ST. MARK S MESSENGER. What is a First Call Retreat, and what does Pastor do there? from the Pastor

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Candice Jefferson
5 years ago
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$re treat \ ri-ˈtrēt \ noun 2: a place of privacy or safety: REFUGE 3: a period of group withdrawal for prayer, meditation, study, or instruction under a director Above is the definition of Retreat.$ I have included this from Merriam Webster because you might wonder what these things are that your pastor has to go on three times per year, called a First Call Retreat?

I have included this from Merriam Webster because you might wonder what these things are that your pastor has to go on three times per year, called a First Call Retreat?

Call retreats in my first three years as a pastor. I just returned home from one of these last week and thought I should share a bit about them with you.

1 ST. MARK S MESSENGER from the Pastor October 2018 Valley, Nebraska What is a First Call Retreat, and what does Pastor do there? re treat \ ri-ˈtrēt \ noun 2: a place of privacy or safety: REFUGE 3: a period of group withdrawal for prayer, meditation, study, or instruction under a director Above is the definition of Retreat. I have included this from Merriam Webster because you might wonder what these things are that your pastor has to go on three times per year, called a First Call Retreat? Or perhaps you are blissfully unaware that I am, as a First Call pastor (a pastor who is in her first call, after graduating from Seminary) required by our Synod, to attend and participate in 9 First Call retreats in my first three years as a pastor. I just returned home from one of these last week and thought I should share a bit about them with you. Though it is always hard to leave for two and a half days, and being gone requires more intensive work upon return, I am usually glad to be on retreat once I am finally there. I thought that I should share with you what a Synod First Call Retreat involves and some thoughts on why this practice is insisted upon by our Bishop-and most other Bishops as well. New pastors, as you may know, still have a lot to learn!! While we may have learned a lot of theology, or languages, or Bible in Seminary, there are many things that there was no time to teach us. (Like how to lead a congregation in a major construction project!) There is a need for our education to continue as we are in our first call. There is also a need for pastors to get together with others in our Synod who are in roughly the same place we are new pastors who are just beginning to learn the ins and

2 outs of this new call and career that we have made a commitment to follow. Being a pastor can, at times, be a lonely job. There are many things that we experience that we may not share with others, even our own families. We become isolated in that way. Being too lonely or isolated however is not good and can lead to unhealthy or destructive behaviors. No one wants that-especially the Bishop! First Call Retreats help all by giving a space to check in with other pastors on how we are doing. It can help to provide feedback to the new pastors from the Assistant to the Bishop, or from other pastors who have experienced difficulties or issues in ministry themselves. A First Call Retreat helps to get us acquainted with other pastors and the exciting or interesting things they are experiencing in their parishes. I have learned much in this way and gotten some good ideas or resources from other these colleagues. We are educated in many ways at these Retreats. We have learned about Worship recently, from the Bishop and also Administration. We had a seminar on Healthy Congregations at another. We have learned and experienced different practices of prayer that have been helpful. And as another example, we learned from another pastor about a thing called Godly Play, which is a way of learning and interacting with Bible stories, for children but, that I think our congregation would really enjoy as a cross-generational event. These retreats, while hard to get away for, force me to take some time away, force me out of my usual rut, and guide my learning and teaching as a new pastor. So, when someone says retreat we usually think of too much quiet time, or naval gazing, or meditation but for me, they really haven t been like that. These retreats have forced me to; evaluate myself and my ministry, have given me new fresh perspectives and introduced me to colleagues that I normally wouldn t have time to meet or hear from. They have helped to form me as a pastor and taught me about staying healthy spiritually, and emotionally and physically-so that I can continue this call for the long haul. As Jesus tried to get the disciples away for teaching, prayer, and rest-i believe that I am a better pastor for these retreats, and in this way, I hope that we all benefit from these, in the long run.

3 Is there a type of retreat you feel that you would benefit from? What would that be? Is there something that you would like to learn or experience? How might you do this? Many councils take a yearly retreat together, and many women s groups do as well. Carol Joy Holling Camp makes areas of the camp available to churches for retreat for free and all you pay for is meals. Let me know if this sounds like something you or a group from church might be interested in doing. I pray that we will all continue to learn and grow as we follow Jesus. Your servant in Christ, Pastor Barbara from the PMA Fixer Upper I enjoy watching DIY and programs on TV. At almost any given hour, one can watch the remodel or redesign of a room or an entire house. Sometimes it is structural, other times it involves only cosmetic changes. Whatever changes are made, they result in something fresh and new. A new look to an old favorite is stimulating. Stimulating change is what your Worship and Music Committee is working on. We introduced the use of screens during worship during the summer months. Now that we have the more expanded liturgy of the fall/winter/spring schedule; we are working on ways to enhance not only the lighting and sound but the structure of the liturgy as well. We will rotate the worship settings each week so that we get a taste of all the beautiful music in our hymnal. In December, we will be hosting the parents of Innocent Mbasha. On that Sunday, we will be singing some Tanzanian hymns that we hope will be welcoming. As in any remodeling project, it often gets messy before the final reveal. We ask for your patience as we prayerfully explore how we can keep our worship life fresh and new, yet rich in tradition and Lutheran in nature. Your comments and suggestions are always welcome. Karen

She thanks the congregation for the gifts (gift cards to Scooters and

4 Pastor Barbara would like to thank everyone for honoring her on her 2 nd Anniversary of her Ordination last Sunday. She thanks the congregation for the gifts (gift cards to Scooters and Parables), the flowers, balloon, cards, treats and all the kind words of the day! She feels blessed to serve at St. Mark s.

5 Celebrating Wedding Anniversaries in October Happy 35 th Wedding Anniversary to Harlan and Teri Dreessen on the 1 st ; 45 th Wedding Anniversary to Pastor Bob and Cindy Hayden on the 6 th ; and 55 th Wedding Anniversary to Dick and Sandy Critel on the 6 th! CONGREGATIONAL ANNUAL MEETING Sunday November 18, 2018 Following 10:00 a.m. Worship Service On the agenda will be the approval of the 2019 Financial Plan, electing 3 Council members, approving delegates (voting members) to the 2019 Annual Nebraska Synod Assembly, and electing a Nominating Committee for Please note that there is only 1 service on this date. Following the Worship Service and Annual Meeting there will be a potluck dinner in the Fellowship Hall. There will be NO Sunday School on November 18 th. This is a synopsis of the Council meeting held on August 28, An ad will be placed in the Post-Gazette with the new fall schedule. - The Stewardship Committee will meet on Tuesday, September 11 th at 8:30 a.m. - The Tithe.ly giving app will be ready for promotion in the very near future.

6 - The Christian Education Committee will meet on the third Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. - Sunday School teachers will be installed on Sunday, September 9 th Voices will be leading worship on the second Sunday of each month. - St. Mark s will honor Pastor Barbara at the September 23 rd services. - Confirmation Classes will be held on Sunday morning this year instead of Wednesday nights. - There will be a change in RENEW on Wednesday nights. There will be a meal the first Wednesday of each month only, followed by a Healing Service. On the other Wednesdays, Bible study will be offered at 5:45-6:45 p.m. - Hanging of the Greens will be held on Wednesday, November Music and Worship will meet on the second Tuesday of the months of January, March, May, July, September and November at 6:30 p.m. - The Administrative Working Group will meet on Tuesday, September 18 at 6:30 p.m. - The Noisy Offering for the month of August was $ to help COPE with the rent. - Christian Brothers will once again be doing free oil changes for COPE clients on Saturday, October The Human Resource Committee met on August 26 and they are working on recommendations for a Youth Director. They will meet again on Wednesday, September 5 at 7:00 p.m. - The Annual Meeting will be on Sunday, November 18 following the service. There will be only one service that day at 10 a.m. with no Sunday School. A potluck meal will follow the Annual Meeting. - On Sunday, November 11 there will be a forum on the Proposed Annual Budget for 2019 following the 8:15 a.m. service. JULY MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT July Budget = $19,887 July Expenses = $16,179 July Giving = $18,035 YEAR TO DATE FINANCIAL REPORT January-July Budget = $139,449 January-July Expenses = $131,314 January-July Giving = $117,176 End of year 2017 Balance in Savings = $50,144 End of July 2018 Balance in Savings = $50,239 End of July 2018 Balance in Checking = $21,984 End of July 2018 Worship Enhancement Checking= $7,067

A PRAYER FOR ST MARK'S COUNCIL God, who leads, guide the congregation as we vote for a new group of leaders. Inspire us to live more and more in faith. Amen.

7 A PRAYER FOR ST MARK'S COUNCIL God, who leads, guide the congregation as we vote for a new group of leaders. Inspire us to live more and more in faith. Amen. October/ November Soldier Group *2018* Jesse H. Boudreaux *US Air Force* Location: Qatar Attn: Any Airman Representing: 5 Males 3 Females 379 EOSS/ IN Unit APO AE My name is TSgt Boudreaux and I am in charge of 8 airmen. We are stationed in one of the gulf sandboxes and the conditions here are fairly nice but extremely hot and humid. It is a large base with decent chow and BX type facilities. It is difficult for us to get anything to eat outside the chow hall. We have a microwave and that is our only source of cooking anything extra. We are doing OK but everyone has things that they miss from home. Some American snacks would help with stress relief during deployment. The following is a list of items that my group requested. Keep in mind that all chocolate melts here but we love it anyway. We are requesting: Coffee (your favorite is our favorite), Ramen Noodles (chicken, spicy chicken, beef, all flavors). Hard Candy..Gum.Assorted Nuts, Girl Scout Cookies..Oreos..Peanut Butter Filled Pretzels Beef Jerky Mac & Cheese Cups Chef Boyardee

8 Music CD s.jokes & Riddles.Letters about your hometown Pack & Pray Sunday, November 11th **Postage funds are always appreciated** August & September Report 10 boxes mailed CONSECRATION SUNDAY October 21 st, 2018 At both services Please watch for a letter regarding this Sunday which will include a letter from Pastor Barbara, your Commitment Card and Time and Talent Sheet. Please bring your card and sheet to worship on October 21 st. There will be additional cards and sheets available that day. MANAGE YOUR GIVING ELECTRONICALLY St. Mark s is excited to announce that you can now manage your giving electronically! It s EASY, SECURE and AUTOMATED! Giving electronically is easy and allows you to set up automatic recurring contributions or make one-time contributions anytime. It s completely FREE download the free App (Tithe.ly, Finance green leaf app) to your mobile phone and get started. You can visit the Tithe.ly website at Kim Shunk will be available to answer questions between services on October 7, 2018.

9 OCTOBER NEWS FOR WOMEN OF ST. MARK S FAITH CIRCLE NEWS Faith Circle will meet on Tuesday, October 2, at 1:00 p.m. Come join us for Bible Study, food and fellowship. FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE NEWS Our next meeting will be on Monday Oct. 1 st at 6:30. Joyce Olsen will lead our study of Life Lessons from Matthew Lesson 2 and Sandy Critel will serve as Hostess. Everyone thought it was a good idea to move our annual Holiday dinner to Jan. when we are not so busy. Final date will be decided at the Nov. Board Meeting. Please join us for an evening of fellowship and study. JOY/PEACE CIRCLE NEWS "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, " Galatians 5:22 NIV Operation Christmas Child (OCC) Refer to the Operation Christmas Child page in this newsletter. Collecting for boys and girls ages 2 thru 14 years of age. Collection dates: now thru November 4. ***Joy/Peace Circle meets Sunday, October 7, at 9:15 a.m., in the Christian Education Office.***

10 * On Sunday, October 28 th, the St. Mark-e-teers will have a presentation. Don t miss them! Thank You We want to thank our church family for all of their prayers, calls, cards, also thanks to the ladies of St. Mark s for the Prayer Shawl. Special thank you to Pastor Barbara for sitting with my family during my surgery and all of the prayers, concerns and visits since my treatments. Blessings to you all, Elton and Marla Peterson I want to thank everyone for the prayers, cards and memorials at the loss of my Mom. Also thank you to Pastor Barbara and Bob for coming and doing the service. It was greatly appreciated. Also thanks to everyone for the prayers and concerns for Jake, Jr. Bill s grandson. He is doing fine. I m so glad I am a member of St. Mark s family. Thank you, Bobette Volquardsen & Bill Richards

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD DRIVE A Small Gift Makes a Big Difference Joy/Peace Circle members extends an invitation to everyone to participate in this outreach by gifting and praying.

11 OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD DRIVE A Small Gift Makes a Big Difference Joy/Peace Circle members extends an invitation to everyone to participate in this outreach by gifting and praying. Age Category for Boys and Girls: 2 to 14 Collection Dates: September 30 thru November 4. Your Generous contributions in the past provided young Individuals with Fun and a message about our True God. Gift ideas for boy and girls: school supplies, clothing items (Bigger is always better than smaller when choosing a size.), grooming and hygiene items, sewing kit and 1/2 yard of fabric (a case or container of some kind needles, safety pins, thread, buttons, folding measuring tape), flashlight (with extra batteries), folding umbrella, plastic magnifier (not everyone has access to eye care or glasses), card games, Lagos, solar calculator. There is a need for plastic shoeboxes and Christmas wrap/tissue. DO NOT INCLUDE candy; toothpaste; gum; war-related items; seeds; food; liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items or glass containers; or aerosol cans. Please take this opportunity to carry-on Operation Christmas Child outreach by placing gift items at the collection center located in the Narthex. Monetary gifts welcome, Joy/Peace Circle members are happy to shop for gifts items. Each shoebox gift becomes a tangible expression of God's love sharing the true meaning of Christmas, the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Age Category for Boys and Girls: 2 to 14 Collection Dates: September 30 thru November 4.

12 St. Mark s Messenger St. Mark s Lutheran Church 115 West Meigs Valley, NE ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Non Profit US Postage Paid Valley, NE Permit #27

ST. MARK S MESSENGER. from the Pastor

ST. MARK S MESSENGER. from the Pastor ST. MARK S MESSENGER from the Pastor August 2018 Valley, Nebraska www.stmarksvalleyne.com 402.359.2315 I write this as we have just celebrated the rededication of our Sanctuary. It was a day of culmination