St. John's Interim Updates: March 2019

Friday, March 29, 2019

Interim Update for March 29, 2019

Age Segregation

Found this article on age segregation in religious communities. Many congregations are developing inter-generational worship and education experiences that brings the oldest and youngest members together. You can read the article here. If any of this interests you, another place to check out is the Facebook group Birthing Cross-Gen Community.

Email from Pr. Scott

I received an email from Pr. Scott about a fundraising bike ride that is being sponsored by the LIFT congregations in Fremont to raise money for Sandusky County Habitat for Humanity. I'm not sure of the route, but the ride is going through Clyde and Bellevue. The day is Saturday, June 8. They would like to know if St. John's would be willing to serve as a rest room stop and water station. For more information, you read Pr. Scott's email [here] (https://www.evernote.com/shard/s21/sh/14f81ed5-0419-4e21-8fee-c8d048b2a2fe/afc534b81418acc3ea776eeb2da58fe3).

Pastoral Care - Prayer List Update

Visited Tonya H twice this week at UTMC. Planned surgery has been postponed until other issues improve.
Alohoea is getting settled at Willows, and is now more up to having visitors. Tom is still at Providence commons - visited him on Monday.
Received word that Stuart M had a stroke in Florida where He and Diane have been wintering. Have not made a connection with them to know more.
No further word from Dean and Arlene to report. Hoping that they will be back in Bellevue soon.
Tuesday was my day to do group communion at Orchard Grove and Bellevue Care Center. At OG, Vera B. and I sang nice harmony on Jesus Keep me Near the Cross.

ACC brings Proposal

ACC (Advanced Computer Connections) in Norwalk has presented a proposal to update our computers, network, and wireless connections. They have proposed a one time fee for updating computer software (Windows 10 and anti-virus) and a monthly fee for maintaining the system. Executive Committee will review the proposal, and we'll bring it to April Council meeting.

Council Meeting week later

Due to Holy Week, the April council meeting will be held a week later, on Thursday, April 25.

Lent Series Continues - Next week in Lounge

We held our third midweek supper and worship. Many thanks to Paul Lieber and Karen Wilson who were our cooks of the week. Our confirmation youth were back after their week of spring break. We were down a few in attendance this week, as this was an "off" night for confirmation youth, coinciding with spring break from school. Our theme this year is "Continuing in the Covenant of Baptism," and focuses on the promises we make in the Affirmation of Baptism service. I have listed the themes below, and for the dates already concluded, linked my message for that service. Time is 6:00 for supper and service at 6:30. Done by 7:00 pm. Plan to come! While we have been meeting in the Fellowship Hall, his week we will meet in the Lounge, because quilters will be occupying the Fellowship Hall. The fifth and final supper will be back in the Fellowship Hall. Our themes, and links to my message for each are posted below.

March 13 To live among God's faithful people
March 20 To hear the word of God and share in the Lord’s supper
March 27 To proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed
April 3 To serve all people, following the example of Jesus
April 10 To strive for justice and peace in all the earth

VBS Meeting

The VBS team met on Thursday evening -- Heather is again our primary leader. All those present were from SJLC -- reps from ICC were invited. We are hoping to have help from ICC, both financially and personal wise. VBS is earlier this year -- the dates are June 24-27.

Work Day (and rain day)

A spring work day has been scheduled for Saturday, April 27, beginning at 9 am. Both indoor and outdoor projects are being planned. Morning snack and noon lunch will be provided. Rain day will the the following Saturday, May 4.

Continuing education webinar

On Thursday afternoon I joined a webinar discussion of a new book on using Bowen Family Systems Theory in the congregation. The webinar was sponsored by Healthy Congregations, the organization that developed the workshops that we are participating in. Reminder, our next workshop is Saturday, April 13, 10:30 am to 2:30 pm.

April Newsletter

Kristen has completed and mailed the April newsletter. You can wait for it to come in the mail, or you can read it here.

Friday, March 22, 2019

Interim Update for March 22, 2019

Funeral for Robert Sour

On Monday I conducted a funeral for Robert Sour at the Foos and Foos Funeral Home. There is a connection to St. John's in that Robert's wife is Sharon (Hensinger) Carroll – Sour, Dean Hensinger's sister. Robert and Sharon were also married at St. John's in 1986. The family requested a luncheon, and our funeral lunch committee delivered. This is important ministry. Thanks to all who have stepped up and reached out. The obituary for Robert can be read here.

Clergy Housing Allowance upheld

I have reported in this update here that the Clergy Housing Allowance had been ruled unconstitutional by a U.S. District Judge in 2017, responding to a suit brought by the Freedom From Religion Foundation headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin. The same suit was brought in 2013, and was reversed on appeal. Thankfully, it has been reversed again, so that the tax benefit for clergy remains. For details, read my previous post, and this linked article. The bottom line is good news for both pastors and congregations, as congregations will be more able to afford to call and reasonably compensate their pastors

Meeting with Transition Team

I met for a second time with the Transition Team on Tuesday morning. We reviewed the scope and sequence of our work during the coming months, and began to make assignments for research necessary to complete some of the areas of the Ministry Site Profile, that document that will describe St. John's to prospective pastoral candidates. Our next meeting is scheduled for Sunday, April 5, following worship.

ACC Meeting rescheduled

Advanced Computer Connections (ACC) was scheduled to come to St. John's on Tuesday of this week to give a proposal to update our computer hardware, software, network and wireless internet capabilities. We have rescheduled that appointment for next Tuesday, March 26, at 11 am.

Midweek Lenten Worship: “Continuing in the Covenant of Baptism”

We held our second midweek supper and worship. Many thanks those who have provided our soup supper so far -- Ann and Roger Paul last week (vegetable beef) and Joyce and Dennis Bauer this week (corn chowder). We were down a few in attendance this week, as this was an "off" night for confirmation youth, coinciding with spring break from school. Our theme this year is "Continuing in the Covenant of Baptism," and focuses on the promises we make in the Affirmation of Baptism service. I have listed the themes below, and for the dates already concluded, linked my message for that service. Time is 6:00 for supper and service at 6:30, all in the Fellowship Hall. Done by 7:00 pm. Plan to come!

March 13 To live among God's faithful people
March 20 To hear the word of God and share in the Lord’s supper
March 27 To proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed
April 3 To serve all people, following the example of Jesus
April 10 To strive for justice and peace in all the earth

Synod Interim Pastors

On Thursday I attended our (usually) monthly meeting at the Synod office in Findlay. There were eight in attendance, and our group has been as many as twelve. it is good to hear what's happening in other interim congregations -- we gather for mutual support and inspiration.

New Bible Study to begin Sunday

In our Sunday Adult Bible Study (repeated on Thursday morning at 10 am), we have completed a video course, "The Bible for Busy People." This included a thorough overview of the biblical timeline, culminating in the birth, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus the Messiah, and his continued presence with us in the Church through word and sacrament. Beginning this Sunday, we will begin a new course, "The Sermon on the Mount: A Call to Discipleship." This is the third course written by Bishop Daniel Beaudoin, to help us better live out this years theme of "Scripture." To get a preview of the course, including an opportunity to download the Bible Study materials, you can go here.

Visit and phone calls

Visited Alohoea at Bellevue Hospital this week -- she is getting better, and the plan is for both her and Tom to transfer to Willows Assisted Living. He can get get needed therapy there. It is not known if this will be a temporary or a permanent setting. Keep them in your prayers. I also spoke on the phone with Dean Hensinger on Monday. He and Arlene are aiming as best they can to back back home to Ohio. Keep them also in your prayers. Additional updates for your prayer list: Sharon Kohler is now home, and doing outpatient therapy for her new knee. Ruth D. was in the hospital, but is now home and doing better. Marcus Doss was at Bellevue hospital, but has been discharged.

Friday, March 15, 2019

Interim Update for March 15, 2019

Midweek Lenten Worship: “Continuing in the Covenant of Baptism”

Our first midweek supper and worship went, I thought, well. Those in attendance appreciated the opportunity to enjoy a light supper, and then not feel rushed to go downstairs for a worship. I counted 31 in attendance, which was more than we had for midweek Advent in the chapel. We heard and reflected about the first promise in the Affirmation of Baptism service, "to live among God's faithful people." The remaining weeks of our series will address the other four. Time is 6:00 for supper and service at 6:30, all in the Fellowship Hall. Done by 7:00 pm.
Here is our schedule and a list of our remaining themes:

March 20 Focus: To hear the word of God and share in the Lord’s supper
March 27 Focus: To proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed
April 3 Focus: To serve all people, following the example of Jesus
April 10 Focus: To strive for justice and peace in all the earth

Next Healthy Congregations workshop tomorrow (Saturday)

Don't forget that our next Healthy Congregations workshop is tomorrow, March 16, from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm. Pastor Rob will be focusing on Vision and Mission, and helping us identify what this is and looks like at St. John's. Our Transition Team and Endowment Mission Task Force have also been invited to attend. I have notified Rob of the extra people coming, and he will bring extra materials. Mike B. is taking care of refreshments, so thanks, Mike!

Executive Committee Meeting

Executive Committee met Thursday afternoon, most for us to get up to date on what's happening. Here's a summary list:

Transition Team will meet next Tuesday morning at 10:00 am. We will continue our orientation to the work the Team needs to do, and how to get it done.
The Endowment Mission Fund Task Force will meet Saturday, March 23, 9 am for their first meeting
Mike has been in touch with Hartland Mechanical to get estimates on repairing the water leak in the furnace room. Hartland will also prepare a program of maintenance for the heating system, and will begin an assessment of how to add air conditioning to the sanctuary.
Spring Cleanup Day will be a Saturday in April, TBD. Stay tuned.
The parking lot will need to be resealed and restriped, in order to preserve the investment in our new surface. Cost will be $5-6K.
Mike and Pat will meet with employees (office manager, janitor) to discuss any pertinent issues regarding their employment at St. John's.
Office staff will meet with Advanced Computer Connections from Norwalk to them to present their plans to get the technology in the office and church building up to date. This will include upgrades to computers, repair of network connections, and a consistent and strong wireless internet signal throughout the building.

Visits this week

Sharon K. is now at Bellevue Care Center, and will be for a few more days, recovering from a total knee replacement surgery. She appreciates the cards, messages and visits. On Monday I filled in for Pr. Katie to do the monthly communion service at the Willows. Several of St. John's members were present -- others I visited in their rooms. On Thursday I visited Clara R., one of our 90 somethings (Clara is 95), and Deb C., Vanessa K's mom, who lives with Vanessa and her family.

Two receive First Communion Instruction

I have a fifth and a sixth grader who I met with on Sunday after worship for Holy Communion instruction. Their parents have requested it, and came at about the same time, so it worked well to instruct two together at the same time. Hopefully, both families will be on board to involve the kids in the Confirmation program. One of the youth still needs to be baptized, so will be meeting again with that family to prepare him for that.

Bishop Daniel's weekly message

You can read it here.

Friday, March 8, 2019

Interim Update for March 8, 2019

Transition Team Convenes

The Transition Team held its first meeting last Sunday after worship. Members brought lunch, which helped us get through an approximately two-hour time frame. We began with members sharing a bit about themselves and their hopes and dreams for St. John's. We then moved to a thorough review of a blank Ministry Site Profile, giving the team a better idea of what's asked for in the Profile, so that the work of the team during the coming weeks and months will facilitate its completion.

I invited the Team to join Council for the next Healthy Congregations workshop on Saturday, March 16. Our next meeting after that will be Sunday, April 7, 11:30 am.

Council Workshop a week from Saturday

As mentioned above, our next Healthy Congregations Workshop will be a week from Saturday, March 16, beginning at 9:00 am, concluding by 1:00 pm. Everyone who received the Update is welcome and encouraged to attend. We have also invited the Transition Team and the Endowment Trust Task Force to also attend, as the focus will be on congregational vision and mission.

NWOS Synod eNews for March 5

The lastest issue of NWOS eNews arrived recently. Listed below are items that you can learn more about.

Faith and Art Immersion
On Food and Faith: Ministry in the Time of Climate Change
March Message - Presiding Bishop Eaton
LMM Annual Meeting
Homes of Hope
Monthly Council Devotions
Job Postings

You can read the the full issue here.

Ash Wednesday

I was impressed with what seemed to be an excellent turnout for Ash Wednesday. To be reminded of my mortality is not something that I can say I "enjoy," however, this service is one of the more meaningful ones of the Church Year. I hope that many will continue their Lenten pilgramage by attennding our midweek series of gatherings. More info below, restated from last week.

Midweek Lenten Worship: “Continuing in the Covenant of Baptism”

We will observe Lent this year with a series of five light suppers in the fellowship hall beginning at 6:00 pm. A brief worship around the tables will follow from 6:30 – 7:00. We will continue a discussion of the confirmation promises that Confirmation youth explored in their recent retreat. Here is our schedule and a list of our themes:

March 13 Focus: To live among God’s faithful people
March 20 Focus: To hear the word of God and share in the Lord’s supper
March 27 Focus: To proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed
April 3 Focus: To serve all people, following the example of Jesus
April 10 Focus: To strive for justice and peace in all the earth

Visits and Updates on people

Visited Sandra W. on Wednesday -- coordinated this with her daughter, who stays with her during the day. Mobility is still a problem for her, which makes any venture outside the house a challenge. Also visited Tom W. at the Providence Crossings in Sandusky. He's staying their while Alohoea gets her strength back staying with her daughter in Huron. I'm hoping to connect with her also, as she is my back yard here. We received a note from Dean and Arlene H.. Arlene wrote this: "Dean finally out of hospital after 3 times, doing better. Will be back in Ohio shortly. Kids want us home." We do, too. Charley Baum home from the hospital and doing better. People to keep in our prayers.

Stewardship Team Meeting

I met with the Linda, Emma K. and Aleta on Thursday. They have been evaluating stewardship materials and programs. We took a look at the stewardship resource page at elca.org/stewardship. Found a booklet resource called "How Much Is Enough?" The resource was written by several different ELCA stewardship leaders, each addressing one of six competencies that are necessary for a well-formed stewardship leader. Those six competencies are as follows:

Trusts God’s abundance
Grounds oneself in biblical and theological principles
Holds a holistic perspective
Perceives connectednes
Engages and critiques culture
Embraces financial health as an expression of faith.

The Team began reviewing these materials, and I also began reading. It looks like an excellent resource, and if you want to take a look, you can find it here.

Education Team Meeting

Education Team also met on Thursday evening, with two "next year 7th grader" families present to continue discussion of possible structure for next year's confirmation program. We had considered and started a conversation with Zion Sandusky to do something jointly with them, but now we are leaning toward keeping our own program at St. John's, and possibly try to plan recreational activities with another congregation or congregations. We also discussed the possibility of adding the 6th graders to the program, as this would match the school structure, with grades 6-8 in middle school. We need to do more conversation with parents and among the committee, but we hope to have some decisions made by mid-May, so we'll know how to proceed into the fall program.

Daylight Savings Time

Don't forget to lose an hour of sleep this Saturday night as we Spring Ahead into Daylight Savings Time.

Two to take First Communion Instruction

I have a fifth and a sixth grader who I will be meeting with on Sunday after worship for Holy Communion instruction. Their parents have requested it, and came at about the same time, so it will work well to instruct two together. Hopefully, both families will be on board to involve the kids in the Confirmation program.

Friday, March 1, 2019

Interim Update for March 1, 2019

Transition Team convened

At the Annual Meeting Sunday, Mike announced the St. John's members who will serve on the Transition Team. Those members are Dale Wilson, Mike Todd, Paul Lieber, Tonya Hayward and Sue Folk. A sixth member had been approved by council, a high school student, but that person has withdrawn. The primary task of the Transition Team will be to complete the Ministry Site Profile, the document that will explain St. John's to prospective pastoral candidates. To do this, they will be seeking in put from the congregation in the form of small group meetings and surveys. The Team will meet about two times per month over the next several months, with the first meeting this Sunday at 11:30 am. Tonya has volunteer to bring a snack, so we will have the energy we need for the meeting.

Legal Checklist Webinar Video Link

Last Thursday Shaun and I both viewed the webinar 2019 Legal Checklist for Congregations offered by the ELCA Churchwide office. We gave a brief report at last week's Council meeting, but the full video (mostly audio with illustrative material on screen) can be viewed here. It's about an hour and 15 minutes long. It's password protected, so, when prompted, enter the following password: 2019checklist! (don't forget the final exclamation mark!). Pages and resources referenced in the webinar are linked below, and you can find additional resources on the ELCA website here.

Confirmation youth bake Communion bread

Confirmation youth began a unit on Holy Communion, and a class activity this week was baking Communion bread. We will plan to use this bread for Holy Communion on Ash Wednesday, and we made sufficient loaves that they can also be used Sunday mornings. So be ready for a slight change in the bread you will receive for Communion beginning Ash Wednesday. "What is Holy Communion? Holy Communion is the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Chrsit given with bread and wine instituted by Christ himself for us to eat and drink." (from Luther's Small Catechism)

Hospital visit

Prayers have been requested for Charley Baum, who has been hospitalized at Firelands. He underwent a procedure on Thursday morning, and is feeling much better. I stopped in to see him on Thursday afternoon. He's hoping to be home somtime this weekend.

Church Attendance is Dying

Church attendance isn't what it used to be. This is true or St. John's, and for many other congregations as well. Church leadership specialist Carey Nieuwhof offers some insights as to why this is happening, and "what's next." You can read that article here. Linked in this article is another article Nieuwhof entitled "7 ways to grow church attendance by increasing engagement." To go directly to that page, click here.

Methodist General Conference

Some of you may have heard in the news that the United Methodist Church made a decision in its Annual Conference to retain traditional rules barring gay partnered clergy and same-gender weddings in Methodist churches. The vote was a rejection of the United Methodists Bishops' plea to allow local congregations to make their own decisions. Dr. William Willimon, a highly respected United Methodist professor, preaching guru (has published preaching resources used by thousands of clergy from many denominations for decades), and former Dean of Duke Divinity School and former UMC Bishop, weighed in on the decision in the Christian Century. You can read it here. You can also read our own Bishop Elizabeth Eaton's response to the UMC decision here.

Fundraiser for Kennedy Black

Terri Black made a request to hold a fundraiser for her daughter, Kennedy, to do a fundraiser at St. John's to help her raise money for a mission trip in May through Otterbein College where she is a student. She will be traveling to Kenya, to do community health education. The fundraiser will primarily be gift baskets that members can bid on, and will be placed in the narthex and lobby sometime this month. I gave the go ahead on this to Terri on this. Info was placed in the March newsletter, and will appear for several weeks in the bulletin.

Don't forget the Sunday School Canned/Boxed food drive

The Sunday School is sponsoring a canned/boxed food drive, creating a food "tree" in the narthex. This is in conjunction with recent presentations by the Sunday School kids regarding the "Three Trees" story. The first tree (used to make the manger) was the theme of the Christmas program. This past Sunday, the Sunday School kids told the story of the second tree, which was used to build a fishing boat on the Sea of Galilee. Stay tuned to learn how the third tree was used. The Sunday School kids will tell that story on Palm Sunday.

Flame pastors meeting

On Tuesday afternoon, I attended the meeting of the Flame pastors. I was able to have a brief conversation with Pastor Eric Bodenstab from Zion, Sandusky, about the possibility of sharing a confirmation program with that congregation. The Education team has begun conversations with next year's Confirmation parents and youth, so this is a work in progress.

Bishop Daniels's latest email message

You can read it here.

March Newsletter in the Mail

Kristen mailed the March newsletter on Thursday. It should be in your mailboxes soon.

Get your ash in church on Wednesday

Just a reminder that Lent is upon on. Ash Wednesday is this coming week, March 6. There will be one service at 7:00 pm. Imposition of ashes and Holy Communion. Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return. Hope to see you all there.

Midweek Lenten Worship: “Continuing in the Covenant of Baptism”

March 13 Focus: To live among God’s faithful people
March 20 Focus: To hear the word of God and share in the Lord’s supper
March 27 Focus: To proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed
April 3 Focus: To serve all people, following the example of Jesus
April 10 Focus: To strive for justice and peace in all the earth