Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
One of my favorite activities in the church is teaching confirmation classes. I think that it is safe to assume that by the time that you are reading this article confirmation Sunday will have occurred. I am proud of the work that Amber and Mike have accomplished this past year. It truly was a joy watching them grow in the knowledge and understanding of God’s Word throughout the year. Like all of us, they need to continue to grow and Luther’s Large and Small Catechisms are great tools to facilitate this growth. I challenge all of you to find your old catechism, read it, and if you’re up to the challenge memorize the six chief parts. Luther once stated, “I, too, am a theologian who has attained a fairly good practical knowledge and experience of Holy Scriptures through various dangers. But I do not so glory in this gift as not to join my children daily in prayerfully reciting the Catechism.”
Changing topics, I wanted to give an update of my evangelism project. The goal of this project is to improve the way that the church is perceived by visitors. The project has five objectives; the first to be achieved was permanent name badges. Please try to remember to wear them every time that you worship so visitors can know your name. If you have not ordered one there is still a sign up sheet in the back of the narthex. The second objective to be completed was the updating of the visitor’s brochure which can be found in the entry way of the church. The third objective, which should be completed by the time you receive this newsletter, was to create a welcome center in the entry way which serves as a central location for information for both visitors and members. The center also creates a good first impression for visitors. I have also created a procedure for sending letters to those who visit our congregation and fill out an attendance card with their address. This was not part of my original project but Pastor and I agreed that it was vital for improving the impression that visitors have of Blessed Savior. These letters can only be sent if we receive an attendance card with the visitor’s address so please encourage any visitors that you see to fill one out. The fourth objective of my project which is currently being worked on is to make the nursery easily convertible to a cry room during the services. This will include installing a closed circuit camera and monitor with a digital recorder, improving the sound reduction in the room, improving signs and finding lockable storage for noisy toys. This will provide a place for parents to take a disruptive child while still being able to see and hear the worship service. If you have construction or remodeling experience please contact me through the church office as we will need to make some minor changes to the nursery room. I hope to have this objective done by the middle of June.
If you have questions about any part of my evangelism project, please contact me and I will be glad to discuss your concerns.
God Bless,
Vicar Schultz
