St. Paul's News - November, 2008

8/14/2019 St. Paul's News - November, 2008

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2/16November 2008

St. Paul's NewsPage 2

Activities at a Glance

Ongoing Activities

St. Aelreds Guild, third Wednesday, 4:30 PM Book Cart, 2nd Sunday after 10 AM service B&PW, Tuesday, October 10, 6 PM ECW, 3rd Monday, 7 PM Family Night Dinner, Wednesdays, 5 PM 4 Fs, 2nd and 4th Mondays (except as noted) Noon-

2 PM St. Pauls Library, open every Sunday Prayer Group, 1st Tuesday, 5:30-6:30 PM Mens Breakfast, 3rd Thursday, 7 AM Mid-Week Eucharist, Tuesdays, noon

This Month at St. Pauls and Elsewhere

Quiet Morning November 1, December 6, 9-noon All Saints Day, Saturday, November 1 Invitation Sunday, November 2 The Gathering, Coffee House, Merrifield Room,

November 7, 7PM Newcomers Dinner at the home of the Guts, No-

vember 8, 6 PM UTO Collection, November 9, 8 & 10 AM Baptisms, November 9, 8 & 10 AM Silver Bells in the City, Friday, November 21 Feast of Christ the King, Sunday, November 23 Intergenerational Event, Sunday, November 23 Harvest Home Dinner, Wednesday, November 26,

6 PM

Looking Ahead

The Gathering Holiday Party, December 4, at theGut home, time TBD

Lessons & Carols, Sunday, December 21, 10 AM Men of Orpheus concert, Friday, December 12, 7

PM Ministry Retreat, January 8-10, 2009 Baptisms, January 11, 2009 ACTION, April 28, May 12, 2009 7 PM 160th Anniversary Celebration, May, 2009

Page 2

T ft| WtThursday, November 1, 2008

Eucharist, Sermon and Necrology, 7 p.m.

Parish Quiet Morning - November 1

Carol Ingells, Spiritual Director

In the midst of the anxiety and confusion of the current world situation, as well as the upcoming election, youare invited to stop--for just a little while. Saturday morning, November 1, from 9 a.m. to noon, the church

will be open for a mini Quiet Day. Carol Ingells will give a short focus for the morning, after which everyonewill be free to wander the building or settle into a solitary corner, for meditation, reflection, prayer, perhapsjournaling. A few minutes before noon, all will gather for a brief time of group reflection and prayer. It willbe simple; it will be quiet. No need to sign up ahead or pay anything. Just decide to come. The first Saturdaymorning in December, Steve Lange will lead a similar Quiet Day. You might find this time both invigorating andcomforting to your spirit.

Be sure to set your clockback one hour before

you go to bed on Satur-day, November 1.


3/16November 2008


Baptisms and Welcome ofNew Members

By The Very Rev. Dr. Gordon F. Weller

On Sunday, November 9, there will be a ser-vice of baptism and the welcome of new

members. This is usually held on All Saints Sundaybut has been moved this year to accommodatethe important occasion of our Stewardship ingath-ering (found elsewhere in this issue). If you wouldlike to be baptized or welcomed as a newcomer,please contact one of the clergy as soon as possi-ble.

Business & Professional WomenDo you know these people?

By Barbara Richardson

Come join us November 11th and find out whothey are. Dinner will be our Thanksgiving

Dinner and will start promptly at 6pm. The cost is$8. For a reservation, please contact DebbyPierce. REMEMBER to bring your pictures for ourmeeting.

Younkers coupons will be on sale at Coffee Hoursor from BPW members, until November 11th.

Stewardship Update: Youre Invited to Invitation Sunday!

By John Nevin, Vestry Member

T

he St. Pauls Stewardship Committee is very excited about the changes we have implemented so far this

year. First and foremost, you have probably noticed that pledge cards were not included with the Stew-ardship Guide. Thats because the cards will be handed out on All Saints Sunday, November 2 at both the 8a.m. and 10 a.m. services. At what we are calling Invitation Sunday, well hear a stewardship message fromDr. Steve McSwain, author of The Giving Myths: Giving Then Getting the Life Youve Always Wanted. Finally, wewill return our pledge cards to the altar as an act of worship. Following the 10 a.m. service, the entire congre-gation is invited to a Unity Brunch in the Merrifield Room at 11:30 a.m. We hope and pray that our entire St.Pauls family will be able to attend. (NOTE: If you are reading this after November 2 and were unable to at-tend services on Invitation Sunday, please watch the mail for your pledge card.)

Childrens Stewardship

So that the children of the parish can participate in the stewardship campaign, we are asking them to bring insome of the candy they collected on Halloween. How much is up to them. Parents might also want to contribute

the excess candy from home that was not distributed to trick-or-treaters. Then we are planning a reverse trick-or-treat, delivering candy to children in need and to senior citizens. The committee welcomes ideas from thecongregation to involve our children in sharing Gods blessings.

The Fall GatheringCOFFEE HOUSE AT ST. PAULSFriday, November 7, 2008

7 9 pmMerrifield Room

Live Entertainment by the talented musicians of St.Pauls performing your favorite folk numbers.

Slides from the collection of Norris Ingells will accom-pany some of the numbers.

Karaoke will give you the opportunity to sing alongwith your favorites from Pete Seeger, Peter, Paul &Mary, etc.

Bring: Guests Snacks to share (cookies, chip & dip, etc.) A coffee mug

Prizes: The most interesting mugs from a variety of

categories (ugliest, most unusual, , etc.) The best karaoke performance

Coffee, Tea and Popcorn will be providedSign up outside the Merrifield Room.


4/16November 2008


Thanksgiving Baskets

By Dr. Stephen R. Lange, Minister of Music

S

t. Pauls will be providing Thanksgiving baskets for needy families in the

Lansing area again this year. If you are interested in providing food fora basket, making a monetary contribution or delivering a basket someoneelse has prepared, please sign up by Sunday, November 2, on the sheet bythe elevator or in the Merrifield Room. Informational sheets are available bythe sign-up sheets. Help make someones holiday celebrations a littlebrighter!

A Personal Story of Thanksgiving Baskets

By Dorothy Marsh

Idont remember how many years my family has been taking Thanksgiving baskets to families in Lansing. I doremember when I first suggested it to my kids they were less than enthusiastic. Its not that my children dont

support caring about and helping others it was just because they were working 6 days a week and Sundaywas catch up time, you know, laundry, grocery shopping and other mundane things.

I finally managed to convince my oldest son to go with me and it was then I learned that he was concernedabout how we would be received. After all, he said, How would we feel about being the object of charity?Its one thing to bring food to the church where it is taken to an anonymous food bank and quite another beinginvited into some strangers home.

I will share that over the years we have been received with many hugs and multiple thanks. But I would be lessthan honest if I didnt share that a few accepted the food less graciously than the others. It has been a humblinglesson for each of us to recognize that sharing our bounty was more important than how we were received.

There is nothing more basic than a gift of food and there is great joy in knowing that another family is cele-brating just as we are.

Harvest Home Dinner and Service


St. Pauls traditional Harvest Home dinner and service will beheld on Wednesday, November 26, beginning at 6 p.m. in the

Merrifield Room. England choristers (and their parents) will cook and serve the dinner as a big Thank You! forall the support given them by the parish. Choristers will display scrapbooks and a video of their trip, along withsome of their souvenirs! Following the dinner, at approximately 7 p.m., the service of Holy Eucharist will be heldin the church. Members of the Cherub Choir will sing an anthem for this service. There is a sign-up sheet on thetable by the elevator. Please feel free to invite friends or relatives to join us for this celebration of Godsbounty.


5/16November 2008


From the Parish Life Committee

By Millie Ericson, Chair

T

he 2nd Annual Pizza Party and Game Night was a great success.

About 50 people, from one of our youngest (Hannah Hall) to theolder among us (we who will remain nameless) enjoyed food, fellowshipand fun on October 3. We have some very lucky bingo players amongour young people, and there are some extraordinary Euchre, Jingo, andSkip-Bo players in the parish. Thanks to all the Parish Life Committee mem-bers and those who attended to make this a wonderful evening. Picturescan be seen at the St. Pauls Group Site on Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=35068488648.

Upcoming Fellowship opportunity:

Friday, November 7, 7-9 p.m., Merrifield Room, Fall The Gathering Coffee House at St. Pauls. LiveEntertainment by a variety of acts from among the talented musicians of the church performing your fa-

vorite folk numbers (could they be The New St. Pauls Minstrels?). Slides from the collection of Norris Ingells will accompany some of the numbers. Karaoke will give you

the opportunity to sing along with your favorites from Pete Seeger, Peter, Paul & Mary, etc.

Bring:

Guests (this is a great way to introduce St. Pauls to friends and neighbors) Snacks to share (i.e., brownies, cookies, Chex mix, cheese & crackers, chips & dip, etc.) A coffee mug

Prizes:

The most interesting mugs from a variety of categories (ugliest, most unusual, traveled the farthest, etc.) The best karaoke performance

Coffee, tea and popcorn will be provided. Sign up outside the Merrifield Room.

Friday, December 4 - Holiday The Gathering, hors doeuvres, dessert, music, conversation and an op-portunity to make a gift to Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD), at the home of Larry and Kathy Gutwith more details to follow

The Holiday Seasons Are Approaching!


November means that preparation for the Thanksgiving and Christmas Seasons will get into full swing as St.Pauls Handbell Choir joins with the Handbell Choir of Pilgrim Congregational Church, with John

Broughton, director, to usher in Silver Bells in the City. An annual event in Lansing, Silver Bells includes a festiveparade, singing groups, instrumental ensembles, fireworks and a concert of Handbell music put on at St. Paulsimmediately following the fireworks. This celebration will be held on Friday, November 21. After the concert,there will be free hot chocolate and cookies in the Merrifield Room for anyone who would like to stop by.Please come down and enjoy the festivities!

Fun and games at St. Pauls Second Annual

Pizza Party and Game Night


6/16November 2008


Christmas Music at St. Pauls


Friday, December 12, at 7 p.m., the Men of Or-

pheus, an all-male singing group of Lansing, willpresent its annual Christmas Concert. Directed byformer parishioner Gayle Pohl, the Men of Orpheuswill present a concert of lighter Christmas music.

Sunday, December 14, at 7 p.m., the Lange ChoralEnsemble will present its annual Christmas concert.This year the concert will feature music for chorus

and brass. The program will include works by Gab-rieli, Vittoria, Philips, Susa, Pinkham and excerptsfrom Magnificat by John Rutter. In addition, thesecond half of the program will include works ontraditional Christmas songs, including I Saw ThreeShips, Silent Night, and Go Tell It on the Moun-tain. Tickets will be $8 for adults and $6 for sen-iors and children.

The service of Advent Lessons and Carols will beheld on Sunday, December 21, during the 10 a.m.service. All of St. Pauls choirs, including the Hand-bell Choir, will join in this annual musical celebrationof Jesus birth.

Who is our brother and God's fellow worker in spreading the gospelof Christ? (I Thessalonians 3:2)

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

Since the beginning of the program year you may have noticed that the Rev. Bill Fineout has been process-ing down into the congregation for the reading and hearing of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. The

Gospel procession originally began as a symbol of Christ's triumphant entry into Jerusalem, on what we nowcall Palm Sunday. The procession and reading of the Gospel among the people has gained greater liturgicalemphasis in recent years primarily for two reasons.

First, and perhaps most important, is that the Gospel is of the people and for the people. As Christians, westand as witnesses to the living word of God in our lives and in the world around us. It is our place to stand withChrist, spreading the good news, and our spreading of the good news comes in our reading and hearing.

Second, it is easier to hear, listen and see the reader when all other distractions are removed. The Apostle John

writes, The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of theOne and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14) At the time the Gospel is readall attention should be focused on the Gospel and it alone. The appropriate stance is for listeners to turn andface the reader of the gospel. It is at this time that Jesus is often speaking directly to us, therefore with our eyeslet us see and with our ears let us hear. Praise to you Lord Christ, for the reading and hearing of your word.

Intergenerational Event

By The Rev. Dr. Gordon Weller

On Sunday, November 23, St. Pauls will have an Intergenerational Educational Event following the 10 a.m.service. This might leave you asking, What is an Intergenerational Educational Event? Simply put, our

education that day will not be age-graded; kindergarten in one room and senior high in another. Instead ofSunday morning education being only for the children, we will offer classes after the service with differentevents dispersed throughout the building so that everyone may take part.

Our belief is that when the people of God discuss the presence of the Lord among them, we can learn from oneanother regardless of age. This years Intergenerational Educational Event will include activities and discussionson the church seasons of Pentecost/Christ the King, Advent and Christmas.

Our service on this particular Sunday will be shorter and the interactive sessions will be about 25 minutes long.We ask that everyone be present at the service and make an effort to attend a session of interest after themass. Light refreshments and fellowship will follow the sessions


7/16November 2008

St. Paul's NewsPage 7Choir News

November 2 Boys and Grace; High School; Chancel

November 9 High School; Chancel




December 7 Boys and Grace; High School

December 14 High School; Chancel

December 21 All Choirs:

Lessons & Carols Cherubs, Boys and Grace, High School, Chancel

December 24

4:00 pm Family Eucharist Cherubs; Boys and Grace

11:00 pm Choral Eucharist High School; Chancel

December 31 Choirs will not be vesting

Singing Schedule

Date Choirs

Englandparentsandchoristers(forthenexttrip!)willmeetonSunday,November9,afterchurchfor

apreliminary

discussion

of

options

for

the

next

trip

to

England.

Wednesday,November26(HarvestHomeFestival) CherubsandBoysandGracewillrehearse

from5:30to6p.m.Cherubs(only)willsingananthemfortheHarvestHomeservice,whichbe

ginsat7p.m.(Dinnerwillbeginat6p.m.)HighSchoolchoristerswillservethemealandhelp

cleanupasneeded.

Thursday,November27(ThanksgivingDay) TherewillbenoChancelChoirrehearsal.

Sunday,December21 (LessonsandCarols)Allchoirswillsingforthe10a.m.service.

Choir Newsletter and Dates to Remember


Chancel Choir to present Missa Sancti Nicolai


On Sunday, November 23, as part of the 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist service, the ChancelChoir will sing Joseph Haydns Missa Sancti Nicolai, originally composed in 1772 to

celebrate his patrons name day (Prince Nikolaus Esterhazy). The choir will be accompa-nied by a string quartet for this presentation.


8/16November 2008


Servant Evangelism

By Stephanie Van Koevering, Vestry Member

T

oday, a Web site captured my attention with the

phrase, Small things done with great love willchange the world. The site is dedicated to the topic ofservant evangelism, which is an approach that I hopewe can adopt more intentionally here at St. Pauls.

At its heart, the concept of servant evangelism invitesfollowers of Christ to offer small gestures of kindnessthat will capture the attention and goodwill of thosewho receive them. Servant evangelism wins the heartbefore it confronts the mind, the site says. A small actof kindness nudges a person closer to God, often in aprofound way as it bypasses ones mental defenses.

Once the spirit is engaged, it is then easier to ap-proach the mind and the will with ideas about what St.Pauls has to offer. Kindness builds the bridge, ac-cording to the site, for the person to receive the touchof love from God.

This is a compelling approach for many different rea-sons, both practical and theological. The public rela-tions/marketing professional in me views this as anobvious strategy for attracting new interest in not justour small parish, but in Christianity as a whole. Whatbetter model for a community of believers than smallgestures writ large by the grace with which they areoffered? In blunt marketing terms, its a great identitybuilder. And hey, freebies are always great for at-tracting new interest!

But the amateur theologian in me sees many more rea-sons to adopt the servant evangelism approach. I see itas an emulation of Christ Himself, who came in humilityand grace to offer the ultimate kindness to the wholeworld. I think of the many Bible lessons that exhort usto give of ourselves and our possessions to support thework of the Father. I can think of no better way of car-rying out the work we are called upon to do as evan-gelists than by showing ourselves through our actionsand deeds, rather than merely through our words.

So let us carry forward as servant evangelists, humblygiving of ourselves and bringing joyand hopefullymuch moreto the lives of those around us.

Its Time! Its Mitten Tree Time!

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

Beginning Sunday November 30 and for the following four weeks of Ad-vent please bring new mittens, scarves, hats, and gloves and help deco-rate the Christmas tree in the cloister.

It is again my honor to be this years mitten tree program coordinator. Lastyear I had the privilege of delivering nearly 100 pairs of mittens and a num-

ber of gloves, hats and scarves to Cristo Rey. Your generous donations were met with excitement and apprecia-tion, and I can only say another job well done St. Pauls! We all know mittens, gloves, hats and scarves are agift that many of our brothers and sisters need, but cant afford during the harsh Michigan winters. So let us doit again, because we know its that time. Its mitten time! Over the last two years we have given our mitten tree

harvest to Cristo Rey, however, this year it is my hope that we give our mitten tree bounty to a different organi-zation that might have similar needs and a distribution capability similar to that of Cristo Rey. Please submit tome your suggestions for whom our mitten tree efforts might be directed by December 21.


9/16November 2008


Financial Information as of September 30, 2008

By Jeff Irwin

As of September 30, 2008, pledge revenue collected was $217,349, which is 72.9 percent of the annual

budget. We are 75 percent of the way through the year. In September, $29,150 of pledge revenue was col-lected, which is approximately 10 percent of the overall budgeted amount. The operating loss to date was$108,173, which is 79.5 percent of the 2008 budget.

During September, our annual parking lot lease payment was made in the amount of $4,222.

The designated and restricted funds have recorded a loss in market value in September of $35,438, bringingthe nine-month loss to $64,844. Along with contributions to the funds, their net income was $19,158.

As we are all aware, in September and October the stock market experienced unprecedented declines invalue. The Finance Committee has been monitoring the situation and taken steps determined to be appropriate.Although the losses in value are very large, it is important to keep in mind that most of the funds have been in-vested for many years and often recorded increases. The combined net income of the operations and the fundsis an $89,015 loss as of September 30, 2008.

To date, it was necessary to withdraw a total of $90,000 from the Perpetual Fund to make payroll and payoutstanding bills. An additional $3,200 has been withdrawn from the Perpetual Fund for special purposes au-thorized by the vestry.

At the October 21Vestry meeting, your Vestry:

Shared a lovely meal provided by A Catered Affaire.

Responded to devotions on "James the Just" provided by Deacon Bill Fineout. Approved amended minutes of September 16, 2008 (on bulletin board). Received the treasurer's Report - summery elsewhere in the issue. Began the preparation of the 2009 budget. Received an audit report of the 2007 year. The finalized version to be presented in November. Received a Finance Committee Report.

Heard that investment loss was about $43,000 in the recent financial crisis. Passed a motion to spread recent investment loses over all funds, not just the few affected. Passed a motion to give the Finance Committee authority to select a new investment advisor.

Discussed where we are in the Action Plan process. Received a Web Site progress report. Discussed the upcoming Diocesan Convention and the issues that will be presented.

Received a report on the progress of the 160th celebration planed for 2009. Received other committee reports. Reviewed the "Healthy Congregations Seminar" with an eye on how we can implement some of its sug-

gestions. Discussed recent sermons on the political campaigns. Distributed Vestry calling lists for the Unity Celebration and Brunch on November 2nd. Received Clergy Reports.

Vestry Highlights


10/16November 2008


One Church, Many Journeys Parish-Wide Book Read

By Millie Ericson

B

oth Book Read titles, (Contempt of Court, the turn-of-the-century lynching that launched 100 years of Fed-

eralism, by Mark Curriden and Leroy Phillips, Jr. for adults; and The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, by C.S.Lewis, 3rd book in the Chronicles of Narnia, continuing the story of Prince Caspian, for families) are now avail-able from the St. Pauls book cart at a discounted price.

Book groups will be formed to meet in January to discuss Contempt of Court. If you would like to host a discus-sion group in your home or facilitate the group, please sign up on the sheet outside the Merrifield Room. Eachgroup will meet for one afternoon or evening a week for three consecutive weeks beginning the week of Janu-ary 11.

An exciting family event, Voyaging on the Dawn Treader, will be held on Friday, January 30. Calling allcreative St. Paulites. If you have skills or interest in carpentry, set design, art/drawing, creating game ideas,drama, costuming, school carnival development, Bible school/Sunday school planning (or just like to have fun),your skills are needed on an Event Design Team for this family fun night. Contact Millie Ericson to become partof this exciting team.

Matthew Shepard Memorial Service

By The Very Rev. Dr. Gordon F. Weller

On October 8, St. Pauls opened its doors to the local community with the celebration of a Eucharist to markthe 10-year anniversary of the death of Matthew Shepard. Matthew was a young man of 21 who was

slain as a result of hate directed toward him because he was gay. Attendees allowed their presence to indicatetheir opposition to hate crimes in general and to Matthew Shepards specifically. Our hope is to make this ayearly celebration.

We pray for those expecting: Deb & Jeff Sleight, Sarah (Weller) & JoeEvenden, Linda & Don Junger, Amanda & Darrick Alvarez, and Vicky &Rich Bellon.

We pray and remember those in the Military, serving in dangerous areas:Daniel Reno, David Granger, and Bill Sheldon.

We pray for comfort for the family and friends of Philip Telleen, Mary Olds

and Richard Tyler, who recently passed away.

We pray for those who are sick and in need: Cindy Robinson, Richard, Audrie & Aaron Hegmon, ShelleyRobinson, Mason Hill, Erik Lindquist, Charles Weaver, Chance Collins, Mary Ann Kelley, Barb Hacker,Darrick, Marjorie Belles, Aleda, Dave, Kathryn Senko, Barb Powers, Patricia Reno, Skip & Marsha Macholz,Rick Edwards, Carrie, Michael Skinner, Bea Richards, Edward Such, Virginia Jessop, Mason Beasley, Judy

Jones, Mary McClelland, June Wyatt, Ken Vogel, Berthella Hockert, Scott McLain, and Linda McDonald.

We pray for those who hate, that your presence may calm or remove their anger and replace it with under-standing, compassion and acceptance.


11/16November 2008


Water for Life

By Lyn Zynda, Mission and Outreach

T

he water-filled bottles are leaving with parishioners, and some are even returning to

St. Pauls filled with change and grateful prayers. Look for the basket near the stairsleading to the altar. Before the service or when you come up for communion, place yourfilled bottles in the basket. You can also drop the change-filled bottles at the office.

At the final ingathering on Sunday, December 14, we will offer up the donations collectedfor a blessing and to demonstrate our commitment to help fulfill the Millennium Develop-ment Goals (MDGs). As soon as we have sorted, counted and wrapped the change, the committee with reportour progress back to the congregation.

Remember: St. Pauls voted as a community to raise the $7,500 necessary to build a well as our 2008 project.This is an ambitious undertaking made all the more difficult considering current economic conditions. I do be-lieve, however, that St. Pauls can rise to the occasion and help Gods children who are infinitely more chal-lenged than any of us.

If you havent already done so, pick up a water bottle or replace your changed-filled water bottle. Waterbottles are available at the back of the church. Look for goal updates in future issues of the Newsletter andSunday bulletins.

Mission & Outreach Activities:

Where is Christ calling you to help others?

November

UTO Ingathering Episcopal Church Women (ECW)November 9-23

Thanksgiving Baskets

December 6 (13)

Housing Assistance Fund Fruit & Greens Sale

December

Youth - Mitten Tree

December 14

MDG Water for Life Ingathering/Wrap up

December 24

Gifts for the Christ Child

Ongoing: Manna Sundays for street ministry (busing/work

boots)

Water for Life

Heifer International

Prayer quilts

Cars INC

Sudanese Education

Check the Newsletter articles and the Sunday Bulletin

Announcements for additional details and informa-tion.


12/16November 2008


And the Winner IS!

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

I

first want to thank all of the individuals and organizations that par-

ticipated in our Stewardship Sampler Sunday. Although I was awaypreaching and celebrating the Eucharist at St. Johns in Charlotte,Michigan, I heard great things concerning the effort and sincerity to-wards our Show Jesus contest challenge. Our ministry together andindividually is centered on the good news of Jesus Christ. I believe itshould be our hope that in our ministry others may see the bright shin-ning face of Christ.

Now after more than 8,760 hours of careful, thoughtful considerationand yet even more evaluation of the all ofthe wonderful displays, without any furtherado, I am proud to announce that the win-ner of the 2008-2009 St. Pauls Steward-

ship Sampler Sunday Show Jesus ContestChallenge is

OopsI have one final detail to check, so Iwill announce the winner of the 2008-2009St. Pauls Stewardship Sampler SundayShow Jesus Contest Challenge on Invita-tion Sunday, November 2 at the 10 amservice. Award recipients must be presentto accept awards. Family members, closefriends or pets are not eligible for prizes.Information contained in this article is for the expressed purpose of encouragingyou to attend Invitation Sunday at St. Pauls.

Mandy Lawton representing the Busy Bees of

the Business and Professional Womens Guild

Eleanor Doersam seeks volunteers

for the Blood Drive

St. Aelreds Guild provides visits,

cards, prayers and support to the com-

munity of St. Pauls

2008-2009 Youth Group Programming & Events

When planning events for this calendar year, the Youth Group decided to alternate outreach and fun ac-tivities each month. Here is the tentative schedule:

October CROP Walk November Clean house of sick/shut-in church member(s) December Caroling & play BINGO with residents of TenderCare West

January Sledding/ice skating or Laser Tag February Red Cross training & Valentines Day babysitting for families March Lock-in, bowling, and feed homeless April Host Easter Egg hunt for young children May Overnight mission trip (within Michigan)

The youth group targets young people grades 6th through 12th, and meets on the first Sunday of each month fora council meeting. Our next meeting is scheduled for Sunday, November 2.


13/16November 2008


Youth Ministry Articles Provided By:Youth Group Council President, Ms. Emily Laub

Youth Christian Education Ministry Chairperson, Dr. Judith Brown-ClarkeThe Rev. Ronald C. Byrd, Sr., Curate

Youth Group Elects New Officers & Committee Chairs

The 2008-09 programming year has begun and the Youth Group is in full swing and we are expecting tohave another exciting year. On Sunday, September 21st, their peers voted the following individuals into

executive office:

Co-Presidents: Emily Laub & Daniel FletcherCo-Vice Presidents: Thomas Laub & Antonio ClarkeSecretary: Margaret KariukiTreasurer: Maggie McDaniels

In an effort to ensure that all youth are in leadership roles, the follow sub-committees were formed:

Communications Committee: Responsible for advertising, marketing, logo development, and signage: Erikah

Alvarez, Courtney Irwin, Zoe Beckett, Claire Beckett

Finance Committee: Responsible for collecting money and keeping stock inventory of the vending machines:Parker Van Voorhees, Daniel Crabtree, Steven Walker

Acolyte Guild Welcomes NewMembers

The St. Pauls Acolyte Guild would like you to jointhem in welcoming its newest members: Erikah Al-

varez, Zoe Beckett, Claire Beckett, Kaitlyn Narezo,

and Parker Van Voorhees. The guild now has some 22active members. Happy are they who serve the Lord!

As many of you know we will soon be coming into oneof our busiest and most rewarding times of year forthe Acolyte Guild. The upcoming schedule includesmany significant services including Christ the King,Lessons & Carols, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day,

and most certainlythe Epiphany of our Lord JesusChrist! These services encompass a variety of liturgicalthemes, and to ensure proper preparation and assign-ments, members are asked to attend monthly meetings.Moms and Dads, we can use your help here! The Aco-lyte Guild meets on the second Sunday of every month,

except in December when the guild will meet on thefirst and third Sunday.

We are planning a field trip on November 22 to St.Gregory Abbey Monastery, a community of men livingunder the Rule of Saint Benedict within the EpiscopalChurch near Three Rivers, Michigan. Important detailsabout this field trip will be communicated to acolytesand parents via surface mail soon.

Youth Group Walks for Hunger

Our St. Pauls Youth Group raised over $1,100.00 in donations inthis years CROP WALK. Thats $100.00 more than last year!

Congratulations Erikah, Antonio, Margaret, Emily, Thomas, Maggie,Zoe, Claire and Kaitlyn for a job well done! Many will benefit fromyour efforts. The youth group would like to give a special THANKYOU to St. Pauls parishioners for your generous contributions.

The group of 12 walked a little short of 10K (Fr. Ron got little tired)on Sunday October 12th. Our donation of $1,100 is enough to pro-vide clean water for drinking and domestic use, as well as educationand training for improved community health, hygiene, and sanitation.This service project is the first of several other upcoming outreach andservice projects the group has planned for the coming year.

Members of the St. Pauls Crop Walk Team


14/16November 2008


tisms and in the coos, cries and smiles, we are re-minded that life itself is eternal and renewing and ofour obligation and pleasure to pass our faith fromgeneration to generation.

Sometime toward the end of November, we alwayscelebrate The Feast of Christ the King. It marks theend of the season of Pentecost and will be celebratedthis year on November 23. This is a special day be-cause it calls us to reflect on the season past and allthe evidences of Gods presence in our lives. In the im-age of a king, we are reminded of the kind of rulerour God is loving, caring, mercifula King given tosustaining and enhancing the joys of life.

Another holiday in November is Thanksgiving. Its rootsare found in the quest for religious freedom and in

thankfulness for Gods blessing of survival and life it-self. For most of us, the day will be about family and

coming together. Let us be sure we acknowledge allthese blessings by keeping the remembrance of God inthe celebration.

On November 30, we will begin the Season of Advent.Our thoughts will turn to the preparations that the sea-

son requires as Christmas approaches. The thoughts ofChristmas will come easily enough. They will, at times,be overwhelming. The difficulty will be keeping thefocus on the life that God provides rather than the ac-quisition of things that secular society advocates.

As we approach this wonderful set of holidays, I askyou to remember Moses words to his people as theywere about to enter into the grand adventure of thePromised Land. He knew that they would have choicesto make every day. His admonition was, Chooselife! (Deut. 30:19) My hope and prayer is that wemay do the same.

(Continued from, Celebration of Life, page 1)

and vice-president of the Bishop H. Irving Mayson Chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians. The two-daysolemn observance began on Friday with opening reflections by Dr. Bonnie Anderson, President of the Houseof Deputies. Looking to the continuation of the reconciliatory mood of this event Anderson proclaimed, "This is agreat start to a new beginning," and "no one should view it as being over". She also acknowledged that the"work is hard" but she stressed that "it must continue" for the betterment of the Episcopal Church.

In partial fulfillment of an attempt to "make a full, faithful, and informed accounting of our history" those at-tending on Friday witnessed powerful and oft times surprising presentations from distinguished members of ourcommunion. These workshop provided documentation of the complicity of the Episcopal Church in the institutionof slavery and the economic benefits some aspects of the church derived from that sinful practice. Friday par-ticipants also viewed displays from the Episcopal Archives and the African American Episcopal Historical Col-lection at Virginia Seminary. Father Clifton remarked, We are grateful to Bishop Gibbs for providing Fr. Ronand me with this opportunity. Reconciliation is an important aspect of the bishop's ministry and without his sup-port and commitment to racial reconciliation we would not be here today,

The service of repentance on Saturday marked the commencement of several actions passed by resolution atthe 75th General Convention of the Episcopal Church. Resolution 123A, titled Slavery and Racial Reconciliation,called for the Episcopal Church to unequivocally declare slavery a sin and a fundamental betrayal of human-ity. It also required the Church to publicly acknowledge and apologize for the Churchs complicity in the institu-tion and aftermath of slavery, segregation and discrimination. In addition, the resolution requires the ExecutiveCouncil to initiate a comprehensive program, urging every Diocese to have a similar service of repentance,and for each diocese to collect and document by the next triennium detailed information in its own communityon the Episcopal Churchs involvement in slavery, segregation and discrimination. The Executive Council, as-sisted by the Committee on Anti-Racism is expected to issue a report at the 76th General Convention on howthe Church can be a repairer of the breach. (Isaiah 58:12)

(Continued from, Episcopal Church Apologizes, page 1)


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TheSt. Pauls News is a publication of St. Pauls EpiscopalChurch, Lansing Michigan.

St. Pauls Episcopal Church Staff

The Very Rev. Dr. Gordon Weller, Rector

The Rev. Ronald C. Byrd, Sr., Curate

Dr. Stephen R. Lange, Minister of Music

The Rev. Deacon William H. Fineout

Ms. Mary Rodeck, Assistant Minister of Music

Ms. Kathleen Johnson, Office Manager

St. Pauls News Editorial Staff

Christine Caswell, Editor

Helen Hiscoe, Proofreader

Lyn Zynda, Acting Editor

St. Paul's News - November, 2008

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Transcript of St. Paul's News - November, 2008