Clean-up day kudos
I thought we had a very excellent Clean-Up day last Saturday -- thanks to everyone, young and old and in-between. The dumpster that was rented got filled, and we earned about $14 in scrap metal from the furnace room and other places that got hauled to the scrap metal buyer. And the lunch was very tasty. Possibly an annual event? If so, this was an excellent start.
Death of Alohoea
On Thursday morning we received word of the sudden death of Alohoea Lowrey. She had returned home to their house after a time in the hospital and The Willows. Tom had returned home also this past Sunday, so they were just getting into the rhythm of being both home again together. When I got to the house at about 12:30, a Bellevue Police Officer was with Tom, and eventually Hannah and her time arrived to remove the body. I was able to provide pastoral care to Tom with a brief commendation service. Eventually Tom and Alohoea's daughter Missy and her partner from Huron arrived. A second daughter will be coming from, Texas, I believe. Missy took Tom with her to her house in Huron. I'll be going there later this afternoon to make funeral plans after Hannah completes other arrangements with the family. Rest eternal grant her, O Lord. Plans have not been finalized, but a tentative date is visitation on Monday with funeral at the church on Tuesday.
Hospital calls
We've had several people in the hospital this past week, all in Bellevue. Sandy W. was in for a few days, but has been discharged to Admiral's Pointe in Huron for rehab. Received word from Sandy Baum that her friend and St. John's member Pat R. was admitted to the hospital. She will be discharged to Bellevue Care Center for rehab and hopefully return to her home at Rotary Commons. On Thursday got word that Marcus D. was in, so went to visit him -- spending time in ICU, most likely because he does have some specialty care needs. All folks to keep in our prayers.
Confirmation Day Ready to Go
On Wednesday evening we had our last Confirmation session of the academic year, and last ever for our 8th graders: Rose, Dakota, Linsdey, Emma and Judd. We spent part of our session doing a rehearsal for the Rite of Confirmation (we also call it Affirmation of Baptism), so hopefully all will go smoothly. Special thanks and kudos to Cindy for her two years of teaching this group mostly every Wednesday night during the school year. Her dedication to these kids is admirable. Also thanks to our mentors met with our kids about ten times in mentoring sessions. This has been done in the past, but we revived it this year, I think, to much success. Both mentors and youth spoke highly of the experience. Mentors will participate, along with parents, in the blessing of the youth. A cake and punch reception will be held in the narthex and chapel after the service. Thanks also to the Education Team for all their work to make this day a reality for the youth and the congregation. Want to know more about our youth who are affirming their faith? You can read bios in the May newsletter, linked below, on pages 11-12.
May Newsletter ready
Kristen has mailed the May newsletter, so it should be arriving in your mailbox soon. If you'd prefer not to wait, you can view it online here.
Evening of Historical Reflection
This is the first of several congregational events that will seek input from members about the ministry at St. John's. This first event will focus on the history of St. John's, and how that history has affected how the congregation sees itself and plans for the future. I have dedicated the pastor's message in the May newsletter to describing this event, why we are doing it, and the importance of your presentation. The message is on pages 3-4, and information about he event can be found on page 17. Icre cream sundaes will be served midway through the event, which is scheduled for Wednesday, May 15, 7-9 pm. Put this date on your calendar!
ACC Norwalk first visit
On Friday, Shaun made some calls to local congregations regarding their computer and network service fees, but not discover any contraindications by Council's decision to accept the proposal of Advanced Computer Connections in Norwalk to upgrade our computer and wireless networks, and to provide ongoing service. A service rep from ACC visited the office on Thursday to do some prep work. The work of installing new software and equipment should begin some time next week.
Eastern Conference Pastors
On Tuesday I attended the Eastern Conference Pastors meeting at Grace in Fremont. This group meets about every three months. This meetings program was presented by Kate Philebaum, our 2019 Synod Theologian in Residence. You can read more about this program here. Kate is available to meet with synod congregations to speak about how art can enhance our ministry.
Committee Meetings
First Thursday in May means Committee Meetings. Worship met at 11am, and we did a review of Lent, Holy Week and Easter. The committee agreed that our observance this year went well, and our offering of services met the needs of the congregation and the season. We also discussed summer worship. Worship wants the pastor to decide from week to week on where to hold worship based on the weather. Perhaps we should have more conversation about this at the next Council meeting so that we're all on the same page. Stewardship met, and continued their plans for our annual Stewardship emphasis. The committee added Advent offering envelopes to the 2020 envelope order. Education Committee details listed below.
Education Committee
Our Education Team completed plans for Confirmation, with detail regarding participation in the Rite of Confirmation, presenting of gifts to confirmands, and the reception afterwards. I indicated that I would lead a meeting next Wednesday evening, 6:30 pm, for parents of this years 5th, 6th and 7th graders, to discuss the Confirmation program for the 2019-2020 academic year. We are considering adding 6th graders to the program, and our meeting next Wednesday will guage those families willingness to participate. Team members who are available will also attend this meeting. We discussed the camp we have been planning to attend at Camp Luther , June 4-7. We have two 8th grade girls for sure that want to attend, but we will need an adult female to attend with them, so this camp right now is a bit up in the air. We should learn from our meeting with parents Wednesday night if some of the younger youth are interested.
Another opportunity that will be available for synod middle and high school youth is an event called Fall into Lakeside. It's a full weekend event, October 4-6 at, as the event name implies, at Lakeside. The event and its cost include program, meals and camp style housing, and the early-bird cost is $95, if completed by May 31. After that, the price goes up to $155. Education Team decided to offer interested youth a subsidy of half the cost of registration from their existing designated funds. We would also likely do one or more fundraisers to help cover the cost. Event info and registration can be found here.
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