St. Paul's News - December, 2005

St. Paul's Episcopal Church Lansing Michigan

St. Paul’s News Advent

December, 2005

By The Rev. Dr. Gordon Weller

Volume 30, Issue 10

I use this quote because it says some things of "Without vision the people perish" Proverbs which we need to be aware. As many know, the Vestry and Evangelism Committee have spent a 29:18 considerable amount of time this year develophen we get to ing a "vision" and "plan of implementation" (The the season of Welcoming Church) that they believe will see us Advent, we cannot help into the future. They have taken the time to The Rev. Dr. Gordon Weller but look to the future. share both of these with you, the congregation. The entire season speaks to preparedness. What must happen now is that the congregation When we get to Christmas and consider the gift must look at these items with a sense of urgency of the Christ, we are also called to think of the for "without vision the people perish.” future. Newborns, and especially Jesus, are all If you have not done so already, read the two about what will be. With those thoughts, I ask documents previously mailed to you. Mark them you to consider the above quote. These words where you agree, disagree or have your own from Proverbs come from a portion of the Old ideas. For this to succeed, both must become the Testament called wisdom literature. Wisdom literature includes other books like Psalms, Job, vision of the entire parish, not just the 12 vestry members, two clergy and eight members of the Ecclesiastes, Ecclesiasticus and The Wisdom of Solomon. The writings convey a variety of prac- Evangelism Committee. Send your thoughts to me or Susie, or any member of the Vestry. Be tical principals and divine thoughts on virtuous and productive living. If you have any familiar- prepared to discuss your thoughts at the Annual Meeting in January. ity with these books, you know that they often contain pithy statements that people for a thousand generations have found to be true. (Continued on page 14)

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Why Convention Matters By Rick Laub, Senior Warden

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t the end of last month, the convention for the Diocese of Michigan of the Episcopal Church of the United States of America was held here in Lansing – at the far reaches of a diocese that stretches from Monroe at one corner to this side of the Lansing Mall on the other. It was the first convention I had attended, and my first convention as a lay delegate.

Even though I grew up in the Episcopal Church, I, like many others, viewed my local parish as an entity unto itself. Sure it was neat to have the bishop visit, but to me it was the same as having some visiting royalty—perhaps important, but unconnected with the everyday running of our local parish. WE were the congregation, and perhaps we might seek the advice of the bishop if we were

stumped on some issue. The recent national convention disabused a great many parishioners of this impression of our “congregational” orientation. In the turmoil that ensued, it has been made evident that our clergy and our physical assets fall under the direct control of that “visiting royalty” who oversee all of the parishes (Continued on page 14)

Inside this issue: Upcoming Activities

2-3,

St. Paul’s News

4,6, 10-14

Vestry Highlights

5

Choir Schedule

7

Christmas Schedule 3 Youth Ministry

8-9

Calendar

15

Upcoming St. Paul’s Activities

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St Paul’s In Action Ongoing Activities St. Aelred’s Guild, 3rd Wednesday, 5 PM Bible Study, Wednesday, 6:15-7:30 PM (Beginning January 18, 2006) Book Cart,

2nd

Sunday

B&PW Dinner Meeting, ECW,

1st

St. Elizabeth Guild, Sunday, December 12, Corporate Communion and Brunch, beginning at 8 AM Committee Meetings Design & Preservation, 2nd Tuesday, 5:15 PM Service/Mission/Outreach, 3rd Monday, 6 PM

2nd

Tuesday, 6 PM

Tuesday, 7 PM

Family Night Dinner, Wednesday, 5-6 PM Food, Faith & Fellowship, 2nd and 4th Monday, Noon St. Paul’s Library, open every Sunday Prayer Group, 1st Tuesday, 5:30 PM Men’s Breakfast, 3rd Thursday, 7 AM

This Month at St. Paul’s St. Nicholas Party, Sunday, December 4, following 10 AM service Looking Ahead Baptisms, Sunday, January 8, 10 AM service Women’s Retreat, April 28-29, 2006, Weber Center, Adrain

Mid-week Eucharist, Tuesday, 12 Noon

St. Elizabeth Guild By Debby Pierce

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t. Elizabeth Guild will hold its annual Corporate Communion on December 11, during the 8 AM Eucharist with a Holiday Brunch immediately following the service.

For additional information please contact me at 485-5446.

ECW By Barbara Richardson, President

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gentle reminder for coffee hour servers. Directions for coffee hours are posted on the inside of the cabinet door nearest the east wall in the Merrifield Room.

A Time for Baptism By The Rev. Dr. Gordon Weller

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n Sunday, January 8, baptisms are planned. This traditional time marks the baptism of Jesus and has been set aside by the Church as an appropriate time. Should you desire to be baptized or have a child baptized, please contact one of the clergy or the parish office.

Mitten Tree The Rev. Susie Shaefer, Curate

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t’s time to decorate the tree for the holidays! We’re looking for very special ornaments: mittens, scarves and hats. During Advent, the Mitten Tree will be in the cloister. Please bring your gifts of these new winter items to decorate the tree. Items are needed in all sizes, including those for children. And remember, “less is more” does not apply to decorating this tree, so let’s fill it up! Our gifts will be gathered up the week of December 19 and donated in time for Christmas. Your warm generosity will keep others warm this winter. Thank you!

Upcoming St. Paul’s Activities Gifts for the Christ Child

B&PW March Meeting

The Rev. Susie Shaefer, Curate

By Elisabeth Richardson, Treasurer

What shall I give Him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb. “In the Bleak Midwinter,” Hymn 112 At Christmas Eve services, we have a chance to bring gifts for the Christ child. We will be filling the manger with the kinds of presents that are needed for new babies: bottles, diapers, formula and clothes. These gifts will be donated to EVE’s House, a local shelter for victims of domestic violence. Thank you for your gifts!

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he Business & Professional Women's Guild will meet December 13 at 6 PM for its Christmas program. Steve Lange will be the guest speaker, bringing us into the Christmas season. Reservations are due by December 11 to Nancy Milne (882-0573). The meetings are open to the entire congregation and we encourage visitors to attend. If you have questions, please feel free to call me at 372-1369.

Lange Choral Ensemble Concert By Dr. Stephen R. Lange, Minister of Music

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he Lange Choral Ensemble will present its annual Christmas Concert on Sunday, December 11, at 4:00 p.m. The program is entitled “Making Merry Mary Music” and will consist of pieces based on texts relating in some way to Mary, the mother of Jesus. Included in the program will be works by Robert Parsons, Henryk Gorecki, Giles Swayne, John Rutter, Robert Young, Herbert Howells and Moses Hogan. The program will feature Magnificat in B-Flat Major by Johann Pachelbel, an extended work that will be accompanied by a small instrumental ensemble. Soloists include Brooke and Ian Broughton, Deborah McMartin-Finkel, Rick Laub, and Nancy Lange. Tickets, which will be available at the door, are $8 for adults and $6 for seniors and children.

Christmas Services 2005 December 18, Advent 4 8 AM 10 AM

Holy Eucharist Lessons and Carols

December 24, Christmas Eve 4 PM Family/Children's Eucharist 10:30 PM Christmas Carols 11 PM Choral Eucharist with Brass December 25, Christmas Day, One Service 10 AM

Eucharist

Tuesday, December 27, St. John's Day Noon

Holy Eucharist and healing service

January 1, 2006 The Holy Name of our Lord, Christmas 2 8 AM 10 AM

Holy Eucharist Holy Eucharist

Friday, January 6, Epiphany 6 PM

Holy Eucharist

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St. Paul’s News

New Liturgy and Bulletin Format to be Used During Advent By Dr. Stephen R. Lange, Minister of Music

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uring the season of Advent, worship at St. Paul’s will use a Eucharistic Prayer and service music taken from the series Enriching Our Worship. This series provides parishes with new liturgical elements that are approved by the Standing Liturgical Commission. St. Paul’s will use Eucharistic Prayer 2 during Advent because of its emphasis on the Incarnation. The prayer says, “To deliver us from the power of sin and death and to reveal the riches of your grace, you looked with favor upon Mary, your willing servant, that she might conceive and bear a son, Jesus the holy child of God.” In addition, new settings of the service music will be used. To help the congregation become more familiar with these new texts and music, the bulletin during Advent will contain the entire liturgy—words and music. The Worship and Music Committee will seek feedback on the new prayers, music and bulletin format to help them evaluate how they can help the congregation to worship more effectively.

Needlepoint Update

New Look for the Memorial Garden

By Mandy Lawton

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ore "silent beauties" have been stitched to add to the beauty of our church. On the west side is a kneeler for Grace and John Hawkins. Next to them is one for Grace's brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Patricia Brownyer. The memorial for Dr. Robert Wilson is joined by the one for the McClintocks. On the east side is the kneeler in memory of the deceased members of the Business and Professional Women's Guild. This is joined with the kneeler for Elizabeth Marsh.

By The Rev. Dr. Gordon Weller

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ou may have noticed the changes that have occurred recently in the Memorial Garden and the west side of the Church. Many thanks to Mary Jane Wilson and her decision to use memorial money given in memory of her husband, Robert, to refurbish both the garden and the west side. When spring arrives, and the new plantings reappear, these changes will give the church a very different look.

Convention Resolutions By Rick Laub, Senior Warden From Herb Gunn, editor of “The Record”

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iocesan Convention approved a 2006 mission budget of $3,037,442, which is 20 percent smaller than the 2005 budget. Convention considered 13 resolutions, one of which restored $115,000 in grants to public ministries, education and advocacy. Convention also called on Diocesan Council to review the use of the Extended Ministries Fund and affirmed the diocese’s support for international development programs, economic justice education and the right of workers to organize. Convention also voted to support legislation for second parent adoption and anti-bullying laws and to oppose legislation that would ban same-sex domestic partner employment benefits. A late-filed resolution to rescind the Diocesan Council decision to sell the Gordonwood property did not receive the necessary two-third vote in order to be considered by convention. Another resolution that did not pass had co-authorship by the Rev. Deacon William Renfrew, and asked that “this Diocese proclaim its repentance for its part in assenting to the consecration of Gene Robinson .…” It did generate considerable debate and elicited a substitute resolution which also failed to pass.

News from the Vestry

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Treasurer’s Report Financial Information As of October 31, 2005 By Jeff Irwin Through the end of October, over $211,000 of pledge and non-pledge revenue has been received. However, this is approximately $20,000 short of the budget for 2005. Each parishioner who made a pledge commitment for 2005 will receive a statement of their contributions received by the church through November 30, 2005. The extra statements will be mailed in early December. Hopefully, this will provide the information for any parishioners with a shortfall on their 2005 pledge contributions to make it up by December 31. The operations of the church had a loss for the month of October of $2,744 and a year to date loss of $74,014. This is less than prior months primarily because of the $11,387 from the Diocese to support the payroll and benefits of the curate. Over $71,000 has been withdrawn from the St. Paul’s Perpetual fund this year to provide funds to continue to operate the church. At the October meeting, the Vestry approved an additional $20,000 to be withdrawn from the St. Paul’s Perpetual fund. It is anticipated that this will be sufficient to get us through the end of 2005.

Highlights from the Vestry Meeting At the November 15 Vestry Meeting, your Vestry: • Received a financial report indicating expenses

still continue to exceed revenue

approval at the Annual Meeting that will allow a youth representative on the Vestry recommendations ∗ Building and Grounds - new doors repainted, Approved new software for financial and memgarden re-landscaped, old doors refinished, bership management new signage, and nursery refurbishment Discussed progress on the Mission/Vision State∗ Stewardship - 148 of 307 pledge campaign ment and the Actively Welcoming Church docucards returned for a total of $235,700. Callment. Set aside January 29, following services, to ing to urge return of the outstanding cards receive comments from the congregation. discussed and to be assigned in two weeks Heard a report from delegates about the Dioce- • Appointed nominating committee for the January san Convention 2006 Annual Meeting. (Laub, Richardson, Boman, Received a report that indicated that the new picand Pierce) torial directory would be ready by the end of the • Heard report on funding sources for organ restoyear ration Provided dinner and assistance for two indigent • Received Clergy Reports

• Reviewed a preliminary 2006 budget and made • •

• • •

persons who wandered in from the streets

• Received committee reports. Among them: ∗ By-Laws - approved a by-laws change for

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Sr. Paul’s News

By Tom Shawver, Staff Writer

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e welcome as new members of the parish, Kirk and Barbara Lindquist of 2154 White Owl Way in Okemos. He is a financial analyst in the Fiscal Agency of the State House of Representatives. She is a sixth grade teacher in the Washington Woods Middle School in Holt. They formerly were members of University Lutheran Church, and are the parents of two grown children, Anders, of Ann Arbor, and Britt, a student at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. Their mother and grandmother is Mary Lindquist of East Lansing. We bid a fond farewell to Peter and Jennifer Saama and their children, Elizabeth, 5, and Emmanuel Patrick, 19 months. They are moving to Bowling Green , KY, where he has taken a position as an animal genetics researcher with Sygen International in Franklin, KY. He will maintain an academic affiliation with Michigan State University, where he has been employed in the Department of Animal Science. A former junior warden of St. Paul's, Peter is the son of a retired Anglican bishop in the African nation of Uganda.

Updates By Penny Rypstra, ERD Representative

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special thank you must go to the parishioners who gave so much to ERD for the hurricane relief effort. Last counted, there was $1,240 given to help all those in desperate need. Thank you. Another grateful thanks goes to "The Gathering," that was hosted by Larry and Kathy Gut. It was in the theme of "New Orleans" and appropriate live jazz was played by Jeff and Peter Kressler. We thank them for giving their remarkable talents to us. Just our little "gathering" of St. Paul’s people collected $240. Our parish is indeed a giving one. Let this unselfishness continue; it has to, because our people still need assistance. ERD also needs donations for future development and for the other countries that need us. It was reported that those who died in the Pakistan earthquake were of greater number than during the tsunami. Especially at this Christmas season, please think of those who still need our care, concern and money. Look in the Merrifield Room for Gifts of Life brochures, so you can buy gifts to honor your loved ones at this time of year. Once again, many thanks, and God's blessings.

Musicals Galore! By Dr. Stephen R. Lange, Minister of Music

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ongratulations to youth of the parish who have been in their local school musicals! Emily Laub was in the Kinawa Middle School production of Honk, Matthew Nauss in the Chippewa Middle School production of Oliver!, Staci Sparks in the Holt High School production of Oklahoma!, Sarah Niven in the DeWitt production of Jekyll and Hyde and Megan McGee in Grand Ledge High School production of Fiddler on the Roof.

Advent Prayer Booklet Sent By Dr. Stephen R. Lange, Minister of Music

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n order to help parishioners of St. Paul’s prepare for the Christmas Season, the Adult Christian Education and Formation Committee has sent out a collection of prayers for the Advent Season composed by members of St. Paul’s. If you did not receive one, or if you would like another to send to friends or relatives, copies are available on the table in the cloister. A big Thank You goes to all who contributed prayers to this collection!

St. Paul’s Choirs

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Choir News and Dates to Remember By Dr. Stephen R. Lange, Minister of Music

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hank You, Choristers

A huge THANK YOU goes to all the choristers and their families whose dedication of time and talent during the Christmas Season has helped to bless the spiritual lives of all worshipers. Your gifts have tremendously enriched our worship!

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he sounds of Advent and Christmas will be celebrated again this year with special music for the service of Lessons and Carols on Sunday, December 18, and for the Christmas Eve Festival Eucharist at 11PM, (10:30 PM pre-service music) on December 24. All of St. Paul’s Choirs—Cherubs, Boys’ and Grace, High School, and Chancel—as well as the Handbell Choir will present anthems for the Service of Lessons and Carols, a recounting in scripture and song of the fulfillment of God’s promise to send a Messiah to redeem the world. As has become custom, the Christmas Eve “Midnight Mass” will be preceded by 30 minutes of Christmas music provided by vocal and instrumental musicians of St. Paul’s. A brass quartet will provide special music for this service.

Singing Schedule Date

Choirs

December 4 December 11 December 18, Lessons and Carols December 24, Christmas Eve 4 PM Family Service 11 PM Service December 25

Boys’ and Grace; High School Chancel Choir; High School Cherubs; Boys’ and Grace; High School; Chancel

January 1 January 8 January 15 January 22 January 29

Choirs will not vest High School; Chancel High School; Chancel High School; Chancel High School; Chancel

Cherubs; Boys’ and Grace Chancel Choir; High School Choirs will not vest

Rehearsal Information to Note

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he High School and Chancel Choirs will rehearse together on either Wednesday, December 21, or Thursday, December 22 (depending on people’s schedules). Information will be sent home the prior week. Boys’ and Grace and Cherubs will not rehearse on the 21st. No choirs will rehearse on December 28 or 29. All choirs will resume their normal rehearsal schedule on January 4 and 5.

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St. Paul’s Youth Ministry

A Crop Walk Thank You

Youth Group Lock-in: Soaked!

By Chris Nazar, Youth Leader

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he St. Paul’s Crop Walk Team did an outstanding job this year. Our 12 walkers raised approximately $1,875 to support hunger relief in Lansing and around the world. This year’s team success resulted in recent highs in the number of walkers and the amount raised. Thanks to the generosity of so many donors, we had a 50 percent increase in donations compared to last year. Emily Laub and Melanie Walker raised the two highest amounts for St. Paul’s. Thank you to all of our walkers for the hard work and to everyone who contributed to this important cause.

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he St. Paul’s Youth Group will participate in a lock-in at the church on December 2-3. The theme of the lock-in is “Soaked!” We will be examining the role of water in our spiritual and everyday lives. We will have a full report on the lock-in next month.

Youth Group Ponder Mission Trip

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he St. Paul’s Youth Group is beginning to make plans for a mission trip in 2006. This trip will be open to both junior high and senior high youth. The Youth Group will be discussing potential options for the mission trip at the Soaked! lock-in. We will report on our plans in future editions of the St. Paul’s News.

Youth Group Bowling Results

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embers of St. Paul’s Youth Group went bowling at Royal Scot on Sunday, November 13. The games were very competitive with the Youth Group leaders holding back stiff challenges from Youth Group members. In the first game, Susie Shaefer threw a strike on the final frame to beat out Brad Richardson by one pin. In the second game, Tommy Gut threw two straight strikes on the final frame but couldn’t overcome Chris Nazar’s lead. Other youth group bowlers included: Steven Walker, Emily Laub, Steve Kinunda, Dan Crabtree, Rich Boman, and Eric Saites. Several family members and friends also joined in the fun.

Nursery Volunteers The Rev. Susie Shaefer, Curate

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e are so lucky at St. Paul’s to have Clarissa Chavez, the talented young woman who staffs our nursery each Sunday. We are also very lucky to have so many small children in our congregation. This means that our Sunday nursery gets very full. Starting in November, we have put a signup sheet for volunteers in the nursery so that a second adult is present for all of those “just in

case” situations. Would you be willing to spend one Sunday morning with the youngest members of St. Paul’s, so that their parents can attend worship more freely? The volunteer sheet is downstairs in the nursery. Please come by, meet Clarissa, and offer a helping hand. Of course, you can also call the Rev. Susie Shaefer during the week and she will happily find a slot for you. Thanks!

St. Paul’s Youth Ministry

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/Christmas Intergenerational Event By The Rev. Dr. Gordon Weller

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gain this year, St. Paul's will celebrate the season of Advent and its anticipation of Christmas with the second annual Advent/Christmas Intergenerational Event. This is an educational opportunity for people of varying ages to share their views and understandings of the season. Instead of going to an educational center design for a specific age, participants will go as families and share the experience. This year's event is scheduled for December 4, immediately following the 10 AM service. The service will be shortened so that we may have more time in the educational centers. Each of the centers will have crafts meant to be taken home as a reminder of the experience. As a member of the parish family, please make an effort to stay. Reservations would be appreciated. Please call the Church office or sign up on Sundays.

Church School News The Rev. Susie Shaefer, Curate

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fter our Communion Instruction class in October, 10 children participated in the Solemn Communion liturgy on All Saints Sunday. Each child received A Child’s Guide to the Holy Eucharist and a certificate marking this step in his or her faith life. The children who participated were: Sela Bauman, Zach Bauman, Thomas Laub, Maggie McDaniel, Alyssa McConnell, Kaitlyn Narezo, Frankie Nevin, Sara Nevin, Paulie Nevin, and Alex Van Koevering. Looking ahead, December is a busy time here at Saint Paul’s. Some of these great Advent activities affect the Church School schedule, so let me take a few lines to remind you of our schedule for the next few weeks: December 4 Family Sunday December 11 December 18 December 25 January 1

NO Church School Intergenerational Program after Church Regular Church School Lessons & Carols – NO Church School Christmas Day – NO Church School New Year’s Day – NO Church School

This also means that there are only a couple more Sundays left in this semester of Church School. The new semester starts in January. Perhaps your New Year’s resolution might include teaching Sunday School? Our curriculum is easy to use, and we have people willing to sub when a teacher can’t make it to class. If you think this ministry might be calling your name, please let me know.

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St. Paul’s News

Soap, Stain and Finish Make Pews Look Almost New By Tom Shawver, Staff Writer

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he 44 oaken pews in the nave of St. Paul's are looking good, the best they've looked in decades of constant use by countless worshipers.

It's the result of tender loving care and some serious elbow grease applied by a hoard of volunteers. About 30 of them—men, women, youths—spread out over the church on a Wednesday night in October to wipe off the accumulated grime and discoloration with steel wool and Murphy's soap and apply a coat of stain. The next day, members of the Men's Breakfast Group wiped out scratches and applied a coat of finish. The following week, a second group of about 22 parishioners applied a second coat of finish. "It looks just great!” exulted John Irwin, who planned and organized the effort. "If you don't' look too closely, the pews look brand new. The turnout was fantastic and the camaraderie was wonderful." The pews are 91 years old. They were installed when the church was opened in 1914.

A First Timers Guide to the Diocesan Convention By Elisabeth Richardson, Jr. Warden

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see the interaction of the convocation to the Budget and Resolutions. It was also very entertaining to listen to the speeches that were given for and against all of the Resolutions. I really got a better feel for the general mindset of our Diocese. There are some folks who Anyway, I have never been to Convention before and don’t think very highly of the Bishop and it really had no idea what to expect. I received a schedule, showed in their comments and demeanor. It was listing all of the activities involved. Friday night: Meet equally evident as to which parishioners annoy the and greet the candidates for Diocesan office, Bishop’s living daylights out of the Bishop. reception, dinner, update on Katrina relief. Saturday: Choir practice, Eucharist, morning session, lunch and I really had a great time and would strongly recomafternoon session. Done by 4:00 p.m. In evaluating the mend to anyone and everyone that they attend a Dientire Convention, the most important parts were the ocesan Convention. But do it on your own terms. You morning and afternoon sessions on Saturday. I arrived don’t necessarily have to sit with the folks from St. in time for the Katrina program and sat with the rest Paul’s. In fact, you may get more out of the experience of the contingent from St. Paul’s, listening to a wonder- if you sit with people you don’t know. Be sure you ful and informative program on the Diocesan response know what the important parts of the Convention are to the hurricane. Saturday, I arrived for the morning and what are the extras. I’m sure the Bishop would session and couldn’t find the St. Paul’s contingent, (how disagree with some of my assessment, but for me this I missed Rick Laub, 6 ft., whatever, in that crowd I worked out great, and I had a very positive experihave no idea) so I sat with the folks from Clinton, ence. I’ll be going next year to Dearborn for the ConMichigan. I had a great time. It was so interesting to vention. Hope to see many of you there. he gut response from most folks when the topic of delegates to the Diocesan Convention comes up seems to be to run and hide. No one wants to go to Convention. I have no idea why.

St. Paul’s News

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St. Paul’s December Prayer List

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e pray for those who are sick and in need: Cindy Robinson, Beverly McEachern, Norris Ingells, James Lantz Family, Sally Mishra, Dixie Durr, Don Fowler, Audrey Hegmon, Richard Hegmon, Aaron Hegmon, Shelley Robinson, Donna Letner, Grady Letner, Clara Voges, Mason Hill, Mary Olds, Lois Caswell, Pam Cathey, Ruthann Perry, Virginia Hilbert, Dorothy Lawrence, Brian Schray, June Wyatt, Pat Brownyer, Janet Siebert, Grace Hawkins, Sherry Vogel, Barbara Millar, Avel Neito, John Kim, Rich Davis and Ray Chase

We pray for those who were recently married: Jennifer Moody & Daniel Gunn We pray and remember those in the Military, serving in dangerous areas: Gabe Helma, Matthew Rawlins, Carlos Sims, and Stacey Speck We pray for those expecting: Opuene & Karen Amachree, Vic & Marti Narezo, Rich & Vicky Bellon, Michael & Julie Young, and Dan & Gretchen Barnas We pray for those recently baptized: Julia Kayden Kelleher and Emmanuel Patrick Saama

Thanksgiving Thanks By Dr. Stephen R. Lange, Minister of Music

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hank you to all of the St. Paul’s parishioners who provided Thanksgiving baskets for 20 needy families in the Lansing area, in addition to cash contributions of $515 that paid for the turkeys and provided food for other needy families.

Donate Your Used Books

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lans are forming to hold two used book sales a year. Income from the sales will be sent to Episcopal Relief and Development. While dates aren't yet set, we do ask you to keep us in mind when you are sorting your book collection to make space for your new titles. Please bring your gently used books — fiction and nonfiction, spiritual and "secular" (but no textbooks) — that you think someone else might enjoy. We will place a collection box under the table by the elevator that holds the sign-up sheets. Watch for the sale date.

St. Aelred’s Guild

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t. Aelred’s Guild works to provide visits, cards, prayers and support to the community of St. Paul’s unable to attend church regularly because of illness or other hardship.

Request forms for this special ministry are available at the Welcome Table after church, or you can call Gordon Weller or Susie Shaefer and give the name of the person who would benefit from a little special attention. The Guild meetings from are the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 5:00 PM in the Van Atta Room or call Nancy Sheldon, (517) 393-9165 for additional information.

St. Paul’s News

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Notice of Proposed Amendments to Bylaws By The Rev. Dr. Gordon Weller The Vestry submits the following proposed amendments of the Bylaws of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church for approval or disapproval by the congregation at the Annual Meeting of 2006, with the recommendation that the proposed amendments be adopted. These proposed amendments, prepared by the Bylaws Revision Committee, would make the necessary changes required to allow for election of a youth member of the Vestry. The youth member would be elected to a term of office of one year, as opposed to the three-year term served by regular Vestry members. A youth member would have to be an adult (at least 16 years of age) communicant in good standing, but the one-year term of office would be available only to a youthful member—a member who is at least 16, but not more than 18 years of age on the date of the annual meeting, at which he or she is elected to serve. The proposed amendments do not limit the rights or responsibilities of a youth member. Thus, the length of the term of office would be the only difference. If adopted, these amendments would allow for election of the first youth member at the annual meeting of 2007. The Vestry believes that this shorter term will encourage participation of youth members who might otherwise be unwilling or unable to serve as Vestry members if required to serve a full three-year term. The new language needed to effect this change is shown in bolded capital letters. Deletions of unnecessary existing language are shown by bolded language stricken-out. Proposed Amendments of Article VI, Paragraph 1 ARTICLE VI VESTRY MEMBERSHIP 1.

The vestry shall consist of twelve REGULAR MEMBERS, AND MAY ALSO INCLUDE ONE YOUTH

MEMBER. THE QUALIFICATIONS AND TERMS OF OFFICE OF THE MEMBERS OF THE VESTRY SHALL BE AS FOLLOWS: A.

THE TWELVE REGULAR MEMBERS OF THE VESTRY SHALL BE adult communicants in good

standing (Article II, Paragraph 3) in this parish and their term of office shall be three years, or until a successor is elected or qualified. Their term shall be such that there shall be three classes of four members each; and at each annual meeting an election shall be conducted to fill the places made vacant by the class whose terms of office expire. The term of office shall begin with the January organizational meeting of the vestry and shall run for thirty-six months, expiring at the annual meeting. This section will be implemented over a three year period; namely the annual meetings of 1994, 1995 and 1996. B.

THE YOUTH MEMBER OF THE VESTRY SHALL BE A COMMUNICANT IN GOOD STANDING

WHO IS NOT LESS THAN 16, NOR MORE THAN 18 YEARS OF AGE ON THE DATE OF THE ANNUAL MEETING AT WHICH HE OR SHE IS ELECTED. THE TERM OF OFFICE OF THE YOUTH MEMBER OF THE VESTRY SHALL BE A PERIOD OF ONE YEAR, OR UNTIL A SUCCESSOR IS ELECTED OR QUALIFIED. THE TERM OF OFFICE OF THE YOUTH MEMBER OF THE VESTRY SHALL BEGIN WITH THE JANUARY ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING OF THE VESTRY AND SHALL RUN FOR TWELVE MONTHS, EXPIRING AT THE ANNUAL MEETING.

St. Paul’s News

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Proposed Amendments of Article VII, Paragraphs 1 and 2 ARTICLE VII ELECTION OF VESTRY MEMBERS 1.

The vestry, or a committee thereof, shall nominate not less than four qualified, able and willing

communicants in good standing (Article II, Paragraph 3) AS CANDIDATES FOR ELECTION AS REGULAR MEMBERS OF THE VESTRY, AND MAY ALSO NOMINATE ONE OR MORE QUALIFIED, ABLE AND WILLING COMMUNICANTS IN GOOD STANDING MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS FOR ELECTION AS A YOUTH MEMBER OF THE VESTRY (ARTICLE VI, PARAGRAPH 1) AS A CANDIDATE OR CANDIDATES FOR ELECTION AS THE YOUTH MEMBER OF THE VESTRY. THE NOMINATIONS SHALL BE MADE at the annual meeting for the benefit and welfare of the parish but there shall be opportunity and encouragement of additional nominations from the floor. Public notice of the nominees shall be given at least two Sundays preceding the annual meeting. All nominees must have expressed a willingness to serve. 2. The wardens, when present, shall be the judge of the election and shall permit no person to be nominated or vote unless qualified; further, they shall canvass and declare the results. THE REGULAR MEMBERS AND A YOUTH MEMBER OF THE VESTRY SHALL BE ELECTED SEPARATELY FROM THE CANDIDATES FOR EACH CATEGORY OF MEMBERSHIP. Elections shall be by secret ballot and nominees receiving the greatest number of votes cast FOR EACH CATEGORY OF MEMBERSHIP shall be elected. In the event of the absence of one or both of the wardens, members of the vestry shall be appointed by the person presiding to act as judges.

Vestry Nominations By The Rev. Dr. Gordon Weller

I

t again is time to think about persons who might be elected to Vestry in January. This year’s nominating committee will be Rick Laub, Libby Richardson, Val Boman and Debby Pierce. Should you wish to run for one of the four available positions, or should you wish to nominate someone else, please give their names to one of the committee members. Before you nominate someone though, be sure to secure their approval.

Qualifications for vestry are: • • • • •

Baptized At least 16 years of age A member of the congregation for at least six months Willing to attend 11 Vestry meetings during the year plus the Vestry retreat (January 28, 2006) A contributing member of the congregation (time, talent or treasure)

Page 14

St. Paul’s News

(Continued from, “Advent, page 1)

If you have lost your copies, others are available on Sunday mornings at the Church. They may also be found on the Web page at www.stpaulslansing.org. If requested we will send you additional copies by mail. Please take note and be responsive. Visions for the future are usually not destroyed by disagreement or discord; rather, they are lost to apathy.

Another Former Chorister on National TV First we had Melissa Ingells on "Jeopardy" in September, and now former chorister Mark Van Auken—son of Joan Van Auken—and his wife, Kristie, will be on the December 14 episode of "CSI: NY". Kristie won an auction bid to be on the program, so she and Mark show up "In uniform" in the background. Ask Joan for the photos with their co-star, Melina Kanakaredes, and tune in on December 14.

(Continued from “Why Convention Matters,” page 1)

in their diocese. The individual parishes of the diocese do have a say in how the diocese is structured and managed, and their input is gathered by their participation in a diocesan convention. Both major and minor changes in the church are voted on at convention, and it is the collection of individual voters who decide. How much difference does one vote make? One resolution at convention was decided by exactly one vote (out of over 300 votes cast). I have included the passage below as either a reminder or a primer on our church’s structure. “Episcopal” means “bishop” in Greek, and the Episcopal Church is governed in part by its bishops. The basic unit of ministry in the Episcopal Church is the “diocese,” or a region of a reasonable number of Episcopalians. Each diocese is presided over by a “diocesan bishop” who may have help from a variety of other kinds of bishops, depending on the circumstances. The Diocesan Bishop chooses and ordains priests and deacons to serve the “parishes,” or congregations, of the diocese, which carry out the ministry of the dio-

cese in their local communities. The priests lead the parish in worship, make decisions related to the sacramental life of the parish, and, in general, support the ministry of the worshiping Christians there. The Episcopal Church is governed by a Constitution and a set of laws (known as “canons”) which it establishes for itself by Convention, but the diocesan bishop is the ecclesiastical (or “church”) authority in his or her particular diocese. The bishops of the Episcopal Church have no jurisdiction outside of their dioceses, so they meet together twice per year to pray and make decisions about the life of the Church. Every nine years, the Church elects a “Presiding Bishop” who represents the Episcopal Church in the Anglican Communion and “presides” over meetings of the bishops, known as the “House of Bishops.” Every three years, delegations (or “deputations”) from all the dioceses, along with the House of Bishops, gather to worship and pass legislation for the Church. This General Convention is where broad decisions are made about policy and worship, as well as revitalizing the Christian community for ministry “back home.”

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St. Paul's Episcopal Church Lansing Michigan 218 W. Ottawa Lansing, MI 48933 Phone: 517-482-9454 Fax: 517-485-8261 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 Rev. Dr. Gordon Weller, Rector The Rev. Susie Shaefer, Curate Dr. Stephen R. Lange, Minister of Music Ms. Mary Rodeck, Assistant Minister of Music Ms. Kathleen Johnson, Office Manager Mr. Patrick Brander, Sexton St. Paul’s News Editorial Staff Christine Caswell, Editor Tom Shawver, Staff Writer Helen Hiscoe, Proofreader Lyn Zynda, Layout Editor

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