November Successes

November has been a very good month around Shiloh Church. For me, it started with the November 5 Fall Meeting of the Southwest Ohio Northern Kentucky Association (SONKA), over which I presided as the Association Moderator. The tension and stress that I experienced leading up to the meeting was greatly diminished as I handed the gavel over to new Moderator, Karl Ulrich.

That stress reduced, attention turned immediately to the November 13 congregational meeting. It had promised to be contentious, especially since the leadership at Shiloh had heard that a member planned to bring a motion to fix the deficit problem by staff reductions. Such discussion was held at the meeting, but the congregation responded instead by increasing their on-the-spot support, erasing the remaining 2011 deficit. Stewardship pledges have reflected the same higher level of support, and the leadership is hoping that Shiloh may have turned a corner in relying on better financial support instead of making continual cuts.

The next week, November 18 and 19, Shiloh held its annual Holiday Bazaar. A few years ago, Shiloh brought what had been called The Shiloh Church Fair back to its own site from Hara Arena, separating the event into two parts. The first part, The Shiloh Fall Fair, is now held in September. The Holiday Bazaar remains at the previous Fair dates, in November. Given the tense economy, most anticipated a reduction in the number of people attending, and a corresponding reduction in what those people were able to spend. Instead, the Holiday Bazaar was well attended. At first glance, it also appears as though profits are up from 2010.

It has been a stressful, but rewarding, month. Now the congregation looks to a restful Thanksgiving holiday. The office will be closed on Thursday and Friday, November 24 and 25. The Robinson family will travel to Indianapolis, where we will share thanks with my mother. We will return in the afternoon, to sup with friends here in the Dayton area. I urge readers of The Shiloh Insider to remember those who hunger this season. Make special Thanksgiving contributions at Shiloh. All such contributions are split equally between Shiloh's Ministry Fund and St. Vincent DePaul. Also, you may be interested to know that Shiloh collected its goal of 150 grocery bags full of food. Those supplies were delivered to FISH Foodbank pantries and distributed to hungry families.

This coming Sunday, November 27, is the start of a new church year. Advent begins this next week. Shiloh will once again collect funds to purchase a Heifer Project International "Ark" for those whom we might help around the world. You can give the gift of an animal or animals for the Ark, thinking of those who might find it more meaningful to solve poverty around the world than put another knick knack on the shelf. Also remember the annual Shiloh Church Christmas Musical. The Musical will be performed this year on December 11, at both 10:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. A new feature this year will be the addition of American Sign Language interpretation. Come and join us!

It has been a marvelous month at Shiloh Church. It looks as though December might follow suit. On behalf of every member of the staff and the leadership of the congregation, I want to wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving and a wonderful Christmas celebration.

See You Sunday!  

Miracles do Happen!

Shiloh Church held a pivotal congregational meeting yesterday, Sunday, November 13. It was Stewardship Sunday, second-to-last Sunday of the liturgical church year. Shiloh was in the midst of gathering food items for its annual FISH Foodbank Thanksgiving collection, having just completed a record-setting Pumpkin Patch and an unprecedented Fall Fair income.

Despite some tremendous successes, a cloud hung over the congregational meeting. After all, its topic was a manner in which the congregation was to deal with its 2011 cash flow deficit. Throughout the budget process, it appeared that the developing 2012 budget was also going to reflect a sizable deficit. How was the congregation going to deal with the issue?

The Finance Committee developed a recommendation that included a $175,000 withdrawal from the undesignated Endowment Fund. Treasurer, Tom Holmes presented an explanation of the financial situation that the congregation faced. Members of the congregation spoke. The conversation included a proposed reduction of staff and narrowing of mission/ministry. It included open, honest communication about Shiloh's financial state. For a few minutes, the cloud that hung over the meeting darkened.

There was light shining through the cloud, however. For a decade now, many within the congregation have recognized that the core issue of Shiloh's financial state hinged upon income, i.e. the stewardship of the congregation. Shiloh had previously taken a very passive approach to the development of stewards, those willing to put their shoulder to the wheel as a means of shaping the household according to God's will. The conversation turned on the passion of those who spoke about the need to take such responsibility and accountability.

Then, almost naturally, a miracle occurred. Much like the one performed in Jesus' feeding of the 5,000, members and friends of the church saw the possibility of abundance from a context of perceived poverty. What if we joined forces to erase the assumed 2011 deficit? What if we put our money where our concerns are? What if we acted as stewards? Who here will give an additional $500, right now, to erase this deficit? If we get 20 families to so give, we will raise $10,000 of the assumed $14,000 need. 

A member of the congregation challenged those present to come forward and sign their names if they were so willing.

More than thirty (30) families signed their names. Some handed over checks, some giving $1,000, others $100, yet others $50. A simple assessment tells us that Shiloh raised well over $15,000, in the matter of about ten minutes. The remaining 2011 deficit was erased. No Endowment money was utilized. Stewards took responsibility and shaped the household. Abundance came from perceived poverty. The clouds were parted and celebration ensued.

Well done, good and faithful servants. You have been faithful over this little. God makes us faithful over much. Enter into the joy of your Master. Celebrate a job well done! Celebrate the miracle!

Remember, though, that Shiloh relies upon our continued stewardship. We will propose a deficit budget for 2012, unless of course the income for this next year increases significantly. Now that Shiloh is taking a more assertive approach to equipping its stewards, however, I am confident that Shiloh will continue to perform miracles. Inspired by the miracle performed at the November 13 congregational meeting, my family is increasing its pledge and giving for 2012. Lisa and I are increasing ours. Casey is increasing hers. Emboldened by what we have just achieved, I invite each steward to do the same.

See You Sunday!  

SONKA Fall Meeting

The Fall Meeting of the Southwest Ohio Northern Kentucky Association of the Ohio Conference of the United Church of Christ was held this past Saturday, November 5, in Newport, Kentucky. The meeting was an intentional attempt to tell the story of the hunger missions and ministries of our local congregations, in conjunction with the national UCC Mission 1 initiative. It was a tremendous celebration, which included a slide show story of some of Shiloh's hunger ministries.

Most rewarding personally was that this meeting marked the end of my term as Moderator of the Association. In a three-year commitment, I served as Vice Moderator in 2010. The Vice Moderator is in charge of planning the two annual Association meetings and for filling in for the Moderator in the case of her/his absence. Then, this year, I served as Moderator. The Moderator is chairperson of the Association Covenant Team, like the Church Council, is an official signatory on all contracts, checks and official business of the Association, is called upon to represent the Association in a host of ways, and presides over the Association meetings. Now, starting just after the Association meeting, I serve as chair of the Association's Nominating Team. All this is done while still working with the Association Communication Team and continuing as Senior Pastor of Shiloh Church.

My appreciation goes out to the fabulous Association staff, mainly the Association Minister, Ruth Brandon. Ruth manages the business of the Association with care and attention to detail. She is gracious and kind, even while attempting to motivate persons in expanding the scope of ministry and service. I thank the staff at Shiloh Church, whose incredible work frees me to be engaged in the ministries of the wider church. Thanks mainly to Jay McMillen, who has filled in for the Senior Pastor when I was called upon by the demands of the Association and beyond.

It is sometimes difficult for local congregations to measure the advantage of allowing their pastoral staff members to be leaders in the wider church. Often, there is a disconnect between what happens in our churches and that which takes place in our Associations and Conferences. Narrowing the gap between local congregations and the judicatory level of church organization was a particular focus under my leadership. As happens in congregations, it is sometimes a challenge to help people see that what takes place in the wider church is OUR ministry, not theirs.

This focus will remain well after I serve as Moderator. I am also chairing an Association task force that is charged with assessing, shaping and implementing an organizational formula for the Association that better relates to the mission and ministry of our local churches. The process will include geographical hearings and the same kind of reporting, which are geared at more direct involvement of local church members.

I have treasured my time in leadership with the Association. The people I have met, and those with whom I was honored to work, taught me a depth of commitment and devotion that I will long remember. The talents, skills and dedication of colleagues and friends throughout the Association will inspire me through many years to come. Thanks to each and every one of you.   

Post Delayed

Carl Robinson is just returning to the office after spending a few weeks away. As soon as he can dig through those items that demand his attention, a new Shiloh Insider post will appear.