A Lifetime of Faithfulness
On Tuesday of this week I learned that Ruth Paul had been placed under hospice care. I visited her that afternoon -- Roger and Ann had just returned from time with family in Atlanta. Jan L., who had Ruth as a member of the choir for many years, and had continued to visit her regularly at the Willows, was also present. We did a service of Commendation, releasing her to God's care. Ruth died that evening, just a few weeks short of what would have been her 101st birthday. Funeral service will be next Tuesday, February 26, 11 am at St. John's, with visitation from 10 until time of service. Committal service will follow at Bellevue Cemetery, and then luncheon in Fellowship Hall. We thank God for a lifetime of faithfulness by Ruth. She is truly a legacy member of St. John's, having been baptized, confirmed, and married at St. John's. You can read the obituary here.
Preschool Temple Talks
Last fall I arranged with Preschool Director Linda to do the monthly Temple Talk for the preschool kids on an every-other-month basis. This week it was my turn again, so on Wednesday morning and afternoon, and Thursday morning I had fun with the kids. We sang a song about Noah's Ark and I read the story of the flood from the SPARK Children's Bible. I'll get to do it again in April.
ELCA Legal Checklist Webinar
Resources people at ELCA Churchwide broadcast a webinar on Thursday, February 21, at 1 pm. Shaun S. viewed the webinar from the church office, and I viewed it with other synod interim pastors as the first hour of our monthly meeting at the synod office. This webinar provided lots of helpful legal information which is important and even crucial for congregational leaders to be aware of and act on. A checklist was provided which provided the agenda and formed the content of the webinar. You can view a copy of the checklist here, and I would also refer you to the ELCA website Legal page, which, although does not provide legal advice, nevertheless provides valuable and helpful information regarding Employees and Volunteers, Financial issues, Property, Sexual Misconduct and Taxes.
Site Evaluation by Advanced Computer Connections (ACC)
On Tuesday, Drake from ACC in Norwalk came to evaluate our computer, network and wireless internet connection situation, identify our pain, and propose some possible solutions. The pains include computers that need OS upgrades (from Windows 7 and 8.1 to Windows 10), a more powerful wireless system to reach all areas of the building, and more functional networking. Part of our problem is not knowing administrative usernames and passwords, especially for our shared drive. Drake will send us an estimate of what needs done and how much it will cost.
Synod eNews
The latest issue of Northwestern Ohio Synod eNews is now available. This issue includes devotions written by synod pastors for monthly council meetings. It comes a bit late, as it is for January through December, and we could have used the one for February written by Pastor Christ Young. Anyway, there's a lot more, and you can read all about it here.
Photos from Winter Park
I had a very good continuing education experience in Winter Park from February 10 through 15. Drs. Barbara Rossing and Michael Chan, who have both taught at our ELCA seminaries, provided insights on the book of Revelation in morning and evening sessions. Worship planned and led by group participants was both inspiring and on the mark. The skiing was unparalleled during a week that dropped about a foot of fresh snow on the mountain, and A ski area that provides over a hundred and sixty runs with 3000 feet of vertical elevation. I have posted some photos here, which are from both 2018 and 2019 events.
ELCA Worship News for February
The latest issue of ELCA Worship News is available here.
Latest issues of STEW-About-It
Pastor Kent Wilson, our Synod Director of Leadership Development for Congregational Vitality, keeps the Stewardship resources coming our way. The latest issues of the STEW-About-It newsletters have been published. They are linked below.
ELCA Seeds Monthly
Seeds Monthy is a collection of resources and ideas for congregations to use in their outreach ministries. The latest issue can be found here.
God's Work Our Hands is September 8
God's Work Our Hands is an ELCA-wide event that encourages congregations to plan and execute a day of service. Is this something that we could get together and do this year? You can find out more in the invitation letter linked here.
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