From the Desk of Pastor Ted…

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

 

Council Report – December 15, 2008

 

To:       St. John’s Council
From:   Ted Johanson – Interim Pastor
Re:       Council Report
Date:   December 15, 2008

Staff Reviews

St. John’s does not have a standing Personnel Committee but makes provision for a Staff Support Committee (which ought not function as a personnel oversight committee anyway.) 

      C13:04 “In the absence of a Staff Support Committee, their duties shall be fulfilled by the executive committee.”

      Following the November pastoral ministry review (the special council meeting that became rather confrontational sounding) I convened the Executive Committee (normally the officers – it isn’t described precisely) to carry out a review process with the three staff people: Jan, Art and Sue.  That committee consisted of the president (Peter) and Secretary (Rene) along with me as staff supervisor (the vice president position is effectively open and the treasurer is a staff person.)

      We met together before and after carrying out individual staff interviews on December 4.  The Executive Committee and staff members discussed current job descriptions, job effectiveness, and various concerns as pertain to each position.  We concurred the following:

•        The Administrative Associate and Business Manager job descriptions accurately describe the needs and nature of each position.  Both positions are considered viable and important to the overall life and leadership of St. John’s in the present and near future.
•        The Staff Musician job descriptions need to be reworked in light of the many changes occurring in the music department of St. John’s over the last ten or so years.
•        The Executive Committee concurs that all three staff people have effectively met the criteria and expectations of their positions.  All three employees express interest in continuing their employment as described by the descriptions (recognizing that the musician description needs work.)
•        On this basis the Executive Committee moves the following for consideration of the council at large: Be is resolved that, based upon the December 2008 staff review process, St. John’s council shall continue the current employment of Jan Nelson, Art Merry, and Sue Kennon into and throughout 2009 as articulated in their corresponding job descriptions (and reshaping the description for Sue’ position.)

Nominating Committee – Council Options for 2009

I convened the Nominating Committee for an initial meeting on November 5.  I began the discussion by describing that technically the committee itself was not in order.  C13.02 states that “A Nominating Committee of six voting members of this congregation, two of whom shall be outgoing members of the Congregation Council, shall be elected at the annual meeting for a term of one year.”

      I’ve understood that the two outgoing council members were not elected as described, but have traditionally been appointed by the council late in the year.  That practice doesn’t match the constitutionally stated procedure.  In a sense, I challenged the authenticity of the committee as currently put together.  I think it would be useful to propose an amendment that merges the constitution with whatever practice is wanted for the determining of the committee.

      After explaining this reality, I asked for thoughts and ideas on how the committee might proceed.  The first shared thought was a challenging perspective by one member, Jean, to two other members, Dorothy and Karen, that they might be more satisfied being part of the life of another congregation… asking them to consider leaving St. John’s.  I did not know this perspective was coming forward.  It seemed to have been thought about for a while, not merely an off-the-cuff or emotionalized remark, but a reflective position and challenge.  It was a distressing challenge for the group and discussion or clarification did not occur.  The meeting ended almost immediately with the two confronted members excusing themselves  .  I followed up with all three of the involved people.  Dorothy chose to end her membership at St. John’s immediately; that request was honored.  Karen, after some reflection, expressed willingness and interest in continuing the discussion relative to the challenge and working with the others of the committee to carry out a nomination process.  Jean has expressed reticence with me about meeting with the other party to process or further explain her comments.  I’ve decided to not reconvene the remaining three committee members and instead wish to have the council approach the issues.  I list a number of options to consider:

•        Promote constitutional changes to describe a preferred Nominating Committee process and perhaps more detail about council makeup.

o       6 two-year council terms (3 each year) plus additional one-year terms

o       3 three-year terms (1 each year), 2 two-year terms (1 each year), and some number of 1 one-year terms (this could even be different each year)

o       maintain the current flexibility (no more than 12 and no prescribed number of two-year terms)

o       The pastor is a 7^th council member of a six person council

•        2009 council could be the existing five terms (2^nd half of two year terms)

o       The council is already comprised of five continuing members

o       An additional one-year term could be elected to make six (I’ve heard from one congregation member who expressed interest and willingness to be on the council) and the pastor is a council member for seven

o       A Call Committee will likely be formed by the council in 2009

o       Seven people (plus ex-officio treasurer and recording secretary) should be a sufficiently large sized group to provide council leadership

o       a nominating committee for 2010 could be the six council members… they could make nominations reflect constitutional changes

•        The existing three members of the Nominating Committee could be reconvened

o       I am concerned about unresolved issues impeding on the group’s ability to function well

o       I challenge the current arrangement (not in line with constitutional wording)

o       The three Nominating Committee members could be asked to meet with the two outgoing council members to make some number of nominations. 

o       The council at-large could meet along with the three Nominating Committee members as a means of giving support for their task

December 27, 2008

3 Questions for the New Year… and St. John’s Call Process:

1.      Who are you?

2.      Where are you going?

3.      What/who do you need to get there?

You’re Invited to be  Part of Some Visioning Conversations

Yes, it’s time to be getting more intentional about the call process.  I know that renovation decisions are yet to be settled, but I’m guessing that will happen soon.  And, perhaps any decisions about building renovations need to be closely connected with a visioning process for the congregation.

      As I vacuumed up some 15-20 gallons of water today from the floor of a couple basement rooms I found myself thinking about how much effort and resources are needed to simply maintain a building like that owned by St. John’s.  I wondered what level “maintaining” is in the congregation’s sense of its vision of mission.  Right now, it isn’t so much about clarifying what “should be” in terms of the congregation’s sense of self and its directions of ministry as much as clarifying what IS envisioned, valued and done by the people and leaders of the congregation.

      I invite you to be a part of this basic task of interim ministry… to define more clearly the identity of the congregation and the congregation’s vision of its life and ministry.  This is the time to engage into the process.  I’ll explain more about this task in some visioning meetings I’ve scheduled in the next couple weeks.

Visioning Meetings – Come and Join Us as You Can:

Tuesday Morning – January 6 at 10:00 AM (Day of Epiphany)

Tuesday Afternoon – January 6 at 1:00 PM (Day of Epiphany)

Wednesday Evening – January 7 at 6:00 PM (after 1^st Wed. Potluck) Sunday Morning – January 11 at 10 AM (right after Worship)

“De-decorating” Decisions – Next Sunday, Jan 4 after Worship

Those interested will decide when and how to de-decorate.

1^st Wednesday Fellowship Potluck – Jan 7 at 5:15 PM – Join Us

(Same pattern as in previous months – a couple main dishes will be provided… everything else is potluck… enjoy the fellowship!)

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December 28, 2008

3 Questions from Bishop Justman for a New Year and for St. John’s Call Process:

1.      Who are you?

2.      Where are you going?

3.      What/who do you need to get there?

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Annual Report for 2008 – December 31, 2008

To:       St. John’s Congregation
From:   Interim Pastor Ted Johanson
Re:       Annual Pastoral Report for 2008
Date:   December 31, 2008

The Year’s Start – Renovation Conflicts, Pastor Olsen’s Retirement, Interim Ministry

The congregation experienced a challenging special meeting in the beginning of 2008 to vote on releasing sufficient funds to gain specific information on renovation costs and options for the east entrance (elevator area) and the space between the sanctuary and gym.  (Similar information had already been gathered regarding possible renovations to the sanctuary.)  The question of releasing funds for such purpose was narrowly defeated in what seemed to me to have been a highly emotional process.

      Pastor Olsen reached a point in his life and ministry in which he chose to retire from what I refer to as settled ministry, concluding his pastoral call to St. John’s at the end of March.  The congregation council, in consultation with the office of bishop, decided to enter into a contract with me (and Bishop Justman) for Intentional Interim Ministry.  I began serving in this capacity on April 1.  The contract was reviewed by the congregation council in November with a decision to extend the interim contract for another 6 month period as needed.  The interim contract calls for such periodic review, evaluation and decision.

      A primary factor in determining the start of the call was identified before I began interim ministry at St. John’s… coming to terms with renovation questions.  That isn’t settled yet.  The congregation took up the January question a second time at the end of August, deciding to obtain more specific cost information on components of proposed renovation work.  The renovation task force hasn’t met to process recently received information from the architect concerning options for the space between the sanctuary and gym.  I’m hopeful that such consideration will happen soon, allowing the questions to be presented to the congregation for decisions about renovation options.  The financial realities of 2008 have profoundly reduced some of St. John’s current fund levels, especially of stock funds that could have been tapped for renovation work.  This is a significant factor that must be considered relative to renovation work.

Healthy Congregations, Communication Issues, Building Conversations – May to August

Using systems concepts of the Healthy Congregations Workshops 1 & 2, much time and effort was devoted to communication and building issues of the congregation.  The council also requested support from the office of bishop in this process.  That support came in the form of consultation time with Joan Johanson, who has worked with over 50 congregations in such capacity.  Additional to weekly conversation times, Joan provided information, perspective, and challenge to the congregation in two Wednesday gatherings in summer, following picnic meals.

      In many of the weekly gatherings and in reviewing written information, the congregation has experienced conflict in the previous few years with issues additional to renovation options.  The most specific issues seem to have centered on decisions made by the council and congregation in how to provide a staff.  During the summer conversations, and even in the recent budget meeting, I clearly heard from a few individuals serious challenges to the current staff configuration and those in current staff positions.  These challenges needed response and much time was dedicated to addressing those challenges:

•        All financial questions raised by individuals were checked out and addressed.  In every financial question I heard and followed up with, I encountered a finance system that is in good order with accounts and funds being maintained with solid integrity in terms of receipts, accounting and expenditures.
•        The council decided to obtain an outside audit additional to the annual audit practices of the past few years.  A similar outside audit was carried out a few years ago, just before the current business practices were set up.  This audit effort will help to reinforce ongoing integrity in St. John’s financial system and will be reported in another area of the annual report.
•        I meet formally with the staff on a weekly basis.  During the first five months, I also provided training to help reshape leadership practices of the staff in ways that reflect systems models of Healthy Congregations.
•        The Executive Committee carried out an evaluation process with the members of the congregation’s staff, exploring job descriptions, expectations, and job performance.  The Executive Committee reported to the council, expressing their satisfaction with current staff members and recommending that current staff people continue in their employment as currently configured.  The council considered the recommendation and decided to continue employing current staff throughout 2009, planning to continue a similar annual process of review and evaluation.  It is noted that old job descriptions for multiple musicians will need to be reshaped to better describe current realities and expectations with the congregation’s single staff musician.  I plan to focus on that need early in 2009.

Worship – Primary in the Life and Ministry of St. John’s – New Hymnals

It seems clear to me that the congregation’s worship life is primary to the people of St. John’s.  The decision made last year to support worship with the new hymnal of the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Worship) was carried out without particular stress or challenge to the congregation.  I appreciate people’s support of the transition to the new hymnal.  It could serve the congregation well as did the green LBW since 1978 (yes… thirty years of service!)

      In conversing with Pastor Joel, it seemed clear to me that a primary joy in his ministry at St. John’s was leading the congregation in worship.  I, too, find that leading worship is a primary joy in my ministry at St. John’s.  I think it might be the congregation’s primary asset to its people and the community. 

      Fall worship included a stewardship emphasis throughout October, concluding with a pledging process on Reformation Sunday along with the Affirmation of Baptism liturgy with the congregation’s confirmands.  Special music and liturgies were included in fall worship services.

      I’ve written about this a number of times and will only mention it in this report… Additional to the flow of the liturgical year (church seasons, etc.), a monthly rhythm of worship styles and emphasis have also shaped the nature of worship services.  This weekly pattern has developed as I’ve worked with the Worship Committee to plan worship and will carry into 2009.  It might or might not influence worship planning after the current interim ministry time.

New Things: 1^st Wednesday Potluck Suppers, Weekly Pastoral Support to LCM

Perhaps as a spin-off from the two potluck picnic suppers in summer (which were used as a prelude to the special gatherings which followed) a number of people have gathered each month on the first Wednesday for a potluck fellowship meal at 5:15.  While a couple of main dish items are provided, everything else is potluck, including set-up and clean-up.  These will continue into 2009, at least for a while.  No particular group/person organizes the meals; all are invited.

      Lutheran Campus Ministry of Oshkosh has shifted its approach to ministry, connecting much more with pastors and congregations of the synod for its life and worship.  I’ve joined LCM each Thursday (when possible) to help with worship, mostly through supporting music and singing.

Moving into 2009 – What is to Come?  St. John’s Building and Renovation

Interim Ministry is designed to be relatively short term.  I’ve served congregations for a variety of duration times… from as little as a few months to 2½ years.  A typical duration is about a year or so.  As mentioned already in this report, a primary concern for St. John’s interim time is to manage questions and issues concerning building renovations.  Information and financial realities will inform these issues.  Perhaps more important to renovation questions is to clarify a sense of vision in the life and ministry of St. John’s.  For instance, is it the vision of the congregation to transform its worship space to reflect current sanctuary practices and styles or is it more the congregation’s vision to maintain its worship space as currently configured?  I have great appreciation for the sanctuary plan developed over a number of years.  It’s well thought out, appropriate, and would serve current and future needs well.  How many people of the congregation have caught similar appreciation for that vision?  Is it a unifying, rallying force in the congregation?  Does the current configuration serve current and future needs adequately?  Have funds depreciated sufficiently to remove sanctuary renovations from serious consideration for at least the next decade or so?

      How about the second renovation project developed over the past few years?  It included consideration of the east entry near the elevator, the northeast entry door to the sanctuary, and the space between the sanctuary and gym, transforming the space more into a fellowship and gathering area.  The gym currently provides the primary fellowship space… and it is definitely a gym type space.  The hallway between the gym and sanctuary is the primary gathering space for the congregation besides the gym itself, and is easily clogged with only a very few people.

      I’ll take a couple paragraphs to describe what I think are primary renovation considerations in the present and near future (I’ve not processed these thoughts with the building task force and only represent my own considerations):

•        Can the northeast door into the sanctuary be widened, perhaps to match the hallway that leads to it?  I recognize that a lot of stone must be removed to widen this doorway.
•        Could the hallway width be extended into the sanctuary space by moving the existing half-wall (dark stained wood) to the line from the column to the chancel wall?
•        When the organ console is replaced and relocated (likely to the space between the pulpit column and the wall) some modification might be needed to allow the musician to easily move from organ console to piano.  Perhaps the recent renovation that moved the altar rail to the floor could be extended in a similar fashion all the way to the wall (with or without extending the communion rail).
•        The space between the sanctuary and the gym could be transformed into an effective gathering space by removing office walls.  I wonder if the space currently used for steps onto the stage and a small closet could be transformed to provide a restroom.  That could allow the current office bathroom space to provide a kitchenette (sink and counter) along the wall in the opened gathering area.  The major question in this is whether a gathering space such as could be created is needed and wanted by the congregation.

All of the building renovation questions are best considered in the context of a clear vision of the congregation’s mission in its present life and future… perhaps the next five or ten years.

Moving into 2009 – What is to Come?  Vision Conversations

I scheduled times in which I’m inviting members of St. John’s to engage in some conversation about a vision for the congregation’s life and ministry.  Thoughts and information of these conversations could be useful with renovation questions, and could help to begin the “CMP” document (more information follows) needed to initiate the active call process for the congregation.  The first series of conversations will occur before the annual meeting.  More of these visioning conversations could be scheduled later.  They could be useful in moving the call process forward and their success is based on participation.

Moving into 2009 – What is to Come?  Some Structure Questions

St. John’s constitution describes a number of standing committees.  Some of these committees consist of a single person or simply are not functioning.  Other committees are vibrant and function well.  Again, I offer some thoughts in this report that are my own and have not been processed by others.  They are not meant to be action items but to stimulate conversation.

•        Go with what is working… a number of committees are clearly working effectively right now: Worship, Property, Fianance, and Stewardship.
•        I have always thought of two basic orientations for standing committees: outreach and stewardship.  While all committees embrace both aspects, particular committees emphasize one aspect more than the other.
•        Two “Outreach” committees could adequately serve current outreach aspects of St. John’s right now: Worship (already working well) and a new committee to embrace a number of emphases (Learning, Evangelizing, Growing, Serving).  This new committee could be an action oriented group with a wide range of ways to engage the congregation in outreaching activities… to the level that makes sense for who St. John’s is right now.
•        Three “Stewardship” Committees, already functioning, could well serve to maintain the integrity of the congregation, its people and its resources: Property, Finance, and ATT (converting the current stewardship committee into three sub-groups that each take on a particular focus: to Ask, Thank, and Tell… as described by Charles Lane, ELCA stewardship consultant… I’ve described this concept to several leadership groups… my former synod is adopting this approach throughout the synod.)
•        The council could be reduced slightly to a seven person group: the pastor and six members, each with two-year positions.  (Additional one-year positions can always be created or added at any congregational election meeting.)  This configuration could allow each council member to have a primary connection to one of five committees and the president to provide general leadership of the congregation.
•        Constitutional language for the Nominating Committee needs to be altered slightly to better reflect what is needed and wanted.

Moving into 2009 – What is to Come?  Call Process and “Congregational Mission Profile”

I’ve already suggested the need to clarify a vision of the congregation’s mission.  This is primary when thinking about the pastoral needs of St. John’s.  I suppose that another approach might be to “just get a pastor who will provide St. John’s with a vision.”  I once heard this analogy articulated by a congregation president during an interim time:

It’s like we are all on a bus… wanting to go somewhere.  We could devise our destinations and find a driver that can take us there… or we might just choose a driver and let that person decide our route and destination.

From what I’ve heard of the congregation through conversations and listening, people of St. John’s have some ideas about where they’d like to go… or think the congregation should go.  The first kind of approach might be preferred by many… but it does require a clear articulation of directions, goals and ministry purpose.

      When the office of bishop begins contacts candidates to be a part of the call process of a congregation, two documents are exchanged.  One document is a pastoral profile, “Ordained Mobility Form”, which comes from the candidate to the Call Committee for their initial consideration.  Another document, “Congregational Mission Profile”, is created by the congregation and given to each pastor whose names are submitted to a congregation.  That document answers lots of questions about the life and ministry of the congregation, its strengths and weaknesses, things more important and less important, its nature and history, its current realities and hopes.  Its many pages and requires some diligent work to make it useful to support the congregation’s call process.

      Once a congregation has its CMP (Congregational Mission Profile) in good order and the Bishop (or Associate to the Bishop) meets with the council and Call Committee, the call process can become active with interviews, etc.  St. John’s constitution indicates that the congregation council appoints a six-person call committee, which it hasn’t done yet.

Moving into 2009 – What is to Come?  Be Not Afraid; Trust the Process; Participate

The congregation has felt to me to be in a better place than it was earlier in the year.  The council might soon organize a Call Committee and initiate work on the CMP.  While the congregation’s leaders make these determinations it is important for members to continue to build a positive climate in the life of the congregation.

      In my preaching during the Christmas season, I’ve focused on the encouragement experienced in the Christmas story and in the scripture readings for the season.  Transition times are great opportunities to reframe personal and collective thinking about our community life as a congregation.  I encourage you to trust that God is active and God’s spirit is working among the people of the congregation.  Let your understanding of faith and church life become larger even as your own understanding of God becomes larger.  Trust the processes that are part of an interim time.  Choose to be involved.  Participate in discussions.  Be willing to be part of decision making.  Trust the decisions that are made, even when they might be different from what you would have wanted.  Diversity and differences are strengthening to a group of people, especially when centered on the unifying presence of Christ within the body of Christ, the church.  God’s blessings to the people of St. John’s in 2009.