Greetings to all our members and friends!

This is a moment to reflect on our accomplishments this past year and to look forward to our goals for this New Year. We accomplished much during 2022. We have a new pastor who provided us with the love, spiritual guidance, and leadership to move forwards as a congregation. Thank you, Pastor Aaron. Amongst many other things we transitioned to an electronic newsletter, a fresh and attractive new website, revamped our parking lot, and started regular Sunday school at 11:00 a.m. Thank you, Sean Holleran for making Sunday school happen. Above all, I have had several members comment to me that the church just ‘feels’ different. We are more positive, more welcoming, and more enthusiastic. We are now more ready than ever to succeed in fulfilling Christ’s mission.
 
Moving forward, we have now established the guidelines that enable any congregation voting member to reserve the Parsonage for a personal event. There is no charge but the standard Explore Charleston guidelines apply including the $275 cleaning fee. Member reservations cannot be made more than 30 days in advance. We plan to post more details on our website. The bottom line is that nowhere else in Charleston can you use such a unique, historic, and charming event space like our Parsonage for $275.
 
Moving forward, the Council authorized audio-visual funds to enable us to upgrade to a truly professional quality live stream video of our Sunday service. The services will also be recorded and available for viewing at any time. This will not only help members who cannot attend a service but will allow prospective members to check us out on line. Our goal is to have this new capability up and running by the end of the first quarter.
 
Moving forward, Pastor Aaron in the first half of 2023 will conduct a sermon and study series called Discipleship Essentials. This sermon series was a great success with Pastor Aaron’s previous congregations.
 
My fellow members we have started down the path of an expanded vision. Together we can do it. Let all aspects of the term “God’s work or hands” be our goal as we move forward.
 
Pedro Rivas
St. Johannes Lutheran Church
48 Hasell Street
Charleston, SC
29401