Interim Update for January 24, 2020

Susan Hopkins Funeral

I received a request to do a non-member funeral this week for Susan Hopkins. Susan was the former sister-in-law of Diane Mattlage, whose first husband was a brother of Susan's husband, Arthur, who survives. The funeral was held on Wednesday at Foos and Foos. You can read the obituary here.

Youth Gathering Meeting

A meeting of parents and youth in grades 7-12 has been scheduled for Wednesday, February 5 at 6:30 pm to provide information and guage interest regarding attending the 2021 ELCA Youth Gathering, June 29-July 3, 2021 in Minneapolis. This video provides a good description of what happens at a gathering. You can also find more information on the official ELCA Youth Gathering website, which you can find here. Registration begins in September of this year, so if there is interest in attending, commitments and plans for fundraisers should begin soon.

Plan for February 8-9

The service for February 8-9 will be led by St. John's members -- Heather is taking the lead and will recruit youth to assist. A healing service (come forward for healing prayer and oil) will replace Holy Communion.

Adult Bible Study update

Our adult Bible study using the video course See Through the Scriptures (STS) with Dr. Harry Wendt has been progressing slowly but surely. The Sunday morning class has decided to go on hiatus until spring, as some of the regular attenders have been unavailable. We have a few more sessions to go with STS, after which we will begin Bishop Daniel's new study on Acts.

Family Fun Night

A Family Fun Night has been planned for Sunday, February 16, from 4-7 at The Main Event family entertainment center in Avon. Bowling, shuffleboard, high ropes, plenty of fun for everyone. A goldenrod flyer is available in the narthex with more information. Get registrations to Heather by February 2.

Links to some good stuff

• NWOS eNews January 24 This issue includes the promo info that Paul sent to Synod regarding the Richard Hills Organ Concert. Also, info regarding the 2020 Synod Assembly, June 12-13 at BGSU. St. John's will be eligible to send four voting members, two of whom should be 30 years or younger.
• Seeds Monthly A resource for leaders of ELCA congregations and synods. Interesting articles on white privilge, and Bishop Eaton's letter on the United Methodist Church.
• NWOS Staffing Announcement Sarah Schaff has been selected to be the next Director for Community Engagement. The announcement will tell you more about what this means.
• Year of MIssion Bible Study Bishop Daniel's weekly message, in which he introduces the Bible Study for 2020 from the Book of Acts.