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