St. Paul's News - October, 2006

St. Paul's Episcopal Church Lansing Michigan

St. Paul’s News The Gift of Generosity By The Rev. Dr. Gordon Weller

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lished earlier by a contribution of $106 million by Gates, who later increased the donation to $2 billion and pledged to back out of his responsibilities as president of Microsoft to devote time to the Gates foundation and its work of providing life-saving health care products and technology for the poorest parts of the world. Through contributions by Gates and others, the Fund’s assets, prior to Buffet’s gift, were around $29 billion. As of today, the contribution of these two people and the work of the foundation is having a marked impact on the medical condition of many third-world countries, and the research and technological advancement for the In a situation like this, most people would have a future promises to be remarkable. “Hertz” attitude (I hope you remember the TV In response to Buffet’s donation, most people ad campaign), “We’re number two, we try would comment, “If I had a billion or two, I harder,” and have tried to earn enough to be number one. Instead, Buffet gave his fortune to would give some away too; give me the billion No. 1, through The Bill and Melinda Gates Foun- and I’ll show you!” Others would say (or pray), dation. The Gates Foundation had been estab(Continued on page 6) his past June, Warren Buffett did something most people would find incredible. He began to give away his entire forThe Rev. Dr. Gordon Weller tune, about $42 billion. That’s billion, with a B. At the time, Buffett was ranked as the second wealthiest person in the world, trailing only Bill Gates, chairperson of Microsoft and developer of the Windows computer technology, with an estimated worth of $62 billion.

Diocesan Convention By The Rev. Dr. Gordon Weller This year’s Diocesan Convention meets Friday evening and Saturday, October 27-28, in Dearborn. These annual conventions are held in various places around the Diocese (last year here in Lansing) and are for the purpose of allowing the people of the diocese to meet and greet each other, discuss the mission of the Church in this geographical area, and to develop the plan to implement these God given goals. This year our delegates to the Convention are Sr. Warden Libby Richardson, Jr. Warden, Greg Wortley, and Vestry person, Charlie Krupka, In addition, Gordon Weller, Susie Shaefer, and Chuck Millar will be there as clergy members. For those interested in the issues and plans that will come before convention, there will be a meeting in the Van Atta room following the 10 a.m. service on October 15. A synopsis of the action of Convention will be given at both services on October 29. If you have questions or comments, please contact any of the persons listed above.

October, 2006 Volume 31, Issue 8

Inside this issue: Upcoming Activities

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Vestry Highlights 5 St. Paul’s News

8-9

Choir Schedule

7

Youth Ministry

6

Calendar

11

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

Ongoing Activities • St. Aelred’s Guild, third Wednesday, 5:00 PM • Biblical Literacy, Wednesdays, September 13October 18, 6 PM • Book Cart, 2nd Sunday after 10 AM • B&PW, Tuesday, September 12, 6 PM • St. Elizabeth, September 26, 12:30 PM at the home of Helen Deliyanne • ECW, third Monday, 7 PM • Family Night Dinner, Wednesdays, 5-6 PM • 4 Fs, second and fourth Monday, noon to 2 PM • Infant/Toddler Group, 3rd Saturday, 10 AM-Noon • St. Paul’s Library, open every Sunday • Living with Grief, Wednesdays October 25November 15, 6:15-7:45 PM • 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

• Mission and Outreach, Monday, November 20,

5:30 PM This Month at St. Paul’s and Elsewhere • Crop Walk, October 8 • Norris Ingells Walk for Nature, Saturday, October 14, 9-11 AM, Fenner Nature Center • Baptismal Instruction, Saturdays, October 7November 4, 9:30 AM (except 10/28) Looking Ahead • UTO Sunday, November 5 • Youth Group Lock-In, Friday and Saturday, November 17-18 • Sunday, November 12, time to be determined, Organ Rededication • Youth Group Christmas Service Project, Sunday, December 10 • ERD Book Sale, Spring 2007

4F’s Continue By Nancy Sheldon

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he 4 F's continuing fall schedule is as follows:

• October 9 - "Into Africa" by Ian Broughton on his recent trip to Africa October 23 - "Storytelling" by Marjorie Shaefer, Susie's mother-in-law November 13 - "The Beliefs and Practices of Islam," Gordon Weller November 27 - A tour of the Mosque in East Lansing, led by the Imam December 11th - A special holiday celebration and luncheon with the Grand Ledge Madrigal Singers Christmas Concert led by Nancy Lange

We meet at noon for the Holy Eucharist, 12:30 p.m. for lunch, 1 p.m. for Bible Study with Steve Lange and 1:15-2 p.m. for our program. Cost for lunch is $4. Please sign up by the Merrifield Room or call the Church Office for lunch reservations.

Young Adult Potluck

Norris Ingells Walk for Nature

By The Rev. Susie Shaefer, Curate

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t. Paul’s young adults are invited to a fall potluck dinner at Susie & Luke Shaefer’s home on Sunday, October 15 at 6 p.m. “Young Adults” are considered people in their 20s and 30s, single or not, kids or not. Bring a dish to pass, a favorite game and ideas for other events for the year. To sign up, call Pastor Susie Shaefer at 482-9454 or e-mail at [email protected].

he Friends of Fenner Nature Center will be holding the first Norris Ingells Walk for Nature, Saturday, October 14, from 9-11 a.m., as a fund raiser for the nature center. For more information, go to http://fenner.homestead.com/ Walk.html or contact Carol Ingells.

B&PW

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he Business & Professional Women will meet October 10 at 6 p.m. Dinner is $8. Please make reservations with Nancy Milne.

Upcoming St. Paul’s Activities

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St. Elizabeth Guild By Debby Pierce

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ur October 24 meeting will be at the home of Debby Pierce, 1424 Wellington, Lansing, at 12:30 p.m. Our tentative program will be a review of books we have read over the summer.

Upcoming programs include the following: • • • •

November 28 - Convention Report - Father Weller December 10 - Corporate Communion & Breakfast - Women of the Bible - Pastor Susie Shaefer April 24 - Identify member baby and wedding pictures May 22 - Salad Luncheon/Restored Organ - Dr. Lange

Come and see what St. Elizabeth's is all about. Call Debby Pierce @ 394-4800 or 485-5446.

Toddler/Infant Playgroup: Clean Teeth for Halloween By The Rev. Susie Shaefer, Curate

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he Toddler/Infant Playgroup will meet on Saturday, October 21 from 10 a.m. to noon. “Parent time” will be a presentation on caring for toddler teeth. Parents with children ages 3 and under are invited to join us. We are also always looking for volunteers to supervise the toddlers and infants during parent time! Please contact Pastor Susie Shaefer or Dianna Erickson for more information or if you would like to help.

UTO Fall Ingathering By Kay Gallup

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ou may offer your thanks and prayers by putting an offering in your United Thank Offering box or envelope and returning it to St. Paul's on Ingathering Sunday, November 5. The United Thank Offering is a way for each person to express his or her thanks to God. Your offering, combined with the offering of hundreds of thousands of other Episcopalians, is used to meet compelling needs for men, women and children throughout the world. UTO Boxes for daily gifts are placed at the entrances to the church. UTO envelopes will be in the October 29 and November 5 Sunday bulletins.

Baptismal Instruction By The Rev. Dr. Gordon F. Weller For the last three years, we have explored the Baptismal Covenant (P 304 in the Prayer Book) twice every year. This covenant is the encapsulation of our duty toward God and voices the traditions of the Church. It is important on several levels. First, it is appropriate for parents of those to be baptized or those adults seeking baptism to know and discuss what the expectations of the Church might be. Second, these classes are appropriate and beneficial to all members of the church as a reminder of what we are called to be in God’s name. Having the opportunity to discuss the implication of that in an ever changing world is terribly important. Our Baptismal sessions are October 7, 14, 21 and November 4. We begin at 9:30 a.m. and will finish before lunch. A sitter will be provided if needed. Please consider this year’s fall sessions and contact the clergy or front office to enroll or if you have questions.

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Upcoming St. Paul’s Activities

Living with Grief: An Adult Christian Education & Formation Offering By Carol Ingells

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hen you lose one close to you, the pain comes, goes and changes, but continues. While others care, they must go on with their own lives, while you struggle to create a new life. This is an opportunity to share with and support others in a safe environment, perhaps learning more about your own grief process. It will especially remind us that we aren’t alone on this often-lonely journey. Sessions will be held on Wednesdays from October 25 through November 15 from 6:15-7:45 p.m. in the Library. Attending each session is important. Please plan not to miss more than one. The sessions are as follows:

1. 2. 3. 4.

Getting acquainted, setting the stage, sharing our stories Where are you on this journey? What’s the same and what is unique for each of us? How do we manage our feelings? Our other relationships? What is the role of faith? What lies ahead?

Mission and Outreach

Baptisms

By Debby Pierce

By The Rev. Dr. Gordon F. Weller

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he Mission & Outreach Committee will meet on Monday, November 20 at 5:30 p.m. in the Van Atta Room. Please join us; we would like additional input from a broader group of the Parish. If you have any questions, please call Debby Pierce at 394-4800. Thanks for you prayers and support.

unday, November 5, is All Saints Sunday. As is our tradition in the Episcopal Church, it is a time when persons interested in dedicating themselves to God and joining the Church are recognized and baptized. This year the baptisms will take place at the 10 a.m. service. If you or someone in your family is interested in being baptized, please speak with one of the clergy or call the office.

Morning Prayer and Bible Study

All Saints Day Service

By The Rev. Dr. Gordon F. Weller

By The Rev. Dr. Gordon F. Weller

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s a preparation for Advent and an opportunity to have a Wednesday morning time of corporate worship, the five Wednesday mornings in November will be set aside for a Service of Morning Prayer and Bible study. The service will begin at 7 a.m. Bible study (with refreshments) will begin at 7:25 a.m. We will end at approximately 7:50 a.m. for people heading off to work. The topic of the bible study will be the concept of Messiah as found in Isaiah. With Advent beginning the first Sunday of December and The Words of Isaiah being so often quoted on the four Sundays of Advent, this is a perfect time to start your preparation. Please sign the guest list in the hall outside the Merrifield room. For additional information, please see Fr. Weller.

Wednesday, November 1 is All Saints Day. As such, it is a major celebration day in the Church. Two services will be offered that day. At 7 a.m., Morning Prayer will be read and will be followed by a Bible Study (see article in this SPN). That evening, at 7 p.m., Holy Communion will be celebrated. Please plan on attending.

News from the Vestry

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Financial Information As of August 31, 2006 By Jeff Irwin

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he total Pledge and non-pledge revenue received through July 31 was $153,753 which is 55.5% of the total 2006 budget. July is 58.3% of the year so we are slightly behind the budget for pledge revenue.

The operating loss for July was $15,919 loss which puts the year to date operating loss at $57,702. In July we received $15,000 from the estate of Janet Hendy. 90% or $13,500 was transferred to the St. Paul’s Perpetual Fund and 10% or $1,500 was transferred to the Mission and Outreach fund. In June & July a total of $65,000 was withdrawn from the St. Paul’s Perpetual Fund. $30,000 was to fund operating expenses and $35,000 to cover payments to the Austin Organ Company. As of July 31, 2006 we have received a total of $68,413 to pay for the organ restoration. We have paid Austin Organ $108,569. To fund the shortfall we have withdrawn $41,000 from the St. Paul’s Perpetual Fund. Also, as of July 31, 2006 we still owe $27,121 on the contract with Austin Organ while $29,150 is still due to be received on parishioner pledges made for the organ restoration. To summarize, as of July 31 we are approximately $40,000 short on funding for the organ restoration contract. However, there are additional sources of funding that will be used to provide funds to complete the project.

Highlights from the Vestry Meeting At the September 19 Vestry meeting, your Vestry:

• There was discussion on the nature of what a

• Approved minutes of the June 20th and August

15th meetings

• Reviewed the "Actively Welcoming Church docu-

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ment

• Reviewed the Vision Statement • Discussed the Organ restoration project. (First • •

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phase complete the beginning of October) Were introduced to the new defibrillator Classes and CPR instruction to be scheduled Discussed the Steam heat situation - our system is ok - BWL cost to go up 35% this year and regularly thereafter - need to begin seeking alternative heat sources Reviewed the Sexual Misconduct Prevention Policy and its Vestry requirements Building & Grounds reported that the new flat roof over the choir wing is complete Our By-Laws were discussed in preparation for the Annual Meeting

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"communicant” is and how Confirmation is now presented to young people. Some facets of this year's Stewardship Program were presented. A motion was pasted to support the long range goals and program of the Stewardship committee. Commissioning and Sampler Sunday were revisited and thoughts for next year discussed Treasurer, Jeff Irwin presented the financial reports. They were accepted as presented. The Parochial Report from June was approved A project from LAEP (Lansing Area Episcopal Projects) was presented and the Vestry signed up as individuals to accomplish the fist phase. It involves assisting Foster Children transitioning into independent living upon turning 18. The program will be shared with the congregation soon Convention date and requirements were discussed.

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St. Paul’s Youth Ministry

Youth Sunday & VBS Reunion By Rev. Susie Shaefer

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ctober 1 will be our first “Family Sunday” of the year. There are no church school classes on the first Sunday of the month, so the St. Paul’s family of all ages can share in worship. On October 1, we will have a special “youth service” with children and youth participating in all our worship roles. This will also be the Vacation Bible School Reunion! Participants should wear their shirts and come ready to sing. After the service, there will be a special coffee hour with a slide show from VBS and from the youth mission trip to Tennessee. Please join us to celebrate our children and youth ministry!

Church School News By Rev. Susie Shaefer

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ur church school program got off to a great start in September, with over 50 kids attending on the first day! A big program like this requires a great deal of effort on the part of our volunteer teachers: Carol Laub and Julie Fletcher in the pre-kindergarten/kindergarten class, Judi Clark in the first-third grade class, Chris and Charlie Krupka in fourth/fifth, Chris Nazar & Sue LeDuc in junior high, and Lyn Kressler in senior high. Be sure to thank these teachers when you see them!

(Continued from, “The Gift of Generosity,” page 1)

“Just let me win the lottery, and I’ll show you how generous I can be.” Buffet’s donation is remarkable for two reasons: its size and the fact that eventually he will give it all away. This is not meant to be a cheerleading session for Warren Buffett, however. What I hope it does do is kick off this fall’s stewardship campaign, “The Gift of Generosity,” in a way that points out the biblical quote, “From those to whom much is given, much is expected.” While none of us is in the financial category of Gates or Buffett, our assets are considerable when compared to most of the world’s population and much of America’s. Unfortunately, we don’t stop to consider the gifts God has given us often enough. We are busy trying to get more and provide an even better lifestyle. This fall’s campaign will urge you to consider and enumerate how fortunate you are, how much you give back to God in thanksgiving, and how your gift can be used for the Church’s many ministries that benefit the community as a whole. By allowing this God given gift of generosity to percolate in our hearts and swell into action, we can all be like Warren Buffett.

St. Paul’s Choirs

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Choir News and Dates to Remember By Dr. Stephen R. Lange, Minister of Music

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elcome back to all the choristers. The first service after the summer always has so much energy and excitement. It was wonderful to have all the choirs sing together. Special kudos go to the members of Cherubs (some of whom were first year singers!!) and Boys’ and Grace for jumping right in and singing after only one rehearsal!

England Parents’ Meeting: Sunday, October 15, right after the 10 a.m. service. We will plan the year’s fundraising activities.

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lease save Sunday, November 12 (in the afternoon, time to be determined), as we will be rededicating the pipe organ after all the repairs have been made. All choirs are asked to participate in this special service featuring Psalms sung by the choirs and several organ pieces. We will feature Psalm 46, written by Douglas Austin, and composed for all of St. Paul’s choirs, Cherubs, Boys’ and Grace, High School and Chancel.

Singing Schedule Date October 1 October 8 October 15 October 22 October 29

Choirs Boys’ and Grace, High School High School, Chancel High School, Chancel High School, Chancel Chancel Choir only

November 5 November 12 November 19 November 26

Boys’ and Grace, High School and Chancel Chancel, High School Chancel, High School Chancel, High School

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St. Paul’s News

St. Aelred’s Guild By Nancy Sheldon

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t. 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. You are welcome to join us in this ministry on the third Wednesday of each month from 5 - 6 p.m. St. Paul’s would like to know when one of our parishioners is in the hospital, 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 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.

Vocal Clinic Hosted by St. Paul’s

Survey Update

By Dr. Stephen R. Lange, Minister of Music

By Rick Laub, Communications Committee

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hat are the sounds of singers coming from St. Paul’s on a Monday morning? They are nearly 200 Jr. High/Middle School singers from area schools joining to make music together. For nearly 10 years, St. Paul’s has hosted this fall clinic, sponsored by the Michigan High School Vocal Music Association. This year’s guest conductor is Jeff Cobb from Traverse City. The clinic runs from 9 a.m. to noon on Monday, October 2. The choirs sing several massed numbers and several numbers by themselves. The clinic is open to the public without charge. Come and see the next generation of vocal musicians spend three hours together in making wonderful music!

o date, we have received 52 responses to the Membership Survey that we distributed in May. The results are still being transcribed. For those who have turned theirs in, thank you for the time to provide detailed responses. These will be most helpful! If you have not yet completed the survey, there is still time to have your voice and experience become part of this body of knowledge about ourselves. Kathleen has extras in the office and would be happy to mail you one. Also, if you know of any newcomers who might not yet be on the parish mailing list, please get them a survey. We are very interested in learning how individuals and families have chosen to make St. Paul's their church home.

Advent/Lenten Prayer Booklets By Dr. Stephen R. Lange, Minister of Music

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ou are invited to submit a prayer for the Advent or Lenten Prayer Booklets that will be sent to parishioners during the respective seasons. The prayer doesn’t have to relate specifically to either of these two seasons; it may relate to any of the issues we face in our daily life. During Morning Prayer on October 29, we hope to “prime the pump” by providing guidance on how to write a prayer. Those who have used the booklets for meditations during these two seasons have found them extremely helpful, and often very insightful and inspiring. Please consider sharing your spiritual insights with others. If you are willing to do so, please let Steve Lange know (4820369

St. Paul’s News

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Slowly but Surely By the Organ Restoration Committee

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s fall continues, you will notice the organ pipes returning to their lofty spaces above the chancel. One of the last projects to be completed is the organ console. As you can imagine, this is certainly the most complex aspect of the organ’s restoration and takes the longest time to finish. Our wait will be rewarded, however, when the total instrument is again accompanying our service each Sunday. Our current standing is … 128 pledges of $112,.718 with $85,058 received as of September 12. On August 25, St. Paul’s received a very generous check for $10,000 from the Fratcher Foundation to be used for the organ restoration. We thank the foundation for this wonderful gift! We are getting closer to our goal of $170,000. Thanks to all of you for your support!

The organ console's 1950's wiring

St. Paul’s October Prayer List

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e pray for those who are sick and in need: Cindy Robinson, Beverly McEachern, James Lantz Family, Dixie Durr, Audrey, Richard & Aaron Hegmon, Shelley Robinson, Donna & Grady Letner, Clara Voges, Mason Hill, Mary Olds, Lois Caswell, Dorothy Lawrence, Brian Schray, June Wyatt, Dick Siebert, Avel Neito, Erik Lindquist, Bernie Lynch, Mary Ann Kelley, Carol, Melinda Gordon, Judith Jones, baby Benjamin, Andrew Astley, Bill Kundrat, Kim Cross, Ann Abel, Nancy Hiscoe Clark, Elizabeth Marsden, Kristen Kelley, Dezi & Penny Horvat, Rich Davis, Cris Plyler, Charles Weaver, Ben Herbert, Mary Spore, Ross, Virginia Jessop, Cal Anderson, Dennis Waltz, Joi Luckadoo-Villa, Ben Baldus, Brian Judge and Stephen Staples

Prayer List

We pray and remember those in the Military, serving in dangerous areas: Carlos Sims and Stacey Speck We give thanks for Paul Jorae’s safe return home from his tour of duty in Afghanistan We pray for those expecting: Justin & Jessica Leonard, Norm & Tara Farhat, Tad & Leigh Miller, and Mark & Kate Johnson We pray for those joined in marriage: John Bennett & Jennifer Schlee, Brian Fletcher & Jennifer Pickard, Matt Hall & Kim Smith, Seth Cochrill & Jessica Gibbs and & Greg Ward & Cynthia Dennis

Freedom Build By Debby Pierce

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ork began again on the Mary Avenue home the second weekend of September and is expected to be finished by the first week of October. Dedication of this new home will be either October 15 or 22. All are welcome.

Many thanks to all of you who have worked on the home and to all of you who have supported this endeavor with prayer and donations, and to Pat Riley and Amy Wortley and A Catered Affaire for providing the Saturday lunches that St. Paul's was responsible for; they were greatly appreciated. I have heard many compliments on the quality of work done by St. Paul's builders. Thanks again.

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: 517-485-8261 Choir Room: 517-482-0369 Website: www.Stpaulslansing.org

The St. Paul’s News is a publication of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Lansing Michigan. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Staff The Rev. Dr. Gordon Weller, Rector The Rev. Susie Shaefer, Curate Dr. Stephen R. Lange, Minister of Music Ms. Mary Rodeck, Assistant Minister of Music Ms. Kathleen Johnson, Office Manager Mr. Daniel Kallish, Sexton St. Paul’s News Editorial Staff Christine Caswell, Editor Tom Shawver, Staff Writer Helen Hiscoe, Proofreader Lyn Zynda, Layout Editor

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