Interim Grace Notes for December 23, 2022

Grace Weather Policy Will Apply to Christmas Schedule

Today (Friday) Sandusky County is under Level 3 Advisory. Here's the message from Sheriff Hilton on the department's Facebook page:

The travel conditions are still very treacherous. Please do not travel unless you absolutely need to do so. Sandusky County will remain on a Level 3. I will continue to re-evaluate the conditions throughout the rest of the day. Stay warm and stay safe.

Sheriff Hilton
Updated at 12:15 pm

As recent as yesterday, the church office was receiving calls asking whether or not we would proceed with our Christmas Eve services. It is my understanding that we will follow Grace's Inclement Weather Policy as posted on the congregation website:

• LEVEL 2 – Please use your own judgment; we want you to be safe.
• LEVEL 3 – WORSHIP CANCELED

Information about what level the county is at is available at the Sheriff Department’s recorded information line – 419-332-2613, or on the department's Facebook page, which you can view HERE.

My expectation is that conditions will improve beginning Saturday morning, and by the afternoon the Level 3 will be lifted, meaning that Christmas services will be held according to schedule. My recommendation is to use your best judgment if the advisory is Level 1 or 2. As our policy states, "We want you be safe." The 6:00 pm service will be on Facebook, beginning at 5:30 with the preservice music.

Christmas and New Year's Worship Schedule

Details about Grace's scheduled services on Christmas and New Year's Eve and Christmas and New Year's Day can be found on the current issue of Just Three Things, which you can view HERE.

LIFT Notes

You can read the current issue of LIFT Notes HERE.

Funerals Held and Scheduled

The funeral for Sharon Zilles was held Thursday, December 22 at Grace. Maureen and I co-officiated, with Maureen bringing the message. Maureen will preside at funerals for Ruth Kennedy next Friday, December 30 at Herman-Veh in Gibsonburg, and for Evelyn Taylor on January 5. Continue to remember the families of these Grace members in your prayers.

Interim Grace Notes for December 16, 2022

Update on Picture Directory

Work on the Picture Directory continues. Heather has done lots of work in identifying the best poses of the several choices available for each of the sittings. Our next task will be to crop the chosen photos and get them all in one place for uploading to the new directory. We expect to resume work on the directory in January. Members who are submitting photos have been asked to email them to Linda by January 6.

Bishop Daniel's December 12 Email Message

You can read Bishop Daniel's latest email message HERE.

Confirmation Retreat

At Council Monday night, Heather requested and received approval for spending from backpage Youth Account to send yout and accompanying adults to a Confirmation Retreat at Hopewood Pines Camp, former Lutheran Memorial Camp, Friday evening through Sunday morning, January 13-15. Here is a description of the event from a recent email:

This retreat is a perfect chance for you and your youth to get to know each other better without having to worry about food, planning, games and entertainment. This retreat will reinforce what the kids are already learning in confirmation class.

"It gave me a chance to get to know my Catechism youth better. It also gave our youth an opportunity to see how Christ is a part of our daily lives and not just during certain days/hours of the week." A 2021 Retreat Participant

There will be four youth from Grace attending, and possibly one from St. John's. Heather, I, and one other adult will be attending from Grace, and possibly one adult from St. John's.

Budget Hearing

A hearing on the 2023 budget was held Monday night at 6:00 pm via Zoom. Ruthann presented, and pointed out salient elements. Good questions were raised and addressed. Copies of the budget are available on the Baker and State Street narthex tables.

ELCA Advocacy Connections for November December

From the ELCA Advocacy web page:

As members of the ELCA, we believe that we are freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor. God uses our hands, through our direct service work and our voices, through our advocacy efforts, to restore and reconcile our world. Through faithful advocacy, the ELCA lives out our Lutheran belief that governments can help advance the common good.

ELCA advocacy works for change in public policy based on the experience of Lutheran ministries, programs and projects around the world and in communities across the United States. We work through political channels on behalf of the following biblical values: peacemaking, hospitality to strangers, care for creation, and concern for people living in poverty and struggling with hunger and disease.

The Advocacy Office publishes a periodic "Connections" newsletter that highlights public policy notes, suggestions for action from citizens, and featured resources. You can read the November/December issue of Connections HERE.

LIFT Leaders Meet

Lift Leaders met Wednesday for their monthly meeting at Grace. This is a time to check in with each other and report on what's happening in our individual ministry contexts. Here are a few details that were shared:

• Pastor Tim: Faith hosted a Christmas themed concert by Terra Choral Society on December 13.
• Pastor Mary Carmen reported on the growth that is happening in the Camino De Vida community, including increased numbers in worship and groups, and graduating ten participants from a basic discipleship class. You can view photos of the graduation event HERE.

LIFT Notes

You can read the latest issue of LIFT Notes HERE.

December Seeds Monthly

Seeds Monthly is an ELCA publication that provides congregation and synod leaders with resources to enhance our ministries. You can read the December issue HERE.

Death of Michelle Clark

Rev. Matthew Zuehlke, pastor at Zion Gibsonburg, reported on the death of his school-age children's mother, Michelle Clark, with this message on Facebook:

It is with great sadness that I share the news that Michelle Clark passed away during the night. After almost a year of battling brain cancer, now she can finally rest. Today we trust in the loving care of our God to shelter her.

She was a remarkable woman with a great mind. She loved her family and sought to help bring health & healing to the world as a chaplain, nurse, and professor. While our lives diverged, for many years she was my best friend and partner in life.

We do not have details as to plans at this point but hope to in the days to come. I know many of you have been holding the children in prayer through these last few days, and that has been appreciated. If you have time, I would certainly appreciate prayers still for the children. I will share an update when I have more information.

May God be with you all.

And also with you, Pr. Matt, and with your children who are grieving the loss of their mom. Rest eternal grant her, O Lord.

The Osterholm Update - Covid-19

Episode 120 - Entering Phase 5 December 15, 2022 In this episode, Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss China's new COVID mitigation strategy, a COVID query about KN95s, and the fifth phase of the pandemic that we have recently entered. You can stream or download the episode HERE.

Bishop Daniel's December 12 email

 

Dear Friends in Christ, “Sing and rejoice, O daughter Zion! For I will come and dwell in your midst, says the Lord. Many nations shall join themselves to the Lord on that day and shall be my people, and I will dwell in your midst. And you shall know that the Lord of hosts has sent me to you. The Lord will inherit Judah as his portion in the holy land and will again choose Jerusalem. Be silent, all flesh, before the Lord, for he has roused himself from his holy dwelling” (Zechariah 2:10-13).

Mosaic art by members of Christ City Church, Memphis, TN Many of us have spent the last year reading through Poetry (Book of Psalms) and Prophecy (the Major Old Testament Prophets and the Book of Revelation). Many of these readings have been unsettling and challenging, but also inspiring and hopeful.   In Zechariah chapter two, the prophet shares an image of inspiration and hope. The Lord will come and dwell in our midst. God will be with us. And as we await God’s coming, we are called to a simple task, “Be silent!” Well, maybe that’s not quite such a simple task after all. Seeking silence in a noisy world can be a difficult endeavor. Silence takes intention, thoughtfulness, and practice.   A few simple practices in the pursuit of silence may include: Setting aside intentional times of quiet, in which you don’t speak Commuting without the news, music, or a podcast Exercising (running) without ear buds or headphones Taking a social media Sabbath Scheduling a silent retreat at a retreat center.   During this reflective season of Advent, I have disengaged from social media, in order to more fully engage in personal devotion, prayer, and silence. My soul has felt the difference. I find that my mind is less cluttered, and my prayers are more focused.   I invite you to take a quiet moment this day to ponder what simple practice in the pursuit of silence may be good for your soul.

A Few Comings and Goings

On Sunday morning, I was blessed to gather with Synod Authorized Minister, Bob Fett, and the people of God at English, Bluffton to celebrate 150 years of mission and ministry. On Monday evening, December 12, Synod Staff members and I will be meeting with the leaders of Bethlehem, Pemberville. On Tuesday morning, December 13 at 9:00 a.m. I will be participating in a “Care of Souls Retreat” at the Lial Retreat Center in Whitehouse. On Wednesday and Thursday, December 14-15, the Northwestern Ohio Synod Staff will be gathering for a Planning Retreat at Our Lady of the Pines in Fremont. On Sunday, December 18, I will be gathering with Pastor Bob Cochran, and the people of God at First, Findlay to give thanks to God for Pastor Bob’s upon his retirement.

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: You Are Witnesses of These Things: Sharing the Story of Jesus by Craig Alan Satterlee and Chelsey Satterlee Audio Book: The Bully Pulpit: Theodore Roosevelt, Howard Taft, and the Golden Age of Journalism by Doris Kearns Goodwin Podcasts: Akimbo: A Podcast from Seth Godin Bible Project Apps: Pray as You Go Centering Prayer

Bless you, Bishop Daniel G. Beaudoin Third Sunday of Advent

Interim Grace Notes for December 9, 2022

Interim Grace Notes for December 9, 2022

Toledo Symphony Concert -- Total Inspiration and Awe

What a joy it was to be able to be at Grace last Friday night for the Toledo Symphony concert. It was fun and a taste of heaven all in one. Thanks to all who contributed, worked hard to get it all ready, and to take it all down again.

Third and Final Advent Service on Wednesday

We come together one more time for our Advent series, "Arise and Shine." This week's theme is "Healing Light," with Pastor Paul bringing the message. Service at 6:30 pm, and join us for supper at 5:30 pm.

LIFT Epiphany Service Planned

LIFT Leaders met on Tuesday morning to plan a LIFT Sponsored Epiphany service on Friday, January 6, the day of Epiphany of Our Lord. The service will be at 6:00 pm at Grace, and will be a service of readings, carols/hymns and prayers. You may remember that last year's Epiphany service was a parking lot service at St. John's.

Breakfast in Bethlehem Ready to Go

Heather and Grace and Sue at St. John's, along with many others, have been working hard to create a memorable experience for our kids in the program called "Breakfast in Bethlehem." Kids will play games as they learn about what happened on that first Christmas Eve. You can view photos which will preview this event HERE.

ELCA Hunger News

ELCA World Hunger and Lutheran Disaster Response have always been intricately connected, but in recent months global events have reminded us again just how vital the work of God through these shared ministries is for communities around the world.

You can read more HERE about how we, as the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, are doing God's work using our hands.

Picture Directory Update

I hope that most if not all of you who sat for photography with Dave have received an email from Heather with your images attached. Keep in mind that you will need to email Heather and let her know which image you want to use for the photo directory. For those who don't have email, Heather will continue to meet with those members, this Sunday after both services, (I'll be covering post early service) or with Heather at the church office by appointment. Heather (or I) will display the images for those members, and order any prints that they may want to purchase. Members will pay for their prints when they pick them up. Also, a reminder that will work at creating the directory after the first of the year.

Stewardship Program Update

The Stewardship Team met on Wednesday to plan follow-up on our campaign, which primarily will focus on sending thank you letters to those who returned cards. To date, the church office received a total of 79 Intent Cards, totaling $235,466 of planned giving for 2023. An intent to increase in giving over the previous year was indicated on many of the cards, and the total amount of planned giving increased by $12,628 over last year, even though ten few families returned their cards. We will be sending thank you letters to all who returned their cards, which will go out the first off the week. Thank YOU for YOUR participation and YOUR generosity!

ELCA Global LInks

The December issue of ELCA Global Links, the newsletter that brings stories about our Lutheran ministry partners around the globe, brings a story about ways that our Tanzanian neighbors celebrate Advent. You can read the December issue and browse the included links HERE.

Lanny's Sister in Ukraine

Over the past months of the war in Ukraine, I have shared information and Facebook posts from Diane Baima, the sister of Lanny Westphal, who is an interim ministry colleague. Diane has lived in Ukraine since 2014, and married Uri, a Ukrainian farmer, and they live some miles outside of Kiev. The latest report from Diane is that with the power grid beign targeted by Russia, Diane and Uri have lost power periodically at their farm, and at Diane's school. You can read the latest Facebook post by Lanny HERE.

ELCA Advocacy Alert

You can read the lates ELCA Advocacy Alert HERE.

LIFT Notes

You can read this week's edition of LIFT Notes HERE.

Just Three Things

In case you missed it, you can read this weekend's edition of Just Three Things HERE.

Staff Christmas Party

Grace staff gathered on late Thursday afternoon at The Garrison in historic downtown Fremont for a holiday time of food and fellowship that was enjoyed by all.

Interim Grace Notes for December 2, 2022

Toledo Symphony Concert Ready To Go

I learned from Tricia today (Friday) that tickets for the Toledo Symphony sold out yesterday. From the four tickets that I purchased, I still have one left in Section F of the reserved seating more toward the front of the sanctuary. If you could use that ticket, let me know and I'll get it to ya. Just email me at mark@bogen.org. I'm guessing that setup is now underway, and if not completed, it will be soon. Thanks to the members of the Concert Committee and everyone else who is helping to make the return of this event to Grace an overwhelming success!

Picture Directory Images Delivered

Dave Casperson, our church directory photographer, had some technical issues with the digital files, but those have been resolved, and he dropped off the images stored on a USB drive to the church office this morning. Heather will begin to attach these files to individual members' email addresses. Members are free to make prints from these image files, or post them to their social media accounts, as Dave has released the copyright at no cost. Members may wish to pay Dave's generosity forward with a monetary gift to Grace, or send a thank you note to Dave at davec1403@yahoo.com.

These photos will be compiled into a new congregation picture directory, and be available in both print and electronic format. You can expect this project to be completed early in the new year. There will be a cost associated with the printed version of the directory, and once we have determined that cost, we will communicate that information to you.

Advent Services Continue

The first of our three Advent Midweek Services was held this past Wednesday evening, beginning at 6:30 pm. Our theme this year is "Arise and Shine." Each week will focus on a different aspect of the light of Christ and how we are enlightened by him throughout our lives. Our weekly themes are:

• November 30 - Rising Light - Living in the light of Jesus, we prepare to celebrate his birth. Repenting of our sins, we put away the works of darkness and dress in the armor of light.
• December 7 - Reflected Light - During Advent we remember the birth of Jesus, the Light of the world. We reflect his light in our daily lives.
• December 16 - Healing Light - With repentant joy we anticipate the birth of our Savior. We listen to his Word and live according to it until he comes again.

Each midweek service is preceded by a supper in the Dining Room beginning at 5:30 pm.

LIFT Advent Devotions

Pastor Paul has recruited LIFT congregation leaders and members to write devotional reflections on several topics to create a devotional resource for our observance of Advent. Pastor Paul describes the resource this way on the introductory page:

This Advent in the LIFT parish, we have invited folks from our congregations to share some Advent thoughts. This resource, My Favorite Things: Advent Stories from LIFT, is an opportunity to get to know one another and ponder this season. Contributors responded to writing prompts encouraging reflection on various favorite things: carols, verses, memories, gifts given or received, traditions, Bible characters, or reminders of God’s love. These writings are included in a printed booklet.

The devotions are also being posted daily during Advent on the LIFT Facebook page, which you can view HERE.

ELCA Worship News

https://community.elca.org/emailviewonwebpage.aspx?erid=e92cb21b-2f71-4c27-9804-d39584d837e5&trid=e92cb21b-2f71-4c27-9804-d39584d837e5

Follow up on Live Simply Campaign

So far, 69 intent cards have been received, but totals not yet determined. If you haven't returned your intent card, please do so at your earliest convenience. You can place it in the offering plat, drop it in the mail, or drop it off at the church office. Thank you for your faithfulness and generosity!

LIFT Board Meets Sunday

The LIFT Board is scheduled for this Sunday, December 4, beginning at 1:00 pm. A key item of business will be the 2023 budget.

LIFT Notes

Be sure to check out the latest issue of LIFT Notes, with all the info your need to stay abreast on LIFT sponsored or participating events, including Breakfast in Bethlehem on Saturday, December 10 from 9:00 - 11:00 am (I will be a wandering, story telling shepherd!) and Blue Christmas Service on Sunday, December 11 at 4:00 pm. You can view and read that issue of LIFT Notes HERE.

NWOS Synod Email Message

This week's email from NWOS is written by Pr. Sarah Schaaf, who is the Synod Director of Community Engagement. Pr. Sarah's message focus is what congregations can learn from libraries, noting that many libraries are focusing on community needs in developing their programs. Quoting from Pr. Sarah's message:

Parishes that thrive in the 21st century will do so by listening to their communities’ longings and needs, then creating uniquely local spaces to encounter the grace of God. I am sure that worship on Sunday morning will continue, just as libraries continue to lend books, but what opportunities might we be missing if this is all we offer?

You can read Pastor Sarah's message in its entirety HERE.

The Osterhold Update - Covid-19

Episode 119: COVID in the Driver's Seat
December 1, 2022
In this episode, Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the challenges that China is facing with its COVID response, analyze a study that was recently published on surgical masks, and take a closer look at who is currently dying of COVID in the US. You can stream or download the episode HERE.

NWOS Email for November 29, 2022

“And the one who was seated on the throne said, “See, I am making all things new.” – Revelation 21:5a

What the Church Could Learn from Libraries Pastor Sarah Schaaf Transitions in life usher us into new places or sometimes old places that have been made new. My family is in the process of moving. When you find yourself living between communities you search for safe places to simply be. One place my family has discovered along the way is Ida Rupp Public Library in Port Clinton. If it has been a while since you have pulled out your library card, you should know that over the past few decades libraries have gone through a transformation. At Ida Rupp Library you can still check out books or read them digitally, but you can also check out cake pans, fishing poles, life jackets, video games, board games, and so much more. You can access the internet for free, or you can play on their digital gaming table. There are discussion groups, children’s programs, yoga, movie events, tech help and community goods collections. Gone are the days of being shushed upon arrival. Libraries have become community hubs with maker spaces, art exhibits, classes on a wide array of contextual topics, and free access to all kinds of technology. They create spaces that gather a diverse crowd of people and their events spill out into the communities they serve. Some may question, have libraries watered down their mission? Have they assimilated to culture? Have they lost their way? But, perhaps they have simply discovered that their mission is bigger than books. Libraries, at their best, enrich lives by encouraging people to learn and grow. In the last few decades, I think librarians have discovered that some will grow through reading a book, others through fishing safely on Lake Erie. Jeffery Hoover, a library designer puts it this way, “In order to get libraries right in the 21st century, we need to steer away from global solutions. There is no one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, we must understand what local communities want and create a uniquely local facility.” I believe that the transformation of libraries can be a guide for our parishes. Parishes that thrive in the 21st century will do so by listening to their communities’ longings and needs, then creating uniquely local spaces to encounter the grace of God. I am sure that worship on Sunday morning will continue, just as libraries continue to lend books, but what opportunities might we be missing if this is all we offer? What are we doing to listen to our communities? How are our ministries uniquely local? Not every library needs life jackets, but Port Clinton does. What can we do to celebrate the gifts of our communities? In what ways can we innovate and tinker with new ideas, while still remaining faithful to the mission of Jesus? I have found that transitions are often a bit uncomfortable, but they are also healthy. They jump-start our growth. They invite us to rediscover who we are. In this Advent season as the winter month grow cold, I invite you to spend some time exploring your local library; curl up with a good book, check out a board game, maybe experiment with the 3D printer. Explore how your library is meeting the needs of their community in ways that are faithful to their mission and then spend some time dreaming about your own parish’s transformation. Let me know what you discover, as we anticipate the coming of one who makes all things new.