Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Well, that went well… I think. Thank you for all those who participated in our first ever electronic Congregational Meeting. For those of you who did participate, I hope you found it to be easy in every manner. We passed overwhelmingly our budget for 2021. We approved all funds and minutes. I would also like to introduce our new council members, Carlene Focci, Chris Westphal, and Jeff Whalen. I look forward to a great year of working with you.
And now we can move on to other matters. I know I can speak for the Church Council, to thank you for all your support and confidence you place in us. You might not agree with everything we (I) do but we are able to work for the common good of St. John’s and our community. Thank you always for your support.
So, let me try to fill you in with what is happening at church and with your pastor. Let’s talk about the building:
The plumbing was supposed to be finished this week, but they are waiting on a special tool to detect the pipes in the narthex floor. We do not want to hit a pipe by accident, that will create a bigger problem. It is supposed to be in for them to finish by Monday, Feb 1st with finishing up loose ends on Tuesday. Thanks to your support, another project done.
Because you approved our projects for this year, we will probably have called already to get the next phase of our sound system ordered. It will probably take a month to get everything in but this should improve the quality of our recordings.
Let’s talk about our church worship:
Starting this week, (30th & 31st), we will be offering worship on Saturday and Sunday. Saturday will be at 5:30 in the church while Sunday will be in fellowship hall at 10:15. We will still be limited to our numbers so please make sure you call Eloide, to reserve your spot. Masked worn properly and social distancing are still necessary.
Let’s talk about your pastor:
You are always invited to join our Bible Studies that are occurring. The women are on Thursday. Paul Baker is teaching on Sunday. Some of us are working through the New Testament on M, W, F. Come join us in this season of Epiphany where we learn more about our God we worship. Call the church office to sign up or if you have any questions.
I received news on Sunday, that one of the families we were helping has received Section 8 housing in Ottawa. This is great news. This is the reason why we partnered up with both Tri-County Opportunities and PADS. . to be part of the bridge to help them to get back on their feet.
Two weeks ago, I talked about the Good Samaritan Fund. I challenged you to give something extra, over what you normally give to the church into this fund for the next three months. Some of you took up that challenge and I thank you. It is not too late if you want to start. The amount does not matter but the extra you give will go a long way to help us to meet the needs of our community.
During our Zoom meeting on Sunday, I asked everyone to take a picture looking outside your window and send it to us at the church. I hope to put these pictures on our website so we can share our views. If you can write a 1-2 sentence description, great. It doesn’t matter what window. My picture is below. Can you send us one in the next two weeks?
We are still in the furniture business. Saturday, we delivered a washer. Last week or so, we delivered a dresser, lamps, end tables, etc., to another family in need. Last week I received a call about a donation. Pretty cool. Reminder: We will always accept your donations of gently used furniture. We can even come and get them. Keep your ear open for others who might be downsizing. We will help them.
Next week we will talk about lent (Yes, I can’t believe it either). Please stay safe and well. If there is anything I can do, please do not hesitate to call.
May the peace of the Lord be with you always.
Pastor Tom
630-334-1771
Pastor’s pic: This is out of my living room window. I took this picture a couple of weeks ago when we had the snow mitten the trees and had no wind to blow it off. My dad calls it “God’s paintbrush.”