St. Paul's News - September, 2009

St. Paul's Episcopal Church Lansing Michigan

St. Paul's News Changing of the Guard

September, 2009

By The Very Rev. Dr. Gordon F. Weller f you have ever been at Arlington National Cemetery when the changing of the Guard occurs at the Tomb of The Unknowns, you know it is a moving event. It marks our dedication to the work of those who have gone before as well as a commitment to be vigilant in the future. St. Paul’s had such an event on August 16 when we bid farewell to Curate Ron Byrd and his family. It was moving in every way and a fitting way to mark the good work that St. Paul’s has accomplished in the last several years.

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The Rev. Dr. Gordon Weller

While Father Byrd will be missed (though we expect to see him often because he is so close) the logical question is, “Where do we go next?” “Who will be the next person to fill the position of Curate and help to inspire and transform us?” “How can we continue to be vigilant about our mission to be the agent of Christ in the world?” At this point the "who will be the next Curate" is unanswerable. Because of the relationship we have with the Diocese there is no one in the pipeline to immediately fill the position. For the last seven years, when one curate has moved on, another one was immediately available to fill the position – Shannon, Monique, Susie, Ron. At this time, the earliest that a full time person could be (Continued on page 14)

Final Countdown, Great is thy Faithfulness! By the Rev. Ronald C. Byrd, Sr. s Deacon Bill, Kathleen or Fr. Weller can tell you my least favorite day of every month is the 15th. Prior to the fifteenth day of the month many of us receive an email from Lyn Zynda or Christine Caswell reminding us of the upcoming deadline for articles for the St. Paul’s News. I usually do not forget the deadline because about a week before the dreadful 15th day of the month anxiety has already set in. Some of my anxiety arises due to the energy and thought that goes into completing my articles, but for the most part my anxiousness comes out of fear of what Lyn or Christine might do to me if my articles are not emailed before 11:59:59 p.m. on the 15th day of the month.

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Well, here it is the 14th day of August and I am writing what by accounts will be my final SPN article as your Curate. Today my anxiety is at a different level probably because I’m feeling pretty confident about my deadline and perhaps more importantly because at this moment I am reflective and reminded of our shared ministry over the last two years. (The following are edited excerpts from Father Ron’s last sermon, titled “Great is the Faithfulness of Our God” August 16, 2009) Since arriving at St. Paul’s on August 15, 2007, you have welcomed my family and me into your beloved Christian community and through God’s great faithfulness, together as (Continued on page 14)

Volume 34, Issue 7 Inside this issue: Calendar

15

Choir Schedule

7

Mission and Outreach

10

Prayer List

6

Treasurer’s Report Upcoming Activities

2-5

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St. Paul's News

Business & Professional Women

Opening Day is September 13

By Barbara Richardson

By The Very Rev. Dr. Gordon F. Weller

he first meeting of B&PW for the 2009-10 year will be our Recipe Dinner held September 8 at 6 p.m. in the Hill Room. This will be a “Pot-Luck” dinner and you are asked to bring copies of the recipe of the dish you bring.

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The board will meet at 5:30 p.m. before the general meeting in the VanAtta Room to plan the meetings for the balance of the year. This is a fun meeting and a great kick-off for fall. All are welcome. Contact Debby Pierce before September 6 to let us know you are coming.

eptember 13 will be the first Sunday of our fall program. Church School will begin, the Choir will be back in session, and we will commission members of the congregation for the ministries they demonstrate on Sunday mornings and throughout the week. The ministries to be commissioned are: Lay Eucharistic Ministers and Visitors, Altar Guild, Ushers, Choir, Church School Teachers and Students, Lectors, Prayers of the People readers, and Greeters. If you are a member of one of these groups, please plan on being in Church for the 10 a.m. service. If you are interested in participating in any of these ministries at St. Paul’s please contact Fr. Weller for information.

Prayer Group Resumes By Carol Ingells n Tuesday, September 8 at 5:30 p.m. in the Choir Room, interested parishioners will once again gather in a circle, bringing open hearts and minds to an hour of reflection and prayer. While the group usually meets on the first Tuesday of each month, there are occasional exceptions such as this one because of a later than usual Labor Day.

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Gatherings are informal and friendly, people sharing as they want or not. This year we will continue focusing on articles from the devotional magazine Weavings. Steve Lange and Carol Ingells alternate monthly leadership, though others also lead from time to time. No one is “coerced,” even nicely, into leading, speaking, praying aloud, or anything else. The hour always includes a time for prayer, silent and spoken. Often we are reluctant to part when the hour is over. Those who come regularly to Prayer Group have seen evidence of its effectiveness not just for us, but for the parish. Praying actively and regularly for our church community is a significant part of our ministry. It is a way of spiritually undergirding St. Paul’s. It is also a way to offer personal support to people we know and people we don’t know. Last, but not least, our own relationships with God, ourselves, and one another are deepened. You are most welcome and we sincerely hope you will join us!

Family Night Returns September 9

St. Elizabeth Guild

By The Very Rev. Dr. Gordon F. Weller

By Debby Pierce

he first family night dinner of the 2009-10 church season will be September 9 beginning at 5 p.m. This date is after Labor Day, but before “Opening Sunday,” so it is very important for people to make a reservation for the meal. Please call the Church office to make a reservation to ensure enough food for all. The normal sign–up list will be available at Church on September 6.

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he first meeting of Fall 2009 will be at the home of Patricia Smith on Tuesday, September 22 at 12:30PM. This is an organization meeting - please have some ideas for programs or speakers ready to share. If you would be interested in joining us for a meeting please call me at 394-4800 or 485-5446. Thank you.

September 2009

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Men’s Breakfast Group By Dr. Stephen R. Lange, Minister of Music Who:

All Men of the parish

What:

Men’s Breakfast Group

When:

The third Thursday of every month from 7 to 8 a.m. (Breakfast, provided by A Catered Affaire for $5.50, is followed by a discussion of scripture.)

Where:

The Hill Room

This fall we begin a new series on the Gospel of John. Standing in stark contrast to the Gospel of Mark (which we just finished a two-year study of last May), John shares little of the same material. Rather than emphasizing ethics or speaking in parables, in John’s gospel Jesus speaks in long discourses, telling people plainly who he is and expounding on his nature and on people’s relationship to him. But John’s deep theological insights are expressed in simple, everyday words. Please join us for our journey through the Gospel of John. All you need to do is sign up for the breakfast, so we know that you’re coming (we haven’t fully achieved that “Loaves and Fishes” thing yet!) Contact George Gallup, Steve Lange, or Gordon Weller if you have questions.

The 2009 Greater Lansing Memory Walk By The Rev. Deacon William H. Fineout The Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk will be Sunday, September 20, 2009 at 1 p.m. You are invited to walk with us toward a world without Alzheimer's disease! We're getting ready for this fall's Walk and we want you to get in on the action. This will be my tenth walk and I would very much appreciate anyone joining me to make a “team” from St. Paul’s. If you can’t join me walking, please make a donation representing our St. Paul’s team. I walk because at least five family members or friends have suffered from severe dementia or Alzheimer’s and members of our St. Paul’s community and their families have battled dementia and Alzheimer’s. It is an insidious disease and this annual fundraiser will help provide much needed money to fund research to find a cure. Where:

East Lansing MSU Auditorium Field (Farm Lane)

When:

Sunday, September 20, 2009 Registration at 12:00 Noon Walk begins at 1:00 p.m.

Length:

5K (3.1 miles) or 3K (1.8 miles)

Donations:

Make out your check to “Alzheimer’s Association” and give it to Deacon Bill or any other St. Paul’s walker.

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St. Paul's News

Book Cart Resumes in September By Sue Millar n the second Sunday of the month, following the 10 a.m. service, you have the opportunity to browse among a wide variety of books carefully chosen and offered for your purchase. These books are picked to feed your curiosity about the Christian faith, provide guidance as you travel your personal faith journey, offer resources to those seeking insights into personal relationships, or lead to an understanding of how the church works in the world. You can work through questions you may harbor on the faith vs. science issue. Our Episcopal tradition is one that has always encouraged education and learning which sometimes leads to differences of conclusions, but our umbrella is wide and inclusive. Our faith is not a static, settled-once-and-for-all document; so join those who read — seeking, learning, growing and deepening your faith. See you after church.

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St. Paul’s News is Going Electronic! By Lyn Zynda, Acting Editor his will be the last issue of the St. Paul’s News you will receive in the mail unless you call the office and request a copy be mailed. Beginning with the October issue, an email (if we have your email address) with a link to the newsletter will be sent to you each month. You can also access the publication on our website, www.stpaulslansing.org. Copies will also be available at the church.

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We hope you will support our efforts to “go green” and save money by no longer printing and mailing over 300 copies of the newsletter each month. The staff of SPN is excited because we will be able to publish in color and will no longer be at the mercy of non-profit mail through the USPS. If you haven’t already, be sure to call Kathleen Johnson with your email address.

Prayer Group to Meet By Dr. Stephen R. Lange, Minister of Music n our Christian journey, we often encounter many paradoxes. We acknowledge Jesus as our Lord and Master, and yet we claim to find true freedom in this relationship. We acknowledge Jesus as both the Good Shepherd and the Lamb of God. We claim that it is in losing our lives that we find them. One paradox that we often face is that while we may have a deep desire for change in our life, to experience something new, to go somewhere different, to do something more exciting; we are often, nonetheless, very reluctant to initiate such changes and may do whatever we can to avoid them.

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But change for change’s sake may not be what we are truly longing for. “Change,” according to an article we discussed in the Prayer Group last May, “refers to adaptation, reaction without necessarily involving any newness of being.” What we may be longing for is really transformation. The same article went on to say: “Transformation involves much more than adaptation to outer manipulation. Transformation implies new being, a new creative energy flowing from the center which acts with creative power upon surrounding events. Jesus frequently used symbols of transformation when speaking of the Kingdom of Heaven: growing plants, the action of yeast within the dough, marriage, the act of birth, and action of fire, light, and wind.” In the Prayer Group we discussed the transformative power of prayer and its importance to the processes of nurturing our own spiritual growth and development—so that change isn’t superficial or haphazard, brought on by powers outside us, but comes from within us. The transformation we seek can unite us with our deepest longings, help us to become the persons God intended us to be, and to develop a deep relationship with God. Someone has said that “Prayer is opening a window to let God’s grace in.” Please join us this fall if you would like to open wider your window to God’s grace and let God’s transformative love work in and through you. Our normal meeting time is the first Tuesday of the month from 5:30 to 6:30 in the choir rehearsal room. But because of Labor Day, our first meeting this fall will be on Tuesday, September 8. For more information, please contact Carol Ingells or Steve Lange.

September 2009

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The Stephen Ministry By Dorothy Marsh t. Paul’s is considering starting a class for individuals interested in being Stephen Ministers. The Stephen Ministry program trains lay people to provide one on one Christian caring to individuals or families experiencing a crisis or tragedy. The Stephen Ministry is named after Stephen who was commissioned by the apostles to provide care for those in need. (Acts 6)

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Stephen Ministers develop their helping skills through several hours of intensive course work. The program is designed to support the work of the clergy, not to replace it. Becoming a Stephen Minister requires a commitment to attend the training sessions which include several hours of course work and then accept an assignment by the clergy to support someone in need. For more information or to indicate an interest in the program please contact Gordon Weller or Dorothy Marsh ([email protected]) or 485-3618.

Quilts for Kids By MaryLea Benson ere it is another church school year is beginning. Over the summer things have been forgotten or just pushed aside. But not everyone was forgetting! Quilting strips and squares were cut and are now ready for assembly. Oh wait, we need developing minds and curious hands to help! During the fall the children of St. Paul's will be coloring pictures of animals on fabric squares to be assembled into quilts. These quilts will be for kids in need of extra prayers and blessings. After the “Farm” quilts are assembled we will bless them and donate them to the places kids go which can be scary such as Ronald McDonald House, the McRee House, Eve’s House or any others we can find. Please make sure your children are here for the fun of putting their mark on something for someone else.

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Request for Help By The Rev. Deacon William H. Fineout e have a couple St. Paul’s parishioners who, while not homebound, are “transportation challenged.” They need assistance and rides to and from church and church functions. Once in a while they also need help to get to medical appointments. Not only do they require someone to provide transportation, but they need help getting into and out of their homes. We have a couple individuals who are willing to drive others now, but when they have a conflict we need some substitute drivers. If any of you could join a list of on-call transportation providers, it would be greatly appreciated. Please let Deacon Bill or Chuck Millar know if you would be available for this wonderful ministry.

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September 2009

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St. Paul's News W

e 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, Cheryl Ann, Vivian Hawkins, Linda, Kaema Amachree, Bill, Mary Lindquist, Yvette Constan and family, Cris Plyler, Brian French, Lynne, M.J. Wilson, baby Van Jensen, Debbie Staal, Kent Riley, Kate, Nick, Ilene, Jan Bigham, Max Sutton, Douglas, and Karol Ryan. We pray and remember those in the Military, serving in dangerous areas: Daniel Reno, Michael Benson, Steven Johnson, Tyson Carter, and Matthew Rawlins We pray for comfort for the family and friends of Donald Clark, Ben Herbert, and Emma (Amy) Manson. We pray for all those whose jobs and livelihoods are in jeopardy. We pray in thanksgiving and celebration for the ministry of The Rev. Ronald C. Byrd, Sr., for his wife Jennifer and family, and for his new ministry at St. Katherine's. We pray for and celebrate the wedding of Kristina Spaulding and Angel Cuellar. We pray for those expecting: Jill and Clif Schneider, Rochelle and Stuart Cullum, Allyson and Jerry Parker, Carrie (Kressler) and Charlie Smith, Kristi and Perry Thompson, and Tonya and Joshua Couts. We pray for and celebrate the birth of Liam Davin Broughton, son of Ian and Brooke Broughton and big brother, Kellan; for the birth of Noah Joseph Farhat, son of Tara and Norman Farhat and big brother, Zachary. We pray for those recently baptized, confirmed, or reaffirmed: Gavin Alvarez, Kelly Bailey, MaryLea Benson, Daniel Crabtree, Matt Ferguson, A.J. Fletcher, Brittany Irwin, Emerson John, Kathleen Johnson, Emily Laub, Scott McLain, Josina Nugent, Annabella Stevens, Brooke Strukel, Nicholas Tasket, Hannah Tippett, Stephanie VanKoevering, and Melanie Walker.

Invitation to Join Choir By Dr. Stephen R. Lange, Minister of Music f you’d like to be a part of the music ministry at St. Paul’s please call Steve Lange at 482-9454, and let him know. There are openings in all the singing and ringing choirs. For those who haven’t sung or rung with us before, on-the-job training is provided free of charge for all those interested! Please join us in making a joyful sound to the Lord this year!

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September 2009

Choirs News St. Paul'

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Choir Newsletter and Dates to Remember By Dr. Stephen R. Lange, Minister of Music Our first rehearsals of the fall will begin the week of Labor Day. Youth Choirs: Wednesday, September 9: Cherub Choir (Grades K-2) Boys’ and Grace Choirs (Grades 3-6) High School Choir (Grades 6-12)

5:30-6:30 p.m. 5:30-6:30 p.m. 6:30-7:45 p.m.*

*Please note our first rehearsal will last until 8:00 so we can have some time after rehearsal for cookies, ice cream, and sharing of summer adventures. Adult Choir: Thursday, September 10, at 7:30-9 p.m. Preceding the first rehearsal we will have a potluck dinner from 6:30 to 7:30. (We’ll provide plates, cups, and plastic-ware. Please bring a dish to pass, but if you can’t, please don’t let that keep you from joining us!) Handbell Choir: Thursday, September 17, at 6:30 p.m. Additional Dates to Save: Choir Parents’ Meeting—Sunday, September 20, right after church in the Choir Rehearsal Room. England Parents’ Meeting—Sunday, October 11, right after church.

Singing Schedule Date

Choirs

September 13 September 20 September 27

High School; Chancel High School; Chancel High School; Chancel

October 4 October 11 October 18 October 25

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

September 2009

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Mission St. Paul'and s News Outreach

Deficit Response, Continued By The Very Rev. Dr. Gordon F. Weller At the January Annual Meeting a motion was made that the Vestry develop a plan that would eliminate the deficit in the Operating Account that has been following us for the last several years. After discussion at the February Vestry meeting, it was deferred to the Finance Committee for a report by May 31. Prior to the May deadline a packet of information was sent to the congregation listing some alternatives and inviting the congregation to attend a June 7th All Parish Meeting. At that meeting these several alternatives were presented: • • • •

Cut Spending Have a substantial increase in our Stewardship results Conduct a Capitol Campaign to created a Building Repair Reserve Fund Expand the Planned Giving program presented at the January Annual Meeting

After discussion at the June meeting the decision of how to proceed was referred back to the Vestry. In effect, the Vestry hopes to look at all four possibilities to solve the shortfall. Please understand this is not written in stone. Each step we take will be predicated on the results of the previous. First, we have looked at the budget with probing eyes. We like what we have become as a parish and want to remain what we are. Without huge cuts in personnel and programs, eliminating the deficit by cuts alone is impossible. But by careful examination we feel that the 2010 budget can be at least $50,000 less than 2009. Some of this is because of Father Byrd's leaving. That issue will have to be addressed when the next Curate is hired, but that cannot be until June 2010 at the earliest. Other items will be presented at the Annual Meeting in January 2010. The second effort will be an expanded Stewardship campaign. At the August meeting, the Vestry voted that we hire Ms. Kristine Miller as a consultant to run this year’s campaign. Ms. Miller is well known and respected by the Stewardship Committee and this congregation because of her previous position as Stewardship Advisor at the Diocesan Level. In the budget cuts by the Diocese, her position was eliminated. By hiring her as a consultant she will be able to give us more personal attention then when she had to service all 93 parishes of the Diocese. The idea of a Capital Campaign is still a possibility. The Vestry will address the possibility as it examines the results of this year's stewardship campaign are received. The good news is that we have several years of life left in the roofs we need to replace so we can go more slowly in this step. Finally, The Planned Giving portion remains on hold. The Finance Committee had much on its plate and needs time to complete the first three portions before delving deeply into the fourth. Please bear with us and remain encouraged. We are God's people and always filled with hope.

Did You Know? By Jean Shawver id you know that St. Paul's was the third church to be established in the newly developing city of Lansing? The two churches that preceded St. Paul's were the First United Methodist Church which now exists at the corner of Waverly Road and Delta River Drive, and First Presbyterian Church down the street from us. How nice that all three of these churches are still here and welcoming worshippers.

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September 2009

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Financial Information as of July 31, 2009 By Julie Young Year to date through July is 58% of the year. Pledge income in June was $17,924. Pledge income in July was $17,489, bringing the year to date total pledge income to $175,769, which is 56% of the budget. It appears that we are on target, or slightly behind projections with pledge revenue. Overall revenue is at 60% for the year to date. There were no transfers from the St. Paul’s perpetual fund during the month of June. There was $27,300 in transfers from the investment account into the operating account during the month of July. Of this amount, $10,000 was from the St. Paul’s perpetual fund to cover operating expenses; $7,300 was from the perpetual fund, from the Wiesner gift, to pay for part of the sound system (as authorized by the Vestry); and $10,000 was from the Building and Grounds fund to pay for building repairs (as authorized by the Vestry). Through the end of July, $4,958 in revenue was recorded for the 160th celebration, and $6,284.63 in expenses was recorded, for a net loss on the event of ($1,326.63). Financial loss, spiritual gain.

Vestry Highlights At the August 18, 2009 Vestry Meeting, your Vestry: •

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Enjoyed the pleasure of one another's company over dinner • Examined the life and legacy of William Porcher DuBose for devotions Discussed the invitation from the Bishop to be • involved with the Revitalization and Strategic Visioning Project Approved, with additions, the agenda •

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Approved the minutes of the June 16th meeting

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Received the amended May and June financial reports as well as the current July report (synopsis to be found elsewhere in this issue) Discussed the Accounting Procedures modifications being made in response to the Audit Approved an additional $20,000 from reserves (if needed) for operations Approved (8-3) the hiring of Kristine Miller as a consultant for this year's Stewardship program (details found elsewhere in this issue) Heard a Building and Grounds report - New

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• • • • • •

sound system installed, Church doors being refinished, cracked concrete in the rear of the Church being replaced, and Sprinkler system repaired Personnel Committee is searching for a new Nursery attendant will have in place by September 13 Discussed the Finance Committee's proposal for eliminating the deficit in operations (report elsewhere in this issue) Received a Christian Education report Reviewed the Action Plan meeting of September 12th Receive another report on the Memorial Garden Plaque - it will be ready and installed soon Reviewed the remaining work on the time capsule to be buried on September 13 Discussed the 2010 budget cuts Discussed the influx of immigrants during the last five weeks and resolved to make them feel welcome Received Clergy reports

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St. Paul's News

By Martie Repaskey

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lease join me in welcoming to the following people who are new to the St. Paul’s community. We are glad they have chosen St. Paul’s and hope they soon feel at home!

Michael and Carrie Baer and daughter Grace of Lansing. This delightful family arrived at St. Paul’s during the month of our 160th anniversary. They jumped right in and got acquainted right away—at the parish picnic and through our Vacation Bible School. Grace, who will be in third grade at Post Oak Elementary, hopes to join the choir this fall! Carl and Semora Kludy, and daughter Willow. Carl and Semora both work for Auto-Owners. Included in this family is Willow’s grandmother, Sheila Harper, a semi-retired counselor. Sheila enjoyed observing the first day of Vacation Bible School so much that she volunteered to be a helper for the rest of the week! We hope to hear Willow singing with the Cherub Choir this fall! Joining us in worship this summer is a group of men, women and children who are refugees from Burma, now Myanmar. Getting acquainted has been a challenge because these new friends have very limited English skills, but we estimate there may be as many as four or five families among them. Their native language is Karenni, and a search is underway for an interpreter who speaks Karenni. These newcomers are very friendly, and we had a better opportunity to know them at the reception for Fr. Byrd and family. They enjoyed refreshments, and got further acquainted!

Two New CDs Coming By Dr. Stephen R. Lange, Minister of Music n keeping with the celebrative efforts surrounding the 160th anniversary of St. Paul’s, St. Paul’s musicians plan to put out two new CD’s this year. One will feature favorite anthems by the choirs of St. Paul’s (Handbell and Choral) and one will feature organ settings of some of our favorite hymns. If you have a suggestion for an anthem or a hymn you would like to see included in these CD’s, please let Steve Lange know by September 15 (482-9454) or leave a note in his mailbox.

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"Bea Richards recently attended the Kedzie MSU reunion luncheon to celebrate her 77th year since graduating in 1932!! Also attending was Bill Luginsland who celebrated his 50th reunion!"

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Rabbi Sandy Sasso to Speak at St. Paul’s By Martie Repaskey, Sr. Warden n November 15 and 16, our congregation and community will have a notable visitor courtesy of the Shawver Fund for Special Programs. Rabbi Sandy Sasso, of Congregation Beth-El Zedeck, Indianapolis, will be featured speaker on both days. Rabbi Sasso has written and lectured on the discovery of the religious imagination in children and she is the author of nationally acclaimed children’s books: God’s Paintbrush; In God’s Name; But God Remembered: Stories of Women from Creation to the Promised Land; Butterflies Under Our Hats; God In Between; For Heaven’s Sake; God said Amen; and Finding the Fruits of Peace. She is one of the editors of Nurturing Child and Adolescent Spirituality: Perspectives from the World’s Religious Traditions.

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Rabbi Sasso received her B.A. and M.A. from Temple University. She was ordained from the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in 1974 and received her Doctor of Divinity after 25 years in the rabbinate. She also received a Doctorate of Ministry from Christian Theological Seminary. Sasso has been honored as one of the “Influential Women in Indiana” by the Indianapolis Business Journal, she was featured among “Indy’s Most Influential Clergy;” and she was the recipient of the “Sagamore of the Wabash,” the highest civilian honor awarded by the Governor of the State of Indiana. Rabbi Sasso serves her congregation together with her husband, Rabbi Dennis C. Sasso; the first practicing rabbinical couple in world Jewish history. They are the parents of two grown children. During her two days at St. Paul’s, Rabbi Sasso will conduct an interactive event with elementary-age children from St. Paul’s and a local synagogue working with an artist to assist the children in expressing their responses through a creative medium. On Monday, November 16 she will meet with the participants in the 4F’s program which begins at noon. Her primary address will take place on Monday evening, at St. Paul’s. Rabbi Sasso’s books will be available for purchase. Rabbi Sasso’s messages promise to offer a memorable opportunity for all, especially those who love and value the young people in their lives.

Meditation Booklets in Preparation By Dr. Stephen R. Lange, Minister of Music s one final part of our celebration of St. Paul’s 160th anniversary, we are putting together a booklet of meditations on the writings of St. Paul. It will be called “St. Paul’s on St. Paul” and will consist of short meditations by parishioners on favorite verses of St. Paul. There will be a collection of some of his more important sayings available to choose from, or you can choose one of your own favorites. Information will be posted on St. Paul’s website or you can contact Steve Lange for a list of sayings and for details about the articles. We hope everyone will contribute to this collection of spiritual insights! They are due October 2.

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St. Paul'and s News Mission Outreach

Heifer International By The Rev. Deacon William H. Fineout wo years ago, the generous people of St. Paul’s agreed to support the eight Millennium Development Goals by sponsoring a major project each year for eight years. In our first year we raised funds and supported Water for Life, making a major contribution for wells, dams, and cisterns in parched Africa. This year we are supporting Heifer International.

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According to its brochure, “Heifer International is a nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to relieving global hunger and poverty. It provides gifts of livestock and plants, as well as education in sustainable agriculture, to financially-disadvantaged families around the world. It gives gifts of cattle, sheep, rabbits, guinea pigs, honeybees, pigs, llamas, water buffalo, camels, alpacas, yaks, horses, chicks, ducks, goats, geese, fish, and other regionally appropriate livestock, as well as tree seedlings. As of 2006, these animals and plants have been distributed in more than 125 countries around the globe, including areas in the United States. Each gift perpetuates Heifer's interest in agro ecology and sustainability. Heifer International is mainly funded by donors who purchase ‘shares’ of a gift or pay for an entire animal. Heifer International's gifts include the animal itself, as well as the cost of its veterinary care and transport to the village. The recipient family is trained in animal husbandry, sustainable agriculture techniques, and business practices where applicable.” Our fundraising activities will begin in September and will include “Blessing of the Beasts” on Sunday, October 4. Then on Sunday, October 25 there will be a special Heifer celebration fundraiser. Additional details to follow.

Mission and Outreach Activities: Where is Christ calling you to help others? Tuesday, September 8

Saturday, October 10

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Outreach meeting

Red Cross Blood Drive

September

Sunday, October 11

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SILS Apartment Startup Collection

Sunday, September 20, 1 p.m. •

Tuesday, October 13

Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk

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Monday, September 21 •

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Heifer: Blessing of the Animals

Outreach meeting

Sunday, October 25

Lansing Area Episcopal Projects (LAEP) meeting

Sunday, October 4

Youth Crop Walk

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Heifer Celebration

October - November •

Mitten Tree – Love Closet/Christian Services

Friday, October 9 •

Canterbury MSU Fall Feast & Fundraiser

September 2009

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SILS Collection at St. Paul’s in September By The Rev. Deacon William H. Fineout ome eighteen-year-old former foster children, whose foster families no longer receive state assistance, find themselves without a place to live or without any family support. Child and Family Services attempts to aid these young adults through its Supervised Independent Living Services (SILS), but much state funding of the program has been cut.

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When these teenagers are placed into an apartment, they get financial assistance for rent, but they have no funds and no family/friend support for all the items that a young person needs to start independent living, from blankets & sheets to frying pans, glasses, toilet paper, etc. As part of Lansing Area Episcopal Projects (LAEP), St Paul’s will ask for donations during a two week period, September 13-27. We will soon know if our young adult recipient is a male or female, and possibly his or her first name. All communications are confidential through Child and Family Services. There are a total of seven areas/rooms for which we are seeking donations. The Mission & Outreach committee will provide a detailed listing of the items we need on note cards which will be located in the Merrifield Room beginning September 6. Suggested donations include: Bathroom – 3 bath towels, 3 hand towels, 3 washcloths, a bathmat or bath rug, shower curtain & rings, tumbler & soap dish, and a laundry basket (into which we would pack all of the above).

Many Give Thanks, Express Gratitude By Sue Millar few years ago some generous soul, who chose to remain anonymous, provided the St. Paul’s family comfort and relief from the Michigan heat and humidity by donating the air conditioning system for the Merrifield Room. Anonymous gifts are fine except when one wishes to communicate thanks and gratitude. I would like the donor to hear these expressions, just as I hear them frequently during coffee hour. But the best I can do is address this “thank you” to the Anonymous Donor, hoping that you know your thoughtful gift is remembered and greatly appreciated.

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September 2009

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St. Paul's News

(Continued from, “Final Countdown,” page 1)

the body of Christ we have shared in the mystery of communion and ministry with our almighty Father. Through your faithful and life-sharing efforts I have witnessed Christ at work among you and believe God is well pleased and glorified by the fruit of our ministry together. In our two years together I have witnessed the greatness and faithfulness of God in you. In the last two years I have witnessed the greatness and faithfulness of God, in the face and feet and in the hands and hearts of the people of St. Paul’s. In the past two years here at St. Paul’s I have seen the work of God, given in grace and received in humility and self-offering. In my time with you I have witnessed Christ among you and in you. I have seen the greatness and faithfulness of our God here at St. Paul’s through the miracles and signs, and in the manner of our relationship with God. I give thanks to God for the Very Rev. Dr. Gordon Weller. Fr. Weller, your leadership, guidance, mentoring, collegiality, and most of all your love, has helped me to better understand and live into my call as an ordained minister. Thank you for sharing your ministry and Christ giving love. My future ministry will be forever influenced by what you have taught me. Thank you my dear friend. To all of you, my St. Paul’s family, thank you for sharing and caring and for your laughter and love. Thank you for your fellowship, friendship, and most of all for the greatness and faithfulness of Christ living in you and among you. Thank you for giving me the possibility, the privilege, and the pleasure of serving you and God in the place. May God continue to guide you and lead you in your ministry, walking with Christ always; and until we meet again, God’s Peace and Blessings Always, Amen. (Philippians 1:3-11, Paul’s prayer to the Philippians, my prayer for St. Paul’s) 3I

thank my God every time I remember you, 4constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, 5because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. 6I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ. 7It is right for me to think this way about all of you, because you hold me in your heart, for all of you share in God’s grace with me. 9And

this is my prayer, that your love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight help you to determine what is best, so that on the day of Christ you may be pure and blameless, 11having produced the harvest of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God. Amen. 10to

(Continued from “Changing of the Guard,” page 1)

available would be May/June of 2010. Yet even that is an uncertainty. Given our financial shortfall, the financial condition of the Diocese, and the shortage of available candidates it is just something we will have to work on. Meanwhile, we as a parish will have to work that much harder to continue the ministries that we value. I am confident that we can do this. The curates we have shared have shown us who we are and what we have become. If we love it, value it, we will maintain it, whatever “it” is.

September 2009

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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 Dr. Stephen R. Lange, Minister of Music The Rev. Deacon William H. Fineout Ms. Mary Rodeck, Assistant Minister of Music Ms. Kathleen Johnson, Office Manager

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

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