December 2009 Issue

St. Paul’s 

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF ST. PAUL’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH DECEMBER 2009—VOLUME 34, ISSUE 10

Stewardship Inspiring

Testimonials Lead Up to Invitation Sunday, Unity Brunch

By John Nevin, Vestry Member “Love and a cough cannot be concealed.” With the help of those words from poet Anne Sexton, longtime member Chris Couch shared with the congregation what St. Paul’s means to him. As Chris explained in his testimonial on Invitation Sunday (November 8), “We believe that the words that we pray and chant and sing shape our lives and shape our hearts.” This experience “lifts our spirits” and brings us to St. Paul’s each Sunday mindful that all we are and will be is because of Christ’s love. That’s what stewardship is all about – sharing the gifts that God has given us to help others. On the previous Sunday (November 1), we heard testimonials from Matt Nauss and Melanie Walker, who provided the unique perspective of high school students. Just like Chris, their love for their St. Paul’s family and for Christ could not be concealed, and the impact that this church has had on their young lives was clear, just as clear as their beautiful voices.

news

Church Events December  4 - The Men of Orpheus  6 - St. Nicholas Day  7 - 4Fs  8 - B&PW  13 - Lange Choral Ensemble  20 - Lessons & Carols  24/25 - Collection for the Christ Child

A couple of weeks earlier (October 25), Nancy Sheldon told the story of the hilarious “wrong turns” that led to her first visit to St. Paul’s with Peter back in 1966. I have no doubt that God led the Sheldons to St. Paul’s, and 43 years later, the positive results of His inspiration and love are beyond measure. As Nancy explains, “Worshiping at St. Paul’s has taught me how to reach deeply inside myself to question my thoughts and my actions, how to pray for forgiveness and in thanksgiving for the unexpected and wondrous gifts we are given, and to quietly take the time and effort to listen to God’s message.” (Continued on page 12)

Annual Meeting By The Very Rev. Dr. Gordon F. Weller On January 31, St Paul's will hold its Annual Meeting. This is the single most important administrative meeting of the year and all should make an attempt to attend. Lunch and sitters will be provided. The meeting will begin at approximately 11:30 am and usually last 2 1/2 hours. This year's meeting is of particular importance because of our 2009 financial shortfall and the process we have attempted to implement to solve our problem. In addition, we will recognize the efforts of all those who worked so hard in 2009 and elect new Vestry members.

St. Nicholas at St. Paul’s By the Rev. Deacon William Fineout An appearance by the “ancient” St. Nicholas will occur during worship on Family Sunday, December 6, at St. Paul’s. The real Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, “is famed as the traditional patron of seafarers and sailors, and, more especially of children. As a bearer of gifts to children, his name was brought to America by the Dutch colonists in New York from whom he is popularly known as Santa Claus,” according to Lesser Feasts and Fasts – 2006. December 6 is the feast day for the real Nicholas about whom not much is known, “except that he suffered torture and imprisonment during the persecution under the Emperor Diocletian. It is possible that he was one of the bishops attending the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea in 325. He was honored as a saint in Constantinople in the sixth century by the Emperor Justinian. His veneration became immensely popular in the West after the supposed removal of his body to Bari, Italy, in the late eleventh century. In England, almost 400 churches were dedicated to him.” Many stories have been passed down for centuries about his saving children from death and poverty, saving the lives of adults, and being extremely generous to those in need. He will share one of those during his appearance.

The 4Fs Group Programs By Nancy Sheldon Usually meets the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month. (Exceptions noted *due to Town Hall conflict)  12 noon Eucharist, 12:30 p.m. Lunch ($4)  1 p.m. Bible Study (Steve Lange) 1:15-2 p.m. Program Anyone is invited who has time in the middle of the day! This year, we will continue the study of the psalms for our Bible Study.  *Dec. 7 - We will continue our tradition of an annual Christmas

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celebration with a special luncheon before a concert in the church. The Someko singers from Okemos High School will entertain us once again, and our own Matt Nauss (a member of this talented group) will be among them. Jan. 11 - Tour of MSU Cyclotron: We’ll meet at the church for Eucharist & lunch and carpool to the MSU campus for our program. Jan. 25 - St Paul’s Birthday –Steve Lange (perhaps in costume?) will provide us with a fascinating look at our own saint, St Paul. Feb. 8 - Society of Friends/Quaker (Red Cedar Friends, 469 N. Hagadorn, EL, 371-1047) Emphasis on how they deal with conflict and change (Gordon). Feb. 17 through April 5 - No 4 F’s. There will be book reviews every Monday during Lent beginning on February 22. April 19 - Turkish Muslims from the Niagara Foundation, Michigan, will join us today. They are Sunni Muslims who will tell us about practicing their faith in Turkey. We’ve also asked them to talk about the work of the foundation, promoting dialogue, education and friendship between peoples and how it relates to their Islamic practice. May 3 - Butterfly House & Children’s Garden at MSU with a box lunch. May 17 - End of the year picnic with our annual book share and ideas for next year’s programs.

Gifts for the Christ Child Christmas Eve Collection By the Rev. Deacon William Fineout The St. Paul’s community is asked to step up with love and provide layette items for newborns at the Christmas Eve services. Our collection will go to Christian Services – Small Children’s Closet at Pilgrim UCC. They partner with social workers at Ingham Regional Medical and Sparrow Hospitals, who give needy moms a voucher for the items. The Small Children’s Closet provides a LOVE Layette that contains all new clothing and items to bring their babies home from the hospital. Christian Services follows up with a call to see if they need an appointment for other clothing and support that can be met through the Christian Services Church network. In our celebration of Christ’s birth, let us remember those in need with generous gifts of baby bottles, diapers, formula, clothes, etc., filling our crèche with gifts of love. Page 2

Business and Professional Women By Barbara Richardson

2009 Christmas Services

The December meeting of the B&PW Guild is Tuesday, December 8. We will meet in the Hill Room at 6 p.m. for a Festive Christmas Dinner and brief business meeting. Members are to bring three dozen Christmas cookies for a cookie exchange. Shortly after 7 p.m., Nan and Steve Lange will present a Christmas Program and Carol Sing. Please call Debby Pierce for a reservation. Dinner is $8. Join us for an evening of delicious food and beautiful music.

Wednesday, December 24, Christmas Eve 4 p.m. 10:30 p.m. 11 p.m.

Family/Children’s Service Special Music Choral Eucharist

Thursday , December 25 , Christmas Day 10 a.m.

Eucharist

Lessons and Carols Cookies & Assistance Needed "I pray that they may all be one. Father! May they be in us, just as you are in me and I in you. “ John 17:20

By Lyn Zynda, ECW President Following the Festival of Lessons and Carols on December 20, St. Paul’s presents the annual Christmas Tea. The members of the Episcopal Church Women’s Steering Committee polish the silver, dust off the “good” china and glass punch cups, decorate the Merrifield Room and arrange the cookies, breads and dessert bars in anticipation of this time-honored event. As in years past we ask the Parishioners to contribute to the festivities by bringing three dozen of your best cookies or a batch of dessert bars. A coffee cake or sweet breads are also cheerfully accepted. This year, however, we also need volunteers to help set up for the event and (more importantly) clean up after. The ECW Steering Committee is very small these days and no longer able to handle this event alone. It is said that “many hands make light work,” and the Bible is full of beautiful passages about helping one another. One of the most outstanding is the "Prayer of Jesus" in John's Gospel. It is important is that we all do our part so please consider pitching in for 20 minutes or so. To volunteer, if you have questions, or need further information, give me a call at 202-6992.

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Christmas is a Singing Season at St. Paul’s By Dr. Stephen R. Lange, Minister of Music The Advent/Christmas Season is always a “Singing Season” at St. Paul’s. On Friday, December 4, The Men of Orpheus, an all-male singing group of Lansing, will present its annual Christmas Concert. Directed by former parishioner Gayle Pohl, the program will consist of lighter Christmas music. On Sunday, December 13, at 4 p.m., the Lange Choral Ensemble will present its annual Christmas concert. This year’s concert will feature music for chorus, oboe and piano. The program will include familiar Christmas carols in contemporary arrangements, music from the Renaissance and Baroque periods, as well as newly-composed Christmas anthems. Tickets are $9 for adults and $7 for seniors and children. On Sunday, December 20, the service of Advent Lessons and Carols will be held during the 10 a.m. service. All of St. Paul’s choirs, including the Handbell Choir, will join in this annual musical celebration of Jesus’ birth. The lessons and anthems will recount the biblical foretelling of the coming of the Messiah to the world. On Thursday, December 24, the 11 p.m. Christmas Eucharist will be preceded by a half hour of Christmas carols, solos and instrumental offerings, including music by the Handbell Choir and a brass quartet. Throughout the service, the congregation will join on many carols. Please join us for all these musical and liturgical offerings!

Third Annual Book Read By Millie Ericson, Vestry Member Announcing the title for “One Book, Many Journeys:” How Starbucks Saved My Life by Michael Gates Gill The author of this New York Times best seller is the son of The New Yorker writer, Brendan Gill, and was a creative director at J. Walter Thompson Advertising for 25 years. It is a rags-to-riches story of this man who had it all, then lost it all, and was redeemed by his new job at Starbucks. The Wall Street Journal describes this as “a book in the best tradition of The New Yorker…one great read.” Library Journal reports that it is an “intensely readable tribute to the power of redemption through work.” Wayne Dyer is quoted as saying, “A great lesson in finding your highest self in the unlikeliest of places—proof positive that there is no way to happiness—rather, happiness is the way.” Discussion groups will convene during the weeks of January 17 and 24 in the homes of parishioners around the Lansing area. Discussions will help to tie the life lessons in the book to biblical principles and our baptismal covenant. A Discussion Guide and sign-up sheets for the groups will be available soon. How Starbucks Saved My Life is available from the St. Paul’s Book Cart.

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Financial Information as of October 31, 2009 By Julie Young October 31 completes 83 percent of the year. Pledge income in October was $25,912, bringing the year-to-date total pledge income to $242,423, which is 78% of the budget. It appears that we are slightly behind year-to-date projections with pledge revenue collection. This is expected to be caught up during the holiday “busy” season. Operations for October had a net loss of ($14,451), bringing the year to date loss to ($146,012). Much of this can be attributed to building maintenance and improvement projects such as roof repair, sidewalk repair and the updating of the speaker system—items that were not anticipated in the 2009 budget. Funds designated for this purpose have been used to pay for these repairs and improvements. There were no transfers into the operating account from the investment account in October.

Vestry Highlights On November 17th your Vestry:  Enjoyed dinner together  Looked at spiritual reminders that bring life and vitality to our existence for devotions  Accepted (with regret) Stephanie VanKoevering resignation from the Vestry  Approved the agenda  Approved the October Minutes  Accepted the First Stewardship report (upgraded results elsewhere in this issue)  Received advice from Kristine Miller our stewardship consultant

 Received the Treasurer's report (synopsis else where in this issue)  Began deliberations about the 2010 Budget  Discussed the 2009 Diocesan Convention  Received a report on the Sandy Sasso visit  Received the final report on the Memorial Plaque in the Garden  Received Committee Reports  Received Clergy reports  Adjourned at 9:20 p.m.

Vestry Elections By The Very Rev. Dr. Gordon F. Weller Five new members will be elected to the Vestry at the January 31 Annual Meeting. One will be our youth member. This position, created in 2006, is for a one-year period and is filled by a young person nominated by a youth caucus which is held in early January. He or she will then be elected at the Annual Meeting. The other four positions have been admirably occupied by Sr. Warden, Martie Repaskey, and Vestry members Millie Ericson, Larry Clark and Marylea Benson. We thank them for their service. These four positions will be filled at the Annual Meeting. To qualify you must be:       

A Baptized member At least 16 years of age Regular in attendance A contributor to the life of the congregation with time, talent and treasure Willing to attend a minimum of 10 Vestry meetings a year Willing to chair a Vestry committee Willing to attend a Vestry retreat at the Weber Center

If you would be willing to serve or would like to nominate someone, please confirm that person’s willingness and submit his or her name in writing through the parish office. As always, nominations from the floor of the Annual Meeting will be accepted if the consent of the person nominated has been obtained. Page 5

Evangelism By Sally Lawrence, Vestry Member The Evangelism Committee had a busy October. We began with a brunch to raise funds for the Heifer project on October 18. Not only did we have great food provided by many members of the church, but we raised over $600 for this worthy project. On October 30, we hosted a New Member dinner at the home of Max and Debby Pierce. Over 20 people came together for a night of good food and fellowship. We were able to welcome and get to know the following newcomers a little better: Christi Thrush, Thomas Sampson, Richard Sauerzopf, Michelle Abner and her mother, Marie. Finally, bookmarks have been created to promote Advent activities at St. Paul’s. These were distributed at the Rabbi Sandy Sasso events and at Silver Bells. We hope to continue to do these in the future so that we will always have something to give the public when they attend functions such as these at our church.

Requests for Prayer We pray for those who are sick and in need: Cindy Robinson, Richard and Aaron Hegmon, Shelley Robinson, Mason Hill, Lois Caswell, Erik Lindquist, Chance Collins, Barb Hacker, Marjorie Belles, Aleda, Dave, Kathryn Senko, Barb Powers, Patricia Reno, Skip and Marsha Macholz, Michael and Gwen Skinner, Tom Foltz, Vivian Hawkins, Linda, Kaema Amachree, Bill, Mary Lindquist, Yvette Constan and family, Cris Plyler, Brian French, Lynne, Kent Riley, Jan Bigham, Max Sutton, John Hawkins, Joan, Karol Ryan, Irma Narezo, Mike Wood, Julie, Maggie, Keqin Tang, Amanda, Cheryl, and Laura Miller. We pray and remember those in the Military, serving in dangerous areas: Daniel Reno, Michael Benson, Steven Johnson, Tyson Carter, and Matthew Rawlins. We pray for comfort for the family and friends of Roger S. Gallup, who recently passed away. We pray for all those whose jobs and livelihoods are in jeopardy. We pray for those expecting: Tonya and Joshua Couts, Mindy and Matt Pauly, Katie Thompson and John ShawReed, Elana and John Waugh, Stephanie Earley and Antonio Urista, and Jenelle and Paul Rawlins. We pray for and celebrate the birth of Charles Jeffrey Smith, son of Carrie (Kressler) and Charlie Smith.

A Living Testimonial Right in My Own House! By Sue Millar Those of you who have read what I wrote in past SPN issues or in the Sunday bulletin know that I encourage you to “browse the Book Cart inventory” because you might find just the thing for a gift or something that will help you on your own personal journey. Well, I’m here to tell you that it really does happen. My husband has always been a reader, but somehow he missed any review of a notable book written by Larry Rasmussen, published way back in 1996. It’s the kind of book one has to read slowly, taking time to absorb the message. Chuck has underlined way more than he usually does, which indicates it’s important stuff. Rarely a day goes by that he doesn’t share with me a few sentences that have profoundly impacted his perceptions. How did he come across this book? By browsing the Book Cart! So my advice to you is, follow the admonition to “browse the Book Cart inventory,” and you, too, may discover a book that will significantly change your understanding of history, faith or current issues facing us today. See you there! P.S. We have many enticing new titles. One of my favorites is the Presiding Bishop’s latest book on the MDG’s. Another is a beautiful children’s book by Bishop Tutu. “Come. . .”

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Choir News Special Dates to Note Wednesday, December 23 ‐ No Choir Rehearsals  Sunday, December 27 ‐ Choirs Not Vesting for the Service  Wednesday, December 30, and Thursday, December 31 ‐ No Choir Rehearsals  Sunday, January 24 (after the Coffee Hour) ‐ England Parents and Choristers Lunch and Meeting (11:45 a.m. to 

1 p.m., approximately)  “Cabaret” ‐  Saturday, March 27 ‐ Please save this date!  A couple of reminders:  

 Please sign the “To‐Be‐Gone” book if you know you’ll be absent from a rehearsal or a service. Sometimes I 

can make adjustments to anthems if I know ahead of time that a particularly large number of choristers  may be missing on a given Sunday;    Rehearsal begins at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday mornings. Please be all set and in the rehearsal room by that 

time. Thank you!! 

Singing Schedule Date December 6 December 13 December 20 Lessons & Carols

Choirs Boys’ and Grace; High School High School; Chancel Cherubs, Boys’ and Grace; High School; Chancel

Date January 3 January 10 January 17 January 24 January 31

Choirs Chancel and High School Chancel and High School Chancel and High School Chancel and High School Chancel and High School

December 24 4 p.m. Family Eucharist

Cherubs; Boys’ and Grace 11 p.m. Choral Eucharist High School; Chancel December 27

No Choirs will vest

Anthem Donations By Dr. Stephen R. Lange, Minister of Music Over the years many parishioners have honored friends, family members or important events in their life by giving funds for the purchase of a choir anthem. If you would like to honor or remember someone in this way, please see me for help in choosing the anthem and selecting a Sunday for its presentation. The donation will be noted in the bulletin when the anthem is sung for the first time, and on any other Sundays when it is sung. Cost is about $50 for a youth-choir anthem and about $75 for an anthem for the adult choir. To help us be sure that our records are as up-to-date and complete as possi(Continued on page 12)

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Mission and Outreach Activities Where is Christ calling you to help others? Sunday, December 6

Ongoing:

 Youth Group Noisy Collection for Outreach

 Manna Sunday (first Sunday of the month, loose and dedi-

 Feast of St. Nicholas      

Thursday, December 24 & 25  Layette “Gifts for the Christ Child”/Christian Services

January 3  Youth Noisy Collection & Manna Sunday

cated offerings for street ministry, bus tokens and work boots) Outreach Committee meeting (second Tuesday of the month) Heifer gift cards Prayer quilts Cars, INC Habitat Sudanese K-12 Education Scholarship

Millennium Development Goals

ACTION of Lansing By The Very Rev. Dr. Gordon F. Weller

By the Rev. Deacon William Fineout

Most of you know about ACTION of Lansing. We have been involved with this organization for three years. During that time ACTION has accomplished several justice ministry projects that continue to assist those who are still suffering from injustice today.

At the United Nations-sponsored Millennium Summit in 2000, the nations of the world agreed to banish poverty and subhuman conditions. The Episcopal Church and the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan also have adopted these goals. The Millennium Development Goals call for measurable progress in eliminating extreme poverty (people living on a dollar a day or less); establishing universal primary education; advancing gender equality and the empowerment of women; decreasing child mortality; increasing maternal health; fighting HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases; securing environmental sustainability and creating a global partnership for development. In January 2008, at the annual parish meeting, the people of St. Paul’s voted to adopt these goals, participating in one project per year for eight years (based upon the eight goals). In 2008, the St. Paul’s project was Water for Life, and in 2009, our project has been Heifer International. At the January, 2010 annual parish meeting, we will vote to determine our 2010 project. Please join the Outreach team at its December meeting (Tuesday, December 8, 5:30 p.m.) for your input into its recommendation to the parish.

In July, our "organizer," Valerie Hart, went on to another job and we have not had the financial wherewithal to hire another. But, ACTION will go on. We are currently beginning the "Listening Campaign" to see where injustice might occur. In the spring we will put our project together, just as before and then have our Nehemiah Action Assembly. Watch this space for more information and ask or "Justice Team" members for information.

Gifts for Life Help By Sue Millar ERD’s “Gifts for Life” Christmas catalogs are now available, giving you an opportunity to send friends and loved ones a life-saving gift, including health care, baby ducks, a smokeless stove, fruit trees, education. You choose among the many options. You can order your gift on-line and gain satisfaction in knowing this action meets needs while demonstrating love for your family or friends. Catalogs are available outside the Chapel.

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Used Book Sale ERD Fundraiser

New Assistant

Coming in Early Spring

St. Paul's has a new assistant! He is The Rev. Deacon Richard Sauerzopf. He was ordained a deacon earlier in the year and will be ordained priest (God willing) on January 23, here at St. Paul's. Richard will not replace Ron Byrd. He is employed full time by MSU, teaching and doing research. Richard will meet with the bishop to see what the Bishop would like him to do. I will meet with him and see what he might do here. We will look at the time he has available. Then we will put together a letter of agreement. Many of you know Richard because of his previous association with St. Paul's and his recent service. Please welcome him and wish him well.

By The Very Rev. Dr. Gordon F. Weller

By Sue Millar Please start collecting and saving books you are ready to pass on for our fifth annual sale that benefits Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD). Because of your contributions, and later your purchases, we have been able to increase our giving to ERD each year. This activity results in many benefits: it encourages sharing, reading and contributing to an exceptionally worthwhile organization that carries on its life-saving work throughout the world. Plan on participating. We will begin accepting your used books after the first of the year. Watch for details.

New Memorial Plaque Installed

Did You Know?

By The Very Rev. Dr. Gordon F. Weller

By Jean Shawver

The long awaited "Memorial Plaque" has been installed in the Garden. It looks wonderful! This long anticipated installation culminates three years of work and marks a change in our ”Memorial Garden" guidelines. Until now, the only indication that a person is interred in the Garden was the name board in the cloister. The problem was that to view the name and thereby remember a loved one, you had to come while the building was open. With the new plaque all buried in the Garden have their names posted outside and visible. Take the opportunity to look it over.

During this month when we remember and honor the Holy Nativity, it seems appropriate to feature the Chapel of the Incarnation in our church. The chapel was a gift of Samuel Harris, a lifetime member of St. Paul's, and Mr. and Mrs. Bill Burgess. It was dedicated September 28, 1942. There is particular emphasis upon children of the church to whom these themes appeal, including Jesus during His youth. The painting over the altar, "The Visitation" was a gift of Bernice Olds Roe Smith and portrays the meeting of Mary and her cousin Elizabeth while each was awaiting new birth, that being Jesus and John the Baptist. The stained glass windows on the east wall portray the Holy Nativity, the Visit of the Magi to the newborn Savior and the Boy Jesus Teaching in the Temple. The carved wooden plaques, done by the Rev. William S. Hill, carry on this theme which pertains to children. They are "The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple," "Flight into Egypt" and the Annunciation." This is a special place for children of all ages to visit at any time.

New Sound System By The Very Rev. Dr. Gordon F. Weller The sound system in the Church has been upgraded. Completed in October, we are now trying to adjust the various components to have our system in its best possible condition. In addition, the older and less professional system in the Merrifield room has been completely updated. This will enable our programs (such as the Annual Meeting) to be heard by those in attendance. We offer many thanks to Paul Potts for his expertise and diligence in seeing these projects through. Page 9

Two Days with Rabbi Sasso By Martie Repaskey, Sr. Warden The people of St. Paul’s were gifted with a visit from a notable woman on November 15 and 16. Rabbi Sandy Sasso, of Indianapolis visited and spoke to three different gatherings of people. On Sunday evening, November 15, she met with 25 elementary-aged children from St. Paul’s, Shaarey Zedeck, and Kehillat Israel. After reading her book about Cain and Abel to them, she led them in a significant discussion about anger; about what causes anger in their lives, and how they can respond. They talked about finding “the fruits of peace in their lives.” Following this our own Susan Brewster assisted the children in an art project in which they designed “fruits” which contained their own ideas about promoting peace. While the children were busy with their artistic project, their parents had some time with Rabbi Sasso in a discussion about promoting spirituality in their children. The children hung their fruits on a tree for display. They gathered again with her and talked about their own varied names for God. The children then enjoyed a reception of ice cream and cookies, provided by the Parish Life Committee. For those who were watching this event from the sidelines it was very moving to observe children from two different faiths talking about finding peace in their world. On Monday November 16 Rabbi Sasso met with 30 adults in the 4Fs mid-day program. Her theme for this presentation was reading scripture with Midrash, an approach to understanding scripture incorporating our knowledge of history and employing narrative on the topic as we consider the application of stories on our own contemporary experience. All present were moved and stimulated at this approach to reading the Bible. That evening, Rabbi Sasso spoke to approximately 70 people on the topic of “Nurturing the Spiritual Imagination in our Children.” We learned about the reality of learning from and with our children. Parents don’t necessarily have all the answers to children’s questions about faith, but there can be great richness in the experience of learning together. On all three occasions a book table was open with Rabbi Sasso’s books for sale. Schuler Books facilitated this opportunity and Rabbi Sasso was available to inscribe purchases. Happily Schuler Books will return to St. Paul’s 20% of total sales. Those who were engaged with Rabbi Sasso found her to be a prolific writer, a wise and learned woman who exhibits great passion for humankind, most especially God’s children. She was one of the first women to be ordained as a Rabbi. She co-leads Beth El Zedek, a congregation of 700 families, with her husband Dennis. We were blessed to have her in our midst, and we appreciate the lessons we learned from her! Rabbi Sasso’s visit was made possible by the Shawver Fund for Special Programs.

Susie Brewster, Rabbi Sasso, Jean Shawver and Martie Repaskey

Rabbi Sasso leads a discussion about anger

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Bishop Gibbs Visit By The Very Rev. Dr. Gordon F. Weller On November 15, our Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Wendell N. Gibbs, Jr. visited St. Paul's for his bi-annual visit. It was an opportunity for him to fulfill his pastoral association with the parishioners and to hear what is going on here. In the reception that followed in the Merrifield Room, he had the opportunity to tell us what's happening in other parts of the Diocese. Thank you Bishop Gibbs.

Our Rector, Gordon Weller, Bishop Gibbs, and our new assistant, Deacon Richard Sauerzopf

Bishop Gibbs in the Merrifield Room

Youth Group Trip to Corn Maze

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(Continued from, Stewardship, page 1)

On Invitation Sunday, the entire congregation came together and gave thanks for the many blessings God has given us. Through prayer, song and festive fellowship, our love for St. Paul’s and for Christ was revealed. In addition to our presence and outward expression of thanks, our gratitude was also expressed in the form of pledges to support the many St. Paul’s ministries that make a difference in our parish and throughout the community. After the Invitation Sunday service, the Merrifield Room was packed with families, enjoying fellowship and great food (special thanks to Max and Debby Pierce) at the Unity Brunch. Together, we sang Doug Austin’s beautiful St. Paul’s Hymn, full of joy and gladness, knowing that the light of this church will keep shining, thanks to all the members of the parish who give so generously. NOTE: Don’t worry if you haven’t turned in your pledge card. Just fill it out and bring it on Sunday or mail it in. If you don’t have a pledge card, just call the office, and we’ll send you one.

(Continued from, “Anthem Donations” page 7)

ble, a list of previous donors follows. If you gave an anthem and it does not appear below, please let me know. Choral music given in honor or memory of someone includes:  Angel’s Carol by John Rutter in memory of their parents by Marian and Robert Fisher  Angels Did Sing by Rickards in memory of Ted Magoon by Nancy and Steve Lange  The Best of Rooms by Randall Thompson in memory of Mary Peterson by Richard Peterson  Blessed Be My Lord by Douglas Wagner in memory of Fenton Self by Edith Self  Candlelight Carol by John Rutter in loving memory of family members by Robert Fisher  Comfort, Comfort Ye My People by Bunjes in thanksgiving for their marriage by Ned and Jeanne Ewing  The Gift Most Treasured by Hal Hopson in memory of Rita Assiff by Susan and Kim Garcia  Glorificamus te by Eugene Butler in honor of the baptism of Tony Smith by Tom Plasman and family  God Bless Families by Natalie Sleeth in memory of Rita Assiff by Susan and Kim Garcia  He Is Born! By Linda Cable Shute in memory of Dennis Harkness by family members  The Holly and the Ivy by John Rutter in memory of Pat Fisher by Robert Fisher  A Holy Festival by John Ness Beck in memory of Erna McKenzie, Hazel Magee, Daisy Kimber and Maude Carpenter by Susy MacArthur  I Lift Up Mine Eyes by Allen Pote in memory of Jennifer Milne by Tony and Pat Smith, Peter and Nancy Sheldon, Ben and Nancy Herbert, John and Pam Irwin, and Tom and Sue Plasman  I Wonder as I Wander by John Rutter in memory of Margaret Clink by Mr. and Mrs. Peter Sheldon  A Jubilant Song by Allen Pote in memory of Ollie Leslie (mother of Pat Smith) by Friends  Let All the World by Dominick Argento in memory of Erna McKenzie, Hazel Magee, Maude Carpenter, Daisy Kimber by Susy MacArthur  The Lord Bless You and Keep You by Lutkin in honor of the Michael Devaney Family by the John Campbell family  The Lord is My Light and My Salvation by John Rutter in memory of Marian Fisher by Robert Fisher  The Lord Is My Strength and My Song by Hal Hopson in memory of Fenton Self by Edith Self  Mass in C Major by W. A. Mozart in memory of Travis Isbell, Martie Repaskey’s father, by the Repaskey family.  Praise ye the Lord, Ye Children by Richard Proulx in memory of Fenton Self by Edith Self  Today, Tomorrow, and Every Day by Paul Sjolund in memory of Wilson Samborn by his nephew, Earl Bowland  Two Carols for Christmas by Jon Paige in gratitude for worship at St. Pauls by the Business and Professional Women’s Guild  The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy by Dorothy and Tom Christopherson in memory of Dennis Harkness by family members  What Sweet Music by Michael Fink in memory of Betsy Hoddap by Nancy and Ben Herbert  What Sweet Music by John Rutter in memory of Marian Fisher by Robert Fisher

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St. Paul's Episcopal Church Lansing Michigan 218 W. Ottawa Lansing, MI 48933 Phone: 517-482-9454 Fax: 517-485-8621 Choir Room: 517-482-0369 Website: Stpaulslansing.org

The St. Paul’s News is a publication of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Lansing Michigan. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Staff The Very Rev. Dr. Gordon Weller, Rector Dr. Stephen R. Lange, Minister of Music The Rev. Deacon William H. Fineout Ms. Mary Rodeck, Assistant Minister of Music Ms. Kathleen Johnson, Office Manager St. Paul’s News Editorial Staff Christine Caswell, Editor Lyn Zynda, Layout Editor

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