Interim Grace Notes for April 29, 2022

VBS Meeting Held Tuesday

Planning continues for our week of VBS July 11-14, beginning at 6:00 pm at St. John's. Hayes UMC will not be participating this year. Our theme is "Compassion Camp -- Changing the World with Lovingkindness." Stay tuned for ways that you can participate in this important ministry for kids in our congregation and community.

Revelation Bible Study Underway

My Wednesday evening Bible Study (6:00 - 7:00 pm) is using the Bible study resources on the book of Revelation written by Bishop Daniel and other synod staff for this year's synod program theme "Vision." Here's an explanation of the year's theme from the NWOS website:

Welcome to 2022: The Year of Vision. Our focus this year will be on God’s vision and promise to make “all things new”. At the end of the Book of Revelation, God paints a picture of a new heaven, a new earth, a new Jerusalem, and a new Eden. God is in the business of making all things new and invites us to be a partner in the renewal of all things. The mission of the Northwestern Ohio Synod culminates in the renewal that God promises to bring.

It's not too late to join our group. We've been having some good discussion while learning some important things about this often misunderstood last book of the Bible. You can take a look at our Bible study Participant Guide HERE.

Great Hymns of Faith being Resurrected

I'm sure that many of you remember the choral program that operating at Grace and in the area in recent years called "Great Hymns of Faith." The program has its roots with Pastor Joe Leas and his very musical son and daughter-in-law, and which brought together many voices, mostly from LIFT congregations and other church choirs in the Fremont area, for a two-day choral festival, capped with a concert.

Great Hymns of Faith reached a zenith on October 29, 2017 when the program included the Firelands Symphony Choral and was held at The State Theater in Sandusky. This was one of many other events that celebrated the 500 anniversary of the Reformation. You can read a Port Clinton News Herald piece about the event HERE. The article includes a very nice photo of Pastor Henry.

The program has been shut down since the last concert in 2019, which was held at Grace. Plans for 2020 and 2021 were shelved because of the pandemic, but now, leaders at Grace, LIFT, and others are putting the pieces together of a resurrected program. Fitting for the Easter Season!

An initial organizational meeting was held at Grace on Wednesday. Michael Shirtz is returning as the primary musical director, and was present at the meeting. Part of the agenda of Wednesday's meeting was to settle on tentative dates, which will be Saturday and Sunday, November 12 and 13, and will carry over the planned theme from 2019, which will focus on thanksgiving and gratitude. The format will be similar, with a Saturday rehearsal, and Sunday afternoon concert. Grace will host the event.

Update on Synod Congregations in Call Process

There are currently 15 congregations in the Northwestern Ohio Synod who are in the call process, have completed their Ministry Site Profile, and have their congregation names, locations and Summary Mission Statements posted on the "Openings" page of the ELCA website. Area congregations in addition to Grace that are on the list include:

• St. John's Bellevue
• Trinity Sandusky (Venice)
• St. John's Port Clinton
• St. John's Oak Harbor

There are an additional six congregations in the synod that are in the Transition and Study process, including local congregation Bethlehem Pemberville.

Should You Get the Second Booster?

That's a question I have been asking, as I am in the over 50 range as far as the CDC guidelines are concerned. You can read the guidelines HERE. Dr. Osterholm addresses this question in this week's Covid-19 podcast, posted on April 28, and entitled "Class in Complicated Times." Dr. Osterholm and host Chris Dall also discuss the state of the pandemic in China, South Africa, and the U.S.; the latest data on the Johnson & Johnson vaccine; and CIDRAP's Coronavirus Vaccines Research and Development Roadmap. Dr. Osterholm shares a beautiful place from one of their listeners. You can listen to or download this episode HERE.

Interim Grace Notes for April 22, 2022

Holy Week and Easter

Holy Week and Easter went well -- it certainly was good to see less brown pew and more people -- I heard comments that some members who hadn't been seen in worship for a while were back. Some things were done a bit differently that what Grace has experienced in the past, but we heard mostly positive comments about all the services. Thanks to everyone - staff, volunteers, who put in extra time and effort to make it all happen

Mayor Sanchez Promotes Park Ambassador Program

On Tuesday night, Mayor Sanchez and Fremont Schools hosted a meeting to launch what they call the Park Ambassador program, which focuses on placing volunteers in city parks to reach out to city youth. Area pastors and youth leaders were invited to attend, and Heather and Pastor Paul were present to represent Grace and LIFT. I asked Heather to write a brief report of her attendance at the meeting:

This past Tuesday evening I, along with other religious leaders in Fremont, were invited by the Mayor, Danny Sanchez and Superintendent, John Detweiler to tour the new high school and a meeting regarding opportunities to support youth in our city. I attend with Pastor Paul Bailie. The meeting consisted of several speakers, a blessing of the new school buildings and the Mayor revealed a new program through the city of Fremont called Park Ambassadors. This opportunity will allow for a presence of Background checked volunteers to be a presence in the parks. We are not there to police the parks, but rather there to build relationships with the youth and families there. We also serve as information & support specialists for youth who may be in need.

I am excited to participate in this program as it can build upon the intention of the Summer Park Tours that I started last summer. This will give my presence in the park validity and not just the creepy lady in the park with gatorade and water in her cooler. In a personal conversation with the Mayor he was glad to know that we had been doing the summer park tour and he encouraged us to continue inviting our families to the parks for games and events. If you too are interested to be a Park Ambassador you can contact the Fremont City Recreation Dept. 419-334-5906.

There has been coverage in the News Messenger about this which you can read about HERE and HERE.

LIFT Notes

You can read the latest issue of LIFT Notes HERE.

60th Confirmation Reunion Planned

The Grace Confirmation Class of 1962 is planning a 60th anniversary reunion and celebration of thier Confirmation at Grace during 10:00 worship on May 22. We will use the Affirmation of Baptism service on that day as a means for the class, along with the congregation, to affirm the promises we make in our baptism, which we examined closely during our Midweek Lenten Worship series. The member of the class that is spearheading this reunion is Rod Karg. I met Rod in 2016 during my time as interim at Providence in Holland, Ohio. Rod was the chair of the Transition Team during that interim.

Changes for Spirit include Revelation Study

Our Wednesday night Spirit activities have resumed with a couple modifications. A scripture reading with discussion questions will be provided for each table, and we are now going to Holy Communion together as a large group instead of having prepackaged elements at each table. At about 5:45 or so, when most have finished their meal, we will gather in a large circle for a brief communion service. Also, I've started a new study using Bishop Daniel and synod staff's new Bible study resource on the book of Revelation. This wil start at 6:00 pm. Here is the full evening schedule:

• 5:00 Meal
• 5:15 Scripture reading and discussion at each table
• 5:30 Open Youth Room
• 5:45 Circle Holy Communion
• 5:30 Creativity Club
• 6:00 Youth Choir
• 6:00 Bible Study with Pr. Mark
• 6:00 S.L.A.M. with Maureen
• 6:15 Middle & High School Group
• 7:00 Bells of Grace

Osterholm Update

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. The latest episode, posted on Thursday, April 21, is entitled "You Can't Stop the Wind." In this episode, Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the state of the pandemic in the U.S. and around the world, the end of mask mandates on public transportation, and how to assess the risk posed by emerging variants, like the new Omicron sublineages. They also discuss a COVID query on wastewater testing and share some special thoughts and messages to commemorate the 100th regular episode of this podcast. You can listen to or download this episode HERE.

Interim Grace Notes for April 8, 2022

Welcome Back Pastor Paul!

Pastor Paul has returned from several weeks of paternity leave following the birth of Brandi and Paul's baby daughter Anna Jo! It's good to have you back! Pastor Paul will be participating in the Good Friday service at Grace on Friday evening. Pastor Paul has written a message for the current issue of LIFT Notes, which you can view and read HERE. Also in this issue is important info regarding the LIFT Holy Week offering, Walk to the Cross, hosted at St. Mark.

Committee Meetings

• Worship Committee met on Tuesday -- primary agenda was final plans for Holy Week and Easter services. Also looked ahead to plan for May, including recognition of graduating seniors on May 22
• Stewardship Team also met on Tuesday -- we are beginning the process of writing "change" stories -- members are telling their stories of how their participation at Grace has changed their lives. The plan is to publish one story per month. Do you have a story to tell? Let us know -- we'd love to hear it, and write a story about it.

Visit by Fremont Fire Department

A representative of the Fremont Fire Department visited on Thursday, and reminded us that any door that is marked EXIT has to be free of the lock bars. So, during worship times, and presumably other times when persons are in those areas of the building, the middle Baker Street door, the Courtyard door by the elevator, and the Courtyard door at Clover Street cannot have the lock bars in place. Those doors DO NOT have to be unlocked, the doors just have to be accessible to let people exit. Also discussed was what needs to happen during the week, i.e. with the preschool and Soup Kitchen. Linda has spoken to both Nancy (soup kitchen) and Andrea (preschool).

For Saturday worship, someone on staff (presumably Pr. Mark or Maureen - whoever is preaching that weekend) will take care of this. For Sunday worship, Michaelle (Sunday Custodian) can take the bars off when she comes in, but someone - council, deacon, staff - will need to make sure bars are put back on after late service. We will need to think through the various times and situations, and decide which doors will need to have bars removed. For example, it is unlikely that the bar on the door to the courtyard on the Clover Street side of the building needs to be removed, as there is normally no one in that part of the building during the Saturday service. Thanks to Linda, who walked through the building with Fire Department personnel, and notified Executive and key staff via email.

Midweek Lenten Series Wraps

Our midweek Lenten worship series of services focusing on the five promises that we make in the Affirmation of Baptism service to continue to live in the covenant of our baptism wrapped up on Wednesday evening. At the end of each message, those in attendance were invited to write a word or phrase expressing actions he or she could take to fulfill this promise and a Post-it note, which we collected and posted on an easel size Post-it. Heather took photos of each of the large Post-it's, which I have linked below. Click on the "+" to enlarge the photo, and you should be able to read most of the responses.

• Live among God's faithful people
• Hear the Word of God and share in the Lord's Supper
• Proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed
• Serve all people following the example of Jesus
• Strive for justice and peace in all the earth

The musical setting Holden Evening Prayer provided the structure for our services. Thanks to Mike Schalk for leading us

Holy Week Notes

A busy few days ahead as Palm/Passion Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week. Staff have been laser focused on the extended to-do lists that need to be checked off. A few notes about our upcoming services:

• Palm/Passion Sunday - Following the opening announcements, worshipers will be invited to move to the State Street narthex (including outside, weather permitting) , palm branches in hand, for the reading of the Processional Gospel (the story of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem on a donkey) and the singing of the Processional Hymn, "All Glory, Laud, and Honor" as those who have gathered at the back process back into the sanctuary. The message will feature "The Streetsweeper of Jerusalem," who will tell the story of that first Palm Sunday from his perspective.
• Maundy Thursday - This service, beginning at 6:30 pm, brings to completion the penitential season of Lent with announcement of forgiveness. A kneeling bench will be located at both sides of the front of the sanctuary, where worshipers can kneel and receive an individual pronouncement of forgiveness.
• Good Friday
  • Dramatic Reading - Kent Watkins will present a dramatic reading of "The Crucifixion," adapted from Lew Wallace's well know novel, Ben Hur. This will be posted on Facebook and the Grace website beginning at noon on Friday, and will be available on demand after that. Thanks, Kent, for this offering!
  • Good Friday Worship - The service begins at 6:30 pm, and will feature
    • A "reader's theater" reading of the Passion according toJohn
    • The sermon will use the hymn "O Sacred Head Now Wounded" to help focus and reflect on the events of that first Good Friday
    • The service concludes with the carrying forward of a wooden cross, and the Solemn Reproaches, strong reminders that it was our sin that made it necessary for Jesus to die.

Osterholm Update

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. The latest episode, posted on Thursday, April 7, is entitled "A Stay Tuned Moment." In this episode, Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss cases in China, the BA2 subvariant in Europe and the US, and the consequences of ending testing and surveillance programs at this point in the pandemic. Dr. Osterholm also answers a COVID query on avian influenza and shares another beautiful place from one of our listeners. You can listen to or download this episode HERE.

Interim Grace Notes for April 1, 2022

Stewardship Team Learns Editing

On Monday afternoon the Stewardship Team joined the third of five monthly Zoom meetings led by Mitzie from GSB Fundraising, who is teaching us how to write and edit members' stories that describe how our congregation has made a difference in their lives. The focus of the latest session was on editing for clarity and effectiveness. Our goal is to publish one story per month via email, newsletter, and Facebook. Do you have a story to tell of how Grace has made a difference in your life? Let us know! We'd love for you to tell us your story!

Bridge of Hope Update

Last week I posted a message from Traci Zoller regarding the volunteer help that is needed at Bridge of Hope. This week she sent an update, copied below:

Hello to all and Happy Monday!!

I just wanted to share a quick note and link to the sign up genius Pastor Paul had previously shared. I will be out of town beginning March 31st and will also be returning to work when I return so if no one signs up to cover these hours, I'm worried the BoH food pantry will not be open. I also wanted to make an easy "cheat sheet" for the basics of helping with the BoH Food Pantry. There are other emails and a paper copy with further details but for the simplicity of knowing what is involved in volunteering, I thought I would share what I know. The pantry is open on Mondays from 5-6:30 pm and Thursdays from 10-11:30 am.

Basically what I do is:

1. Arrive between 15-30 minutes before opening
2. Go to the kitchen and get a wheeled cart. Check shelves inside the doors to see if there are new food donations.
3. Get the key from the office.
4. Unlock the pantry and look over items on the shelf to see what is needed. Put more perishable items from storage bins onto the shelves. Refill from the cabinets as supplies are available.
5. Put out the sign-in sheet and flip on the lights. It's that simple!!!! When you are done, return items to storage bins and close up shop.

Most people have been there before and know how to sign in. If they haven't or it's been over a year, there is a notebook with blank forms for them to sign back up. Also in the notebook there are more in depth instructions as to all of the details but I wanted to share the basics. Pastor Joshua suggested that perhaps each church could sign up to cover the pantry one week each month and between the LIFT churches, we could cover the open hours. It is a commitment of approximately 5 hours per week. If you have any further questions, feel free to email or call me at 419-355-4223 and if I don't have the answers, I will find out!

Also, as far as I know, they are still looking to hire someone to take over Ashley's previous position. This would entail keeping records, turning in receipts, and getting supplies from different sources. If you are interested in that position, please contact Pastor Joshua by calling Hayes United Methodist Church @ 419-334-2605.

Attached is the sign up link or let me know when you could help out and we will try to put together a schedule. Sign Up Link

Thank you for your consideration!!! This is definitely one way to Serve and Reach Out to our Community!!!

In last week's email, Traci linked to the Bridge of Hope Volunteer Guide, which you can view HERE.

LIFT Notes

You can read the latest issue of LIFT Notes HERE.

2024 ELCA Youth Gathering

The host city for the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering has been announced. Clue: The Gathering was held in this city in 1997, 2009, and 2012. To find out the name of where Grace youth will be going in July 2024, go HERE.

Bishop Daniel's Weekly Email message

Dear Friends in Christ,

“How long, O Lord? Will you hide yourself forever?” (Psalm 89:46a).

Psalm 89 brings to a close Book III of the Psalms. It is a royal psalm that begins and ends in praise. In the middle of Psalm 89 there is both a deep resolve to affirm the promises of God and a deep cry to affirm the seemingly absence of God. Affirmation and absence are part of the human condition. And while it is easy to affirm the presence of God in moments of joy and celebration, how do we account for the seemingly silence of God? How long, O Lord? Will you hide yourself forever?”

Where is God as war rages among the people of Ukraine? Where is God in the world’s mounting refugee crisis? Where is God when a friend’s routine gallbladder surgery turns up Stage 4 Pancreatic cancer? Where is God when the world grows dark and silent as Jesus the Messiah lingers unto death on a cross?

If I was preaching a sermon, I would answer those questions with the promise of resurrection, new life, and new creation. I have always believed that God makes all things new, and I still do.

But I also think there is some wisdom in lingering with the questions of God’s silence. In lingering in places that offer no easy and trite answers. In lingering with Jesus on the cross. So, let’s just leave it there for now. As we continue to linger a bit longer in this Season of Lent.

LOMO News

In her message for our Lenten Worship on Wednesday, Maureen recounted the experience of Pastor Joel washing the feet of the confirmation youth during a retreat at Camp Mowana. This brought memories of many retreats that I attended with my youth from St. Peter Norwalk. I'm guessing that you know this, but ICYMI, in 2019 Camp Mowana was sold and became a public preserve, owned and managed by the Richland County Park District. With declining numbers of children and youth attending summer camp and retreats, Lutheran Outdoor Ministries in Ohio (LOMO) now only owns and operates two camps: LMC (Lutheran Memorial Camp), about 45 minutes north of Columbus, and Camp Luther, on Lake Erie near Conneaut, Ohio. LMC is LOMO's youth and children's program center, and Luther primarily hosts family camp. LOMO also operates Outreach, which brings summer camp to your church for a week-long day camp utilizing LOMO camp staff. LOMO publishes a monthly e-newsletter. You can read the April issue **HERE.

Osterholm Update

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. The latest episode, posted on Thursday, March 24, is entitled "This Virus Isn't Done With Us." In this episode, Dr. Osterholm assesses the state of the pandemic in the US and around the world, provides insight on the new FDA guidelines on fourth doses and monoclonal antibodies, and answers a COVID query about cases and deaths in Africa. You can listen to or download this episode HERE.

Updates from Pastor Lanny and his Sister in Ukraine

• March 24
• March 28
• March 28
• March 29
• March 29
• March 31