From the Desk of Pastor Ted…

Month of April (most recent on bottom)
Sunday Bulletin Articles, Newsletter Information, and Report to the Council

 

April 5, 2008

“From the Desk…” Articles

I have developed a habit of providing information to the congregation through something I’ve been calling “From the Desk of Pastor Ted…” 

      The articles might be weekly or less frequent.  It will likely be the title of articles I write into the church newsletter.  My writing styles will vary, but will usually be less formal… sometimes in the character of how I might talk in a casual conversation.  I might include some humor in my comments… sometimes humor that is subtle or perhaps a bit of-the-wall.  Usually, it’s just what comes to mind.  (I tend to be a bit self-deprecating… just ‘cause it’s fun to tease somebody… and I’m perhaps the safest target to use.)

      “From the Desk…” articles will always contain information of some kind, usually connected to what I’m thinking about, what we are doing together during our interim ministry time, or information that I pick up someplace (no, not the gossip stuff).  Yes, my articles might be a bit rambling… like what I’m doing right now… but… it’s what I do sometimes.

“Intentional” Interim Ministry

The word “Intentional” is an important part of my title.  It indicates that we’ll be intentional in what we’ll do together.  Among many other things, the word means that the council of St. John’s Lutheran deliberately chose to engage with the ministry of the East Central Synod of Wisconsin during this time of transition at St. John’s.  Intentional Interim Ministry functions differently from that of a formal-constitutional (or “settled”) call, when a person is called to serve the congregation as Pastor by the deliberate choice of the congregation during a congregational meeting.  No such congregational meeting occurred regarding my serving St. John’s as pastor. 

      Instead, I am called by the synod council of the East Central Synod of Wisconsin into a specialized ministry of the church… and St. John’s council is contracting with me for Intentional Interim Ministry and pastoral service until such time as will be chosen by the council, by the synod bishop, or by me (usually that decision is mutually collaborative).  The plan at this point is that I’ll serve St. John’s until another pastor receives a “settled” call by St. John’s congregation.

      Not a day was missed of pastoral coverage this week.  I understand that Pastor Joel’s last day was March 31 and my first day was April 1.  Yes, I notice that I began working with St. John’s on April Fools’ Day…

      A note – I thought to look up the meaning of April Fool’s Day.  Hmmm…. I’m not sure what to think.  The on-line Wikipedia states:

April Fools’ Day is marked by the commission of hoaxes and other practical jokes of varying sophistication on friends, enemies and neighbors, or sending them on fools’ errands, the aim of which is to embarrass the gullible.

 

Contacting Me

There are a number of ways to contact me.  Of course, the best place to start is with the church office… as has been the case all along.  Generally, I’ll try to let the office know of my “whereabouts.”  Any time that I’m in my office you’re welcome to simply stop in for some conversation.  An appointment can be arranged if that’s the best way to connect.

      Additional to that, I carry a cell phone and I will keep reminding people of the number, which is: 920-284-7108.  If I am not able to answer the phone at the time of your call, a message can be left and I usually am able to return the call in a reasonable time frame. 

      My home phone number is 715-344-1387.  Yes, you notice that it is a different area code.  I live in Stevens Point, about 70 miles from St. John’s… and, yes, I drive whatever distance is needed… I’ve been doing so since beginning interim ministry in 1995.

      My email is: PadrePoint@gmail.com   A way to remember it: “Padre” is another word for pastor, I live in Stevens “Point”, and I’m using the Google mail system called “@gmail.com”.

      I am presently setting up a new website called www.PadrePoint.org but it isn’t quite functioning.  That will change soon.  I’ll use “PadrePoint.org” to provide information relative to St. John’s and my ministry… such as “From the Desk…” articles, sermons, musings, scheduling, information, etc.  I have had another website for a few years called www.TandJ.org but that will end soon (lots of information is on TandJ.org from the past few years including essays, articles, sermons, church related info, etc.)  I’m hoping my new site will be much more interactive.

I have Some Previously Arranged Commitments

I normally like to inform a congregation and council about significant schedule concerns as soon as possible, even beforehand, especially when it involves a Sunday.  I have a few commitments that I already mentioned during an interview with the council:

• Sunday, May 4 – my son graduates from Capital University in Ohio
• Sunday, May 25 and the following week – out of state travel
• Sunday, August 17 – my son will marry in Columbus, Ohio
• Sunday, September 7 (and likely 14) – out of state travel

This is a bit unusual for me to have so many occasions like this within five months, but I’m not anticipating any other Sundays away from St. John’s in 2008.  All of these commitments were made before I knew the potential of my involvement at St. John’s, “The Only Church on Main Street” (I kind of like the sound of that little phrase that I’ve already heard and seen a number of times during my first week.)

With “Fear and Trembling”

I came to understand during my first day or two at St. John’s that the pastor has the job of organizing the weekly order of worship… at least that’s what it sounded like.  I’ve been working in the church for a lot of years; I know how people can react to perceived changes.  But, the job had to be done.  The need to deal with this right away reminded me of a title of a conference presentation I heard thirty years ago:  “It’s Friday… but Sunday’s Coming!”  I needed to do something… and did so with a little “fear and trembling.”

      I decided to use a format style to make the Sunday bulletin that I’ve used for a lot of years, and to shape the service in a combination of what I call “by-the-book” LBW along with the organization of the new hymnal – the ELW (Evangelical Worship) – which uses the four words: Gathering, Word, Meal, Sending.  These four words came into common usage in ELCA worship with the blue colored With One Voice supplemental hymnal.  As I think about the responsibility to form the order of worship, I think it would be helpful if I used a little more space than just the two half-sheets provided by the inside of the bulletin cover.  I’ll talk with people about using a single full sheet of paper inserted into the bulletin that will effectively provide four half-sheet spaces.  Well… think about it… and I’ll think about it… and I’ll chat with some folks about it… and we’ll see what happens.  I see the purpose of the order of worship to provide information and help make the worship services flow well.  I will look to the Worship Committee to be involved in worship planning, both in terms of general overall flow and many of the details of worship.

Two Pages Already (time to wrap this up for now)

 

April 9, 2008

Hmmm…. The Bulletin Looks Different AGAIN!

You likely noticed that instead of using the two half-pages inside the bulletin cover, I placed the order of worship on the four half-pages of this full sheet of paper.  This change manages a number of things.  First, I have more space available for worship information (for instance, I placed the Psalm text into the order of worship where I didn’t have room before.)  Second, I’m able to use larger fonts for easier reading.  Third, I have space to include some “From the Desk…” writing.  Fourth, doing the order of worship on a single sheet of paper as an insert makes the weekly office processes just a bit easier.  Feel free to let me know your thoughts about this approach to providing an order of worship.

My New Website and Email:   www.TedJohanson.org   and  mail@TedJohanson.org

I announced the name of my new website and email last Sunday.  I couldn’t manage a glitch I encountered with “PadrePoint.org”, so I switched to another name for my new website and matching email address.  On the plus side of this change, the new name might be easier to remember (providing my last name is spelled correctly – one n… and no e… spelled just like it sounds.)

      I’m kind of excited about how this new website sets up and what it can do.  I will place most of my St. John’s writing into this new website.  I’ll include sermons, reports, “From the Desk…” articles, worship information, etc.  Space is provided for comments and dialogue for the various pages and posts.  I can set things up so that others can communicate with me and one another.

      I know that many people do not use the internet.  I see these electronic forms of communication as ways to supplement communication, not replace the present communication systems.  Check out what is presently available on my website (not much yet) and check back to see what will be placed in the future.

 

April 16, 2008

The Completion of a Family “Phase”… What Is Yet To Come?

I write this note the day before Joan and I attend some kind of Honors Recognition Banquet in which our youngest son is to receive a yet-to-be-known-to-us award or recognition from Capital University in Columbus, Ohio from which he will graduate Sunday, May 4.  At that time three of our children will have graduated from this educational institution of our church (our oldest graduated from Wartburg in Waverly, Iowa, another of our ELCA schools.)  I think that the most significant of accomplishments by Joan and me as parents is to have supported our four children in their chosen educational endeavors.  To me, it feels as though we have completed some major kind of “phase” as parents.  In a sense, it was a process that began in 1975, when Joan and I were in our first year of marriage and we had newly completed college degrees, entering the “adult” world to see what will happen. 

      We have a profound appreciation for the education our four children have received and what they experienced in the ELCA colleges they attended.  (Two of our four children also met their spouses at these ELCA schools.)  We are confident they are well prepared for what awaits them in their adult years… and we are thankful to the church and the congregations of which we’ve been a part over the years.  Now… we will see what continues to unfold.

Weekday Studies

I haven’t spoken with people about creating opportunities for me to lead some educational classes here at St. John’s.  I would like to provide both Bible Study classes and some workshops in family/church systems theory and practice.  Watch for more information.

 

April 21, 2008

Report to the Council

Confirmation Ministry

I notice in the council minutes from March that a confirmation service is tentatively scheduled for October 236.  I’ve always experienced October as kind of a long month… now I understand why.  (I had great fun with the typo… thanks.)

      I notice that Reformation in 2008 is October 26… using my “deductive reasoning” skills, I suspect that is what was intended.  I’ve not met with present confirmation people but Sandy and I are trying to make that happen next week.  Pastor Olsen accurately informed the council that it is their responsibility to determine the confirmed membership of the congregation.  I’ll continue to uphold that responsibility and will help people affirm their baptism as requested by council.

      This will likely come up during tonight’s meeting (Stewardship)… it could be an appropriate thing to combine a confirmation experience for young people with a Consecration Sunday experience for the whole congregation on a day that also considers both roots and calling to new/renewed ministry of the gospel (Reformation).

My Website – A Place for Information and Sharing Thoughts: TedJohanson.org

While not everyone in the congregation has ready access to the internet, many do.  A website I just began this month combines blogging and webpage systems (in which people can offer comments to any posting or page.)  I’ll be placing any writing I do onto the website.  People are welcomed to offer comments that can become included on any post or page.  This site doesn’t replace the congregation’s website by any means… but it can supplement http://www.stjohnsonmain.com

Constitution of the Congregation

I’ve not yet read through the full constitution of St. John’s… but upon immediate first glance (such as the second page – chapter two) I note some required elements are missing… so… the constitution seems to be out-of-order and will need to be attended to.

      Actually, upon turning the page, I can see that the problem is that the pages in my copy are flipped… I found the required elements… never mind.

      This is an illustration of reactivity on my behalf… it’s really easy to do… quick and thoughtless reaction… rapidly assuming various implications… and, an individual being highly reactive like this can be a key force that infuses significant anxiety into the overall system… not a desired thing.

      But… now that I am looking quickly at chapter 4, I note that… nope, never mind… a flipped page again.

      Actually… constitutional things at St. John’s look like they are in great order… except for my pages… (the problem is now fixed… see, I didn’t need to be reactive).

Not Too Much to Report this Month – but I’m pleased to be serving at St. John’s

Other than worship related things, some conversations, and beginning to organize I don’t have a lot more activity to report on at this time.  (I did provide pastoral ministry to several in the hospital and led a memorial/graveside service.)  I hardly have any questions… and that is a bit unusual. 

      I do hope to have some teaching / conversation opportunities soon, perhaps on Sundays after worship and/or during the week – it would seem that daytimes would work well.  Can we begin something soon, perhaps biblically oriented or focused on systems theory (as in “Healthy Congregations” workshops)… or BOTH?

      I also would like to learn of pastoral needs that might exist and should be attended to… and, who is involved in these ministries and how those needs are best met.

 

April 23, 2008

Scheduling a Bible Class?  Old Testament: Source Study on the Pentateuch

I’ve been told that a number of people were part of a Bible Class this past year using Crossways material.  And, I’m told it focused on Genesis.  Knowing what I do of Crossways, I don’t think much about “source” and “form” criticism was directly part of the presentation.  I enjoy helping people learn about what has been central to seminary teaching across denominational lines for that last 50-100 years.  Many who experience these scholarly approaches to scripture find that their learning opens these treasured stories to whole new ways of thinking about life and faith and God.

      The challenge I have right now is to determine one or two good times that would work well for people to join in such Bible studies.  The Crossways classes were on Tuesday evenings.  I could make use of that time.  I also wonder whether a good number of people would enjoy something occurring during the morning or afternoon, perhaps on Tuesday or Wednesday.  Talk to me about times that might work for you and we’ll schedule something to begin right away.

Systems Thinking – Healthy Congregations

A second kind of class I would like to begin as soon as possible is something called “Systems” or “Family Systems”… or to use two registered names: Healthy Congregations or Bowen Theory.  They all speak about the same things: emotional relationships, communication, personal growth and leadership through self-defining and being connected in community.  This is the best thing I have to offer in terms of helping a congregation increase its overall health.

      Again, I’d be interested to know what might be good times to offer such classes.  It could be daytime or evening… or both… though daytime seems like a good option.

 

April 25, 2008 – Newsletter

I am very glad to be at St. John’s, serving as an Intentional Interim Pastor during this time between – what I frequently refer to as – “settled” pastorates.  I’ve been serving our synod in this capacity since 1995 after having already served in the church full time for twenty years in eight distinctively unique congregational settings.  (One of my calls was almost eleven years in length; I also understand something of the dynamics of long-term ministry.)  Interim ministry has brought me into twelve additional congregations. 

      Intentional Interim Ministry is a specialized call extended to me and a number of other pastors in our synod.  As such I am under pastoral call from the synod council and under “contract” with the council of St. John’s.  My role at St. John’s will be different from that of a “settled” pastor.  A series of Developmental and Process Tasks will provide an overall template for the interim time; I make frequent reference to these tasks.  In this writing I’ll name the tasks and provide only a short description of each.

Five Developmental Tasks during an Interim Time

Note – These tasks are the congregation’s to manage, as compared with being the responsibility of an interim pastor.  But, I will support and challenge the congregation to effectively attend to these five tasks.

Coming to Terms with History – I mentioned in last week’s sermon a quote, “The past does not repeat itself, but it rhymes.”  Behaviors and issues of recent and more distant history continue to impact the present.  It is important to deal directly with these aspects of congregational life.

Defining a New Identity – Who is St. John’s at this time and what is the vision of its mission?

Allowing Needed Shifts in Leadership – An interim time allows shifting in individuals’ roles and responsibilities as well as in the congregation’s overall leadership functioning.  I’ll encourage “systems thinking” (as described in Healthy Congregations Workshops) in considering this task.

Reconnecting with the Wider Church – This is already occurring… strengthening the connections with the office of bishop, synod (ECSW) and ministries of the wider church (ELCA).

Commitment to New Directions in Ministry – This is about stewardship and moving into the congregation’s future: the wise using/sharing of resources and making personal/corporate commitments to the congregation’s life in preparation for the next “settled” pastorate.

Five Process Tasks for and Interim Pastor

Note – An interim pastor attends to the normal tasks of the pastoral office.  In addition, these tasks help the interim pastor focus on specific ministry aspects to help shape the interim ministry:

Join the System – Just what it says… to engage quickly with the vacated office and with leaders.

Assess the System – Endeavor to understand congregational dynamics and specific interim needs.

Connect with the Office of Bishop – The synod’s interim ministry program is a team effort for the sake of strengthening congregations.  The office of bishop provides oversight and support.

Find Direction for Ministry – This is about identifying and carrying out specific and appropriate ministries or leadership tasks that need attention and/or development.

Exit the System – Yes, it is important for interim pastors as well as “settled” pastors to provide for a good, healthy exit from the system of which they were a part.  I offer my observation that Pastor Joel clearly has sought to exit well from the office of pastor at St. John’s.