Post on 05-Sep-2020
transcript
Y2K, COVID, and Adaptive Change
Do you remember the sense of dread and panic that we experienced as December 31, 1999 approached?
When computer technology was in its early stages, programmers saved previous memory by always
abbreviating the year to the last two digits. 1966 was programmed as simply 66. Which is all fine and dandy
until the new century comes.
We feared computer crashes that would lead to financial market crashes, power system shut downs, and
grounding of all kinds of transportation infrastructure. Thankfully, programmers saw the problem coming,
devised patches and fixes, and ultimate crisis was avoided. But we were all on pins and needles as the big
apple fell in Times Square that year.
COVID has turned out to be something like Y2K in forcing society (that is, you and me) to quickly change
the way we do things. We’ve been forced to adapt to a new way of interaction, taking care of our basic human
needs, and accomplishing our mission... both as a fellowship of believers and in all of our unique situations and
callings.
Y2K was a big deal. It required what is known as “technical change,” not simply because it was change
primarily related to technology, but because the change required to move forward was based on information
we already were familiar with.
When the change is more substantial, and based on a completely new field of information, or based on
things significantly unfamiliar to us, then that is called “adaptive change.” What we’ve been going through with
COVID, for most of us, is adaptive change. We’ve had to adapt to new and unfamiliar ways of interacting with
others and doing the things we need to do for life, faith, work, and play.
In his book, Canoeing the Mountains, Ted Bolsinger talks about the Lewis and Clark Expedition (1803-
1806) to explore the newly purchased Louisiana Territory. Their goal was to find a water route to the Pacific
Ocean, which they reasoned they could find by going up the Missouri and jumping over to another easy river
with their “canoes” and float their way to the ocean.
What wasn’t in their imagination was the Rocky Mountains. Stuck at the headwaters of the Yellowstone
River, to accomplish their mission required the adaptive change of purchasing horses from the Native
Americans, constructing sleds, and riding over the mountains, not canoeing some easy river. (Thus the
paradoxical title of the book, since you can’t cross mountains in a canoe!)
A time is coming and is now here when we who are the Church must embrace adaptive change if we are to
accomplish our mission. If we don’t adapt now, then we will be stuck-lost at the end of our known way of doing
things.
It’s time to re-familiarize ourselves with our purpose and mission (make disciples), and our provisions
(Jesus’ promised until-his-return traveling presence). It’s time to figure out the radical change called for and
completely enabled by a radical Gospel of forgiveness. It’s time to risk the familiar for the sake of the kingdom.
This is the new day that is before us. And God is all-in it!
– John Eric Karle Exploring. Equipping. Encouraging. Ephesians 4:11-16
Good News Saint John Lutheran Church — Hattiesburg, Mississippi
September 2020
Surprise the World!
Love. Like. Jesus. + Hope for the City.
September 2020
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1
12pm AA
2
10:02 Online Bible
Study
10:02am West
Hattiesburg Bible Study
12pm AA
6pm Fresh Hope
3
12pm AA
4
12pm AA
5
10am AA
6
10:30am Worship
7
12pm AA
8
12pm AA
9
10:02 Online Bible
Study
12pm AA
6pm Fresh Hope
10
12pm AA
11
12pm AA
12
10am AA
13
9:15am Online Dig In Sunday
School
10:30am Worship
14
12pm AA
6pm Elders
15
12pm AA
16
10:02 Online Bible
Study
10:02am West
Hattiesburg Bible Study
12pm AA
6pm Fresh Hope
17
12pm AA
18
12pm AA
19
10am AA
10am Altar Guild Mtg.
20
9:15am Online Dig In Sunday
School
10:30am Worship
21
12pm AA
22
12pm AA
23
10:02 Online Bible
Study
12pm AA
6pm Fresh Hope
24
12pm AA
6pm BOD (tentative)
25
12pm AA
26
10am AA
27
9:15am Online Dig In Sunday
School
10:30am Worship
28
12pm AA
29
12pm AA
30
10:02 Online Bible
Study
12pm AA
6pm Fresh Hope
LUTHERAN CAMPUS MISSION
Serving in September
Pastor
John Karle
Music Director
Jason Sims
Altar Care Team
Bill and Joyce Coll
Online Giving — Online giving is available
to members and friends of Saint John via
the 'Give' tab on our webpage. Thank you
for supporting our work together in Jesus'
name.
Campus Mission —
Welcome all college
students! We're
glad you're here. Please check in with
Pastor John (or text/call at 318.332.3352).
Live Streaming of Worship Services — www.saintjohnhattiesburg.com.
Get Your Bratwurst — Full case (2 packages, 30 Brats) for $35. 1/2 case (one package, 15
Brats) for $17.50. Starter pack of 4 Brats for $5. Contact the church office at 601.583.4898.
Come & Go Communion — Tentative date: Saturday, August 29th, 10:00am to 1pm.
August Church BOD Meeting — Date change to Sunday, August 30th at 6pm via Zoom.
Wednesday West Hattiesburg Bible Study Resumes September 2nd at 10:02am — Debbie
Frederick leads this study on 2nd Timothy hosted in the home of Shirley Thone. Please
contact either of them for directions. The gathering includes wearing masks, washing
hands, and watching our physical distancing. This study meets on the first and third
Wednesdays only.
Dig In Sunday School — Will tentatively resume Sunday, September 13th at 9:15am. Children
may be dropped off and picked up by one adult outside the door of the room and children
must wear mask while inside the classroom. Food and drink will not be allowed in the
room.
Altar Flowers — Sponsors available for September 20th.
Wednesday Online Bible Study at 10:02am — "The Word of the Lord Grows: Hardship,
Suffering, and Sacrifice in the Acts of the Early Church" — Connect via the Zoom link
emailed on Tuesday or via the Zoom link posted on Tuesday on the Saint John Hattiesburg
Mission Partners Facebook Group.
Parents of Nursery age children — Due to Gabby relocating, some things are changing in
the nursery. If you plan to come to church on Sunday, communicate with Gabby ahead of
time so we can insure someone will be there to take care of the children. Also due to
COVID, food and drink (including the snack time we normally have) will not be permitted
into the nursery. Toys have been limited to try to maintain the most sanitary room we can.
Fresh Hope Online Group — Fresh Hope is a peer-led support group for those with mental
illness. There are no restrictions…anyone struggling from mental health, or a loved one of
someone who is, can join this group, which provides God’s fresh hope for daily living.
Online meetings are held every Wednesday at 6pm. For more information on the meeting,
please email Gil Emmons at madeofclay2020@gmail.com. For more information about the
group, please see the letter in the July newsletter, visit www.freshhope.us, or search on
YouTube for, “Romans Road Channel”.
About Tithes and Offerings — As followers of Jesus, we are convinced that the continuation
of Christ's work — both in this place and to the ends of the earth — depends on each of
our generosity of our life's passions, priorities, and provisions. As partners in Jesus' Gospel
mission, we thankfully dedicate a part of our income to the Church's larger work. Financial
tithes and offerings may be given on Sunday mornings during worship in the offering
plate, via the regular mail, or online at the congregation's website by clicking on the 'Give'
button. Thanks!
25th Ordination Anniversary Thank You — Sunday, August 2nd was an amazing day for our
family as the congregation helped recognize my years of service in pastoral leadership in
God's Church! Thank you for the many cards, notes, letters, gifts, video greetings, and
words of encouragement from so many who are a part of Saint John Hattiesburg, Christ
the King Natchitoches, and the Southern District. You are beautiful and it's a joy to be in
mission together! May God's kingdom advance and increase among us!
Wisdom, Discernment, Prayer, and Courage
What does it mean that Pastor Karle has received a "Call"?
In July Pastor Karle received a Call to lead the campus mission at Texas A&M University in
College Station. The first wekk of September, he and Jennifer are going there to see what
the position entails and whether it is a good fit. Please join your prayers for wisdom,
discernment, and courage with our prayers. A longer explanation of the call process is
available in the August newsletter.
Technology Upgrades
Here's an update on what we're planning and how you can help. Nearly all of the equipment needed for technology upgrades to the worship sanctuary,
lobby, and other parts of the building has now been ordered. The most crucial items
— three new video cameras — are on backorder. The shipping date is uncertain, but
we are first on the order fulfillment list. If you'd like to make a special donation to
help cover some of the financial costs, please speak with Pastor Karle. A longer
explanation of the technology upgrades is available in the August and September
newsletters.
Confirmation Instruction Plan — We're looking to resume confirmation instruction online
during September for our three middle school confirmation students. The transition from
traditional delivery to online learning will still take a couple of weeks before we're ready to
start. We have the curriculum written, but need to transition formats and record several
sessions before we begin releasing them in an orderly fashion. Having made our way
through the foundational stories of Genesis and the first part of Exodus, we'll now turn to
John's Gospel. When that's done, we'll cruise through the catechism before the Rite of
Confirmation in about a year or so, depending on the speed of our instructional progress.
Study Books for Sale: Great for Lifelong Learning Anytime!
Woman: The Forgotten Story For any woman, identity is important. The question,
“Who am I?” will haunt her every decision. Discover again the old story of a beautiful
identity, a story of love and sacrifice. The story offers incredible comfort, gives guidance,
and teachers everyone who listens a wisdom that saves lives. Cost is $15.
The Sinner/Saint Devotional ۰ 06 Days in the Psalms A 60 day devotional that explores
the book of Psalms to help us reevaluate our views on prayer, the law, the gospel, and
the psalms. Cost is $15.
Lutheran Study Bibles — We have five regular size print Lutheran Study Bibles available for
purchase for $50 each. These resourceful ESV translations with extensive study notes may
be viewed in the church office. Larger print versions of the Lutheran Study Bible are $59.
Couples Devotional Book — We're encouraging all those who are married (or engaged) to
purchase the year of daily devotions by Timothy and Kathy Keller. The devotional is titled
The Meaning of Marriage: A Couple's Devotional and is based on their earlier book with a
similar title. Cost is $15.
Young Couples Bible Study — We are studying Broken: 7 "Christian" Rules That Every
Christian Ought to Break as Often as Possible by Jonathan Fisk. You can check it out
at https://tinyurl.com/yea5r56a. If you are interested please contact Christopher
Longman at 601.466.0103 or Dewey Case at 601.297.7953. Book cost is $20.
People Relocating with Thanksgiving and Blessing
Gabby has accepted a job in Jackson, MS and has moved in with family in that area.
John and Sylvia Ruppel are relocating to Memphis, TN in order to be closer to family.
Oktoberfest Alternative Plan
In view of our previous decision to cancel our regular Oktoberfest 2020 plans due to
concerns over COVID-19, the following plan is presented to the congregation through
the September newsletter.
We will pursue an effort, where within the congregation we ask for donations to the
Oktoberfest fund. Several individuals have calculated what they would normally
contribute to Oktoberfest in time, purchases, and in-kind donations, and have
suggested giving that amount in a cash donation. This could go a long way in assuring
that our missions are fully funded this year.
Please consider such a donation in the next three months to Oktoberfest missions. Please
write a separate check to Saint John Lutheran Church and write “Oktoberfest” in the
memo line. Place in a separate envelope clearly marked and convey to the church
office.
A news release to the general public announcing the postponement of Oktoberfest and
soliciting public support for the missions by donating to the church directly is being
distributed. Anyone anywhere is welcome to give to the Oktoberfest Missions
fundraising effort through the special Oktoberfest link on the church website.
The suggestion of having a potluck dinner in October was felt to be impractical due to the
COVID-19 pandemic. We will consider such a celebration at a later date. However,
there appears to be some interest in some type of auction that could include food
items, art work, deli items etc. Our challenge is how to do it safely, properly distanced
and adequately advertised. Please provide your thoughts to Mark Keyl as we proceed
into the fall.
Thanks go to the Oktoberfest committee for
arriving at a plan. We encourage the
congregation to consider supporting our
missions through their generous donations,
as we lead by example.
In his service and yours,
Mark Keyl
Oktoberfest Team Leader
Can You Push a Mower? — We're looking to shift how we do the lawn care around the
church building, engage some of the younger men in the congregation, and tap new skill
sets. If you could be a part of a rotation of folks helping to keep the place looking
welcoming, please contact John Karle. We're ready to get started this coming week.
Thanks!
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League
LWML NEWSLETTER – SEPTEMBER
LWML Mites collected on August 2, 2020, totaled $187.37. Praise God!!! Your prayers and support of the Mission Grants, selected in Convention by the Gulf States District and National LWML, continue to tell the Good News of Jesus all over the world! Mites will be collected next on Sunday, September 6, 2020, at church. If you are unable to attend worship, please make your checks out to Saint John Hattiesburg LWML, and mail directly to Christina Noffke at 108 Ramblewood Drive, Hattiesburg, MS 39402.
The Gulf States LWML District is planning a Winter Ladies Retreat January 29-31, 2021. Lodging will take place at Towne Place Suites by Marriott/Downtown OWA in Foley, Alabama. Bible study sessions will be held at beautiful Perdido Bay, Camp Dixie. Donna Snow (Pyle) will be the Bible Study Leader (Some of you may remember her from the National Convention held in Mobile, Alabama). I know this is many months away, but if you are interested, please let me know soon so arrangements can be made for lodging, and carpooling. Registration Fee of $50.00 is due by December 15, 2020.
The WELLSPRING OF LIFE is the title of the four Bible Studies based on Psalm 42:1-2. “As a deer pants for flowing streams. So pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?"
“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I will say, rejoice!” (Phil. 4:4) Saint Paul’s words to us are one of my favorite passages in the Bible. He was in prison chains, and yet, he trusted God would take care of all his problems according to His Good and Gracious Will. During the past months, dealing with the circumstances of the Coronavirus, I wonder how God is using His people to do the same thing as Saint Paul—trusting in the guidance of the Holy Spirit for our lives. It is so easy to forget that we have the most wonderful loving God living in us and always leading us according to His Will. We need to continue to live each day rejoicing in JESUS, our Savior, telling everyone GOD LOVES YOU!
Saint John LWML will not be holding business meetings until it is safe, once again, to gather at church. In the meantime, we can “Serve the Lord with Gladness!” everyday using the gifts He gives us to LOVE LIKE JESUS! Together, we trust in God’s will for future zone and district meetings. Hopefully, we will be able to join our sisters in Christ and attend the next National LWML convention in Lexington, Kentucky, scheduled for June 24-27, 2021.
UNTIL NEXT TIME. . . . . “Serve the Lord with Gladness!!!”
-Shirley Thone President LWML
From the Altar Guild
Altar Guild Meeting – Mark Your Calendars Date and time: September 19, 2020 at 10:00am
Face-to-Face or Zoom? Stay tuned.
Love and Companionship
When I’m with my pets, I experience so much joy and comfort. Pets effortlessly express the unconditional love of God. They ask little in return: food, a walk, maybe some playtime. I feed them food; they feed my soul.
There are times I feel I should have an “out of order” sign stamped on my forehead or my mood might be a bit off. It doesn’t matter because my companion animals are compassion in action. I am grateful for their gifts of love, fidelity, and companionship.
That’s the way Jesus is—compassion in action. From his birth to his death to his amazing resurrection, Jesus acts on our behalf. His whole being was, is, and will be for us. Jesus provides for us spiritually, gives us his nourishing food, he walks with us, and he offers us rest. Thankfully, Jesus never hangs out an “Out of Order” sign, and we can trust that he will restore our order when we are out of sorts. We only need look to him, and he will feed our soul.
Worship: information, thoughts, and reflections on how, why, and where we worship.
Our thoughts continue from last month on actions of reverence. Bowing is one such action. We may bow our heads in prayer to show our respect for God. We may bow toward the altar because it represents Christ’s presence among us. We may bow toward the cross as it is carried in procession. Many Christians bow when the name of Jesus Christ is mentioned in liturgy as a sign that we accept him as Lord: “At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Phil. 2:10-11, ESV).
These ritual actions help us embody our faith. They stimulate worshipful and prayerful attitudes. They are a means of expressing and reinforcing our reverence and adoration for the holiness of God. These outward signs of devotion are acceptable to God, for they flow out of hearts full of love for God and obedience to His will.
Glory to God in the Highest!
Christina Keiper Altar Guild Chair 601-550-1050
ckeiper511@gmail.com
From the Chair — Old Minds Still Work…
Sometimes the Results Are Just As Lucid!
By Dennis Smith, Board of Direction Chair
Like many of you, Lillian and I have mostly enjoyed our church services from home rather than
participating in person. I must admit at first I missed the personal interaction with our
church family, and that resulted in a fairly significant sense of guilt. After several weeks now,
I recognize that my thinking has changed, and please allow me to share some of my
thoughts with you.
There is no question that I would prefer to be with everybody again, and I hope sooner rather
than later. There is no question that online worship is different and has taken a little
adjustment. I know that my God demands worship from me, and I freely want to honor that
request regardless of how it is done, where it is done, and what time of the day or week it is
done. There are many of us who do not have a choice in these things, and have worshipped
remotely for years, but for different reasons and practices.
I would also like to share what I have found to be a particularly positive outcome from what I
first thought was a burden. I am now worshipping as the early
church worshipped, in homes as opposed to well-built, well-
lighted, and air conditioned buildings. I sense a deeper
respect and appreciation for the art pieces, and the “canned”
music we sometimes use.
I fully appreciate the quality of our Saint John music and
choir, it’s just that my appreciation for the other has grown,
and that is a surprise to me. And that surprising change is
very positive. And certainly at my age, change is not always
endorsed as readily as it should be.
I also enjoy watching all the folks coming forward for communion. And in the beginning of
service when they all turn at Pastor John’s request and wave, I wave back. You would never
have convinced me that day would come! My daughter has had a saying for years that
allows her to affirm in the positive; she says, “Does a fat kid like cake?”
One more thing before I close (and you don’t have to share everything with Pastor John), I
really enjoy his message even more over a second cup of coffee! See You in Church!
Surprise the World!
Love. Like. Jesus. + Hope for the City.
Saint John Lutheran Church 2001 Hardy Street
Hattiesburg MS 39401 Telephone: 601.583.4898
Website: www.saintjohnhattiesburg.com Email: stjohnlutheranchurch@gmail.com
Like Us on Facebook: USM Campus Mission Like Us on Facebook: Oktoberfest Hattiesburg
Like Us on Facebook: Saint John Church Hattiesburg Like Us on Facebook: Longleaf Heights Neighborhood Association
Birthdays in September
Lisa Case Sept. 1 Angela Powe Sept. 3 Zaylee McMichael Sept. 6
Andrew Meyers Sept. 6 Logan Lovdahl Sept. 7 Regan Lowry Sept. 7
Michael Jiminez Sept. 9 Marcel Thiel Sept. 13 Brandon Kirkley Sept. 15
Maurice Gault Sept. 18 Jeremy Noffke Sept. 18 Woodrow Sept. 18
Scott Chaney Sept. 19 Dave Myers Sept. 23 Zaylin Powe Sept. 24
Jennifer Blair Sept. 28 Julian Noffke Sept. 30
Anniversaries in September
Mark & Barbara Keyl 43 years Sept. 3
Jerry & Helga Herrington 57 years Sept. 18
Jim & Rita Wilson 22 years Sept. 26