St. Paul's News - February, 2006

St. Paul's Episcopal Church Lansing Michigan

St. Paul’s News February, 2006

“The Book of Daniel” By The Rev. Dr. Gordon Weller

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he television program, "The Book of Daniel" certainly has gotten a lot of publicity lately. Even before its opening episode, the The Rev. Dr. Gordon Weller opinionists were both praising and panning it with almost equal fervor. Those panning it said that it was an affront to God and the Church; those praising it said that it was new and fresh, cutting edge. Some stations opted not to run the program because it was so controversial. Whether by intent or accident, the hype caught my attention. The bonus was that the denomination in review was the Episcopal Church. In retrospect, how could it be any other? Nevertheless, I was interested in how they would portray someone in my "profession." More than wanting to see my profession on display, I was interested in seeing how they would portray God. For those who have not seen the

Volume 31, Issue 2

program, Daniel is an Episcopal priest who has visitations by God to help in his personal and pastoral problems. My hope was that the portrayal of God would be as creative as the 1970's movie "Oh! God." There, God was a character, George Burns, complete with cigar, cane, fedora and old man shuffle for a gait. His minion was a grocery store produce manager played by John Denver. The impression given was that God was in complete control, as exampled by the thunderstorm in the VW Beetle. God was intelligent and witty, spitting out one liners that would stop you in your tracks with their wisdom. That God was compassionate and the movie emphasized love and forgiveness and getting that message out at all costs. And God was charming as only George Burns could play Him. I was disappointed in "Daniel." Not only is this priest, the family he loves and the congregation he serves, afflicted by every social ill available (Continued on page 4)

Rebirth By Rick Laub, “Retired” Senior Warden

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s I write this last message as Senior Warden, I am excited about the opportunities that the New Year brings for St. Paul’s. We have elected a new incoming group on the vestry and they will bring new energy and fresh perspectives to the challenges and opportunities in their three years of service. The renewed vitality that is present in the congregation is palpable, and we have the prospect of channeling this vitality both within and beyond our walls. Much as our Lenten reflection gives way to the rebirth at Easter, St. Paul’s is poised to build majestically upon its well-rooted foundation.

Serving on the vestry can sometimes seem like a numbing experience — looking at finances, dealing with problems, and voting on proposals. While it is all that, it can also be an invigorating experience where many different perspectives come together for a common goal. Our vestry is a wonderful group that has been able to be forthright and discerning, while still keeping light and upbeat in the process. We even get to laugh at most of the meetings! Thank you all for the opportunity to serve the congregation. I look forward to what the future brings.

Inside this issue: Upcoming Activities

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Vestry Highlights

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St. Paul’s News

6

Choir Schedule

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Youth Ministry

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Calendar

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Upcoming St. Paul’s Activities

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St Paul’s In Action Ongoing Activities

Committee Meetings

St. Aelred’s Guild, 3rd Wednesday, 5 PM

Design & Preservation, 2nd Tuesday, 5:15 PM

Bible Study, Wednesday, 6:15-7:30 PM

Service/Mission/Outreach, 3rd Monday, 6 PM

Book Cart, 2nd Sunday

This Month at St. Paul’s

B&PW Dinner Meeting, 2nd Tuesday, 6 PM

Book Sale, February 26, after 10 AM service

ECW,

1st

Tuesday, 7 PM

Family Night Dinner, Wednesday, 5-6 PM Food, Faith, Fun & Fellowship, (4Fs), 2nd and 4th Monday, Noon, Holy Eucharist, 12:30 PM Program St. Paul’s Library, open every Sunday Prayer Group, 1st Tuesday, 5:30 PM Men’s Breakfast, 3rd Thursday, 7 AM

Looking Ahead Lenten Lunch-N-Book Review, Mondays, March 6-April 4, 12:30 PM Christianity in the Market Place, Wednesdays beginning March 8, 6:30 PM England Choristers “Dinner in Italy,” March 11 “Sabbath Economics” Conference, St. John’s, Royal Oak on March 24 – 25

Mid-week Eucharist, Tuesday, 12 Noon

Eucharistic Minister Training The Rev. Susie Shaefer, Curate The time has come, the canons say To talk of many things Of chalices and Eucharist And cups for intincting

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very three years, it is time to license and re-license our Eucharistic Ministers, people who assist in worship by serving the chalice. To accomplish this goal, there will be a training and refresher session on Sunday, February 5 after the 10 AM service for approximately one hour. It is important that all current EMs attend if possible. We would also love to have new members in this ministry. If you are interested, please see Fr. Gordon Weller or the Rev. Susie Shaefer.

The 4 Fs By Nancy Sheldon

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oin us for Faith, Fellowship, Fun and Food every second and fourth Monday of the month. The schedule for each gathering is: • Noon: Holy Eucharist • 12:30 PM - A $4.00 lunch supplied by A Ca-

tered Affaire • 1 PM - Bible Study by Steve Lange • 1:15 PM - Program of the Day • 2 PM - Dismissal Programs for the remainder of the year are: • February 13 - Patricia Lyndale, a new member

B&PW Update By Elisabeth Richardson, Treasurer

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&PW will meet on Tuesday, February 14 at St. Paul's. Dinner is at 6 PM. Our program will be on community outreach projects. All members are asked to bring greeting cards to be re-packaged, as well as personal items for EVE's House. If anyone has any other community outreach project suggestions, please bring them to the meeting. If supplies are required, please call Libby Richardson, so we can pass the word. All RSVPs are due to Nancy Milne by Sunday, February 12 at 882-0573.

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of our congregation, has a Ph.D. in Religious Studies and is involved in hospital chaplaincy and other related topics. She'll be discussing “Ancestors, Elvis, and Adam and Eve,” a look at religious and cultural approaches to death. February 27 - A second informal sharing of our favorite books. This is really an enjoyable discussion! For March and April, see the article on the Lenten Book Discussions May 8 - Cinco de Mayo celebration led by The Rev. Susie Shaefer (with Mexican food!) May 22 – Wrap-up session for the year

Upcoming St. Paul’s Activities

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Lenten Series "Christianity in the Marketplace” The Rev. Dr. Gordon Weller

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his year we plan on hosting a Wednesday evening Lenten series entitled "Christianity in the Marketplace.” On five successive Wednesday evenings, beginning on March 8, we will have speakers who will share with us the difficulties of being Christian and operating in the area of the marketplace where they work. Areas will include television, the legal profession, the medical world, government and the automobile business. The program will offer the possibility of a meal, a time of fellowship and community, at our normal Wednesday evening "Family Night." This will be followed by an hour of presentation, discussion and questions and answers at 6:30 PM. This portion will be held in the Church. Sign up is not necessary unless you plan on joining us for dinner. Please mark these five Wednesdays on your calendar. They promise to be interesting.

Cabaret is Coming By Dr. Stephen R. Lange, Minister of Music

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t. Paul’s annual festival of fine dining and wonderful entertainment will be held on Saturday, March 11. The theme for the evening is “A Night in Italy,” and will feature Italian foods and delightful entertainment. Please save this date and plan to attend. Besides being a great value for food and entertainment, it is a wonderful opportunity to meet with friends and enjoy an evening of great camaraderie.

Don't Miss the Big Sale!

Lenten Lunch-N-Book Reviews By Dr. Stephen R. Lange, Minister of Music

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his year, the Lenten Lunch-N-Book Reviews have moved to a new day of the week. They will be held on Mondays to mesh with the 4 Fs schedule. They will begin on Monday, March 6, and run through April 4 (five sessions). The format will be the same: a simple lunch (soup, bread, salad) followed by a book review by one of St. Paul’s parishioners. This year reviewers will include Dorothy Marsh, Susie Shaefer, Gordon Weller, Chris Krupka and Steve Lange. They have chosen a wide variety of books to review, but all with a message that can enrich our spiritual lives. Remember Mondays for Lenten Lunch-N-Book Reviews. And consider bringing a friend or inviting a co-worker to join you. Sign-up sheets will be on the table by the elevator.

Did You Save the Date? By Barbara Richardson, ECW President

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hat date? April 28 and 29, 2006. The ECW is sponsoring a retreat at the Weber Center in Adrian, Michigan. Our own Carol Ingells is the retreat leader, and I can promise that it will be an excellent event. Look in the March issue of the St. Paul’s News for a special announcement regarding all of the details.

By Sue Millar, ERD Diocesan Coordinator

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ollowing the 10 AM service on February 26, you will be able to select some books that St. Paul's members have donated. The purchase price is actually a donation to Episcopal Relief and Development, that wonderful organization that expresses for Episcopalians our love and concern to those who suffer and are in need. Our contributions help them do their life saving and hope bringing work.

So, collect the books you are ready to pass on, to enlighten and delight other readers, and leave them in the bin under the table by the elevator. The deadline is February 22. Then be sure to be on hand on Sunday, February 26 to select books you would like to own and make your contribution to ERD. It’s a WIN-WIN day for everyone.

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News from the Vestry

Highlights from the Vestry Meeting At the January 17 Vestry meeting your Vestry:

• Received unreturned Vestry calling lists - Next

• Participated in devotions about St. Aelred, the

• Received report on Pictorial Directory - ready

person for whom our visitation Guild is named

• Approved minutes from the December meeting • Received a third bid on refurbishment of the or• •

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gan Discussed the needs and possibilities of organ repair Approved a motion to agree to rebuild the organ, appoint a committee to study the rebuilding and how to finance it, and set the summer of 2006 as the appropriate time for the work to be accomplished Received a 2005 year end financial report (details elsewhere in this issue) Approved a 2006 budget to be presented at the Annual Meeting

calling will be in March soon

• Received the "time & talent" cards from the Every • • • • •

Member Canvass committee and distributed them to the appropriate Vestry Committees Approved the "letter of Agreement" between "A Catered Affaire" and St. Paul's. Noted that the Worship and Music Committee will distribute a survey in Church and at the Annual Meeting Received a nominating committee report indication that we have eight candidates for four positions Received Clergy reports Noted the Vestry retreat time (Jan. 28th, at St Francis in DeWitt)

(Continued from, “The Book of Daniel,” page 1)

in this Year of our Lord, 2006, to the point of being unbelievable, but God comes to this priest looking like a thousand visions of the past: flowing robe, long hair and a beard. The problem is that there is little or no substance to what he says. Jesus is portrayed as little more than a glorified conscience. I expected, I hoped for more. In this season of Epiphany, when we hear of God's 10,000-year quest to make himself known to his children and Jesus becoming our brother and savior, it seems that this show misses the mark that I had hoped for. Yet, I truly believe that God speaks to us every day. God continually chooses new and creative ways to become known to those whom he loves. Our task is not to give up hope, but continue to look.

2006 Annual Meeting By Christine Caswell, Editor St. Paul’s held its annual meeting on January 21, 2006 to elect four new Vestry members, vote on proposed bylaw changes and acknowledge the outstanding service of dedicated members with Angel and Canterbury awards. Those elected for three-year terms to the Vestry were Sue Henderson, Charlie Krupka, Kelly GmazelSanchez and Elisabeth Richardson. The other four members who ran were thanked for their willingness to serve and, as Fr. Weller noted, will probably be asked to serve in some other capacity were Jennett Suprenant, Ian Broughton, Dorothy Marsh and Pat Riley. The outgoing members were also thanked: Debby

Pierce, Valerie Boman and Senior Warden Rick Laub. Those members receiving the Angel award from the ECW were Tom Shawver, Pam Irwin and Norris Ingells, who was presented with his award before his passing in December. The 2005 Canterbury awards were given to Karen and Bob Tarrant, Daren McConnell and Marion McGee. The proposed bylaw change to add a one-year term for a youth member was approved, and the 2005 and 2006 budgets were accepted. Jean Shawver announced that the new banners would be dedicated on February 19 at the 10 AM service. The meeting was then adjourned.

News from the Vestry

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Financial Information As of December 31, 2005 By Jeff Irwin The year 2005 was another difficult one from a financial perspective. We recorded a net operating loss of $101,464. This is a little less then the 2005 budgeted deficit, but essentially it was as expected at the start of the year. Unrestricted pledge revenue was $281,787, which is 95% of the amount budgeted. Other revenue sources totaled $64,637. Overall operating revenue was $15,136, more than budgeted. However, operating expenses were also over budget by $13,052. In addition to the operating budget of the church, there are significant funds that have been designated by the vestry or restricted by the donors. As of December 31, 2005, approximately $600,000 worth of funds existed. These funds may only be used if the restrictions are met. The single largest one is the St. Paul’s Perpetual fund which totaled $341,526 at year end 2005. This fund may used in an emergency by a majority vote of the vestry. In recent years, it has been necessary for the vestry to release money from the Perpetual fund to keep the church solvent. In regard to the revenue from the various funds in 2005, $53,594 was received from the Lucille Penniman Trust. Of this amount $48,235 was deposited in the Perpetual fund and $5,359 was deposited in the Mission and Outreach Fund. An additional $21,231 in contributions was received with restrictions as to the purpose of the use of the funds. In addition, $16,700 of income was earned on the investments where the funds are held, and $17,241 was expended, which resulted in $74,284 of net revenue for the restricted and designated funds. The combined net of the unrestricted operating revenue and the designated and restricted funds was a net loss of $27,180 for 2005. During this past year, $103,352 was released to provide funding for the continued operation of the church. Of that total, $81,286 was from the Perpetual Fund. There is $4,933 in unspent Sudanese funds. Of this amount, $1,800 is restricted for James Aleu's trip to Africa. The remaining $3,133 is available to be used to assist members of the Sudanese community for education of relatives back in the Sudan and general assistance as they may need from time to time in Michigan. An operating deficit of $117,267 is expected in the 2006 budget. This is based on pledge revenue committed, anticipated other revenue and the cost of the programs necessary to continue to operate the church at the level of services to which we are accustomed. In recent years, the deficit has been primarily funded by vestry approval of the withdrawal from the perpetual fund. Undoubtedly, they will again be asked to approve a release of a significant portion of the perpetual fund to continue to provide monies for the operation of the church. There is not a budget for the restricted and designated funds. This is because the revenue is essentially the result of contributions received and earnings on the funds invested. For the years 2006, 2007 and 2008, we will receive approximately $50,000 each year in bequest income from the Penniman Trust. The vestry has established that 90% of this amount will be placed in the St. Paul’s Perpetual fund and 10% will be placed in the Mission and Outreach fund. If we continue to annually incur deficits over $100,000, and if there are no additional large bequest gifts such as the Penniman Trust, it is conceivable that in six to seven years, St. Paul’s will be essentially bankrupt. I would like to thank Chris Strukel, Kathleen Johnson, Elisabeth Richardson and Chuck Millar, who all made invaluable contributions to the accounting and financial stewardship of the church this past year.

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St. Paul’s News

St. Aelred's By Nancy Sheldon

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t. Aelred's Guild offers spiritual friendship through visitation and lay eucharistic visits to members of our congregation who are unable to worship with us on Sunday. We also help to keep the prayer list up to date and welcome our newest babies into the congregation. Anyone who would like to join us in this ministry is very welcome! We meet the third Wednesday of the month from 5-6 PM in the Van Atta Room.

on the prayer list or knows someone whom they'd like placed on it, please call Kathleen Johnson, our office manager, and let her know. The current weekly prayer list is also posted on the bulletin board outside the church office and in the newsletter.

Also, please note that hospital privacy rules do not allow them to tell churches (or others) when someone from their congregation is in the hosNames on the prayer list, printed in pital. Please remember to tell the the Sunday bulletin, are supposed to hospital during the admission process that you, or a member of your remain there for 30 days or, until family, are parishioners at St. Paul's. the person being prayed for or a member of their family calls to ad- You should also call the church office or Father Weller to let us know who vise us to continue the listing or remove it. If anyone would like to be is in which hospital and when we can

visit or how we can help. Sometimes, a hospital visit is not recommended or advised. In those cases, we can put you, or a member of your family, on our prayer list and then visit later, at a more appropriate or beneficial time. St. Aelred's request of all of you is to share with us your need for prayer or the needs of a member of your family or others. This helps us be better prepared to reach out to members of our parish family in spiritual friendship. Please let Father Weller or Kathleen know of your needs. Thank you for being our "eyes and ears!”

St. Paul’s February Prayer List We pray for those who are sick and in need: Cindy Robinson, Beverly McEachern, James Lantz Family, Sally Mishra, Dixie Durr, 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, Janet Siebert, Sherry Vogel, Barbara Millar, Avel Neito, John Kim, Ray Chase, Michelle Benson, Rich Davis, Jessica Gonzales, Pat Riley, Kim Crawford, Erik Lindquist, Akua Menyon, Bernie Sleight, Bobby, Mary Ann Kelley, Carol, Larissa Clark and Melinda Gordon We pray and remember those in the military, serving in dangerous areas: Matthew Rawlins, Carlos Sims, Stacey Speck and Paul Jorae We pray for those recently baptized: William John Erickson, son of Ethan & Dianna Erickson; and Amanda Mae Thompson, daughter of Kristi & Perry Thompson We pray for those expecting: Rich & Vicky Bellon, Michael & Julie Young, Matt & Mindy Pauly, Michael & Lois Aguilera and Justin & Julia Heany We pray for those recently married: Shelly Green & Doug Hilbert We pray for those who have died: Juanita Assiff and Donald Fowler

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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lease be sure to save Saturday, March 11, for Cabaret. The format will be slightly changed this year, with an Italian theme for the food. All members of Cherubs, Boy’s and Grace, and High School Choirs will be performing. Tickets will go on sale starting February 5.

Singing Schedule Date

Choirs

February 5 February 12 February 19 February 26

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

March 1, Ash Wednesday March 5 March 12 March 19 March 26

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

Special Ash Wednesday Schedule

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ecause of the Ash Wednesday service at 7 PM on March 1, the rehearsal schedule will be altered somewhat for the evening.

Boys’ and Grace and Cherubs will meet as usual, from 5:30 to 6:30 PM. The High School Choir will not rehearse this evening, but they are invited to sing for the service. The Chancel Choir will sing for the service and then rehearse after the service (instead of rehearsing on Thursday of that week).

Christmas Donations By The Rev. Susie Shaefer, Curate

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hank you to everyone who gave so generously to our Christmas outreach programs. We collected two whole boxes of mittens, hats and scarves from our Mitten Tree, which are distributed through Christian Services.

On Christmas Eve, the “Gifts for the Christ Child” absolutely overflowed the manger! The recipients of the infant items are women from EVE’s House, a local shelter and program for victims of domestic violence. Thank you to Max & Debby Pierce for delivering the gifts to EVE. Thanks to everyone who donated items – they really do make a difference!

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St. Paul’s Youth Ministry Church School News By The Rev. Susie Shaefer, Curate

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ur second semester of Church School is well underway after a good long break around the Christmas holiday. The new semester brings some changes in our teachers. Thank you and welcome to Kathy Gut, Jill Walker, Kelly Gmazel-Sanchez and Rod Sanchez who join with teachers from the fall: Carol Laub, Julie Fletcher, Chris Nazar, Sue Le Duc, Lyn Kressler and Yvonne Lantz. Thanks to our teachers who taught the first semester: Judi Clarke, Darrick Alvarez, and Chris and Charlie Krupka. The ministry of teaching is a big job, and these folks do all of us a great service by spending time with the kids and youth of St. Paul’s. Also, on the first Sunday of each month we observe Family Sunday, a time when the St. Paul’s community of all ages can worship together. There is no church school on Family Sundays, and we often have a special sermon and music. Still, worship can be a long time to sit for some kids. To help with this, there is a basket of books, crayons and coloring pages available on these Sundays. Please feel free to borrow from the basket if your child needs a quiet activity during worship.

Youth Group Family Super Bowl Party

Watch this space for information about Guys Night Out.

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outh in grades 6-12 and their families are invited to come and celebrate the 2006 Super Bowl at Chris Nazar’s house on Sunday, February 5. The party will begin at 5:30 PM. Hope to see you there!

30-Hour Famine: Youth Group Girls Night Out

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ou are invited to a girls-only night out with The Rev. Susie Shaefer at a Michigan State Women’s basketball game! Save the date for Thursday, February 16 for the MSU v. Iowa game in East Lansing. We’ll get together for dinner and go to the 7 PM game. Watch your mailbox for your invitation with more details coming soon!

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The Amazing Race

ur February lock-in will again be the 30-Hour Famine, a national program for teens focused on fighting world hunger. We raise money to support the fight against hunger, and spend some time getting a small taste of what it would be like to be hungry, so that others might have food. We will gather Friday evening, February 24 at 6 PM for a full 24-hour program through February 25. Our theme this year is “The Amazing Race.” Our program will include games, Bible study, service activities and scavenger hunts. Registration packets are available from The Rev. Susie Shaefer.

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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

If you no longer wish to receive these mailings, please call the church office (517) 482-9454, any time of the day or night and leave a message to be taken off our mailing list.