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.
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