St. Paul's News - January, 2008

8/14/2019 St. Paul's News - January, 2008

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St. Paul's Episcopal Church

Lansing Michigan

Volume 33, IssueBy The Very Rev. Dr. Gordon Weller

St. Pauls NewsJanuary, 200

Sometime within afew days of re-

ceiving this, we all willtake the old calendardown and replace it

with a new one. Wewill sing the appropri-ate songs and make the appropriate promisesand resolutions. Eventually one day will blendinto another and much of what we thought andplanned for will fade into obscurity. We haveseen it before; its part of our human nature. Weseek the path of least resistance. In this way, oursacred lives often resemble our secular lives.Each new season, liturgical or natural, with itsmessages and promises, gives way to the next,and most often there is little change, in spite ofour desire.

The one thing that keeps us in the hunt for

change is hopeand that is a gift from God. Itshow we all carry Gods image. Hope is the rea-son that Christmas is such a powerful force. Ifthere is one thing that the season of Christmasteaches us, it is that God is able to do the things

we view as impossible. In that, hope abounds.So then, what are we to do? Are we to wait untilGod mysteriously or magically produces thechanges we all envision? Obviously not an ac-ceptable answer, especially to God who hasgiven us all we would ever need in Jesus. Whatto do?

Now would be the time to give the nicely com-posed answer, if I had one. I think that the an-swer lies deep within each of us and probably isin the dialogue that each of us could/shouldhave with God. I think that its different for

(Continued on page 16)

The Rev. Dr. Gordon Weller

New YearNew Hope

Whine

By The Very Rev. Dr. Gordon Weller

One of my responsibilities as rector is to oversee the Eucharist. In addition to the planning thatgoes into all of the worship services here at St. Pauls, this includes selecting the wine used for

communion. Recently I have heard several comments. I cant say that it was whining, its just that itwas hard to pass on the pun. What was expressed was an equal number of comment that it wasdifferent from the past wines and some liked the change, while others preferred the color and fla-vor of before. Let me give you a word of explanation.

What we are currently using is an Altar Wine. This means that it is prepared in a way thatmakes it suitable for altar use. It is usually a first squeezing of the grape. It is clear in color be-cause it does not have any of the pigment that comes from the skin of the grape. It comes from asweet grape instead of some of the other more tart or acidic varieties. What makes it suitable as

(Continued on page 16)

Calendar 17

Choir Schedule 9

St. Pauls News 8,1

Upcoming 2

Vestry News 7

Mission &

Outreach11

Youth Group 14

Prayer List 16

Inside this issue:

Annual Meeting

Sunday, January 27

11:30 am

Brunch Available, Sitters Provided


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Page 2 Upcoming St. Pauls ActivitiesActivities at a Glance

Ongoing Activities

St. Aelreds Guild, third Wednesday, 5:00 PM

Book Cart, 2nd Sunday after 10 AM B&PW, Tuesday, December 11, 6 PM ECW, third Monday, 7 PM Family Night Dinner, Wednesdays, 5-6 PM 4 Fs, second and fourth Mondays, noon to 2 PM St. Pauls Library, open every Sunday Prayer Group, first Tuesday, 5:30 PM, Choir Re-

hearsal Room Mens Breakfast, third Thursday, 7-8 AM, Hill Room Mid-Week Eucharist, Tuesdays, noon

This Month at St. Pauls and Elsewhere

Parish Wide Book Read, discussions for threeweeks beginning the week of January 7, 2008

Praying the Psalms, Wednesdays, January 930,

6:15 PM Between-the-services Bible Study Program, Sun-

days beginning January 13, 9-9:45 AM Baptisms, Sunday, January 13 Martin Luther King, Jr. Service and Celebration,

Sunday, January 20, 2008 Annual Meeting, Sunday, January 27, 2008, after

10 AM service

Looking Ahead

ERD Book Sale coming in February ACEFC Lenten Series, Wednesdays beginning Feb-

ruary 13, 2008 Cabaret, Saturday, March 8 Serving God with Gladness Womens retreat,

late April, Weber Center.

B&PW

By Barbara Richardson

The B&PW Guild will meet January 8 for a busi-ness meeting and planning session for 2008. Din-

ner is at 6 p.m. in the Hill room and will cost $8. Reser-vations are requested. Please contact Debby Pierce at485-5446 by January 6 for a reservation.

Annual Meeting January 27

The Very Rev. Dr. Gordon F. Weller

Please place January 27 on your calendars as thedate of our Annual Meeting. It will open with the

rectors State of the Parish address at the 8 a.m. ser-

vice, continuing with a repeat of that address at the 10a.m. service.

A Brunch-fundraiser will be presented by the ECWSteering Committee with proceeds going to the LansingFood Bank. Cost of the brunch will be $5 per person or$20 per family. Coffee Hour will be held in the HillRoom. See related ECW article on page 6.

The business session will begin about 11:30 a.m. Be-cause of its importance, all parishioners should plan toattend. Child care will be provided.

Epiphany

By The Very Rev. Dr. Gordon F. Weller

There are four important days in the ChristianLiturgical year that are always celebrated,

but seldom observed. What I mean is that a ser-vice is always planned and held (celebrated), butthe attendance is often so meager that it is obvi-ous that most of the congregation is unaware ofthe importance. The first three are All Saints Day(always November 1), Ash Wednesday (it movesfrom week to week in February or March), Ascen-sion Day (always the Thursday that is 40 daysafter Easter) and Epiphany (always January 6).

Epiphany is a celebration of the fact that theMagi found Jesus and were the first to proclaimhim Lord. The alternative name for Epiphany saysit all, The Manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles.In the Orthodox branches of the church, this dayhas more significance and is more a time of cele-bration than Christmas. This year January 6 andEpiphany will be celebrated on a Sunday. Wehave some special things planned so we hope tosee you there.


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Page 3Upcoming St. Pauls ActivitiesSt. Pauls Parish Wide Book Read

By Millie Ericson, Vestry Member

O

ne Book, Many Journeys (Winning name sub-

mitted by Mary Luginsland)The 2008 Book: The Worst Hard Time by TimothyEgan

Additional copies of The Worst Hard Time areavailable in the Church Office. The book is also avail-able from Schulers, Barnes & Noble and Ama-zon.com.

A series of three weekly discussion groups will con-vene in January at the following times and locations:

Home/Time Day/Date

Max & Debby Pierce Sundays 1/6, 13, 203-4:30 p.m.

Don & Sally Lawrence Mondays 1/7, 14, 217-8:30 p.m.

Chuck & Sue Millar Tuesday 1/8, 15, 222:30-4 p.m.

Barb & Libby Richardson Wednesday 1/9, 16, 237-8:30 p.m.

Larry & Kathy Gut Thursday 1/10, 17, 247-8:30 p.m.

Themes of discussions:

Week 1 - Part I Promise (Introduction-Chapter 5)

Scripture: Gen. 1-2:2-23 (Creation); Gen. 9:9-17(Covenant with Noah)

Do you know anyone who survived the Dust Bowl? Ifso, what was said about it? What did you find inter-esting or surprising in this first section of the book?What is the promise that is referred to in the firstsection of the book? Is there a connection to Promiseas described in Genesis, in our covenant relationshipwith God? How did or didnt the people in the bookrespect the mission to care for the earth; to be fruitful

and multiply?

Week 2 - Part II Betrayal (Chapters 6-10)

Scripture: Job 12:7-10; Is. 24:5-8a, 10-13; Joel1:203, 6-7, 9-12, 17-20

If you had lived in this part of the country at the timeof the Dust Bowl, do you think you would havestayed? Why or why not? What has helped you stayin a place and endure through difficult times (e.g.,work, church, family issues, school)? What insights orconnections to the events in the book do you gainfrom the scriptures for this week? What lessons arethere that we can learn from the Dust Bowl and applyto the present so that we can tell our children and ourchildrens children (as suggested in the scripture fromJoel)?

Week 3 - Part III Blowup (Chapters 11-Epilogue)

Scripture: Joel 2:1-10, 12-13; Ex 34:25-28, 18-27;John 3:16-17; Rev. 21:1

Of all the characters, who left the greatest impres-sion? What signs of hope and renewal are present inthe final chapters of the book? Before reading thebook, had you heard of Hugh Bennet? Would youconsider him an unsung hero? Are there similar

heroes addressing todays environmental chal-lenges? Do you see parallels between the Dust Bowland Hurricane Katrina, global warming or other envi-ronmental challenges of today? How can we bringhope and renewal to current situations?

Keep watching for supportive information to assistyou in enjoying your reading journey.

Sign up for the discussion group of your choice out-side the Merrifield Room

(Hint: theres a sheet for each host that includes ad-dress and geographic location so you can pick the

one that works best for you!)

Baptisms


On Sunday, January 13, we will mark thebaptism of Jesus with baptisms of our own.

Several are already scheduled. If you or someonein your family would like to be baptized, pleasecontact Father Weller.


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Page 4 Upcoming St. Pauls Activities

4 Fs 2008 Programs Taking Care of Ourselves & Others

By Nancy Sheldon

The 4 Fs meet on the 2nd and 4th Mondays ofeach month for12 noon Eucharist,12:30 p.m. lunch,

1:00 Bible Study and the program from1:15 2 p.m.

January 14

Foster Parenting for special needs children withCarol Thomas

January 28

How do you tell the story of a Church? We will ex-plore To A Goodly HeritageA history of St. PaulsEpiscopal Church (published in 1970) with Mary JaneWilson

February 11 through March 10

(Every Monday with a Eucharist service in the chapelat 11:30 a.m. and a lunch/book review from noon to1p.m.)

Lenten book reviews by Carol Ingells, Carolyn Such,Chris Couch, Dorothy Marsh and our curate, RonByrd

March 24

(Return to regular schedule)

As we sort through presidential candidates healthcare proposals, Chris Couch will enlighten us on theprocess of enacting legislation concerning health careissues with insightful humor.

April 14

Looking back at the social policies in U.S. health carewith Luke Shaefer

April 28

The future of health care in the United States aspresidential candidates put forth their different planswith Anne Rosewarne, President of the MichiganHealth Council

May 12

Year-end picnic with participants giving a brief reviewof the one or two of their favorite books that wouldmake for good summer reading

Between-the-Services Bible Study Begins January 13

By Dr. Stephen R. Lange, Minister of Music

B

eginning on Sunday, January 13, Sue LeDuc and Pat and Ed Meier will moderate a new Bible study pro-

gram between St. Pauls 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. services. The study will use the adult version of Living theGood News curriculum. It is a lectionary-based program that will look at the scripture lessons for the day.Please let Sue, Pat or Ed know if youre planning to attend so they may order materials for you. The Biblestudy will run from 9-9:45 a.m. on Sunday mornings.

The Book Sale Cometh

By Sue Millar

Please begin collecting your unwanted books for our thirdERD book sale. You may leave your books (CDs and DVDs

also accepted, but no textbooks or magazines please) in the redbin under the sign-up table next to the elevator. Your participa-tion over the past two years in this project has resulted in our be-ing able to make significant contributions to the work of EpiscopalRelief and Development. What a great win-win deal this is.Thank you for your help.


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Page 5Upcoming St. Pauls Activities

Prayer Quilts

By MaryLea Benson

Can you sew? Got an eye for color? Need to getout and do something for someone else? How

about helping with Prayer Quilts?

Prayer Quilts are "lifted up" with prayer and aregiven to those requesting prayer in their lives. Quiltsare given to people having surgery, going through arough time, having a baby or any other reason forwhich prayer could make a difference. Prayers &Squares is an international organization that has

been sending prayers through quilts since 1992 withcharters across the country and throughout the world(www.prayerquilt.org).

The Prayer Quilt ministry will be holding an informa-tional meeting on January 13 after church with a lightrepast. All who are interested, please come to find outwhat we are all about. We will have a guest speaker

from the Prayers & Squares chapter at UniversityLutheran Church in East Lansing. We will be decidingin what direction we want to go. There will be a sign-up sheet near the elevator.

Don't sew? We will need all sorts of help from choos-ing material, washing and ironing it, cutting blocks andstrips and picking out cards to go with the quilts, aswell as construction. Help in contacting our first recipi-ents will also be needed, followed by the all-

important steps of blessing them and saying prayerswhile trying square knots.

The Prayer Quilt ministry will be holding its first actionmeeting on January 27. We will be cutting and put-ting kits together. For further information, please con-tact MaryLea Benson at (517) 882-6327.

The Rev. David Huguley, Guest Preacher

St. Pauls Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Service and Celebration

By The Rev. Ronald C. Byrd, Sr., Curate

The Rev. David Huguley, Associate Pastor, Prayer and Ministry of POWER Centre Church International, willpreach and facilitate an open forum on Dr. Martin Luther King Sunday at St. Pauls. Pastor Huguley will

focus his remarks on our theme for this year: His Dream, Our Nightmare.This years service and forum willlook to bring together central themes taken from Bill Cosbys and Alvin F. Poussaints newly released book,Come on People, with scriptural text taken from Galatians 3:28:There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neitherslave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.We hope you will mark Janu-ary 20, 2008 on your calendar and plan to join us as we commemorate and celebrate the birthday of theRev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Super Bowl Party?

There is a rumor circulatingthat some would like to

have a Super Bowl party inthe Merrifield Room on Febru-

ary 3. Interested? Contact one of the clergy.

Cabaret Is Coming!


Please put Saturday, March 8, on your calendars!Thats the night for Cabaret, St. Pauls all-parish eve-ning of dining and entertainment put on by St. PaulsEngland choristers. More details will be coming in theFebruary issue of St. Pauls News!


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Page 6 Upcoming St. Pauls ActivitiesSpecial Lenten Programs to Address Electoral Issues


The Adult Christian Education and Formation Committee has planned a five-part series of programs for Lent

that will look at some of the key issues people will be facing in the upcoming elections. Entitled Seeking theCommon Good, the five parts of the series will include:

February 13 - Christian Citizenship 101: Biblical Foundation for Christian Involvement in the Public Arena.Ben Baldus will outline Biblical reasons for involvement in the political process: our responsibilities and op-portunities.

February 20 - The Economic Life of the State (especially through the eyes of the Michigan Budget proc-esses). Tom Clay, of the Citizens Research Council of Michigan, will help us to understand the budget proc-ess and how economic issues drive the other issues we face.

February 27 - When Did I See You? Matt Ferguson will develop a program that will lead us through men-tal health issues, including correction policies of the state (one of the largest budget items).

March 5 - The Environment and You. Millie Ericson will coordinate this program with the parish-wide bookread of The Worst Hard Times by Timothy Egan and bring in guest speakers to help us come to grips with

some of the ecological issues facing our state and the nation: water usage, energy consumption, land use,etc.

March 12 - How to Function in a Pluralistic Society: How to live and interact with those with whom you dis-agree. Chris Couch will formulate a program to help us come to grips with the challenges that face us inliving in a pluralistic society.

Please save these dates and invite friends to attend. As we approach an election year, these programs willhelp clarify the issues and provide us with tools to address them within a Christian perspective. All the pro-grams will be held on Wednesday nights from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m.

ECW Upcoming Activities

By Annette Irwin, President

Happy New Year!! As I write this I will assumethat we once again had a lovely Lessons and

Carols with a festive coffee hour followed by wonder-ful Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services. I dowant to thank all of you who contributed to the successof the Lessons and Carols coffee hour.

ECW has a few important announcements for the up-coming months. The ECW Board is going to have afundraiser brunch that is served right before the An-nual Meeting. The Brunch cost will be $5 per person or

$20 per family and the money we raise will be do-nated to the food bank. It seems only fitting that wedo what we can to assist in feeding those less fortu-nate while we enjoy a nice warm meal. Hopefully, thiswill keep you all full and ready to participate in theAnnual Meeting on January 27.

All women of St. Paul's are invited to the 4th AnnualWomen's Retreat lead by our one and only CarolIngells on Friday, April 25 and Saturday April 26.

Serving God with Gladness and Singleness of Heart

is the theme for the Annual Womens Retreat weekendin late April.

It will be held at beautiful Weber Center in Adrian,about 75 miles south of Lansing, beginning with Fridayevening dinner and ending late afternoon on Satur-day.

This is a time to be-- for rest, reflection, solitude,conversation, and fun. The retreat will be led by CarolIngells, a parishioner with long experience as a spiri-

tual teacher and retreat leader.This will be the 4th annual retreat and those who haveattended previously, many of whom return as often asthey can, have testified to its restorative value inbody, mind and spirit. It is also an excellent opportu-nity for women of the parish to get to know one an-other better.

Lastly, if you are interested in serving on the ECWBoard please contact Annette Irwin at 319-6801 [email protected]


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Page 7News from the VestryFinancial Information as of November 30, 2007

By Jeff Irwin

The November accounting was not complete at the time of this article. However, as we near the end of 2007,

the financial picture is becoming clearer.

The total pledge and non-pledge revenue received as of November 2007 was $255,863, which is 90.4% ofthe budget. November is 91.7% of the year. It is expected that total 2007 pledge revenue will be close, if notequal, to the total 2007 budget. The 2007 operating loss was budgeted to be $152,010. Based on informa-tion now available, it is expected the actual loss will be slightly below that amount.

Under the restricted activities, we have net income over $90,000 of positive income to date in 2007.

As of December 15, 2007, $150,000 has been withdrawn from the St. Pauls Perpetual Fund and transferredto the operating account to provide cash to pay the bills on a current basis.

A final accounting for the year 2007 will be provided at the time of the annual meeting on January 27. The2008 operating budget is still being prepared and analyzed by the vestry. At this point, it is probable that the

2008 pledge commitments will exceed the 2007 pledge commitments. However, the 2008 operating budgetwhich will be presented for the congregation to approve at the annual meeting is expected to show a loss ofsimilar magnitude to the 2007 operating loss.

At the December 18, 2007 meeting of the vestry ofSt. Paul's, your Vestry:

Shared a wonderful Christmas meal and toastedeach other for the blessings of 2007

Heard a presentation from Mark Doyal, a localNon-Profit marketer, about his thoughts and pos-sible plans for St. Paul's

Approved the November minutes Received the November financial report (synopsis

is found elsewhere in this issue) Discussed the 2008 budget Excused Fathers Weller and Byrd as well as Bill

Finout for private discussions about salaries. Rec-ommendations of the Personnel Committee wereaccepted.

Final version of the 2008 budget will be ap-

proved at the January meeting. Had discussion about the possibility for a sab-

batical for Fr. Weller in the spring of 2007. Tied together in discussion the Vision Statement,

the Welcoming Church Document, and the com-ments of Mark Doyal. Agreed that Mr. Doyalhad many good ideas and observations. Willinvite him to a combined meeting of Evangelismand Parish Life in January.

Discussed the possibility of acting as ZacheriaAkol's discernment team for ordination. Ap-proved $ 175 for him to attend the ministry con-ference in January.

Received various committee Reports Noted that the office wing roof was redone and

the steps re-grouted Signed the plow and sidewalk snow contract Reviewed Martin Luther King Celebration

(January 20) Noted the excellent Lenten Series planned for

Feb. - March. Discussed Parish Book read Discussed Stewardship call list which will be dis-

tributed Discussed and reviewed Web site renovation Received the names of six candidates, with two

more possible, for Vestry from the Annual Meet-ing Nomination Committee

Noted the Vestry retreat scheduled for February1-2. Will be held at the Weber Center.

Received Clergy Reports Adjourned at 9:55 pm - "Thanks be to God"

Vestry Highlights


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St. Pauls NewsPage 8

St Pauls Bancroft Fund

By Nancy Sheldon, St. Aelreds Guild

M

any years ago, the Bancroft Fund was begun by the

parents of Robert Bancroft, who recently passedaway at age 86. Bobs father established the fund for theperpetual care, upkeep and maintenance of the churchgrounds and landscaping.

Back in the early 1920s, the Bancroft family spent manyhours taking care of the church grounds and passed this lovefor the church to their son. Bob often told stories of how he would help his dad when he was a little boy weed-ing, planting and, eventually, mowing the lawn. Bob took great pride in continuing this work and was oftenseen on his knees somewhere around the church fussing with this plant or that weed until he was no longer able.

Whenever I visited Bob and his wife Ginny in their nursing home over the last few years, he always wanted toknow how things were going at St Pauls in and around the church. I always told him how grateful we were forthe Bancroft Fund and all that it continues to do for us. Last year, we brought them to St Pauls for Bobs birth-day to see the church one last time. It was a joyous occasion and he was thrilled to see the grounds, especiallythe Memorial Garden.

In his memory, we would like to plant something special on the grounds, perhaps something that is in the land-scape architects plan which we havent been able to afford as yet. Anyone who might wish to contribute to theBancroft Fund in Bobs memory, please send a check to the church designating the Bancroft Fund in the memo.

Keeping up to Date

By Sue Millar

Iwould like to tell you about two sources of occa-sional e-mail messages that provide me with help-ful information for my faith journey.

Each Monday The Recordsends out a summary of hap-penings in our diocese. In less than a minute, it tells mewhat is going on in other parishes and around the dio-cese. It is a friendly reminder that I am part of a lar-ger community of Christians. It is also a good way tolearn about special events or conferences that may beof interest.

To sign up for The Recordgo to www.the-record.org,and near the bottom of the page you will find a sign-up box.

The Episcopal Public Policy Network (EPPN), sends oc-casional e-mails when there is news about public policyissues that have a bearing on Christian mission andministry. At present EPPN frequently addresses issuesrelated to the Millennium Development Goals, a cur-rent focus at St. Pauls.

Church members and staff celebrate Bob

Bancrofts birthday.

New Staff Member

By Kathleen Johnson, Office Manager

It is our pleasure to welcome Mr. Douglas Holmes as the parish's newsexton. Many know Doug because he is a parishioner and also be-

cause he works for A Catered Affaire, the catering company that leasesour kitchen. Doug will be living in the apartment upstairs and will be avail-able to open and lock the building doors according to our schedule. Oneof Doug's duties will be to check and lock the building each night aftereveryone has left. For that, Doug will have a companion named Budda to

sniff out trouble. Budda is a lab/greyhound mix and follows Doug everywhere. Introduce yourself to themwhen you have occasion to be in the building and they are around.


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Page 9

A big Thank You! goes to all choristers and their families for their contribution to the music of Lessons and

Carols and the Christmas Eve services. Your dedication and willingness to share your time and talent helped toenrich the worship experience of many of our parishioners. Thank you so much. Please enjoy your time off af-ter Christmas for some renewal and re-creation!

January 2-3 No Choir Rehearsals (Normal schedule resumes on January 9)

January 13 England Parents and Choristers Meeting after church

February 6, Ash Wednesday Cherubs and Boys and Grace will meet as usual. High School Choir is

invited to sing the service with the Chancel Choir, but will not rehearse

at 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, February 7 Chancel Choir rehearsal will be held after the Ash Wednesday service

approximately 8 p.m.)

Saturday, March 8 Cabaret! Please save this date.

Choir Newsletter and Dates to Remember


December 30 Choirs will not be vesting

January 6 All choirs will vest; High School and Chancel will sing

January 13 High School; Chancel



February 3 Boys and Grace; High School

February 6, Chancel Choir

Ash Wednesday, 7:00 p.m.

February 10 Chancel; High School

February 17 Chancel; High SchoolFebruary 24 Chancel; High School

Singing Schedule

Date Choirs

St. Pauls Choirs


10/18

ST AELRED'S GUILD offers spiritual friendship to members of our congregation in time of need throughnotes, visitation, prayer list management, Eucharistic visits, celebration of births and marriages as well asphone calls to shut-ins. St. Pauls would like to know when one of our parishioners is in the hospital, is unable tocome to church, has been moved to a special care facility or just might appreciate a card or visit to let themknow we are thinking about them and praying for them. Please pick up a form for this special ministry at theWelcome Table after church or call Kathleen in the office at 482-9454. All parishioners are welcome to join us

in this Ministry the ThirdWednesday of each month from 5:00 - 6:00 PM in the Van Atta Room.

Page 10 St. Pauls NewsHandbells Shine!

By Nancy Sheldon

T

he St Pauls Handbell Choir was busy in December repairing, clean-

ing and shining our beautiful handbells. The bells were donated toour church in 1978 but have only had minor repairs done as needed thepast 29 years. Our director, Mary Rodeck, invited Susan Berry, the Presi-dent of Handbell Servicesand from whom we bought our handbellsto come to Lansing and help us refurbish and clean the bells. Each bellwas taken apart and thoroughly cleaned. New springs were inserted,clappers adjusted and bells polished. We were told that to send them outto be fixed and cleaned would cost approximately $3,000. We wereable to do it ourselves (with professional oversight!) for $400.00. Nowwe know how to care for them better in the future, and they did lookbeautiful for our Christmas concert with the Lansing Mens Orpheus Choir.Our hard work really paid off!

UTO IngatheringReport

By Kay Gallup

Thanks to all for your gifts for the UTO ingatheringin November. Our total intake was $887.16.

The United Thank Offering is an accumulation of dailythanks for events or feelings for each of us in our dailylives for which we are thankful.

I would like to extend my personal appreciation to allthose who graciously volunteered their help on the Sun-days of ingathering for the past four years.

_ inda and I would like to thank all themembers of the parish for your cards,gifts and seasons greetings. This is truly a won-derful place and we are pleased to be a part ofit.

Zw 9 _|wt jxx

First Annual Sunday School Holiday Card Project

By Dr. Judi Brown-Clarke, Vestry Member

Acting on the giving spirit of the holidays, the Sunday School students wanted to present St. Pauls home-/center-bound members with a token of their respect and appreciation. On Sunday, December 9, stu-

dents from first grade through high school created beautiful holiday cards for distribution. Approximately 75

cards were stamped, glued and tied with a decorative ribbon. It was truly rewarding to hear unsolicited posi-tive and caring comments coming from the students as they diligently worked to create each one-of-a-kindcard. This was a wonderful and rare opportunity for all the classes to work and celebrate together.

Joan VanAuken and Mary Rodeck

give the handbells a good cleaning


11/18

Mission and Outreach Page 11

Mission & Outreach Activities:

Where is Christ calling you to help others?

January

ACTIONJustice Ministry Teams Begin

February 26

ACTIONCommunity Problems Assembly (Vote

on 2008 Focus Area)

FebruaryMarch

Episcopal Relief & Development Used Book Sale

fundraiser

March 9

Cabaret

March Millennium Development Goals Plan for St. Pauls

April 19

Blood Drive Red Cross

April 20

England Choristers Auction

April - May

Possible Episcopal Relief and Development Project,

MDGs

May 5

ACTION Rally

May 19

ACTION Nehemiah Action Assembly

Check the newsletter articles and the Sunday Bulletin

Announcements for additional details and informa-tion.

Millennium Development Goals Continued


During Lent, St. Pauls will continue its focus on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) begun in Novem-ber. First there will be two special programs, one held the Sunday before Lent and one on Palm Sunday,

that will help to raise awareness within the parish of the nature and scope of the MDGs and of the opportuni-ties open to us to support these goals. The first of these two programs will be held on Sunday, February 3. Atthe 8 and 10 a.m. services, a guest speaker from the Diocese will share thoughts with the worshipers aboutthese goals and how we, as a parish, can contribute to achieving them, both as individuals and as a congrega-tion. After the service, there will be several workshops and programs designed to help familiarize us with theopportunities and challenges that face us as we seek to support these goals. There will be programs for youngand old alike, with nursery care provided for the youngest children.

The second special program of this series will occur on Palm Sunday, after the service, when parishioners willhelp determine what concrete actions they would like to take, both as individuals and as a congregation, tohelp achieve these goals. In addition, the Lenten Wednesday-evening programs will address issues of a more

local interest as we face primary elections this winter, and a presidential election next November. Many ofthese issues also have national and international implications and are related to the MDGs. Please save thesedates and invite friends and neighbors to share in these stimulating discussions! (See the separate article onLenten programs in this issue.)


12/18

Page 12 St. Pauls NewsA Note From Your CurateBy The Rev. Ronald C. Byrd, Sr., Curate

I

t is hard to imagine that a little over six months ago I was reading theological commentaries, writing book

reviews and taking in studies, anxiously working to complete my final semester at Virginia TheologicalSeminary. For three years, I reminded my student colleagues how blessed and fortunate we were to have anopportunity to worship and study the intricacies of divinity. I often thought there is nothing I would rather bedoing!

As a senior planning for graduation, it was a challenge to keep focused on the day-to-day activities, whiledaydreaming about my future life in ministry. While having all of the usual questions and concerns which sad-dle most seminarians preparing to begin a new life ministry, I felt particularly apprehensive, because I oftenwondered if I had learned enough, was I smart enough and was I in fact ready and able to become a priest? Iremember thinking (and I continue to), what an amazing blessing and awesome responsibility it will be, caringfor and ministering to Gods people.

Feeling a bit timorous upon my arrival at St. Pauls on August 15, I stepped through the rear entrance doorwith a smile on my face and a twinkle in my eye, not knowing whether I would fit in, be liked or if I even hadsomething to offer or give a community which seemed so intellectu-ally rich and economically affluent. As I continued to proceed into thechurch, through the cloister area, I said audibly, Well God, it's youand me. Let's go do this. I then turned the corner walked throughthe next set of doors, traveling up the stairs to the main floor, andgradually moved down the hall- way to Fr. Gordons office.

Fr. G greeted me with a huge smile and a warm embrace and invitedme to have a seat in his office. As we sat across the table from eachother, the first words that Fr. Gordon said at the start of thisorientation meeting was, Youre BLACK, well deal with it. Uponhearing those words, that which seemed to be the biggest rock inthe world flew off of my shoulders and into the heavens, and immediately I slid a tad back in my chair andthought to myself, This is one really cool priest. This brother and I are going to get along just fine.

I will always remember my orientation meeting with Fr. Gordon, not just because we exchanged great storiesand laughed a lot, but because of Fr. Gordons candor and loving empathy for the new guy...the new greenpriest.

As a neophyte to the priesthood I am blessed to be here at St. Paul's having an opportunity to work with andlearn from such a seasoned and humble priest as Fr. Gordon. I feel equally blessed and grateful for all ofyou, my St. Paul's parish family.

Since my arrival at St. Paul's, my family and I have been showered with your love and gracious acts of kind-ness. There is no question the real presence of Christ is living among all of you, and for this may God bepraised.

In this season of giving and sharing, my family has already been given more than we could ask or imaginewe have been given you, the people of St. Paul's. May the light of Christ forever shine bright in your heartsand may God's blessing and favor continue to empower you and your wonderful ministry.

Since my arrival at St. Paul's,

my family and I have been

showered with your love and

gracious acts of kindness.

There is no question the real

presence of Christ is living

among all of you, and for this

may God be praised.


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Page 13St. Pauls NewsFollow-up


W

e all know that St. Pauls is well placed to be of service to the downtown Lansing community. This was

evident on November 16 when much of the Lansing area gathered for Silver Bells, the traditional kick-off to the holiday season. When the parade and fireworks were over, more than 250 people gathered towarm themselves, hear a concert performed by the handbell choirs of St. Pauls and Plymouth CongregationChurch, and to have hot chocolate and cookies. All these offerings were without charge and available becauseof the generosity of so many members of this parish community.

Thanks are in order to Steve Lange, Mary Rodeck and the members of our handbell choir for ringing in theseason. Thanks also to Max and Debby Pierce and the many who helped with cookies so that we could openour doors and share our hospitality.

St. Pauls Activities in Photos

The cast of the 2007 production ofAmahl and the Night Visitors

Helen Hiscoe talks with a member of an Islamic

group that attended St. Pauls in December to pro-

mote peace and understanding between faiths

Annie VanderMoere and Hannah Marie Henrys are

baptized at the November 25 service

Members of St. Pauls Youth Group at TenderCare West


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St. Pauls Youth MinistryPage 14Youth Ministry Articles Provided in Collaboration By:

Youth Christian Education and Youth Fellowship Chairperson, Dr. Judith Brown-Clarke

Youth Group Executive Council President, Steven Kariuki

Youth Group Coordinator, Barbara Heany

Youth Group Advisor, Tom Foltz

Acolyte Guild, Directors Patricia Bellinger & Carol Sleight

The Rev. Ronald C. Byrd, Sr., Curate

Youth Group Brings Cheer toTender Care West Residents

St. Pauls Youth Group brought Christmas cheer toTenderCare West on Dec. 2by providing fellow-

ship and playing BINGO with residents. The kids werewarmly received, especially by our very own Clara

Voges, who greeted the kids with lots of hugs andkisses.

In early September, when the advisors of the youth group met to develop the program agenda for theyear, it was determined that a third component needed to be added to the traditional, mission and out-reach focus of the group. At the suggestion of Dr. Judi Brown-Clarke, programs and projects would be devel-oped to assist our young people in developing and enhancing skills in a number of areas. The group has la-beled this area In-Reach.

Over the last few months, the youth group has been involved in three mission and out-reach projects and has

laid the groundwork for three in-reach programs. These include the establishment of an executive council(leadership, meeting planning and execution, using Roberts Rules of Order), creation of a youth lounge(working/sharing in community, responsibility, organization) and, more recently, the unveiling of two vendingmachines (general business/accounting, fund raising).

The vending machines are located on the lower level of the church building near the youth lounge and choirdressing room. The snack machine contains a of variety chips, candies and cookies, as well as peanuts, driedfruits, and breath refreshments. The soda unit, although it advertises Pepsi products, is actually filled with Coca-Cola products like 7-Up, A &W Root Beer, Sunkist, Hawaiian Punch, Aquafina Water and, of course, Coke andDiet Coke.

Buying items from either machine will provide monies to support future youth programs, trips and other ex-penses, thereby minimizing the need for general budget appropriations. Secondly, the youths are asking, andFr. Gordon is insisting, that goodies purchased through the vending units be consumed only in designated areas.

Remember every time you vend you spend for our kids, giving them a share in Fun Learning & Fund Raising.

Fun Learning & Fund Raising

Thank You,Thank You VeryMuch!!!!!

The Youth Groupwould like to send

a huge shout out to everyone who donated cash

and items for the youth lounge. We would also liketo thank St. Pauls ECW for sponsoring our Commis-sioning Sunday reception.

To all of you who contributed to our PersonalNeeds Drive, this shout out is for you. Your gener-osity is very much appreciated by the volunteersand recipients at the Lansing Rescue Mission.Thanks for sharing the blessing!


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Page 15St. Pauls Youth Ministry

Who is our brother and God's fellow worker in spreadingthe gospel of Christ (I Thessalonians 3:2)

Since Christmas Eve, the acolytes have been processing down into the congregation forthe reading and hearing of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Gospel procession

originally began as a symbol of Christ's triumphant entry into Jerusalem, on what we nowcall Palm Sunday.

The procession and reading of the Gospel from among the people has gained greater litur-gical emphasis in recent years for two primary reasons. First, and perhaps most important, isthat the Gospel is of the people and for the people. As Christians, we stand as witnesses tothe living word of God in our lives and in the world around us. It is our place to stand withChrist, spreading the good news, and our spreading of the good news comes in our readingand hearing.

Second, it is easier to hear, listen and see the reader when all other distractions are removed. The ApostleJohn writes, The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory ofthe One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth (John 1:14). When the Gospel is read,all attention should be focused on it and it alone. It is at this time that Jesus is often speaking directly to us;therefore with our eyes let us see, and with our ears let us hear.

Praise to you Lord Christ, for the reading and hearing of your word.

Upcoming Youth Events

The youth group meets on the first Sunday of each month for a council meeting. Outreach outings and otherfun events will take place after the meetings throughout the church school year. The next meeting is sched-

uled for Sunday, January 6. After this meeting, the kids have decided to chill out in their newly dedicated

youth room, watching a movie and playing games. They are hoping to invite a St. Pauls parishioner to jointhem and share a life story with them. Watch for upcoming events in church bulletins.

First Communion Sunday

On Epiphany Sunday, January 6, Fr. Gordon will bewelcoming children to their first communion. On

Saturday, January 5, from 10 a.m. to noon, a two-hourworkshop will be conducted to prepare children for thisvery special day. If you are interested in having yourchild receive his or her first communion on January 6,

please contact Fr. Ron.


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St. Pauls NewsPage 16

St. Pauls Prayer List

We pray for those who are sick and in need: Cindy Robinson, Richard, Audrie & AaronHegmon, Shelley Robinson, Grady & Dennis Letner, Clara Voges, Mason Hill, LoisCaswell, June Wyatt, Dick Siebert, Carol, Judith Jones, Becky Chamberlain, Nancy His-coe Clark, Charles Weaver, Ben Herbert, Chance Collins, Caroline Thomas and her par-ents, brothers & godparents, Betty Jensen, Dan Heany, Marsha & Skip Macholz, GloriaHarvat, Jack Siebold, DakBai DakBai, Irene Jones, Mary Ann Kelley, Ed Farmer, Sally

Engle, Ed Jones, Alice Jessop Lamb, Justin, Elizabeth, Barb Hacker, Andrew Astley, Mary Tuckey, Michael

Skinner, Ginny Bancroft, Darrick, Chris, Tom, Marcella Stachwick, and Leslie Hall

We pray for and remember those in the Military, serving in dangerous areas:Daniel Reno, Daniel Laurionand Erika Harkness Barker

We pray for those expecting: Karen & Opuene Amachree, Rochelle & Stuart Cullum, Stacy & Cory Nelson,Kristan & Christopher Chase, Justin & Jessica Leonard and Rachel & Jeff Bott

We celebrate the birth of Harrison James Cullum to Stuart & Rochelle Cullum

We pray for comfort for the family & friends of Robert Bancroft and Donna Letner, who recently passedaway.

We celebrate the baptism of: Kellan Michael Broughton, Charles Leighton Ferguson, Rachel Elizabeth Fer-guson, Dylan Christoper Koenemann, Heather Renee Koenemann, Alexander Robert McConnell, Michael

Skinner, Daphne Mae Such, Sohee Diane Such, Annie VanderMoere, Hannah Marie Henrys

Prayer List

everyone, based on that conversation. All I can offer is the recommendation that you find a way to maintainor develop that conversation. Perhaps it might mean using that pressure of the New Years resolution to besure you are in church every Sunday without exception. Perhaps it might mean a real time for prayer ormeditation every day. Use that new calendar to remember and mark off the commitments you make to adeeper understanding of the relationship you have with God.

(Continued from, New YearNew Hope, page 1)

an altar wine are these two qualities: a first squeezingour first and finest gifts are offered to Godandits sweetness and purity. These are also attributes prominent in our understanding of God. One comment isthat the color isnt red enough. The prevailing theology on that might be that we present to God the rawmaterial of Gods creation and it is then transformed into that which we need. Color and taste have littlebearing on Gods presence in this sacramental experience. Another comment has to do with the taste: Iliked the port we used to use. This is just as it was in the time of Jesus. There are/were many different va-rieties of wine. What did Jesus use? What should we use? All open to speculation and the openness of ourminds.

Will we stay with the present wine? Perhaps. Will we return to the former type? Perhaps. The unintendedconsequence in all this is that we are allowed to see God in a different way and asked to think about it. Letme know some of these thoughts!

(Continued from, Whine, page 1)


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TheSt. Pauls News is a publication of St. Pauls EpiscopalChurch, Lansing Michigan.

St. Pauls Episcopal Church Staff

The Very Rev. Dr. Gordon Weller, Rector

The Rev. Ronald C. Byrd, Sr., Curate

Dr. Stephen R. Lange, Minister of Music

Mr. William H. Fineout, Acting Deacon

Ms. Mary Rodeck, Assistant Minister of Music

Ms. Kathleen Johnson, Office Manager

St. Pauls News Editorial Staff

Christine Caswell, Editor

Tom Shawver, Staff Writer

Helen Hiscoe, Proofreader

Lyn Zynda, Layout Editor

Documents

St. Paul's News - January, 2008