On My Heart

Dear Friends in Christ, Together we have made quite a difference during this most unusual year. We knew that our physical plant had some challenges that needed our attention.

The biggest problem, the boiler system in the educational wing, finally demanded that we retire what we lovingly called Big Al (short for albatross) and replace it with a twenty-first-century system of heating and cooling. In doing so, our utility bills went from $1,208 in 2019 to $766 for the same period in 2020. The money was well spent in so many ways – not only the savings in utilities, but in maintenance required for the old system, the constant repairs, and the inadequacy of the heat and air. Well done!

The other heating/cooling system that needed attention was the heat pump and air handler that services the office area and choir room. It also finally quit, so we have replaced that unit. It is now warm in my office, which hasn’t happened since I came to St. John’s Chapel. Again, well done!

The hardest task for us this year is finding a way to offer worship opportunities in ways other than in-person worship. Since that day in late March, when Kristin, Kemery, and I were in the office looking at each other with no idea what to do or where to start, we have made great strides. It hasn’t always been pretty, but we keep moving forward. One of the most significant strides was the decision to upgrade the internet in the church building. We can now return to Zoom and Facebook Live, which allows us to visit with one another before and after worship. It will also improve the sound quality and enables us to share the beautiful screens that Kristen did previously and now the ones Kristy Nelson creates for us every Sunday. Well done!

In the Season of Advent as we wait for the birth of the Christ child who is Light and Life to the world, I hope you will join in the Zoom meetings that will begin soon to talk together about how we can be Light and Life to our community.

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Sue

Zoom Link for OMG

Phone - 312 626 6799

Meeting ID - 825 2992 5495

Passcode - 429895

Zoom Link for Advent Study

Phone - 312-626-6799

Meeting ID - 813 1473 1526

Zoom Link for Coffee and Conversations at 10 am

Phone - 312-626-6799

Meeting ID - 826 1141 5937

Passcode - 111603

Zoom Link for Coffee and Conversations 6:30 pm

Phone - 312-626-6799

Meeting ID - 896 2057 9192

Passcode: 501821

Zoom Link for Sunday Morning Worship 10:30 am

Phone - 312-626-6799

Meeting ID - 820 1599 0721

Passcode - 769258