Sarah Kutter has provided some wonderful perspective on Stewardship and Sacrificial Giving on the last few weekends. Her letter to all of us clearly emphasized the importance of each of our roles in our Christian Community. Thank you, Sarah!

This year we are placing emphasis on Monetary Stewardship as well as in person ministries. Our church, like almost all others, saw a decline in giving- and givers- during COVID. We are not unique. Our Council and staff have done a great job as stewards of the church funds, but giving has not returned to pre-COVID levels. We are asking all members of the congregation to meet their financial commitments by the end of 2024 and to prayerfully consider expanding their commitment if they can for the coming year.  

Last month Monica Nedza shared her plan to resign as Church Custodian at the end of the year. I am pleased to share that Brock Schmidt has applied for this position, been interviewed by the Personnel Committee, been approved by Council based on the Committee recommendation, and agreed to become our Custodian. This talented gentleman will be working with Monica to learn the ropes very quickly. Welcome!

We are very grateful to Monica for all she has done. She came into a tough situation and learned on the job. She then helped write the Job Description to list all the tasks involved with the job. I have frequently called her our consultant because she has consistently figured out more efficient ways to do things. Now it is our turn to help her return to “civilian” life as a member of the congregation with no strings attached. She’s a talented lady and we look forward to working with her in other ways!

Brock’s primary supervisor is the Office Administrator Eloide Pinter. If you see something that you feel needs addressing, while the temptation will be to go to him directly, please start with Eloide. If this is not possible, please refer any thoughts to Pastor or members of the Church Council and we will forward them to her. This is a part-time job for a fulltime member and we want to keep those separate.

The final renovations to the church organ are to be completed by the time this letter is distributed. There is now a distinct difference when Organist Pam Engels “opens it up” and the beautiful music fills the church. Thank you to all the members who contributed to this renovation project. The workers have complimented the church on the condition of our organ. The space where the pipes and the wooden panels are housed is kept closed when not being tuned, and this has kept the organ in good condition for many decades.

This, too, is an example of Good Stewardship by our congregation. This is not always the case everywhere. St. John’s has a long and proud history of taking care of its property, its building, and the ministries it houses. Now is no different. Over the last few years many of the original parts of the building have been updated, even during the pandemic. However, some of our ministries had to back down during COVID but now is a great time to restore or expand them. This is when the Stewardship of each member matters.

Haven’t been back in person yet? Now is a great time as we begin the Advent and Christmas Seasons!

Haven’t gotten involved in a ministry in person yet? Now is a great time to step back in. There are plenty of familiar and new faces that are part of our Christian Community!

We have so much to thank God for in our church and our lives. Happy Thanksgiving!

Dave Kromphardt

Council President