St. Paul's News - November, 2007

St. Paul's Episcopal Church Lansing Michigan

St. Paul’s News November, 2007

The Joy of Celebrating By The Very Rev. Dr. Gordon Weller

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e all love a good celebration. It brings a certain joy to our lives that warms both heart and soul. All Saints’ Sunday The Rev. Dr. Gordon Weller has become one of those celebrations. This has happened because of many converging events and the common goal of dedicating ourselves to God we all should share. Consider what will happen on November 4. We will have upwards of a dozen baptisms. As this happens, we all witness individuals “becoming” Christian and being imbued with the sacramental presence of the Holy Spirit. It has the ability to fill us with “warm fuzzies” because the children are always so loveable and the commitment of the adults, both parents and Godparents, is so admirable.

of the offering. Coupled with the normal Sunday offering, it provides evidence of the love we have for Christ and for God’s working agent in the world, St. Paul’s. Another happening for the day will be the welcoming of new members. All Saints’ Sunday becomes a most appropriate time to welcome new members because of our use of the Baptismal Covenant as a statement of our goals as members of St. Paul’s. New people join us because of the evidence of our commitment and their desire to join in our life together. Another occurrence will be the reading of the Necrology. This reading of the names of those who have died during the preceding year is a reminder, both of their dedication to the Church and of Christ’s dedication to be God’s saving agent to the world. We are also reminded of the “place prepared for us” in the kingdom of heaven.

Also occurring on that Sunday will be the presentation of our 2008 pledge cards at the time

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In the Presence of the Presiding Bishop By Sue Millar

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ast month Chuck and I were privileged to attend the AMEN – All Michigan Episcopal Network – Conference held at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. The food was amazing, the scenery lovely and the conversations stimulating, but the best part was meeting and hearing our new Presiding Bishop, Katharine Jefferts Schori, lead a large group discussion and give the homily at the closing Eucharist. Rest assured, we are in good hands under her leadership. After shaking her hand, I mentioned that I watch her shoulders to see if there is any sign of her being worn down by her responsibilities. “Oh, no! It is a joyful thing, and we’re in this together.” Indeed, though her schedule must be taxing, she gives no sense of being overwhelmed. Instead, her intelligence, insight, commitment and vision result in a leadership style that offers hope and confidence. (Continued on page 16)

Volume 32, Issue 9 Inside this issue: Calendar

17

Choir Schedule

9

St. Paul’s News

10

Upcoming

2

Vestry News

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Upcoming St. Paul’s Activities Activities at a Glance

Ongoing Activities • St. Aelred’s Guild, third Wednesday, 5:00 PM • Book Cart, 2nd Sunday after 10 AM • B&PW, Tuesday, November 13, 6 PM • ECW, third Monday, 7 PM • Family Night Dinner, Wednesdays, 5-6 PM • 4 Fs, second and fourth Mondays, noon to 2 PM • St. Paul’s Library, open every Sunday • St. Elizabeth Guild, Tuesday, November 27, 12:30 PM at the home of Debby Pierce • Prayer Group, first Tuesday, 5:30 PM, Choir Rehearsal Room • Men’s Breakfast, third Thursday, 7-8 AM, Hill Room • Mid-Week Eucharist, Tuesdays, noon

vice • Silver Bells in the City, Friday, November 16, 5-9 PM • Harvest Home Dinner, Wednesday, November 21, 6 PM dinner; 7 PM Holy Eucharist • SILS (Supervised Independent Living Services) Parish collection of household goods, Thanksgiving thru Christmas

Looking Ahead • Hymn Sing, Sunday, December 2, 9:45 AM • Amahl and the Night Visitors, Friday & Saturday, December 7-8, 7 PM • Miter Meeting, Thursday, December 13, 7 PM, St. Augustine’s, Mason • Men of Orpheus, Friday, December 14, 7 PM This Month at St. Paul’s and Elsewhere • “The Holiday Gathering,” Friday, December 14, • All Saints Day services, November 1, 7 PM 6:30 PM • Newcomers’ Dinner, Saturday, November 3, at the • Lange Choral Ensemble Concert, Saturday, Decemhome of Martie & Tom Repaskey ber 15, 7 PM • Baptisms and UTO Ingathering, Sunday, November • Lessons & Carols, Sunday, December 23, 10 AM 4 during 8 and 10 AM service • Parish Wide Book Read, discussions for three • Food Drive, Every Member Canvas, and Housing weeks beginning the week of January 7, 2008 Assistance Fund Fruit & Greens Sale all end on • Annual Meeting, Sunday, January 27, 2008, after November 4 10 AM service • MDG (Millennium Development Goals) Series first • ERD Book Sale coming in February session, Sunday, November 11 during 10 AM ser-

Necrology

Newcomer’s Dinner

By The Very Rev. Dr. Gordon F. Weller

By The Very Rev. Dr. Gordon F. Weller

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very year, at both the All Saints’ Day service, November 1, and the service on the following Sunday, we read the Necrology, a listing of all those who have died during the preceding year. Please contact the Church office if you have a name you would like to add to the list.

n Saturday, November 3, our fall group of Newcomers will gather for dinner and fellowship at the home of Martie & Tom Repaskey. The following day, All Saints’ Sunday, we will welcome the newcomers into the congregation at the 10 a.m. service. Please join in welcoming our new members at the reception that will follow the service. If you have never “officially” joined the parish and would like do so now, please contact one of the clergy or call the Church office to be included.

TÄÄ ft|ÇàáË Wtç Thursday, November 1, 2007 7 p.m. “A major Holy Day in the life of the Church”

Upcoming St. Paul’s Activities

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Housing Assistance Fund Sale Hurry, Ends Soon! By MaryLea Benson

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or many years, several members of St. Paul’s have been assisting with The Housing Assistance Fund Sale of holiday fruit, wreaths, poinsettias, and roping of fresh greens, bringing to you the opportunity to help the less fortunate in our community through your purchases. Well, it’s that time of year again! The Housing Assistance Fund (HAF), now in its 23rd year, is an informal coalition of Lansing-area churches dedicated to helping the homeless. Money raised in the annual holiday sale is distributed to two local shelters, Haven House in East Lansing and Loaves and Fishes in Lansing. Winter is an especially challenging time for homeless persons in mid-Michigan and the shelters on which they rely. Your concern can make a difference for someone now. Beautiful and fragrant wreaths of fresh greens are available in seven sizes from 20”diameter to 70” diameter, with optional bows, and in your choice of a Douglas fir/cedar/white pine combination or fragrant Fraser fir. Equally lovely roping is fashioned from Douglas Fir, cedar and white pine boughs. Lush, high-quality poinsettias come in three colors and sizes in foil-wrapped pots. Boxed fruit options include Florida-fresh and juicy navel oranges, pink grapefruits and tangelos in 20- and 40-pound cases. (Continued on page 16)

It’s Time to Fall Back

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n Sunday, November 4, clocks fall back from 1:59 a.m. to 1 a.m. This time was originally chosen because it was practical and minimized disruption. Most people were at home; it prevents the day from switching to yesterday, which would be confusing; it is early enough that the entire continental U.S. switches by daybreak; and the changeover occurs before most early shift workers and early churchgoers are affected. Be sure to change your clock on Saturday night when you go to bed or you might either be late for 8 a.m. or really early for 10 a.m. services.

Every Member Canvass Wrapping Up By Karen and Bob Tarrant, Stewardship Committee

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ust a reminder that the Every Member Canvass is wrapping up on November 4 this year. The Canvass is being conducted earlier in an effort to give the Vestry an accurate projection of pledge revenues prior to establishing the budget for 2008. If you have not returned your pledge cards yet, please do so as soon as possible. If you have misplaced your packet, additional packets can be obtained at the church or by calling the office. Our Every Member Canvass is an essential component of our Stewardship at St. Paul’s and together we are proving that the Gift of Generosity continues.

UTO Ingathering By Kay Gallup

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he Ingathering will take place at the two services on Sunday, November 4. Envelopes will be enclosed in the bulletin the Sunday before and the Sunday of the Ingathering. Boxes are at the entry to the church. The mission of the United Thank Offering is to expand the circle of thankful people. Past offerings have aided people in areas from Africa to Honduras, the Sudan, Korea, from Mexico to Papua, New Guinea and all over the United States.

Upcoming St. Paul’s Activities

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The MDGs Are Coming to St. Paul’s! By Dr. Stephen R. Lange, Minister of Music

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hat,” you might ask, “are MDGs?” Those of you who have read The Record recently will know that “MDG” stands for Millennium Development Goals. They are eight goals that leaders from 191 nations, including the United States, agreed on to cut extreme global poverty in half by 2015. (More that one billion people live on less than a $1a day!) The goals include addressing freedom from misery and suffering, hunger, illiteracy, disease, poor housing, insecurity, and providing environmental sustainability. Up to now— even though St. Paul’s contributes to wide-ranging outreach programs—the church has not intentionally addressed these issues as a congregation. This year, there will be a series of programs designed to help us become more aware of the nature and scope of the MDGs and to find concrete ways in which we can help further the realization of these goals—through individual, small-group, and parish-wide efforts. This series will begin on Sunday, November 11, with an interview of God (during the normal sermon time) to get God’s thoughts on these goals and their realization. The second in this series will be on December 2, the First Sunday of Advent, when a guest speaker will share experiences as a refugee from Sudan. And the third and final segment will be on February 3, with a special event after the service to help us understand more fully the scope of the MDGs and then to find concrete ways to address them. Please join us with an open mind and open heart as we discern how we as a parish can help to alleviate the extreme conditions many people in the world face every day.

4 F’s 2007-08 Programs “Taking Care of Ourselves & Others” The 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month Faith, Fellowship, Food and Fun for anyone who has time in the middle of the day! 12:00 Eucharist 12:30 Lunch 1:00 Bible Study on the Psalms 1:15–2:00 Program Sign up for each session on the table outside the Merrifield Room November 12

December 10

“Spiritual Eldering” with retired director of refugee services, Pat Hep.

A special Christmas Celebration with the Grand Ledge Madrigals led by Nancy Lange.

November 26

We will continue the 4F’s programs on January 14 and will have program information in the December St. Paul’s News.

“Spiritual Eldering” continued with Pat Hep.

The Holiday Seasons Are Approaching! By Dr. Stephen R. Lange, Minister of Music

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ovember means that preparation for the Thanksgiving and Christmas Seasons will get into full swing as St. Paul’s Handbell Choir joins with the Handbell Choir of Pilgrim Congregational Church, John Broughton, director, to usher in “Silver Bells in the City.” An annual event in Lansing, Silver Bells includes a festive parade, singing groups, instrumental ensembles, fireworks and a concert of Handbell music put on at St. Paul’s immediately afterwards. Following the concert there will be free hot chocolate and cookies in the Merrifield Room for anyone who would like to stop by. This year England choristers will be selling hot chili on the lawn of St. Paul’s before and during the parade. Please come down and enjoy the festivities!

Upcoming St. Paul’s Activities

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Harvest Home Dinner and Service By Dr. Stephen R. Lange, Minister of Music

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t. Paul’s traditional Harvest Home dinner and service will be held on Wednesday, November 21, beginning at 6 p.m. in the Merrifield Room. England choristers will serve the dinner. (Donations for their upcoming trip will be accepted!) Following the dinner, at approximately 7 p.m., the service of Holy Eucharist will be held in the church. Members of the Cherub Choir will sing an anthem for this service. There is a sign-up sheet on the table by the elevator. Please feel free to invite friends or relatives to join us for this celebration of God’s bounty.

Thanksgiving Baskets By Dr. Stephen R. Lange, Minister of Music

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t. Paul’s will be providing Thanksgiving baskets for needy families in the Lansing area this year. If you are interested in providing food for a basket, making a monetary contribution or delivering a basket someone else has prepared, please sign up on the sheet by the elevator. Instruction sheets are available by the sign-up sheet.

St. Elizabeth Guild

B&PW

By Debby Pierce

By Barbara Richardson

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The December meeting will be our Annual Corporate Communion and Breakfast at 8 a.m. on Sunday, December 9 at St. Paul's.

The board will meet at 5:30 p.m. and join the rest of the guild for dinner. All women of the church are invited, but reservations are needed for dinner, so please contact Nancy Milne at 882-0573 by Nov. 11 for a reservation. The cost of dinner is $8.

he November meeting will be at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 27 at my home, 1424 Wellington, Lansing. We have a great meeting scheduled and hope everyone will attend.

If you are interested in attending a meeting or in joining the St. Elizabeth Guild, please call me at 394-4800 or 485-5446.

e are going on a trip!! Come join us on November 13 at 6 p.m. in the Hill Room. Carol Ingells, our speaker will tell us about her recent trip to Turkey.

The Holiday Gathering By Millie Ericson, Vestry Member

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ave the Date for “The Holiday Gathering,” Friday, December 14, 6:30-9 p.m. at the home of Kathy and Larry Gut, 5553 Wild Iris Lane in Haslett. Celebrate with friends, food and music. In the spirit of the season, give to the Episcopal Relief and Development Fund. More details to follow.

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Upcoming St. Paul’s Activities

Christmas Music at St. Paul’s By Dr. Stephen R. Lange, Minister of Music

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his year St. Paul’s will offer a rich and varied selection of music to celebrate the Advent/ Christmas Seasons. The First Sunday of Advent (December 2) will be marked by a short “Hymn Sing” before the 10 a.m. service. It will last from 9:45 to 9:55 a.m., and will, we hope, help the congregation start their preparation for Christmas on an upbeat note, so to speak, while giving them the opportunity to sing a few more of their favorite hymns. Requests for hymns to be sung may be made to the Minister of Music, Stephen Lange.

the Mothers, Michael Nauss, Larry Clark and Rick Laub as the Kings, and Matthew Nauss as the page. In addition, members from all the choirs will form the chorus of shepherds and shepherdesses. Bring friends! On Friday, December 14, at 7 p.m., the Men of Orpheus, an all-male Lansing singing group, will present its annual Christmas Concert at the church. Directed by former parishioner Gayle Pohl, the Men of Orpheus will present a concert of lighter Christmas music. St. Paul’s Handbell Choir, directed by Mary Rodeck, will join them for this concert.

On the next night, Saturday, December 15, also at 7 p.m., the Lange Choral Ensemble will present its annual Christmas concert. This year the concert will feature “Magnificat” by Johann Sebastian Bach, a setting of On Friday and Saturday, December 7-8, at 7 p.m., several Spanish Christmas carols by Steven Sametz, the choirs of St. Paul’s will present the wonderful and several shorter numbers by such composers as Christmas work, “Amahl and the Night Visitors.” This Marenzio, Gesualdo and Clausen. Tickets for the conshort opera, written by Gian-Carlo Menotti, tells the story of a poor, crippled, shepherd boy who lives with cert are $8 for adults and $6 for students and senior his widowed mother in a simple hut about the time of citizens. The “Magnificat” will be accompanied by a small instrumental ensemble. the birth of Jesus. The three kings stop by this hut on their way to visit the baby Jesus in the manger and the The service of Advent Lessons and Carols will be held story unfolds from there. It is a wonderful story, with on Sunday, December 23, during the 10 a.m. service. humor, great singing and a very touching message. It All of St. Paul’s choirs, including the Handbell Choir, would make a great family outing! The roles will be will join in this annual musical celebration of Jesus’ double cast with Thomas Laub and Margaret Kariuki birth. as the Amahls, Larissa Clark and Victoria Walker as

ST AELRED'S GUILD offers spiritual friendship to members of our congregation in time of need through notes, visitation, prayer list management, Eucharistic visits, celebration of births and marriages as well as phone calls to shut-ins. St. Paul’s would like to know when one of our parishioners is in the hospital, is unable to come to church, has been moved to a special care facility or just might appreciate a card or visit to let them know we are thinking about them and praying for them. Please pick up a form for this special ministry at the Welcome Table after church or call Kathleen in the office at 482-9454. All parishioners are welcome to join us in this Ministry the Third Wednesday of each month from 5:00 - 6:00 PM in the VanAtta Room.

Miter Meetings By The Very Rev. Dr. Gordon F. Weller

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ur Bishop, The Rt. Rev. Wendell Gibbs, Jr., and his staff have embarked on a Diocesan wide visitation program called Miter Meetings. These meetings are meant to provide an opportunity for members of the Diocese to gather, ask questions, receive answers and promote conversation between the parishes and the Diocese. The Miter Meeting for our area is scheduled for Thursday evening, December 13, at St. Augustine’s in Mason. It begins at 7 p.m. and ends at 8:30. Please feel invited. Should you like to carpool or need a ride, contact the Church office.

News from the Vestry

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Financial Information as of September 30, 2007 By Jeff Irwin The September accounting was not complete as of the writing of this article. The following is based on preliminary data. The total pledge and non-pledge revenue received through September 30 was $209,183, which is 74 percent of the total 2007 budget. September is 75 percent of the year, so we are short of the total pledge budget for 2007. Through September 30, we estimate we have incurred a net operating loss of over $103,000. Our budget for 2007 is for an operating loss of $152,000. At this time, it is not clear if we will have a loss of $152,000 by the end of 2007, but we will incur a large deficit. The restricted and designated funds have recorded close to $94,000 in revenue. This includes both investment gains and restricted contributions. As of October 15, 2007, it had been necessary to withdraw $130,000 from the Perpetual Fund to provide cash to keep the church operating.

Highlights from the October Vestry Meeting:

• Appointed a replacement delegate for Libby

At the October 16 Vestry meeting your Vestry:

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• Conducted devotions based on the lessons and

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biographical sketches for Thomas Cranmer, Hugh Latimer and Nicholas Ridley (found in Lesser Feasts and Fasts - 2006) and compared, contrasted and reflected on the message delivered in the Presiding Bishop's web cast delivered earlier in the afternoon. Reviewed the "Welcoming Church" and "Vision Statement" documents and decided to evaluate the original hopes declared and actions accomplished, and present future goals at this year's annual meeting in January. Reviewed the effectiveness of ACTION of Greater Lansing. Reviewed the status of the Oliver Towers project. Approved expenditures to continue with the Public Relations Plan. Discussed the need to update the Web site and keep it current. Conducted a review of the amendments, changes in the Canons and issues to be discusses at Diocesan Convention next week.

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Richardson who will not be able to attend. Kathy Gut will serve as the replacement. Discussed the Presiding Bishop's appearance at Diocesan Convention and the attendance at the dinner. We currently have about 55 people who are going to be in attendance. Discussed the options available for the Audit of 2006 as mandated by the Diocese. Received and accepted the Treasurer's Report (a summary will be found elsewhere in the issue). Received various Committee Reports. The general opinion is that with minor exceptions, things are running smoothly and much is right with the parish. Allocated up to $400 dollars for Zacheria Akol's air fare to talk with Bishop Gibbs. Discussed what it would mean to support Zacheria Akol during his three years in seminary. More information will be gathered before a decision is made. Received clergy reports.

Note: More detail may be found in the official Vestry Minutes and various printed committee reports available and posted on the bulletin board outside the Rector's office

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Upcoming St. Paul’s Activities Mission & Outreach Activities:

Where is Christ calling you to help others? November 4 • Housing Assistance Fund, Fruit & Greens Sale Ends • UTO Ingathering • Food Drive Final Day

Third Annual Used Book Sale

November 11-18 • Thanksgiving Baskets

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lease remember to set aside any books you want to pass on for the third annual ERD used book sale, coming in February.

November 19 • LAEP (Lansing Area Episcopal Projects) Quarterly Meeting

For the past two years, you have donated a wide variety of books. You have purchased them for yourself, for friends or family. We have, as a result, raised significant dollars to support the lifesaving work of Episcopal Relief and Development.

December • Starter Apartment Collecting for SILS • Mitten Tree December 2 or 9 • Housing Assistance Fruit & Greens pick up at All Saints, East Lansing December 24 • Collecting gifts to support the Christ Child in support of Eve’s House January • Possible sponsoring of meals for Ronald McDonald House guests February • Episcopal Relief & Development Used Book Sale fundraiser Check the newsletter articles and the Sunday Bulletin Announcements for additional details and information

By Sue Millar, ERD Diocesan Coordinator

We will begin collecting books for the sale in January. Thanks for your support.

Annual Meeting By The Very Rev. Dr. Gordon F. Weller

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he Annual Meeting will be held on Sunday, January 27, 2007. At that time, we will review the past, plan for the future and elect people to implement our dreams. Please mark this date on your calendar and plan on attending. Light refreshments will precede the meeting and child care will be provided.

St. Paul’s Choirs

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Choir Newsletter and Dates to Remember By Dr. Stephen R. Lange, Minister of Music Wednesday, October 31 (Halloween) - Because Halloween falls on Wednesday night this year, there will be no Family Night activities—choir rehearsals or classes Thursday, November 1 - There will be no Chancel Choir rehearsal this night Wednesday, November 21 - Harvest Home dinner and service. Cherubs and Boys’ and Grace Choirs will rehearse from 5:30 to 6 p.m. Cherubs (only) will sing an anthem for the Harvest Home service. (Dinner will be at 6 p.m. and the Service at 7 p.m.) High School Choristers will serve and help clean up as needed. Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 22 - there will be no Chancel Choir rehearsal Sunday, December 23 (Lessons and Carols) - All choirs will sing for the 10 a.m. service England Parents: We will meet on Sunday, November 11, after the 10 a.m. service. We will finalize plans for the Harvest Home dinner and determine when we will host brunches and start preparation for the Auction.

Singing Schedule Date

Choirs

November 4 (All Saints’ Sunday) November 11 November 18 November 25

Boys’ and Grace; High School; Chancel High School; Chancel High School; Chancel (Mozart “Missa Brevis”) High School; Chancel

December 2 December 9 December 16 December 23 (Lessons & Carols) December 30

Boys’ and Grace; High School; High School; Chancel High School; Chancel Cherub, Boys’ and Grace, High School Choirs will not be vesting

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St. Paul’s News

St. Paul’s Nursery Looking for A Few Moms and Dads By The Rev. Ronald C. Byrd, Sr., Curate

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t. Paul’s Sunday school and nursery are off to a great start and roaring right along. Our average weekly attendance for Sunday school is around 32 students and there are usually more than seven children in the nursery. While we believe we have adequate staffing for our Sunday school group, we could desperately use a few volunteer moms and dads in the nursery to assist Kelsey Booth, our nursery childcare provider. If there are any parents willing to lend their time and talent in the nursery, perhaps one Sunday a month, God and Kelsey will be well pleased!

Vestry Nominations By The Very Rev. Dr. Gordon F. Weller

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

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

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

St. Paul’s November Prayer List

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e pray for those who are sick and in need: Cindy Robinson, Richard, Audrie

& Aaron Hegmon, Shelley Robinson, Donna, Grady, & Dennis Letner, Clara Voges, Mason Hill, Lois Caswell, June Wyatt, Dick Siebert, Carol, Judith Jones, Becky Chamberlain, Nancy Hiscoe Clark, Charles Weaver, Ben Herbert, Chance Collins, Caroline Thomas and her parents, brothers & godparents, Betty Jensen, Dan Heany, Marsha & Skip Macholz, Gloria Harvat, Jack Siebold, Joe Manson, DakBai DakBai, Irene Jones, Mary Ann Kelley, Ed Farmer, Sally Engle, Ed Jones, Alice Jessop Lamb, Justin, Elizabeth, Barb Hacker, Andrew Astley, Claire Carruthers, Annette Ophaug, Jeff & Sandy Howe and Mary Tuckey

Prayer List

We pray for and remember those in the Military, serving in dangerous areas: Daniel Reno, Daniel Laurion and Andrew Chegwidden

We pray for those expecting: : Opuene & Karen Amachree, Stuart & Rochelle Cullum, Cory & Stacy Nelson, Christopher & Kristan Chase, and Justin & Jessica Leonard We celebrate the birth of: Benjamin Wayne Ashcraft, son of Brian & Amy (Fowler) Ashcraft; Annika Grace Barnas, daughter of Daniel & Gretchen Barnas We pray for those who have died: Nicole Boron and David Hughes

We celebrate the wedding of: Amber Marie Dufrene and Harry Edward Mika III

St. Paul’s Youth Ministry

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The council is intended to provide a vehicle for our young people to self-govern their youth ministry programs, as well as provide for basic leadership, manBy the Rev. Ronald C. Byrd, Sr., Curate agement and organizational skill development. The youth executive board will consist of a president, vice or the first time in St. Paul’s history, the youth group will form a Youth Council with an executive president, secretary and treasurer. Elections will be board (voted in amongst themselves) to oversee and held October 28, so we ask that you please keep us in your prayers as we blaze a new way forward in facilitate youth group activities and projects and to advocate youth ideas and concerns to the Parish of St. youth ministry at St. Paul’s. Paul’s.

Youth Group to Form Council

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Youth Group 2007-08 Kick-Off Meeting and Outing By the Rev. Ronald C. Byrd, Sr., Curate

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t. Paul’s Youth Group kicked off its 2007-08 ministry season on Sunday September 23. Eleven youth gathered at the home of Barb Heany for pizza and an organizational meeting. The group had an opportunity to become acquainted with Fr. Ron and his family, as well as exchange ideas for activities for the upcoming year. After a spirit-filled meeting and lots of pizza, the group took a trip over to FunTyme Adventure Golf (miniature Youth Group celebrates after the season Kick-Off golf) in Grand Ledge. A fun time was had by all. There was lots Meeting at FunTyme Adventure Golf of laughter, and several holes-in-one were celebrated!

Youth Group Raises Over $1,000 for Crop Walk By the Rev. Ronald C. Byrd, Sr., Curate

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he Youth Group would like to thank St. Paul’s Parish Family for its generous support in pledges and donations towards this year’s 10K Walk for Hunger. Thanks to YOU, we were able to raise over $ 1,000. We would like to give a special THANK YOU to an anonymous donor who matched first-time donor amounts. The group of 10 walked 10K (that’s 6.5 miles!) on Sunday, October 14. The money raised was enough to provide clean water for drinking and domestic use, as well as education and training for improved community health, hygiene and sanitation. This service project is the first of several the group has planned for the coming year.

St. Paul’s Youth Group Happenings

• Dec. - Youth Group Christmas Party and trip to

By the Rev. Ronald C. Byrd, Sr., Curate

• Jan. - Lock-in and service project at Lansing Rescue

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• Feb. - Trip to Full Blast Indoor Water Park • Mar. - Youth Group to sponsor Easter Party for

lans for the St. Paul’s Youth Group program year are well under way, and we are expecting to have another exciting year, with a new focus and many great activities and service projects. The youth group targets young people grades 6-12, and ministry programs are designed around three primary areas of focus: in-reach, outreach, and mission. Here are a few of this year’s upcoming events: • Nov. - Neighborhood Canned Good Drive

nursing home for bingo Mission

small children

• Apr. - Fundraisers: car wash, ice cream social dur-

ing coffee, fellowship and taco dinner on family night • May - Cedar Point! Stay tuned to SPN and the weekly bulletins for more details and information.

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St. Paul’s News

Book Cart Offerings

cial order bibles, prayer books and most any other title you would like.

By Sue Millar

I had the privilege of hearing our new Presiding Bishop, Katharine Jefferts Schori, speak at the Dioceecently I heard someone suggest that san Clergy Conference at Mackinac Island a week churches typically educate their children and ago. This experience whetted my appetite for her bless the adults. The speaker then observed new book, On a Wing and A Prayer. The back cover that churches would be stronger if they blessed the says it well: "Katharine Jefferts Schori reflects on our children and better educated their adults. complex world through the lens of scripture and the If this makes sense to you, the Book Cart offers books Church's vocation to serve both its members and those considered 'outsiders' by our church and the world . . . for sale, once a month, for adult education. Read this book as a series of daily meditations, and We have books to nourish your spiritual life. We have by the end of it, you will not only know Bishop books that can help you clarify your beliefs, that help Katharine better, but you will find yourself filled with you better understand the message of the Bible, and a livelier hope, re-energized for the ministry and misthat will challenge you to live the Good News each sion of all of us baptized in Christ." day right where you live and work. We can also spe-

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Young Adults Who Have Aged-Out of Foster Care Need Our Help By Bill Fineout, Diaconal Candidate

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ome 18-year-old former foster teenagers/ adults—whose foster families no longer receive state assistance—find themselves without a place to live or without any family support.

stocked by our Vestry members alone. This year we will be asking the entire congregation to step forward to purchase and donate these needed items.

We will ask you to make this effort between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Please watch for further bulletin announcements and the December newsletter for the Child and Family Services attempts to aid these young details. By that time we will also know if our young adults through its Supervised Independent Living Ser- adult recipient is male or female, and possibly have a vices (SILS), but much state funding of the program has first name. All communication is confidential through been cut. When these teenagers are placed into an Child and Family Services. apartment, they get financial assistance for rent, but they have no funds and no family/friend support for Mission & Outreach will provide you with a detailed all the items that a young person needs to start inde- listing of all items we need. Examples include “Bathroom – 3 bath towels, 3 hand towels, 3 washpendent living from blankets and sheets to frying cloths, a bathmat or bath rug, shower curtain and pans, glasses, toilet paper, etc. rings, tumbler and soap dish, and a laundry basket” (into which we would pack all of the above). During 2006, the Lansing Area Episcopal Projects churches (including St. Paul’s) have taken monthly turns There are seven areas (care packages/rooms) like the one listed above for us to fulfill for a pre-January providing new apartment “start up” items for one of these SILS young adults. Last year, the young adult delivery date. chosen by St. Paul’s had an apartment completely Stay tuned!

St. Paul’s News

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Russian Orthodox & Sudanese Episcopal Services By The Very Rev. Dr. Gordon F. Weller

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f you come into the cloister of the Church on most Saturday mornings, you will probably notice the smell of incense wafting through the building. From the Chapel, you will hear the sound of people speaking in Russian, and those who are only with us on Saturday mornings hosting a coffee hour in the Merrifield room. In the same way, on Sunday, beginning around noon, there will St. Paul’s Chapel in preparation for the Russian be the rhythmic Orthodox Congregation’s Services sound of native drums coming from the Church. Again the language will be unfamiliar—Dinka, a tribal dialect from southern Sudan in Africa. By 1:30 p.m., members of this congregation will be gathered around the table, talking and having refreshments just as we do at coffee hour.

The Sudanese Episcopal Congregation worshiping at St. Paul’s on Sunday afternoon

One of the best things we do in sharing the love that is Christ is offering our building to those who are so very different from ourselves. The two pictures that accompany this article show the Sudanese at worship and the Chapel set up for a Russian Orthodox service.

Accomplishing "Two Goods" with One Gift By Sue Millar

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hen shopping for gifts for my grandchildren or friends, I often go first to the United Nations store on Michigan Avenue. If I find a suitable choice, I have the double satisfaction of accomplishing two "goods" with one gift. My love has been expressed through giving a lovely gift, and I have helped support Third-World craft people who are struggling to earn the barest of livings. As the season of Advent and Christmas gift giving approaches, Episcopal Relief and Development offers a variation on that idea with its Gifts of Life Catalog. Within its pages you will find many ways to honor and remember a friend or family member for whom you have difficulty shopping while also bringing help and hope to unseen "neighbors" across the globe. Pick up a catalog on the cloister table next to the nametags if you, too, would like to experience the satisfaction of giving gifts that create two "goods" at the same time. For example, in the name of a friend or family member, support a mobile health clinic ($15 per person), equip a native fisherman or woman ($50), send 10 seedling trays of drought-resistant seeds ($20), provide a family with basic farming tools ($150) or give a flock of chickens ($135)! I also like the thought that all of these are "gifts that keep on giving."

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St. Paul’s News

ACTION of Greater Lansing By The Very Rev. Dr. Gordon F. Weller

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or the last several months, many members of St. Paul's have participated in an organization called ACTION of Greater Lansing. ACTION calls on Christians to band together and use the power of their numbers, and their faith and belief that God calls us, to seek out and eradicate systemic injustice in our community. After almost a year of organizing, talking, research and plan development, a presentation was made on September 24 that called for two initiatives to be addressed by local authorities, one on crime and one on substance abuse. This gathering of over 400 committed Christians was called a Nehemiah Action Assembly after the Old Testament prophet who called on his people to deal with the injustices of their day. The first initiative was the establishment of a "Hot Spot Card" program. These ACTION calls on Christians to band cards would be placed first in churches and later in other strategic locations so people could report areas of crime and/or substance abuse to the authorities without fear of together and use reprisal. ACTION would collect the cards and monitor the progress of the police investithe power of their gating the situations. On the 24th, Lansing Police Chief Mark Alley embraced the plan numbers, and their very enthusiastically, even to the point of committing the police department to paying for faith and belief the development and printing of the cards. that God calls us, to seek out and eradicate systemic injustice in our community.

The other initiative was in the area of local (city and county) prisoner release. ACTION's recommendation was that prisoners, when released from jail, be given help and assistance in finding solutions to the problems that landed them there in the first place. Similar programs are available from the state, but not on the county/city level. Members of the Law Enforcement Committee of Ingham County were present, and while they could not make commitments, they invited ACTION to attend their next committee meeting for discussion. Several days later, members of the ACTION group were present, made another presentation and received the support of the committee in attempting to enact ACTION's recommendations. Members of St. Paul's who were involved in the process consider this a huge success. Now the process starts again. Our goal is to once again poll the community, identify injustice, rally support, do research, make recommendations and seek justice. If this kind of involvement interests you, consider becoming a "justice team" member. Contact Ed and Pat Meier or Fred and Terri Junger for more information.

(Continued from, “The Joy of Celebrating,” page 1)

A final event will be the offering of the UTO (United Thank Offering) ingathering by the women of ECW (Episcopal Church Women). This offering is collected twice every year and exemplifies the continuing commitment to helping those less fortunate. When you couple these things with the many normal parts of the service like the lessons, the music and the sermon, it is easy to see why corporate worship is so powerful, meaningful and attractive. Because All Saints’ Sunday can be such a wonderful experience, it also becomes a perfect time to invite neighbors or acquaintances to attend Church with you. Consider bringing someone you think may appreciate what we have here at St. Paul’s. Plan on being present on November 4, not as an observer, but as one who is actively celebrating his or her faith and is excited about sharing it.

St. Paul’s News

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A Parish Wide Book Read By Millie Ericson, Vestry Member

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aking off from East Landing’s “One Community, One Book,” St. Paul’s will launch an opportunity this winter for all members of the parish to join in reading the same book, gather in small discussion groups and come together for a guest lecturer who will further enlighten us on the book’s topic as well as explore the theological implications. The goal is to enhance our sense of fellowship and common connections as the Body of Christ at St. Paul’s. The book chosen is The Worst Hard Times, the Untold Story of Those Who Survived the Great American Dust Bowl by Timothy Eden (New York: Houghton Mifflin, 2006). With section headings like “Promise,” “Betrayal,” and “Blowup,” and a conclusion that suggests rebirth, the book offers implications for our Biblical and spiritual journey as Christians as well as connections to the Millennium Development Goals. It is highly readable, written by a Pulitzer Prize winning author, focusing on the personal stories of those who remained in the Dust Bowl during the “worst hard times” and endured. Discussion Groups will convene for three weeks in January, beginning the week of January 7. These will be held at various times and locations to best facilitate the needs of everyone. The guest lecturer will be announced later. Please indicate your interest in participating by signing up on the table outside the Merrifield Room. (This is important so that we know how many books to order.) If you would also like to be part of the January discussion groups, please include your preferred time and location. Also indicate on the sheet if you would like to host a discussion group in your home and/or facilitate a group. (Group facilitators will meet in the late Fall to prepare.) Copies of the book are now available for purchase from the Church Office for $10.25 each. Think up a creative name for our book read, and, if your idea is chosen, win a free copy. Submit suggestions to Millie Ericson or Gordon Weller. For further information, contact Millie, Gordon or any member of the Parish Life Committee.

Judi, Hugh & Antonio Clarke join other players in a rousing game of Trivial Pursuit at the Parish Pizza Party.

Grandfather and Granddaughter enjoy playing Candy Land.

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Upcoming St. Paul’s Activities

(Continued from, “Housing Assistance Fund Sale,” page 3)

Once again, we’re offering Home-style Fudge in one-pound decorative tins or one-half pound tubs! Choose from Chocolate Walnut, Chocolate, Maple Walnut, Vanilla Walnut, Peanut Butter and Chocolate Mint. Tin designs vary and are all lovely winter/seasonal scenes. All of the items offered are perfect for your own enjoyment or for holiday gift giving. Each item will bear a label to share the story that proceeds from the sale of the item benefiting the two shelters. Special are the gifts that help to make a difference in the world. Orders are only being taken through November 4, so order soon if you’re interested. Delivery to All Saint’s Episcopal is anticipated the first weekend in December. When you pick up your order at All Saints, stop to visit the Alternative Holiday Marketplace. Your purchases of jams, jellies, crafts, candles, note cards, fairly traded coffees and teas, jewelry, baskets and art objects from around the world will support a variety of mainly faith-based non-profit organizations committed to helping the poor locally and globally, including the Housing Assistance Fund. Shop for a better world! For more information, contact MaryLea Benson.

(Continued from, “In the Presence of the Presiding Bishop,” page 1)

Katharine* believes in listening, in the importance of continuing conversation so that mutually acceptable truth has generous opportunity to emerge. For example, we need to respect the integrity of those who disagree with us as we listen to different interpretations of scripture. When she described the actions of the recent conference of the American Episcopal bishops in New Orleans, which included the Archbishop of Canterbury, she assured us that our bishops’ response to the Windsor Report was not one of backing down or St. Paul’s Staff and Parishioners enjoy dinner at the AMEN Conference on Mackinac Island changing position, but one that would provide time for continued conversation. Those in Africa who control the microphones may talk of schism within the Anglican Communion; however, there are many African clergy and bishops who are more open to change than their leaders suggest. Speaking of the African bishops who most loudly disagree with the American church, Katharine commented that bishops retire—which said to me, “Be patient, and in time we will work this out.” When the Presiding Bishop gave the blessing at the end of the final Eucharist, she gave it in fluent Spanish, a sign, I thought to myself, of her great generosity of spirit, her wisdom and her competence. The Episcopal Church has been blessed indeed. *Someone asked the Presiding Bishop what she preferred to be called. She unhesitatingly answered, “Call me by my baptismal name, but not ‘Bishop Katharine,’ please.”

St. Paul’s News

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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: 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 Very Rev. Dr. Gordon Weller, Rector The Rev. Ronald C. Byrd, Sr., Curate Dr. Stephen R. Lange, Minister of Music Mr. William H. Fineout, Acting Deacon Ms. Mary Rodeck, Assistant Minister of Music Ms. Kathleen Johnson, Office Manager

St. Paul’s News Editorial Staff Christine Caswell, Editor Tom Shawver, Staff Writer Helen Hiscoe, Proofreader Lyn Zynda, Layout Editor

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