From the Desk of Pastor Ted…

Month of August (the most recent material is on last page)
Sunday Bulletin Articles, Newsletter Information, and Report to the Council

 

Newsletter Article – October 2008

Shifting the Focus Toward the Present and Future

Most of my efforts of the first half year at St. John’s has been toward helping the congregation and its members deal with issues that have emerged in the past several years.  I’ve heard lots of complaints and blaming, questions that challenge current systems, and concerns about the future of the congregation.  My wife, Joan, has been a part of the process (as a consultant through the office of bishop.)

      It is important to state again, everything that I’ve checked out, followed down, and researched points to good order in the congregation’s overall systems.  Errors I’ve observed seem to be mostly about intensity and anxiety pushing people toward more extreme behaviors, some of which would hardly be tolerated in a family at home.  Hurt has occurred; trust has been difficult; anger has been experienced; blame has been “flung about.”  Perhaps many have come to terms with these things and are at a better place now than they were some time ago.  That is my hope.  A congregation’s health improves as its people decrease their anxieties, choose to trust in one another, believe in God’s active presence, and form clarity for the present and future.

      So, as mentioned, I am choosing to let go of intense focus on the past and am shifting my general focus toward the congregation’s present and future.  I encourage others to make such shifts in their own thinking as well. 

The Mission Statement Continues… But What is the VISION of that Mission?

I mentioned this in my Sunday From the Desk… writing on September 20.  I asked what I think is a blunt question:  Why does the life and ministry of St. John’s need to continue into the future?  A number of realities and challenges in the congregation’s life bring this question front and center.  I don’t think that it is a matter of whether St. John’s HAS a future… I’m confident that as the future unfolds the congregation will continue to be a place of Christian life and ministry.  The question is meant to spur people to think about how and why the life and ministry is important to its members.  To whom does it need to extend its ministry?  Is growth of some kind a part of that future or is it more about maintaining what there is?  I think the inability of the congregation to maintain things of its past is emotionally tough (I’m thinking about things like Sunday School, weekday activities, busy-ness, etc.)  So this question needs to be addressed… framed in current realties and visionary hope for the future.

      I asked a second question a couple weeks ago, a question that helps us remember what we have already in place: What are St. John’s strengths, resources and options for the future? This question orients us to the positives of the congregation.  Negatives too easily become our default perspective; to see and embrace the positives sometimes requires our disciplined choice.  Be a part of visionary conversations with people.  Ponder together how God might be calling the congregation toward its future.  Help to shape a vision of where the congregation needs to be in five and ten years.  Let such a vision become embraced by the congregation.  Such work is absolutely crucial in the current call process.

Stewardship Emphasis for October

Each Sunday this month has a stewardship emphasis.  Join us every Sunday.  I’ve said this before but I say it again:  The BEST thing people can do right now to support the life and ministry of St. John’s is to make the choice to worship on Sunday.  People being together in loving relationship and in worship is the congregation’s strongest resource for its future.  All of us are “stewards” in the caretaking of St. John’s.  Worship provides the best means to be involved in that caretaking responsibility.  JOIN US EVERY WEEK!!

 

October 8, 2008

Today’s Service: Family Church Sunday and WOV

Today is a “Family Church Sunday” in which we are asking the Sunday School children to be with their families for the full worship service.  While continuing to be liturgical, we’ve been offering on 2^nd Sundays a bit more creative activity and special music led by a group in the front.  Today, I’m trying to involve as many children in the service as I can.

      Also, we are using the blue “With One Voice” books today.  They’ll be distributed before the service begins.  You are asked to leave the books near a door of the church after worship (The books aren’t being stored in the pews).

Next Sunday – Music Recital after a Shorter Worship Service

Next Sunday, St. John’s will join into the worldwide “Day of Celebration” promoted by the American Guild of Organists in this “Year of the Organ” with a local concert featuring the pipe organ.

      I’m planning a 30-minute worship service that will be followed by a 45-minute concert.  Sue has been working diligently on several large organ pieces, along with music that includes piano and trumpet.  Plan to stay the extra minutes next Sunday.

Singing Group Needed to Lead Hymns – Oct. 26 & Nov. 2

I am hoping we can gather a few people to help lead the hymns and liturgy music on Reformation and All Saints Sundays (Oct. 26 and Nov. 2).  The hymns are familiarly connected with the special days.  Hymns include: A Mighty Fortress, Now Thank We All Our God, and For All the Saints.  This isn’t about being part of a “choir” but it is an attempt to gather some people who just enjoy singing hymns of the church.

Wednesday Fellowship Dinner

Over 40 people joined together for a 1^st Wednesday of the Month potluck a couple weeks ago.  We decided to do the same in November… the 1^st Wednesday evening meal will start at 5:15.  I’ll make sure there will be a main dish and we’ll potluck salads and desserts (and setup and cleanup as well.)  Plan to join us!!

Open Forum – Right After Worship – Today

An Open Forum is an opportunity to express thoughts, ideas, concerns, questions.  It will be offered right after worship today.

Coffee and Fellowship After Worship

I’ve noticed a few Sundays in which there was no coffee available right after worship.  Any ideas on how we can better organize ourselves to make some refreshments available after worship?

Six Months – Interim Contract

I remind people that the interim contract between the council and me is deliberately set up to require renewal each six months.  The October council meeting will provide an opportunity to do this.

Processional on First Sunday in November – More People?

Having more than two people in a procession to begin a 1^st Sunday worship service can enhance the service’s beginning.  If you can help with November’s 1^st Sunday service, come to church at least 15 minutes early.  We’ll organize a procession then.  Join Us!

Ministry to “Shut-In” Members – Anyone to Add?

I’m wanting to more clearly identify shut-in members of the congregation at this time.  If you know somebody who has trouble getting around and might not be attending worship, let me or Jan know about the person.

Ministry to “Shut-In” Members – Extending Holy Communion

This fall, we have renewed the ministry of extending the bread and wine of communion to those who cannot attend worship.  If you have an interest in helping to make this happen, let me know.

 

October 19, 2008

Lutheran Campus Ministry

Last spring, I supported Oshkosh’s Lutheran Campus Ministry in several ways, mostly by providing music leadership in worship.  As an extension of St. John’s ministry, I’m continuing to provide weekly support to Lutheran Campus Ministry, again mostly with music leadership in worship.  I see this as a way to extend to and partner with a ministry of our church that has deep roots but also current financial struggle resulting from changed budgeted support in recent years.

First Wednesday Fellowship Supper in November

Over 40 people joined together for a potluck meal on the first Wednesday night of October.  Those who came together advocated we do this again… perhaps monthly.  SO… we’ll gather again on the first Wednesday of November (November 5) for a potluck dinner which begins at 5:15 PM.  I’ll assure providing a couple of main dishes for at least 50 people and invite people to simply join us.  Salads, desserts, etc. will be potluck (as well as setup and cleanup). 

Keep the date open!  Join us in this fellowship meal!

Next Sunday: Reformation, Confirmation, Pledging of Time/Talent/Treasure

Next Sunday’s worship will be a “full one” as we celebrate our Reformation heritage while also considering intentions to support and serve in the ministries of St. John’s Lutheran Church and the wider Christian church.  Time will be provided in the service to write your own pledges.  As we consider the blessings God brings into our lives, in what ways and levels will we respond to these blessings through our own giving and sharing of ourselves with our Time/Talent/Treasures?

 

October 20, 2008 – Council Report

To:       St. John’s Council
From:   Pastor Ted Johanson
Re:       Council Report
Date:   October 20, 2008

Time – Vacation, Continuing Educations, Sundays

I submitted a six-month time-overview to the council president as information.  Because of unusual family events and previous arrangements, I’m slightly ahead of contracted Sundays off.  That is, I’ve used all four Vacation Sundays and one Continuing Education Sunday, leaving one more Sunday off in the period from now to March 31 (one full year).  I anticipate no Sundays off in that period beyond a request for Sunday, March 1.  Weekday vacation/education time is even.

From Last Month – Change of Focus

I encourage an emphasis and focus on the congregation’s strengths, resources, options for the future and possibilities in congregational life. Also consider how to articulate why the life and ministry of St. John’s needs to continue into the future.

From Last Month – Book of Faith Initiative of the ELCA – A Resource

I mentioned this and suggested a first step could be taken by the council this month.  That step would be a decision to “join” into the initiative (on-line registration).  Following that step is a gathering and sharing of information to clarify what St. John’s might commit to.  Some options:

• We will assess where our congregation currently stands in relation to this commitment
• Through the on-line Book of Faith Forum, we will share ideas with the whole church concerning what has already gone well in our setting with engagement with the Bible (like a blog or board)
• We will pause for Dwelling in the Word moments in worship or during meetings
• We will engage the youth in our congregation in helping to develop a strategy for fulfilling our commitment
• We will begin meetings of the congregation with Bible study
• We will watch the Book of Faith Assembly video with a group and engage some of the accompanying Bible studies
• We will explore ways to encourage “family Bible Story time” for use in the home
• We will embark on a common Bible reading schedule with a companion synod/ congregation
• We will share helpful resources and ongoing questions with others by joining the on-line Book of Faith Forum

Covenant of Conduct – Attached

Pinch Theory and Questions for Dialogue – Attached

Extend/Reshape Interim Contract for Another Period

The Interim Contract (a new format in 2008) describes the need to monitor and reframe as needed the interim process at least every six months.  This provides a chance to intentionally think about where the process currently is, to consider how things have progressed so far, and to decide how the interim process might be reshaped for the next period of time.

      I suggest that the council begin with a dialogue as described in the “Pinch Theory” attachment.  This might best be done in a separate meeting of a partial of full council.  Such an evaluation process of the interim ministry can then provide a model for dialogue with the other staff members of St. John’s.  It is important to work with staff on a regular basis (annually?) to provide healthy challenge and support as best benefits leaders, staff and congregation.

 

Covenant of Conduct for Council and Members

(as agreed to by St. John’s Lutheran Church Council of Oshkosh, WI on ______)

In order for the congregation and the Congregation Council to deal effectively with issues, these guidelines will be followed:

1. All members affirm their right to express their thoughts, opinions, and questions about the life and ministry of the congregation.

2. The congregation operates with a Direct Democracy form of government that allows members to share their thoughts, opinions, and questions directly with the pastor(s), Congregation Council, committees, and at congregational meetings.

3. When members of the congregation express an issue to a person of the council, the council person shall ask, “What would you like me to do with this information?“

4. If the member desires to have the information transmitted to the council, the council person shall invite the member to bring the information/opinion to the next council meeting (perhaps during the “Open Forum” segment of the agenda). The time and date of the next meeting shall be given; the president may be informed.

5. If the member does not wish to appear in person, the council person shall ask the member for permission to use their name in reporting. If permission is not given the council person shall say, “I’m sorry but I will not be able to report this to the council since we do not deal with anonymous letters or anonymous comments.“

6. If permission is given, the council person shall report the information/opinion to the council and use the member’s name.  (Informing the council chair prior to a meeting is helpful for good organization and more effective management.)

7. At his/her discretion, the council person may ask that the member refer the issue instead to another council person for presentation to the council.

8. Each issue shall be placed on the agenda (during the “Open Forum” time or as determined by the chair) and written in the minutes along with the action taken by the council. Action may include: “Received as information” or “Pastor (and/or another) is to visit member and report at next meeting” or “Referred to _____ with a report to be given at the next meeting”… etc.

9. Opinions may be shared in writing with the council and shall be handled in the above described manner if the letter or statement is signed.

The “Pinch” Theory in Relationships

 

Three Questions for Creating Dialogue
in Planned Renegotiation

1. When considering ________________ , things I’d like to see MORE of:

2. When considering ________________ , things I’d like to see LESS of:

3. When considering ________________ , things I’d like to see remain the SAME:

 

October 26, 2008

Are There Some People Who Wish to Become Members?

This is a great time for visitors to consider becoming members of St. John’s.  We’ve set a date to receive new members: Sunday, December 7, 2008.  Let me know if interested.

Holy Communion Reminders

First – please know that St. John’s invitation to communion is very open… all the baptized people of God are welcomed, regardless of membership, age, etc.   On 1^st and 3^rd Sundays we stand or kneel at the communion rail, receiving the bread host and an individual glass of wine.  People may request sharing the common cup.   On 2^nd, 4^th, 5^th Sundays, we receive the host, dipping it into wine (intinction).