St. Paul's News - March, 2006

St. Paul's Episcopal Church Lansing Michigan

St. Paul’s News Lenten Discipline By The Rev. Dr. Gordon Weller

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ent is such a special time. It really offers a person a chance to pause and reflect on the many issues of Christianity The Rev. Dr. Gordon Weller associated with the season, and to more fully prepare for the celebration of Easter. By contrast, the other season of preparation, Advent, is so filled with secular considerations that the religious images almost can't come into focus until we hear the story of the birth of the Christ Child on Christmas Eve. Fortunately the business world has not found anything they can sell or promote during Lent or Easter, as much as they might try with the Easter Bunny.

Volume 31, Issue 3

three items. The first is the greatness of the opportunity to participate. The second is the preparation needed to compete, and the third the glory associated with the prize.

As this comes to you, we all are about to begin the season of Lent. I would remind you that to fully appreciate the gift of Easter, we must be like the Olympic athletes. You can all make the connections mentioned above for yourselves. I would tell you one of mine. As mentioned, training or some Lenten discipline, is important. Some use the "Call to a Holy Lent," from the Ash Wednesday liturgy, as a training manual. I would suggest one other. On page 184 of the Prayer Book, the collect for proper 28 speaks to Holy Scripture and what its impact on us might be. When used, one prays that he might "read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them (Holy It does, however, take time to involve oneself with the disciplines of the season. As I sit to write Scripture)." this, the Winter Olympics are center stage. Almost every individual interviewed focuses on (Continued on page 12)

Vestry Retreat By Elisabeth Richardson, Senior Warden

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March, 2006

to be; what God is calling us to be; and to he Vestry met on January 28 at St. Francis whom is God calling us to go: in process by Retreat Center to orient new members, the Vestry. The Web page is in good shape. build community, worship, examine the Mission/ The Communications committee is working on Vision statement of the parish, and review and marketing and advertising strategies. plan our goals for 2006. Before I discuss this year’s goals, here is a list of the 2005 goals and 4. Develop measurable goals: in process by a status report on completion. the Vestry and all committees. 5. Building the community: in process by the 1. Programming (Christian education) for the Evangelism committee. full year: in process by the Adult & Youth 6. Ministry to those seeking us: in process by Christian Education committee. the Evangelism committee. 2. Increased emphasis on Evangelism: in process by the Evangelism committee. (Continued on page 12) 3. Complete the visualization of what we want

Inside this issue: Upcoming Activities 2-4 St. Paul’s News

5-6, 9-11

Choir Schedule

7

Youth Ministry

8

Calendar

12

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Upcoming St. Paul’s Activities 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 and Elsewhere

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

Christianity in the Market Place, Wednesdays beginning March 8, 6:30 PM

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 Mid-week Eucharist, Tuesday, 12 Noon

Lenten Lunch-N-Book Review, Mondays, March 6-April 4, 12:30 PM England Choristers Cabaret, “Dinner in Italy,” March 11

The Household of God, March 24-25, St. John’s, Royal Oak on March 24 – 25

Women’s Retreat, Saturday, March 25, St. Katherine’s, Williamston Looking Ahead Maundy Thursday Celebration, April 13, 6 PM

Capitol Deanery Women’s Retreat By The Rev. Susie Shaefer, Curate

By Nancy Sheldon

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Join us for Faith, Fellowship, Fun and Food every 2nd and 4th Monday of the month. The schedule for each gathering is:

ll Saints, East Lansing, has graciously extended invitations to their women’s retreat to include other Lansing area parishes. This retreat will take place on Saturday, March 25 from 10 AM – 3 PM at St. Katherine’s Church in Williamston. It marks the Feast of the Annunciation, and the theme is “Mary: Creativity and Theology.” It will feature presentations on the interplay of theology and creative arts. The cost is $15. To register, please call All Saints Episcopal Church office at (517) 3517160. Note: This retreat does conflict with “Becoming the Household of Jesus Christ: Sabbath Economics.” However, we look at it as another spiritual opportunity for those who are unable to attend that event.

• Noon: Holy Eucharist • 12:30PM: A $4.00 lunch supplied by A Catered

Affaire • 1:00PM: Bible Study by Steve Lange • 1:15PM: Program of the Day • 2:00PM: Dismissal

See the Lenten Book Series article for the March and April schedule on page 3. May 8th: Cinco de Mayo celebration led by Rev. Susie Shaefer (with Mexican food!). May 22nd: Wrap up session for the year

B&PW Update By Elisabeth Richardson, Treasurer

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he Business & Professional Women will meet Tuesday, March 14 at 6 PM for dinner and a program. Dinner is $8 and reservations are due to Nancy Milne by Sunday, March 12 (882-0573). We will have a Lenten program, presented by the Rev. Gordon Weller. The entire parish, visitors and guests are always welcome.

Upcoming St. Paul’s Activities

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St. Paul’s 2006 Lenten Series "Christianity in the Marketplace” Where Sacred and Secular Values Can Collide The Rev. Dr. Gordon Weller On five successive Wednesday evenings, from March 8 - April 5, prominent Episcopalians will share their experiences about how their Christian values can sometimes collide with their secular responsibilities. For those interested and who sign up, a meal will be provided for $4.00. The dinner portion will begin at 6PM and be available until 6:45PM. Reservations for dinner may be made by calling St. Paul's parish office (482-9454) or by signing the guest list on Sunday morning. The program will begin following dinner at 7PM and is without charge. The public is cordially invited. Speakers and fields of reference include: The Legal World Ms. Susan LeDuc, Assistant District Attorney for Ingham County Mr. Hugh Clark, prominent Lansing defense attorney

Dr. Helen Hiscoe, medical ethics instructor at MSU The Corporate World Mr. John Grettenberger, former president of the Cadillac Division of General Motors The Broadcast World Ms. Jane Aldrich, news anchor for TV 6, WLNS The Political World The Hon. John Cherry, Lt. Governor of the State of Michigan As of the deadline of the St. Paul's News, dates for specific persons have not been finalized. Check our Web site, www.stpaulslansing.org, as we get closer to the opening night.

The Medical World Medical Center Dr. Bonta Hiscoe, surgeon for 26 years at Sparrow March 1, 2006 7AM — Chapel Noon — Chapel

Lenten Lunch-N-Book Reviews

Services

7PM — Church

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 for $4) followed by a book review by one of St. Paul’s parishioners. In addition, this year there will also be a celebration of Holy Eucharist each of these five weeks from 11:30 AM to 12 noon.

Reviewers will include Dorothy Marsh (March 6—The Lovely Bones: An Autobiography of God), Chris Krupka (March 13—The Ragamuffin Gospel), Susie Shaefer, (March 20—Looking for Mary), Steve Lange, (March 27— The Good Book), and Gordon Weller, (April 3—Rescuing the Bible from Fundamentalists). 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.

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Upcoming St. Paul’s Activities

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

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abaret is coming! St. Paul’s annual festival of fine dining and wonderful entertainment will be held on Saturday, March 11, this year. Dinner will begin at 5 PM, the entertainment at 6 PM (one hour earlier than last year, so that families may attend more easily). 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 great opportunity to meet with friends and enjoy an evening of great camaraderie. Tickets are $12.50 for a lasagna or spaghetti dinner and entertainment; $10.00 for coffee, dessert, and entertainment; and $7.50 for a kid’s meal and entertainment.

The Rev. Dr. Gordon F. Weller

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lease save the date, April 13, at 6 PM. We will again gather with our friends from Christ Community Church (formerly First Baptist) and Central United Methodist Church for a meal commemorating Christ’s institution of the Lord’s Supper. This is a time of prayer in the Garden remembering Christ’s agony and the stripping of the Altar reading used for Good Friday. A sign-up sheet will be on the table by the elevator.

Becoming the Household of God Meets in March By Dorothy Marsh

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he annual meeting of “Becoming The Household of God,” on March 24-25, is one of those rare times when we are invited to hear from a nationally recognized speaker. The conference is held at St. John's Episcopal Church in Royal Oak. It begins at 6 PM on Friday night (24th) and ends in Saturday afternoon. It is also a time when we can meet with and worship with fellow Episcopalians from other churches in our diocese. Too often we feel a sense of isolation from the Bishop and the other churches because we are on the far west side of the diocese. This is an opportunity for real fellowship. Ched Myers, the speaker and facilitator for the con-

ference, is recognized nationally for his experience in teaching biblical literacy. He is co-founder and program director of the Bartimaeus Cooperative Ministries, and they are currently focusing on economic issues as a concrete way to challenge us. This is economics that is related to four lifestyle issues (Sabbath/ work, consumption, living green, and solidarity) as well as debt, giving, and investing. Ched will speak with us about the strategic steps that individuals, churches, and church institutions can take to assure that their financial resources are being expended for the common good. Registration forms will be found on the table in the cloister.

Mission and Outreach St. Elizabeth Guild

By Debby Pierce

By Debby Pierce, Acting President

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arly reminder! St. Elizabeth Guild will begin meeting again on Tuesday, April 25, at 12:30PM at my house. The program is to be announced soon. The May Salad Lunch will be at St. Paul’s, and our program will be by Mandy Lawton with a presentation and tour of the wonderful needlepoint in St. Paul’s.

hank you to all of you who listed Mission and Outreach on your Time and Talent pledge card. We will be very pleased to have some new members on the committee. If you are interested, our next meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 20, at 5:30 PM in the Van Atta Room. Prior to then, I will send all of you letters to let you know a little history and what is in the future. We would love some input from any and all parishioners who are interested in this very important part of our church life.

St. Paul’s News

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We’re Asking Questions By Christine Caswell, Editor

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he St. Paul’s Communications Committee, founded and led by Rick Laub, has taken on part of the mission to “grow” the church and its congregation. In order to do this, we are going to survey current members to find out what’s important to the people who are currently here. Who is coming to the church? Who is joining, and what is bringing them here? Who is staying, and why do they do so? We need to know more about you as a church member, so we can determine how best to achieve the mission of being a “welcoming church,” and introducing St. Paul’s to potential new members. The survey will take a little time to fill out, but we hope you will spend a few minutes to help us in this effort. All responses will be anonymous. I know that all of us are always getting surveys these days, but, if you, as a parishioner of St. Paul’s, could take some time to let us know what is important to you in a worship community, it will not only be greatly appreciated but will tell us how to keep our church vital. Also, along with Rick, we offer many thanks to Stephanie Van Koevering for taking the initiative to develop a formal marketing plan and to put the survey together, and to Patrice Van Voorhees, Thomas Kelleher, Susie Shaefer, Kathleen Johnson, and Tom Shawver who have all contributed to the work of this committee. We look forward to getting your comments.

LEMs, LEVs and Lectors By Tom Shawver, Staff Writer

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e welcome as newcomers to the parish, Perry and Kristi Thompson and their fourand-a-half month-old daughter Amanda of 381 Coventry Lane, Mason. They moved here from Commerce Township in Oakland County last fall. He is an attorney and real estate salesman and she is state director of services/purchasing in the Department of Management and Budget. Their infant daughter was baptized in St. Paul's in January.

By The Rev. Dr. Gordon F. Weller

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would like to thank Carol Ingells for her service to the parish for the last two years as scheduler and coordinator of our LEMs, LEVs, and Lectors. This group of volunteers is an integral part of our worship experience at any worship service, and coordinating the schedules of two dozen people can be daunting. Carol did it with much grace. We also offer a welcome to Dorothy Marsh as she begins her term of service as coordinator. To those in the LEM, LEV, Lector group, please try to be as attentive and accommodating of the schedule as you can.

Thanking Carol Ingells By Dorothy Marsh

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here are many ways that people serve at St. Paul's, some of them in somewhat obscure ways only known to a few. Have you ever wondered how those serving at the altar and reading the Sunday morning scriptures arrive at their responsibilities? This is something that we generally take for granted but without an organizing mind behind it there would be a kind of chaos. Carol Ingells has provided that guidance for what is often a thankless job. Thankless because few are aware of it and thankless because sometimes we fuss at her over the times we have been scheduled. She is now retiring and her thoughtful and prayerful approach to this responsibility is greatly appreciated by those of us in the know. Now you know, too. Thanks Carol!

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St. Paul’s Youth Ministry

Organ Refurbishment By The Rev. Dr. Gordon F. Weller

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s announced at the Annual Meeting in January, our organ is in need of refurbishment. It was originally installed in 1950 and had a modest revamping in 1979-80. Given that the average life expectancy of an organ is 50 years, you can see that the time is upon us. Our hope is to have the bulk of the work completed over the summer. If you are interested in learning more and/or being part of the Organ Committee and haven't been contacted, please contact Father Weller, Senior Warden Libby Richardson, or Junior Warden Greg Wortley.

Congratulations to Choristers By Dr. Stephen R. Lange, Minister of Music

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t Solo and Ensemble Festival, held at Mason High School on Saturday, February 4, two of St. Paul’s choristers received superior ratings (Megan McGee and Sarah Niven), and one received an excellent rating (Staci Sparks). In addition, Melanie Walker is a member of the MSU School of Community Music Children’s Choir that received two Emmy’s for their recordings last year for best classical album and best choral album. Congratulations to all on their wonderful work!

By The Rev. Dr. Gordon F. Weller

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s rector, I am pleased to announce that we have a new Episcopal Relief and Development parish representative replacing Penny Rypstra who moved recently. Please welcome Kathleen Gut as our new voice for ERD at St. Paul's and congratulate her when you see her in church. Kathleen also serves on the Vestry, the evangelism committee, and teaches Church School. She is excited to take on this new challenge, anticipating the sharing of knowledge about ERD as she learns more. We are also pleased to report that St. Paul's parishioners donated $985 to ERD's work last year. Thank you to all who responded. Kathleen looks forward to sharing a more detailed report on ERD's relief work following the Katrina disaster. After Kathleen has had time to review the ERD materials, she plans on a parish event to update us on the work of ERD. Thank you, Kathleen!

St. Paul’s March Prayer List We pray for those who are sick and in need: Cindy Robinson, Beverly McEachern, James Lantz Family, 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, Dorothy Lawrence, Brian Schray, June Wyatt, Janet Siebert, Barbara Millar, Avel Neito, John Kim, Ray Chase, Michelle Benson, Rich Davis, Jessica Gonzales, Pat Riley, Kim Crawford, Erik Lindquist, Bernie Lynch, Bobby, Mary Ann Kelley, Carol, Melinda Gordon; Tom, Lydia and Justin Young; and Judith Jones We pray and remember those in the military, serving in dangerous areas: Carlos Sims, Stacey Speck, and Paul Jorae We pray for those expecting: Rich & Vicky Bellon, Michael & Julie Young, Michael & Lois Aguilera, Justin & Julia Heany and Justin & Jessica Leonard We celebrate the birth of Amelia Wolf Pauly, daughter of Matt & Mindy Pauly We pray for those who have died: Francis Howard

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.

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here will be a Sunday brunch at the Lange’s for all members of the Chancel Choir on Sunday, March 12, starting at noon. Please sign up in the Choir Rehearsal Room.

Singing Schedule Date March 1, Ash Wednesday March 5 March 12 March 19 March 26

Choirs Chancel, (6:30 PM Rehearsal, 7 PM Service) High School; Boys’ and Grace Chancel; High School Chancel; High School Chancel; High School

April 2 April 9 (Palm Sunday) April 16 (Easter) 9 AM 11 AM April 23 April 30

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

Rehearsal Schedule Adjustments for March and April

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ecause of the Ash Wednesday service at 7 PM on March 1, my absence from St. Paul’s from March 30 to April 6 (helping my wife chaperone her Madrigal Singers on their trip to Italy), and Holy Week, there will be several rehearsal changes in March and April. They are as follows: March 1, Ash Wednesday:

Cherubs and Boys’ and Grace — Normal rehearsal schedule High School Choir — No rehearsal (but are invited to sing the 7 PM service) Chancel Choir — Sing for the 7 PM service (warm-ups at 6:30 PM); rehearsal after the service at 8 PM

Thursday, March 2:

No Handbell or Chancel Choir rehearsals

Thursday, March 30:

No Handbell or Chancel Choir rehearsals

Wednesday, April 5

No Cherubs, Boys’ and Grace, or High School Choir rehearsals

Thursday, April 6

No Handbell or Chancel Choir rehearsals

Wednesday, April 12: 7:30 PM

NORMAL REHEARSALS FOR CHERUBS, BOYS’ AND GRACE, HIGH SCHOOL Chancel Choir rehearsals

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St. Paul’s Youth Ministry

Kid’s Communion Instruction By The Rev. Susie Shaefer, Curate

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hat does my child need in order to receive Communion? Should they wait until they are old enough to understand the theology? Or, aren’t they part of the church now? Many parents struggle with these questions. The short and simple answer is: Baptism is all that is required. In the Episcopal Church, we believe that at Baptism children (and adults!) become full members of the Body of Christ. Therefore, children of all ages are welcomed at the Lord’s Table. Of course, the realities of being a small child can make receiving Communion more difficult. Babies don’t eat solid foods like bread, and toddlers may not understand what is going on in church, or what to do with the strange bread and cup of wine at the rail. Simple instructions from parents can help a child participate in Communion, and teach them that they are indeed members of the Church. As children grow and develop, so will their understanding of the Eucharist, with help from their parents, from

Church School, and from being present in worship. Last fall, we offered an afternoon Communion class for children, and we are offering it again this spring. On Saturday, March 25, from 9AM - Noon, there will be one of those opportunities for children to deepen their knowledge and understanding of the Eucharist. We will use stories, activities, and prayer to help children learn about the Eucharist. The class will be most appropriate for children ages 3 to 8 (Pre-K through 2nd grade). The following Sunday will include a recognition for the students from the class receiving Communion as an important step in their life as baptized Christians. For parents who prefer that their children have a class before taking Communion, this is for you! For parents who want to explore Communion with their kids, even if they already regularly receive the bread and wine, this is the class for you too! To register, please contact the Rev. Gordon Weller.

Youth Group Mission Trip News By The Rev. Susie Shaefer, Curate

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t. Paul’s Youth Group is going on our first mission trip! From July 15-21, we will be going to Eagle Ranch in Tennessee. We will participate in a Habitat project, as well as environmental education projects, such as trail building and stream clean-up. We will share meals with other youth groups from around the country, as well as have evening time for devotions with our own group. It will be an incredible opportunity for youth and leaders to grow in faith and service to God by serving others, and spending time together away from home. Mission trips require more support and planning than most youth group events. First, we ask your prayers as we prepare for this trip. We also ask your patience as we organize and raise the needed funds. Finally, we ask for your encouragement. It is a brave thing for teenagers to give up a week of their summer vacation to work for the benefit of people they will likely never see again. The leaders, Chris Nazar, Darren & Ellen McConnell, and Rev. Susie Shaefer are looking forward to the opportunity to work with these youth, and will happily answer other questions about the trip. An opportunity for support is coming soon! Please join us on Sunday, March 19 after the 10AM service for a special fundraiser brunch. We will have breakfast casseroles and other brunch goodies, and your donations will support our youth! Look for a sign-up sheet with more details in early March. If you would like to help, please contact Kathy Gut, chair of the brunch.

St. Paul’s News

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Thank You: From the Ingells Family By Carol Ingells To the Congregation:

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elissa, Lester and I offer our heartfelt gratitude to each of you for the countless ways you supported us during Norris's illness and final passing. The visits, calls, meals, notes, e-mails, memorials, hugs, and especially your prayers and presence gave (and still give) us strength and courage to go on.

Special thanks to Gordon, Steve, Kathleen, Susie, Vicki and Melanie Walker, Chuck Millar, Jannel Glennie, Rick Laub and the women of the ECW Steering Committee. The service and reception were beautiful. Many who don't attend St. Paul's commented on the beauty of both, as well as the hospitality of our church. We were proud to be part of such a good congregation and believe Norris would be delighted with it all. We know many of you mourn his loss, as well. And while we miss him more than we can express, we are grateful for his freedom and joy in New Life and for the full and gifted life he lived on earth. Thank you from our hearts! Carol & Melissa Ingells

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 Names on the prayer list, printed in hospital. Please remember to tell the Sunday bulletin, are supposed the hospital during the admission to remain there for 30 days or, until process that you, or a member of your family, are parishioners at St. the person being prayed for or a member of their family calls to ad- Paul's. You should also call the vise us to continue the listing or re- church office or Father Weller to let move it. If anyone would like to be us know who 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!”

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St. Paul’s News Sometimes I Wonder…

Vestry Highlights Because of the lateness of the Vestry meeting, February 21 (as late as it can be), the shortness of the month (as short as it can be), and the desire to get the newsletter information to you in a timely manner, Vestry Highlights will not be included this month. Minutes may be found on the bulletin board across from the rector's office.

By Sue Millar, Book Cart Manager

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ometimes I wonder if the effort of the Book Cart is worth it. It’s not about making a profit for St. Paul’s. It’s about making written resources easily available to parishioners. My thought, when I decided to take on this project, was that it wouldn’t take too much time and would be easy to do. No big deal. The Book Cart, as I hope you know, provides parishioners with a chance to purchase books I secure through the Cathedral Book Shop. Bibles, Prayer Books, books on theology or church history, liturgical materials, books that nurture individual spiritual growth, books for children and their parents are available. You get the idea. It’s okay when the monthly display registers no sales, since people often browse and at least are aware that the books are available. Still, since bookkeeping is pretty far down on my list of fun things to do, and even this project requires a minimum, there are times I wonder, “Why did I take this on?”

Parish Stewardship (Or let’s not burn down the Parish House)

Then last month, following the service during which Fr. Weller preached on praying with your children, a young mother asked if we had anything that would help her as she nurtured her three-year-old (Continued on page 11)

By Debby Pierce

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s I look around the Parish House and church, I see it is time for my semi-annual stewardship/housekeeping reminder. We have several very important issues that we all need to be aware of. First, if you have a meeting, please make sure the outside doors are all locked before you leave (check the outside handle of the Parish House doors [front] to be sure the handle is in a locked position). Be sure the Cloister door is locked, if you exit by way of the Cloister door, and be sure to push it until it latches. If you have made coffee, be sure the Bunn coffeemaker is turned off. If you are the last to leave on Sunday, make sure the coffeemaker and coffee urns are turned off. The coffee urns were left plugged in on Christmas Day and not discovered until the 27th—bad smell. The Bunn coffeemaker was left on January 24 and when the caterers came in the next morning, the pot had gone dry and blown out a fuse. Unfortunately, the icemaker is on the same circuit, so the ice all melted and the maker was filled with water. These are all potentially dangerous situations, and we all need to be more diligent to see that nothing serious happens.

St. Paul’s News

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"The banners are up! The banners are up!" By Tom Shawver, Staff Writer

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t's a cry worth repeating throughout the church, at the culmination of a yearslong project to cap the renovation of the Merrifield Room with a host of colorful banners hanging from the rafters. The effect is akin to an heraldic display in a medieval castle or cathedral, only these are different.

The eight double-sided banners, shaped like shields and measuring about three by three-and-a-half feet, represent eight seasons of the church year. They're on permanent display for present and future congregations of St. Paul's to learn from and enjoy. The Merrifield Room banners were first envisioned by Catherine Hornbach, an interior designer who was a consultant for the $1 million renovation project at St. Paul's that started about 10 years ago. She recommended a "great room" concept for the main fellowship hall of the church. Following up on this recommendation, Mary Luginsland of the "People United" renovation committee asked Jean Shawver to head up a banner committee, and she, in turn, invited eight other women in the congregation to join her. "All the women have special talents for creativity and are proficient in the fiber arts," said Jean. They are Mary Luginsland, Ruth Farmer, Marilyn Rider, Sally Boron, Debby Pierce, Chris Krupka, Elisabeth Richardson, and Susan Bonfiglio. The women began by viewing banners in churches in the Lansing area and beyond, then brainstorming among themselves before settling on the seasons of the church year as the theme. Research followed on colors and symbols, such as the Christmas rose, the Easter lily, and the Epiphany star. The focus is on simplicity of design and strong graphic representation. Before construction began, the group had to deal with other issues, such as state and local fire regulations, fabric choices, acoustical problems, hanging devices, and color fasting the fabrics used. Ever since then, the committee has met in the Merrifield Room in groups of three to six, usually, with sewing machines, irons, and ironing boards at the ready. "It has been a wonderful experience," said Jean. "In many ways this has been the best committee I've ever worked with at St. Paul's.” Assisting in the project were several men in the parish, most notably John Irwin, Rod Sanchez, Max Pierce, and Alan Boron.

(Continued from, “Sometimes I wonder,” page 10)

in the practice of prayer. I quickly responded that I would call the Cathedral Book Shop to see what was available. Accommodating as always, they immediately shipped out a couple books that I thought might do the trick. The timing was good; the following Sunday was Book Cart day. This inquiring mom purchased one of the two books and she was so appreciative. The second book, geared toward older children, was purchased that day by another parent. To connect Sunday worship, sermons, the nurture of children, and helping parents with an important responsibility, all of these made me realize that, “Yes, it is worth it.”

Page 12 (Continued from, “Vestry Retreat,” page 1)

7. Ministry to those whom we seek: in process by the Evangelism committee. We are doing better, but need to continue to grow this area. 8. Contact time & talent responders: not done yet, but Evangelism intends to make contacts. We need more newsworthy events. 9. Continued emphasis in Youth Ministry – defeat two-layer system: in process by Youth Christian Ed. 10. Alpha program for fall: not done, Adult Christian Ed. 11. “Know the flow:” not done, Adult Christian Ed. 12. Advertise Lenten Programs to the community: not done. 13. Family weekend camp: not done. 14. Ministry to families with young children: in process. 15. Ministry to singles: in process. 16. Tell personal stories: in process. 17. Redefine space – Russians, Sudanese, Closing the Gap: Design & Preservation is working on this. 18. Take more personal faith risks: not done. 19. Build on Stewardship drive: not done. Goals for 2006: 1. Include portion of the Mission/Vision Statement in the Sunday bulletin and monthly newsletter on a regular basis. 2. More direct attention to accomplishing the specific actions listed in documents. 3. Purchase new Phonic ears. 4. Be sure large print bulletins are available. 5. More discussion on sensitive issues: disabilities, gender issues, race or ethnic issues. 6. Expand the Welcoming process with mentors, mentor training, formalized welcoming process. 7. Continue to expand the “Baptismal Covenant Process,” but change the label to fit specific situations. 8. Develop new slants to our worship: a. b. c. d.

Eucharist in the Garden “Special” Sunday focus More roundtables in the Merrifield room Look at statistics to see what they say

9. Expand the horizons of our Service Committee to inform the parish – ERD, CESA, Sudanese work. 10. Review Welcoming Church document monthly: status of changes, accomplishments. As you can see, we are working hard and will continue to work hard on these goals. If you want to see the Vestry in action, please come to any meeting on the third Tuesday of the month. Everyone is welcome!

(Continued from, “Lenten Discipline,” page 1)

This collect is usually read in the midst of the pre-Advent preparation, and where the reading, marking, and learning might be accomplished, the "inward digestion" usually is postponed for time's sake. My pact with myself this Lent is to take this prayer and its admonition of inward digestion more to heart. I usually take the time to read and mark certain passages of the season. At times I may even commit some to memory because of their importance. This Lent, the Lenten discipline (read training exercise) will be to take the time to inwardly digest that which is appointed. I urge you to consider a training program for yourself. The benefit is enormous; the prize eternal.

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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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