St. Paul's News - November, 2009

St. Paul’s 

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF ST. PAUL’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH NOVEMBER 2009—VOLUME 34, ISSUE 9

Ready or Not, Here it Comes! By The Very Rev. Dr. Gordon F. Weller It's October 15, and I've seen the decorations already! Not Halloween; they were out a month ago! Christmas decorations!! As we enter the month of November, we begin the busiest time of our calendar year. At St. Paul's we start the season by making a big deal out of All Saint's Sunday, November 1. We baptize some and welcome others as "new members" to the parish. On November 20, "Silver Bells in the City" will kick off the downtown shopping season for the greater Lansing community. Silver Bells begins with an ever lengthening and more festive parade. This is followed by fireworks. Many churches, ours included, offer reminders that it's not all about buying and gifts: Christ is still the "Reason for the Season." At St. Paul's our "Bells" will ring in the season and the Merrifield room will be festively decorated to be as welcoming as possible to the upwards of 250 people who will visit for hot cocoa and cookies. This will be followed by Thanksgiving and "Black Friday." We all know how tired we are on the Monday morning following that weekend. Then the real fun begins. These activities create such a pace that by the time Christmas afternoon arrives, there is a huge letdown just at the time we should be most energized by the celebration of the new life that entered the world so long ago. For those who want the season to hold more spiritual meaning and have it last past December 25, consider some advance planning. That's the reason I offer this article and suggestion now. If you are dismayed at how tired you are at the end of (Continued on page 12)

news

Church Events November  1 - Baptisms  2 and 16 - 4Fs  4 - Diocesan Convention Recap  8 - Invitation Sunday  10 - B&PW  15 - Bishop Gibbs Visit, Rabbi Sasso Visit  16 - LAEP  17 - St. Elizabeth Guild  20 - Silver Bells  22 - Missa Brevis Concert, Heifer Auction  25 - Harvest Home Dinner and Thanksgiving Service

Community of Faith in a Circle of Friends By Martie Repaskey, Sr. Warden “Whenever two or three of you come together in my name, I am there with you.” Matthew 18:20 It’s the “stewardship time of year” again, only the people of St. Paul’s are doing it differently this time. We are engaged in a visioning process, attempting to discern just what our combined ministry should look like as we move into the future. How can we best express our gratitude for the abundance in our lives? How will we carry the Gospel forward, and what do we need in order to carry out our vision? In a three-hour event on September 20, we talked about our strengths, our dreams, and the realities of our community in Christ. Approximately 65 people participated in this time of good communication. Since then, we have begun meeting in small groups to continue this dialogue with one another. Thus far, the discussions in these small groups have been lively (Continued on page 12)

Business and Professional Women By Barbara Richardson Come join us November 10th as we celebrate an early Thanksgiving with our festive and scrumptious Thanksgiving Dinner. We meet at 6 p.m. in the Hill Room for dinner followed by our own Ellie Doersam as our guest speaker. Please make a dinner reservation with Debby Pierce by November 8th. Cost of dinner is $8. All are welcome.

The 4Fs Group Programs By Nancy Sheldon Usually meets the 2nd & 4th Mondays of each month. Exceptions noted *due to Town Hall conflict)  12:00 Eucharist, 12:30 Lunch ($4.00)  1:00 Bible Study (Steve Lange) 1:15-2:00 Program Anyone is invited who has time in the middle of the day! This year, we will continue the study of the psalms for our Bible Study.  Nov. 2 - A visit to the Hindu Temple Bharatiya in Haslett at 955 Haslett Road.

 Nov. 16 - Rabbi Sandy Sasso, a well known author (especially of children’s books) and a co-rabbi with her husband in Indianapolis, IN, will be a guest at St Paul’s for two days. During this time, she will speak to the 4F’s group about talking to our children and grandchildren about God.  Dec. 7 - We will continue our tradition of an annual Christmas celebration with a special luncheon before a concert in the church. The Someko singers from Okemos High School will entertain us once again, and our own Matt Nauss (a member of this talented group) will be among them.

Baptisms By The Very Rev. Dr. Gordon F. Weller By the time you read this, baptisms for the November 1 All Saints Day celebration, will probably already be planned. Know however that the next assigned date is January 10, which this year marks Jesus' baptism. If so inclined, please contact Fr. Weller or the Church office for more information or to schedule the Baptism.

Mitten Tree By The Rev. Deacon William Fineout The Mitten Tree is in the cloister and awaiting your decorations. It needs to be finished by November 8, which is earlier than in past. We have moved the collection from December to get warm clothing to kids before it gets too cold. Please donate hats, scarves, and/or mittens and gloves to decorate this year’s tree. We will be delivering this year’s collection to the Love Closet at Judson Memorial Church for children in the Head Start, WIC and Christian Service programs. Page 2

Diocesan Convention By The Very Rev. Dr. Gordon F. Weller By the time you read this, the Diocesan Convention will be over and most of the actions voted upon will be in the process of implementation. The need to know what was voted upon and the implications of this vote are always important, so your Diocesan Convention Delegation will be available for information and questions on Wednesday, November 4, at 6 p.m., in the Merrifield room for a synopsis of the Convention and to answer questions. Please consider attending.

Heifer International By The Rev. Deacon William Fineout We continue our MDG 2009 project of “filling an ark” of animals for Heifer International. We will be taking up one more “noisy” collection on Family Sunday. And on the second Sunday of November, at the coffee hour, we will auction off all the stuffed animals and a quilt decorated by our church children. We will continue to have the Heifer gift cards available. If you would like to gift someone by donating in their honor to Heifer, you may do so and receive a greeting card to give to them explaining your gift. They make great birthday and Christmas gifts for that person who “has everything” and a thoughtful and meaningful gift to anyone for any occasion. See Deacon Bill if you would like to purchase some of the Heifer gift cards; the prices for the animals are posted in the Merrifield Room. Gift cards will be available during coffee hour.

You’re Invited to “Invitation Sunday” By John Nevin, Vestry Member For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 During the past few weeks, many of us attended meetings in members’ homes or at the church to discuss the current and future ministries of St. Paul’s. At those meetings, several parishioners agreed to write prayers based on the many sentiments expressed during these meetings. These prayers were shared with the congregation on October 25 and November 1 during worship. We hope these prayers will serve as a reminder of all we have to be thankful for and for all we have yet to accomplish to fulfill God’s vision for our ministries. We also heard testimonials from members about how St. Paul’s has inspired them and changed their lives. This open process of discussing Mark your calendars and plan on our relationship with Christ and ideas about attending “Invitation Sunday” and how St. Paul’s can do even more of His good work, will culminate on “Invitation Sunday,” on Nothe “Unity Brunch” on November 8. vember 8. On that day, the entire St. Paul’s family is invited to express our gratitude by returning to God a portion of our blessings through our pledges to the many ministries that make our parish a beacon of hope in our community. At both the 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. services, during worship, pledge cards will be distributed for you to fill out. During the offering, you will have an opportunity to bring completed pledge cards forward and to place them on the altar to be blessed. Because our pledges are given out of a love for God and for the ministries of St. Paul’s, it is appropriate that we submit our pledges as an integral part of our worship. Just as we did last year, the 10 a.m. service will be followed by a “Unity Brunch” where the entire congregation will celebrate our united commitment to love and serve Christ. As we gather on November 8, let our hearts be open to God’s loving inspiration and may the results of our efforts be so extraordinary that all will see God’s hand at work in our ministries.

Harvest Home Dinner

Bishop Gibbs to Visit

By Dr. Stephen R. Lange, Minister of Music St. Paul’s annual Harvest Home Dinner (6 p.m.) and Thanksgiving service (7 p.m.) will be held on Wednesday, November 25. The dinner, served and prepared by the England Choristers and their parents with the guidance of Debby and Max Pierce, is a fund raiser for the next England trip, scheduled for the summer of 2011. The Cherub Choir will sing an anthem for this service. Please feel welcome to bring friends and family to the dinner and service. A sign-up sheet is available by the elevator outside the Merrifield Room.

By The Very Rev. Dr. Gordon F. Weller On Sunday, November 15, Bishop Wendell N. Gibbs Jr., 10th Bishop of the Diocese of Michigan, will visit St. Paul's for his regularly scheduled pastoral visit. He will be present for both services as preacher and celebrant. The 10 a.m. service will be followed by a reception in the Merrifield Room. Please put this important date on your calendar and plan on being here.

St. Elizabeth Guild By Debby Pierce, President The November meeting of the St. Elizabeth Guild will be Tuesday, November 17 at 12:30 p.m. (please note that this a week earlier than normal). We will be meeting at my home with a light lunch to be followed by a program and meeting. If you are interested in joining us, please call me at 394-4800 or 485-5446. This December Corporate Communion and Breakfast will be on Sunday, December 13 at St. Paul's. Communion Service at 8 a.m. with breakfast following. Page 3

Eucharist and Healing Service By The Rev. Deacon William Fineout Healing stations will be available during the Eucharist on Sunday, November 29. As we begin a new church year and season, it is most appropriate that we offer healing prayer on the first Sunday in Advent. Directions to the stations will be given during the announcements at both services. Healing prayer is also offered at the weekly Tuesday noon Holy Eucharist or Morning Prayer services

Rabbi Sandy Sasso is Coming! By Martie Repaskey, Sr. Warden Rabbi Sandy Sasso, a widely acclaimed children’s author, will be the guest speaker at St. Paul’s for two days in November. Excitement is mounting regarding a planned ecumenical event on Sunday, November 15. Rabbi Sasso will present the story of Cain and Abel, and the lesson “Finding the Fruits of Peace” to elementary-age children from St. Paul’s, Shaarey Zedek and Kehillat Israel. A local artist will assist her in facilitating the children’s creative response to the story, followed by a cookie and ice cream party for all the children. On Monday, November 16, Rabbi Sasso will join grandparent-type folk at St. Paul’s 4F’s program. Her primary presentation will take place that evening at 7 p.m., promising an interesting topic: “Nurturing the Spiritual Imagination of Our Children.”

News from the Parish Life Committee

Schuler Books will offer many of Rabbi Sasso’s endearing, beautifully illustrated children’s books after each event. Some of the books she has written include Butterflies Under our Hats, God’s Paintbrush, In God’s Name, A Prayer for the Earth, and several books for parents, including The Divine Fingerprint and God’s Echo: Exploring Scripture with Midrash.

By Millie Ericson, Vestry Member

This event has involved several people in the planning, from St. Paul’s and from Shaarey Zedek. St. Paul’s Parish Life committee will be involved with hospitality each evening. This opportunity has been made possible by the Shawver Fund for Special Programs.

On Friday, December 4, at 6:30 p.m., there will be a Holiday Dinner Theater Outing to see the musical version of “It’s a Wonderful Life” at Lansing’s Starlight Dinner Theater. The production stars our own Larry Clark as George Bailey, Lydia Rose as Zuzu Bailey and Rebecca Rose as another of the Bailey children. This production will be enjoyable for the whole family and all ages! Tickets will be available for purchase soon. The cost for dinner and the show will be $33 for adults and $28 for seniors/students. Starlight Dinner Theater is located in the Waverly East Intermediate School at 3131 W. Michigan Ave., Lansing. Join us for an enjoyable holiday evening and also support our “stars!” Sign -up is available outside the Merrifield Room.

Chancel Choir to Present Missa Brevis By Dr. Stephen R. Lange, Minister of Music On Sunday, November 22, as part of the 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist service, the Chancel Choir will sing Joseph Haydn’s “Missa Brevis” in B-flat Major. This mass was originally composed in 1775 for an ecclesiastical organization, the “Barmherzige Brothers,” whose patron saint was St. John. The choir will be accompanied by a string quartet for this presentation.

“One Church, Many Journeys” Book Read will be back again in January. This will be our third Annual Book Read. The book title will be announced soon.

Page 4

Financial Information as of September 30, 2009 By Julie Young The end of September marks 75% of the year. Pledge income in September was $24,159, bringing the year to date total pledge income to $209,175, which is 72% of the budget. It appears that we are slightly behind year to date projections with pledge revenue collection. Operations for September had a net loss of ($7,991), bringing the year to date loss to ($131,560). Much of this loss can be attributed to finalizing building maintenance projects such as roof repair, sidewalk repair and the updating of the speaker system. Funds designated for this purpose have been used to pay for these repairs and improvements. Transfers from the investment account into the operating account during the month of September totaled $30,000.

Vestry Highlights At the October 20, 2009, Vestry meeting your Vestry:  Enjoyed the company of one another at dinner  Discussed and laughed over the topic "Does God have a Sense of Humor?" for devotions  Approved, with additions, the agenda  Approved, with modifications, the September 22 minutes  Received the Treasurer's report (synopsis found elsewhere in this issue)  Approved an additional $20,000 allocation from the Perpetual Fund (to be used if needed)  Approved $10,000 for operations from the Shawver Fund ($6,000 for Sandy Sasso, $4,000 for this past summer's mission trip)  Discussed where we are in our Operating Fund expenditures for 2009  Discussed the Diocesan Convention issues that may be present at the October 23-24 Convention held here in Lansing  Received a report about the Memorial Garden plaque (Soon!)  Received a Capitol Church's Coalition Corporation Report  Voted $500 to the 4C's as out part of a newly established contingency fund  Discussed Vestry attendance  Received Committee Reports; highlights follow:  B&G - New Sound system almost complete  Parish Life - Book for Book Read almost selected

 Youth Christian Ed. - Programs in place, all goes well. Third, Fourth, and Fifth grade youth group being established  Mission & Outreach - MDG, Heifer project, CROP Walk, all wrapping up. Thanksgiving baskets project being readied  Communications - On line St. Paul's News passed first hurdle with minimal glitches  Personnel Committee - New Nursery attendant in position, Staff reviews proceeding on schedule  Stewardship - An extensive review of where we still need to be with our program was discussed. Members pleased so far  Discussed the Diocesan Ministry Fair to be held here in the spring - We will have more to do because of staff cuts at the Diocesan level  Distributed the Vestry Calling lists  Received a preliminary report on Server/computer upgrades. Our equipment is 7 years old in places. May need upgrade to be functional with new technology  Reminded ourselves of the guidelines of the two Shawver Funds  Discussed the Bishops Visit on November 15th  Received a report that the Yankees were ahead of the Angels (1- 0). The wonders of technology  Received Rector's, Deacon's and Sr. Warden's Reports  Adjourned at 9:15 p.m.

Page 5

Child Care and Christmas Wrapping Service

Requests for Prayer

By Barb Heany

We pray for those who are sick and in need: Cindy Robinson, Richard and 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 and Marsha Macholz, Michael and Gwen Skinner, Melinda Naumer, Tom Foltz, Vivian Hawkins, Linda, Kaema Amachree, Bill, Mary Lindquist, Yvette Constan and family, Cris Plyler, Brian French, Lynne, Kent Riley, Jan Bigham, Max Sutton, John Hawkins, Joan, Karol Ryan, Irma Narezo, Mike Wood, Julie, and Keqin Tang.

Does getting all your Christmas shopping finished in a day sound too good to be true? On Saturday, December 5, St. Paul’s Youth Group will sponsor a Child Care/Christmas Wrapping service from 1-6 p.m. Just drop off the kids, get the shopping done and bring it back for us to wrap! We will also be happy to wrap gifts after the 10 a.m. service on December 6. Please be sure to sign up outside the Merrifield Room for Child Care. (Donations will graciously be accepted with 50 percent going to the Lansing Rescue Mission and 50 percent supporting future youth group projects and activities).

We pray and remember those in the Military, serving in dangerous areas: Daniel Reno, Michael Benson, Steven Johnson, and Tyson Carter. We pray for comfort for the family and friends of Virginia Hilbert, who recently passed away.

St. Nicholas’ Celebration By The Very Rev. Dr. Gordon F. Weller St. Nicholas' Day is always marked on December 6. This year it falls on a Sunday, the first Sunday of the month. While this date is over a month away, mark your calendars now for the special program that will be offered that day. Bring the kids, bring the family, bring the neighbors. Be here for the fun.

We pray for all those whose jobs and livelihoods are in jeopardy. We pray for those expecting: Carrie (Kressler) and Charlie Smith, Tonya and Joshua Couts, Mindy and Matt Pauly, Katie Thompson and John Shaw-Reed, and Elana and John Waugh. We pray for and celebrate the birth of: Randolf Aloysius Schneider son of Jill and Clif Schneider; and the birth of Rose Kathleen Parker, daughter of Allyson and Jerry Parker and big sister to Lily Parker. We pray for and celebrate the marriage of Jennifer Cook and Joseph Baker.

Blessing of the Beasts By The Very Rev. Dr. Gordon F. Weller On Sunday, October 4, 33 people and 17 pets gathered in our courtyard and went nose to nose. There was lots of sniffing, barking and meowing, and that was by the humans! The children enjoyed introducing their pets and their parents. The animals enjoyed the extra treats they received for behaving. Everyone enjoyed the presentation made by the people from Potter Park Zoo who brought seven different animals for our inspection.

Page 6

Choir News Special Dates to Note November 1 ‐ England parents’ meeting right after church in the Choir Rehearsal Room.  November 22 ‐ Chancel Choir to Sing “Missa Brevis” by F. J. Haydn  November 25 ‐ Harvest Home Dinner. Cherubs and Boys’ and Grace Choirs will rehearse from 5:30 to 6 p.m., and Cher‐

ubs will sing for the service at 7 p.m. The high School Choir will help prepare and serve the dinner.  November 26 (Thanksgiving) ‐ No Chancel Choir rehearsal. 

Singing Schedule Date November 1 November 8 November 15 November 22 November 29 December 6

Choirs

Date

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

December 13 December 20 Lessons & Carols

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

December 24 4 p.m. Family Eucharist

Boys’ and Grace; High School

Cherubs; Boys’ and Grace 11 p.m. Choral Eucharist High School; Chancel

The Holiday Seasons Are Approaching! By Dr. Stephen R. Lange, Minister of Music November means that preparation for the Thanksgiving and Christmas Seasons will get into full swing as St. Paul’s Handbell Choir will join the Handbell Choir of Pilgrim Congregational Church and its director, John Broughton, 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 offered at St. Paul’s immediately following the fireworks. This celebration will be held on Friday, November 20. After the concert, there will be free hot chocolate and cookies in the Merrifeld Room for anyone who would like to stop by. On Friday, December 4, The Men of Orpheus, an all-male singing group of Lansing, will present its annual Christmas Concert. Directed by former parishioner Gayle Pohl, the program will consist of lighter Christmas music. On Sunday, December 13, at 4 p.m., the Lange Choral Ensemble will present its annual Christmas concert. This year the concert will feature music for chorus, oboe and harp. The program will include familiar Christmas carols as well as recently composed Christmas anthems. On Sunday, December 20, the service of Advent Lessons and Carols will held during the 10 a.m. service. All of St. Paul’s choirs, including the Handbell Choir, will join in this annual musical celebration of Jesus’ birth. Please come and enjoy all these musical offerings! Page 7

Mission and Outreach Activities Where is Christ calling you to help others? Sunday, October 4

Tuesday, November 16

 Youth Group Noisy Collection for Heifer

 Lansing Area Episcopal Projects (LAEP) meeting

Saturday, October 10

November 8—22

 Red Cross Blood Drive

 Thanksgiving Food Baskets

Sunday, October 11

Sunday, December 6

 Youth Crop Walk

 Youth Group Noisy Collection for Outreach

Sunday, October 25

 Feast of St. Nicholas

 Heifer International Auction

Thursday, December 24

October

 Layette “Gifts for the Christ Child”/Christian Services

 Mitten Tree – Love Closet/Christian Services

Ongoing:

Sunday, November 1

 Manna Sunday (first Sunday of the month, loose and dedi-

 Youth Group Noisy Collection for Outreach  UTO Ingathering

     

Sunday, November 8  Mitten Tree Ends  Heifer international Auction

cated offerings for street ministry, bus tokens and work boots) Outreach Committee meeting (second Tuesday of the month) Heifer gift cards Prayer quilts Cars, INC Habitat Sudanese K-12 Education Scholarships

Lansing Area Episcopal Projects (LAEP)

Noisy Offerings

By The Rev. Deacon William Fineout

On the first Sunday of the month during family worship, our children will be taking up a “noisy” collection for a specific outreach project. This month they are again collecting for the Heifer Project to fill an ark. Just before the regular offering, they will pass among you with silver buckets for your loose change. Please “clank and clink” your coins into those buckets for their collection. This will be the children’s third collection, the first one at Vacation Bible School and the second on the first Sunday in October.

Representatives of the Lansing area Episcopal churches met in September to share and plan mutual ministry for this year. We have voted to continue the SILS collections for Child and Family Services as outreach projects at each church, with churches signing up for specific months. We are supporting and exploring combined youth ministry project and activities; noting that young people from at least four churches joined together for the Crop Walk. LAEP is also exploring a joint Holy Eucharist being planned for July of this summer. The next LAEP meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 16, at 7 p.m., at St. Paul’s. The church has only one lay representative to LAEP at this time. Please consider being one of our reps to the other area churches.

Page 8

By The Rev. Deacon William Fineout

ACTION of Greater Lansing By The Very Rev. Dr. Gordon F. Weller Some have wondered "What happened to ACTION? We heard lots during the last three years, but all of a sudden, nothing!" ACTION is going through a reorganization period. In July 2009, Val Hart, our paid organizer, moved on to another job. In so many ways she was the heart and soul of ACTION, and her departure has forced us to look in other directions. One of the byproducts of the slowing Lansing economy is that the fund raising needed to provide a salary for an organizer has fallen short and we could not hire another organizer until our financial condition improved. In our first several meetings since Val's leaving, one thing was very clear: we ARE committed to a Justice Ministry and we will have a project this year. But, we will have to do this ministry in a different way. That is where we find ourselves at this moment. I will have something in the SPN each month telling of our progress. Meanwhile, keep ACTION in your prayers. Also, seek to do and promote justice in your lives. To do justice is to do the will of God.

A Different View of Mackinac Island

The McCullough Windows By Jean Shawver We find these windows on the high sides of the nave on either side of the church. They are in the position known as the clerestory windows. They shed more light into the church from above. These windows are a memorial to Dan Dana McCullough, and were given by his parents Colonel Jay Charles and Janet McCullough. The nave is fully illuminated by these windows. The windows honor the holy men and prophets of the Old Testament who preceded Christ and made ready the way for Him. Each window bears the symbol and name of the Old Testament character. (From the St. Paul's Fine Arts Guide.)

Gathering on Mackinac Island

By Kathleen Johnson, Office Manager I was fortunate enough to get a different view of Mackinac Island when the staff joined the clergy at The Grand Hotel on October 4, 5, and 6 before the AMEN Clergy Conference. I have been going to Mackinac since I was a toddler, explored about every place possible and love the Island. The one place I was never that interested in was The Grand Hotel; I always thought of it as a place where “old” people went. Remember, the big advertising about the Grand Hotel relates to the biggest porch in the world with rocking chairs. Therefore, it never quite appealed to me while I was growing up and that feeling continued on, especially when they started charging $10 just to walk on the porch. But now, I’m able to admit that I’m either old or mature enough to recognize the significance of the Grand Hotel to Mackinac Island and the state of Michigan. It has a view that defines Michigan – great lakes, great natural beauty, great history, and great people. Our stay at the Grand Hotel was indeed grand. We explored all areas of the hotel (even seeing some of the “named rooms” by making friends with the hotel staff) and the grounds which still had an abundance of colorful flowers and foliage. The meals, dining room, and hotel service were superb. And, yes, partaking in a stroll along the longest porch (Continued on page 12)

Page 9

By The Very Rev. Dr. Gordon F. Weller On October 6-8, 2009, Episcopal clergy from all over the state of Michigan gathered on Mackinac Island at the Grand Hotel and used the gathering for rest and relaxation as well as to renew the acquaintances that are often lost as we live and work in the four different Dioceses that are the State of Michigan. The opportunity to do this is the result of the generosity of Dan and Amelia Musser, who are Episcopalians and residents of Lansing. They offer their facility at a much reduced rate and make sure the accommodations are first rate. This year, the staff of St. Paul's also took the opportunity to enjoy the Grand and hold a staff meeting over a sumptuous dinner. We all, clergy and staff, thank you for giving us the time to attend and thank the Musser's for their generosity.

Comings & Goings By Martie Repaskey, Sr. Warden We have noted and observed many new faces at St. Paul’s, on Sunday mornings. Many of the Burmese families continue to worship with us and have enjoyed times of fellowship during the coffee hour following the 10 a.m. service. We continue to honor these newcomers with a warm welcome, and we look forward to getting better acquainted! Other visitors to St. Paul’s are encouraged to check in at the Welcome Table in the cloister, following the 10 a.m. service. Further information about St. Paul’s can be found there, along with a friendly person who can answer questions about this congregation and how to become a member. On a sadder note, we bid a fond farewell to our long-time parishioner and friend Earl Bowland. Earl has been an active member of St. Paul’s for almost 40 years, and he is moving permanently to Cape Coral, Florida. Earl states that he was a “young newcomer” when Steve Lange was a “young newcomer!” It took Earl no time at all to join the Chancel Choir and share his fine baritone voice with the congregation. During these years, Earl has served on St. Paul’s vestry twice, the second time as our Senior Warden. Earl says that he has really enjoyed the worship and fellowship at St. Paul’s over all these years, and he appreciates the opportunities he has had to contribute to the well-being of our congregation. He predicts that he will be traveling back to the Lansing area occasionally, so we hope to see him when he is in town. Earl’s permanent address is 4022 S.W. 29th Ave., Cape Coral, FL 33914. He will be attending St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Ft. Myers and will undoubtedly make a difference in that parish in the years to come! We will miss you, Earl!

Blessing of the Beasts

Page 10

St. Paul’s Blood Drive

Long-time parishioners relaxing and reviving after donating blood

New member Jeanne Tippett and daughter Hanna

Youth Group Walks Against Hunger

By Barb Heany St. Paul's Youth Group may have experienced the agony of "da-feet" on October 11 after walking 10k for the 33rd Annual Greater Lansing Crop Walk, but they also experienced the spirit of triumph after making their response to overcome poverty. Joining in the Walk was St. Katherine’s Father Byrd and Peter Ecklund. Thanks to your generous support, they were able to raise over $1,000 for Church World Services, an agency that fights to eradicate hunger and poverty and promotes peace and justice around the world, with 25 percent staying right here in our own community to aid hunger-fighting agencies, such as Greater Lansing Food Bank, Lansing Rescue Mission and Advent House. The youth group would like to graciously thank all of you for your prayers and for supporting them throughout this important outreach project. For more details on CWS, go to http://www.churchworldservice.org.

Page 11

(Continued from, Ready or Not, page 1)

the season and how meaningless much of it has all become, specifically plan for the things that are the most meaningful and have the greatest spiritual impact. Intentionally leave out some of those things that are meaningless secular obligations. Make dinners special family times with Advent wreaths or Jesse Tree celebrations. We have provided a lot of these activities over the last few years, so reuse them. If you don't know what I'm talking about, come see me. We have several of these spiritual tools left from preceding years. When you consult that calendar on November 1, consider intentionally omitting some of those things that have lost their luster or are a drudge. In other words, specifically plan ways to keep the spiritual aspect of Christmas before the commercial. In the same way, plan for a more intentional 12 days of Christmas. Hold some gifts back until the sixth or ninth days of Christmas. If you have the courage, hold the suspense for the children and adults as well by leaving one present under the tree until Twelfth Night, the last day of the Christmas season (January 5). Plan on attending and bringing the children to the Epiphany Service on January 6. In some parts of the world, epiphany is more important than Christmas. Plan now to make this Christmas one that will be remembered for the reason it was intended: "Peace" on Earth.

(Continued from, “Community of Faith” page 1)

and informative. We have read and interpreted scripture with respect to our common Christianity. We have considered our needs and our thankfulness through the writing of group prayer. Helpful ideas have sprung forth. St. Paul’s overall ministry—our corporate worship, pastoral care, youth programming, the music ministry, our parish life, Christian education, our mission and outreach—has been affirmed over and over again by those participating in these small home gatherings. Jesus’ intention for us was to be together in our faith in such circles of friends. The early Church was founded in the homes of its founders. Perhaps our present experiences may provide us with a glimpse of how we may support the development of our fellowship with each other as we share the Gospel. This could be advanced via study groups, dinner groups, mothers’ groups, support groups….circles of friends!

(Continued from, “A Different View” page 9)

in the world and rocking away to a sunset or in the light of the moon was indeed grand. Many pictures were taken to be shared with our St. Paul’s family. Please check them out on St. Paul’s website, www.stpaulslansing.org. By far, the greatest view I now have of Mackinac Island, is of Fr. Weller’s thoughtfulness. The staff knows he appreciates us but for him to get special permission from the Bishop to include us in the clergy’s “Grand” getaway was a wonderful thing to do. St. Paul’s is a place where everyone that comes through the doors has the opportunity to enjoy a great view and become part of a caring family. I feel blessed to be someone that walked through St. Paul’s doors. The staff thanks Fr. Weller and his diligence in getting us to Mackinac Island. We’ll also try not to bug him at every staff meeting about going to the Grand Hotel, at least until 2011 when the next conference comes up! P.S. – If you go to the Grand Hotel, ask for Room 318.

Page 12

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Non Profit Org. US POSTAGE PAID LANSING, MI Permit 1621

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 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, Layout Editor

Page 14

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