Confirmation Session on Sunday
Confirmation youth and leaders met at St. Mark on Sunday for our penultimate class session. We will have one more session which will be on Sunday, May 22, following worship. The main focus for our session was getting "Ready to Affirm." Such is the title of a 4-session course from an AugsburgFortress confirmation curriculum which covers the following topics:
- What does it mean to affirm my faith?
- What does it mean to grow in grace?
- How do I tell my faith story?
- How can I serve God in my life?
We spent most of our session on topics 1 and 3. Topic 1 was a review of the five promises that are made in the Affirmation of Baptism (Confirmation) service that we examined in depth during our Lenten series. Topic 3 focused on how youth can tell their faith story using concepts they have learned in the confirmation sessions about their baptismal faith. I have assigned the four 8th graders who will be affirming their faith on June 5 in the Rite of Confirmation to write a 1-2 page essay on what their faith means to them, providing them with several thought starting themes and topics. This is something I have done with my confirmation youth over the years, and incorporated some of their thoughts (though not identifying them personally) in the confirmation day sermon.
Pastors Retreat at Seiberts
I spent most of the day Monday at Henry and Becky Seibert's farm, enjoying the hospitality and good food, a fellowship that one always experiences in that setting. For the past twenty or so years, a group of pastors from our Northwestern Ohio Synod have met twice a year for one or two day retreats for conversation, mutual support, learning, prayer, worship and solitude. The setting for these retreats has usually been The Pines Retreat Center in Fremont, but on several occasions we have met at Henry and Becky's house. Initially there were four smaller groups, from which one larger group was formed. There were ten of us present
Endowment Meeting on Monday
On Monday afternoon I joined the Endowment Committee for their quarterly meeting. The financial report for the first quarter of 2022 (January - March) revealed a beginning balance of $1,375,801.43, and and ending balance of $1,290,128.93. The largest share of the decrease came from a decline in value of $65,679.30, although that decline was partially offset by dividends of $4,393.83. The second largest item contributing to the decrease was the funding of the first half ($22,025) of the Endowment commitment to the congregation (total of $44,050) in support of LIFT. The total planned distributions are well below the 4% spending limit for the fund.
Communion Sending Will Be First Sunday
Last weekend we began the practice of having home communion kits on the altar, and before the final blessing, calling forward our home communion ministers to receive the elements that they will bring to their assigned Grace members who are homebound. A prayer of blessing is prayed for both the homebound and the ministers. Thanks to Pastor Henry for orienting and training our ministers, and to Becky and other altar guild members who prepare the kits. I like this practice, and it reminds us that our homebound members are still vital members of our worshiping community, and are a part of the distribution of Holy Communion for that day.
VBS Meeting Tuesday
On Tuesday I joined Heather and Sue Lawrence at St. John's to continue the process of planning for Vacation Bible School, scheduled for July 11-14 (Monday through Thursday) at St. John's beginning at 6:00 pm. Our four "Compassion" based themes will be:
- For Myself
- To the Neighbor
- With the World
- Along the Way
Bridge of Hope Position Posted
Pastor Paul has posted a revised job announcement and position description for the coordinator of the Bridge of Hope food pantry. which you can read, download and share HERE with anyone who may have an interest in applying for this position.
Synod Imagining Renewal Microgrants
Our Northwestern Ohio Synod is again offering Imagining Renewal Microgrants. These grants are intended to offer support and resources to individuals, congregations, and organizations with the desire to engage in an original community-based project that uniquely meets a need of the community, encourages social engagement, and furthers the Gospel. These grants are designed to encourage new and needed engagement with our communities. Funding may be used to innovate or “renew” a current operating program. Funding may also be used to meet an identified need in a new and creative way that grows relationships with neighbors and encourages a life of active faith beyond the walls of church buildings. You can read more about this grant program HERE.
Rev. Beth Westphal leaving Marblehead parish
This week I learned that Pastor Beth Westphal, called by St. Paul's Danbury and St. John's Marblehead in 2019, has resigned her call. Her last Sunday will be May 22. Prayers for this parish as they will enter the call process. This is the parish that Pastor Chris Young served for a number of years before her retirement.
Music Ministry Recognition Day on June 12
Tom is planning a Music Ministry Recognition Day for the weekend of June 12. The purpose is to recognize and celebrate the many members and several groups that comprise music ministry at Grace. The day will include several extra special music numbers from choirs, and a temple talk by Tom. More info will be in the May Grace and Truth, and will be an item of discussion at Worship Committee meeting on Tuesday.
Sympathy to family of Amy Lamson
We received word this morning that Amy Lamson died at home, surrounded by her family, following an extended illness. We extend our sympathy to Gus and her family and loved ones. Here are the service and visitation details:
- Funeral at Grace Friday, May 13, 11:00 am
- Visitation at Hermans Thursday 3-7pm and 10am Friday until time of service
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, May 5, is entitled "Chose Your Own Path." In this episode, Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the state of the pandemic in the US and around the world, address recent comments about future COVID surges in the US, and answer a non-COVID query about pediatric hepatitis cases. Dr. Osterholm also provides some insight into how he has been handling the transition into a new normal and shares a beautiful place from one of the podcast listeners. You can listen to or download this episode HERE.
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