Interim Grace Notes for May 3, 2024

Final Issue of Interim Grace Notes

Welcome to the final issue of Interim Grace Notes. I hope this has been helpful -- for me it's become a discipline to sit down on Friday and think about the week that has passed, what happened, and what was accomplished. This blog will remain as archive of the past 35 months. Each post is linked in the Blog Archive in the right column. Some of the posts are of synod emails that I have copied and pasted into a blog post for easy sharing. To view and read, all you have to do is type interimgracenotes.blogspot.com into your browser. If you are searching for something specific, you can use the small search window in the upper left corner. This will bring up all posts with your search word. Then use the "Find" feature of your browser (Ctrl F) to find the specific posts where the word is found.

With Thanks and Appreciation and Gratitude

In these last days of my time as your interim pastor, I've been reflecting on these past 35 months with thanks, appreciation and gratitude. The words that I will speak in a Litany of Farewell at the close of the services this weekend say it well:

I thank Grace Lutheran Church, its members and leadership, for the love, kindness, and support that you have shown me. I am grateful that you received my ministry and that we were able to work together to accomplish many good things. I am confident that God has already forgiven any mistakes we made and that God has already blessed the work we have done.

No, can't say we haven't made any mistakes. But we accomplished some good things, and hopefully those good things will pave the way for even better things that Grace and your new pastor will do together.

So again, thanks for the love, the kindness and the support. It has meant the world to me!

Lunch Shared with Staff

On Tuesday, I was taken out for lunch by the Grace staff to Time Out Sports Bar. The staff at Grace does excellent work on behalf of the congregation in the areas of ministry, administration, and facility support. It has been a pleasure working with all of them, and lunch on Tuesday was a great way to bring closure to our work together!

Links for You

• Just Three Things
• LIFT Notes for May 2-8
• ELCA Global Links

Interim Grace Notes for April 26, 2024

Exit Interview Confirmed for May 6

I have received word that the exit interview I mentioned in last week's post has been confirmed for Monday, May 6, 6:30 pm. Assuming we'll be meeting in the Lounge. In attendance will be Call Process Facilitators Pr. Henry Seibert and Hannah Mapus, Deacon Sherry Krieger from Synod office, Pr. Matt Wheeler (Eastern Conference Vice-Dean). Also invited are members of Grace Congregation Council. I'll be sending a notice of and invitation to this meeting in a separate email.

Volunteer Recruitment and Retention Zoom Sessions Conclude

On Thursday joined the fourth and final Zoom meeting on Volunteer Recruitment and Retention, a learning track for our participation in the GSB Fundraising program Stewardship for All Seasons that we participated in. This series of workshops was very helpful in providing direction on how to build a solid program of recruitment and retention. Key things learned include writing job descriptions, staying in touch with volunteers to learn of problems, thanking and recognizing volunteers. I know that Heather and Maureen, and perhaps others have attended or viewed the recordings of these sessions.

Each of the sessions was recorded, and the topic and link to the recording of the session are provided.

• January 25
  Passcode: @W9$jd4V
  Overview--how do we recruit volunteers? We will consider the process of determining our volunteer needs, preparing recruitment materials, identifying prospective volunteers and how ministry team leaders go about inviting their service.
• February 22
  Passcode: BHW4@V%*
  Writing job or service descriptions. You will bring a list of volunteer opportunities at your ministry to this meeting and we will walk through how we write a job or service description together.
• April 4
  Passcode: W8hGi?&5
  How to retain volunteers. In this meeting we will talk about how to make your volunteers’ experiences worthwhile and fulfilling. We will review check ins, conflict resolution, continuing education and gratitude gatherings.
• April 25
  Passcode: u?sSh8ja
  How to grow volunteer leadership in your congregation. One of our goals in refining our volunteer program is to raise up new leaders and maintain a leadership pipeline. We will discuss how to identify potential leaders, give them varied experiences throughout your ministry, and invite them into leadership roles.

Let's Build Beds Date Confirmed

Since the Stewardship campaign last fall, you have heard about a plan to join a local non-profit in a project to build beds for children in families with that particular need - a comfortable bed and bedding to consistently get a good night's sleep. We were originally hoping to do this project in the fall of this year, but the local non-profit, Let's Build Beds(LBB), was already booked for the dates we wanted. We are now on their schedule for a build on Saturday, September 13, 2025. Grace will be partnering not only with LBB, but with our fellow LIFT congregations. Put this date on your calendar. Our goal will be to build 50 beds, and distribute them to local children and families that have the need. The cost will be $200-250 per bed, and includes the lumber to build the beds, a mattress and bedding, for a total project cost of $10,000 - $12,500.

Links for You

• May Grace & Truth
• Just Three Things
• On the Way - NWOS News - April 23, 2024

On the Way News from NWOS April 23, 2024

 

...Jesus came near & went with them   On The Way E-News - April 23, 2024

News from across Northwestern Ohio to keep you connected. Imagining Renewal Microgrants 2024 Northwestern Ohio Synod Assembly Year of Rest Resources Summer Youth Retreat "Just Chill" Growing In Faith - Creeds & Confessions Rogation Blessings & Worship Service Bid for the Roses - Luther Home of Mercy Stock the Shelves - Lutheran Social Services Seeking the Spirit Retreat Pierstorf College Loan Fund

Imagining Renewal Microgrants - due April 29th We are currently accepting applications for Imagining Renewal Microgrants. Individuals, congregations, and community organizations are encouraged to develop a proposal to engage in a community-based project that meets the needs of their contexts in one of the following areas: Community Sabbath Ministry Transformed Creative Collaboration Recipients can receive up to $1,500. To learn more, click below. Applications close April 29th. APPLY NOW!

Visit our Website

Download Informational Packet

2024 Northwestern Ohio Synod Assembly - June 1st St Mark's Lutheran Church 315 S. College Dr. Bowling Green, OH Join us June 1st from 9:00-6:00pm at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Bowling Green for Synod Assembly. The cost is $100 per person (with lunch and snack included) when you register before May 1st. After that date the cost increases to $200 per person. Childcare is available. To learn more about the 2024 Synod Assembly click below. Register by May 1st. Visit our Website Register Now

Year of Rest Resources "So then, a sabbath rest still remains for the people of God." (Hebrews 4:9) These resources have been created to help celebrate the Year of Rest.

Simple daily practices to ground you in scripture & rest.

May Rest Calendar

TED Talk on the 7 types of active rest.

TED Talk

A bible study written around the 7 types of active rest.

Bible Study

A sermon by Rev. Drew Tucker from HopeWood Outdoors. This sermon can be used to offer pastoral leaders a week of rest.

Rest Sermon

Summer Youth Retreat - June 30th-July 3rd HopeWood Pines 2790 St. Rt. 61 Marengo, OH Youth from across NWOS will be gathering at HopeWood Pines from Sunday, June 30th - Wednesday, July 3rd to learn about active rest through play, spiritual practices, fellowship, worship, and a whole lot more. This program is designed for youth who are entering 6th grade through 8th grade in the fall of 2024. We are offering this experience for the low cost of $100 per person to provide an opportunity for youth unable to attend The Gathering. Bishop Daniel and other Synod Staff will be on-site throughout the week. To learn more, click below. Register now!

Visit our Website

Download Information Packet

Growing In Faith: Diakonia - beginning May 16th on Zoom Enroll now for the final course of the Spring 2024 program, "Lutheran Creeds & Confessions". Join Pastor Adam Sornchai and learners from across Northwestern & Northeastern Ohio Synod to explore the historical and theological content of the Book of Concord with an eye to establishing the importance of its witness for Christian mission and ministry. Each 5-session course is $65. Class runs Thursdays from 6:30-9:00pm on Zoom from May 9th to June 6th. To learn more email growinginfaithohio@gmail.com or click below. Class begins May 16th. Visit our Website

Rogation Farm Blessings - May 6th-8th Worship Service - May 9th Solomon Lutheran Church 305 W Main St. Woodville, OH Our friends in North Central Conference are hosting a celebration of agriculture during this planting season. On May 6-8th pastors will be available to bless local fields, livestock, and equipment. To have your farm included contact Pastor Bob Noble at joyfulnoise123456@gmail.com. Please include your name, phone number, and preferred date and time of blessing. On May 9th at 6:00pm you are invited to gather for a Worship Service & Dinner at Solomon Lutheran Church. A free farm-style meal will follow prepared by Ole' Zimms Wagon Shed. Click below to learn more. Flyer Informational Letter

Bid for the Roses Luther Home of Mercy - April 26th at 6:00pm The Pinnacle 1772 Indian Wood Circle Maumee, OH Join Luther Home of Mercy Friday, April 26, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. at The Pinnacle for Bid for the Roses Presented by GenoaBank.  This Kentucky Derby themed celebration includes hearty grazing stations, desserts, beverages and amazing live and silent auctions. In addition to our regular line-up, we are excited to add live music from Acoustic Distant Cousinz and more! All funds raised will be used to provide direct care and support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With more than 24 locations throughout Lucas, Wood, Sandusky, and Ottawa Counties, Luther Home of Mercy is dedicated to offering programs that make hopes and dreams come true!

Tickets & Information

Lutheran Social Services Northwestern Ohio Stock The Shelves - May 17th Lutheran Social Services 2149 Collingwood Blvd. Toledo, OH The third annual Stock the Shelves drive-thru donation event will be held on Friday, May 17th from 11:00am to 1:00pm at the LSS site in Toledo located at 2149 Collingwood Blvd in the Old West End. This year LSS is inviting friends and community members to support the more than 900 individuals who rely on their pantry each month by serving as sponsors. To learn more, click below or contact Jeremy Schneider, the Mission Advancement Coordinator, at (419)243-9178. Facebook Event Page Sponsorship Information

Seeking the Spirit Spiritual Retreat for Rostered Leaders & SAMs August 26th-29th Spiritual Center of Maria Stein 2365 St Johns Rd Maria Stein, OH A Benedictine-style, quiet retreat will be hosted by the Southwestern Conference for all Rostered Leaders and SAMs. The retreat will be led by Pastor David Westphal, a certified spiritual director, and provide plenty of silent time for contemplation, reading and prayer. The cost of the retreat is $350 (a $75 deposit is due with registration). For more information contact Pr. David at pastordavedelc@gmail.com or call (419)455-0513. Click below for an informational sheet and registration form.

Registration Form & Information

Pierstorf College Fund Accepting Applications through June 30th The Pierstorf College Fund was established in 1994 and is a one-of-a-kind Lutheran financial aid program for all Lutheran students pursuing a higher education who live in Ohio. Since 1994 they have awarded over $13 million in loans to more than 4,000 students. First time borrowers may be new or returning college students. They do not ask for family income information. The pastor of the applicant is their sole reference.   For more information or to complete the online application click below. Applications are open from April 15 through June 30, 2024. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for further updates. For additional questions contact them at at: Pierstorf@messiahfp.org or call 440-665-3653. Information & Application

If you have an announcement or an event that you would like to share throughout NWOS email: news@nwos-elca.church. Please include event, date, location, details, and attachments.

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