february 2014 messenger

FEBRUARY 2014 Volume 28.2

St. John’s

United Church of Christ

St. John’s is a community of faith centered in Jesus Christ, seeking

guidance and direction through the Holy Spirit, and demonstrating

God’s love to all people in words and deeds.

An Open and Affirming Congregation

503 Stuart Circle

Richmond, Virginia 23220 Telephone: 804.358.9291

Email: [email protected]

Web Site:

stjohnsrichmond.org

Published monthly © 2013 St John’s UCC

From Rev. Tom Gerstenlauer... While still working in the business world I became acquainted with the thinking of W. Edwards Deming. Deming was an engineer and mathematician who was best known for the development of a quality improvement process called PDCA: Plan-Do-Check-Act. Generally speaking, PDCA is a positive approach to quality control and organizational improvement. I learned to apply this process and to use statistical process control in my

work in the trucking industry.

Shortly after my ordination into this ministry, I learned about another positive process for organizational development called Apprecia-tive Inquiry (AI). I use the term “process” with caution here; AI involves “the art and practice of asking questions that strengthen a system’s capacity to apprehend, anticipate, and heighten positive potential.” (from Appreciative Inquiry Commons, an online introduction to AI) So AI, while developed as a process at the Weatherhead Scholl of Management – Case Western Reserve Univer-sity, is identifiable as a practice and even an art by those who teach about it. It’s four

letter acronym is Discovery-Dream-Design-Destiny.

I have seen the results of the use of AI in churches. A prominent UCC church, Federated Church of Chagrin Falls, Ohio, engaged in an Appreciative Inquiry retreat in 2003 and just prior to calling its current senior pastor. I have had some interaction with this church over the years since and invite you to check them out online. I have also

worked with basic AI projects at some UCC churches in Michigan and Ohio.

Most recently I have learned about a special AI approach, called Appreciative Way, synthesized for transitional ministry. This approach is described as “a transformational way of "being and seeing" that leads to a life-giving way of "doing" in the world.” The church council has graciously agreed to support my training in this Appreciative Way, with the objective of bringing a new practice to St. John’s during its transitional period. I will incorporate this AI approach into the interim ministry and facilitate retreats for

church leaders and other church groups during this period.

Each of these positive, affirming approaches to business, organizations and communi-ties has helped me to appreciate the inherent and positive capacity we have as children of God. I cannot think of a more appropriate quote with which to end my letter than one from another letter, by Paul to the church in Philippi: “Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work

together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.” (4:8-9 The Message)

Peace be with you all, and always!

2 The Messenger | FEBRUARY 2014

...from the President It is hard to believe that January is about gone and we know that 2014 will be gone in a flash.

Thanks to Sonny Darnell and all the volunteers who decorated our church so beautifully for the Advent Season and took on the daunting task of the de-greening process. Sometimes it is sad to see our beautiful sanctuary back to normal.

Thanks to Desiree McNiece and Kim Vann who organized our 3rd Annual Chili cook-off. The choice of chili’s was great and Arthur Dewey was our winner this year.

A report from our Stewardship Drive has us with 56 pledges and a total of $118.000 pledged to date. If you have not given your pledge, please do so. We thank all those who pledged and know your love of St. John’s reflects your gift.

CARITAS starts on February 22nd and runs for 9 weeks thru April 18th. We hope you will volunteer your time to spend time with our guests. There will be sign-up sheets in the parlor. We need two volunteers each night Wednesday –Sunday night from 5:30-7:00 pm. Our neighbors from First English Lutheran Church so graciously take charge on Monday and Tuesday evenings.

Diane Semach, our Administrator will be out from January 27 through the month of February to have hip replacement surgery. We wish her the very best and we will keep you updated as to her recovery! There will be volunteers covering the office during her recovery. The office hours will be similar to hers, but please bear with us with any chang-es, as we want to accommodate our volunteers as to hours which are good for them. Please know there will be someone in the office every day and business will be conducted as usual.

Church Council is pleased to recommend for the congregation’s ap-proval Vivian White to fulfill the term of Allen Caraher (ends May 31, 2014). We thank Allen for his years of support to St. John’s but know with a beautiful young family who need him, we do understand, but certainly miss him. See more information about Vivian in the next column. May God bring you many blessings.

Betsy Bighinatti Council President

Members of

Church Council Betsy Bighinatti, President Jeff Hetzer, Vice President

Helena DeLigt, Secretary Bryan Anderegg Marjorie Barbour Teresa Jolles Desiree McNeice Kenn Shirley Dreama Terrill Bill Watson Karen-Marie Yust

Members of Pastoral Relations Committee

Lex Tartaglia, Chair Elisabeth Burnette Marjorie Barbour

Billy Poarch

RELATIONS COMMITTEE

February Church Council Meeting The February Church Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 10th at 7:00 pm.

Special Called Business Meeting

February 9, 2014 - Noon This is notification that there will be a congregational meeting on February 9th to elect a Church Council member to fill a vacancy left by Allen Caraher. Vivian While has been recommended by Council to fill the vacancy. Here is Vivian’s biography:

Vivian White was born and raised in Richmond, Virginia and was a member of St. John's until she attended California Institute of the Arts. She married Ray White and they have 2 daughters - Erica and Emily. Vivian and Ray lived in Berkeley, California for 15 years, then moved back to Richmond to be closer to her parents. Vivian has worked for the International Mission Board since 1988 as a graphic designer. She has enjoyed teaching ESL in Thailand, during her vacations, for the past 7 years. Vivian came back to St. John's in 2009 and is happy to be at her home church. She participates in CARITAS, the Welcome Team, enjoys working in the kitchen, doing OktoberFest publicity and is chair of the Wedding Committee.


(Congregations Around Richmond Involved To Assure Shelter)

Our congregation has agreed to be an INTAKE CENTER

for CARITAS February 22th through April 19, 2014.

The CARITAS guests will be gathering in our Fellowship Hall every evening (approx. 5:30-7pm) during

that time period.

We need volunteers Wednesday thru Sunday during the

entire time period. You will be welcoming our guests, providing any care that they may need, offering coffee or snacks, etc. (First English Church will send volunteers

for Monday and Tuesday nights).

We need at least two volunteers per night.

Sign-up sheets are located in the Parlor so that you can

help in a way that works for your schedule.

TRAINING SESSIONS will be February 16th and

February 23rd in the kitchen after church. We encourage

all volunteers to attend one session.

If you cannot volunteer you may want to consider

donating supplies for this mission.

8 ounce cups

Creamora

Napkins

coffee

toilet paper

cookies/snacks

Please leave in the kitchen and label CARITAS

Thanks for your help Richard Bighinatti CARITAS Chairman

Christmas Fund For Veterans Of The Cross The Veterans of the Cross offering on Christmas Eve is one way to express our gratitude to God and to retired servants of the church whose pensions and other benefits are meager despite years of service within our churches. Through your generous donations, St. John’s raised $392 for this special ministry of compassion and care.

Souper Bowl of Caring In Romans 12:13 we are told: Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. This congregation

certainly obeys that command.

As you are probably aware, February 2 is the FOOTBALL Super Bowl. Our church will also have our S-O-U-P-E-R Bowl (of Caring). The Souper Bowl of Caring is a faith-based crusade against hunger. We are joining other churches, schools, organizations and individuals across the country to fight hunger and poverty by collecting dollars in soup pots. What is collected stays in the community to help fight hunger, but we report our total to the Souper Bowl of Caring headquarters so that they can come up with a grand

total.

Rev. Dr. Brad Smith, the founder of Souper Bowl of Caring, said, "It is a way for young people to put God’s love into action by developing a heart for helping others. The goal is for these young people to see they can make a difference and for them to continue contributing through volunteerism

when they reach adulthood."

In 2013, over 8,000 groups raised over $7 million for soup kitchens, food banks and other helping charities. Since the Souper Bowl of Caring began in 1990, over $98 million has been given to help those in need. The Souper Bowl of Caring most often benefits local food banks and soup kitchens, but world hunger organizations, denominational missions and other international ministries have also been recipients of Souper Bowl of Caring dollars. Our collection

will go to The Virginia Food Bank. May God bless our gifts.

St. John’s Youth will be collecting donations on February 2, 2014

for the Virginia Food Bank!

Adult Ed The Church’s Next Rummage Sale?? This is not referring to our next St. John’s Basement Sale! It

is a phrase used by Phyllis Tickle in the “Embracing” series

studied by the Sunday morning Adult formation class at 9:45.

This class has studied Embracing a Life of Meaning by

Kathleen Norris, Embracing Spiritual Awakening by Diana

Butler Bass, and now is beginning the study Embracing

Emergence Christianity by Phyllis Tickle. In her book, The

Great Emergence, Ms. Tickle says that “every 500 years, the

church cleans out its attic and has a giant rummage sale.”

Through her years

of study, analysis,

and observation,

Phyllis Tickle

shares with us the

history of the

church’s transitions

and her belief that

we are now in a

pivotal time in the

life of the church –

one that promises

great challenge and

a hopeful vision for

a vibrant future, and

one that requires a

time for cleaning

out and embracing

the treasures we

find in the process.

Join the Sunday morning class as they begin this exciting

adventure together.

Children/Youth Ministry in February Come, Follow Me! All fall, our children explored what it means to follow the Good Shepherd. Now its time to continue our journey by joining Jesus' disciples as they follow him and listen to his stories. Throughout the months of February and March, the children will experience what it means to be called by Jesus and reenact many of the stories Jesus told as he went from village to town teaching and preaching with his disciples in tow. This month, we will heed Jesus' call, "Come, follow me" and explore the story of the Good Samaritan. Older children will continue to learn about each of the twelve disciples. So far, they have studied Simon Peter, Andrew, James and John. Up this month are Phillip, Bartholomew, and Thomas.

Can you find the names of the twelve disciples?

Youth will continue meeting with their leaders to discuss themes from the lectionary readings.

The Messenger | FEBRUARY 2014 4


Covenant Care Groups: #1 Billy Poarch 359-6131 #2 Adrianne Dery 262-7072 #3 Lex Tartaglia 369-9171 #4 Kim Vann 323-9086 #5 Bryan Anderegg 317-1941 Lynda Merry 756-0270 #6 Rob Osborn 795-2058 Helena DeLigt 795-2058 #7 Cheryl Goode 901-6594 #8 Jo Ann Jellison 525-5536 Johanna Gilbert 270-6056 #9 Ginna & Sam Dalton 378-3386

Rev. Gerstenlauer - 358-9291 Julia Eliades - 358-9291 Church Council: Betsy Bighinatti - 379-3572 Facilities: Richard Bighinatti - 379-3572 Finance: Jeff Hetzer - 550-3928 Worship & Music: Kenn Shirley - 502-1002 Mission and Outreach: Bill Watson - 873-2837 Membership Development: Dreama Terrill - 972-5669

St. John’s Financial Picture YTD as of 12-31-13

Christian Formation: Bryan Anderegg - 317-1941 Community Development:: Desiree McNeice - 323-9086 Congregational Care: Helena DeLigt - 795-2058 Weddings: Vivian White - 379-2049 The Fellowship: Joe McGregor - 364-4078 German Fest: Jeff Jacobs - 355-1115 St. John’s Players: Tony Sharpenstein - 762-4870

CONTACTS

IN-KIND Donations to St. John’s Do you know that if you donate goods or services to St. John’s your donations must meet the standard charitable organization

rules as outlined by the Federal Accounting Standards Board (FASB) which includes the following criteria: (1) the donation must be useful;

(2) the service creates or enhances a non-financial asset;

(3) the services require specialized skills and are provided by individuals with those skills.

Providing IN-KIND services and materials require review and approval from St. John’s UCC prior to acceptance. Only signed,

approved donation forms are acceptable as acknowledgement of in-kind donations. Pick up an IN KIND form in the office.

Budget Actual

Income

Pledge Payments* $120,000 $109,828

Cash Offerings $20,000 $32,555

Other Income (Endowment Contributions $121,775 $126,675

Parking Lot Rental, Wedding Income, etc.)

Total Income $261,775 $269,058

Expenses

Personnel 174,239 162,982

Committees 20,740 20,023

Operations/Maintenance 111,098 106,154

Local Benevolences 8,325 5,899

Other 9,600 9,600

Total Expenses 324,002 304,658

Income/Expenses Total (62,227) (35,600)

surplus (deficit)

* 55 pledging households.

Deficit to be covered by Endowment Fund and General Reserve Fund


February Lectionary Readings

Fourth Sunday after Epiphany February 2, 2014

Michah 6:1-8 Psalm 15

1 Cor 1:18-31 Matthew 5:1-12

Fifth Sunday after Epiphany February 9, 2014

Isaiah 58:1-9a Psalm 112:1-9

1 Cor 2:1-12 Matthew 5:13-20

Sixth Sunday after Epiphany February 16 , 2014

Deut 30:15-20 Psalm 119:1-8

1 Cor. 3:1-9

Matthew 5:21-37

Seventh Sunday after Epiphany February 23, 2014

Lev 19:1-2, 9-18 Psalm 119:33-40

1 Cor. 3:10-11, 16-23

Matthew 5:38-48

St. Bartholomä German “Everlasting Candle

Johan Gunter - Walldurn-Baden Germany

This German “everlasting” candle is called everlasting because one does not burn the decorative outer top wick of the candle, but rather by removing the decorative candle top to reveal another internal smaller candle stick that is housed inside a special spring loaded cylinder tube candle holder that pushes the candle stick higher as it burns. The internal candle stick is then replaced as needed, after it burns away. When the candle is not in use, the decorative candle top piece is placed on top to cover the inside candle stick that is used for burning, thus keeping the decorative candle intact and therefore keeping the decorative candle “everlasting.” These highly decorative “everlasting” candles were made out of solid wax and hand-painted by artists in a small town factory in Walldurn-Baden, Germany. This German “everlasting” candle was donated to St Johns UCC by Brent Trefsgar in December of 2013, in hopes that it would be kept on display (currently in the Parlor) for all to see and enjoy. This candle belongs to Brent’s mother, who acquired the candle around 1972, at the small factory where these German candles are

made, while the family was still living in Germany. This candle depicts the image of the Catholic pilgrimage church of St. Bartholomew, named for the Apostle, patron of alpine farmers and dairymen, near the Bavarian town of Berchtesgaden in the Alp Mountains of south Germany and not far from Salzburg, Austria,. The St. Batholoma church rests on a beautiful little peninsula on the shores of Koenigssee (Kings Lake), now a German National Park. The original church was built in the year 1134, and later in 1697 it underwent reconstruction to add two more onion dome roof tops.

http://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/texts.php?id=277










St John’s 3rd Annual Chili Cook-off Was A Success! We had 8 Chili entries in our 3rd Annual Chili Cook-off. The Chili recipes ranged from vegetarian to spicy and there was plenty to share during the fellowship that followed. JoAnn Jellison, Betsy Bighinatti, Gary Beasley, Arthur Dewey, Steve and Barbara Plymale, Justin Barbour, Elisabeth Burnette and Jeff Jacobs all participated in the cook-off. This year the Chili was judged on appearance, use of ingredients, aroma, taste and after taste. Our judges for the cook-off, Kenn Shirley, Alexa Slonin and Mike Woods did a fabulous job tasting and scoring each pot of Chili. They unanimously agreed each participant’s Chili was a winner in its own right. After much consideration, Arthur’s BBQ Chili was awarded FIRST place! This is the second year in a row that Arthur has taken home the first place honors. Gary’s Spicy Chili came in second and Barbara and Steve Plymale’s took home the third place honors with their vegetarian black bean Chile.

A big thank you goes out to all of our 2014 participants, judges and Kim Vann for helping to organizing the event.

Inclement Weather Procedure Should we get winter weather and are forced to cancel worship, please watch for our listing on channel 12 TV, call the church’s main phone number at (804)358-9291 and listen to the

recording, or check your email for an e-blast.

We rejoice in the baptism of ALEXANDER BENJAMIN WARD

Son of Chris and Abby Ward on January 19, 2014!

Everyone is invited to the February FELLOWSHIP on Wednesday February 12, 2014 at 10:30 am (NOTE THAT WE ARE MEETING ON WEDNESDAY...NOT THURSDAY!). Joe McGregor will be talking to us about some tips and tricks when using computers. Even if you are a computer expert...or, if you never touch the things...this will be a fun and interesting morning with some wonderful Christian friends! Lunch will be served after the presentation. Please RSVP to the church office (358-9291) if you plan on attending.

I want to thank you all for your prayers, cards and visits after my fall on November 20 last year. It has been a slow process. I am thankful to say though, I fell a little stronger each day. And I am thankful that I am able to write with my left

hand again. Sincerely, Chris Krausse


This is Faye Barnowe from Albany,

California. In the Summer she asked our church to send her a postcard (her mother is a UCC minister) from Richmond. She was working on a school project trying to get postcards from all 50 states. Well, we did, and apparently so did a lot of other people! Stop by the bulletin board outside the Pastor’s office to read the card we re-ceived from Faye, and find out all about her and her project. It’s a blessing to reach out! (check out the “God is Still Speaking” card right above her head!)

Rev. Harvey Joyner, Pastor of First Congregational Christian

United Church of Christ Midlothian, VA

Our sister-church (First Congregational UCC) here in the Richmond area has just celebrated the 5th Anniversary of the service of it’s pastor, Rev. Harvey Joyner! On Sunday, February 9 Rev. Joyner and our Rev. Gerstenlauer will exchange pulpits as a way of encouraging a stronger relationship between the two congregations. Please come out and support Rev. Joyner here at St. John’s on February 9 (as we pray that the congregation at First Congregational will do for Rev. Tom!)

Please find a substitute if you are unable to perform your ministry and contact your team coordinator AND the office to let them know who will be filling in for

you. Thank you for making our church ministries run smoothly!

Welcome Team

Leader

Sound System

Acolytes Lay Readers

Fellowship

Hosts Nursery Helpers

Tellers Facilities

February 2

Richard

Bighinatti

Jo Ann Jellison

Lydia Woods

Julie Wilkinson JoAnn Jellison

Vivian White

Melissa &

Dan Mascher

Jeff Jacobs Iola Miller

Richard

Bighinatti

February 9

Justin Barbour

David

Pittman

Josh Lyle

Sal Anselmo

Joe McGregor

Ward Family

TBA

Justin Barbour

February 16

Justin Barbour

David

Pittman

Josh Lyle

Jeff Jacobs Gil Caldwell

TBA

Laura Totty

Justin Barbour

February 23

Lynn Snyder

Dreama Terrill

Hank Allen

Cammie Allen

Eddie Allen

Erin Burnette

Florence Cross

Cook Family

Marjorie &

Justin Barbour

Joe

McGreggor

February 2 February 9 February 16 February 23

Elisabeth Burnette

To order fresh flowers to be placed on the altar in honor of a special occasion or person or in remembrance of someone, please sign-up on the flower chart on the

bulletin board in the hallway near the nursery or contact Sonny Darnell at 743-7528 or [email protected]

$45.00 for two beautiful bouquets.

Fellowship Coordinator: Sal Anselmo 358-1696 Tellers Coordinator: Bud Higgins 301-5059 Lay Readers Coordinator: Sal Anselmo 358-1696


FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS

5 Sean Patrick Barbour 7 Griffin Allen 10 Kristina Gilbert 10 Helen Voelcker Barrett 11 Dan Trent 17 Helena DeLigt

17 William Brody Davis 18 Linda Stiegler 21 Bryan Totty 24 Bud Higgins 25 Shirley Townsend 27 Bettie Staton

2014

1 3-5 SJP

2

9:45am Christian Formation

11 am Worship SOUPER BOWL OF

CARING

3

4 10 am Staff Mtg.

11:30 am NA Meeting

5 5 pm Card Ministry

5:30 pm NA 7 pm WEBS

6 11:30 am NA Meeting

7 pm Choir Rehearsal

7

8 8:30 am India Orthodox

Church

3-5 SJP

9 9:45am Christian

Formation

11 am Worship Rev. Harvey Joyner Noon - Confirmation

10 Church Council 7 pm

11 10 am Staff Mtg.

11:30 am NA Meeting 5:30 Search Team

12 10:30 THE

FELLOWSHIP 5 pm Card Ministry




14

15

16 9 am Breakfast

9:45 am C Formation

11 am Worship Noon CARITAS training

WM BYRD HOUSE DONATIONS DUE

17

18 10 am Staff Mtg.

11:30 am NA Meeting


5:30 pm NA 7pm WEBS


5:30 pm Worship & Music Meeting


21

22

3-5 SJP

CARITAS

23 9:45 am Christian

Formation

11 am Worship Noon CARITAS training

CARITAS Noon– Confirmation

24

CARITAS

25 10 am Staff Mtg.

11:30 am NA Meeting

5:30 Search Team

CARITAS



CARITAS

27

CARITAS

28

CARITAS

february 2014 messenger

Documents

positive process

use of ai

church leaders

church groups

church council

positive approach

special ai approach

prominent ucc church