Death of former Bishop James Rave
We received word this week of the death of Bishop James Rave -- he was the first Bishop of our Northwestern Ohio Synod, and served from 1987-1998. He was my bishop for the first three years I was in Ohio. You can read more about Bishop Rave here.
Tuesday's Council Meeting
With snow piled high outside, the February Council meeting was mostly on Zoom. Marc, Shaun and Tonya braved the city streets to come to the church for the meeting. Some highlights of the meeting (wtih thanks to Toni for meeting notes):
- MISSION ENDOWMENT FUND:
Dennis Bauer reported that the Mission Endowment Committee is recommending the distribution of $18,000 in proceeds from the Mission Endowment Fund to the following entities:- Flat Rock Care Center - $3,000
- Homeless Shelter in Bellevue - $3,000
- Luther Home of Mercy - $2,000
- Salem Lutheran Church in Toledo - $2,000
- Charlotte Goetz family (Norwalk, Ohio) - $2,000
- Bellevue Recovery and Support Services (BRASS)- $2,000 (This is a repeat grant)
- St. Jude's - $2,000
- ACT (Answering the Call Together) - $2,000
- DISCUSSION REGARDING RESUMPTION OF IN-PERSON WORSHIP:
For the time being Sunday services will remain the same but this will be reviewed in two weeks when the Executive Council will meet. Guidelines need to be reviewed and revised where needed and implemented when services do begin. More volunteers are needed to make sure guidelines are properly followed. It was suggested that the Ushers escort members of the congregation to their seats and at the end of the service; the Ushers will stand by the pews to dismiss people in order to keep social distancing. Attendance and prayer request stations in the Narthex and entranceway are a must which means more volunteers are needed to ensure a smooth and social distancing service. Hopefully more information will be available when the Council meets in two weeks as to the status of COVID in our area. As it stands right now, Huron County is still considered RED, as are many other counties. Those people that are involved with the opening of the Church to regular services will be notified that there is a possibility that in person services could begin by Palm Sunday. But again, this possibility will be under review and a decision made according to the situation at the time. There will be an Executive Council Meeting on February 28, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. Also a Special Council meeting on March 2, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. - PROPERTY:
Repair on the boilers and toilets are done. Snow removal is being done on a “per time” basis this year. CB Excavating has been doing the snow removal so far this year. (2 times). Will be discussing a seasonal contract for next year.
Lent at St. John's
Lent officially began on February 17, with Ash Wednesday Worship. We registered 34 views, which for a midweek service is pretty good. We are also planning the following Lenten Season activities (this is mostly a repeat of last week's post):
- Midweek Lenten Worship
These services will be offered on Wednesday beginning at noon on YouTube, and available for your viewing any time after that. Our theme this year will be "The Puzzle of the Cross", and focus on the meaning of the central symbol of our faith, the cross of Jesus Christ. Our themes for each of the five weeks will be:- February 24 - "God"
- March 3 - "Humanity"
- March 10 - "Sin"
- March 17 - "Savior"
- March 24 - "Sacrifice"
- April 1 - "Salvation" (Maundy Thursday)
- Participation in the ELCA Hunger Lenten Program "40 Days of Giving"
The ELCA has provided millions of dollars in support of programs around the world to alleviate world huinger. This emphasis will enable us to participate more fully in this life giving ministry. To do this, I suggest that we do the following:- Commit to giving $1, $2, $3 or more a day for 40 days of Lent. Is a goal of $1,000 realistic? I think so!
- Dowload and use the 40 Days of Giving Lenten Calendar for inspirational ideas for daily reflection and action, as well as prayers and relevant Bible passages. You can download the calendar HERE.
- Dive even deeper into our inspiring 40 Days of Giving content by subscribing to our weekly Lenten email series. You can find the subscription form HERE.
- Weekly videos, stories and information will explain about how our gifts to ELCA World Hunger are at work in the world.
- Kristen will post daily prayers, scripture passages, and links to resources on our Facebook page.
Education Team meeting
The Education Team met Wednesday evening via Zoom, which I joined following Confirmation. Topics of discussion included possibilities for Vacation Bible School, plans for Confirmation Sunday on April 25, and what our Sunday School program might look like in the fall.
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