From the President https://www.sjlc.com Monthly updates from the Congregational President Thu, 28 Mar 2024 18:14:50 -0400 http://churchplantmedia.com/ January 2022 - Happier New Year https://www.sjlc.com/from-the-president/post/january-2022---happier-new-year https://www.sjlc.com/from-the-president/post/january-2022---happier-new-year#comments Tue, 04 Jan 2022 14:00:00 -0500 https://www.sjlc.com/from-the-president/post/january-2022---happier-new-year I’ve been hearing a lot of comments such as, “Well, 2022 can’t be any worse than 2021!” or “We deserve a break after the last two years!”  Well, I’m with them.  However, as I complete the catastrophes of 2021, I am inclined to remark on some achievements that might have gone unnoticed.

  1. Between COVID’s deadly path of destruction, losses of loved ones and heroes, isolationism, disruption to our youth in K-12 all way to college and postgrad efforts, there has also been a paradigm shift in the working world where offices are becoming obsolete and home offices are becoming more efficient and preferred.  I’m a firm believer that forcing someone to get up before they want to, dress in clothes they aren’t comfortable in, drive in traffic that is nothing but frustrating for all motorists, park in a garage (where applicable, of course) that costs money, work a prescribed eight-hour day with the tools provided, then drive in heavy traffic to get back home IS NUTS!  I’ve been in this business long enough to see both sides of the argument for forcing our work teams to show up at an office.  And I have yet to see a significant decline in productivity.
  2. As a measure to include attendance at schools, churches and other public venues, audio-visual capabilities and accessibility has increased immeasurably. Before COVID, we at St. John’s were experimenting with the monitors and trying to determine what level of disruption they would to our services.  IF we had not made those advancements, we’d be trying to catch up even faster.  Thank the Lord, our God, for placing that idea in someone’s head that keeping up with the industry is a prudent thing to do.  Now, due to the time and generosity of the AV Team and the Klanderman family, we are well positioned broadcast church services as well as continuing education classes.
  3. Finally, Eleanor Roosevelt said that absence makes the heart grow fonder. I witness this truth every Sunday when I see folks returning for the first time since COVID closed us.  The joyful sounds of greetings and squeals of delight in seeing someone they love and have missed is heartwarming, even if there have been emails/texts/phone calls.  I, for one, look forward to the day when everyone feels safe enough to return to church in person.  Until then, we will use every means necessary and available to us to connect each person who wants to follow our service in praising and demonstrating God’s love, devotion and forgiveness wherever they are.

While God works in mysterious ways and none of us understand what is happening, I know that God is always with us.  And, as beautifully stated in 1 John 1:7, But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we will have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.

Hang in there, St. John’s congregation!  There is a beautiful end to the all the trials and tribulations we are enduring.  Have a happy and safe new year.

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I’ve been hearing a lot of comments such as, “Well, 2022 can’t be any worse than 2021!” or “We deserve a break after the last two years!”  Well, I’m with them.  However, as I complete the catastrophes of 2021, I am inclined to remark on some achievements that might have gone unnoticed.

  1. Between COVID’s deadly path of destruction, losses of loved ones and heroes, isolationism, disruption to our youth in K-12 all way to college and postgrad efforts, there has also been a paradigm shift in the working world where offices are becoming obsolete and home offices are becoming more efficient and preferred.  I’m a firm believer that forcing someone to get up before they want to, dress in clothes they aren’t comfortable in, drive in traffic that is nothing but frustrating for all motorists, park in a garage (where applicable, of course) that costs money, work a prescribed eight-hour day with the tools provided, then drive in heavy traffic to get back home IS NUTS!  I’ve been in this business long enough to see both sides of the argument for forcing our work teams to show up at an office.  And I have yet to see a significant decline in productivity.
  2. As a measure to include attendance at schools, churches and other public venues, audio-visual capabilities and accessibility has increased immeasurably. Before COVID, we at St. John’s were experimenting with the monitors and trying to determine what level of disruption they would to our services.  IF we had not made those advancements, we’d be trying to catch up even faster.  Thank the Lord, our God, for placing that idea in someone’s head that keeping up with the industry is a prudent thing to do.  Now, due to the time and generosity of the AV Team and the Klanderman family, we are well positioned broadcast church services as well as continuing education classes.
  3. Finally, Eleanor Roosevelt said that absence makes the heart grow fonder. I witness this truth every Sunday when I see folks returning for the first time since COVID closed us.  The joyful sounds of greetings and squeals of delight in seeing someone they love and have missed is heartwarming, even if there have been emails/texts/phone calls.  I, for one, look forward to the day when everyone feels safe enough to return to church in person.  Until then, we will use every means necessary and available to us to connect each person who wants to follow our service in praising and demonstrating God’s love, devotion and forgiveness wherever they are.

While God works in mysterious ways and none of us understand what is happening, I know that God is always with us.  And, as beautifully stated in 1 John 1:7, But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we will have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.

Hang in there, St. John’s congregation!  There is a beautiful end to the all the trials and tribulations we are enduring.  Have a happy and safe new year.

]]>
December 2021 - Reason for the Season https://www.sjlc.com/from-the-president/post/december-2021--- https://www.sjlc.com/from-the-president/post/december-2021---#comments Mon, 06 Dec 2021 10:00:00 -0500 https://www.sjlc.com/from-the-president/post/december-2021--- Friends in Christ,

Here it is December again!  The years seem to be flying by faster the older I get.  Just when I finally got used to following school buses again, Christmas music is being played in every store, shop, and restaurant I enter.  We used to get the Christmas rush right after Thanksgiving, but now it’s Halloween that triggers the department store and municipal areas to dig out their wreathes, trees, blinking Rudolphs and light pole decorations.  I don’t mind that so much; but it does serve as a constant reminder that there’s so much to do before the holidays.  I still haven’t emptied the dishwasher from Thanksgiving!

As I marveled at the passage of time and commercialization of one of our most sacred and blessed holidays, I realized that that there are two very different types of celebrations.  Some people see Christmas as a time to rush around, decorate the tree, buy presents, shop, cook, wrap presents, decorate and, on December 25th, open presents, collect all the wrapping presents in kitchen trash bags, cook, eat, and watch parades and football.  My brothers and I used to go to the circus on Christmas afternoon (but I digress).  On the other hand, there are folks who focus on our Lord and Savior as the cause for celebration.  Advent calendars, Christmas hymns (“What Child is This?” is my personal favorite), charity and giving back, nativity scenes, and lighted crosses and stars are symbols that indicate an appreciation for what all the fuss is about.  THIS is what Christmas celebrates.  John 1:14, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”  So, think of the Gospels when you’re getting overwhelmed by shopping or cooking or just trying to check things off your never-ending to-do list.  If you’re like me (and you are), the warmth and beauty of the holiday season will come flooding back as you acknowledge the real reason for the season.  That is peace.

God’s Blessings and Merry Christmas!

]]>
Friends in Christ,

Here it is December again!  The years seem to be flying by faster the older I get.  Just when I finally got used to following school buses again, Christmas music is being played in every store, shop, and restaurant I enter.  We used to get the Christmas rush right after Thanksgiving, but now it’s Halloween that triggers the department store and municipal areas to dig out their wreathes, trees, blinking Rudolphs and light pole decorations.  I don’t mind that so much; but it does serve as a constant reminder that there’s so much to do before the holidays.  I still haven’t emptied the dishwasher from Thanksgiving!

As I marveled at the passage of time and commercialization of one of our most sacred and blessed holidays, I realized that that there are two very different types of celebrations.  Some people see Christmas as a time to rush around, decorate the tree, buy presents, shop, cook, wrap presents, decorate and, on December 25th, open presents, collect all the wrapping presents in kitchen trash bags, cook, eat, and watch parades and football.  My brothers and I used to go to the circus on Christmas afternoon (but I digress).  On the other hand, there are folks who focus on our Lord and Savior as the cause for celebration.  Advent calendars, Christmas hymns (“What Child is This?” is my personal favorite), charity and giving back, nativity scenes, and lighted crosses and stars are symbols that indicate an appreciation for what all the fuss is about.  THIS is what Christmas celebrates.  John 1:14, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”  So, think of the Gospels when you’re getting overwhelmed by shopping or cooking or just trying to check things off your never-ending to-do list.  If you’re like me (and you are), the warmth and beauty of the holiday season will come flooding back as you acknowledge the real reason for the season.  That is peace.

God’s Blessings and Merry Christmas!

]]>
October 2021 - Huddle Time https://www.sjlc.com/from-the-president/post/october-2021---huddle-time https://www.sjlc.com/from-the-president/post/october-2021---huddle-time#comments Tue, 05 Oct 2021 14:00:00 -0400 https://www.sjlc.com/from-the-president/post/october-2021---huddle-time With the Homecoming celebration behind us, and the education year kicked off, the Huddles and Small Missional Communities that sometimes take a hiatus over the summer are starting up again!  St. John’s members join these small groups to continue our Christian education as well as enjoy fellowship with other folks within St. Johns.  There’s no real structure to the huddles except for meeting regularly and focusing on Jesus Christ and how we can continue to share his word teachings and actions with each other and our community.  Why, you may ask?  St. John’s Lutheran Church offers so much more than Sunday services.  Reasons to join a small group or huddle include establishing and improving relationships with other Christians; spiritual growth; and support and encouragement.  Add to that the benefit of Christian education, and it’s a win-win (for those of you who are “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” fans)!  If you are interested in investigating huddles further, you can visit the St. John’s website or simply reach out to Christy Hoins through CCB. 

While I’ve got your attention...

I’ve been noticing some new faces (or at least faces I’m not familiar with, yet), so it will benefit all of us if we wear those name tags we were issued when we joined SJLC.  We are blessed with a wonderful church family and greeting each other by name will make us all feel welcome.  Many of us have taken to keeping our name tags in our mailboxes, which is a perfect solution for not losing or forgetting them.  IF you can’t find yours, please let me know.  We’ll see about replacing it.

God’s blessings for a wonderful October.

]]>
With the Homecoming celebration behind us, and the education year kicked off, the Huddles and Small Missional Communities that sometimes take a hiatus over the summer are starting up again!  St. John’s members join these small groups to continue our Christian education as well as enjoy fellowship with other folks within St. Johns.  There’s no real structure to the huddles except for meeting regularly and focusing on Jesus Christ and how we can continue to share his word teachings and actions with each other and our community.  Why, you may ask?  St. John’s Lutheran Church offers so much more than Sunday services.  Reasons to join a small group or huddle include establishing and improving relationships with other Christians; spiritual growth; and support and encouragement.  Add to that the benefit of Christian education, and it’s a win-win (for those of you who are “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” fans)!  If you are interested in investigating huddles further, you can visit the St. John’s website or simply reach out to Christy Hoins through CCB. 

While I’ve got your attention...

I’ve been noticing some new faces (or at least faces I’m not familiar with, yet), so it will benefit all of us if we wear those name tags we were issued when we joined SJLC.  We are blessed with a wonderful church family and greeting each other by name will make us all feel welcome.  Many of us have taken to keeping our name tags in our mailboxes, which is a perfect solution for not losing or forgetting them.  IF you can’t find yours, please let me know.  We’ll see about replacing it.

God’s blessings for a wonderful October.

]]>
August 2021 - Joining Jesus https://www.sjlc.com/from-the-president/post/august-2021---natinal-night-out https://www.sjlc.com/from-the-president/post/august-2021---natinal-night-out#comments Thu, 12 Aug 2021 16:00:00 -0400 https://www.sjlc.com/from-the-president/post/august-2021---natinal-night-out I hope many of you made it out to the campus for National Night Out.  What fun!  I was coming from National Harbor and thought I better change my clothes (which I did) and got there in the nick of time (meaning the food trucks were set up).  I didn’t’ realize we were going to have the bouncy tent, (which I still resent because where were THOSE when I has little?!).

Besides being awed by the firetruck and police cars (which I have never ridden in any kind of … official capacity), I was amazed the police and firemen are just normal people too with lots of cool accessories in their vehicles.  I certainly enjoyed seeing Amos (comfort dog), listening to the brass ensemble and chatting with others who came out on what was probably the most perfect weather we could have prayed for. 

One of the folks I chatted with was Barbara Wright. She just returned from a medical mission trip to the Galapagos Islands where she and her work colleagues treated hundreds of locals with medical and dental care.  The islands are an archipelago that is a wildlife preserve, and she did get a little sightseeing in, but most of her time was spent serving the residents.  One of our largest initiatives at St. John’s is Joining Jesus On His Mission, and I am constantly on the lookout for ways that I can identify and implement the five questions.  Hearing about Barbara’s trip and mission was humbling to me since I am a baby-steps person.  I’m more of a “picking up coffee at Costco for my neighbor who doesn’t drive” or “offering to return a grocery store cart to the carousel for a fellow shopper” as doing my part.  Later that night, I was remembering the evening and the fun I had, and I realized that the whole evening was all of us joining Jesus on His mission.  Spending time with community members who might not know Him yet, having conversations and enjoying a late summer afternoon with each other is all part of our journey.  Many thanks to Sarah Finger and the planning committee for all the work they did to make this possible. 

One other item Barbara Wright mentioned was an ongoing effort she supports to provide eyeglasses to folks who need them.  If you happen to have any old glasses (both regular and sunglasses) that no longer suit your prescription, why not bring them in and donate them to a great cause?  If you’d like to know more about this effort, contact Barbara (she’s in CCB) – she’ll be happy to fill you in.

If you’d like to chat about something on your mind or have ideas that might benefit St. John’s, please reach out to me at council.president@sjlc.com.  

May the Lord bless us all.

]]>
I hope many of you made it out to the campus for National Night Out.  What fun!  I was coming from National Harbor and thought I better change my clothes (which I did) and got there in the nick of time (meaning the food trucks were set up).  I didn’t’ realize we were going to have the bouncy tent, (which I still resent because where were THOSE when I has little?!).

Besides being awed by the firetruck and police cars (which I have never ridden in any kind of … official capacity), I was amazed the police and firemen are just normal people too with lots of cool accessories in their vehicles.  I certainly enjoyed seeing Amos (comfort dog), listening to the brass ensemble and chatting with others who came out on what was probably the most perfect weather we could have prayed for. 

One of the folks I chatted with was Barbara Wright. She just returned from a medical mission trip to the Galapagos Islands where she and her work colleagues treated hundreds of locals with medical and dental care.  The islands are an archipelago that is a wildlife preserve, and she did get a little sightseeing in, but most of her time was spent serving the residents.  One of our largest initiatives at St. John’s is Joining Jesus On His Mission, and I am constantly on the lookout for ways that I can identify and implement the five questions.  Hearing about Barbara’s trip and mission was humbling to me since I am a baby-steps person.  I’m more of a “picking up coffee at Costco for my neighbor who doesn’t drive” or “offering to return a grocery store cart to the carousel for a fellow shopper” as doing my part.  Later that night, I was remembering the evening and the fun I had, and I realized that the whole evening was all of us joining Jesus on His mission.  Spending time with community members who might not know Him yet, having conversations and enjoying a late summer afternoon with each other is all part of our journey.  Many thanks to Sarah Finger and the planning committee for all the work they did to make this possible. 

One other item Barbara Wright mentioned was an ongoing effort she supports to provide eyeglasses to folks who need them.  If you happen to have any old glasses (both regular and sunglasses) that no longer suit your prescription, why not bring them in and donate them to a great cause?  If you’d like to know more about this effort, contact Barbara (she’s in CCB) – she’ll be happy to fill you in.

If you’d like to chat about something on your mind or have ideas that might benefit St. John’s, please reach out to me at council.president@sjlc.com.  

May the Lord bless us all.

]]>
July 2021 - Message From the New Council President https://www.sjlc.com/from-the-president/post/july-2021---message-from-the- https://www.sjlc.com/from-the-president/post/july-2021---message-from-the-#comments Tue, 20 Jul 2021 10:00:00 -0400 https://www.sjlc.com/from-the-president/post/july-2021---message-from-the- As my first blog as congregational president, I thought I’d introduce myself.  I’m originally from Melbourne Beach, FL, but moved to Maryland in my early teens.  I was confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Glen Burnie, MD, married at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lexington Park, MD, and joined SJLC in 2014.  Since joining SJLC, I have served on hospitality teams, welcoming/greeting teams and, most recently, the Minister of Worship (before the reorganization to our current structure).

As for my career, I attended West Virginia University (computer science) and U of MD (software engineering) and have worked in the DoD arena as a defense consultant (aka beltway bandit) as an airborne software engineer on military aircraft (F/A-18 and F-35).  I moved into management 18 years ago thus abandoning my technical skills and have been leading teams ever since. 

I live in Alexandria with my husband, Dave, two dogs and two cats.

Now that COVID has abated, St. John’s is settling into our new (old?) normal.  While there are still many folks wearing masks, it’s nice to see and TOUCH people again.  I’ve been delighted watching folks greet each other as we gradually return to church, services, and events.  The excitement is palpable.  With the removal of the pew dividers and mask requirements, we are edging closer to pre-COVID worship.  Most recently, music and the connection cards are back!  Coming up: coffee and in-person education hour and Sunday School.  And… National Night Out 2021 on August 3!

While we are treading slowly toward a full and open church, the SJLC council is fully aware of risks as well as federal and state governing bodies that drive most decisions to start events.  Your safety is our goal.

As I settle into the role of congregational president, I’d like to thank Elisabeth Auld, my predecessor, for her hard work, coordination, communication, and ideas.  She’s a tough act to follow, but I commit to you all that I will do my best with the help of the council, the congregation, and God.  If you’d like to chat about something on your mind or have ideas that might benefit St. John’s, please reach out to me at council.president@sjlc.com.

May the Lord bless us all.

]]>
As my first blog as congregational president, I thought I’d introduce myself.  I’m originally from Melbourne Beach, FL, but moved to Maryland in my early teens.  I was confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Glen Burnie, MD, married at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lexington Park, MD, and joined SJLC in 2014.  Since joining SJLC, I have served on hospitality teams, welcoming/greeting teams and, most recently, the Minister of Worship (before the reorganization to our current structure).

As for my career, I attended West Virginia University (computer science) and U of MD (software engineering) and have worked in the DoD arena as a defense consultant (aka beltway bandit) as an airborne software engineer on military aircraft (F/A-18 and F-35).  I moved into management 18 years ago thus abandoning my technical skills and have been leading teams ever since. 

I live in Alexandria with my husband, Dave, two dogs and two cats.

Now that COVID has abated, St. John’s is settling into our new (old?) normal.  While there are still many folks wearing masks, it’s nice to see and TOUCH people again.  I’ve been delighted watching folks greet each other as we gradually return to church, services, and events.  The excitement is palpable.  With the removal of the pew dividers and mask requirements, we are edging closer to pre-COVID worship.  Most recently, music and the connection cards are back!  Coming up: coffee and in-person education hour and Sunday School.  And… National Night Out 2021 on August 3!

While we are treading slowly toward a full and open church, the SJLC council is fully aware of risks as well as federal and state governing bodies that drive most decisions to start events.  Your safety is our goal.

As I settle into the role of congregational president, I’d like to thank Elisabeth Auld, my predecessor, for her hard work, coordination, communication, and ideas.  She’s a tough act to follow, but I commit to you all that I will do my best with the help of the council, the congregation, and God.  If you’d like to chat about something on your mind or have ideas that might benefit St. John’s, please reach out to me at council.president@sjlc.com.

May the Lord bless us all.

]]>
April 2021 - Connected Community https://www.sjlc.com/from-the-president/post/april-2021--- https://www.sjlc.com/from-the-president/post/april-2021---#comments Tue, 13 Apr 2021 10:00:00 -0400 https://www.sjlc.com/from-the-president/post/april-2021--- There are A LOT of unique experiences fostered by these pandemic times we live in. How’s that for an understatement? Just think about all the hands involved in our recent outdoor Easter service. So many things had to be thought through (did you know we had to have a Fire Marshall inspection of our tent?) to make it come together as flawlessly and joyfully as it did.

As I write this, I am watching the promotion ceremony of Chuck Fosse on Facebook – he has been promoted to Rear Admiral (frocked if you want to get technical). Chuck, Karen, Ella and Lauren have been an integral part of our St. John’s community, and every single one of them has served our congregations in some capacity, Lay Assistant, Choir member, Acolyte and Crucifer, to name a few, sharing their talents and time with us. I am a sucker for any military promotion ceremony – or any event where I get to see someone express their heartfelt thanks for their friends and loved ones – so happily logged in.  By the way, they are a humble bunch those Fosse’s, and are likely wondering why they are the subject of this blog post.

Being invited to the virtual promotion ceremony got me to thinking…if we hadn’t gone through this last year, would I have known about this ceremony, this milestone event for the Fosse family?  In the before times, I feel like I breezed in and out of Sunday services, usually using the time to chat with family, sometimes saying hello to others, but maybe not interacting with any depth.  Certainly my time in this job, as Council President, has increased my involvement and interaction with the congregation. But in a weird twist, moving all of our interaction online has actually increased my fellowship with the members of St Johns. I know I am not the only one who has far more flexibility to attend online meetings then the before-times-in-person ones.

I don’t want to lose these connections that grew virtually when we get to be in-person more regularly. You’ll hear soon about efforts to become “A Fully Connected Community.” I look forward to continuing to grow in new ways with you all.

]]>
There are A LOT of unique experiences fostered by these pandemic times we live in. How’s that for an understatement? Just think about all the hands involved in our recent outdoor Easter service. So many things had to be thought through (did you know we had to have a Fire Marshall inspection of our tent?) to make it come together as flawlessly and joyfully as it did.

As I write this, I am watching the promotion ceremony of Chuck Fosse on Facebook – he has been promoted to Rear Admiral (frocked if you want to get technical). Chuck, Karen, Ella and Lauren have been an integral part of our St. John’s community, and every single one of them has served our congregations in some capacity, Lay Assistant, Choir member, Acolyte and Crucifer, to name a few, sharing their talents and time with us. I am a sucker for any military promotion ceremony – or any event where I get to see someone express their heartfelt thanks for their friends and loved ones – so happily logged in.  By the way, they are a humble bunch those Fosse’s, and are likely wondering why they are the subject of this blog post.

Being invited to the virtual promotion ceremony got me to thinking…if we hadn’t gone through this last year, would I have known about this ceremony, this milestone event for the Fosse family?  In the before times, I feel like I breezed in and out of Sunday services, usually using the time to chat with family, sometimes saying hello to others, but maybe not interacting with any depth.  Certainly my time in this job, as Council President, has increased my involvement and interaction with the congregation. But in a weird twist, moving all of our interaction online has actually increased my fellowship with the members of St Johns. I know I am not the only one who has far more flexibility to attend online meetings then the before-times-in-person ones.

I don’t want to lose these connections that grew virtually when we get to be in-person more regularly. You’ll hear soon about efforts to become “A Fully Connected Community.” I look forward to continuing to grow in new ways with you all.

]]>
March 2021 - We're Thankful https://www.sjlc.com/from-the-president/post/march-2021 https://www.sjlc.com/from-the-president/post/march-2021#comments Mon, 08 Mar 2021 16:00:00 -0500 https://www.sjlc.com/from-the-president/post/march-2021 We are approaching a New Years Eve of sorts – one year since COVID-19 forced us to suspend in-person services, church activities, and just about everything fun and enjoyable.  As vaccine deployments ramp up and more and more of our community are getting the opportunity to be protected, we can see a growing light of hope ahead. Whew! It’s tempting to think “Let’s put last year behind us,” but if we look a little deeper, we can see that there is much to be thankful for at the end of Pandemic Year One. 

  • We moved all worship online (with 24 hours notice!), first in narthex, then into the sanctuary
  • All our music was provided by recording thanks to Susan and Jurgen, who also hosted many evening prayer services on Facebook
  • We held outdoor worship services three times during the summer, and also had an amazing live nativity outdoor Children’s Christmas Eve Service
  • We restarted limited in-person worship services in July, and Holy Communion by appointment was offered continuously throughout the pandemic – even before we reopened for in-person worship services
  • We pivoted many of our Christmas traditions, such as “Advent Wreaths to Go” in late November, which provided members and friends of St. John’s the opportunity to easily pick up the supplies they needed to make an Advent wreath at home
  • We sent the Campbell family off to their new calling with a fabulous farewell party and service, and generous gifts ($4600 donated by congregation)
  • The ECEC remained open except for two lock-down closures; all ECEC employees were paid throughout the closures, despite reduced manpower need during reduced capacity, and we finally completed facility upgrades to fix licensing issues
  • We collected over $2000 to support Maritza Guerra, the ECEC Director, recovering from COVID complications
  • The Creative Fellowship pivoted from their annual craft fair to hold virtual food sales, distributing $11,000 to St. Johns and other missions
  • We transitioned to Zoom for multiple learning opportunities for all ages; Confirmation and first communion were completed in the spring; new confirmation class kicked off in the fall
  • Our ESL moved online - over 105 students are currently registered, in 13 separate classes, with 31 volunteer teachers (!!) – we are one of the only local ESL programs to continue online
  • We supported the Hypothermia Shelter with money and food donations, deliveries, and catered hot meals - $1500 was "left over" from donated funds to pay forward to next year
  • We hired new a communications staff member, Jacqueline Fuller, to grow the SJLC digital foot campus (have you seen the awesome Instagram posts for lent? @sjlc.alexandria)
  • The Sunshine Committee had a very busy year sending cards to members of the St. John’s family on the occasion of a celebration, get well cards, and sympathy cards

Finally, a large group of St. John’s members and friends tried to make personal contact with all members of the congregation three times in the past year (May, July, and February), by phone, text and email messages. Conversations were about health and welfare, or prayer and support needs. Thanks to both callers and called keeping connections open and people linked.

While we have not spent much in-person time together, our pastors, church staff and many members of the congregation have done so much. So happy (Pandemic) New Year! Let’s hope that it’s our first and last.

I am, as always, tremendously honored to lead St. John’s, and I look forward to seeing you all soon.

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We are approaching a New Years Eve of sorts – one year since COVID-19 forced us to suspend in-person services, church activities, and just about everything fun and enjoyable.  As vaccine deployments ramp up and more and more of our community are getting the opportunity to be protected, we can see a growing light of hope ahead. Whew! It’s tempting to think “Let’s put last year behind us,” but if we look a little deeper, we can see that there is much to be thankful for at the end of Pandemic Year One. 

  • We moved all worship online (with 24 hours notice!), first in narthex, then into the sanctuary
  • All our music was provided by recording thanks to Susan and Jurgen, who also hosted many evening prayer services on Facebook
  • We held outdoor worship services three times during the summer, and also had an amazing live nativity outdoor Children’s Christmas Eve Service
  • We restarted limited in-person worship services in July, and Holy Communion by appointment was offered continuously throughout the pandemic – even before we reopened for in-person worship services
  • We pivoted many of our Christmas traditions, such as “Advent Wreaths to Go” in late November, which provided members and friends of St. John’s the opportunity to easily pick up the supplies they needed to make an Advent wreath at home
  • We sent the Campbell family off to their new calling with a fabulous farewell party and service, and generous gifts ($4600 donated by congregation)
  • The ECEC remained open except for two lock-down closures; all ECEC employees were paid throughout the closures, despite reduced manpower need during reduced capacity, and we finally completed facility upgrades to fix licensing issues
  • We collected over $2000 to support Maritza Guerra, the ECEC Director, recovering from COVID complications
  • The Creative Fellowship pivoted from their annual craft fair to hold virtual food sales, distributing $11,000 to St. Johns and other missions
  • We transitioned to Zoom for multiple learning opportunities for all ages; Confirmation and first communion were completed in the spring; new confirmation class kicked off in the fall
  • Our ESL moved online - over 105 students are currently registered, in 13 separate classes, with 31 volunteer teachers (!!) – we are one of the only local ESL programs to continue online
  • We supported the Hypothermia Shelter with money and food donations, deliveries, and catered hot meals - $1500 was "left over" from donated funds to pay forward to next year
  • We hired new a communications staff member, Jacqueline Fuller, to grow the SJLC digital foot campus (have you seen the awesome Instagram posts for lent? @sjlc.alexandria)
  • The Sunshine Committee had a very busy year sending cards to members of the St. John’s family on the occasion of a celebration, get well cards, and sympathy cards

Finally, a large group of St. John’s members and friends tried to make personal contact with all members of the congregation three times in the past year (May, July, and February), by phone, text and email messages. Conversations were about health and welfare, or prayer and support needs. Thanks to both callers and called keeping connections open and people linked.

While we have not spent much in-person time together, our pastors, church staff and many members of the congregation have done so much. So happy (Pandemic) New Year! Let’s hope that it’s our first and last.

I am, as always, tremendously honored to lead St. John’s, and I look forward to seeing you all soon.

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Being SJLC 2021 https://www.sjlc.com/from-the-president/post/being-sjlc-2021 https://www.sjlc.com/from-the-president/post/being-sjlc-2021#comments Thu, 04 Feb 2021 14:00:00 -0500 https://www.sjlc.com/from-the-president/post/being-sjlc-2021 How many of my blogs have started with “Who would have thought that we are still here…” but yet here we are, still.  Trying to figure out how to stay connected and take care of each other. News of vaccinations is a ray of hope, especially for me personally, knowing that the older members of my extended family are getting their vaccinations.

But it is still hard to picture what things will look like for all aspects of our lives when we declare this crisis over.  I am sure that lots of things will be different or altered. But that is not a bad thing. To quote Jan Swicord, “It can be helpful and strengthening during these times to identify and re-commit to core ideologies, our deepest beliefs, our sense of self and vocation.”

That’s why I am super excited for our Being SJLC 2021 Zoom gatherings. During the sessions, we’ll contemplate these important questions:

Why is St. John’s located at 5952 Franconia Road? Why do we exist as a congregation? What would be lost if we did not? What would be the impact around us, locally and farther out, if we ceased to be? What is St. John’s identity? What must we protect? What purposes and principles are central to our identity? What are we willing to let go to continue the mission?

There is no need to RSVP to participate, just show up and be part of the facilitated conversation. Times and dates are:

  • February 4, Thursday evening, 7:30-9:00pm
  • February 6, Saturday afternoon, 2:00-3:30pm
  • February 8, Monday evening, 8:00-9:30pm
  • February 11, Thursday morning, 10:00-11:30am

 

The same meeting link and information will be used for all meetings. You join at:

https://zoom.us/j/92135808716?pwd=UXZjWjVZNFp4TDFIcW1URW1wYUJGdz09

Meeting ID: 921 3580 8716

Passcode: 951167

If you can’t participate in any of the Zooms but have thoughts you would like to share, just e-mail them to me at council.president@sjlc.com. Please keep all participants in your prayers, that we can still our minds and open our hearts to God’s direction.

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How many of my blogs have started with “Who would have thought that we are still here…” but yet here we are, still.  Trying to figure out how to stay connected and take care of each other. News of vaccinations is a ray of hope, especially for me personally, knowing that the older members of my extended family are getting their vaccinations.

But it is still hard to picture what things will look like for all aspects of our lives when we declare this crisis over.  I am sure that lots of things will be different or altered. But that is not a bad thing. To quote Jan Swicord, “It can be helpful and strengthening during these times to identify and re-commit to core ideologies, our deepest beliefs, our sense of self and vocation.”

That’s why I am super excited for our Being SJLC 2021 Zoom gatherings. During the sessions, we’ll contemplate these important questions:

Why is St. John’s located at 5952 Franconia Road? Why do we exist as a congregation? What would be lost if we did not? What would be the impact around us, locally and farther out, if we ceased to be? What is St. John’s identity? What must we protect? What purposes and principles are central to our identity? What are we willing to let go to continue the mission?

There is no need to RSVP to participate, just show up and be part of the facilitated conversation. Times and dates are:

  • February 4, Thursday evening, 7:30-9:00pm
  • February 6, Saturday afternoon, 2:00-3:30pm
  • February 8, Monday evening, 8:00-9:30pm
  • February 11, Thursday morning, 10:00-11:30am

 

The same meeting link and information will be used for all meetings. You join at:

https://zoom.us/j/92135808716?pwd=UXZjWjVZNFp4TDFIcW1URW1wYUJGdz09

Meeting ID: 921 3580 8716

Passcode: 951167

If you can’t participate in any of the Zooms but have thoughts you would like to share, just e-mail them to me at council.president@sjlc.com. Please keep all participants in your prayers, that we can still our minds and open our hearts to God’s direction.

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December 2020 - A Different Holiday Season https://www.sjlc.com/from-the-president/post/december-2020---a-different-holiday-season https://www.sjlc.com/from-the-president/post/december-2020---a-different-holiday-season#comments Tue, 08 Dec 2020 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.sjlc.com/from-the-president/post/december-2020---a-different-holiday-season Sure is a crummy holiday season.  It is isn't it?  Blech.

This is an actual text exchange with my Mom. My brother and I (mostly my brother, because he is thoughtful and responsible) just had a talk with my Mom about not coming to visit for Christmas. “This is a hard pill to swallow,” she said. I can’t disagree. I grew up in a military family then made my own military family, so being together at Christmas was very, very important – it usually was the only chance we got to see extended family. I think I can count on one hand the Christmases I was not with my family (2? And one of those I was in Iraq!). Since both my brother and my husband’s brother live in the area, Christmases lately have involved everyone all at once – some years we’ve had 18 for Christmas dinner.

I think back now to the stress of balancing all of those people between houses, the chaos in the kitchen, the stacks and stacks of dirty dishes. The figuring out where everyone would sleep, what kinds of preferred foods and drinks to lay-in in advance, and searching for meaningful things to do outside of the house that would appeal to kids and grandparents alike. The shepherding of everyone into and out of cars, getting everyone to St. John’s early enough for those that were acolyte, crucifer, or usher on Christmas Eve. I once rushed my kids to the 7:30 Christmas Eve service only to realize I had signed them up to be acolyte and crucifer for the 10:00 service! Oops. Even so, I wish I had appreciated it a bit more, and maybe pushed away my exasperation.

Because this year, I’ll get what I’ve sometimes longed for – a very quiet Christmas. But this is not the way I wanted it to happen! All weird and distant and online. But maybe there is a greater lesson here (there always is, isn’t there?). That really, truly, what is to be celebrated is the birth of the Christ child. And all the rest, the good times with family, even though it means lots of hub bub, is an extra gift. And, thankfully, we will get it all back soon.

So, I will strive to be like Mary, who “treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”

Merry Christmas!

Yours in Service, Elisabeth

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Sure is a crummy holiday season.  It is isn't it?  Blech.

This is an actual text exchange with my Mom. My brother and I (mostly my brother, because he is thoughtful and responsible) just had a talk with my Mom about not coming to visit for Christmas. “This is a hard pill to swallow,” she said. I can’t disagree. I grew up in a military family then made my own military family, so being together at Christmas was very, very important – it usually was the only chance we got to see extended family. I think I can count on one hand the Christmases I was not with my family (2? And one of those I was in Iraq!). Since both my brother and my husband’s brother live in the area, Christmases lately have involved everyone all at once – some years we’ve had 18 for Christmas dinner.

I think back now to the stress of balancing all of those people between houses, the chaos in the kitchen, the stacks and stacks of dirty dishes. The figuring out where everyone would sleep, what kinds of preferred foods and drinks to lay-in in advance, and searching for meaningful things to do outside of the house that would appeal to kids and grandparents alike. The shepherding of everyone into and out of cars, getting everyone to St. John’s early enough for those that were acolyte, crucifer, or usher on Christmas Eve. I once rushed my kids to the 7:30 Christmas Eve service only to realize I had signed them up to be acolyte and crucifer for the 10:00 service! Oops. Even so, I wish I had appreciated it a bit more, and maybe pushed away my exasperation.

Because this year, I’ll get what I’ve sometimes longed for – a very quiet Christmas. But this is not the way I wanted it to happen! All weird and distant and online. But maybe there is a greater lesson here (there always is, isn’t there?). That really, truly, what is to be celebrated is the birth of the Christ child. And all the rest, the good times with family, even though it means lots of hub bub, is an extra gift. And, thankfully, we will get it all back soon.

So, I will strive to be like Mary, who “treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”

Merry Christmas!

Yours in Service, Elisabeth

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November 2020 - Finding Your Thankful https://www.sjlc.com/from-the-president/post/november https://www.sjlc.com/from-the-president/post/november#comments Thu, 12 Nov 2020 17:00:00 -0500 https://www.sjlc.com/from-the-president/post/november Gosh, here we are, 8 months (8!!!) since we stopped in person meetings at St. Johns. And the reported increases in infection rates makes it seem like we are getting further from “normal” instead of closer. Thanksgiving is full of time with family and friends and oodles of good food, but for many now, probably not.

Gah! Is there anything we can possibly be thankful about?

The appropriate Council President answer is yes – we can always be thankful for the love and forgiveness and grace we receive from Jesus. It is always there for us, in good times and bad, when life is full or roses and especially when it’s full of thorns.

The less presidential answer is, when times are so weird, we can also be thankful for the opportunity to throw the rules out. Pizza for Thanksgiving if you feel like it. Chocolate cake instead of pumpkin pie (note to Auld family: we can have both). Eat dinner in your pajamas (unless you are already doing this J). Have multiple small Thanksgivings instead of one big one. Get the extended family on zoom and put the laptop on the table so you can be together at least electronically.

Do your best to not let the anxiety about the virus steal your joy. And pray, pray, pray that all those who are suffering, in big and small ways, can find joy too.

As always, if you have any comments, questions, or concerns, please e-mail me at council.president@sjlc.com.

 

p.s. – Have you heard about the live manger animals coming to the Children’s Christmas Eve Service? A camel even! I can’t wait!

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Gosh, here we are, 8 months (8!!!) since we stopped in person meetings at St. Johns. And the reported increases in infection rates makes it seem like we are getting further from “normal” instead of closer. Thanksgiving is full of time with family and friends and oodles of good food, but for many now, probably not.

Gah! Is there anything we can possibly be thankful about?

The appropriate Council President answer is yes – we can always be thankful for the love and forgiveness and grace we receive from Jesus. It is always there for us, in good times and bad, when life is full or roses and especially when it’s full of thorns.

The less presidential answer is, when times are so weird, we can also be thankful for the opportunity to throw the rules out. Pizza for Thanksgiving if you feel like it. Chocolate cake instead of pumpkin pie (note to Auld family: we can have both). Eat dinner in your pajamas (unless you are already doing this J). Have multiple small Thanksgivings instead of one big one. Get the extended family on zoom and put the laptop on the table so you can be together at least electronically.

Do your best to not let the anxiety about the virus steal your joy. And pray, pray, pray that all those who are suffering, in big and small ways, can find joy too.

As always, if you have any comments, questions, or concerns, please e-mail me at council.president@sjlc.com.

 

p.s. – Have you heard about the live manger animals coming to the Children’s Christmas Eve Service? A camel even! I can’t wait!

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