fact that pastors pay Social Security, or SE Tax at the self employment rate, which is double that which employeees pay, as the employer pays the other half. Strange but true, for income tax purposes, pastors are considered common law employees, and for Social Security purposes are considered self-employed.

The tax free clergy housing allowance has come under attack many times in the courts, but so far has survived on appeal. It looks like this tax benefit could be lost, as the "legal battle rages." You can read more about it here. I would not be financially devastated by losing this benefit, but there are likely thousands of pastors who would be, along with the congregations they serve. It should be noted that pastors who live in church-owned parsonages are not affected by the ruling, only those who receive a cash allowance to rent or purchase their own homes.

Pastoral Care happens in many ways

One of the important things that your pastor does is care of the congregation. There are many ways that this happens; hospital and nursing home visits, visits to members who are homebound, more frequent visits of the dying, visits before and after the death of loved ones, conversations and sometimes prayers with people before and after worship or in the hallways, and responding to special requests are just some of the many ways that pastors care for God's people. One member expressed concern about a close family member who was having difficulties, so together we paid a visit to the family member. On Wednesday, I visited Denise S., who is spending some time at inpatient Stein Hospice in Sandusky. She is hoping to return home again soon. She loves her church family and is appreciative of all the prayers directed her way.

Ernie and Dianne B.'s plans

You may remember that I reported that Ernie B. was married recently to Dianne, who is a resident at Bellevue Care Center. Ernie is in the process of moving Dianne home with him to his apartment. Dianne has expressed an interest in becoming a member of St. John's. I will be working with them to make this happen.

Stewardship Campaign Commitment cards ready for distribution

Our 2018 Stewardship campaign, with the theme "Make it Simple," officially began on October 28 with the first of four weekly bulletin inserts, highlighting the following themes: "Follow Jesus," "Face the Truth," "Act Together," and "Share Enough." The last two weekends of the campaign will focus on the distribution of commitment cards this Saturday and Sunday, and the return of the completed cards the following weekend. Following worship next Sunday, November 18, we we come together for a "simple lunch," which will then be followed by the annual budget and election meeting of the congregation.

On Thursday afternoon, members of the Stewardship Team, Linda, Emma K. and Aleta, assembled the Stewardship packets for distribution this weekend. Terri ran year-to-date giving statements, and inserted them into 6x9 envelopes, and the Stewardship Team added a cover letter, the commitment cards, and an envelope to return the cards, either by bringing them on Sunday morning, or dropping them in the mail. You can read a copy of the cover letter here.

Passive Agressive arguers

Have you ever gotten into an argument with someone who has no interest in dialogue, but instead only in advancing his or her own opinion, with no respect for honest debate? This can happen live, and it likely happens more often on social media. If you'd like some advice on how to deal with these people, check out this article.

Confirmation class this week

Cindy (aka Mrs. Mira) took the night off from leading Confirmation on Wednesday because of parent/teacher conferences at school, so I led the group this week. We have been studying the Lord's Prayer in recent weeks, and had come to the end of that unit, so I spent a major part of our time together on Wednesday reviewing what the Small Catechism says about the Lord's Prayer ("What does this mean?" Remember when you had to memorize it for your pastor?) I "exploded" the Lord's Prayer section of the catechism, and gave the kids the task of putting it back together. You can see a picture of the working on it here. Kaden was absent because he was sick -- otherwise, attendance has been 100%. This is a good group of kids. St. John's should be proud.

Searching the Blog

Some of you have expressed appreciation for the Interim Update blog. It is one way that I have found effective in reporting and reflecting on what happens each week, and to keep everyone as up-to-date as possible. If there's ever a time when you want to look back and find something that I had written about in a previous update, I'd suggest at two-step approach:

1. Use the search window in the upper left hand corner of the blog page. For example, type "stewardship" and then click the search button (magnifying glass icon). This will display all blog posts in which the word "stewardship" appears in a single web page.
2. Then use the search function of your browser (keyboard shortcut is Ctrl F) and again, type in the word "stewardship." This will highlight all the occurrences of the word on this page.

Messages from Bishop Daniel

You can read Bishop Daniel's weekly message here. Bp. Daniel also linked to a video on the Facebook NW Ohio Rostered Leaders page of Bishop Guy Erwin of the Southwest California Synod speaking about the tragic shootings in Thousand Oaks, California. You can view the video here The shootings happened just a short distance from ELCA associated California Lutheran University. A 2018 graduate of that school is among the dead: Justin Meek. You can read more about CLU's response here. Keep the families in your prayers. Why can't we do more than pray? Until we do something, the deaths will continue. Most tragic is the young man who escaped the carnage in Las Vegas last fall, only to lose his life in Thousand Oaks.

Interim Update for November 2, 2018

"Why I Give" Statements and Upcoming Stewardship program

I will be completing early next week the printed preparations for our stewardship program, "Make it Simple" which will be included with Commitment Cards that will be distributed next weekend, November 10 and 11. As a part of that printed information, I have asked you to write a few sentences on the theme "Why I Give." The plan is to print these and include them with the commitment cards. The purpose is to inspire others to answer the same question "Why I give." So far I have received one, and would prefer about ten. You can email yours to me at mark@bogen.org.

The plan for our Stewardship has been to have four bulletin inserts (October 28, November 4, 11, 18), distribute Commitment Cards on November 11, and receive them back on November 18, culminating with a simple lunch of "Stewardship Stew" (or soup) prior to our Annual Meeting which will follow.

Seeds Monthly

"We’ve all heard it, and perhaps even said it: “Go jump in the lake!” Yet few realize that originally, according to some etymologists, the phrase was really “Go jump in the lake of fire,” a euphemism for “Go to hell” that comes from the book of Revelation’s descriptions for the final judgment of Satan and his followers (19:20)." This quotation for the current issue of Seeds Monthly, a resource for ELCA leaders, refers to a recent article in Living Lutheran about how the ELCA understands heaven and hell. You can read the issue in its entirety here.

ELCA Global Links

The latest issue of ELCA Global Links, a newsletter from Churchwide that highlights a number of things that are happening with the Global ministry of the ELCA and its companion churches around the world. You can read all about it here.

Prepare Workshop

One of the challenges that I encountered in my first call in Western North Dakota in 1981 was how I would prepare couples for marriage. Lucky for me, I learned of a new program that had recently been developed that used a pre-marriage survey, a computer printout summary of the results, and a method to share the results with couples. The program was called Prepare-Enrich. LSS in Bismarck offered a training day, and so I signed up, completed the training, and began using it with my pre-marriage couples. After using Prepare several times, I became a trainer and started to share this tool with other pastors. Over the past 35 years I have hosted dozens of training workshops, and trained hundreds of pastors. I don't charge for the training, only the cost for their training materials, which also makes them certified users of Prepare.

On Tuesday of this week, I led a workshop from 9am to 3pm for six synod pastors and a certified pastoral counselor at Zion Lutheran here in Huron, who offered space at no cost.

2019 Budget ready for review

Shaun, working with Council and the various Ministry Teams of the the congregation, has completed the proposed budget for 2019, scheduled to be presented for approval at the November 18 Meeting of the Congregation. A copy of the budget has been prepared for each active family, and will be available at this weekend's worship services. Those not picked up this weekend will be sent out in the mail on Monday morning.

Confirmation Mentors almost ready to go

On Wednesday evening, we had an initial meeting of mentors that we have recruited to work with our confirmation youth on a one-to-one basis beginning this month, and continuing through the month of April. There will be a total of ten 1/2 hour mentoring sessions on Wednesday evenings, form 6:30 to 7:00, dovetailing with either confirmation class sessions or Advent or Lenten worship services. So far we have found four mentors for our six youth. One more male and one more female are still needed.

Installation for Pastors Schroeder

No, that's not a misspelling of the word "pastor."For about the last three years, both St. Paul Sandusky and Zion Huron have been in the call process for a new pastor. Recently, a clergy couple was called to St. Paul's and Huron: Pr. William Schroeder to St. Paul, and his spouse, Kristine Schroeder, to Zion in Huron. A service of installation was held Thursday evening, which was begun at Zion, during which Pr. Kris was installed. Then everyone traveled to St. Paul for the service of installation for Pr. William at. Refreshments were served in the St. Paul Fellowship Hall following the service. It was an inspirational evening celebrating ministry of Word and Sacrament in our Eastern Conference.

Ministry Matters Link

The latest issue of Ministry Matters sent by Terri includes reflections on the recent massacre at Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsurgh, including the questions and issues of anti-semitism, violence in our places of worship, and answering the question "Who is my neighbor?" You can retrieve the issur from Terri's email, and you can also view it here.

Visits

Visited Rich and Linda B. on Sunday prior to Rich's hip replacement on Wednesday. Followed up with Rich at Fremont hospital on Wednesday afternoon. He's doing well and should be home by now, but both could use our continued prayers for healing and recovery.

What is the Discipleship Initiative?

In his weekly email, Bishop Daniel quotes the letter written by our Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton in response to the Tree of Life Synagogue shootings. He also speaks of a new synod program, The Discipleship Initiative. This initiative will help members of our synod congregations to

1. Grow in their own discipleship;
2. Learn and practice the skills to make disciples who make disciples;
3. Transform their communities with the promise of the Gospel of Jesus Christ

The Discipleship Initiative Exploratory Team is hard at work on the planning for this initiative. Stay tuned. Hopefully this will be a valuable resource for St. John's. You can read Bp. Daniel's message in its entirety here.