Executive Team Meeting with Pastor Robert Ohrstedt
On Thursday afternoon, the Executive Team met with and completed an agreement with Pr. Robert Ohrstedt, who will be the bridge pastor for St. John's until the arrival of the newly called pastor. Pastor Bob's home is in Columbus, and he will be commuting to Bellevue several times a week, as well as working remotely from home. Starting date will be May 3, and his assignment is full time. Most recently, Pastor Bob completed an interim at St. Paul's in Waldo, where Pastor Sarah Schaaf served for a number of years until she was called to the Synod staff as Director of Community Engagement. Pastor Bob was also able to visit briefly with Heather regarding our YouTube service, and she learned that Pastor Bob has a computer that can be used until a new laptop arrives (see next story).
New Laptop Computer on the Way
A new laptop computer has been ordered and is on the way, although it won't arrive until mid May. This purchase was necessary, as we have been using my personal computer to stream our Sunday morning and special services on YouTube. We are using a rebate from Perry ProTech for our new copier to fund this purchase.
Congregation Annual Reports Meeting
Our Congregation Annual Reports Meeting, postponed from February, is ready to go this Sunday, April 18, immediately following the 10:00 in-person worship. You can view the agenda, along with the printed reports HERE. Attendance via Zoom will be an option, but in order to participate online you will need to complete a form so Heather will know what addresses to send the Zoom invitation. View and complete the form HERE.
Exit Interview
In last week's Update I included information about an exit interview which will give us an opportunty to reflect on this interim time with these thoughts in mind:
- to take a final look at "how have things gone;"
- to bring meaningful closure prior to departure;
- to enhance future ministry and congregational life.
The date and time for this interview will be Tuesday, April 20, at 6:00 pm. It will last form 1.5 to 2 hours, and will be offered exclusively via Zoom. The meeting will be led by Conference Deans Steve Bauerle and Stacy Lauer. You can view an outline of the interview HERE. I hope that many of you will be able to participate in this meeting. I will send the Zoom link on Tuesday, so watch for it then.
Imagining Renewal Microgrants
Last year, our Synod raised money for, promoted, and granted funding for new ministry projects in our synod congregations. St. John's donated $3,000 last fall from our Mission Endowmenet Fund to this special fund. Last year, $23,375 was awarded to fund 23 projects throughout the synod.The synod is now announcing another round of grants. From a recent synod email:
Spurred on by a generous donation, and in conjunction with 2021: the Year of Generosity, we are now offering a 2nd Round of Imagining Renewal Microgrants. The Northwestern Ohio Synod Council has designated up to $30,000 in microgrant funding to offer support and resources to individuals, congregations, and organizations who have a desire to engage in a new and original community-based project that uniquely meets a community need, encourages community engagement, and furthers the good news of Jesus.
This round of microgrants will focus on 4 Categories of Care: Discipleship, Generosity, Care for Creation, and Community Regeneration. Take a moment today to imagine how God might do a new thing through you!
For more information about these grants, and for a link the to the synod Imagining Renewal Microgrants website, go HERE.
Last Confirmation Learning Session
Our final learning session for Confirmation was on Wednesday, during which we reviewed a resource called "Ready to Affirm." We talked about what it means for youth to affirm their faith, and the promises that they will be making. We also talked about their final essays, along with possible topics and thought starters for writing. These will be due this coming Wednesday at 6:30 at which we will also rehearse the Rite of Confirmation and get youth fitted with their gowns. Education Team is handling other details, such as flowers, gifts, and a take home "Confirmation Muffin," since we will not be able to offer a more traditonal reception.
Kristen's schedule next week
Kristen wll be out of the office some next week, including Monday afternoon when she has a doctor appointment for her ankle, and all day Wednesday to be with her husband Chuck who is having surgery. She may take part or all of Thursday depending on how things go for Chuck.
First Communion
Four of our congregation kids will begin communing on Sunday. I have met with kids and parents on the past two Wednesdays during which time we learned about the meaning of Holy Communion and its Biblical basis. Kids and families will come forward during worship to be introduced, and we'll offer a special prayer for them.
Installation of Council
I will do a brief service of installation during worship on Sunday for Council Members who are present. I will not ask anyone to come forward, just to stand where you are for this service.
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