St. Paul's News - December, 2006

St. Paul's Episcopal Church Lansing Michigan

St. Paul’s News December, 2006

God is Doing New Things By The Rev. Dr. Gordon Weller

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uring the month of November, we offered a service of Morning Prayer, followed by refreshments and Bible study at 7 The Rev. Dr. Gordon Weller a.m. on Wednesday mornings. Our Bible study consisted of looking at some of the lessons from Isaiah that would or could be used during Advent and Christmas, the thought being that discussion before hearing these lessons in Advent might make them more understandable and meaningful when heard. One of the mornings, the lessons studied were Isaiah 35:1-10 and Isaiah 40:1-10. Both of these beautifully poetic pieces speak to what a new world, created by the coming of the Messiah, might look like. On this occasion, the talk shifted to a place where we were discussing

change. The point was made that as much as God calls us to new awareness and experiences, as in the lessons, we almost always wish to keep things as they are or even go back to as they were. God and God's kingdom are everchanging; we usually wish to maintain the status quo. Some of that may have to do with the fact that we (American Christians) are on top of the food chain. We have most of what we want and more than we need. But the Wednesday morning group identified several other mindsets that position us to be resistant to the change that is God. One was comfort. All of us would rather be comfortable than uncomfortable. This becomes truer the older we get. The allure of the unknown that propelled us when young is replaced by the (Continued on page 12)

CREDO By The Rev. Gordon F. Weller

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hat's a CREDO? I'm glad you asked. In October, I was away from the parish for eight days. I attended a conference, sponsored and paid for by the Church Pension Fund, which was designed to help clergy deal with some of the unique issues that ordained ministry presents. CREDO stands for Clergy Reflection Education and Discernment Opportunity. And it was a wonderful opportunity. I took the time and had the faculty support to look at the various aspects of my life that in some cases I have not looked at since I was ordained 34 years ago. My particular group was for clergy 55 and older who are still in active ministry. We looked at issues of health (medical, spiritual and emotional) and had experts in all fields running seminars and available to talk to. We had representatives from the Church Pension Fund present. They, too, ran seminars and individually looked at our current financial conditions and where we would like to be at retirement. For many this was really important because they do not have long years of service to the Church. There was only one person who has been in Church service longer than I. Some have as few as five years. (Continued on page 12)

Volume 31, Issue 10

Inside this issue: Calendar

13

Choir Schedule

9

St. Paul’s News

6,8 10-11

Upcoming Activities Vestry News

2-5 7

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Upcoming St. Paul’s Activities St Paul’s In Action

Ongoing Activities • St. Aelred’s Guild, third Wednesday, 5 PM • Book Cart, First two Sundays in December, after 10 AM • B&PW, Tuesday, December 12, 6 PM • St. Elizabeth Corporate Communion, December 10, after the 8 AM service • ECW, third Monday, 7 PM • Family Night Dinner, Wednesdays, 5-6 PM • 4 Fs, second and fourth Monday, noon to 2 PM • Infant/Toddler Group, 3rd Saturday, 10 AM-Noon • St. Paul’s Library, open every Sunday • Prayer Group, first Tuesday, 5:30 PM, Choir Rehearsal Room • Men’s Breakfast, third Thursday, 7-8 AM, Hill Room • Mid-Week Eucharist, Tuesdays, noon Committee Meetings • Design & Preservation, second Tuesday, 5:30 PM • Evangelism Meeting, Third Tuesday, 5 PM • Mission and Outreach, third Monday, 5:30 PM • Vision Statement Committee, Tuesday, December 19, 5:30 PM

• Welcoming Church Committee, December 19, 5:30

PM This Month at St. Paul’s and Elsewhere • The Gathering, Friday, December 1, at the home of Kathy & Larry Gut, 7 PM • Advent Pageant, Sunday, December 3, 10 AM • Lange Choral Ensemble Christmas Concert, Saturday, December 9, 7 PM • Brunch, Sunday, December 3, after 10 AM service • Youth Group Christmas Service Project, Sunday, December 10 • Lessons & Carols, December 17, 10 AM Looking Ahead • Parenting God’s Children, Wednesdays beginning

January 10, • Safeguarding God’s Children, Saturday, January

13, 10 AM to Noon • Toddler/Infant Playgroup, begins again, Saturday,

January 20, 10 AM to Noon • Annual Meeting, Sunday, January 28, after 10 AM service • ERD Book Sale, Spring 2007

Gathering to Benefit ERD

Sunday Brunch Returns

By Pastor Susie Shaefer

By Pastor Susie Shaefer

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ome kick off the holidays on Friday, December 1, from 7-10 p.m. with the Gathering, a party at the home of Kathy & Larry Gut (at 5552 Wild Iris Road in Haslett). A freewill offering will be taken to benefit Episcopal Relief & Development. Please join us to enjoy good music provided by our own Kressler brothers, champagne punch and great hors d’oeuvres. We’ll get the Christmas spirit started!! Bring an appetizer to share, and please sign up outside the Merrifield Room.

n Sunday, December 3, after the 10 a.m. service and Advent pageant, stay for brunch to celebrate the start of the church year. Proceeds from the brunch will benefit Episcopal Relief and Development, the national and international relief agency of our church. The suggested donation for the brunch is $5-7 per person, or $15-20 for a family. Food donations are also needed. Sign up outside the Merrifield Room to attend and/or to bring food. Questions? Please contact Kathy Gut.

Shop The Book Cart Twice In December By Sue Millar

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he Book Cart will offer books and other items for sale on the first TWO Sundays in December in order to provide additional opportunities for holiday shopping. Check out the titles that appeal to a range of ages and interests as well as some unique craft items. We will also offer a selection of jewelry. There is still time to special order Prayer Books or Bibles.

Upcoming St. Paul’s Activities

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By The Rev. Gordon F. Weller and Pastor Susie Shaefer

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n December 3, the young people of the parish will present an Advent pageant at the 10 a.m. service. The calendar has blessed us this year because the first day of Advent is not the Sunday following Thanksgiving, when so many people are away. Instead, the First Sunday of Advent affords us the opportunity to learn as both children and adults from this production. Written by Father Weller, the pageant will explore the hymn, “O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” and we will be visited by many special guests, helping us prepare for the coming of Christ. Many thanks to Maureen Nauss, our director, and the youth and children presenting this piece. Please join us for this worship experience, and support our young dramatists.

Christmas: A Season for Music By Dr. Stephen R. Lange, Minister of Music

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he Christmas season will begin with the annual Christmas Concert by The Lange Choral Ensemble on Saturday, December 9, at 7 p.m. (Please note that the program is on Saturday, not Sunday as usual!) Their program, titled “A Candlelight Christmas Concert,” will feature music by Whitacre, Lauridsen, Tallis, Palestrina, a special piece composed by Jeff Kressler in honor of Dr. Lange’s birthday last spring—Psalm 150 (not one Psalm for each year!)—and Laud to the Nativity by Ottorino Respighi. This work will be accompanied by a woodwind septet. Tickets are $8.00 for adults and $6.00 for senior citizens and students, and they will be available at the door. The service of Lessons and Carols, a particular favorite of parishioners, will be held one week earlier than usual, on Sunday, December 17 (because the Fourth Sunday of Advent is also Christmas Eve). All of St. Paul’s choirs will join in singing anthems in response to the Advent lessons, which foretell Christ’s coming.

The Christmas Eve Festival Eucharist, beginning at 11 p.m. on December 24, will once again be preceded by a half hour of special Christmas music. The pre-service program, beginning at 10:30 p.m., will include music for soloists, brass and organ music, and the handbell choir. As usual, graduates and alumni of St. Paul’s choir program are invited to join us for this service. Rehearsal will be at 10:15 p.m. on the 24th. Please let Dr. Lange know ahead of time so that there will be music ready.

2006 Christmas Services December 17 - Advent III

ctÜ|á{ byy|vx VÄÉáxw Monday, December 25 Friday, December 29 Monday, January 1

8 AM Eucharist 10 AM Lessons and Carols December 24 - Advent IV 8 AM Eucharist 10 AM Choral Eucharist

December 26 - St. Stephen's Day Noon - Eucharist and Healing December 31 - 1st Sunday of Christmas 8 AM - Eucharist 10 AM - Eucharist January 6 - Epiphany

December 24 - Christmas Eve

7 PM - Eucharist

4 PM Children's & Family Eucharist 10:30 PM Carol Sing 11 PM Choral Eucharist

January 7 - 1st Sunday after Epiphany

December 25 - Christmas Day 10 AM Eucharist

8 AM - Eucharist 10 AM - Choral Eucharist & Baptisms

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Upcoming St. Paul’s Activities

Mission/Outreach Committee

St. Elizabeth Guild

By Debby Pierce

By Debby Pierce

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he next scheduled meeting of the Mission and Outreach Committee is Monday, January 17 at 6 p.m. in the Van Atta Room. We have some new projects we will be discussing and would like to have some additional representation from the Congregation. Please contact Susie Shaefer at 482-9454 or Debby Pierce at 394-4800.

t. Elizabeth Guild will be having its annual Corporate Communion & Breakfast on Sunday, December 10. We will meet for the Eucharist Service at 8 a.m. Breakfast is to follow in the Merrifield Room with Rev. Susie Shaefer as our guest speaker. Spouses and guests are welcome. If you are interesting in attending, please call Debby Pierce @394-4800. This will be our last meeting until spring so we would like to see as many members as possible.

A Special Holiday Celebration By Nancy Sheldon

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he 4 F's Group (Faith, Food, Fun and Fellowship for those who have time in the middle of the day) would like you to join us on Monday, December 11 for the following:

• Noon Eucharist in the Chapel followed by lunch ($4.00) • A Christmas Offering by Nancy Lange's Madrigal Singers from Grand Ledge High School

Please join us by calling the church office or signing up outside of the Merrifield Room. Rides will be provided by notifying Kathleen Johnson in the office. We'd love to have you join us and will be more than happy to pick you up for this enjoyable Christmas occasion.

ECW Update

Playgroup

By Annette Irwin, President

By The Rev. Susie Shaefer, Curate

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lease mark December 17 on your calendar for the ECW Christmas Tea. This is a special coffee hour with delicious cookies, tea, coffee and punch which follows the 10 a.m. service of Lessons and Carols.

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he Toddler/Infant Playgroup will not have a regular meeting in December. We will gather again on January 20 for a service project, working on fleece blankets for Project Linus. Please join us! Playgroup is for parents of children age 3 and under, and we meet from 10 a.m. to noon on the third Saturday of each month. Questions? Please contact Pastor Susie or Dianna Erickson!

Parenting God’s Children By Pastor Susie Shaefer

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arenting is so many things—joyful, frustrating, confusing, rewarding—and it can be all of those in just one day! Parenting is also an exercise of faith, and, therefore, the Church should be a place where we can gather to reflect on our role as parents, to sharpen our skills in raising children, and support one another on our different journeys. To that end, the Adult Education Committee will be sponsoring a series called “Parenting God’s Children,” on Wednesday evenings, from January 10 through February 14. Our focus will be a curriculum entitled “Parenting 101: The Basics of Becoming a Proactive Parent,” with an introductory and closing session. We will do Bible (Continued on page 12)

Upcoming St. Paul’s Activities

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St. Aelred’s Guild By Nancy Sheldon

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t. Aelred's Guild offers spiritual friendship to members of our congregation in time of need through notes, visitation, prayer list management, Eucharistic visits, celebration of births and marriages, as well as phone calls to shut-ins. You are welcome to join us in this ministry on the third Wednesday of each month from 5 - 6 p.m. St. Paul’s would like to know when one of our parishioners is in the hospital, unable to come to church, has been moved to a special care facility or just might appreciate a card or visit to let them know we are thinking about and praying for them. Please pick up a form for this special ministry at the Welcome Table after church, or call Kathleen in the office at 482-9454.

Gifts for the Christ Child

Mitten Tree

By Debby Pierce

By Debby Pierce

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e will celebrate the birth of the Christ Child at the Christmas Eve Services. We will once again fill the manger with gifts for the newborn. These gifts will be donated to EVE's House, a local shelter for victims of domestic violence. Thank you for your thoughtful gifts!

ook for the Mitten Tree in the Cloister the first weekend in December. We would like you to cover that tree with mittens, hats, scarves, etc. We will be donating these items to Cristo Rey before Christmas. Please bring your gifts by Dec. 17. These gifts will be greatly appreciated by many little hands. Let’s fill the tree so that no green is showing.

Safeguarding God’s Children By Pastor Susie Shaefer

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ach time a child or adult is baptized, the congregation promises to support that person in his or her life in Christ. In recent years, however, newspaper headlines demonstrate that too many children are victims of abuse. On Saturday, January 13, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, please join us for a presentation of “Safeguarding God’s Children—for Parents and Congregations,” a curriculum recently produced by the Episcopal Church for the prevention of sexual abuse of children. Grounded in theological and practical knowledge, the first part of this curriculum is designed to educate parents and congregations on recognizing and acting to keep our children safer and healthier. We will be joined by Kris Forsyth, a trainer for the curriculum, a director of Christian Education in Grand Blanc, and a mother of two girls. All parents and Church School teachers are especially encouraged to attend, but this presentation is open to all who are interested. Questions? Please speak with Pastor Susie.

B&PW Meeting

Convention Update

By Elisabeth Richardson, Treasurer

By Pastor Susie Shaefer

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he Business and Professional Women will meet for dinner and a Christmas program on Tuesday, December 12 at 6 p.m. Dinner is $8. RSVP to Nancy Milne at 882-0573 by Sunday, December 10.

The diocese of Michigan met in Convention in Dearborn the last weekend of October. By now, you should have received a letter summarizing the actions and experience of Convention. If you have questions, our delegates would be happy to talk with you. This year’s delegates were Gordon Weller, Susie Shaefer, Chuck Millar, Libby Richardson, Greg Wortley, and Charlie Krupka.

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St. Paul’s News

Organ Rededication By Elisabeth Richardson, Senior Warden

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here was an amazing event at the church on Sunday afternoon, November 12. We re-dedicated the organ. WOW! Who knew the organ was that powerful and beautiful? I fully expected the stained glass to come bursting out of all the windows at one point, (just as in the movies)! Please take a moment to thank the following people for all of their dedication and hard work on this project: Steve Lange, Gordon Weller, Nancy Milne, Jeff Kressler, Brad Deacon, Ben Herbert, Kirk Lindquist, Mary Luginsland, Bill Luginsland, Tom Repaskey, Susie Shaefer, Susan Henderson, Rick Laub, Sue LeDuc, Greg Wortley, and Elisabeth Richardson. Please also take a moment to thank everyone who has contributed financially to this endeavor. Thank you, Thank you. I would also like to take a moment to acknowledge Debby & Max Pierce for a wonderful reception following the rededication program. Their generosity is highly valued and appreciated. I would also like to thank Marion and Tim Magee, Annette Irwin, Ray and JoAnn Chase, and the staff of A Catered Affaire for all of their assistance with the reception. Thank you to everyone!

St. Paul’s held a special rededication service for the refurbished organ on Sunday, November 12. Guest organist and composer Doug Austin returned for the event.

Bravo!

UTO Ingathering for November 5

By the Organ Restoration Committee

By Kay Gallup

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hat a wonderful performance we all heard November 12! The organ rededication service was truly a wonderful musical experience. Our wonderful choirs and newly up-dated organ were both featured, along with a brass choir and Doug Austin’s choral setting of the 46th Psalm. Steve Lange is to be congratulated for his wonderful conducting and performing that day! The greatly improved sound of the organ is very appreciated after several months of listening to an electronic version. Congratulations to all those involved with the service! As of November 1, 2006, St. Paul’s has received 129 pledges and cash contributions totaling $128,217.92, with $101,997.92 received already. We are continually getting closer to our goal. Thanks to all of you for your support!

hanks to all for your gifts at this Ingathering. Our total was $918.50.

Once again, our offerings are combined with those of hundreds and thousands of other Episcopalians to help meet compelling needs around the world. My special thanks to those who helped at the two services on Sunday, November 5: Nancy Milne, Sally Laurion, Annette Irwin, Joyce Renfrew, Vivian Toomey and Pam Irwin. Again, Blue Boxes will be available at both entrances to the church for any who choose to use them for daily thanks.

News from the Vestry

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Financial Information As of October 31, 2006 By Jeff Irwin The total revenue received from actual pledges was $206,537, as of October 31, 2006, which is 85.3% of the budget. September is 83.3% of the year. Non-pledge revenue continues to be below budget at 31.7% of the budgeted amount. The operating loss for October was $13,434, which puts the year-to-date operating loss at $114,250. Our operating budget for 2006 was for a $117,597 loss, so at this point it appears likely that we will have a loss greater then the amount budgeted. It is important to keep in mind that we do receive significant contributions that are restricted and, therefore, are not part of operating income. As of this writing, final October 31 amounts are not available, but it is possible that restricted contributions made and investment gains will offset the loss on operations of the church. Looking at the combination of the restricted funds and the operations of the church, we should approximately break even for 2006. Restricted funds transferred to the operating account in October consist of $8,800 from the Building fund to reimburse the cost of the roof repair. Also, $2,200 was transferred from the Mission and Outreach fund to provide for a special need in the parish. In October, no cash was withdrawn from the St. Paul’s Perpetual fund. However, in early November, $10,000 was transferred to the operating account. As of October 31, 2006, we have received a total of $101,998 to pay for the organ restoration. We have paid Austin Organ $123,569 and $12,121 is still owed for the final contract payment. Additionally, in November, $8,900 was paid beyond the contract amount for an additional improvement.

Vestry Nominations

Annual Meeting

By The Rev. Dr. Gordon F. Weller

By The Rev. Gordon F. Weller

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ames of candidates for election to the Vestry are now being received. Qualifications include: • • • • • • •

Baptized At least 16 years of age Regular in attendance A contributing member of the congregation Willingness to attend 10 vestry meetings Willingness to chair a vestry committee Willingness to attend the vestry retreat on Feb. 1-2, 2007

If you are willing to serve or have someone you would like to nominate, please confirm their willingness and submit their name. As always, nominations from the floor are acceptable.

This year's Annual Meeting will be held on January 28, 2007. It will immediately follow the 10 a.m. service (approximately 11:30 a.m.). Many significant things happen at the Annual Meeting. The previous year is reviewed both financially and spiritually. Where did we do well? Where is there room for improvement? At this year's meeting, we will review the Vision Statement and The Welcoming Church to see the progress that has been made. We have some bylaw revisions to adopt, and we also will recognize those who have made valuable contributions to the life of the congregation. In addition, we chart our path for the new year. This includes reviewing and passing a budget for 2007, electing new Vestry persons, and talking about the goals we would seek to accomplish. Please make every effort to be in attendance.

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St. Paul’s News

Church School By Pastor Susie Shaefer

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he first half of our church school year is nearly over, and what a fall it has been! The junior and senior high classes have spent time learning about our Episcopal traditions: the Sacraments, Book of Common Prayer and worship style. Our elementary classes have been following the lectionary, and spent one morning making prayer beads, prayer boxes and writing their own prayers as part of the congregational celebration of Morning Prayer. Thanks to Carol Laub for her role in planning these activities!

The December church school schedule is as follows: • Sunday, Dec. 3 – Advent Pageant – No Church

School

• Sunday, Dec 10 – Regular Church School • Sunday, Dec. 17 – Lessons & Carols – No Church

School

• Sunday, Dec. 24 – Regular Church School in the

morning

Thanksgiving Baskets By Dr. Stephen R. Lange, Minister of Music Thank you for your generous support of Thanksgiving baskets. St. Paul’s parishioners delivered 15 baskets to needy families and donated more than $500! Money received was used to pay for the 15 turkeys; what was left over was sent as a donation to the Food Bank. Thank you!

Wonder, Love, and Praise By Dr. Stephen R. Lange, Minister of Music The bulk of the following article was used as Worship Notes on November 12 On November 12, we at St. Paul’s welcomed a new member to our church worship. This newcomer, however, unlike most, doesn’t have arms, legs or a face. Instead it has a dark green cover, about 114 new hymns, 72 pieces of new service music, and a catchy name—“Wonder, Love, and Praise.” Its official name is “Wonder, Love, and Praise: A Supplement to The Hymnal 1982.” (Over time, as we get to know it better, we’ll just call it “WLP.”) Despite its rather imposing name, however, “Wonder, Love and Praise” is really a very friendly book, one well worth getting to know. Its hymns are found in the first portion of the book (The hymn numbers, which begin with 721, are just a continuation of the hymn numbers of The Hymnal 1982) and the service music in the last portion. Although we used this hymnal in worship for the first time on the 12th, we already did know some of its contents. For several years we have used such hymns as “Eagle’s wings,” “I, the Lord of sea and sky,” and “Lead me, guide me” regularly in worship. Just as newcomers can enrich our parish family by bringing new outlooks, resources and greater diversity to our worshiping community, so, too, does this hymnal offer supplemental materials that can enrich, broaden and provide greater variety to our worship experience. Thanks to the generous donation of a couple who wishes to remain anonymous and to the Hubbard literature fund, we have been able to purchase these hymnal supplements for our use. The title, “Wonder, Love, and Praise,” is taken from the final phrase of the Charles Wesley text “Love divine, all loves excelling” (Hymn #657). The entire final stanza reads, “Finish then thy new creation; pure and spotless let us be; let us see thy great salvation perfectly restored in thee: changed from glory into glory, till in heaven we take our place, till we cast our crowns before thee, lost in wonder, love, and praise.” What a wonderful description this is of the transcendence that worship at its best can bring to us!

St. Paul’s Choirs

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Choir News and Dates to Remember By Dr. Stephen R. Lange, Minister of Music Wednesday, December 20 - We (all youth and adult choirs) will eat and, after a very brief rehearsal to be sure we are ready for Christmas Eve, go caroling for some of our shut-ins. (Parents, of course, are eagerly invited to join us!!) We’ll have a sign-up sheet to let us know if you will be able to go, and if you are willing to drive. Adults will rehearse on Wednesday, as well, and not on Thursday the 21st. Wednesday/Thursday, January 3-4 - No rehearsals (but all will vest as normal on January 7) Cabaret - Saturday, March 3 - Please note the change of date because of scheduling conflicts. Cabaret will be held on Saturday, March 3 (NOT the 10th, as originally indicated!). This is an evening of dinner (spaghetti) and entertainment, sponsored by the England choristers, at which members of all the choirs will perform. Please save this date! Reminder: Please let Dr. Lange know if you are going to miss a rehearsal or a service. With holiday travel plans coming up, it may mean a shift in anthems if too many people are absent! Also, Sunday morning rehearsals begin at 9:30 a.m. Please be prompt. Thank you.

Singing Schedule Date

Choirs

December 3 December 10 December 17, Lessons & Carols December 24, 10 AM 4 PM 11 PM (Rehearsal at 10:15 PM) December 31

Boys’ and Grace, High School Chancel, High School Cherubs, Boys’ and Grace, High School and Chancel Chancel, High School Cherubs, Boys’ and Grace Chancel, High School NO VESTED CHOIRS

January 7 January 14 January 21 January 28

All Choirs Vest Chancel; High School Chancel; High School Chancel; High School

A Special Note A HUGE THANK YOU goes to all the choristers and other musicians who participated in the organ rededication service on November 12. You enabled the service to be such a wonderful ministry to parishioners and guests. I was especially pleased that we missed so few choristers and that most of those who did have to miss let me know ahead of time. I was extremely gratified by the number of people who attended the service and especially by the number of people who stayed (and stayed!) for the reception. Thanks to Debby and Max Pierce for sponsoring the reception. It was pastoral and evangelical ministry at some of its best—as was your part in the service. Well done!

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St. Paul’s News

By Tom Shawver, Staff Writer

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ore newcomers have joined St. Paul’s. We welcome them to the congregation and hope they soon feel at home.

Scott and Amy Basel and their children, Kaitlyn and Tyler, live at 1258 Sweetwood Dr. in Okemos. They formerly lived in Lake in the Hills, Illinois, a Chicago suburb, where they attended St. Mary’s Episcopal Church. Scott is an attorney with the firm of Cummins Woods, and Amy is an accountant with Delta Dental. Greg and Cynthia Ward live at 1345 Turner St. in Lansing. Greg works in marketing for Consumers Energy and Cynthia is an Associate Professor of Law at Cooley Law School, specializing in Elder Law. These two families and other newcomers were introduced to the congregation on All Saints’ Sunday, November 5, and formally voiced their desire to be members of St. Paul’s.

Newcomers By The Rev. Gordon F. Weller

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n November 5, many new members were welcomed into the congregation. Three were newly baptized children. Those New members Robert Pearl, Justin and Three babies, Skyler Joy Hall, John Mibaptized and welcomed were Brooke Gifford, and Greg Ward were chael Waugh, and Lydia Inez Villa were Skyler Joy Hall, and her parents, welcomed at the All Saints’ Sunday service. baptized on All Saints’ Sunday. Lisa & Jason Hall, John Michael Waugh and his parents, Elana and John Waugh, and Lydia Inez Villa, whose parents are Joy Luckadoo-Villa and Carlos Villa. In addition, we welcomed Robert Pearl, Greg and Cynthia Ward, and Justin and Brooke Gifford at the 8 a.m. service. At the 10 a.m. service we welcomed Amy and Scott Basel and their children, Kaitlyn and Tyler; Lisa and John Craig; Delores Sneed; Lisa and Steve Swihart and their children, Jack and Will. It is our pleasure to have them in our midst.

Exceeding Expectations By Eleanor Doersam

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nce again, the St. Paul’s family exceeded expectations during the Fall October 21 blood drive. While we had a goal of 45 units, 75 people participated in many capacities to provide 51 units of blood for the American Red Cross, Mid-Michigan Blood Center. We have selected Saturday, April 21, 2007, for our second blood drive date. This drive will support our own five-year-old parishioner, Caroline Thomas. Caroline needs different types of blood products to help her during her cancer treatment. Many of you may have seen the article in the church bulletin about

helping Caroline one Saturday a month at the American Red Cross Donor Center,1729 E. Saginaw St., Lansing. We hope to collect more than 50 units again in April and will sign up more than 70 donors to reach or exceed this goal for Caroline. Remember our date, April 21, 2007, and, remember, you can only donate every 56 days. You cannot go under that by even one day! In keeping with our Stewardship theme of “Giving the Gift of Generosity,” let’s pull together to TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO HELP CAROLINE AND THE THOMAS FAMILY.

St. Paul’s News

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St. Paul’s November Prayer List

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e pray for those who are sick and in need: Cindy Robinson, Beverly McEachern, James Lantz Family, Dixie Durr, Audrey, Richard & Aaron Hegmon, Shelley Robinson, Donna & Grady Letner, Clara Voges, Mason Hill, Mary Olds, Lois Caswell, Brian Schray, June Wyatt, Dick Siebert, Erik Lindquist, Bernie Lynch, Carol, Judith Jones, baby Benjamin, Andrew Astley, Bill Kundrat, Kim Cross, Nancy Hiscoe Clark, Elizabeth Marsden, Kristen Kelley, Dezi & Penny Horvat, Rich Davis, Cris Plyler, Charles Weaver, Ben Herbert, Ross, Virginia Jessop, Dennis Waltz, Brian Judge, Chance Collins, Stephne Staples, Barb Powers, Tim Ross, Barb Richardson, June Isreal, Ron Hannenberg, Steve, Marlene Dombroske, Chris Laurion, and Caroline Thomas and her parents, brothers & godparents

Prayer List

We pray and remember those in the Military, serving in dangerous areas: Carlos Sims and DakBai DakBai We pray for those joined in marriage: Alex Pereida & Katherine Poxson We pray for the recently baptized: Skylar Joy Hall, daughter of Jason & Lisa Hall; Lydia Inez Villa, daughter of Carlos & Joi Luckadoo-Villa; John Michael Waugh, son of John & Elana Waugh

We pray for those expecting: Norm & Tara Farhat, Tad & Leigh Miller, Mark & Kate Johnson, and Ian & Brooke Broughton. We offer thanksgiving for the safe return of Stacey Speck from his military duty overseas We pray for the recently departed: Dorothy Lawrence

Advent I thank you, God, source of all anticipation . . . . For my blueberry patch, tilled, mulched and ready to receive ten balled and burlapped bushes next May; For goldfinches gathering in the treetops chattering among themselves: “Shall we go or stay?” For the willingness of oak leaves to let go, to fall, to make room for next spring’s buds; For the first snowflake’s shy offer to begin blanketing the winter woods; For the darkened pond sequined with yellow, red, and brown leaves, its creatures waiting wintersafe in deep black ooze; and For nighttime stars, so clear and mysterious, recalling another star and another time of waiting for new life. The Rev. Charles W. Millar

Assiff's Memorial Kneeler By Mandy Lawton

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fter John Assiff died, his wife, Juanita, wanted a memorial kneeler for him. As he had been an usher, she chose a kneeler in the back. In the discussion, Juanita decided to have one for herself. This is an extra long kneeler since she also added one in memory of their daughter, Mary Assiff Lindsay. Juanita has, also, since passed away. The kneeler is by the last pillar on the left side as you are facing the altar. The kneelers were stitched by Mary Tuckey, Nancy Milne and Sue Millar. The memorial kneelers make nice gifts for a loved one or as a memorial for a deceased member. We have over 100 needlepoint kneelers in our church. As with anything, material prices keep going up, so we need to raise the price to $350.00 for one kneeler. If you are interested please contact me, Mandy Lawton.

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St. Paul’s News

(Continued from, “Parenting God’s Children,” page 4)

study, reflect on our own experiences, as well as those presented by the curriculum, and learn practices to strengthen our parenting. We hope that in the course of the series, we will develop a sense of mutual support among the group that will also strengthen our faith lives as parents. This series is open to parents with children from infants to teens, and all are invited. Of course, we know that parenting has its own emergencies, but because the curriculum builds upon materials from the previous week, we ask that parents really make a six-week commitment to the group and attend all sessions. Child care will be available during the class. We are very excited about this opportunity, and hope you will join us. Class conveners are Millie Ericson, Martie Repaskey and Susie Shaefer. Please contact any of us with questions, and sign up outside the Merrifield Room or through the church office. (Continued from, “God is Doing New Things,” page 1)

knowledge that venturing into the unknown is sometimes painful. Why take the risk? Fear is also a reason we seek to remain as we are. The fear is usually in response to the possibility that we might lose something: material possessions, control of the situation, being embarrassed in front of God or other Christians, and any number of other things. There is safety in the foxhole of life and danger on the battlefield for Christ. The final thing that the group identified as being an impediment to Christian change was the pride that all of us have. While it is good to be confident in one's self and one's ability, and while it is true that these qualities can be marvelous tools used in the service of God, we step over a dangerous line when we become so prideful that we won't change because we think we know better, or that God thinks the way we do. These thoughts are offered to get us all thinking about the Season of Advent and how it should be a period when we prepare to explore the changes God calls us to make. When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of Herod the King, it was a new thing that God was doing, and the world has not been the same since. We celebrate it, but how does it change us? The concept that God would give up so much of His divinity as to become human was a new thing and the world has not been the same since. We celebrate it, but how ready are we to change because of it? The idea that God should suffer and die was a new concept. While most people of Jesus' day couldn't accept it, we know that the world hasn't been the same since. The idea that God calls us to pick up our crosses and follow in the path of sacrifice was and is a new concept. We know and have witnessed that those who make this change are never the same again. The disciples and those who followed them proved that change in outlook could, did, and can change the world. I hope the lessons of Advent have a clearer meaning for all of us this time. Advent is a season of joy in the changes God has accomplished. It is a season of Hope for the changes to come. It is a season to open our hearts and minds to this kind of joy and hope, as found in Jesus who is Christ our Lord. (Continued from, “CREDO,” page 1)

We talked about our spiritual lives, the good and the bad. We were given time and encouraged to take a long look at ourselves and formulate a plan of refocusing. This was valuable because many spend so much time going into the ministry and being priests that their own spiritual health is neglected. We also were encouraged to think and plan for the next phase of our ministry. That, as they so often pointed out, may not mean retirement. For many this was enlightenment. It provided new excitement and energy. Finally, we had the occasion to make new friends. Much of the retreat was spent in small groups talking about the issues. My group consisted of people from California, Connecticut and New Jersey. We were different but the same and excited about the prospects of the future and the opportunity for new friendships. We vowed to keep in touch and so far we have. I want to thank you for your good wishes prior to my leaving for the conference and questions about my well being upon return. It was a truly refreshing experience.

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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: www.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. Daniel Kallish, 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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