FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why might it be helpful to have an FAQ feature on our website? Communication is always looking for improvement.  Consequently, St. John’s pastors receive all kinds of questions that are on peoples’ minds.  Hopefully, a growing list of FAQs will promote better understanding for a lot more people!  If you have a question for the pastors, let it be known!  Send them to us:  pastors@stjohnssweetair.org

What does it mean to be a member of St. John’s? Every person in the St. John’s community would likely have their own personal response to this question. Indeed, one might think membership is in place when dues are paid and one’s name is in the book, much like member requirements of a social club.  In the church, however, membership means commitment more than privilege. It means opportunity to serve more than rights to receive. It means discipleship: following Jesus with love and trust. It means growing to practice prayer, reading scripture, praising God in worship, developing relationships in community, sharing faith, and finding joy in giving. Discipleship is something to celebrate, which we do as people come forward in worship to renew or make their commitment to Christ in this community of faith.

Why Do We Call It “Youth and Family Ministry”?The primary purpose of Youth and Family Ministry, as a tool of the Holy Spirit, is to help our youth discover and grow in faith in Jesus Christ through the Christian community for Christ’s service.

And whom do we mean by the term “youth”?   Youth are members and friends of St. John's in their middle school and high school years and college age young adults.

So why have we added the term “family” to this ministry?  Because we discovered that doing “youth ministry” would never really be effective unless we also did it with and within the context of family.   So the old pattern of dropping kids off at a ‘youth group’ event is gone.   All “Youth and Family Ministry” is related to, includes and needs the involvement of parents in some way.   

Who is our Director of “Youth and Family Ministry”? Miss. Amanda Brennan

Are fundraisers O.K. in the Lutheran church? This question is one that touches wider practices of faithful stewardship. That is to say, our faith in Christ leads us in how to care for all that we have. Money, along with everything else, is ultimately God’s provision. How we spend it reflects our relationship with the Giver. Are we grateful or greedy? Proud or selfless? Trusting or controlling? Selfless or fearful? God loves a cheerful giver, one who gives gratefully in response to all that one first receives. In other words, “giving in order to get in return” is a motivation that works to replace gratitude. Bottom line? Fundraisers need to be evaluated for their purpose in light of a church’s mission, the effect upon the believer’s heart, and the message that such activity conveys to others. When proceeds, for example, benefit others in need, then the character of Jesus is conveyed. When proceeds subsidize a current church budget, then the character of “what’s in it for me” is conveyed. Lutherans have no more claim to any of these perspectives than other Christians.

What is the Mutual Ministry team? The Mutual Ministry Team is “the human resources” team for our ordained pastors. The team meets monthly with the pastors to engage in a deliberate listening process to celebrate the joys and assist in the challenges faced in the ministry. In addition, the team promotes healthy communication between members of the congregation and the pastors, especially when there are questions or concerns. Mutual Ministry conducts annual evaluations with the pastors in order to strengthen their ministry. Self care is always encouraged, along with accountability to the call of God to serve as pastor. The Church Council looks to the Mutual Ministry Team for recommendations that help the congregation care for their pastors, such as annual compensation recommendations and the recent affirmation of need for a sabbatical policy. Current members on the team are Susan Rowe, leader, Bob Gettier, Mike Comeau, Bill Collinge, and Bobbie Ellrich.

What is Epiphany?Epiphany, is a celebration of the arrival of the magi and is older than Christmas traditions. “Epiphany” means a revelation from God, a public unveiling. Specifically here, it means that the “God with skin on” has come to be among us in Christ. Epiphany developed to be a celebration of the magi, or Wise Men, probably from the far east, bringing gifts fit for a king to the infant Jesus. Celebrated on January 6, this season between Christmas and Lent is a time when the church remembers how God “shows off” His Son. From Christ’s baptism to the wilderness temptation, the church is called to the heart of God’s mission in the world, to bring the terrific news of God’s saving love in Jesus.

Is Confirmation the best way to support faith development in our youth?  No; the best way is to support and nourish strong and loving families where faith is shared through caring conversation,  family rituals and traditions, family prayer, and serving others together in the name of Jesus

Why Assisting Ministers? Worship is at the Center of our life together as a “Community of Faith”.  Gathered as the people of God we bring Him our praise and thanksgivings, our prayers, songs and our very selves.  So worship is a “We”- thing, the action of God’s people together, in community!  Never was worship meant to be a ‘spectator sport’ where a few do it and the rest watch.  During the centuries leading up to (and including) the 20th century the church in Europe and America strayed from its Biblical roots and most of the “people” were rendered mute, while a few professional clergy did it all.

In the past couple of generations we have reclaimed the “oneness” of the Christian Church.  So, many people take their turn leading and assisting in the conduct of worship.   At St. John's Lutheran Church (as in thousands of others) Lay Assisting Ministers lead the liturgy and the prayers.  Others assist with distribution of Holy Communion, others (in choirs) sing the Good News; others greet people, or serve as ushers, acolytes, readers, table servers (aka ‘Altar Guild’) or instrumentalists.  In our Bridge service many lead worship in similar ways by singing, running sound or projection, giving communion and praying with others. Also the message is often not just a pastor’s sermon, but may include a skit or the personal witness of any one of God’s people (from child to senior adult).

So, “Why Assisting Ministers?”   Because it is a central part of what we Christians (Lutherans) cherish about the ‘priesthood of all believers’.   It’s the right and appropriate thing for the family of God to do.                         

Why is going on a retreat or mission trip part of a church staff member’s job (and not vacation)?The presence of a staff member, whether it be our music director, our pastors, office managers, director of youth and family ministry, custodian, or our contemporary worship leader on a church retreat or mission trip is a part of that person’s job responsibilities.  Indeed, a staff person is doing the ministry of Christ’s Church (a part of his or her role) while engaging in a retreat or mission trip.  Such off-site events often require great amounts of planning and preparation on the part of staff members.   Building team relationships and supporting retreat or mission team participants is critical to the work of our staff members and our church.  These retreats or trips are a reminder that the ministry and mission of St. John’s is wide ranging;  it happens seven days a week and extends well beyond our church buildings.   

What is “Advent”?Advent is a four week season, the beginning of a new church year (Nov. 27).  We hear scripture speaking of endings and beginnings.  The ending promise of the Son of Man coming with the clouds to settle all accounts--- refers to the second coming of Jesus.   John the Baptist calls for repentance to reform our living in preparation for Christ’s return. This theme is reflected in liturgical purple colors.  Advent is also about hopeful yearning and new beginnings (reflected in liturgical blue).  The weeks before Christmas are days to wait, anticipate, and rejoice for the Savior who came the first time in Jesus.  Through Him we find our new beginning with God every day. Advent wreaths, personal devotions, acts of kindness, regular worship….these are important practices to counteract the cultural frenzy and holiday distraction.