Interim Grace Notes for September 30, 2022

Photo Directory Update

We're going into the third weekend of our signups for our new congregation picture directory. Members are signing up via the SignUpGenius website, and on paper on the sign-up sheets on the table in the chapel area of the sanctuary. Have you signed up yet? So far, 58 persons or families have claimed one of the appointment times, an increase of 30 from last week. Of the persons on the email list for this blog, 12 of 34 have signed up. Remember that all who sit for a portrait will receive digital images of their portraits along with a copyright release to print your portraits using your favorite photo print provider.

At my Bible study this past Wednesday, I recruited several more people to help make phone calls as we move toward the final week before the first photo session. We will also need volunteers to serve as "receptionists" to greet people as they arrive, and facilitate signing in with up-to-date contact info. I'm thinking two-hour shifts, as follows:

• Saturday, October 15, 1:30 - 3:30 pm
• Saturday, October 15, 3:30 - 5:30 pm
• Sunday, October 16, 9:00 - 10:0 am and 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
• Sunday, October 16, 12:00 - 2:00 pm
• Thursday, October 20, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
• Saturday, October 22, 1:30 - 3:30 pm
• Saturday, October 22, 3:30 - 5:30 pm
• Sunday, October 16, 9:00 - 10:0 am and 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
• Sunday, October 16, 12:00 - 2:00 pm

If you haven't signed up yet, why not do it now by clicking or tapping HERE!!

Stewardship Update

On Wednesday, Stewardship Team members Maureen, Bill Auxter, and I met to create a narrative budget to include in the packet for our 2022 Stewardship Campaign which we will launch on October 20, and run for six weeks until November 27. What is a narrative budget, you may ask?

A Narrative Budget tells the story of how a congregation practices good stewardship of the gifts entrusted to it. It provides a vision of where the church is and hopes to be in the coming budget cycle. Why use a Narrative Budget? It provides a way of presenting the congregation’s yearly spending in terms of ministries supported by financial giving of members. As such, its purpose is simple. It tells what we, as a congregation, are doing and intend to do with your generous giving.

Maureen, Bill and I created the narrative budget using the 2022 Congregational line item budget, which we expect will be very similar to the 2023 budget that will be approved at the annual meeting in January. We took the main section totals of the line item budget, and distributed that amount by estimating what percentage of those totals are used to carry out the ministry of Grace in five areas:

• One in Christ -- ministry functions of weekly Word and Sacrament worship, through which the Gospel is proclaimed and we are strengthened through hearing the Word and receiving the Sacraments.
• Growing As Disciples -- ministry functions of growing our faith through Bible Study and small groups.
• Sent With the Spirit -- focuses on how our ministry reaches those in need, both within and beyond our walls through our many outreach ministries, such as funeral ministry, Soup Kitchen, LIFT ministries, and the many ministries we support through our gifts to Northwestern Ohio Synod and Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
• Valuing Young People -- function of ministry to and with children and youth. We attributed 100% of our Youth Director salary and expenses to this category.
• Expecting to Be Surprised -- Because our God is the God of surprises, who brings life out of death and hope out of despair in Jesus’ resurrection, we anticipate new things that God is doing among us and through us as signs of and participants in the in breaking reign of God in Christ Jesus, including the call of a new pastor.

Just to be clear, as Maureen, Bill and I created this budget, we did so with what we hope are "educated guesses." Our goal in doing this is to help keep us focused on the ministry that our gifts to Grace makes possible.

Your Stewardship Team meets again on Wednesday the 5th to continue the planning for our campaign.

One more thing -- the team would like to include in our stewardship program packet some "Why I give" statements. These are short paragraphs - two to four sentences that answer that question. Email me your statements at mark@bogen.org.

Bishop Daniel's September 27 Email

Bishop Daniel talks about "small drops of hope," referencing the tears of the prophet Jeremiah for his people. Quoting Bishop Daniel in his message:

So many times, our way forward is marked by difficulty and despair, which is why we need those small drops of hope to lead us to a new place. Small drops of hope give us the strength and courage to take the next small step into God’s great promise of a future filled with hope.

So where are you sharing those small drops of hope? And if you’re not, why not? Drop me a line. I’d love to hear about the small drops of hope that you are sharing in your community.

You can read all of Bishop Daniel's weekly email HERE.

On The Way Event

Our Synod is planning a mission event for OCTOBER 22, 2022 | 9:00 AM TO 4:00 PM at ST. JOHN LUTHERAN, PORT CLINTON. The event is titled ON THE WAY DAY! At this event you will

• Learn new spiritual practices
• Hear stories from the emerging church locally and around the world
• Experience dinner church
• Dream with your team about building relationships beyond your church building

Register by October 15th https://bit.ly/3Jo8d or call 419-423-3664.

Hurricane Relief

It is always heartbreaking to hear and see the reports from areas that have been devastated by hurricane wind and water. In response to Hurricane Ian, Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) is partnering with the Florida-Bahamas, Southeastern, North Carolina and South Carolina synods, as well as Lutheran Services Carolinas, to provide both immediate and long-term support.

Please pray for the communities impacted by Hurricane Ian. May God's healing presence give them peace and hope in their time of need. Pray that God will deliver comfort to those who mourn and strength to those working diligently to rescue survivors.

You can read more about how we as Lutherans are responding through LDR. Give directly, or through the Grace offering plate, marking your gift "Hurricane Relief." You can learn more HERE.

Blessing of the Animals and LifT Notes

Sunday is LifT's 2nd annual Blessing of the Animals, as we commemorate the life and ministry of St. Francis of Assissi beginning at 1:00 pm at St. Mark. More info and other LifT news can be found in the current issue of LifT Notes.

Osterholm Update

Dr. Michael Osterholm continues to deliver solid scientific analysis of the Covid-19 pandemic in his bi-weekly podcasts. In the episode entitled "Three Act Play," posted on September 29, Dr. Osterholm and host Chris Dall discuss the trajectory of the pandemic in the U.S. and around the world, President Biden's recent comments on the state of the pandemic, and the potential threat posed by many of the emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants. Dr. Osterholm also shares the latest information on the global monkeypox outbreak, polio transmission in the U.S., and Ebola in Uganda. You can listen to or download this episode HERE.

Hurricane Relief Synod Email

 

Hurricane Fiona and Ian Relief

“In all this I have given you an example that by such work we must support the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, for he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive” Acts 20:35

While the first months of the hurricane season were relatively quiet, September brought damaging storms including hurricanes Fiona and Ian. Hurricane Fiona ravaged Puerto Rico and Hurricane Ian continues to bear down, dumping rain and bringing strong winds in its path. In response to Hurricane Ian, Lutheran Disaster Response is partnering with the Florida-Bahamas, Southeastern, North Carolina and South Carolina synods, as well as Lutheran Services Carolinas, to provide both immediate and long-term support. LDR anticipates relief will include water, food supplies, tarps, cleaning materials and other needs for those who have lost or damaged homes. Will you partner with Lutheran Disaster Response to provide immediate and long-term hurricane relief? 100% of your gifts will go directly to providing care and support to communities as they begin the relief and recovery journey.

Give Today

More Information on LDR's Work

Bulletin Insert - Hurricane Relief

Bishop Daniel September 27, 2022 email

 

Dear Friends in Christ, “For surely, I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope” (Jeremiah 29:11).

Yesterday we finished the Book of the Prophet Jeremiah. We began reading Jeremiah on August 5, and let’s be honest, it was quite a long slog. For nearly 40 years (and 52 chapters), Jeremiah speaks a challenging word to God’s people, as he announces the decline, fall, and exile of the Kingdom of Judah. Jeremiah is sent by God to proclaim the end of an era, which is a challenging task for a prophet to do. As Jeremiah shares the Word of God, he does so with an anguished soul, hence the tradition that he is the “weeping prophet”. And weep, Jeremiah does, for the Word of God to be proclaimed to the people of God is a word of pain, judgement, and death. This is a difficult word for God’s people to hear. Though it is important for us to see that the difficult word is not the only word. You see, sprinkled throughout the Book of Jeremiah are small drops of hope. Hope that the Exiles will return from Babylon. Hope that Jerusalem will be restored. Hope that a descendant of King David will once again occupy the throne.   So many times, our way forward is marked by difficulty and despair, which is why we need those small drops of hope to lead us to a new place. Small drops of hope give us the strength and courage to take the next small step into God’s great promise of a future filled with hope. So where are you sharing those small drops of hope? And if you’re not, why not? Drop me a line. I’d love to hear about the small drops of hope that you are sharing in your community.

A Few Comings and Goings On Sunday morning, September 25, I was blessed to worship with Pastor Melanie Haack and the people of God at St. James, Bradner and St. Paul, New Rochester. We celebrated Pastor Melanie’s 30th Anniversary of Ordination. It was a grand morning.

On Sunday afternoon, September 25, I was blessed to gather with many dear colleagues at Glenwood, Toledo, to celebrate the Ordination of Rebecca West-Estell. Pastor Rebecca has been called to serve at Memorial, Toledo. Pastor Rebecca received her theological training through the TEEM Program (Theological Education for Emerging Ministries) through Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary. To learn more about TEEM please click here:

On Monday afternoon, September 26, I will be participating in a virtual Region 6 Archives Board meeting. The Region 6 Archives Board is in the process of hiring a new archivist for our collection that is housed at Trinity Lutheran Seminary at Capital University.   From September 28 – October 2, I will be attending the Fall Conference of Bishops meeting in Chicago.

2022: The Year of Vision Memory Verse Revelation 21:5a “And the one who was seated on the throne said, “See, I am making all things new.” 2022 Bible Study: All Things New

Student Guide

Leader Guide

Bible Study Resources

NWOS Highlights

Grace Between the Lines

My Current Learning Book: The Short Stories by Jesus: The Enigmatic Parables of a Controversial Rabbi By Amy-Jill Levine Audio Book: Harlem Shuffle: A Novel by Colson Whitehead Podcasts: Akimbo: A Podcast from Seth Godin Bible Project Apps: Pray as You Go Centering Prayer

Bless you, Bishop Daniel G. Beaudoin Sixteenth Sunday of Pentecost

Interim Grace Notes for September 23, 2022

Signed Up to Smile for the Camera Yet?

We're going into the second weekend of our signups for our new congregation picture directory. Members are signing up via the SignUpGenius website, and on paper on the sign-up sheets on the table in the chapel area of the sanctuary. Have you signed up yet? So far, 28 persons or families have claimed one of the appointment times. Our photographer is Grace member Dave Casperson, who is donating his professional photography skills for this project. All who sit for a portrait will receive digital images of their portraits along with a copyright release to print your portraits using your favorite photo print provider. If you haven't signed up yet, why not do it now by clicking or tapping HERE!!

Courtyard Fencing for Preschool

Using prechool funds, Noah's Ark has ordered decorative fence to secure the courtyard as a play area for preschool children. The fencing has arrived, and is as awaiting installation.

Stewardship Program Update

Stewardship Team met Wednesday as we continue plans for our fall campaign with the theme "Live Simply." I provided an overview of our Stewardship program in a previous post, which you can view HERE. One change that we have decided on is to begin a week later - October 20 instead of October 13 - this is to avoid having our Commitment Sunday (the day on which we distribute our stewardship packets with intent cards) on All Saints Sunday which is November 6. Stewardship packets will be distributed at a congregation event in the Dining Room between services. The event will feature a simple continental style breakfast, a brief program and distribution of our Stewardship packets.

A reminder that we will be looking for Generosity Stories (a story that describes how you have experienced generosity in your life), and for brief "Why I give" stories, one or two sentences that answer that question, responses that we will include in our mailings and other publicity to the congregation during the campaign.

ELCA Worship Notes

You can read the September issue of ELCA Worship Notes HERE.

Attendance last Weekend (September 17-18)

Saturday, 4:00 pm	29
Sunday, 7:45 am	34
Sunday, 10:00 am	86
Total Attendance	149

Music Returns to Grace

Two musical events that Grace has hosted in the past but have been on hiatus during the pandemic are back. Great Hymns of Faith will be held on Sunday, November 13, beginning at 4:00 pm. Rehearsals are on Saturday the 13th. For more schedule information, see LIFT Notes, linked below.

The Toledo Symphony Orchestra Community Christmas Concert returns on a different day this year -- Friday, December 2, 2022, at 7:30 pm. The planning committee is again offering sponsor categories, as follows:

Platinum Angel	$2,000 or more	30 free tickets
Gold Angel	$1,000	20 free tickets
Silver Angel	$500	10 free tickets
Bronze Angel	$300	8 free tickets
Pewter Angel	$200	6 free tickets
Patron I	$100	4 free tickets
Patron II	$50	2 tickets

Checks should be made payable to Grace Lutheran Church, earmarked for the Toledo Symphony.

ELCA Seeds Monthly

ELCA Seeds Monthy is a resource for congregations. You can read the September issue HERE.

LIFT Notes

You can read the Week of September 22 issue HERE.

A "Prayground" for Grace?

Families with young children who come to Grace and wish to utilize the nursery must travel to a far corner of the building to drop off and pick up kids. Some congregations have done a "paradigm shift" with regard to providing children with a play area during worship, and included that space in the worship area. Some have called it a "Prayground." That way, parents and kids don't need to be separated, and all can more easily participate in worship. You can read a couple of articles I found on the web in regard to this HERE and HERE. Seems to me the chapel "seating" area under the Reformation window would be a possibility for doing something like this at Grace. It would certainly send a message that we want and welcome young families with children to participate and join us at Grace.

Interim Grace Notes for September 16, 2022

Maureen's 30th Anniversary!

Thursday was the 30th anniversary of the beginning of her ministry as Lay Associate Pastor at Grace. Pastor Paul Fuchs, along with pastor Beth Wright Giller, saw gifts for ministry in Maureen that should be put to work for Grace, and boy were they spot on with that assessment! Congratulations Maureen! Thank you for your hard and excellent work and dedication these 30 years. May God continue to use you and your gifts for the work of the kingdom here at Grace, and in all corners of your life!

Photo Directory Plans Moving Forward

I had a brief meeting with Dave Casperson this week to review days and times that he would be available to photograph Grace members for a new picture directory. Just a reminder that our directory this time will be produced completely in-house, so there will not be the usual perks of free 8x10’s or free directories. Instead, Dave will photograph the congregation at no cost, and will provide digital images of your photography session with copyright releases for printing from your favorite photo print provider. The days and times for Dave's photography sessions is listed below:

Date	Hours
Saturday, October 15	1:30 - 5:30 pm
Sunday, October 16	9:00 - 10:00 am & 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Thursday, October 20	6:00 - 8:00 pm
Saturday, October 22	1:30 - 5:30 pm
Sunday, October 23	9:00 - 10:00 am & 11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Heather created a Sign-Up Genius website for you to sign up online for a time to smile for the camera! Just click or tap HERE to sign up! If you provide an email, you will receive a reminder of your appointment time at least two days before your appointment. You will also be able to sign up at a table in the chapel area before or after worship.

LIFT Notes

You can read the latest issue of LIFT Notes HERE.

Confirmation Begins Sunday

As noted in t LIFT Notes linked above, the first confirmation session will be this Sunday at 9:00 am. There will be two opportunities to attend, one at Grace (1st and 3rd Sundays at 9:00 am) and one at St. John's (2nd and 4th Sundays at 12:00). This change was made to better accommodate time schedules for leaders, youth and parents.

Eastern Conference Leaders

Grace hosted the September meeting of Eastern Conference Leaders on Thursday at 10:00 am in the Lounge. This was the best attended meeting of this group in a number of months, so it was good to spend that time together.

Stewardship Program Update

I provided an overview of our Stewardship program last week, which you can view HERE. A reminder that we will be looking for Generosity Stories (a story that describes how you have experienced generosity in your life), and for brief "Why I give" stories, one or two sentences that answer that question, responses that we will include in our mailings to the congregation during the campaign.

Osterholm Update

Dr. Michael Osterholm continues to deliver solid scientific analysis of the Covid-19 pandemic in his bi-weekly podcasts. In the episode entitled "Time for Learning, Not Forgetting," posted on September 15, Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the state of the pandemic in the U.S. and around the world, the impact of COVID on the economy, and the new BA4/BA5 boosters. Dr. Osterholm also provides updates on monkeypox and polio and shares a beautiful place from one of the podcast listeners. You can listen to or download this episode HERE.

Bishop Daniel's September 13 Email Message

You can read Bishop Daniel's message HERE.

Bishop Daniel September 13, 2022 email

Dear Friends in Christ, “For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!’ And they began to celebrate” (Luke 15:24).

Prodigal Son Parable painting by Bertram Poole I love reading the Gospel of Luke chapter 15, which includes the Parable of the Lost Sheep (Luke 15:4-7); the Parable of the Lost Coin (Luke 15:8-10); and the Parable of the Lost Son (15:11-32). In each parable the lost is found, which is always a cause for great celebration. The shepherd finds the lost sheep and exclaims, “Rejoice with me!” A woman finds the lost coin and shouts, “Rejoice with me!” A father regains a lost son, draws him close and cries, “Let us feast and celebrate!” During these last few months our Northwestern Ohio Synod has had much to celebrate. In June a delegation from the Global Mission Board was able to travel to Serbia and spend time with our global companions from the Slovak Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Augsburg Confession in Serbia, a member of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF). This was the Global Mission Board’s first international trip since 2019. In August and September, we celebrated three joy filled Ordinations and Installations, with three more right around the corner. Our most recent Ordination and Installation was Pastor Robin Small at St. Mark’s, Bowling Green, on September 10 (see picture below). Last Sunday morning, we started a fire, when the people of God at Lutheran Church of the Master in Perrysburg gathered in the parking lot after worship to burn a mortgage (see picture below). There was a delicious meal accompanied by great stories and peals of laughter. Good food, great stories, and lots of laughter. It is so good to celebrate all that God does for us and through us. So, what are you celebrating these days? Drop me a line. I’d love to hear about some of your celebrations.

A Few Comings and Goings On Saturday, September 10, I was blessed to gather with many dear colleagues at St. Mark’s, Bowling Green, to celebrate the Ordination and Installation of Robin Small. Pastor Robin has been called to serve St. Mark’s, Bowling Green. Pastor Robin received her theological training through the TEEM Program (Theological Education for Emerging Ministries) through Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary. To learn more about TEEM please click here:

On Sunday, September 11, I was blessed to worship with Pastor Mark Wentz and the people of God at Lutheran Church of the Master, Perrysburg. We celebrated the “Burning of the Mortgage”. The mortgage was secured in 1999 to construct the Family Life Center.

On Tuesday, September 13, I will be participating in the Four Lutheran Agencies meeting at Filling Home of Mercy in Napoleon. The Four Lutheran Agencies include:            Genacross Lutheran Services            Filling Memorial Home            Luther Home of Mercy            Lutheran Social Services of Northwestern Ohio   On Tuesday evening, September 13, I will be participating in a virtual Global Mission Board meeting.   On Wednesday afternoon, September 14, I will be gathering virtually with the Region 6 Bishops.   On Wednesday, September 14 at 7:00 p.m., I will be gathering with some of you for the Installation of Pastor Dan Bredberg at New Creation, Ottawa. New Creation is located at 8127 E. Main Street in Ottawa, Ohio 45875. Rostered Ministers are invited to attend. The mission of New Creation is, “Welcoming all to become a "new creation" in Christ through sharing, living, and growing in God's love”.   On Saturday morning, September 17, the Northwestern Ohio Synod Council will be meeting in the Fellowship Hall of St. John, Findlay.

2022: The Year of Vision Memory Verse Revelation 21:5a “And the one who was seated on the throne said, “See, I am making all things new.” 2022 Bible Study: All Things New

Student Guide

Leader Guide

Bible Study Resources

NWOS Highlights

Grace Between the Lines

My Current Learning Book: The Other Trail of Tears: The Removal of the Ohio Indians. By Mary Stockwell Audio Book: Cuba: An American History by Ada Ferrer. Winner of the 2022 Pulitzer Prize for History  Podcasts: Akimbo: A Podcast from Seth Godin Bible Project Apps: Pray as You Go Centering Prayer

Bless you, Bishop Daniel G. Beaudoin Fourteenth Sunday of Pentecost