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.
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