A Week of Learning, Fellowship, and Winter Play
I had a very good continuing education experience in Winter Park from February 9 through 14. Drs. Craig Koeseter and Kathryn Schifferdecker, who both are professors at Luther Seminary, provided insights on the gospel readings for Lent from Johnn gospel, and key Old Testament stories in morning and evening sessions. Worship planned and led by group participants was both inspiring and on the mark. I volunteered to bring the opening devotion on Monday morning. The skiing was unparalleled during a week that dropped about a foot of fresh snow on the mountain over the weekend that we arrived, and A ski area that provides over a hundred and sixty runs with 3000 feet of vertical elevation. I have posted some photos here, which are from the 2018 and 2019 events.
Main Event outing big success
Last Sunday evening, over 60 members and friends from St. John's gathered at The Main Event in Avon for several hours of fun that this facility delivers: bowling, video and arcade games, shuffleboard, billiards, and a high ropes course with a zipline, just to name a few. We were served pizza and a soft drink from 6:00 - 6:30 in our own private reserved room. Thanks to Heather who put it all together for us. Might just become an every February President's Day weekend event!
Annual Meeting Sunday
Congregational Annual report meeting is Sunday after worship. Kristen printed out the report books on Thursday afternoon. Pick up up before or after worship, and join us for this important meeting. Fellowship Committee will be serving refreshments.
Chase piano finds new home
The old Chase upright piano that has been in the choir room for x amount of years has found a new home. The new owners picked it up late Thursday afternoon.
Marlene (and others) Update
I talked to Marlene on the phone on Thursday, and she sounded good. She is hoping to leave the hospital by the end of the weekend, and will spend some recuperative time at her son Doug's home in Lewis Center. Her surgery on Tuesday evening was successful and much less invasive than originally feared. Paul and Jan have things covered for Marlene for the next two Sundays, but we are aware that Marlene may not be strong enough to return to the bench in two weeks. Worship Committee will be working on some contingency plans. As I reported at Council on Tuesday, we have several other members that need extra prayers: Bob Wagner, who has been moved to memory care ate The Willows, Paul Sutter, who is hospitalized with pneumonia following a hip injury, and Betty Norman, who has been spending more time sleeping in her room at The Willows.
Temple Talks for Preschool
Temple Talks for our SJCP kids happen once a month, and Linda and I switch off leading those. This was my month to lead, so met with kids and teachers in the chapel on Wednesday morning and afternoon, and Thursday morning. It's an enjoyable time, and helps make connections with the kids who are now more likely to greet me in the hallways because I am a familiar face that they can connect with a name and function.
Thursday Bible Study in transition
Our Thursday Bible Study completed the video course See Through the Scriptures by Dr. Harry Wendy this week. It's been an excellent Genesis to Revelation overview of the message of scripture, and most importantly, how the Old Testament story sets the stage for the New Testament story of Jesus. It's in DVD format, so if any of you want to view the course, you can certainly borrow the DVD. There are eight sessions, ranging in length from 35-45 minutes each, and I could also provide a book to follow along with. Next Thursday, we will switch gears and begin Bp. Daniel's 2020 Bible Study on the Book of Acts. Sunday Bible study is still on hiatus until spring, exact date not yet determined.
March Newsletter items needed
February is a short month (longer this year because of leap year!), and that means March newsletter items are due. Get them to Kristen early next week.
Ash Wednesday
Lent begins Wednesday, February 26, with Ash Wednesday worship. So get your ash in church that day -- service begins at 7:00 pm. Choir rehearsal will follow.
Lenten Suppers and Worship
Our Lenten program will generally be the same as last year -- supper at 6:00 pm followed by worship around the supper tables. The First and last suppers will be set up in the lounge because of the quilters in the fellowship hall. Choir rehearsal will follow the service.
Thank you Note from Theoprobe Scholarship Recipient
We received a very nice thank you note from Vera McEwen, one of two attendees who benefited from the Theoprobe scholarship that St. John's voted to provide last year. Vera preached for us during one of our worship times, and she was phoenomenal! She is awaiting call to be a redevelopment pastor in Washington state. I scanned Vera's message, and you can see and read it here.
Congregational Report
I have completed the parochial report of membership additions and deletions, and weekly attendance for the Congregational Report that is sent (actually completed online) to ELCA Churchwide office. Shaun will fill in the financial information on giving and expenses that is a part of this report. Kristen will submit the form early next week.
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