St. Paul's News - May, 2007

St. Paul's Episcopal Church Lansing Michigan

St. Paul’s News May, 2007

Apollo X By The Rev. Dr. Gordon Weller

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ost of us don’t remember the sequence of the Apollo Moon flights, but we do remember the highlights. Apollo XI The Rev. Dr. Gordon Weller blasted off on July 16, 1969. Several days later, on July 20, some of the most memorable words in my lifetime came from the television, “Houston, Tranquility Base here, the Eagle has landed.” And a few hours later, “One Small Step for Man, One Giant Leap for Mankind.” These words will forever be etched in our human history. As dramatic and history making as Apollo XI was, I tend to remember Apollo X more. The Apollo X mission was May 18-26, 1969. Perhaps the most significant event occurred when the orbiter made its first orbit around the moon and came out the other side. As the spacecraft came out of the silence of blackout, we all saw

the first color television transmission from space. In the middle of our TV screens was an image of the earth, about the size of a quarter and yet as beautiful as anything ever could be. If there was ever a moment that solidified the belief that humanity is one and this is our island home, this was it. I bring this to our attention because this year, The Day of Pentecost is May 26. It will be the 38th anniversary of the Apollo X’s return to earth. In Church that Sunday morning, we will hear the story of our human unity, under God’s parental wings, as it was told some 2,000 years ago. We will hear the story of the people of Jerusalem being enveloped by tongues of fire and everyone hearing God’s saving message in their own language. It is evidence that in the sight of God, we are all one. It is a message that has been told throughout the history of our relationship with God. It is a message that for (Continued on page 5)

Vestry 2007: The Many Faces of Welcoming By Greg Wortley, Sr. Warden

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o follow Christ in restoring all persons to unity with God and each other” is how we envision our mission here at St. Paul‘s. In last month’s News I shared my deep conviction that the Actively Welcoming Church initiative is a fine expression of that mission and hopefully the cornerstone of our growth as a congregation in the coming year. I also indicated that to be a true expression of that mission, the welcoming of all persons to St. Paul’s and to the reconciling work of Christ must be through many actions and on multiple levels. Currently, there are three initiatives being worked on at the vestry level that coincide with each other and converge with initiatives at the Diocesan, National Church and Anglican Communion levels--all expressions of the many faces of welcoming. Of course, originating from our Evangelism Committee, the Actively Welcoming Church initiative itself has us working on ways to be open, receptive, attractive and eagerly inviting to the wide diversity of citizens in the Lansing area who are in search of an affiliation for their spiritual journeys. Beyond the welcoming initiative itself, our Stewardship Committee is orchestrating The Gift of Generosity initiative which has us looking beyond the mere dollars and cents of a yearly stewardship campaign to considering the bigger pic(Continued on page 10)

Volume 32, Issue 5

Inside this issue: Calendar

12

Choir Schedule

7

St. Paul’s News

8

Upcoming Activities

2

Vestry News

5

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

Ongoing Activities • St. Aelred’s Guild, 3rd Wednesday, 5 PM • Book Cart, First two Sundays, after 10 AM • B&PW Corporate Communion, May 6, 8 AM • St. Elizabeth, Tuesday, May 22, Noon, Merrifield Room • ECW, 3rd Monday, 7 PM • Family Night Dinner, Wednesdays, 5-6 PM • 4Fs, Monday, May 14 and 28, 11:30 AM • Infant/Toddler Group, 3rd Saturday, 10 AM-Noon • Men’s Golf League, beginning Thursday, May 3, 3:30 PM, Groesbeck Golf Course • St. Paul’s Library, open every Sunday • Prayer Group, 1st Tuesday, 5:30 PM, Choir Rehearsal Room • Men’s Breakfast, 3rd Thursday, 7-8 AM, Hill Room • Mid-Week Eucharist, Tuesdays, noon

This Month at St. Paul’s and Elsewhere • Inquirers’/New Member Classes, three sessions beginning Wednesday, May 2, 6:15—7 PM • Kristine Miller visit, Sunday, May 6, at the 8 & 10 AM services • Fundraiser for Caroline Thomas, Sunday, May 6, after 10 AM service • Youth Group Lugnuts Game, Sunday, May 6 Noon • UTO Ingathering, Sunday, May 13 • Pentecost & Baptism, Sunday, May 27 • Recognition, Sunday, May 20, 10 AM • Young Adults Group, May 20, 6 PM Looking Ahead • Graduation Sunday, Sunday, June 3 • Mass in the Grass, June 10, 10 AM, Lake Lans-

ing—North Park • VBS, June 18-22

B&PW

Inquirers and New Member Classes

By Barbara Richardson

By The Rev. Susie Shaefer, Curate

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he B&PW Guild will gather for a corporate communion at 8 a.m. on May 6, followed by breakfast. Reservations are needed. Contact Debby Pierce at 485-5446. The cost for breakfast is $5. Our May meeting of B&PW will be on Tuesday, May 8 at 6 p.m. Reservations are needed for this as well, so please contact Debby. Dinner is $8.00. Our program is a service project, so please bring extra greeting cards.

re you new to St. Paul’s in the last year or so? Would you like to learn more about the “hows” and “whys” of what we do here—even if you’ve been here for a long time? Then these sessions are for you! Starting on Wednesday, May 2, we will have a threesession series about the Episcopal Church and St. Paul’s. The first three sessions (May 2, 9, 16) will be held on Wednesday evenings at the church, after Family Night dinner, from 6-7 p.m. On Sunday, May 20, we will recognize new members in the church during worship services. A fourth celebration session will be planned for that weekend as well, with details to follow soon! A sign -up sheet for the class will be outside the Merrifield Room or at the Welcome Table on Sundays.

Kristine Miller to Visit St. Paul’s By The Rev. Dr. Gordon F. Weller

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or many the name, Kristine Miller, will sound familiar. Since the spring of 2006, she has been the Stewardship and Planned Giving coordinator for the Diocese of Michigan. She has attended several Stewardship Committee meetings and spoken to the Vestry. She was very involved in our Every Member Canvass this past fall. She will now address the congregation on the two important topics of stewardship and planned giving. The visit will be on May 6. At both the 8 and 10 a.m. services, she will speak briefly on the topic of stewardship. Following the services, there will be a luncheon for the Vestry, Stewardship Committee and Finance Committee where we will once again explore planned giving. If you are interested in being involved in this discussion, please indicate this interest by calling Fr. Weller or the Church office.

Upcoming St. Paul’s Activities UTO Ingathering

St. Elizabeth Guild

By Kay Gallup

By Debby Pierce

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he integrity of our legacy has been maintained for over 100 years. It was started by two far-sighted, mission-minded women in 1889. The UTO's proud past is our heritage; the present is our responsibility; but the future is our real challenge. Every penny given in prayer and thanksgiving is distributed throughout the world in response to compelling human needs. The UTO Blue Boxes are placed at the two entrances to the church. UTO envelopes will be in the April 29 and May 6 bulletins. The Ingathering will be at both services on Sunday, May 13.

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he last meeting of this year will be on Tuesday, May 22 at 12 noon. We will be in the Merrifield Room at St. Paul's. This is the annual salad luncheon and our program will be given by Dr. Lange. If you are interested in joining us for lunch and the program, please call me at 394-4800. When you are contacted by the calling committee, please let them know if you will be bring finger sandwiches, salad or dessert. Thank you.

Benefit for Caroline Thomas By Debby Pierce, Service/Outreach Committee

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he’s been called “Courageous Caroline” and “The Princess of Jerome Street,” but to the members of the St. Paul’s community Caroline Thomas is family, one of our own. Many of you gave blood or volunteered during our most recent blood drive to help support Caroline in her valiant fight against brain cancer, and on Sunday, May 6, you can help again and enjoy a wonderful meal after the 10 a.m. service. The Service and Outreach Committee is sponsoring a brunch to benefit Caroline. All donations collected will be given to help defray some of her medical expenses. Everyone from our community and beyond is invited and welcome. We ask that you sign up for brunch at the sign-up table outside the Merrifield Room. We hope you will join us to support Caroline, her brothers, Jacob and Josh, and moms, Carol Thomas and Mable Menadier-Thomas; and to celebrate spring with your Parish Family.

Recognition Sunday

Church School

By The Rev. Susie Shaefer, Curate

By The Rev. Susie Shaefer, Curate

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n Sunday, May 20, we will welcome a group of new members to the life of St. Paul’s congregation. Many of them have completed the Inquirers’/New Member Classes (see related article pg. 2). This Sunday will also be the last day of church school, and we will take this opportunity to provide a special thank you to all who helped make the church school program possible this year. Please join us in worship and at coffee hour for special refreshments to welcome our newest members and to thank our valued volunteers.

he last day of church school before the summer break is Sunday, May 20. On that day, we will recognize our teachers who have worked with the children and youth of St. Paul’s this year. For Church School, we’ve been blessed by the work of Carol Laub, Julie Fletcher, Judi Clarke, Jill Walker, Kathy Gut, Chris and Charlie Krupka, Matt and Kym Hall, Chris Nazar, Sue LeDuc, Tom Foltz and Lyn Kressler. It takes a lot of energy and commitment to carry out our church school program. Many thanks to these volunteers who give of their time and talents!

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Upcoming St. Paul’s Activities

Graduation Sunday

Young Adults: Easter in the Movies

By The Rev. Dr. Gordon F. Weller

By Pastor Susie Shaefer, Curate

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t has long been a tradition at St. Paul’s to honor our high school, college and advanceddegree graduates. On Sunday, June 3 your Vestry will provide a breakfast for the graduates and their families at 9 AM. During the 10 AM service there will be a short ceremony to honor the high school grads, and a small gift by which to remember us will be presented. Please provide information to the office regarding any Parish-family graduates for inclusion in the festivities and also so we can provide recognition in the June issue of St. Paul’s News.

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oin us for the second of our two-part Young Adult movie series. We are exploring the idea of new life in two recent movies, “The Pursuit of Happyness” and “Stranger Than Fiction.” “Young Adults” generally include folks in their twenties and thirties, married or single, kids or not. If that might be you, then please join us on Sunday, May 20 at 6 p.m. We'll have movie snacks and then dessert and discussion of the movies. Location is TBA. If you'd like to host (all you need is a TV & DVR player, I’ll bring the snacks) or attend an evening, please speak to Rev. Susie Shaefer.

Galilee By The Sea: Vacation Bible School – June 18-22 By Pastor Susie Shaefer, Curate

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ome explore the seaside town of Galilee and learn about an important visitor: Jesus! In this year’s Vacation Bible School, children will experience the hustle and bustle of a seaside fishing town while learning about all the wonderful blessings Jesus still provides for us today. In the marketplace, children will visit shopkeepers, and learn about carpentry, fishing and jewelry making. They will also discover what the shopkeepers know about Jesus. Our time travelers will go to synagogue and observe the customs of Jewish families both historically and today. Daily dramas provide the “tribes of Israel” an opportunity to hear familiar Bible stories told in a new way, and devotion time will help each child translate the love of Jesus into today’s world. We hope you will join us for this exciting program, full of music, games, crafts and fun. Explore the town of Galilee as we step back in time and learn how to walk with Jesus today! Registration forms are available at church, or call the office.

Baptism

Mass-on-the-Grass

By The Rev. Dr. Gordon F. Weller

By Pastor Susie Shaefer, Curate

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he Day of Pentecost, this year on May 27, is celebrated on the seventh Sunday after Easter and commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles. It is the time we mark the giving of the Holy Spirit to humanity and the beginning of the Church. It is also one of the four Sundays during the Church year when we schedule baptisms. We do so because Baptism is the rite of initiation into the Church. If you or someone in your family would like to be baptized, we hope you will contact the Church office for additional information.

n June 10, the 10 a.m. service will be held at Lake Lansing - North Park. Come worship in the beauty of God’s creation. A potluck luncheon will immediately follow. There will be plenty of fun and fellowship to fill the afternoon. Look for details in upcoming church bulletins.

News from the Vestry

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Financial Information as of March 31, 2007 By Jeff Irwin The total pledge and non-pledge revenue received through March 31was $76,752, which is 27.1% of the total 2007 budget. The end of March marks the end of the first quarter of the year. In March, we booked a loss from operations of $21,936, which brings the year to date total loss from operations to $23,856. We received $59,194 from the Lucille Penniman Trust in March. Per vestry policy, $53,275 (90%) has been transferred to the Perpetual fund and $5,919 (10%) to the Mission and Outreach fund. In 2008, we can expect the distribution of a similar amount, which will be the final distribution from this trust. The restricted and designated funds have recorded $9,889 in investment gain for the first quarter. Combined with $68,142 of restricted contributions (including the $59,194 from the Penniman Trust), we have recorded a total of $78,031 in restricted income through March 31, 2007. This brings the combined net income of the church through March 31, 2007 to $54,175. In March it was necessary to withdraw $20,000 from the Perpetual Fund to support operating expenses. This leaves $20,000 still available per prior Vestry approval.

Highlights from the Vestry Meeting: At the April 17 meeting of the Vestry, your Vestry: • Reviewed the Welcoming Church Document • For devotions discussed and prayed for those involved in the Virginia Tech tragedy • Received a thank you from Micah Jackson for having him as our Holy Week preacher • Accepted, with regret, the resignation of the Rev. Susie Shaefer effective June 30 • Reviewed our financial reports (see synopsis elsewhere in this SPN) • Authorized moving an additional $50,000 from reserved funds to operating funds when needed • Approved the Shawver Fund bequest document

• Reviewed the Sewer Separation project. It will • • • • • • •

begin soon. We must have a contractor separate our building's sewers. Received various Committee reports Reviewed a "Marketing Plan" prepared by Stephanie Van Koevering Reviewed Easter events Discussed the addition of Bill Fineout to the staff as a Vocational Deacon Discussed the "Ministry Fair" happening on May 5 Received notice from the Presiding Bishop's office that she will not be able to be with us in October Discussed the visitation of Kristine Miller (Diocesan officer for Stewardship and Planned Giving) on May 6

(Continued from, “Apollo X,” page 1)

some reason we want to ignore. We continually seek to divide ourselves and portray ourselves as different, unique, better than one another. We have little regard for those who suffer. We focus on personal achievement and lose sight of the unity that diversity still encompasses. The smaller the world has become, the more we ignore our similarities. We have little regard for the fact that we are destroying the only home we have. On that Day of Pentecost, May 26, we will once again remember the gift of the Holy Spirit. If this Spirit lives in our lives, let us amend our lives to reflect that belief.

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St. Paul’s Youth Ministry

Youth Group to Lugnuts

Toddler/Infant Playgroup

By The Rev. Susie Shaefer, Curate

By Pastor Susie Shaefer, Curate

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e are planning another youth outing, this time to a Lansing Lugnuts game, on Sunday, May 6. Bring your hometown team spirit, and come cheer on the Lansing Lugnuts! We’ll have lunch together at church, and then (weather permitting) walk over for the 2 p.m. game. As always, friends are welcome to join us. Tickets cost $8. Please sign up outside the Merrifield Room, or contact Rev. Susie Shaefer if you would like to attend, so that tickets can be bought together.

o you have a child under age three? Then this group is for you! Come get to know other parents of young children and enjoy a short program. The Toddler/Infant Playgroup meets on the third Saturday of the month, from 10 a.m.-noon. On Saturday, May 19, we plan to have a “pampering day” for mothers. RSVPs are always appreciated but not required. Questions? Please contact Rev. Susie or Dianna Erickson.

Christian Summer Camp: Fun and Faith By The Rev. Susie Shaefer, Curate

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ooking for another experience of God’s love for your children? Look into Christian summer camp! Camp provides a unique environment for children and youth to experience Christian community with people their own age, all the while enjoying God’s creation. All this plus the usual camp activities: making crafts, singing, gathering around campfires, swimming and boating. This year, the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan is partnering with the Lutheran summer camps—called Living Waters Ministries—to provide programs for children completing third grade up through high school. If you missed their visit in February, stop by the youth bulletin board and check out their brochure. In addition to summer camp experiences for youth, Living Waters Ministry offers week-long family camps. Bring the whole family, and stay either in your own tents or in cabins at camp. The camp does all meals, as well as programs like archery and arts and crafts, including some “kids-only” activities, to free up some “adults-only” time. If you’re interested, or have any questions about these summer opportunities, please talk to Pastor Susie Shaefer.

From the Worship Committee By The Rev. Susie Shaefer, Curate

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ave you ever wondered what it would be like to lead prayers in worship or help serve the chalice at Communion? Ask and you shall receive!

Our worship life depends on participation from various people. We need people (called lectors) to read the lessons. We need people to lead our prayers, to help serve the chalice (called Eucharistic ministers), people to serve as ushers and acolytes and on the altar guild. If you are interested in being a part of our worship life in any of these ways, you don’t have to wait for the fall to get started. For more information on any of these groups, at any time of the year, speak with one of the clergy, and we will happily connect you with the leader of that group.

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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big thank you goes to all of you who sang at the Easter services! The singing was wonderful, and I pass on the appreciation of many parishioners who expressed their gratitude for your inspiring work. Your dedication of time and talent helped greatly to enrich the two worship services and bless the lives of those present. Alleluia!

It’s hard to believe that the year is winding down so rapidly. Here are a few special year-end dates to make note of. May 13 (Mothers’ Day) - Second Graders (former Cherubs) will move up to Boys’ or Grace Choirs. They will sing with Cherubs first (at the beginning of the service) and then be given their new vestments, so that they can sit with Boys’ and Grace Choirs for the remainder of the service. May 13 - Also, Fifth and Sixth Grade Girls will move up to High School Choir after they have sung the Boys’ and Grace Choir anthem. They will vest with High School Choir for the remainder of the year. May 16 - The last Cherub, Boys’ and Grace, and High School Choir rehearsal for the spring. (If we can work it out, we hope to visit a retirement home with some of our Cabaret acts.) May 17 - Chancel Choir party at the Lange’s (6 p.m.) May 20 - Choir Banquet - Our year-end recognition of the choristers and the work they have put in. There will be a sign-up sheet for the potluck on the bulletin board by the Choir Rehearsal Room. The banquet will begin as close to 12 noon as possible. This is the last Sunday that the Boys’ and Grace Choirs will vest.

Singing Schedule Date May 7 May 14 May 21 May 28

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

June 3

High School; Chancel

Upcoming Musical Events at St. Paul’s

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n Sunday, May 6, Michael Wright will present a senior recital at St. Paul’s at 3 p.m. Michael is a student at Grand Ledge High School and a voice student of Stephen Lange. He will play the piano and sing several pieces, including a duet with his high school vocal music teacher, Nancy Lange. He was named the top highschool French Horn player in the state and will attend Michigan State University next fall. The concert is open to the public without charge. On Monday, May 7, Michael will join with four of his friends playing woodwind quintet music. That concert, also at St. Paul’s, will begin at 7:30 p.m. and is open to the public without charge.

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St. Paul’s News

Thanks to You, ERD Book Sale a Great Success By Sue Millar, ERD Diocesan Coordinator

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emember how we pitched this year’s ERD Book Sale as a WIN-WIN-WIN?

• You won when you donated books. You opened up

welcome empty space on your book shelves or emptied boxes in your basement. • You won because you chose from among the many wonderful titles of “new” books to take home for reading pleasure and enrichment. • You won because you helped Episcopal Relief and Development continue its compassionate aid to those in need.

Thank you . . . . thank you . . . . thank you! Also, thanks to the many people who helped sort, sell and store the books. It was a big job, but we had a good time doing it. ERD will receive over $1000—about double what was donated last year. By any measure, the book sale was a great success.

GLADE

A Look Back at Our Lenten Series

By The Rev. Dr. Gordon F. Weller

By The Rev. Dr. Gordon F. Weller

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ome have heard about an organization called GLADE. These letters stand for Greater Lansing Development and Empowerment. The organization is a grassroots attempt to involve many of the churches in the Greater Lansing area in looking for a project of peace and justice that might not only tie us closer together, but serve the Lansing area as well. Several members from St. Paul’s have been involved and may soon be asking you if you might like to actively search for a project. Be ready to respond. If you have questions, contact Fr. Weller.

or five Wednesdays in February and March we looked at what Christian responsibility might be like if the 25th Chapter of the Gospel of Matthew were used as a model. Among the areas we explored were feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, assisting the sick, visiting prisoners and welcoming the alien. Now is the time to decide how St. Paul’s will respond to this Gospel imperative. This response will be discussed at a Mission and Outreach Committee meeting at 5:30 p.m. on May 21. We are hoping that this will be one of the best attended meetings of the spring. As Christians we are all called to respond. The question is how? The magnitude can seem overwhelming. Please consider attending.

Welcome to Bill Fineout By The Rev. Dr. Gordon F. Weller

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s indicated in a mid-April letter, St Paul’s will once again have a Vocational Deacon on staff. Mr. Bill Fineout joined the staff on Sunday, April 29.

Bill's duties will be twofold. As a deacon, he will have specific Eucharistic responsibilities. He will read the Gospel, prepare the altar and give the dismissal. In addition, there are a variety of things he might do in other services. These will be made clear after discussion with the Bishop. In his vocational work, Bill would like to have involvement in our outreach ministry. This probably will involve some oversight in our street ministries and Mission and Outreach Committee. Bill was baptized at St. Paul’s. His family moved to Haslett when he was six. In the intervening years he has attended several parishes. He’s glad to be returning to St. Paul’s.

St. Paul’s News

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Reactions to the 10th Becoming the Household of God Conference Compiled by Sue Millar

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returned from this year’s Household of God Conference exhilarated again by many new insights, but also wishing that others at St. Paul’s had shared the experience. Just as it is often difficult to convey to others enthusiasm for a book you’ve read, a play you’ve seen or travels you’ve taken, I have found it difficult to communicate to others the value of these annual conferences. In an attempt to share my enthusiasm, I thought the best thing might be to let people you know speak of their experience this year.

know that you don’t have to stay overnight. Some of us go on Friday night and some of us go for the Saturday meeting. Is that the best way to get the full benefit of these wonderful speakers? No, but it is still worth the trip. Is it too far? Well, I don’t like to have to go to the Detroit area either, but when two or three drive together there is a great opportunity for fellowship and sharing, and that is a blessing in itself. I don’t know what is planned for next year, but I promise you it will be worth your time and effort to go. In fact, let’s carpool, right? Libby Richardson:

Dorothy Marsh: The Household of God. Why is it that so few people from St. Paul’s attend this event each year? Better still, why do the same people attend each year? From those who don’t go, we’ve all heard the old arguments. It’s too far. They always have everything in Detroit. You have to stay overnight, etc. Well, from someone who has always tried to attend regularly, the same issues apply. I would like you to

I attended the "Household of God" conference with the Rt. Rev. Michael B. Curry on March 24. It was a great conference. Bishop Curry is an amazing speaker. He spoke on "Keeping the Faith. Keeping it alive. The Stewardship of Faith." The Bishop recited scripture, answered questions and kept us all right in the palm of his hand for about five hours. His delivery reminded me of a Southern Baptist preacher. He was mesmeriz(Continued on page 10)

St. Paul’s April Prayer List

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e pray for those who are sick and in need: Beverly McEachern, Cindy Robin-

son, Richard, Audrey & Aaron Hegmon, Shelley Robinson, Donna, Grady, & Dennis Letner, Clara Voges, Mason Hill, Lois Caswell, Brian Schray, June Wyatt, Dick Siebert, Carol, Bernie Lynch, Judith Jones, baby Benjamin, Becky Chamberlain, Nancy Hiscoe Clark, Elizabeth Marsden, Dezi & Penny Horvat, Charles Weaver, Kristin Kelley, Rich Davis, Cris Plyler, Ben Herbert, Tim Ross, Chance Collins, Caroline Thomas and her parents, brothers & godparents, Steve, Betty Jensen, Aaron Robinson, Marjorie Belles, Dan, Marsha & Skip Macholz, Gloria Harvat, Cindy Alvarez, Jack Siebold, Joe Manson, DakBai DakBai, Jessica Ryan, Leon Hawkins, Irene Jones, Roger Ophaug, Richard Bailey, Fredrick Engle, Kelsey Bauman, Daisy Dockstader, Ruth Helmer, and Esther Rivas

Prayer List

We pray and remember those in the Military, serving in dangerous areas: Carlos Sims We pray for the children who completed the March Communion Class: Rebecca Rose, Lydia Rose, Andrew Stephenson, Jane Stephenson, Henry Young We pray for and celebrate the marriage of: Joan Bolander and Matthew Ferguson We pray for those expecting: Ian & Brooke Broughton, Daren & Ellen McConnell, Matt Ferguson & Joan Bolander, Brian & Amy (Fowler) Ashcraft, and Daniel & Gretchen Barnas We pray for and celebrate the baptism of: Angelica Lynn Hickey, daughter of Patrick & Julie Hickey and Anya Joy Heany, daughter of Justin & Julia Heany We pray for comfort for the family and friends of Marjorie N. Goodrich and Fern Folkers who recently passed away.

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St. Paul’s News

(Continued from, “Household of God,” page 9)

ing. Again, for the third year in a row, this conference has exposed me to another wonderful teacher. Susan Henderson I have been to several Household of God conferences, and each time, regardless of the theme or speaker, I was inspired and challenged. This year’s speaker, Bishop Michael Curry of North Carolina was equally eloquent. His message, “Keeping the Faith…Keeping It Alive,” was a call into relationship and to action. Through stories and metaphor and imagery, he spoke of a faith that calls us to a new way of seeing, which brings about a new way of being, which produces yet again a new way of seeing, which produces yet newer being, and so on. My husband (Chuck Millar) also agreed that the preaching was powerful, and he is holding on to a favorite quote he brought back, and finds himself repeating: "Live in the unlimited possibilities of faith, not the limited probabilities of human options.” Think about that; it's liberating.

tianity with passionate teaching and preaching. I found myself repeatedly wanting to say aloud an emphatic "YES!” Brad Deacon In March, I had the opportunity to attend a portion of the "Becoming the Household of God" session, the tenth year that the Whitaker School of Theology and the Diocese have presented this kind of workshop. I wasn't sure what to expect, other than a promise that the speaker was excellent and a hope that I'd leave with some new things to consider during Lent. The Rt. Rev. Michael B. Curry, a longtime friend of Bishop Gibbs and now a Bishop in his own right in North Carolina, has a rare and special gift—the ability to talk for a long time without its seeming so, leaving people wanting more. He talked of the importance of faith and how faith in God connects the Old and New Testaments, the history of Christianity, and our lives in the present. Peppered with Biblical references, current theological commentary and large doses of humor, Curry's talk challenged us to think about faith and our stumbling blocks. For us, both literal and figurative mountains often stand in our way, but from the panoramic view of God, there are no mountains at all.

I have attended all 10 Diocesan Household of God conferences, and this year's was one of the best.

Though I couldn't attend the second day of the retreat, the trip to hear the first day's presentation was well Bishop Curry combined a deep authentic biblical Chris- worth the effort and left me wanting more. (Continued from, “Vestry 2007,” page 1)

ture of how we can practice the spiritual discipline of generosity, and thereby be more outward looking collectively, 365 days a year. The Adult Christian Education and Formation Committee’s Wednesday Lenten Series looked at several concrete examples of Lansing area organizations “seeking and serving Christ in all persons.” Now, the Mission and Outreach Committee is leading an initiative whereby we actively and visibly define our service—our welcome— to those with special needs in our community. Converging with these welcoming initiatives locally at St. Paul’s are the broader diocesan, national church and Anglican Communion commitments to the Millennium Development Goals. In the year 2000, over 180 countries, including the United States, signed the Millennium Declaration—a covenant to pursue eight objectives (the Millennium Development Goals)—so that extreme global poverty could be significantly reduced by the year 2015. The 74th General Convention of the Episcopal Church (2003) endorsed these goals. Moreover, the 75th General Convention (2006) adopted them as a “mission priority” for the coming triennium, committing 0.7% of its budget for

Millennium Goal related programs. The Convention challenged the church as a whole to both contribute toward and advocate: 1) cutting in half income poverty and hunger; 2) achieving universal primary education; 3) promoting gender equality and empowering women; 4) reducing child mortality; 5) improving maternal health; 6) combating HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases; 7) ensuring environmental stability; 8) and creating a global partnership for development through aid, trade and debt relief—all concrete expressions of welcoming persons globally into the transforming love of God. This expression of mission through the many faces of welcoming is, perhaps, best expressed by the Archbishop of Canterbury. In the April issue of Episcopal Life, Rowan Williams reflects on the church’s mission in this way: “If we’re talking about mission, we must begin with a conviction about mission being that set of actions and habits that makes God in Jesus Christ known. Mission is about helping people to know God [who] promises absolute commitment to the whole community and everyone within it. No one is outside that relationship, therefore no one is forgotten and no one is invisible.”

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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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