Confirmation Meets at St. John's
LIFT Confirmation youth and adult leaders met again on Sunday at St. John's. Our sessions begin at 11:45 with a light lunch, and conclude by 1:15. Attendance was a bit better this session, and we had three joining us via Zoom. Our learning track for this year is the Catechism, and our presentation this session was on the second table of the Commandments, which deal with our relationship with others in the community. Sessions will move to Grace beginning with the next session on January 2, when we will begin the first of several sessions on the Apostles Creed.
Healthy Chuches Faithful Pastors Study Concludes
For the past ten weeks, the group that I have been leading on Wednesday evenings from 6:00 - 7:00 following Spirit supper and dinner church has read and discussed portions of the book Healthy Churches Faithful Pastors, which examines the important relationship that pastors and congregations share and the expectations that we have of each other. The first group of sessions dealt with expectations that congregations have of pastors, and the second group dealt with the expectations that pastors have of congregations. In the final lesson which we discussed on Wednesday night, the sesson addressed expectations that both pastors and congregations have of each other. Those expectations include:
- to anticipate conflict, address differences respectfully, and avoid passive aggressive behavior
- to speak directly and avoid triangulation
- to trust that friends will respect honest speech about personal behavior and will be prepared to hold each other accountable
- not to idolize or demonize each other or to practice projection
- to be close, but not too close -- to avoid fusion and codependence
We have enjoyed good discussion in our group, We have one more session before the Christmas break, and will pick up again in January when we will begin a new series of sessions using Bishop Daniel's 2021 Bible Study on the book of Revelation, during the synod's Year of Vision.
Worship Committee Completes Christmas Plans
The Worship Committee met on Tuesday, and, among other things discussed logistics for our Christmas services at 6:00 and 9:00 pm on Christmas Eve. We will be using real candles on Christmas Eve, along with extra instructions and encouragements to always keep your candle upright -- to never tip a lighted candle. The plasic cup style candle holders are really effective in catching any dripping wax. Tom has been busy organizing all the music, including recital pieces by instrumental ensembles for the half-hour before each of the services.
Just Three Things, ICYMI
Today's issue of Just Three Things can be viewed HERE.
Microphone Adjustments Made
There's been continuing concern about my wireless mic that I use in the sanctuary during worship -- complaints about crackeling sounds and distorted sounds. Ed called a technical advisor from the business that the unit was purchased from, and he received a few tips to make some adjustments. Heather and I tried out the mic after the adjustments were made, and it seems to have made a difference. Please let us know if there continuing issues from where you're sitting, as I cannot always tell from where I'm at.
LIFT Notes
You can read the latest issue of LIFT Notes HERE. Upcoming activities and events include and Advent Celebration this Sunday at Faith, a Blue Christmas service on Sunday, December 14, 4:00 pm at St. John's, and an Epiphany Drive-In service at St. John's on Thursday, January 6, 7:00 pm in the St. John's parking lot.
Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton Christmas Message
ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth posted the following Christmas message:
This is our second pandemic Christmas. We thought this would be over so long ago. And still, we wear masks; we're physically distant; we can't be with friends and family as we used to do. And also, there's so much that's broken in this world, so much that tells us, “Why have hope? Just give up.”
But we have a hope that's stronger than any of this, stronger even than death. The hope of God comes in the form of a tiny baby, a helpless child; nevertheless, who grew to a man and in his fragile strength was willing to die on the cross and was raised again.
I don't know what next Christmas will bring. I don't know what New Year's will bring. But I do know we have hope.
St. Paul put it this way:
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
Merry Christmas, dear church.
The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton Presiding Bishop, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Death of Mike Smith, St. Mark organist
We received word from Pr. Paul that Mike Smith, the organist at St. Mark, died on Wednesday. He had bewen battling liver cancer. Keep Mike's family and the people of God at St. Mark in your prayers.
Lots to Decide at December Council Meeting
Council will have lots of work to at their December meeting on Monday the 13th. Important items on the agenda include the 2022 budget and forming the Call Committee. Executive Committee will begin at 6:00.
Latest Osterholm Podcast
Dr. Michael Osterholm, founder and Director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota, continues to deliver solid scientific analysis of the Covid-19 pandemic in his weekly podcasts. In the latest episode, posted on Thursday, December 8, and entitled "The Early Data on Omicron," Dr. Osterholm analyzes the current data on transmission, disease severity, and ability to evade immune protection of the Omicron variant. We also discuss the continuing Delta surge in many parts of the world, the role of vaccines and boosters, and when booster doses may be available for 12-17 year olds. You can listen to or download this episode HERE.
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