Greetings all -- it's been a busy week -- lots to report, so here goes.
Decorate the Church for Christmas
I already sent out an email about this, but adding it here, too. A group is gathering Saturday morning, December 8, to decorate the church for Christmas. If you're available and willing to help out, see you there!
Synod eNews for December 6
You can get caught up on Synod news here.
Daniel's weekly email message
"Dear Friends in Christ, I am excited to share with you that 2019 will be the Year of Scripture in the Northwestern Ohio Synod. What follows is a quick outline of Coming Attractions." You can read Daniel's message here.
Meeting with Pr. Rob Johnson re: Healthy Congregations
Last week I contacted Pr. Rob Johnson from Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, and a member of our synod's Congregational Resource Team, to arrange a conversation about our plans to participate in up to three Healthy Congregations workshop during 2019. Pr. Rob offered to come to St. John's, so I accpeted his offer, and he came and some some time with us on Thursday afternoon. Shaun was in the office, so he joined the conversation. We shared info for Pr. Rob to give him some perspective on St. John's, and he offered some recommendations regarding the Healthy Congregations workshops. He suggested that we do the initial workshop, and then make further plans from there. We agreed that late January or early February could work for both of us. We'd be looking at a four-hour workshop, from say, 9-1 on a Saturday. Let's choose a Saturday at our next Council meeting.
Terri out sick
Terri has been under the weather this past week, and has been able to spend only limited time in the office. We're getting things done, but wow, it's tough when she's not there. Prayers coming for you to feel and get better soon!
Interview process for new Office Manager
The Executive Team has interviewed two candidates sent to us by WeStaff in Norwalk. A third candidate will be interviewed on Monday, and then Exec will make a decision, so that person can spend some time with Terri for training and orientation. One of the advantages of going through WeStaff is that all candidates are already background checked and otherwise vetted for suitability for the job.
Stewardship meeting
Stewardship Team met Thursday, and the main agenda was tallying Commitment Cards from the recently completed Stewardship Program, "Keep it Simple." So far, over $100,000 of annual financial commitment has been offered for supporting ministry at St. John's in 2019. Team members will offer an oral report during announcements at Saturday and Sunday services. The Team also has been working at organizing the time and talent sheets, and getting copies to Teams, giving them people to call for activities they have indicated an interest in or willingness to serve in.
Speaking of Stewardship, let's all "Stew-About-It!"
Rev. Kent Wilson is on the Synod Staff as Director of Leadership Development for Congregational Vitality. He has been providing guidance and resources in the area of Stewardship, including a new series of newsletters he calls "STEW-About-It." Here are the first three issues, which have some challenging and interesting things to do and say about Stewardship in our congregations:
Education meeting
Education Team met Thursday evening. There was lots to cover, including an update on the Christmas program by the Sunday School kids, which will be on December 16 during morning worship. Also discussed possible curriculum/program for next summer VBS. First Communion instruction will be planned for spring -- March or April
Advent services
The first of three mid-week Advent services was held Wednesday night in the chapel. Our theme is "Light in the Darkness." Next week the message will be: "In the Darkness of Suffering, There Is the Light of Life," a reflection on John 1:1-18. The order of worship is Holden Evening Prayer, and features Lisa Gittenger on the flute -- thanks, it's beautiful!
Confirmation Update
During Advent, Confirmation youth are attending the Advent services, and meeting afterwards for a shortened class period. On Wednesday, youth built 11 mini-Christmas trees, which will be distributed to shut-ins after worship on Sunday. Next week, the second meeting of youth with their mentors will be held beginning at 6:30 pm, and then all will attend Advent worship.
A New Picture Directory?
One the the lifelines for me as an interim is an "as up-to-date-as-possible" picture directory. It is indespensable in putting names and faces together. The last directory was created in 2012, and is now quite out of date. Lyndon Loewen, representing Universal Church Directories of Mansfield, stopped at the office to drop off some promotional material. I invited him to make a (very) brief presentation at the beginning of Council next week
Healthy Churches Faithful Pastors
Our Sunday/Thursday Adult Forum has been reviewing the book "Healthy Churches Faithful Pastors." Our most recent discussion has been on expectations regarding how the congregation supports the pastor, which includes the pasto's compensation package. I have spent some time talking about how a pastor's finances differs from others, and how a compensation package is arrived at. At this Sunday's session, we will put together a complete compensation package for a hypothetical pastoral candidate.
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