FYI...For Your Information
Kitchen Remodeling Committee to Meet
Do you often work in our church kitchen? Do you have any ideas on ways it can be improved? This is your chance to have your ideas heard: A “kitchen remodeling committee” is being assembled, with tentative plans to meet after church on January 12.
Do you often work in our church kitchen? Do you have any ideas on ways it can be improved? This is your chance to have your ideas heard: A “kitchen remodeling committee” is being assembled, with tentative plans to meet after church on January 12.
Have you found a new Pastor, yet?
The short answer is…no. The actual answer is much more lengthy! “Calling” a pastor is so much more “hiring” to fulfill a position. The call committee has successfully set up a Ministry Site Profile and had it approved by the Synod. To break it down: it’s like setting up an online dating profile! We decided what traits, talents, and characteristics (in a pastor) are most important to our congregation. Then we took an honest look at our congregation (and the many programs we offer) to determine what we have to offer potential candidates. We have put all these things together into our Mission Site Profile (MSP), and now we wait for an available candidate to takes interest in us. With all that being said, it’s STILL more difficult than it even sounds. In case you haven’t heard, our country is facing a serious shortage of pastors. To put it into perspective, The ELCA is currently short about 600 pastors! Based on current trends, the projections for 2023-2027 show a loss of 930 pastors, with only 503 theology/religion undergraduate/M. Div. students to graduate over those years. In other words, we just have to be patient. And wait. And pray.
The short answer is…no. The actual answer is much more lengthy! “Calling” a pastor is so much more “hiring” to fulfill a position. The call committee has successfully set up a Ministry Site Profile and had it approved by the Synod. To break it down: it’s like setting up an online dating profile! We decided what traits, talents, and characteristics (in a pastor) are most important to our congregation. Then we took an honest look at our congregation (and the many programs we offer) to determine what we have to offer potential candidates. We have put all these things together into our Mission Site Profile (MSP), and now we wait for an available candidate to takes interest in us. With all that being said, it’s STILL more difficult than it even sounds. In case you haven’t heard, our country is facing a serious shortage of pastors. To put it into perspective, The ELCA is currently short about 600 pastors! Based on current trends, the projections for 2023-2027 show a loss of 930 pastors, with only 503 theology/religion undergraduate/M. Div. students to graduate over those years. In other words, we just have to be patient. And wait. And pray.
Giving Envelopes
Your giving envelopes will be ready for pick up very soon! Please use them for all your offerings and special gifts. Chris Yonkings, our Financial Secretary, does a great job in recording the envelope giving each week, but she can only post what she receives. If you use a pew envelope, make sure your name is on it. 2024 statements of Yearly Giving will also be ready soon—if you have any questions, talk to Chris.
Your giving envelopes will be ready for pick up very soon! Please use them for all your offerings and special gifts. Chris Yonkings, our Financial Secretary, does a great job in recording the envelope giving each week, but she can only post what she receives. If you use a pew envelope, make sure your name is on it. 2024 statements of Yearly Giving will also be ready soon—if you have any questions, talk to Chris.
Lights! Camera! Action! - FaceBook Live!
Have you watched any of our FaceBook livestreams, yet? No?! That must mean you’ve been in your designated church pew every Sunday, right? If you’re ever ill, snowed in, or just not able to make it to church, you can always watch our entire church service LIVE on FaceBook! Woke up late, and missed it “live”? It’s still there, just waiting for you to watch! We’ve experienced some recent issues with static and echoing, but Karen Neuschaefer is on the job, and the issues seem to be resolved! Thanks a million, Karen!
Have you watched any of our FaceBook livestreams, yet? No?! That must mean you’ve been in your designated church pew every Sunday, right? If you’re ever ill, snowed in, or just not able to make it to church, you can always watch our entire church service LIVE on FaceBook! Woke up late, and missed it “live”? It’s still there, just waiting for you to watch! We’ve experienced some recent issues with static and echoing, but Karen Neuschaefer is on the job, and the issues seem to be resolved! Thanks a million, Karen!
If you are hospitalized and would like a visit or a check-in visit at home, call Susan Adkins (440-522-0068). Visiting for illness or surgery is still a congregational priority, but Susan has to know there is a need before she can schedule a pastoral visit.
Lutheran World Relief Hygiene Kits
In the November newsletter, we gave you a challenge: to beat last year’s annual record of 80 kits. Already, this ELCA project, under the guidance of Sue Citro has already generated enough funds to purchase, prepare, and box 61 kits, and we’ve only just begun! How high can get that number to grow before the end of 2025? For more information, see the flyer on the Narthex table!
In the November newsletter, we gave you a challenge: to beat last year’s annual record of 80 kits. Already, this ELCA project, under the guidance of Sue Citro has already generated enough funds to purchase, prepare, and box 61 kits, and we’ve only just begun! How high can get that number to grow before the end of 2025? For more information, see the flyer on the Narthex table!
Advent Reverse Calendar Boxes
It’s not too late to turn in your Advent Calendar box! We’ve seen a great response to this Outreach project, and if your box is still at home, please turn it in as soon as possible. The boxes will be distributed the people of Lorain County Safe Harbor and Genesis House in mid-January, so it’s not too late for any “last minute” donations! Judging from the boxes already under the coat rack, they be receiving quite the load of necessary items!
It’s not too late to turn in your Advent Calendar box! We’ve seen a great response to this Outreach project, and if your box is still at home, please turn it in as soon as possible. The boxes will be distributed the people of Lorain County Safe Harbor and Genesis House in mid-January, so it’s not too late for any “last minute” donations! Judging from the boxes already under the coat rack, they be receiving quite the load of necessary items!
Our Annual Congregational Meeting will be held Sunday, January 19th. Wouldn’t YOU love to be on next year’s Church Council?
Eucharistic Home Visits
Monthly eucharistic home visits to our shut-ins have been very well- received, and we could definitely use some more volunteers on this very important outreach project. A simple visit from familiar (or new!) church faces means so much to these folks! For more information on how to get involved, talk to Karen Kovacs, Dave Yonkings, or Jackie Stevens.
Monthly eucharistic home visits to our shut-ins have been very well- received, and we could definitely use some more volunteers on this very important outreach project. A simple visit from familiar (or new!) church faces means so much to these folks! For more information on how to get involved, talk to Karen Kovacs, Dave Yonkings, or Jackie Stevens.
New Greeting Card Rack
at Your Service
Our new card rock is up and in service! Check it out in the office, as it contains quality greeting cards at only 50-cents each! Blank note cards and postcards are only 25-cents! Stop in, take a look, and support this new project!
at Your Service
Our new card rock is up and in service! Check it out in the office, as it contains quality greeting cards at only 50-cents each! Blank note cards and postcards are only 25-cents! Stop in, take a look, and support this new project!
Online Giving Available!
You read that right! You now have an option available for online giving! Zelle is quick and easy to use, and is readily available directly through most bank online payment sites. In the event your personal bank does not offer Zelle, you can still use it through the Zelle website or on your phone through the Zelle app. Check it out! All you need to know is our church email address: Secretary@ChristLutheranLorain.net
(Please be sure to include a note on the memo line, so we know who it’s from!)
You read that right! You now have an option available for online giving! Zelle is quick and easy to use, and is readily available directly through most bank online payment sites. In the event your personal bank does not offer Zelle, you can still use it through the Zelle website or on your phone through the Zelle app. Check it out! All you need to know is our church email address: Secretary@ChristLutheranLorain.net
(Please be sure to include a note on the memo line, so we know who it’s from!)