Interim Update for December 25, 2020

A Covid-19 Christmas

Yes, Christmas was celebrated differently this year at St. John's, as Covid-19 infections throughout Ohio continue in the red zone. On the brighter side, there are no purple counties, and several southern counties have reverted back to yellow. And the vaccinations have begun. But we are a long ways from herd immunity, which now Dr. Fauci says could be as high as 90%.

Our recorded YouTube Christmas Eve service was avaliable for viewing beginning at noon on Thursday. As of this writing, we have had 117 views, by far the most for any of our online services. We've received many positive comments. Many thanks to all who participated in the video, and especially to Heather who did all the editing and added the words to the worship and the liturgy. Well done everyone!

Drive-Through Holy Communion was offered from 2-4 pm, with about 20 cars total participating. Many thanks to my drive-through Communion helpers: Heather, Shaun and Michael assisted from 2:00 - 2:30, Dennis Bauer from 2:30 - 3:00, and Linda and Dakota joined me from 3:00 - 4:00. Helpers distributed the elements, and also offered January - March Portals of Prayer which are now available.

Earlier in the day, The Fellowship Team - Susan, Minetta and Hannah were working in the kitchen to prepare Christmas dinners for our seniors and other citizens. Numbers were down this year, but still 125 dinners were cooked and delivered. Well done good and faithful servants!

It certainly was a different Christmas Eve for me -- in fact it was rather pleasant to spend almost all of Christmas Eve with my family. That has rarely happened over the past 34 years.

Reminder about this weekend

A reminder that I will not be coming to the church on Sunday -- Heather and I recorded Sunday's service on Wednesday morning, and it will go live at the normal time of 8:30 Sunday morning. I have cancelled drive-through communion for Sunday, but will resume January 3. Also, I'll spend limited time coming in next week -- will do enough to get ready for the weekend and cover any emergencies.

Interim Update for December 18, 2020

Today's Advent Devotion

Friday, December 18
Luke 1:26-38

In her terror and fear at this unexpected birth announcement, Mary can at least muster a question, “How can this be?” In the angel’s message, Mary has heard two “words” of promise: “of his kingdom there will be no end,” and “nothing is impossible with God.” Once again something important to Luke is hidden in the usual translation. In the original Greek, “nothing” is literally “no word.” That is to say, “with God no word (i.e., no promise) is ever impossible.” The new possibilities of God’s promise are already breaking in for Mary. In the very next breath Mary responds by assuming her new role as faithful “servant”: “Let it happen to me in accordance with your word!”

We stand poised near the end of our Advent journey ready to celebrate the wondrous birth of Jesus “in accordance with God’s grace-filled word of promise.” May that word once again inspire us to respond like Mary as faithful servants of the good news.

God of mercy and grace, inspire us with the good news of your promise made real for us in the birth of Jesus your Son, enable us to respond as faithful servants of the ever new possibilities of your kingdom. Amen.

Today's text from Luke 1 is also our gospel text for Sunday. A reminder that our 2020 Advent Devotional, “O Lord How Shall I Meet You," provided by Luther Seminary, is available for our daily use this season HERE. Note that you can download either a regular or large print version, and you can subscribe to have the devotional emailed to you daily.

New Contract for Your Interim Pastor

One of the items of business at Tuesday's Council meeting was a new contract for moi, as my current contract expires on December 31. The 2021 contract keeps everything mostly the same -- no increases and two items went down -- pension went from 12% to 10%, and Retiree pension support (ELCA has provided support in the form of additional pension income for some very low lifetime salary pastors) went from .7% to 0%. There is a small reallocation of salary to housing allowance, substracting $1K from salary and adding it to housing allowance.

Council Decision Regarding Worship and Christmas Eve

Also at Tuesday's meeting Council took up the issue of whether or not to extend our suspension of in-person worship. The decision was to extend the suspension for another month, through January 17. Council will re-evaluate the situation based on the infection rates and recommendations of state and local official at that time. The suspension of in-person worship will also apply to Christmas Eve worship.

Sandusky County Health Statement

On December 11, Sandusky County Health Department issued a statement which was posted on their Facebook page regarding the surge of Covid-19 cases in our area. Among other things, the post noted that our local hospitals have reached, or are close to capacity, with one of the message sponsors being Bellevue Hospital. You can read the statement HERE.

Plans for Christmas Eve

A Christmas Eve worship service was recorded this past Sunday night.
The service includes all the elements that we normally associate with Christmas Eve worship -- carols, the reading of the Christmas gospel from Luke 2, special music, Silent NIght with lit candles. The only element that is not included is Holy Communion. Thanks to Heather, who did the recording and will do all the video editing. Thanks also to "choir" members, Jan, Hannah and Claire. And to our Paul and Chris on the organ and trumpet. Cindiy and Evelyn sing "O Holy Night," and Dakota, accompanied by Zarek, sing "Away in a Manger." This recorded service will be uploaded to our channel on YouTube and be available for viewing beginning at noon on Christmas Eve. An email will be sent with the link to the video of the service.

Drive-through Holy Communion will be offered from 2-4 pm on Christmas Eve afternoon.
I could use some help with this -- how about four volunteers (individual or family groups) to each do a half-hour. Volunteers would help distribute communion elements, and could even do some caroling while cars are waiting (not required, of course!) If you'd be willing to help, use the "Post a Comment" section at the bottom of the blog to indicate the time: 2:00-2:30, 2:30-3:00, 3:00-3:30, 3:30-4:00.

Thanks to Mike and Pat, and Welcome Toni!

Thursday's Council meeting was the first for Toni, our new Executive Team and Council Secretary, and for Marc as president. Marc presided in the absence of Mike, who was attending his mom's funeral visitation. Our sympathies to you, Mike, and our thanks for the excellent leadership you have provided as president. We know that you will continue to be a leader for St. John's in years to come, including perhaps 2021 as VP?? That would be fine with all of us! :) And thanks to Pat -- you're in our prayers this week as your new knees have arrived, and you're now getting them broken in. Thanks for your excellent service as secretary these past two years. And welcome Toni! We know that you will do as Pat did and serve faithfully and well. Good to have you aboard!

Stewardship Program Update

The Stewardship Team met on Thursday to finish the tablulation of the Intent Cards from our recent "Live Generously" Stewardship campaign. Here are some final figures:

• 2019 Intent Cards returned: 52
• 2020 Intent Cards returned: 48
• Combined total of all 2019 Intent Cards: $122, 119
• Combined total of all 2020 Intent Cards: $135, 427

The team also helped to process the final mailing of the campaign, a letter which informed the congregation about the suspension of in-person worship through at least January 17, our plans for Christmas Eve, a thank you for their participation in the campaign, and included an addressed mail-in envelope for a year-end gift. If your copy of this letter hasn't arrive yet, it should soon.

Thanks and praise to our team members, Linda, Emma K., and Aleta for a job well done. They attended six Zoom meetings led by our Jennie, our GSB Fundraising consultant, who led us through the various aspects of our campaign. Before and after the video, our team worked at processing the various mailings that delivered the campaign to St. John's members. This involved attaching mailing labels, St. John's return envelope labels, folding, stuffing, sealing. etc. Again, job well done, thank you very much!

A One-Time benefit for tax-year 2020

$300 Tax Deduction Available for Charitable Gifts
One of the provisions of the CARES Act, the congressional action earlier this year that has provided financial relief for Americans during the pandemic, is an "above the line" deduction of up to $300 for charitable gifts.

Since the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act signed into law by President Trump significantly increased the standard deduction, fewer and fewer tax payers are now able to itemize deductions, including charitable giving.

This provision of the CARES Act allows to exclude up to $300 from AGI for gifts to eligible 501c3 organizations. Keep this in mind as you make end of the year decisions regarding your charitable giving.

Christmas Eve Dinner Plans Move Forward

The Fellowship Team is moving ahead with their plans to cook and deliver a Christmas dinner to shut-ins in the community. Minetta says the numbers are down from last year, which is understandable. But still the team will cook and deliver over 100 meals. Minetta will be working with Hanna, Susan, and others. Thanks for doing this excellent ministry!

Links for You

• Seeds Monthly - resources and ideas for ELCA congregation leaders
• ELCA Global Links - info and news about the global mission outreach of of ELCA, mission that happens because of us and our mission support

Interim Update for December 11, 2020

Today's Advent Devotion

Friday, December 11
John 1:6–8, 19–28

In his own words, John the Baptist has said that he is not the Messiah, Elijah, or the prophet (1:20–21). The opponents on the scene latch onto what John has said—gotcha!—and question what business he has baptizing people (1:25). More will be said by John about baptism as the Gospel of John continues. But for now he declares that the Coming One—still unknown to the opponents— is already present on earth, and the time of his earthly ministry is about to begin. John says more about the Messiah. He is great, so great that John cannot do such a menial task as to untie even one of his sandals.

As the season of Advent continues, we are getting close to celebrating the coming of Jesus, Son of God, son of Mary, into our world to carry out his earthly ministry. If yesterday we emphasized our preparation for his coming, now we turn attention to the one who is to come. We are humbled by the panorama of God’s grace, which comes to its highest point of revelation in Jesus Christ.

Dear Lord, grant to us the grace to know your Son, whose sandals we are unworthy to untie. Amen.

Today's text from John 1 is also our gospel text for Sunday. A reminder that our 2020 Advent Devotional, “O Lord How Shall I Meet You," provided by Luther Seminary, is available for our daily use this season HERE. Note that you can download either a regular or large print version, and you can subscribe to have the devotional emailed to you daily.

Advent Midweek Services

The second of our three Advent worship services was livestreamed on our YouTube Channel on Wednesday afternoon, with some equipment issues delaying the planned noon start. Our theme for these services is "Arise and Shine", and this week's sub-theme was "Reflected Light." There will be one more Wednesday service next week, December 16, when our sub-theme will be "Healing Light" (Malachi 4:2): With repentant joy we anticipate the birth of our Savior. We listen to his Word and live according to it until he comes again. If you haven't viewed Wednesday's service, you can still do so HERE.

Fellowship Team Christmas Dinner is On

After some brief hesitation, the Fellowship Committee has decided that they are going to make the Christmas dinners this year! The Team is confident that this Christmas Eve ministry can be carried out safely. If you know of someone that that would like to receive a Christmas dinner contact the church office or Minetta E. We will need the persons name, address and phone number. For delivery purposes this is only for people that live in the Bellevue School District. The deadline to place your order is December 16th, 2020.

Christmas Decorating

Christmas decorating will be minimal this year, and will be completed this weekend. Cathy and Dale Owens are taking the lead on this, and will call on a few others for needed help.

Christmas YouTube Service

As described last week, we are planning a recorded Christmas Eve worship service which will be uploaded to our YouTube channel. Recording and uploading will allow Heather to edit the video to include words for the carols while the organ is playing the accompaniment, and at least two special music numbers. Recording and uloading will also allow better audio and video quality. We are sure that this YouTube service will be an inspiring addition to you Christmas celebration.

Kristen working on big red book

In recent days, Kristen has been working on updating the congregational permanent record book of pastoral acts, sometimes referred to as the big red book. In recent years, these records have been kept on the computer, but not transferred to the permanent record. The records include baptisms, confirmations, weddings and funerals.

Organ tuning underway

GT Organ Associates has been working at the church this week to do the semi-annual tuning and service of the organ. GT referes to Glenn Taller, the founder and owner of the company. At the tender age of 33, Glenn has already has years of experience in organ maintence and performance. His performance special is theater organ, which became apparent as today he tested out his maintenance work by playing a few strains of White Christmas and Let it Snow. Thanks to Paul who schedules and coordinates Glenn's service calls, and serves as his assistant, thus reducing the congregation's cost for this important service to keep the organ in tip-top and tuned.

New Knees for Pat

Pat Olsen is scheduled to have both knees replaced on Monday, December 14. Following surgery, she'll be quickly to the rehab unit where she'll stay for five to six days. Pat, you are a brave soul, and you will be in our prayers!

Bishop Daniel's Weekly Email

In this week's email, Bishop Daniel talks about Advent hymns, and how he's missed singing them this year, which I have as well. You can read Bishop Daniel's message HERE.

Interim Update for December 4, 2020

Today's Advent Devotion

Friday, December 4
Mark 1:1–8
John’s choice of location is odd—why not head for the city, where you can be assured that a good number of people will be around to hear your message? Instead, he appeared in the wilderness. Yet the message he preached drew people out to him in the wilderness, drew them to confession and to baptism. His message bore fruit, yet he always realized “the one who is more powerful than I is coming after me.” The announcement of that coming one had a power that overcame many obstacles, that drew people out of their comfort zones into a new place, and that created a movement thought impossible. Simple words—yet words laden with power and possibilities. Can we hear those words today?

*We thank you, Lord, that your word comes and creates a new reality. Amen.

Today's text from Mark 1 is also our gospel text for Sunday. A reminder that our 2020 Advent Devotional, “O Lord How Shall I Meet You," provided by Luther Seminary, is available for our daily use this season HERE. Note that you can download either a regular or large print version, and you can subscribe to have the devotional emailed to you daily.

Advent Series

Speaking of Advent, our Advent worship series kicked off at noon on Wednesday with the first of three Advent worship services with the theme "Arise and Shine" livestreamed on our YouTube channel. I will be doing two more of these services on December 9 and 16. For more info about the series, go to last week's section of the update where I provided the details, which you can read HERE. If you haven't viewed Wednesday's service, you can still do so HERE.

Plans for Christmas Worship

Regardless of our decision of whether or not to proceed with in-person worship on Christmas Eve, we will be producing a Christmas Eve Service which will be uploaded to our YouTube channel. Note that I said "uploaded," which means that it will not be livestreamed. Working with Heather, Paul and Chris, we will record the elements of the service, which Heather, using her amazing video editing skills, will weave into a first class Christmas at St. John's video. The service will be slightly scaled down from a live service, include some carols, a children's message, a sermon (of course!), and we'll bring down the lights, light some candles and sing Silent Night. We are also considering one or more elements of special music, which would be recorded and included in the final video. We will be doing the bulk of the recording next Sunday, December 13, at 6:00 pm. I'm thinking that we should have a congregation of at least a couple to sing the carols, to lead those who will sing along as they watch. Any volunteers?

Worship via Phone

I mentioned in last week's update that I have developed a new way to make worship available to those who don't have a computer or internet, and would be able to listen to the worship service on their phone, whether cell phone or land line. To do this I make a recording of the service, and upload the audio file to a service called Twilio, and then make it avialable by calling a phone number. This service is up and running, and currently the service that is posted is Wednesday's Advent service. Each service, Wednesday or Sunday, will be uploaded and linked to Twilio for listening by calling the number. That number is: (205) 839-9693. I am indicating in my publicity about this that the Wednesday service will be availble for listening by 1:00 pm, and the Sunday service by 10:00 am.

The cost for this service is very reasonable. We pay $1.00 per month for the use of that number, and those who call in generate a charge of $.013 per minute. If one person listens to a 35 minute service, that generates a charge $.45. We pay as we go, starting with $20 in our account, and then when the balance gets low, we add more to it.

Letter to Members Without Email

How to get information out to members without email, as well has how to keep in touch with them and provide woship opportunities has been a challenge. So far I have used occasional letters, join worship and Bible study by phone, and the opportunity for drive-through Communion. On Friday morning, we mailed a letter to this group (about 30 total) including info about suspension of in-person worship, Advent worship, and annual meeting info. You can read the two-page letter HERE.

New Pastor at Trinity Vermilion

Trinity in Vermilion was my first interim assignment in 2012. They called Pastor Rich, who stayed for 7+ years, then took another call to a congregation in Florida. After being served by an interim, they recently called and have installed a new pastor, Rev. Sarah Taylor, whose previous congregation was in Minnesota. By a bit of coincidence, I met Sarah initially on Facebook, as she was an active participant in the ELCA Clergy group, and I met her personally during my interim in Minneosta in 2015. She and I both attended a gathering of pastors for a prayer service following the killing of the Emanuel 9 in Charleston in June of that year. Welcome to Ohio, Sarah! Yes, it is possible to interview, call, and install a new pastor in the middle of a pandemic!

Worship numbers

• Sunday, November 29 - 58 views
• Wednesday, December 2 Avent service - 29 views

Offering report

Week of November 4 - December 4

• 2020 - $14,705 - 57 contributors
• 2019 - $23,785 - 87 contributors
• 2018 - $12,567 - 92 contributors

Interim Update for November 27, 2020

Thank you!!

The card and the enclosed gift cards from St. John's Council that was presented to me at the close of the Congregation meeting last Sunday were very much appreciated. I have already used the Best Buy card! Thank you very much!!

In-person Worship suspension

Just a reminder that in-person worship will be suspended for a minimum of three Sundays, beginning this weekend, November 29. Council will reevaluate the Covid-19 risk at their next meeting on December 15, and determine whether or not to continue the suspension, including Christmas Eve worship.

Thanksgiving Worship

At noon on Wednesday I livestreamed Thanksgving Worship on YouTube, which was available then or later on demand. As of this writing, the YouTube video was viewed 21 times. It's not too late to add to that number, and if you care to do so, you can find it HERE.

Advent at St. John's

Advent at St. John's will be celebrated in the following ways:

• Sunday Worship
  • YouTube worship livestreamed at 8:30 am on November 29, December 6, 13 and 20.
  • We will light the Advent Wreath with a special prayer, adding a candle each week until all are glowing brightly
  • Drive-through Holy Communion. If numbers increase significantly because of in-person suspension, I will add another half-hour, either before or after
• Midweek Advent Series
  Instead of evening in-person Advent worship, my plan is to offer three Wednesday Advent Worship services, livestreaming on YouTube at noon. Of course, as with all the YouTube services, they can be joined on demand at any time after the initial start of the livestream. Our theme will be "Arise and Shine," an offering from Creative Communications for the Parish. Here's a description of the series: We welcome the Christ Child, who is the light of the world, arising in our lives this season. In celebration, we, in turn, shine with the light of Christ in various ways for all the world to see the brightness of his love. Each week will focus on a different aspect of the light of Christ and how we are enlightened by him throughout our lives. The theme verse for the entire series is: “Arise, shine, for your light has come” (Isaiah 60:1). Our weekly themes will be:
  • Wednesday, December 2
    Rising Light (Isaiah 60:1): Living in the light of Jesus, we prepare to celebrate his birth. Repenting of our sins, we put away the works of darkness and dress in the armor of light.
  • Wednesday, December 9
    Reflected Light (Zechariah 9:16): During Advent we remember the birth of Jesus, the Light of the world. We reflect his light in our daily lives.
  • Wednesday, December 16
    Healing Light (Malachi 4:2): With repentant joy we anticipate the birth of our Savior. We listen to his Word and live according to it until he comes again.
• Individual and Family Devotions
  Our primary resource for this will be the devotional created by professors at Luther Seminary in St. Paul. The theme of this devotional series is "O Lord How Shall I Meet You," and you can find more information and download the devotionals HERE. There are both regular and large-print versions available. There also may be additional family devotional resources from the Advent series from Creative Communications that I could easily share.
• Advent Altar Flowers
  These have been provided by Jan LaBonte in memory of Marlene Buck and in gratitude to the many faithful choir members, past and present.

New Option for Those Joining Worship by Phone

For a number of weeks, I have offered an audio-only option via Zoom of 10:00 in-person worship, which has worked well for those who do not have a computer and internet, and have been able to listen to the service on their phone. Now that in-person worship has been suspended, I have developed a new way to make worship available to this group. It utilizes a service called Twilio, and here's how it will work:

• Record the 8:30 service on my phone
• Upload the mp3 audio file from my phone to my Dropbox account
• Link to that file from a service called Twilio, that will enable anyone with a phone to dial in and listen to the service
• Provide the call-in number to those who have been using their phone to join worship
• My hope is that it will be ready to listen to by 10:00
• I'm planning a trial run of this new tech option this Sunday

ELCA Interim Pastors Zoom

Today I joined a monthly Zoom meeting of ELCA Interim Pastors. One of the pastors is at a congregatigon in Portland, Oregon, which had considered closing, but through lots of discussions and converastions about where God was leading them, decided that God was leading them to continue their food and clothing bank ministries, and to facilitate the building of a 30 unit housing project for homeless veterans.

ELCA Global Links

You can read the latest updates on what how the ELCA reaches out with the gospel globally HERE.

Bishop Daniel's latest email

You can read it HERE.

New Beginnings Newsletter

Read the latest news from Trinity Seminary HERE.

Interim Update for November 20, 2020

Congregation Budget and Election Meeting Sunday

Don't forget -- the Annual Budget and Election Congregation Meeting will be held this Sunday, November 22, immediately following in-person worship. We expect to begin no later than 11:00 am. There will also be a Zoom option for attendance at this meeting. If you have not not completed the Congregational Meeting Attendance Survey, it's not too late. You can do so HERE.

In-person Worship Suspended

In light of significant increases in Covid-19 in our area, St. John's Council voted at their meeting Tuesday evening to suspend in-person worship for three Sundays, beginning November 29, including December 6 and December 13. Council meets again on Tuesday, December 15, and will decide at that time, based on current conditions, whether to extend the suspension for additional Sundays, including Christmas Eve Worship.

As of today, the Ohio Public Health Advisory System indicated Huron County as still orange, but surrounded by three counties, showing red - Erie, Seneca, Sandusky, as are most of the other counties in Ohio.

Our online worship via YouTube will continue as before, going live at 8:30 am and available for viewing any time after that. Drive-through Holy Communion will continue to be offered from 11:00-11:30

No Drive-Through Communion this Sunday

Because of the Congregation Budget and Election meeting scheduled for after worship on Sunday, drive-through Holy Communion will not be offered. As mentioned above, this Sunday morning option will resume and continue on November 29 and beyond.

Worship Team meets

The Worship and Music team met on Thursday. Our primary discussion items were plans for Advent and Christmas. We are planning some online Advent devotions, and I am tentatively planning on doing a YouTube based Advent Worship Series for three Wednesdays, December 2, 9 and 16. More details about that next week.

Stewardship Program Update

Our stewardship program, "Live Generously," is now in the "wait-for-intent-cards-to-come-in-and-then-report-the-results" stage. The Stewardship Team met on Thursday for one final Zoom meeting with Jennie, our GSB Fundraising consultant. Once the bulk of intent cards have been returned, the Team will send out thank you notes. It's not too late for you to complete yours -- you can view/print/download one HERE.

Spaghetti fundraiser report

The St. John's Preschool Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser, put on by school staff/board/volunteers, was a huge success. Here'a a report from Mrs. Lilly:

Hello all,
Thank you for all of your hard work to make our first spaghetti dinner so successful! Here are the totals:
Ticket sales + donations = $5,155
Thrivent VISA gift card used for ingredients at Sam's = $250
Ingredients and supplies purchased on preschool MasterCard = $769.20
TOTAL PROFIT = $4,385.80
All I can say is wow! The support from church members and preschool families was incredible. The volunteer hours from preschool board members, preschool staff, high school helpers, meatball (Jeromie) and sauce (Kevin and Missy) makers was amazing! Who knew we would end up selling 320 dinners?!
Thank you so very much!
In His Love,
Linda

Thanksgiving Service

I am planning on doing a Thanksgiving Service via YouTube next Wednesday, November 25. I will be posting it sometime during the day for viewing any time after it's posted. I'll provide more details in a MailChimp message next week.

Confirmation Update

Confirmation youth met on Wednesday with three youth absent because of illness or activities. I had considered meeting with youth during December Wednesdays, but with the Covid-19 numbers up, I have decided that we will not meet again until at least January. I need to notify the parents about this, but plan to soon.

Tribute to Terry Fretheim

One of my Old Testament professors at Luther Seminary died this past week -- Dr. Terry Fretheim, who was a highly respected interpreter and scholar of the Hebrew Scriptures. One his former colleagues at Luther, Dr. Michael Chan, who was one the presenters at my 2019 Winter Park Continuing Education Week, provides a tribute essay HERE.

ELCA Seeds Monthly

You can read the November issue of this resource for congregations HERE

Healthy Congregation Leadership Series

Today I spent the day attending my Healthy Congregations Leadership Series via Zoom. We meet all day one Friday per month from September to May, minus December. Mornings are spent with didactic learning, and afternoon there's small group work on applying Bowen Systems Theory. This is my primary continuing education for 2020-2021.

Bishop Daniel's Email

You can read Bishop Daniel's most recent email HERE.

Interim Update for November 13, 2020

Return your Intent Cards for "Live Generously" Campaign!

By now you should have received and had a chance to review the latest mailing in our Live Generously stewardship campaign. We're asking everyone to think and pray about this, and return the cards to worship this weekend, or to mail to the church office in the enclosed envelope. If you have misplaced or not received it, you can view/download/print a version of the mailing HERE, and the Intent Card HERE. The Stewardship Team and I have completed our cards, and we're hoping for a 100% participation from Coucil. My Intent Card will reflect a 10% increase in my giving in 2021 over 2020, and a plan to set up monthly automatic giving through one of my financial services providers. Thank you for your generosity!

Covid rate increases

Covid 19 cases continue to rise in Ohio. I encourage everyone to make the best choices for your own health and safety. One thing that our Plan of Return (to in-person worship) -- implemented at the end of May -- did not address was under what conditions we would again suspend in-person worship. Some congregations have implemented a system based on the Ohio Public Health Advisory System (OPHAS) to determine if and when to suspend in-person worship. This is a color coded guide called the Ohio COVID-19 Risk Level Guidelines for the Public, and includes the now familiar colors of yellow, orange, red and purple, with recommended restrictions of citizen activities. Some congregations have decided to suspend in-person worship whenever the advisory system indicates red or purple for the county in which the congregation gathers for worship.

I have asked the Executive Team to meet briefly after worship on Sunday to discuss some contingency plans for possible suspension of in-person worship. Let the team know if you have any concerns or suggestions before we meet on Sunday.

As I said last week, I continue to recommend Dr. Michael Osterholm and his weekly podcast as reliable sources of scientific information regarding the pandemic, and link to the weekly episodes in Weekend Update emails. You can listen to this week's episode HERE. You may have noticed that Dr. Osterholm was named by President-Elect Biden to the pandemic task force for the new administration.

Sympathy

Three of our St. John's family entered the Church Triumphant this past week. We extend our sympathy to the family of Betty Norman and Glenn Wahlers, who died on Wednesday, and Carol Hildebrand, who died on Thursday. Funeral for Carol will be Monday morning at the church at 10:30 am, for Betty also on Monday, 2:00 at Foos and Foos, but for family only, and for Glenn, TBA.

Annual Meeting Options and Membership Update

Don't forget -- the Annual Budget and Election Congregation Meeting will be held on Sunday, November 22, immediately following in-person worship. We expect to begin no later than 11:00 am. There will also be a Zoom option for attendance at this meeting. This is a repeat, but just a friendly reminder: to help prepare for this meeting, and to also gather information regarding worship participation, contact information updates, and any needs for pastoral care, a survey has been prepared to receive your input. If you haven't already, please click or tap on link below, complete and submit the survey. It should only take a minute or two of your time. Thank you very much!
Congregational Meeting Attendance Survey

Offering report

Week of October 14 - November 13
62 Contributors

• 2020 - $14,775
• 2019 - $15,917
• 2018 - $20,264

Upcoming Diakonia class taught by Chris Young!

Former St. John's member Pastor Chris Young is encouraging members of Eastern Conference congregations to register for the next session of Diakonia, a program of adult Christian learning and Discipleship. Here's a description of the course:

Course Description: We will learn why communicating the gospel is the heart of who we are as the church. We will deepen our own prayer lives as we listen for the ways the Spirit empowers each of us to become more confident in sharing our faith. We will explore the difference the gospel makes in our own lives, and why it can make a difference in the lives of others. Then we will share in the rich experiences of “how” and “where” lives are being changed through Christ’s mission to love the world. We will find our own voice. We will learn to lead the way in unbinding the gospel in and through our own congregations.

The course meets on five Thursday evenings via Zoom in December and January. Click HERE for a complete course description, schedule, and info on registration.

Spaghetti is Ready!

Linda, family, staff and board have been very busy recently with preparations for their big Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser Sunday. I received this email from Linda:

With a little tomato sauce stress and drama ... I am very happy to say that we now have all of the ingredients needed to make 325 spaghetti dinners for Sunday! Woohoo! Because of the number of tickets sold, we will not have extras for people to buy on Sunday. They will have to wait until the next dinner :) With COVID being so close to home, we will be short some volunteers but we know God will provide and all will be OK here. Our prayers are with all of those who have tested positive, those who have to quarantine, and especially with those who have symptoms.

If you bought tickets, be sure to pick up your dinners after worship on Sunday. Your tickets have instructions on what to do to get your dinners delivered to your car.

Interim Update for November 6, 2020

Covid rate increases

I'm sure we're all aware that Covid 19 cases are on the rise in Ohio. We continue to encourage you to make the best choices for your own health and safety. In addition to our own Ohio Department of Health Covid 19 Dashboard, I continue to recommend Dr. Michael Osterholm and his weekly podcast as reliable sources of scientific information regarding the pandemic, and link to the weekly episodes in Weekend Update emails. You can listen to this week's episode HERE.

Annual Meeting Options and Membership Update

Hopefully you received the email from St. John's regarding the annual meeting and contact info updat. So far, we have received 30 responses, but would like to see more. If you haven't responded yet, do so now, -- it will take only a couple of minutes. I've pasted the email content and clickable link below:

The Annual Budget and Election Congregation Meeting will be held on Sunday, November 22, immediately following in-person worship. We expect to begin no later than 11:00 am. There will also be a Zoom option for attendance at this meeting.

To help prepare for this meeting, and to also gather information regarding worship participation, contact information updates, and any needs for pastoral care, a survey has been prepared to receive your input.

Please click or tap on link below, complete and submit the survey. It should only take a minute or two of your time. Thank you very much!

Congregational Meeting Attendance Survey

Intent Cards Mailed for Stewardship Program

The Stewardship Team met Thursday for our 5th of six Zoom meetings. The focus of this Zoom was reporting results, which we will do beginning on November 22. The Team also used their time on Thursday to complete the next mailing, which was entrusted to USPS that afternoon, so you may have it by now, or if not, you will receive it soon. If you'd rather not wait, you can read the letter HERE, and the Intent Card HERE. The letter asks members to complete the Intent Card and bring it to worship on November 15, or use the enclosed envelope to mail it to the church office.

I and the Stewardship Team have completed our cards, and we are asking Council to be next -- we are hoping for 100% participation. My Intent Card will reflect a 10% increase in my giving in 2021 over 2020, and a plan to set up monthly automatic giving through one of my financial services providers.

2021 Budget will be mailed on Monday

St. John's Treasurer, Shaun Smith, has prepared the St. John's 2021 budget, for presentation, discussion and adoption at the annual Congregation Budget and Election Meeting following in-person worship on Sunday, November 22. Following the requirements set forth in the St. John's Constitution, notice of the meeting must be announced at the two previous weekend services, and by mail not less than ten days before the meeting. A copy of this notice, along with the 2021 budget, are in included in the mailing that you can expect next week. If you'd rather not wait for the hard copy in the mail, you can also view/download/print it from HERE.

Offering report

Our Breeze Church Management Software Dashboard is now displaying offering information for the past 30 days, and comparing it with the previous two years.

Week of October 7 - November 6

• 2020 - $9,960
• 2019 - $16,743
• 2018 - $20,953

Confirmation Notes

With the fair weather we had on Wednesday evening, we got in another session of Four Square in the parking lot. Then we went inside for our lession, where we continued our study of the Second Article of the Creed, by reviewing the main points of the Jesus' ministry.

Links for you

• ELCA Global Links
• NWOS On the Way Year-End-Ask
• New Beginnings -- News from Trinity Seminary

A Personal Note

I shared this info with the St. John's Prays FB group, and am happy to share it here as well. My daughter Sarah and her cat, Cachew, left on Wednesday for a cross-country trip from Logan, Utah to our house in Ohio. In her third year of a PhD program in Math at Utah State, and with teaching responsibilities, she received permission from her program to attend her graduate classes and teach her Calculus course to undergrads for the rest of the semester remotely. Friday afternoon she arrived at her grandmother's house (Marcy's mom) near Fayette, MO, and is spending the night there. She'll leave Saturday morning for the 10-11 hour trip to Huron. Pray for safe travels for Sarah and Cachew.

Interim Update for October 30, 2020

St. John's Membership Update

Heather has put together a Google Form for St. John's members to provide information about in-person and online worship participation, plans to attend the Annual Meeting on November 22, and and contact information updates. You can find the form HERE. Please take a minute or two to view, complete, and submit the form. Thanks! I'll be posting this also in the next couple Weekend Updates.

ELCA World Hunger Leadership Gathering

The ELCA World Hunger team is looking forward to welcoming you to theELCA World Hunger Leadership Gathering, January 20-23, 2021. The ELCA World Hunger Leadership Gathering brings together the national network of ELCA World Hunger leaders, congregations, and ministry partners every 18 months for a time of networking, idea sharing, and planning for our shared work. For more information, you can go HERE. Would anyone be interested in attending this web-based event, and getting St. John's more involved in an intentional way in addressing world hunger?

Daylight Savings Time ends

I'm sure you're getting plenty of reminders about this twice-a-year routing of changing the clocks at 2am. Yeah, we all set our alarms for 2 to change the clock, right? Just remember the four-word reminder of what to do: spring ahead, fall back. An extra hour of sleep this weekend. Will make up for the lost hour back in March.x

Stewardship Program

The Stewardship Team met on Thursday at 11:30 to process third mailing for our Stewardship Program, which you should have received in the the mail by now. If you, you can also view it HERE. Next week, we will be mailing out "Intent cards," which will give you an opportunity to indicate your intent for giving in 2021. I hope you're follwoing the bulletin inserts and the exhortation in our theme to "Live Generously." Our next Zoom meeting with GSB Fundraising is next Thursday at 11:30 am.

Confirmation - Apostles' Creed Article 2

After youth gathered outside around our 6:30 starting time, I gathered words from them to plug into a Holloween Mad Lib. We decided to go inside for our lesson time - warmer and less windy. We began our look at the Second Aricle of the Apostles' Creed and its meaning"

I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.

What does this mean?

I believe that Jesus Christ, true God, son of the Father from eternity, and true man, born of the virgin Mary, is my Lord. At great cost he has saved and redeemed me, a lost and condemned person. He has freed me from sin, death, and the power of the devil, not with silver or gold, but with his holy and precious blood and his innocent suffering and death. All this he has done that I may be his own, live under him in his kingdom, and serve him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness, just as he is risen from the dead and lives and rules eternally. This is most certainly true.

To my readers who endured Lutheran Confirmation classes, does this sound familiar? Hope it does! It's all good stuff.

A visit from Calla

On Thursday morning, St. John's was visited by Calla Gilson, a member of Synod Staff. Calla is Lead Coordinator for the Discipleship Initiative of synod, which seeks to help congregations reach out in new ways in ministry to their communities. The occasion of Calla's visit was to drop off a funding request for the Mission Endowment Committee. The request was to help fund a synod project called Imagining Renewal Microgrant. Calla emailed me back in June, which I posted in my June 26 Update. You can read that email HERE, and that should give you a better idea of why she is requesting funding from the St. John's Mission Endowment Fund.

Calla's home congregation is Trinity in Wauseon, and she recently returned from a year of service in the ELCA Young Adults in Global Mission Program, spending her year in the West Bank of Israel. We shared stories of our experiences in following the footsteps of Jesus. She was baptized by Pastor Scott Silcox, who is a son of St. Peter in Norwalk, whose parents and rest of his family I knew well.

ELCA Stewardnet

You can read the latest issue of this ELCA Stewardship resource HERE.

Calendar of Events

Here are some things that are happening in our Synod. take a look HERE. You may find something that will interest or inspire you.

Bishop Daniel's Weekly Email

You can read it HERE.

Sunday is All Saints

Just a reminder that Sunday is All Saints Day. We will light a candle for each congregation member who has died since last All Saints. Those who would like a loved one nameswho has died since last All Saints can can submit his or her name to me via email HERE, or for those attending in-person worship, give name to Heather when you arrive in the lobby.

Update on Carol Hildebrandt

We received word that Carol has returned home from the hospital, and is now under hospice care. Keep her and her family in your prayers, and she certainly would appreciate cards and messages. You can send them to her at 1885 C.R 302, Bellevue, OH 44811.

Interim Update for October 23, 2020

Stewardship Program Update

The Stewardship Team (Linda, Aleta and Emma K.) continue to work hard to bring you our annual Stewardship campaign. You should have received the lates mailing, which included another letter by me, with two Sunday bulletin inserts content on the back side. You can also view and read that letter HERE. There will be several more mailings in the program, including the sending out of "Intent Cards" the first week of November. Please read, engange, and respond to these materials, and keep on Living Generously!

CCLI License Added

Council approved at their meeting Tuesday night to purchase a CCLI License, which will enable our worship musicians to choose a wider range of music for singing duruing Sunday worship. We had previously purchased a license from OneLicense, which covers most of the hymns in ELW not in the public domain. CCLI covers most songs in Worship and Praise, as well as countess other contemporary worship songs. This license will also enable me to display words to songs that I use during confirmation, as well as other possible worship services. The cost of the CCLI license (annual) is $167.

Healthy Congregations Leadership Series

Today (Friday was the second of eight monthly meetings in what the Healthy Congregations organization calls the Leadership Series. On one Friday a month, we gather via Zoom for lectures and other didactic content, take a break for lunch, and spend the afternoon in a small group as we share "genograms," or charts of our family history, and apply Bowen System Theory to our family history and experiences. This helps us better understand family dynamics, and by association, the dynamics that come to play in the larger family that is a congregation. It's interesting, challenging, and in the end, I think, helpful.

Thursday Morning Live!

Thursday Morning Live! (Zoom Bible study) continues its study of the Book of Acts, a study written by Bishop Daniel. This weeks lesson included the conversion of Saul, and his transformation from being a persecutor of Christians into the first Christian missionary who brought the gospel to "the ends of the earth."

Transitional Leaders Zoom

Synod Transitional Leaders (interims, call process facilitators, vice-pastors, anyone who is currently leading a synod congregation in transition

Confirmation - First Article of the Apostles' Creed

While last week we did a general introduction of the Apostles' Creed, including the meaning and purpose of creeds, and the concept of the Triune God which is inherent in the creed, this week's focus was on the First Article: * believe in God the Father Almight, maker of heaven and earth.* With the weather still cooperating, we met again outside in the parking lot, and after a brief game of four square, I divided Luther's explanation of the First Article into seven sentences, which youth wrote with chalk into 7 parking spaces. Those/that sentences/explantion were/was as follows:

• What we believe God is up to in the First Article:
  1. I believe that God has created me and all that exists.
  2. He has given and still preserves to me my body and soul with all their powers.
  3. He provides me with food and clothing, home and family, daily work, and all I need from day to day.
  4. God also protects me in time of danger and guards me from every evil.
• What we believe is the reason that God does all these things.
  5. All this he does out of fatherly and divine goodness and mercy, though I do not deserve it.
• What we believe our response to what God has done and continues to do for us:
  6. Therefore I surely ought to thank and praise, serve and obey him.
• What we believe about the truth of all this:
  7. This is most certainly true.

We than talked about the meaning, importance and application of each these sentences.

Jan, tell us it isn't true!

Jan LaBonte submitted a letter of resignation from her position as choir director at St. John's to the Worship Committee at their October meeting, and was announced to Council on Thursday night. Jan begin her position 24 years ago, and has served faithfully and extremely well. She indicated in her letter that, with the choir on hiatus because of the pandemic, that now is a s good a time as any to make this move. It has been a privilege to work with Jan -- in addition to leading the choir, she has assisted in the choosing of hymns for Sunday and special services, not always an easy task. Jan, we thank you for your faithful service!!

Preschool Scrip

One of the Preschool's regular fundraisers has been the sale of "Scrip," which are gift cards sold by local, regional and national retailers. Participating organizations receive anywhere from 2.5% to 16% of the value of the cards sold. Here are the guidelines for purchasing and using Scrip:

• Make checks payable to St. John’s Christian Preschool.
• Check or money orders only, do not enclose cash.
• Orders are placed on the 3rd Wednesday of each month.
• We will contact you when your order arrives the following week.
• If you have any questions, please call Liana Miller 419-656-4997.

To purchase Scrip, all you have to do is complete the order and submit with your payment to Linda Lilly at the Preschool office. You can view and download the order form HERE.

Next Sunday is All Saints

Just a reminder that next Sunday is All Saints Day. We will light a candle for each congregation member who has died since last All Saints. Those persons are:

• Charley Baum
• Marlene Buck
• Ellen Dubbert
• Bernice Ferry
• Donald Koser
• Kenneth Linder
• Florence Owens
• Harley Polley
• Clara Recktenwald
• Marabelle Smith
• Caleb Stockmaster
• Richard Sutter
• Robert Wagner

Those who would like a loved one nameswho has died since last All Saints can can submit his or her name to me via email HERE, or for those attending in-person worship, give to Heather when you arrive in the lobby. Those persons will also be named and a candle lit in their memory.

Links for you

• ELCA Worship
• Seeds Monthly

Interim Update for October 16

"Live Generously" Stewardship Program kicks off Sunday

Thursday was a busy day for the the Stewardship Team. We met at 11:30 am for the fourth of six Zoom meetings with Jennie Wolf, our consultant from GSB Fundraising, the firm that is providing us direction and content for our Stewardship program this year.

After the Zoom meeting, Aleta, Linda and Emma K. stayed to process the first mailing of our program which went out with Thursday's mail, so you may have received that in today's mail. If you didn't and want a preview, you can view a copy HERE. A copy of members' giving statement to date was included with this letter.

You will see that our theme this year is "Live Generously." We stole this from Thrivent, as it is their trademark for their Action Grants (more about that below). Our graphic is a bit different, a red heart with the words "Live Generously" written inside the heart.

The program will include a second letter the first Sunday in November, which will include an "Intent Card." This has been called a "Commitment Card" in the past, but this year we will refer to it as "Intent Card," as it indicates what we "intend" to give the ministry of St. John's in 2021.

Also in the program are six weekly bulletin inserts, beginning this weekend, each focusing on a particular aspect of stewardship. We are also hoping to have a brief temple talk or "Outcome story" for each of the six Sundays of the program. Outcome Stories offer more than information. They are inspirational, and speak of the impact that a congregation's ministry has on people, or how their congregation has "made a difference" for them.

Another way to put this to ask and answer the question, "Where and how have you experienced God active in your life recently?" Would you be willing to tell an Outcome Story on a coming Sunday morning? Listen to Mike Ward, another of the GSB consultants speak about "Outcome Stories. Click here to hear Mike talk about Outcome Stories.

This program also challenges us as leaders to be the first declare our intent. I increased the percentage of my giving in 2020 over 2019 by half a percent. I'd be willing to do it again.

To help cover the cost of our Stewardship Program, we are doing two things. The $300 cost for GSB Fundraising is being covered by a $100 gift from me with a challenge for Council to match that times 2. Not sure where we are with that, but you can still do your part -- mark your gift "Generosity Program." I applied for and received a Thrivent Action Grant, which provides $250 for a fundraising or service activity. The $250, applied to a Visa Card, has been used to purchase postage for our program mailings.

Zoom Audio Only will continue

I indicated in my October 2 update that I would discontinue the audio only Zoom call. I have decided to resume that service with those who indicate an interest, and make it by phone only. So far, one has joined on a regular basis, and another has expressed interest.

Add CCLI License

Our musicians for this weekend (Evelyn and Cindy) wanted to do a song that was covered by CCLI license. Since we only have OneLicense, they had to change their plans. I would like for us to also purchase a CCLI license so that Evelyn and Cindy have greater latitude in the hymns they select. I will also be able to use it for displaying words to the songs I play for catechism with PowerPoint. The annual license fee is $137. I have not purchased the OneLicense streaming license that we had talked about, and don't intend to.

Bishop's Fall Meetings

I attended the first of the Bishop's Fall Meetings on Zoom that I have been advertising here for the past several weeks. It was an informative and inspirational hour with Bishop Daniel and Synod Staff. There are two more opportunities to participate -- Thursday, October 29 at 7:30 pm, and Thursday November 5 at 9:00 pm. I will send out the Zoom invite info the day before so you can participate if you so desire.

Mission Endowment Fund Application

The Mission Endowment Fund committee will be reviewing requests for disbursement of interest earned on the fund in 2020. If you have a request, please fill out the form found on the table in the Narthex or church office and return it to the church office or any committee member. Decisions will be made the first of November for approval at the church council meeting and the Congregational meeting in November. You can also view and download the request form here.

Spaghetti Dinner

St. John's Preschool is offering a Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser on November 15 from 11 am until 1 pm. You can view a flyer with more information HERE.

Council Meeting

Don't forget that Council meets next Tuesday at 7:00 pm. I'll send out the Zoom invite info the day of. Watch for it if you plan to attend that way. Otherwise, masks for in-person meeting in Fellowship Hall.

Links for You

• ELCA Advocacy Connections for October
• New Beginnings newsletter from Trinity Seminary

Interim Update for October 9, 2020

Bishop's Zoom

Our Zoom meetings with Bishop Daniel and NWOS staff are now being held twice a month on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at 4:00 pm. At our meeting on Tuesday, Bishop Daniel spoke of "Stages of Disaster" that have been identified as communities respond to traumatic, life-disrupting events that affect communities, regions, and nations, the current pandemic being a case in point. These stages are roughly similar to the stages of dying identified by Dr. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, e.g. denial, bargaining, acceptance, etc. The stages of disaster include:

• Pre-Disaster This includes the warnings which are often present giving communities time to prepare
• Impact The disaster itself.
• Heroism Stories of rescues, individuals going above and beyond the call of duty. ICU medical staff working long hours to care for Covid-19 patients, putting themselves at risk for infection is a good example.
• Community Cohesion Communities put aside differences and work together to address the needs created by the disaster.
• Disillusionment This word speaks for itself. We could say that this is the stage that we are currently in. Sometimes lasts up to one year anniversary of disaster.
• Reconstruction The creation of a new beginning. Usually starts beyond the first anniversary of the disaster.

Knowing these stages can help us, as leaders, as community members, to better navigate these difficult times.

The synod office always sends us follow up emails with links to the recording of the meeting, as well as resources, both mentioned in the meeting and otherwise of interest. You can view that email HERE. Some resources in that email you may want to check out include:

• Daily Bread Grants
• Prayer Walking Guide
• Participatory Asset Mapping
• Listening Audit

Parking Lot Confirmation

The weather was great for another outdoor confirmation session on Wednesday. We played some Four Square, after which we began our study of the Apostles' Creed. Our learning goals for this lesson are to:

• Discover how God becomes known to us
• Understand that God chooses to be revealed to us in order than we might believe
• Consider things in our own lives that discourage faith and those that help us believe

We talked about the difference between trying to discover God on our own, or allowing God to reveal God's self to us. We will explore in more detail in this Catechism Unit how God reveals God's self to us as Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Thursday Morning Live!

Our Thursday morning Bible Study met at the regularly scheduled time of 10:00 to continue our study of the Book of Acts, prepared by Bishop Daniel. We had a new member join us this week by phone. Yes, you can do that. Zoom invites are sent out each week, usually late Wednesday evening or Thursday morning.

Worship and Music notes

The Worship and Music team met Thursday morning in Fellowship Hall following Thursday Morning Live. The team reviewed how worship is going in its various forms (YouTube, in-person, drive-thru Holy Communion), and discussed some future plans, which include:

• All Saints Sunday. This is the day we normally name and light a candle for those who have died during the previous All Saints Sunday. This year, I'd like to include a brief paragraph of each person, as we have not been able to have fully public funeral services for any since the pandemic discouraged large indoor gatherings.
• Advent Services -- we will not do Advent services this year. I will use those Wednesday evenings for additional Confirmation sessions.
• Christmas Worship. What will this look like this year? We started discussing this, and will continue to do so at our November meeting.

Preschool Spaghetti Dinner

St. John's Preschool is sponsoring a carry-out Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser on Sunday, November 15, from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm. $10.

Nominating Committee

The Nomination Committee will be meeting to find candidates for the following positions:

• Property, 3-year term
• Education and Youth, 3-year term
• Fellowship, 3-year term
• Worship and Music, 3-year term
• Stewardship, 3-year term
• Secretary, one year term
• Vice-President, one year term

Some of those currently serving on committees are eligible to run for a second term. President and Treasurer will also be on the ballot, although Marc Lovins has agreed to run for President, and Shaun Smith for Treasurer.

Bishop's Fall Gatherings

Over the years, the Bishop's Fall Gatherings have been times for the Bishop to connect with congregations and members around the synod. There have usually been at least five regional gatherings on a Tuesday or Thursday evening in the weeks of October. The meetings feature worship and a special message from the bishop, including an introduction to the them for the coming year. Last fall we gathered at Faith in Fremont as we learned about the 2020 theme, "The Year of Mission."

Because of the pandemic, the Fall Gatherings will be on Zoom, and there will be several different dates and times. You will fin a complete schedule of the meetings along with the Zoom meeting invite info HERE. I encourage you to pick a date and time, and put it on your calendar.

Interim Update for October 2, 2020

Erf Weller Wedding

The wedding for Nick and Brittany is this weekend, with a 6pm rehearsal today (Friday) and wedding service at 2:30 pm on Saturday. Paul will be the organist. All service attendees will be required to be wear a mask and register their name and phone number upon entering the church building. Prayers and congratulations for Nick and Brittany, and to grandma Minetta!

Stewardship Program

The Stewardship Team (Linda, Aleta, Emma K.) and I met on Thursday to review our program timeline and elements of our program, including bulletin inserts, newsletter articles and Intent cards. Our theme this year is "Live Generously," which we are borrowing from Thrivent Insurance. I have applied for a Thrivent Action Grant which, if approved, will help to cover the costs of our Stewardship Campaign, one of the primary costs being postage. All mailings will be sent via first class postage.

Part of our meeting on Thursday was joining the third Zoom meeting of our "Beginning a Culture of Generosity" program brought to us by GSB Fundraising. Jennie, the GSB consultant leading our Zoom meetings, emphasizes the importance of telling two kinds of stories - Outcome Stories and Generosity Stories. Outcome Stories tells how you have seen God working through the ministry of St. John's, either for yourself or for someone else. Generosity stories tell a personal experience of generosity -- for example, I would tell a story about how, when I was growing up, my mom and dad took ten percent of their paychecks and deposited it a special bank account from which they gave to our congregation and for other charitable causes.

Do you have some Outcome Stories or some Generosity Stories to tell? We will need them to include in some of out mailings and communications with the congregation as we move forward with this program. Our schedule looks like this:

• October 15 - Introductory Letter
• October 18 - Bulletin Insert 1
• October 25 - Bulletin Insert 2
• November 1 - Bulletin Insert 3
• November 6 - Letter # 2 with Intent Cards
• November 8 - Bulletin Insert 4
• November 15 - Bulletin Insert 5 - Sunday to receive Intent Cards
• November 22 - Bulletin Insert 6 - Progress Report on Intent Cards

Bishop's Fall Gatherings

Over the years, the Bishop's Fall Gatherings have been times for the Bishop to connect with congregations and members around the synod. There have usually been at least five regional gatherings on a Tuesday or Thursday evening in the weeks of October. The meetings feature worship and a special message from the bishop, including an introduction to the them for the coming year. Last fall we gathered at Faith in Fremont as we learned about the 2020 theme, "The Year of Mission."

Because of the pandemic, the Fall Gatherings will be on Zoom, and there will be several different dates and times. You will find a complete schedule of the meetings along with the Zoom meeting invite info HERE. I encourage you to pick a date and time, and put it on your calendar.

Links for You

• Global Links - news and information about the ELCA's global outreach.
• ELCA Hunger Grants - The ELCA provides $500 matching grants for congregations engaged in feeding ministries

Audio Only Zoom worship will be discontinued

I tried doing an audio only broadcast of the 10:00 in-person worship for four weeks, but it just isn't working out. Only one participant, and Sunday there were none. Also necessitates the purchase of a streaming license for the music. Also difficult to make sure meeting was joined, my phone microphone wasn't muted. Will send out notice with Saturday's Weekend Update.

Thursday Morning Live!

We finished the second lesson, and will start the third lesson next week. You're welcome to join us! Email invite goes out early Thursday morning.

Confirmation reviews Bible timeline

Our confirmation lesson was a review of the 39 and 27 books of the Old and New Testaments, and a review of the Bible timeline from Genesis to Resurrection

Looking Ahead

• Tuesday - appointment with Cleora B. for Holy Communion (outdoors at assisted living center in Tiffin)
• Tuesday -NWOS Leaders Zoom meeting with Bishop Daniel
• Wednesday -- Confirmation -- we'll start our study of the Apostles' Creed
• Thursday - 10:00 am - Thursday Morning Live! Study of Acts
• Thursday 11:15 am - Worship and Music Committee
• Friday 11:00 am - Interim Ministry Network Zoom support group
• Sunday, November 22 - Annual Elections/Budget meeting - following 10:00 worship -- Zoom option to attend

Interim Update for September 25, 2020

Pines Retreat Day on Monday

Since 2005, I have participated in fall and spring 1-2 day retreats with pastor colleagues at Our Lady of the Pines Retreat Center in Fremont, OH. Our fall retreat was just a one day event, on Monday. There were nine of us in attendance. Unable to attend was Pr. Larry Trover, who is still recovering from Covid-19. He spent some time in the hospital, and lost 15 pounds. If you ever see Larry, you would know that he doesn't have 15 pounds to lose. But he is getting better, albeit slowly.

A week for yard work

I took advantage of the favorable weather outlook to tackle the project of reseeding dead spots on my lawn. The problem areas have been only in the front, as that area gets exposed sun all day long, and after a very hot dry summer, splotches of turf bit the dust. Good rain in late August and September brought some of the dormant areas back to life, but the dead areas failed to resurrect.

This project took many more hours that I expected, and I took some personal time on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday to finish the job. I ended up using 15 40 lb. bags of top soil (1 cubic foot each), about 8 pounds of grass seed, and half of a jumbo bag of peat moss for mulch. Now I have to start watering. I took a couple pics of the finished job. You can see them here.

Confirmation - Lord's Prayer Review

Confirmation class on Wednesday was a blessed break from the lawn project. With the weather still very nice, we met outside again, and this time did a Lord's Prayer Review with youth writing out the Lord's Prayer by petition. We concluded by reviewing each petition and hearing the explanation form the catechism.

Thursday Morning Live

We continue our study of Acts, the Bishop's bible study, supporting our them this year, Mission. I conducted the Zoom meeting from home, after which I returned to the task at hand -- lawn repair.

LInks for you

• Bishop Daniel's weekly message
• 2021 Compensation Guidelines
• NWOS E-News
• New Beginnings - news from Trinity Seminary. Dean Kleinhans speaks about the Lutheran civil rights icon who died recently.

Interim Update for September 18, 2020

Annual Meeting Date set

The annual meeting of the congregation for elections and approval of the 2021 budget has been scheduled for Sunday, November 22, following the 10:00 am worship service. The meeting will be in the church sanctuary, and members will also be able to attend by way of Zoom, including connecting with a land-line phone or smartphone. Online voting will be done by way of a Google Form, which will be sent by way of a web link, which can be posted in the chat of Zoom.

Beginning a Culture of Generosity

The Stewardship Team met on Thursday for the second of six Zoom meetings to help lead us through our annual fall Stewardship Drive/Program. This series of Zoom meetings, attended by several other congregations in our synod, is sponsored by our NWOS through GSB Fundraising, a stewardship and fundraising consulting firm that provides resources for churches and non-profits. One recommendation of this program is to collect and tell "Outcome Stories" that share the ways that God has impacted people's lives through our congregation's ministry. Could you help us with generating some stories that I could share either on Sunday morning or in the letters we will be sending as part of our campaign? Listen to GSB staff member Mike Ward as he describes what makes for a good Out come story. You can view Mike's 7-minute YouTube video HERE. If you have an outcome story you'd be willing to share, email it to me at mark@bogen.org.

Confirmation Class reviews Ten Commandments

Our confirmation class reviewed the Ten Commandments (one of our units from last year) at our Wednesday night meeting. We again put the sidewalk chalk to work, as youth used ten parking spaces to write out big each of the 10 ways that God protects us. And reminds us of our need for Christ. I posted some pics on the St. John's Facebook page, which you can view HERE.

Nominating committee

The nominating committee for the coming election is Nancy Pickens, Rocky Eskins, and I think there's one more -- can someone help? Nominations of at least one candidate are needed for each of the following:

• Executive Team (one year terms)
  • President
  • Vice-President
  • Secretary
  • Treasurer
• Committees (three year terms - name of those completing their terms at the end of the year in parenthesis - I'm not sure who is eligible for a second term)
  • Christian Education (Sherri D.)
  • Evangelsim (vacant)
  • Fellowship (MInetta E.)
  • Property (Lenny B.)
  • Stewardship (Emma K.)
  • Worship and Music (Cathy O.)

Funeral Friday

I conducted a graveside funeral service today at Castalia Cemetery for Linda Moser, who died last month after a brief battle with cancer. This family was not associated with a local church, so Hannah asked if I could do the service and I agreed. This is one of many ways that St. John's responds to ministry needs. Funerals are always excellent times to proclaim the gospel and the hope of resurrection.

The Giving Tree

The Giving Tree is an outreach program that has previously been sponsored by the Bellevue Ministerial Association, but has now been assumed by Zion United Church of Christ Fireside. The program provides clothing items (hats, gloves, socks, pajamas, underwear, shirt/sweatshirt, jeans/sweatpants) to eligible families. Here's a list of eligibility and requirements:

• For children ages newborn through high school seniors
• Children must reside within Bellevue School district
• You must qualify for Fish and Loaves assistance
• You will receive a pick-up card in the mail
• Pick-up day will be Saturday, December 19, from 10am to 2pm at Fireside UCC church.

An application can be viewed and downloaded HERE. Application deadline is postmarked by October 16th.

Apparel Sale Fundraiser

Heather has been spearheading an apparel sale fundraiser to benefit St. John's preschool. She reports that a number of orders have been received, as well as contributions. This effort has raised about $1,000 so far (Yayyyy!!!) MailChimp emails have been sent, but just in case you're still looking to order something (t-shirt, polo, sweatshirt, blanket) with a custom St. John's Lutheran Church logo, you can view the order form HERE. Completed, paid orders are due in the church office on Sunday morning, September 20. Orders will be delivered on October 4. Heather says that it will also be possible to place orders later (e.g. as Christmas gifts), but the best time is now!

Zoom meetings this week

• Tuesday - Bishop Daniel's meeting with synod pastors, deacons and leaders -- always inspirational
• Thursday - Thursday Morning Live! Bible study - Bishop's Bible Study on the Book of Acts
• Thursday - Stewardship Zoomed in to Beginning a Culture of Generosity (see above paragraph)
• Thursday - Healthy Congregations Leadership Series (see below)
• Friday - Healthy Congregations Leadership Series (see below)

2020-2021 Continuing Education

My primary Continuing Education for the coming nine months will be the Leadership Series offered by Healthy Congregations (HC). HC is the organization founded by Lutheran pastor Peter Steinke, who died suddenly in July at the age of 82. HC was the source for the workshops in which we participated in 2019 led by Pastor Rob Johnson. The Leadership Series is an in depth dive into Bowen Family Systems theory and its application to congregational life. It meets one Friday (full day) a month for eight months from September - May (December excluded). The September session was held two afternoon this Thursday and Friday. For more info on the Leadership Series, go HERE.

Links for you

• Seeds Monthly
• ELCA Worship News
• New Beginnings Weekly message from Dr. Kit Kleinhans, Dean of Trinity Seminary
• Bishop Daniel's weekly email

Interim Update for September 11, 2020

A Prayer for the Anniversary of 9/11

O God, our hope and refuge, in our distress we come quickly to you. Shock and horror of that tragic day have subsided, replaced now with an emptiness, a longing for an innocence lost.

We come remembering those who lost their lives in New York, Washington D.C., and Pennsylvania.

We are mindful of the sacrifice of public servants who demonstrated the greatest love of all by laying down their lives for friends. We commit their souls to your eternal care and celebrate their gifts to a fallen humanity.

We come remembering and we come in hope, not in ourselves, but in you.

As foundations we once thought secure have been shaken, we are reminded of the illusion of security.

In commemorating this tragedy, we give you thanks for your presence in our time of need and we seek to worship you in Spirit and in truth, our guide and our guardian. Amen.

Written by The Rev. Jeremy Pridgeon, District Superintendent of the Pensacola District of the Alabama-West Florida Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church.

Zoom meeting for In-Person Worship

For the last two Sundays, I have offered our In-Person worship at 10:00 am through an "audio-only" Zoom meeting. I have broadcast this service with my phone, using my bluetooth microphone. So far, Ken Ries has joined our worship this way. I am offering this Zoom meeting for the benefit of those who do not have internet, and are able to join the service (meeting) using their land-line phone or smartphone.

I am going to try something a bit different on Sunday -- initiate and run the Zoom meeting through my laptop computer, in the same way that I do for the 8:30 YouTube livestream, except for the fact that the meeting will still be audio only. Using this method will enable potential remote worshipers to join either through their computer or smartphone, or through a dial-in call through their landline or smartphone.

Either way, the fact that we are streaming the live service, including hymns, over the internet, will necessitate the purchase of a streaming license. We recently purchased a reprint license fropm onelicense.com for $200 per year, which grants permission for us to reprint words of hymns in our bulletin which are not in the public domain and covered by OneLicense. Possession of that license will allow us to add a streaming to that license for $77 per year. We'll have a chance to discuss this at Council meeting next Tuesday

Sympathy to Pat Herman

We extend our sympathy to Pat Herman on the death of her sister, Gloria Poynter, who died last Friday. Graveside services were held today (Friday) at Greenlawn Memory Gardens, Clyde. You can read the obituary for Gloria here. Keep Pat and Gloria's family in your prayers.

St. John's Preschool Officially in session

St. John's Preschool kicked off its 2020-2021 year with their first day of class on Wednesday. For some, the first day came on Thursday. With each classroom being self-contained, and with fewer children, it is a bit quieter in the hallways, but when they move from their classroom to the playground, they can still be heard. Continued kudos to Linda and the staff for all their hard word and dedication in getting this school year off the ground under very different and difficult circumstances.

First Confirmation Session

We held the first Confirmation session on Wednesday evening from 6:30 to 7:30 pm. Our entire session was held outside -- we did a "counting" scavenger hunt (e.g. how many parking spaces in the parking lot? How many stained glass windows in the church and chapel? Howl man new Daikin AC condenser units are there around the church? I then had the kids do some chalk drawings on the parking lot near the main entrance to welcome the pre-school kids. Basically, everyone from last year is back, with the exception of Kaden, who was the sole 8th grader last year. We are joined with two new 6th graders, for a net gain of one in the program. Our sessions this year will focus on the Small Catechism, the sections on the Apostles' Creed and the Sacraments.

Bishop Election in NEOS

The Northeastern Ohio Synod is currently holding their Synod Assembly (via Zoom), which includes the election of a new bishop. The current Bishop, Abraham Allende, is not seeking a second term. Here are the results of the second ballot:

74 Karl Biermann
59 Laura Barbins
43 Angela Freeman-Riley
34 Robert Cheyney
32 Bruce Roth
31 Lisa Arledge
10 Sherman Bishop
10 Kevin Maxey

The top 8 advance, due to the tie for 7th. I know Karl -- good guy -- as I have worked with him in several possible interim placements through his position as Assitant to the Bishop. This gives him instant name recognition with Assembly voters, as he has been in many of the synod's congregations. Sherman Bishop was a seminary classmate, and just retired from his long-time call at Prince of Peace Westlake. I'm surprised that he's keeping his name in the running. Long time ago he was Assistant to the Bishop in NEOS and was nominated for bishop when Robert Kelley retired. Apparently the synod was not ready for a "Bishop Bishop." I wonder if they are now. The eight will speak individually to the assembly Saturday morning. Prayers for the Spirit to work and move in this election.

Zoom Meetings

• Synod Transitional Leaders met on Thursday afternoon. We are continuing our discussion of the book Bishop Daniel has recommended us to read - Field Guide for the Missional Congregation.
• Interim MInistry Network Support Group -- this is the group that is comprised of interim pastors of several denominations, and members from coast to coast and also in Germany.

Links for You

• Bishop Daniel's Weekly Email
• New Beginnings - news from Trinity Seminary by Dean Kit Kleinhans

Interim Update for September 4, 2020

Subscribe to YouTube channel!

When we started our YouTube presence for worship back in March, I set up a YouTube channel called St. John's Lutheran Bellevue. Once you have a channel, viewers can subscribe and receive notices of future content that is posted. Once you have 100 subscribers, YouTube will assign you a unique URL (web address) that you can share to promote your channel. We currently have 76 subscribers. Thanks to all who have subscribed so far, and if you haven't, would you, could you please? The goal is to reach 100 so we can get that unique URL Just click here to bring up last Sunday's service, and click the red "Subscribe" button, usually located below the video screen on the right hand side. Thanks!

Sympathy to Jim Colwell family

We extend our sympathy to Jim Colwell on the death of his father, Larry Graffice, who died on Tuesday. Graveside services will be next Tuesday at Pemberville cemetery. NWOS pastor Matt Musteric will officiate. You can read the obituary for Mr. Graffice here.

Thursday meetings

Worship committee met Thursday morning -- we made sure we have our readers lined up (the only worship leaders we've really needed since in-person resumed), and noted that Shaun, Mike and Lenny have been covering the ushering. Do we need to recruit more? We also reviewed how YouTube and drive-up communion had been progressing. I noted the technical programs that are sometimes encountered, as we have four platforms that we work through: YouTube to stream the service, Breeze and MailChimp to send out text message notice of the YouTube and in-person service, and Facebook where I also post info about our worship options. The difficulty last week was with MailChimp, which was running as slow as molasses in January.

The other meeting Thursday was the Stewardship Team met to participate in the introductory meeting of Beginning a Culture of Generosity, the Stewardship program that we elected to participate in at the August Council meeting. Our homework is to gather "impact" stories; share the ways that God has impacted people's lives through our congregation's ministry. The more that we can tell these stories, the more that members will be motivated to give. We give to causes that we believe in and that have an affect on people's lives. How about you? Do you have an impact story to tell? All I need is a paragraph, that I can share during worship (anonymously if that's what you prefer).

Giving Tree

I received info this week about the Giving Tree, the program that provides holiday help to Bellevue families. This program formerly was administered by the Bellevue Ministerial Association, but has now been adopted by Fireside UCC. I received the registration info, and will post it soon on our Facebook page, so the word can get out.

Confirmation Meeting

Confirmation youth and their parents met Wednesday evening for orientation to the coming school year of Confirmation ministry. My first question for the gathered group was "In-person or Zoom?" Guess what the preference was. You're right. In-person. So that's the plan, beginning next Wednesday. Our first meetings will be mostly outside, and we will do masks and distancing. Our course of study will be The Small Catechism -- The Apostles' Creed, and the Sacraments of Holy Baptism and Holy Communion. Parents have signed up to attend and help with supervision. I did not include any requirement or expectation for attending worship, other than encouragement to worship through YouTube if not coming in-person. Also, there will be no requirement for Sunday School for 6-8, nor for acolyting, at least for now.

Handbells for Katy

St. John's was approached by Katy Kohman (the Klein's daughter) who is a music teacher in Gibsonburg. She was looking for an musical option that doesn't require blowing (coronavirus risk), and had asked about the St. John's handbells. We check into it, and learned that our insurance would cover it, and gave the OK, but then learned that Katy finally had received the OK from Zion Lutheran Gibsonburg that she could use their tone chimes (actually a better option for children/youth). Katy isn't sure how long she'll be able to the use Zion chimes, so may ask us again in the future about the handbells

Preschool continues preparations

The final open house for St. John's Preschool was held this afternoon/evening, as Linda and staff get the final necessary pieces together for the opening of school on Wednesday, September 9. So much to do, but they get it all done! Kudos to all our Preschool staff and Board!+

Batman strikes again!

Na na na na na na na na, Na na na na na na na na ---
St. John's very own Batman, Lenny, strikes again. With the recent rains, a leak in the elevator entry caused a ceiling tile to fall, and in the midst of investigating, Lenny found a bat clinging to the wall behind the wastebasket. He removed it to the outside. Thank you, Lenny!

Links for you

• Bishop Daniel's Weekly Email
• New Beginnings - News from Trinity Lutheran Seminary
• Global Links -- news about Global Mission projects happeing around the world