Beginning of the Year “Pull-back”
I’ve heard it rumored that there is typically a kind of “pull-back” that occurs part way through the school year at St. John. That is, activity/attendance takes off with a “bang” in the fall and sort-of culminates with Christmas. Then, as the school year continues, as the calendar begins a new year, things fade somewhat; people seem to “pull-back” from church activity. Does this happen? Do YOU do this?
I know that some folks will have the time and opportunity to take a break from North Dakota winters with travel to warmer climates; they will be gone for a while. Joan and I will attend a “Senior-Pastors” conference next month located at a retreat center near… what can I say… Fort Lauderdale, Florida (does this sound like some ulterior motives at work here?)
Especially during an interim time, it is very important that members of a congregation consistently support the congregation’s life. I think that the BEST way members support their congregation while it works through a call process is to worship with one another as frequently as possible… to be people consciously CHOOSING to join together whenever possible. Trust that you BEING in worship actually strengthens the whole congregation. Filled church services simply tend to create more synergistic energy and enthusiasm that benefits everyone.
I ask you to be in worship as regularly as possible, especially during these cold months of the new year. Plan your weeks and weekends to include worship. Be a part of the education opportunities that come along. Involve yourself and your children in the congregation’s activities. Help to make the congregation feel as though early 2011 is a time that people are MORE connected with the congregation. It really is the best way to build the Body-of-Christ in this community. Perhaps we can discover that a “Beginning-of-the-Year-Pull-Back” doesn’t actually happen at St. John.
A Musical for All Ages is Being Planned
When I return from visiting my family during Christmas I’ll bring back some music that could be the center of an enjoyable inter-generational, total-family musical experience. I’ve heard some of the songs in worship at St. John, so some of the musical is already familiar. Watch for more information next month and consider being a part of: “Come Together in Jesus’ Name”.
“Lecture Series” (Quite a Catchy Name, Don’t You Think?)
I will be viewing and listening to a number of lecture series throughout January and February… the Season of Epiphany. You are welcomed to join me. I need to begin someplace, so I choose the first date to be Thursday morning, January 6 beginning at 10:00 a.m. (Jan. 6 is the Day of Epiphany which means “new insight” or “oh, I get it!”) Those who attend the first gathering will help to set the rest of the schedule. Be part of these thought-provoking presentations.
Annual Meeting – Sunday, February 13, 2011 at 12:30 p.m.
For various reasons the Congregation Council has set the date of the Annual Meeting for the second Sunday of February at 12:30 p.m. The youth are planning to offer a luncheon prior to the meeting. The Annual Meeting will include a number of important questions that need to be addressed by the congregation. Plan to be a part of this meeting.
Constitution Is Moved to Include Required ELCA Language
One of the questions of the Annual Meeting will be: “Shall St. John adopt into its constitution the constitutional texts that are required by congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (as indicated in the ELCA’s Model Constitution for Congregations)?” A copy of St. John’s constitution, which shows all proposed changes, can be obtained in the church office and on-line under “Docs” at StJohnELC.wordpress.com Proposed changes relate only to required language. Two NOT-required changes will also be considered: C13.02–including into the Nominating Committee council members whose terms are soon to expire, and C5.05–language that can substantiate a mission endowment fund for mission work beyond the congregation’s budgeted expenses (does not change the congregation’s Trust Fund in any way.)
“Writing Party” – Wednesday Evening, January 5
To “rally” folks to the task of writing the congregation’s Mission Site Profile the council chose an evening to have a “writing party” at the church. The gathering will begin about 6:00 p.m. and last as long as folks hang around to write parts of the profile. Refreshments will be provided. Remember, this primary task must be completed before any names of pastoral candidates will be submitted to a Call Committee. You can contribute your thoughts and ideas on-line and see the document’s progress at: StJohnELC.wordpress.org
Call Committee Being Formed by Council
NOW is the time to let somebody on the Congregation Council know of your interest in being a part of the Call Committee. Also, if there is somebody that you would like to see ON the Call Committee let your idea be known to a council member. It is hoped that an organized Call Committee will be introduced to the congregation at the Annual Meeting. Watch for more informational meetings on this during January.
Organ Renovation Project – Phase 3
We met the challenge and goal of Advent’s Phase 2: to receive ten $5,000 gifts for this project. During January and February Phase 3 will offer a similar challenge in terms of its goal: to receive five-thousand $10 gifts. Watch for information and be a part of this fund-raising campaign. It’s hoped that everyone will participate in Phase 3.
An Interesting On-Line Resource
As I completed this newsletter writing I ran into this new ELCA on-line resource and thought I should include the link in my “From the Desk…” article: LivingLutheran.com An introduction:
Grab a cup of coffee, pull up a chair and join us at the table for a conversation about what it means to “live Lutheran.” LivingLutheran.com serves up a daily blend of culture, conversation and community for ELCA members and friends. We’re looking for answers about what it all means and hope you’ll stop by to put in your two cents. You won’t find breaking news here, although there’s plenty of commentary on what’s happening in the world and what ELCA members think about it. We have resources for congregations, videos to inspire and amuse and places to share what’s on your mind. We’re probably being a bit presumptuous, but we like to think that Martin Luther would approve.
"PadrePoint" is Pastor Ted Johanson of Stevens Point, WI 
Posted on December 25, 2010
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