St. Paul's News - May. 2009

May 2009 Volume 34, Issue 5

Being Proud of St. Paul’s

St. Paul’s News

ST. PAUL’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, LANSING MI

By The Very Reverend Dr. Gordon F. Weller In this month of May, we will look at many aspects of our past. Many will make us proud. Certainly our building is one of those things in which we can take pride. I have often said that my view from the pulpit on Sunday morning is the best there is. The Te Deum window, with its image of the people of God standing around God's throne is special. On certain Sundays, the sunlight streams through the glass and causes the people of the grass to be

intermingled with the people in the pew and it is breathtaking, both in image and theological significance. We are immensely proud of our music program as well. Every Sunday, we sing special praises to God. We take to heart the old saying, "He who sings prays twice." It has been that way for years, and we are well known for our musical tradition. Recently we have taken special pride in the Vacation Bible School programs we offer to our own children, as

well as to the community. We have huge parish involvement and all, children and adults alike, feel something when the week is over. But for me, I take pride in how we live into our motto: "St. Paul's, where no one sits or stands alone." Several weeks ago, we had a good example. (Continued on page 14)

If These Walls Could Talk... By Martie Repaskey, Senior Warden …we might hear such great accolades for those who treated the community of St. Paul’s to a grand variety of learning opportunities and spiritual explorations all through

the 40 days of Lent. With grateful hearts, we recall each of those moments. Lenten book reviews were presented each Monday in the month of March by Dorothy

Marsh, the Rev. Ron Byrd, Carol Ingells, Sue LeDuc, and Chris Couch. We were stimulated by each sharing and enticed to sit down with each of their books. (Continued on page 10)

Inside this issue: Upcoming Activities

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A Stealth Program Comes In From the Cold

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Let the Celebrations Begin!

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Pastoral Care Through St. Aelred’s Guild

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Freshening Up a Familiar Word

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Transitions

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Parish Calendar

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Mark Your Calendar! There will be a special parishwide meeting on Sunday, June 7, 2009. At this meeting, the Vestry will present its plans for addressing the church’s operating deficit. Please plan to participate!

St. Paul’s Activities At A Glance Ongoing Activities rd • St. Aelred’s Guild, 3 Wednesday, 4:30 PM st nd • Book Cart, 1 and 2 Sunday after 10 AM • B&PW, Tuesday, February 10, 6 PM rd • ECW, 3 Monday, 7 PM • Family Night Dinner, Wednesdays, 5 PM • St. Paul’s Library, open every Sunday st • Prayer Group, 1 Tuesday, 5:30-6:30 PM rd • Men’s Breakfast, 3 Thursday, 7 AM st • Mission/Outreach, 1 Monday, 5:30 PM • Mid-Week Eucharist, Tuesdays, 12:00 PM

Ascension Day Eucharist By The Very Rev. Dr. Gordon F. Weller Thursday, May 21, is Ascension Day. It is one of the major Holy Days in the Church Year and commemorates Christ's ascension into heaven. The event is marked 40 days after his resurrection from the dead, which was on Easter Sunday. Please consider attending the Eucharist to be held that evening at 7 p.m. in the Church.

This Month at St. Paul’s and Elsewhere • Adult Confirmation Preparation, Saturday, May 2, 9 & 16, 9 AM—noon • 4Fs meeting and annual picnic, May 18 • Ascension Day Eucharist, 7 PM • Godspell, May 29 & 30, Central United Methodist Church • Bishop visit to St. Paul’s, Saturday, May 30, 10:30 AM • 160th Anniversary Celebration, May, 2009 • Parish-Wide Meeting, June 7, 2009 • Sunday Eucharist & Picnic in the Park, Sunday, June 14

Graduation Sunday—June 7 This year, Graduation Sunday will be June 7. If you have anyone in your family who will be graduating from any level of education, be sure their name is given to the front office. We publish names in the bulletin, honor High School grads with a breakfast, and encourage all graduates in their future.

Golf League By The Very Rev. Dr. Gordon F. Weller Once again, St. Paul's will have a Men's Golf League. We will play on Thursdays, beginning at 3:30 p.m. Our first night of play will be May 14. We play at Groesbeck Golf Course in Lansing. Play lasts about three hours, and it is a time of

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fellowship and relaxation. All levels of play are acceptable. If you are interested in joining us, please contact Father Weller or one of last year's champs, Howard Cook or Roger Fowler. (There is a penalty for winning!)

ST. PAUL’S NEWS

4Fs: Looking Back Helps Us to Look Forward By Nancy Sheldon 12 p.m. Eucharist 12:30 p.m. Lunch (no cost) 1 p.m. Bible Study (Steve Lange) 1:15-to about 2 p.m. book share & chat Anyone is invited who has time in the middle of the day! Please sign up for lunch outside the Merrifield Room or call the Church office for a reservation. If you need a ride, please call Nancy Sheldon at 3939165 or Kathleen at the church office 482-9454

An interesting year for 4 F’s is coming to an end. Our continuing study of the psalms with Steve Lange and our recent look at the religions of Catholicism and Methodism and our visit to two of our neighboring churches brought pleasant surprises and new insights. Our April 27 trip to see the work of the City Rescue Mission was especially interesting. While there, they talked to us about their ministry and answered many questions. On May 18, our last meeting and annual picnic, will be at Nancy

Sheldon’s home. We are inviting people to bring a salad or dessert and a good book they’d like to share. It’s always enjoyable to find what others are reading as well as have a chance to just chat with friends and fellow members of St Paul’s. We also hope to generate ideas for next year’s 4 F’s series that would be of interest to you. Even if you have never attended a 4F’s gathering, we’d love to have you. If you need directions to Nancy’s house, please call 3939165.

Confirmation Day By The Very Rev. Dr. Gordon F. Weller On Saturday, May 30, 2009, at 10:30 a.m., our bishop, The Rt. Rev. Wendell N. Gibbs, Jr., will be in Lansing and at St. Paul's to administer the rites of Confirmation, Reception and Reaffirmation. These ancient

services are the means by which adults in the Church make conscious decisions to indicate their commitment to Jesus Christ, St. Paul's and the Anglican way of life. Confirmation and Reception are rites that are only done once.

Reaffirmation is a statement of commitment that can be done as often as a person feels the need. If you are considering any of these rites, contact the front office or one of the clergy.

Adult Confirmation By The Very Rev. Dr. Gordon F. Weller To be confirmed into the Episcopal Church, one must be instructed as to what it means to be part of the Episcopal Church. Instruction for young people has taken place in their Sunday morning Church school class since January.

If you are interested in being Confirmed or Received, please contact one of the clergy to sign up for the classes.

Instruction for Adults will be held on three successive Saturdays: May 2, 9 and 16. These two-hour classes will begin at 9:30 a.m. VOLUME 34, ISSUE 5

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A Stealth Program “Comes In From the Cold” By Chuck Millar A stealth program that has been running at St. Paul’s for the past six years came in from the cold recently. In 2001, several of my Sudanese friends asked for help with paying some of the cost they had shouldered in order to send young relatives still living in the Kakuma Refugee camp in northeast Kenya to boarding school. They were sending a significant part of their meager incomes from bagging groceries at Meijer back to East Africa in response to feelings of loyalty and obligation toward young family members they had left behind. I shared this request with perhaps a dozen St. Paul’s friends who had been engaged in helping the “lost boys” manage their transition from subsistence refugee camp life to their new homes in Lansing. The response was positive. We raised $2,000 and sent four youngsters to school

for the full 2002 school year. The be able to ask for support from the project has continued quietly each entire St. Paul’s membership for the year since then. For the 2009 school 2010 school year and (2) adoption year, we raised a by the parish places the little over $6,000 program on a stable and awarded 10 institutional base, rather The grants to than a personal one. supporters of supplement the Fund raising for the contributions of our the Sudanese program would normally ministry are local Sudanese begin next fall to provide friends. delighted that grants for the 2010 school Unfortunately, we it has become year beginning in January were not able to in East Africa. Since a fall a visible part fund 11 additional solicitation would of St. Paul’s applications. compete with St. Paul’s outreach. Last fall when the Every Member Canvas, Parish met after fund raising for the church to discuss St. Paul’s Sudanese Tuition Grant Program is response to the Millennium occurring during May this year. Development Goals, those present The past supporters of the grant consented to make the Sudanese program are delighted that it has Tuition Grant Program an official become a visible part of St. Paul’s parish outreach program addressing outreach, and we are looking the MDG educational goal. This forward to telling you more about move has had two consequences: the program and the opportunity it (1) instead of raising funds from a gives to young relatives of our local small group of supporters, we will Sudanese “lost boy” community.

Godspell By Dr. Stephen R. Lange, Minister of Music Members of St. Paul’s High School Choir will present “Godspell,” a musical based on the life of Jesus according to Matthew, on Friday and Saturday, May 29 and 30, at 7:30 p.m. Choristers in this production include Matthew Nauss as Jesus, Steven Walker as John the Baptist/David, and A. J. Fletcher, Margaret Kariuki, Emily Laub, Maggie McDaniel, Baylie Sanchez, Melanie Walker,

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Courtney Irwin, Anna Krupka, Thomas Laub, and Antonio Clarke. Other members of the chorus include Zoe Becket, Caitlyn Narezo, Rebecca Rose, Mathieu Wiesner and Ian Milne. The play is directed by Nancy Lange and choreographed by Maureen Nauss.

available during the Coffee Hour, by calling the office (482-9454) or at the door. It’s a show for all ages, so plan to come and bring a friend! The production will be held at Central United Methodist Church (just east of St. Paul’s) in its Fellowship Hall.

Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for seniors and children. Tickets are

ST. PAUL’S NEWS

Let the Celebrations Begin! By Nancy Sheldon The month of May, with our four very special Sundays celebrating the 160th birthday of St. Paul’s, is finally upon us. The invitations were mailed, not only to current members, but to as many former members as we could find. The clergy and staff, the Vestry and the 160th committee are looking forward to worshiping together with all of you as we celebrate this very special church and its congregation which has served this community for so many years. •

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On Music and Worship Sunday (May 3), we’ll be using the 1789 Prayer Book service, a unique opportunity for all of us. We’ll celebrate the role of women in the Episcopal Church with two of our former women priests celebrating the mass, as well as acolytes, crucifers and readers. The choir will be singing the Gospel Mass. On Children’s Sunday (May 10), which is also Mother’s Day, the youth of the church will conduct the entire service. Father Ron and the children have planned a wonderful morning, ending with a procession outside to bury a time capsule for future generations to open. That Sunday, all of the choirs, including the cherub choir, will sing Psalm 46, a special piece written for St. Paul’s by Doug Austin. On Mission and Outreach Sunday (May 17), we will highlight all of St. Paul’s mission work since its inception, as well as its innumerable outreach activities.

VOLUME 34, ISSUE 5

Lt. Governor John Cherry will be with us, as well as representatives of mission churches established by St. Paul’s and congregations who use or have used our facilities for worship. The music will be interesting and eclectic, our visitors many. Our outreach activities will be woven into the theme of worship and the homily. •

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Our Homecoming Dinner Theatre (Saturday, May 30) will be a gala affair! The committee chose to have it in the Merrifield Room so that we could keep the cost down and everyone could participate. It will also make it easier to go next door to see the wonderful production of “Godspell” by our own choir students. We are expecting former members to join us from out of town, so make your reservations early for this enjoyable occasion! “Godspell” is also showing on Friday night for those who choose to see just the performance. Homecoming Sunday (May 31) will be an opportunity for our extended St. Paul’s family to come together to give thanks and praise for all that God has bestowed on our congregation and our church. “As we

celebrate the heritage of our church, ‘conceived in the hearts of a few devout pioneers’, …let us also respect our past and reflect on it and the role it has played in who we are today and who we will be tomorrow.” Past senior wardens will be recognized and honored for their leadership; former priests will be here to help us celebrate the mass and special music will be written for this service. This is a unique opportunity for us to gather our family and friends and come to St. Paul’s…our home for 160 years!

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Pastoral Care at St. Paul’s Through St. Aelred’s Guild By Nancy Sheldon, Chair St. Aelred’s Guild was formed several years ago to bring spiritual friendship to those members of our congregation who are unable to be with us on a regular basis on Sundays. The guild supports these people with visits, calls and cards to let them know we are praying for them and thinking about them. This ministry has grown with a dedicated group of parishioners who share their love of Christ and this church through visitations, cards and phone calls. One of the challenges for St. Aelred’s is to know who may be in need of a visit or a phone call. The law in Michigan does not allow a hospital or institution to give out information as to whether someone is a patient or resident in its facility. Therefore, if a family member or friend does not let us know that someone is there and would

appreciate a visit from the clergy or St. Aelred’s Guild, a patient may be in a hospital or a nursing home and eventually leave without ever receiving a visit from St. Paul’s. Therefore, it is very important that you let the church office know whenever any family member or friend, who is ill or homebound, would appreciate a visit or our prayers. If you aren’t sure whether anyone has called, a repeat phone call from someone else is always welcome! St. Aelred’s also helps the church office to maintain the prayer list by calling the parishioners who put the

names of those who are ill on the prayer list every three months or so to see how they are doing. This gives us a chance to know who may need additional calls or visits, whether people want to stay on the list or whether they feel they are ready to come off it because they are doing better. St. Aelred’s Prayer, written by Aelred in 1109, states: “Pour thou into our ears, we beseech thee, O God, the Holy Spirit’s gift of love, that we, clasping each the other’s hand, may share the joy of friendship, human and divine, and with thy servant Aelred draw many into thy community of love; through Jesus Christ…Amen.”

Request for Help By The Rev. Deacon William Fineout We have a few of St. Paul’s parishioners who, while not homebound, are transportation challenged. They need help to get to and from church and church functions. Once in a while, they also need help to get to medical appointments. Not only do they require someone to provide transportation (which could be public), but they need help getting

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into and out of their homes (which public transportation will not do; plus the public transportation will not run on their schedule). If any of you could join a list of on-call transportation providers, it would be greatly appreciated. We have a couple individuals who are willing to drive others now, but when they have a conflict, we need some substitute drivers and TLC.

Please let Deacon Bill or Chuck Millar know if you would be available for this wonderful ministry.

ST. PAUL’S NEWS

Choir Newsletter By. Dr. Stephen R. Lange, Minister of Music A big “Thank You!” goes to all of you for your work in making the Easter service such a celebration of life and joy. Congratulations to the Cherubs and their director Maureen Nauss for the wonderful job they did on their anthem. It was a wonderful testimony to the power of children sharing their gifts to bless others! Thanks, too, to members of Boys’ and Grace Choirs, the High School Choir, and

the Chancel Choir for their work in letting the music of Easter reflect the love and excitement that is such a big part of our celebration of Jesus’ resurrection.

And thanks to Emily, Dave, Jeff, and Peter for the festive atmosphere the brass quartet brought to the hymns and other service music. The Lord is risen indeed!

Singing Schedule May 3

High-School and Chancel Choirs (Gospel Mass)

May 17

High-School and Chancel Choirs

May 10

Cherubs, Boys’ and Grace, HighSchool, and Chancel Choirs (Psalm 46)

May 24

High-School and Chancel Choirs

May 31

High-School and Chancel Choirs

June 7

High-School and chancel Choirs

Dates to Note Wednesday, May 13 -

Final rehearsal for Cherubs and Boys’ and Grace Choirs

Sunday, May 17 -

Last Sunday for Boys’ and Grace Choirs to Vest, Choir Banquet after Church

Friday, May 29, & Saturday, May 30 -

“Godspell” at Central United Methodist

Sunday, June 7 -

Last Sunday for all other choirs to vest

Godspell Rehearsals May 2 - 10-11:30 a.m. (all); 12-2 p.m. (main cast) May 9 - Same May 17 - 11:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. (all); 12:30-1:30 p.m. (main cast) May 16 - Same as Saturdays above VOLUME 34, ISSUE 5

Final Week - Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, May 26, 27, 28 (all), 6-9 p.m. Performances: Friday and Saturday, May 29 and 30 at 7:30 p.m.

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ACTION By The Rev. Deacon William Fineout ACTION of Greater Lansing will partner with the MSU Children’s Health Initiative for its 2009 goal to protect under insured and uninsured youth, as the Children’s Health Initiative develops its unified, userfriendly “One Stop Shop” for Children’s Subspecialty Health Services. An Existing Group (The MSU Children’s Health Initiative) is

already working on the issue, and our combined forces can assure that it will move forward with the full community in mind. ACTION is supporting a University/Community partnership in an Ambulatory Pediatric Subspecialty Center that is accessible, integrated, interdisciplinary, connected and fiscally sound. We need your help and presence!

Please mark your calendar and plan to attend. Every person counts in this ministry. Sign in for St. Paul’s when you get there. Where and When: Nehemiah Action Assembly – Tuesday, May 12, 2009, 7 p.m. Union Missionary Baptist Church (500 S. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Lansing)

Outreach Calendar May

Sudanese K-12 Education Project Month, raising tuition for 2010 school year

May 10 – Sunday

UTO Ingathering

May 12 – Tuesday

Outreach meeting (dinner meeting & then on to ACTION, RSVP )

May 12 – Tuesday

ACTION Nehemiah Assembly – 7 p.m.

May 18 – Monday

LAEP (Lansing Area Episcopal Projects) meeting, 7 p.m., St. David’s

June 9 – Tuesday

Outreach meeting

August 11 – Tuesday

Outreach meeting

September

SILS Apartment Startup Collection

September 20 – Sunday

Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk – 1 p.m.

October 4 – Sunday

Blessing of the Animals – Heifer Celebration

October 25 – Sunday

Heifer International Ingathering Finish

Ongoing:

Manna Sundays (first Sunday loose & dedicated offerings) for street ministry (busing/work boots) & food Prayer quilts Cars INC Habitat

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ST. PAUL’S NEWS

Treasurer’s Report By Julie Young St. Paul’s received the bequest from the Georgia Thaman Trust on April 7 in the amount of $136,763.13. The vestry has determined that 90 percent of the bequest will be placed into the St. Paul’s Perpetual fund, and the remaining 10 percent will be placed into the Mission and Outreach fund.

Through March 31, 2009, we recorded $79,670.05 in pledge revenue. This is 25 percent of the total pledge revenue budgeted for 2009. There was a shortfall of $20,609 for the month, making it necessary to withdraw $10,000 from the St. Paul’s Perpetual fund.

Vestry Highlights At the April 21st meeting of your Vestry: • Had dinner together. • Did devotions by discussing Anselm of Canterbury and his "ontological argument" for the existence of God. • Approved March 17th minutes. • Received the treasurer's report, a summary of which is found elsewhere in this issue. • Approved a motion from the Finance Committee that moved our endowments from Oppenheimer Funds to Ameriprise Funds and continues our relationship with Tim Marshall as our agent. • Approved a motion from the Finance Committee to broaden our range of investments and included the Shawver funds as an option for people who might wish to contribute to St. Paul's. • Reviewed charts and grafts that the Finance Committee has developed to indicate where we have been spiritually and financially prior to development of a financial and spiritual package to assist us in our eliminating our as VOLUME 34, ISSUE 5

dictated by action of our Annual Meeting this past January. • Acknowledged the deadlines associated with the development of that financial package as being: June 7th - Parish wide meeting to discuss our financial condition and the recommendations of the Finance Committee, May 31st - the deadline set by the Annual Meeting to have a plan in the hands of the congregation, May 15th - St. Paul's News deadline for the June issue. • Received a report that the Memorial Plaque scheduled for the Memorial Garden can be ready by "Homecoming Sunday (May 31st) if we get Stamp Rite the information by April 30th. • Discussed the June 6th meeting (workshop/training session) about our use of the Action Plan. • Discussed the implementation of a more extensive use of email addresses for communication. • Reported to each other the results of Vestry Calling. Some had not completed their calling so the final report will be given at the May meeting.

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Discussed the report of the 160th Anniversary committee. • Received a report that the audit is done. The final product will be distributed to Vestry Members and it will be received and discussed at the May meeting. • Received Committee Reports of note: a discussion about pictures posted on our web site and the work of Building and Grounds to prioritize our repair needs. • Elected delegates and alternates to the October Diocesan Convention. Delegates are Martie Repaskey, Stephanie VanKoevering, and Sally Lawrence. Alternates are Mary Lea Benson, Matt Ferguson, and Millie Ericson. • Noted the Ministry Fair on May 2nd at Christ Church, Grosse Pointe. • Discussed the Vestry sponsored Graduation breakfast scheduled for June 7th. • Discussed the Diocesan Convention about the Budget. Received Clergy reports and a report from the Sr. Warden. Page 9

Freshening Up a Familiar Word By Sue Millar Sometimes I wish I knew how to freshen a word that has become burdened with stale associations. “Stewardship” is one of those words. Hear it and my ears snap shut, and I move on, assuming I know without listening what is going to be said. Last month, at the Annual Household of God Conference at the Cathedral, Mark Anschutz said something that overrode my usual reflex: “Stewardship is the first building stone to ending poverty.” Hmmm, that’s true, I thought to myself. If only we could somehow untangle our real needs from our endless wants and, in a remarkable exercise of generosity, make this

excess available to the estimated 1.1 billion extremely poor mothers, fathers and children whose needs could be met if they only had access to $1.08 each day. Yes, better stewardship would address their needs and would be a first building stone to ending poverty. And it would also be a building stone for “simpler living”—that lifestyle shift people are talking about these days. Abagail Nelson, senior vice president for programs for the Episcopal Relief and Development Fund (ERD), connected the notion of better stewardship to the Millennium Development Goals. To make this connection happen, Abagail suggested three steps

appropriate to people of faith like us: Engage in intercessory PRAYER so that our inner life engages with empathy toward people whose needs lie beyond our customary boundaries of awareness; commit to ACTION by connecting with agencies that serve as efficient channels for moving resources to those who exist in extreme poverty; and GIVE from those resources which become available when we untangle our real needs from our endless wants. Episcopal Relief and Development is one the foremost and most efficient channels available for moving our endless wants to their real needs: PRAY,

...If These Walls Could Talk (continued from page one) Indeed, those present enjoyed the fellowship of lively discussion which accompanied each presentation, and we felt thankful for the creative energy represented by the reviewers! Our Wednesday evening Lenten series provided us with opportunities to meet and hear from five local Episcopal clergy: The Rev. Terry Williamson of Christ United Church in DeWitt, the Rev. Wayne Knuckle of St. Augustine’s in Mason, the Rev. Richard Hamlin of St. Michael’s, the Rev. Jannel Glennie of St. Katherine’s, and the Rev. Sarah Midzalkowski, the chaplain to Canterbury MSU. Each shared their faith journey and stories related to their ministry. We were blessed to have this opportunity to learn more about the larger church beyond our walls!

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Our congregation came together—young and old alike—to have fun and make music at “Cabaret” on March 28. A delicious spaghetti/lasagna dinner—a gift of Debby and Max Pierce—preceded the show, which featured all manner of talent and hilarity, introduced by our own Matthew Nauss. The High School choir provided an enticing preview of “Godspell,” and even Father Weller got into the act and treated us to a fine and inspiring rendition of “I Hope You Dance!” After all the fun of that evening, our clergy and choristers were robed and ready to lead us and to sing in worship the next morning. The Stations of the Cross, a multimedia meditative experience, was presented by Steve Lange on the restored St. Paul’s organ, with Nancy Lange reading the poetry of

Paul Claudel. The beauty of the music and the words were accompanied by artistic representations of each of the Stations. This helped us make the somber transition into Holy Week, in an unforgettable way, and we are thankful for all the hours of preparation and creativity which provided our own meditation experience. Throughout the 40 days of Lent, we were consistently led in meaningful worship, upheld by thoughtful sermons, and we had the opportunity to pray for St. Paul’s via a collection of writings on prayer, compiled by Steve Lange. As we walked this journey towards Easter, we were blessed by so many in this worshiping community. Each expression of spirit and faith through individual talent and skill was a gift, and we are thankful!

ST. PAUL’S NEWS

Transitions We pray for those who are sick and in need: Cindy Robinson, Richard & Aaron Hegmon, Shelley Robinson, Mason Hill, Lois Caswell, Erik Lindquist, Chance Collins, Barb Hacker, Marjorie Belles, Aleda, Dave, Kathryn Senko, Barb Powers, Patricia Reno, Skip & Marsha Macholz, Carrie, Michael & Gwen Skinner, Edward Such, Judy Jones, Melinda Naumer, Tom Foltz, Cheryl Ann, Vivian Hawkins, Perce Guilder, Linda, Marilyn, Kaema Amachree, Betty Lorenz, Bill, Allan, Mary Lindquist, Lisa, and Yvetta Constan & family. We pray for the family and friends of those who have recently passed away: Russell Huber, Ernie Hedburg, and Andy Zynda. We pray and remember those in the Military, serving in dangerous areas: Daniel Reno, Michael Benson, and Steven Johnson. We pray for all those whose jobs and livelihoods are in jeopardy. We pray for those expecting: Amanda & Darrick Alvarez, Summer (Sleight) & Jake Stevens, Brooke & Ian Broughton, Susie & Luke Shaefer, Tara & Norman Farhat, Jill & Clif Schneider, Rochelle & Stuart Cullum,

Did You Know? By Jean Shawver The Pett Window in our church is very unique. You can find it at the back of the church, near the processional aisle for the choirs and clergy. It is dedicated to St. Francis

of Assisi and his love for nature. At his feet is a flowing stream, as well as flowers and other creatures of nature, such as birds and butterflies. The unique quality comes from the

presence of native Michigan animals, a fawn and a raccoon. It may be the only window of this kind to portray this scene.

Finding Holy Ground at Nightwatch 2009 By Barb Heany It was a night filled with inspiration, discoveries, new found friendships and just plain good fun for 8 of St. Paul’s youth at the 2009 Nightwatch held at St. Paul’s Cathedral in Detroit on March 21 and 22. Inspired and fashioned after New York City’s Nightwatch program, held at St. John the Divine since 1973, youth groups from all over the diocese came together to experience an amazing night VOLUME 34, ISSUE 5

searching for and discovering their Holy Ground with God. A tour of the cathedral, a labyrinth walk and a lesson in hand bell-ringing were just a few of the many activities that the youth engaged in. A candle-lit midnight worship service in which the youth creatively expressed themselves in preparation of the readings, prayers

of the people and benediction and dismissal was awe-inspiring. Nightwatch was truly a night to be remembered. Just ask any of our participating youth: Courtney Irwin, Margaret Kariuki, Erikah Alvarez, Thomas Laub, Clare Becket and Drew and Anna Krupka. They are all looking forward to Nightwatch 2010!

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It’s Not Too Late to Support Our Youth By The Rev. Ronald C. Byrd, Sr. Help our youth help others by purchasing a St. Paul’s youth group discount card. The fundraising discount cards are being sold to support the youth group’s 2009 mission trips to Stony Lake, Michigan and Cairo, Illinois. Each fundraiser card offers 15 incredible

freebies and/or discounts to local area business. Each card sells for $20.00. Cards can be purchased on Sundays during coffee hour in the Merrifield room or at anytime from members of St. Paul’s Youth Group.

Youth Group Plans BBQ By The Rev. Ronald C. Byrd, Sr. The youth group will gather at Barb Heany’s house for a BBQ potluck picnic on Sunday May 4 at 2 pm for their final regular meeting of the year. Father Ron (AKA “Father Baby Byrd”) will cook his world class barbeque ribs and chicken. We are asking parents to bring a dish to pass and to join the youth group for an afternoon of food, fun and

fellowship.

Upcoming Youth Group Activities:

Our agenda will be limited to our upcoming mission trip to Cairo Illinois and parents are encouraged to bring their questions. So, parents please come and celebrate with us! Members and parents are asked to RSVP to Barb Heany or Father Byrd ASAP.

May 4rd – Final Youth Group Meeting and Potluck at Barb Heany’s house. May 10th – Youth Sunday (Celebrating St. Paul’s 160 Years!) May 15 & 16 – Work Weekend at Stoney Lake July 26-31 – Mission Trip to Cairo

Vacation Bible School: A Wild Ride! By The Rev. Ronald C. Byrd, Sr. The time is quickly approaching to begin planning for this year’s Vacation Bible School (VBS). This year’s theme is “Avalanche RanchA Wild Ride Through God’s Word.”

many parishioners who dedicated their time, talent and treasure towards the needs of the program and our children. The success of this year’s program will also depend on the efforts of our entire church community.

Last year’s program was a success in large part due to the

This year’s VBS program will be June 15 – June 19. If you are able

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to lend a helping hand the week before, the week during or the week after VBS, please be sure to complete and return a volunteer pledge form. Forms are located in the sign-up racks just outside the Merrifield room. We are always looking for good ideas, so please feel free to offer any suggestions you might have to Fr. Ron on how we can continue to improve our VBS program. We hope to see you on the ranch! ST. PAUL’S NEWS

Easter Bunny Hops Into St. Paul’s By The Rev. Ronald C. Byrd, Sr.

On Resurrection Sunday the Easter Bunny visited with some forty children at St. Paul’s during the youth group sponsored second annual Easter Egg Hunt. Children searched and collected

Will Swihart

treats while hoping to find two very well hidden chocolate candy crosses. Aidyn Narezo and Will Swihart were this years winners and each received an additional very special

prize for sniffing out the chocolate crosses. It was a fun time for all and youth group members seemed to have as much fun as the “little people!”

The children of St. Paul’s

Alleluia! Alleluia! The Lord Is Risen! VOLUME 34, ISSUE 5

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...Being Proud of St. Paul’s (continued from page one) It was a rainy Sunday morning, cold and dreary. The 8 a.m. service was about a third of the way through when I was in the pulpit delivering the sermon. Because of that great view, I could see the back door open. A stranger walked in. He was wet and probably cold. Rather than sit in the rear of the Church (obviously not an Episcoalian), he started down the center aisle. The closer he got, the more detail I could make out. He was an older man, and it had been a while since he had shaved, and not because he was making a facial statement. His clothes were wet and messy, and his shoes were old. He was definitely not "one of us." As he continued down the aisle, more people began to notice. I could tell that the words of my sermon were falling on deaf ears because the real drama was being played out right in front of us. He eventually got to the front pew and sat down, and eventually the sermon was over. As we began the liturgy of the Sacrament, he just sat, probably sucking up some of the dryness and warmth. When it came

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time for the congregation to offered a few pleasantries and receive communion, the usher escorted him to the Merrifield room came forward and invited him to for coffee. Shortly thereafter, I saw the railing. He got up and was first our guest in conversation with in line. As he approached, I could several others in attendance. tell he was even more unkempt Eventually, the Altar Guild and than I originally thought, one of their spouses headed for the Hill the "street people." Room for their What was We The words of my breakfast. interesting was the gathered, said grace sermon were response of the and joined for the congregation. meal. As I raised my falling on deaf head from grace, I ears...the real This happened to noted that someone be a morning that drama was had gotten Howard the Altar Guild was being played out (he was eager to tell having its Corporate us his name) a plate right in front of Communion. Rather and a healthy portion us. than give him the of food. wide berth that his Howard hung smell (which became evident when we all got around for the next service as well. He didn't come to the Church for into close proximity) might Eucharist, perhaps because the require, the women knelt coffee was hotter and more to his down right liking. By the time the 10 a.m. service was over, he was gone. next to him, one on each The next morning I found him side with the sitting in the courtyard when I came railing filling to the office. He just wanted to say in as it would thanks for the hospitality, the on any other warmth, the dryness, the coffee and morning. He food, but mostly for the welcome. looked He said he didn't feel like an around and outsider. noted how He hasn't been back. Perhaps he is others on his way to the next town or city. received and Because we are a downtown parish, did likewise. we get lots of visitors like Howard. After Sometimes—most of the time I receiving, he hope—we treat them with dignity. returned to his pew. But that morning, with Howard, After the service, our deacon, Bill Fineout, gave the dismissal while standing right next to him. Bill

we had much of which to be proud. We not only lived our motto, but lived our Christian calling as well. Howard didn't sit or stand alone.

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The St. Paul’s News The St. Paul’s News is a publication of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Lansing Michigan. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Staff The Very Rev. Dr. Gordon Weller, Rector The Rev. Ronald C. Byrd, Curate Dr. Stephen R. Lange, Minister of Music The Rev. Deacon William H. Fineout Ms. Mary Rodeck, Assistant Minister of Music Ms. Kathleen Johnson, Office Manager

St. Paul’s News Editorial Staff Christine Caswell, Editor Lyn Zynda, Acting Editor

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