Interim Update for June 28, 2019

Funeral for Mike Todd, Jr.

I attended the funeral today for Mike Todd, Jr. at Evans Funeral Home in Norwalk. Mike Jr., age 53, died following a brief illness. He is the older of Mike Sr.'s two boys. Most recently, Mike was employed by the Norwalk Salvation Army's Red Kettle program. The SA Major conducted the service and provided a comforting and inspiring message. Keep Mike and Janice, and all of Mike, Jr.'s family in your prayers.

June/July Council Meeting rescheduled

The June Council meeting has been rescheduled for Thursday, July 11, 7:00 pm. There are several ilmportant issues to be discussed, including a recommended compensation package for the new pastor that will be included on the Ministry Site Profile, and to begin the process of choosing the Call Committee

2019 VBS in the Books

We had a good week of VBS -- our theme was Galactic Blast. Openings featuring Aaron Amonetti, and his gorilla sidekick Galileo, and songs and dance actions led by Rose and Dakota, were followed by rotations in music, science snacks, story time and games. I helped out with the pre-K-K group by leading songs. Thanks to everyone who participated, helped and provided leadership, with special thanks to our key leader Heather.

Update from Dr. Salam

I had a follow-up appointment at Dr. Salam's office on Monday, following my June 17 colonoscopy. After that procedure, I was assured that everything was fine, and I would need to return in three years. I learned on Monday that the pathology was benign, so repeat procedure can wait five years. Yayy!!

Orchard Grove and FLAME pastors

On Tuesday afternoon I conducted group Holy Communion at Orchard Grove. Our St. John's regulars were in attendance -- Vera and Florence. Afterwards, I went to Sandusky to join the meeting of FLAME pastors. Pr. Katie Suggit (Grace Castalia) announced that she has resigned from being the Call Process Facilitator (CPF) for the Eastern Conference. This person meets with CPF's from the other conferences periodically, along with synod staff, to review Rostered Leader Profiles (pastors and deacons) and Ministry Site Profiles (mostly congregations), and interview candidates. This committee then makes recommendations to assign candidates to ministry sites.

This position as a Call Process Facilitator can be either lay or rostered, and a replacement for Katie is needed. Because of the current male/female makeup of the committee, a male would be the preferred choice to replace Katie. Is anyone reading this interested?

Spirit and Truth Publishing Blog

Every once in a while I come across something that I want to save and come back too. I recently discovered Spirit and Truth Publishing, which appears to have some possibility for curriculum for our Christian Education/Faith development ministries. A blog with helpful articles is also a part of their website. You can view the blog here.

Being There Church

I don't remember where I read this, but I saved it because it reminded me of what we're doing in July with our Senior Summer Social on July 17.

We are a small Church with empty pews. Bible studies and coffee hours are fixtures, but we decided to go in another direction. If people won't come to Church we decided to take the best of what we have to offer to them. A sense of belonging to the community, and being loving and caring to all is our goal. We asked our neighbors what the community needed. We determined through those interviews that what they needed and wanted was a safe space to meet others and develop friendships. We raised money and worked on becoming the go to destination in the neighborhood . We held parties, invited everyone, worked on developing friendships, and opened our doors. We also got a grant to turn our property into a community green space that will feature walking paths, a wild flower garden, a child's play area with picnic tables, and a grill. We also added a labyrinth for meditation that will be landscaped and beautiful. We are a Church with 30 members on a good Sunday. We often host activities with 60 to 200 people. Our guests are now our volunteers and partners. We have are beginning to see some overlap with a few joining on Sunday's , but that was never our intent. We provide Bibles, and have had questions about a potential Bible study. We are doing this by showing what being a living Christian means. We are letting the Spirit lead, and enjoying the journey.

Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) Letter

Here is how LIRS describes themselves:

For over 80 years Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service has led a ministry of welcome to America’s most vulnerable newcomers. We live out our mission of welcome in the bold hope that our vision will become reality and the values we hold most dear will be embraced by all.

LIRS, working through Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota, were instrumental is placing two refugees from Poland with me as their sponsor in 1984, during the time I was serving my first call in Stanton, ND. LIRS has recently released a letter to congress addressing the humanitarian crisis at the US southern border. You can read the letter here.

Why Watching the Dog Doesn't Work

This is the title of a blog post by Peggy Hahn, Executive Director of LEAD (Living Every Day As Disciples). LEAD is a non-profit organization that provides leadership resources for congregations. It began as a ministry of the Texas Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod of the ELCA, and developed into a full-fledged 501c3. You can read the blog post here, and check out the LEAD website here.

Congregational Vitality Survey Results

I closed the Congregational Vitality Survey on Monday after entering all the hard-copy surveys that were returned to the church office. Along with those who completed the survey on line, there were 39 respondents. You can view a four-page color bar-graph report of the survey here. I will also be posting a color hard copy on the narthex white board.

Small Group Meetings in July

The quest for input from congregational members continues in July with four Small Group Meetings. Here is the info that will also appear in the July Newsletter:

During July, the Transition Team will host four Small Group Meetings. The purpose of these meetings is for members to share their thoughts and feelings about St. John’s, and your hopes for future ministry at St. John’s.

Why this is important: As St. John’s looks ahead to calling a new pastor, it will be helpful to create a composite evaluation of ministry together, and for us to begin to establish priorities for the future. Discussion in small groups (12 or less) is likely to be more open than discussion in larger groups.

The team has structured our small group meetings for members to provide their perspectives and input. Four meetings have been scheduled. You are encouraged to choose the meeting time that best fits your schedule and plan to attend that meeting. There is no need to pre-register -- just come to the meeting at one of the days and times listed below:

• Wednesday, July 17, 7:00 pm
• Sunday, July 21, 11:30 am
• Wednesday, July 27, 7:00 pm
• Sunday, July 28, 11:30 am

A light lunch will be served at the Sunday meetings, and root beer floats will be served at the Wednesday evening meetings.

Remember, your input is crucial in helping the Transition Team create an accurate and comprehensive description of the ministry of St. John’s in the Ministry Site Profile and will help in the selection of your next pastor.

Interim Update for June 21, 2019

Colonoscopy Adventures

I had a follow up colonoscopy on Monday, mainly to be sure that nothing new has developed since two polyps were removed in November. A-OK said Dr. Salaam. Come back in three years. Whew, it's not the worst thing in the world to endure, but there's nothing enjoyable about it either, other than relaxing and napping in the recliner once it's over. PSA -- if you've been putting yours off, now is the time to make your appointment!

Death of and funeral for Rebecca Case

We extend our sympathy to the family of Rebecca Case, who died June 17. She was baptized and confirmed at St. John's and is the sister of Valerie Graziano, and niece of Renee Strayer-Hart. Visitation at 1:00 pm on Saturday, June 22, at Foos and Foos Bellevue Chapel, with service following at 2:00 pm. You can read the obituary here.

VBS Starts Sunday!!

Plans for VBS are now in full-speed mode, and will be ready to "blast off" on Sunday, June 23, at 6:30 pm. Our theme is "Galactic Blast," and sessions will run every evening from 6:30 - 8:30 from Sunday through Thursday. Here is a flyer you can share with friends.

Visits and calls

This week brought Communion to Diane and Ernie, Clara R., and Cleora B. Also group communion to Bellevue Care Center.

Synod Interim Pastors meeting

Synod Interim Pastors met Thursday at synod office. It worked well to stop and visit Cleora B. in Tiffin on the way home. Sections of 18 between Republic and Bellevue were water covered, as was Kilborne, and Harris by the tracks, as well as other areas inside Bellevue. Cleveland Channel 5 had video report of the flooding.

Council Meeting postponed

Because of the flooded streets and several council members out of town, Council meeting was postponed to a later date. Stay tuned for more information.

Jan arrived safely

Jan L. left last Sunday for South Africa to visit her daughter and her family for a few weeks. We know she has arrived safely, as she posted a photo on Facebook of a couple of local zebras. Enjoy the stay, Jan!

Senior Summer Social plans continue

Plans for our Senor Summer Social, scheduled for Wednesday, July 17, from noon to 2pm. We are still working out the logistical details for this event, which hopes to bring a number of seniors from the congregation and community for a time of good food, fellowship, and entertainment. A personalized letter of invitation will be sent out next week.

Bright Spot

I'm still on the email list for the Southeastern Minnesota Synod, location of my 2015 interim. Their monthly newsletter includes a feature called "Bright Spot," a description of a ministry or event carried out by a congregation in the synod. The June "Bright Spot" comes from Messiah Lutheran Church in North Mankato. This was one of the congregations I preached at during Lent for a "round-robin" series of mid-week services. The report follows:

Messiah Lutheran Church of North Mankato recently completed a multi-month emphasis on “Helping the Homeless.” A variety of speakers from various community agencies shared stories during worship services, and service projects were many and various. Congregational members collected 17 full grocery bags of personal items for The Reach (serving homeless youth) and dozens of warm weather items went to Holy Grounds (drop-in center operated by Centenary United Methodist Church). The “Messiah’s Minions” team and a church bake sale’s proceeds raised closed to $3000 for Partners for Affordable Housing’s Pedal Past Poverty event, and youth made 65 personal care kits for the homeless shelters in the community. Blessing bags shared during Lent raised almost $1000 for global homeless relief, and congregational members also donated time serving at the Connections Homeless Shelter as well as meals at the Salvation Army’s Food for Friends program. Church members are helping to make a difference!

Why people choose your church

Breeze, our church management software, sends out occasional articles which offer tips and pointers for your congregation. You can read the latest offering, "Why people choose your church," here.

Seeds Monthly for June

Seeds is a monthly resource from the ELCA Churchwide office with ministry ideas and advice for congregations. You can read the the June issue here.

Other links for you to check out

• Bishop Daniel's this week email
• 2020 Northwest Ohio Synod Assembly
• Prayer request from Bishop Daniel
• A message from Sherry Krieger (synod staff)

July Newsletter items due soon

Kristen is already working on the July newsletter, and will need your offerings soon.

Vitality Survey

I've reported on this for a few weeks, but here's your final reminder. You can find it here. If you've completed it, thanks, and if not, just do so (only 15 items and some demographic info) and click the submit button no later than midnight on Saturday, June 22. I will provide paper surveys for one more Sunday (June 23) and then we will enter those responses into the web site manually and we'll close the survey and wait for the results. I opened it on May 26, and it stays open for 30 days, so it needs wrapped up soon.

Interim Update for June 14, 2019

Happy Flag Day!

Yes, every June 14 is Flag Day. And yes, your mail did arrive today, because it's not a federal holiday, and neither is it an ecclesiastical one. My children enjoyed celebrating this holiday by displaying the Stars and STripes from a pole attached to our front porch pole. Alas, our condominium association disallows any flags flying from our homes. If you want to learn more about this holiday, you can do so here.

Thanks for help with LIFT Bike Ride!

Last Saturday (June 8) was the LIFT bike ride that I had been telling you about, a fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity. Pastor Scott stopped at St. John's on Friday afternoon to drop off the supplies for the ride -- he was lucky in that Cathy Owens just happened to be there and received the supplies, including registration forms, snacks, bottled water, and a t-shirt for the one pre-registered rider who began the ride from St. John's. I arrived at about 6:40 am, and our lone rider was already waiting, so got him registered. Cathy relieved me at 8 am, followed by Lenny at 9, and Erica from 10-12. They said there were a few riders through the morning that stopped for rest and refreshment. Thanks to Cathy, Lenny and Erica for helping with this event! We hope is raised some good money for Habitat.

Visits and updates

Visited Marcus Doss at Twilight Gardens in Norwalk on Tuesday, although I've heard he's been returned to the hospital in Toledo. Visited and brought communion to our members at The Willows on Wednesday, and on Thursday went to visit Deb C, Vanessa K.'s mom. Deb has been in and out of the hospital in recent months and weeks, and Vanessa is her primary care-giver in their home.

Choir on hiatus

St. John's Choir performed for the last time of the 2018-2019 season, and thanks for your hard work and dedication to enriching our worship with the gift of music and song. Special thanks to our director Jan, and we wish her safe travel to South Africa to spend time with family. She departs Sunday, and will return on July 7. And we look forward to the choir's return in September.

VBS begins a week from Sunday

Our VBS planning team is busy getting things ready for our week of VBS, beginning Sunday evening, June 23, 6:30 pm. Our theme is "Galactic Blast - A Cosmic Adventure Praising God," and you can learn more from our Facebook page, which you can see here. If you are on Facebook, go to this page, scroll down and hit the "Share" button. This will help get the word out. A link to online registration can also be found on the Facebook page, which you can also find here.

Birthday Bags filled

Contributions of cake mix and frosting were requested recently, and these have been put together in birthday party bags, which will be delivered to Fishes and Loaves. The bags have been a popular item, giving many families the necessary supplies to create a birthday cake for a family member or loved one. Thanks for your contributions!

Senior Summer Celebration Plans continue

The Senior Summer Celebration planning committee (Pat, Marlene and Minetta) met Wednesday to continue the plans for this event on Wednesday, July 17, from noon to 2. Good food, fellowship and entertainment are all on deck for this event. Stay tuned for more details, which can also be found in the June newsletter.

Reports due for Council meeting

You probably received this email from Kristen, but here's a reminder

Hello everyone, I just wanted to send out a friendly reminder that your committee reports are due for next weeks council meeting. Thanks.

Vitality Survey

I've reported on this for a few weeks, but here's another reminder. You can find it here. Just complete the survey (only 15 items and some demographic info) and click the submit button.

Virtual Support Group

Every second Friday of the month at 11am (which was today) I participate in a virtual support group on Zoom organized by the Interim Ministry Network. There are six to eight of us who meet online to share experiences, resources, advice and prayer for each other.

Interim Update for June 7, 2019

Seniors recognized Sunday

Two of our HS seniors were present on June 2 to be recognized and presented with a gift, a white towel with a Christian fish symbol and their first name embroidered on the towel. The towel serves as a reminder of their baptism, and a reminder that Jesus calls them to a lifetime of service, he himself being the example, as he wrapped a towel around himself and proceeded to wash the feet of the disciples. We also recognized and offered prayers for our college grads.

Daughter Sarah home for a visit

My daughter, Sarah, was home in Ohio this week after finishing the first year of her graduate program in Logan, Utah. It was good to be able to spend some time with her, as this will be something she will do, at the most, once a year for the next few years. We took her to the Cleveland Hopkins this morning for her return flight to Salt Lake City. She has a six week internship this summer with Utah Department of Natural Resources offices in SLC, where she will be modeling the movement of Utah's wildlife.

Transition Team met last Sunday

The Transition Team met briefly last Sunday. Our main agenda was to set the dates for small group meetings. The tentative plan is to offer four time slots during the month of July, two on Sunday after worship, and two on Wednesday evenings. The dates we selected are:

• Sunday, July 21, 11:39 am
• Wednesday, July 24, 7:00 pm
• Sunday, July 28, 11:30 am
• Wednesday, July 31, 7:00 pm The meetings will be approximately 90 minutes or less, and will be identical in format. Choose a meeting time which fits with your schedule. The Transition Team has not yet decided the questions that we will be asking attendees to respond to at the meetings.

Vitality Survey will be data gathering activity for June

This is mostly a repeat from last week's update. Council members may remember that a few meetings ago I distributed a Congregational Vitality Survey, which became part of the annual parochial report that is sent to the ELCA office. I'm inviting the congregation to also complete this survey -- there will be hard copies available at weekend services in June, and there is also an online option. You are welcome to complete the survey again -- you can find it here. Just complete the survey (only 15 items and some demographic info) and click the submit button.

LIFT Bike Ride ready to roll

I've been reporting for the past several weeks about a bike ride from Bellevue to Lindsey on the North Coast Inland Trail sponsored for LIFT ministry in Fremont to raise money for Habitat for Humanity. St. John's will be the starting point for the ride, and we will provide light snack, water, and rest rooms for participating riders. The ride runs from 7am to 12 noon, and the following persons will be tag teaming during the morning serving as St. John's host: Yours Truly, Cathy Owens, Lenny Bowers, and Erica Eskins. Pastor Scott dropped off at the church necessary supplies today

Ecumenical Statement regarding Detained Children

Presiding Bishop Eaton has convened ELCA ecumenical and inter-religious partners in a statement addressing concerns over the well-being of children who cross the U.S. border seeking safety from danger and threats in their home countries. You can read the statement here.

Bishop Daniel's weekly message

You can read it here.