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.
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