2009-07 July
From the Desk of Pastor Ted…
Month of July, 2009 (the most recent material is on last page)
Sunday Bulletin Articles, Newsletter Information, and Report to the Council
Newsletter – July 2009
From the Desk of Pastor Ted…
Committee Structure: 2 Outreach Committees, 3 Stewardship Committees
In its recent meeting, the council endorsed the idea of reshaping St. John’s Committee structure into two primary categories: Outreach and Stewardship. The Two Outreach Committees (Worship and LEGS) oversee the functions of St. John’s that are primarily outreach oriented. The current Worship Committee is functioning well, shaping worship plans and assuring that worship details are managed. The LEGS Committee is beginning to form by helping to shape and lead the VBS program (1st and 3rd Wednesday evenings during summer.) The LEGS Committee will “put legs” under the ministry of St. John’s, “carrying it” to the communities of which we are a part. (LEGS is an acronym for Learning, Evangelizing, Growing, Serving and is a combination of education, social ministry, fellowship, P.R. and more.)
The three Stewardship Committees (Property, Finance and ATT) have as primary focus the wise caring for the congregation’s resources. Property and Finance continue to function well; the ATT Committee is still forming. The three letters of ATT represent three small groups of people (3-5 members or so) that have a specific focus… to Ask, Thank, and Tell. ATT springs out of the former Stewardship Committee. The word Stewardship will be used as a “category” for the three committees that “steward” (care for, strengthen) the congregation’s property, finances, and people resources.
What Might the ATT Committee Do?
During the time I’ve been at St. John’s as Interim Pastor, I’ve tried to “model” things in addition to just “describing stuff” like I did in the last couple paragraphs. Sometimes, it’s easier to understand an idea when it is seen in action. The following paragraphs could be the kinds of articles that the three ATT groups (Ask, Thank, Tell) might put together for a newsletter or Sunday bulletin. I admit that the writing isn’t very “catchy” but a small group might enjoy making things more interesting and creative. I’m continuing to ask people to consider becoming part of one of the three ATT groups. Do YOU think you could be part of one of ATT’s small groups? Sure you could… and it might be a lot of fun.
ATT (Ask) – Would You Help Support the “Bishop’s Fund”?
At the annual assembly of our synod (held in June) an offering was received from congregations and individuals. Many congregations make a concerted effort each year to bring a significant special offering to the assembly. St. John’s and its delegates contributed a modest offering. This year’s Synod Assembly offering was split between the Bishop’s Fund and Crossways Camping Ministry. The council decided in its recent meeting to support special giving from members of St. John’s during July and August to support the Bishop’s Fund.
Would YOU make a contribution to the Bishop’s Fund this summer? The fund is drawn from all year by Bishop Justman to help clergy and their families in our synod with unusual, unexpected financial hardships. Last year, due to high levels of need, the fund was depleted faster than typically occurs. Gifts should be designated: “Bishop’s Fund”. Contributions will be collected throughout the summer and transferred to the Bishop’s Fund in September.
ATT (Tell) – A Recent Special Event at St. John’s
Because of the call process, Bishop Justman has visited St. John’s a number of times in the past year or so. In May, Bishop Jim Justman came to St. John’s for another reason. A special event was created for our synod and held at St. John’s. It was called “Our Cultures=><=Their Cultures” and occurred in the morning and afternoon on May 21 with a lunch (and snacks) of authentic Palestinian food. The primary purpose was to provide Bishop Justman a chance to reflect on his experience with over 40 ELCA bishops who recently traveled to the Middle East (Jerusalem, Palestine area, and Jordan.) About 100 people came to the special event from all across the synod… a GREAT showing. A number of St. John’s members also participated in the day. More information about the event and some related materials can be found at the website: www.OurCulturesTheirCultures.org
Pastor Johanson’s daughter, Marna, and her husband, Firas (who recently came to the United States from Jordan… his family has Palestinian roots), hosted the lunch and breaks, preparing (from scratch) all of the authentic Palestinian food. As Firas described, “we wanted to provide a lunch just like what my family might make for a guest visiting our home in Jordan.” (The recipes will soon be on the website noted above.) Also, Peder Johanson, seminary intern, provided descriptions of his recent travel to the same areas visited by Bishop Justman. It was a wonderful event for our bishop and for the synod. Participants gained more understanding and perspective about people and circumstance in one of the world’s most challenging issues… the Middle East’s Palestinian/Jewish contentions.
ATT (Thank) – Front Steps and Recent Special Appeals
Wow! Thanks are extended to all who have contributed toward the Front Steps Repair Fund. We have almost reached the goal of $15,000 to cover the costs of repairing the church’s front steps to Main Street. A contract has been ordered and the work will be done soon to place new concrete steps atop the current crumbling steps. Great work and great giving… thank you!
AND… over half of the portion of the Patri Fund borrowed to cover the 2008 budget deficit has been repaid (check the chart in the gym). Individuals and groups have made significant contributions and it is appreciated. The Patri Fund has served the congregation’s financial needs in a number of ways over the years and efforts are made to use the fund well. Restoring the fund as we are doing is very important to help meet future needs of the congregation. Thanks to all who have helped in this way in recent months.
AND… because of the generosity of a number of St. John’s members in a recent special appeal for twenty $500 gifts (above regular giving), the current spending has reasonably balanced with income such that the congregation has not had to borrow significantly on a line of credit established with our bank a few months ago. Thank you… you know who you are… and the extra giving you made to support St. John’s is greatly appreciated.
Articles
Christmas in July: Sunday (July 26) and Thursday (July 30)
Sunday worship on July 26 and the following Thursday worship (July 30) will celebrate “Christmas in July”… yes, a totally artificial designation… but interesting, meaningful and fun. The worship services for both days will include Christmas music, Christmas message, Christmas communion liturgy, and more. Feel free to bring that favorite “Christmas sweater” to worship (we’ll have the air conditioning on to keep the sanctuary cool.)
A “Craft and Bake” sale will follow both worship services and the proceeds will establish a “Lighting Fund” to add a light to the parking lot (yes, a bit of a pun here, playing on the “Light Shines in the Darkness theme.) Also, to decorate the sanctuary for Christmas in July, we’ll have a small “decorating party” on Wednesday, July 22 at 6 PM… and a “de-decorating party” after worship on Thursday, July 30; all are welcomed to help. Join us and experience “Christmas in July”.
NEW!! Training for “Ministry Assistants” – August
A number of people have suggested their interest in some training to help them with various caring ministries. This includes people who wish to support others with hospital visitation, “befriending” (personal support), communion distribution, and worship leadership. Pastor Johanson will offer a four-week basic training for Ministry Assistants on Wednesday evenings (7-9 PM) and Thursday mornings (10 AM to noon) beginning August 5. The four Wednesday sessions will focus more on worship leadership dynamics. The four Thursday sessions will focus more on “befriending” (providing caring support in one-on-one relationships.)
All are welcomed to be a part of this training. The sessions are designed to provide good information relative to care-giving, one-on-one personal/pastoral support, and leadership. The four sessions (either Wednesday or Thursday) will help participants learn new skills and better equip them in caring tasks with people of various needs. Registration forms will be available in Sunday bulletins during July. Inquire with Pastor Johanson for more information. A website with good relative information: www.BefrienderMinistry.org