st. paul's news - december, 2008

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

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St. Paul's Episcopal ChurchLansing Michigan

Volume 33, Issue 1

St. Paul's NewsDecember, 200

Calendar 13

Choir Schedule 7

Mission andOutreach

8

Prayer List 6

St. Pauls News 6, 10

UpcomingActivities

2-5

Inside this issue:

By The Very Rev. Dr. Gordon F. Weller

Tiny Tim and Charlie Brown

M any of our most loved Christmas stories are born out of pain andsuffering. Tiny Tim was on a crutch. The hills of Appalachia haveprovided tales of sorrow and happiness interwoven with the sentimentsof Christmas. In The Best Christmas Pageant Ever , the Herdmans were apack of misbehaving children underappreciated by all. Even CindyLou Who in How the Grinch Stole Christmas or Charlie Brown in A CharlieBrown Christmas have their moments of sorrow.

This Christmas threatens to be one with many of those kinds of stories filling the newspaper andevening news programs. People are losing their homes, sometimes set out on the street with noplace to go. And, while I think it is not right that consumerism overwhelms the spirit of Christmas, thisyear will be a financial disaster for many. Some businesses will close, stores will close, and jobs willbe lost. Sorrows will abound.

The paradox of some of this is the way we romanticize the story of Mary, Joseph and Jesus. In re-ality it was a story of sorrows. It was about an unwed mother, an unyielding Roman Empire forcingunreasonable travel, no room at the inn and a child being hunted down by a murderous KingHerod.

What brings all these stories together is the ability of God to transcend the sorrowful reality of(Continued on page 12)

The Rev. Dr. Gordon Weller

There is No Security Without GivingSt. Pauls Celebrates Invitation Sunday with Dr. Steve McSwainBy John Nevin, Vestry Member

O n All Saints Sunday, St. Pauls welcomed philanthropy expert Dr. Steve McSwain as guestpreacher. The key message was that there is no security in possessions and that the only realmeasure of security we can achieve is through our faith in Jesus Christ and by sharing Gods bless-ings. Invited to the parish by the Stewardship Committee, McSwain explained to the St. Pauls fam-ily that many people dont contribute more because of the mistaken notion that they can achievesecurity through a savings account. McSwain said that the recent market crash and financial crisiswere clear evidence that those who seek security by hoarding what they have will be sorely disap-pointed. Invitation Sunday was covered by Channel 10 and Channel 6, and Dr. McSwain was alsointerviewed by local radio stations, including 1240-WJIM and 1320-WILS.

The service on November 2 was followed by a Unity Brunch prepared by the ECW. We were evenblessed by a preview of the upcoming production of Godspell. In particular, the Stewardshipcommittee is very grateful to Max and Debby Pierce and to Barb Richardson and Libby Richard-son for making the brunch such a success.

(Continued on page 12)


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December 2008

St. Paul's NewsPage 2

Activities at a Glance

Ongoing Activities St. Aelreds Guild, third Wednesday, 4:30 PM Book Cart, 1 st and 2 nd Sunday after 10 AM B&PW, Tuesday, December 9, 6:15 PM ECW, 3 rd Monday, 7 PM Family Night Dinner, Wednesdays, 5 PM 4 Fs, 2nd and 4 th Mondays (except as noted) Noon-

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

This Month at St. Pauls and Elsewhere Quiet Morning Saturday, December 6, 9-noon

Men of Orpheus, Friday, December 12, 7 PM Lange Ensemble, Sunday, December 14, 7 PM The Gathering Holiday Party, December 19, at theGut home, 7-9 PM Lessons & Carols, Sunday, December 21, 10 AM

Looking Ahead Ministry Retreat, January 8-10, 2009 Baptisms, January 11, 2009 Parish-wide Book Read, beginning the week of

January 11, 2009 Annual Meeting, Sunday, January 25, 10 AM Voyaging on the Dawn Treader, Friday, January

30, 2009 ACTION, April 28, May 12, 2009 7 PM 160th Anniversary Celebration, May, 2009

Page 2

B&PW

By Barbara Richardson

T he December 9 meeting will feature Dr. Stephenand Mrs. Lange with a program of Christmas music.Dinner is at 6:15 p.m. in the Hill Room and costs $8.Everyone is welcome and for a reservation, please con-tact Debby Pierce . We invite you to join us for a won-derful evening of holiday food and beautiful music.

St. Elizabeth Corporate Communion

By Debby Pierce

The December meeting on St Elizabeth Guild will bea Corporate Communion at the 8 a.m. service to befollowed by brunch and a musical program. VickiWalker and her daughter, Melanie will entertain uswith a selection of Christmas music.

For additional information and to make reservations,please call Debby Pierce .

Help Fill the Mitten Tree

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

I t is once again my honor to be the mitten tree program coordinator duringthe four weeks of Advent. Last year I was privileged to deliver nearly 100mittens and a number of gloves, hats and scarves to Cristo Rey. Your generousdonations were met with excitement and appreciation, and I can only say that

this was another job well done St. Pauls!Please target your contributions for children age 0 5. This years Mitten Tree offering will be given to Chris-tian Services, which will distribute the collected efforts to the WIC Office (Women, Infants, and Children) andHead Start Classrooms. Mitten and hats too large for 5 year olds will be given to Judson Memorial BaptistsLove Clothing Center in Lansing.

Im confident that the members of St. Pauls will surpass last years collection by bringing new mittens, scarves,hats, and gloves to decorate the Christmas tree in the cloister. This is a warm and wonderful gift we can giveour brothers and sisters to prepare for the harsh Michigan winter ahead.


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December 2008

St. Paul's News Page 3

2008 Christmas Services

Wednesday, December 24, Christmas Eve

4 p.m. Family/Childrens Service10:30 p.m. Special Music11 p.m. Choral Eucharist

Thursday , December 25 , Christmas Day

10 a.m. Eucharist

Christmas Eve Collection

By the Rev. Deacon Bill Fineout

O nce again the St. Pauls community will step up andprovide layette items for newborns. This years

Christmas Eve collection will go to Christian Services Small Childrens Closet at Pilgrim UCC. They partnerwith social workers at Ingham Regional Medical(Pennsylvania Campus) and Sparrow Hospitals who giveneedy moms a voucher for the items. The Small Chil-drens Closet provides a LOVE Layette that contains allnew clothing and items to bring their babies home fromthe hospital. Christian Services follows up with a call tosee if they need an appointment for other clothing andneeds that can be met through the Christian ServicesChurch network.

In our celebration of Christs birth, let us remember thosein need with generous gifts of baby bottles, diapers,formula, clothes, etc.

Cookies for Lessons and Carols

By Lyn Zynda, ECW President

F ollowing the Festival of Lessons and Carols on December 21,St. Pauls presents the annual Christmas Tea. The members of

the Episcopal Church Womens Steering Committee polish the silver,dust off the good china and glass punch cups, decorate the Merri-field Room and arrange the cookies, breads and dessert bars inanticipation of this time-honored event.

Perhaps newer members of the church wonder where all the delicious cookies come from. From you, dearfriends, from you. Traditionally, every female member of St. Pauls is automatically a member of ECW and wedepended on the women to provide the sweets for this eagerly anticipated event. But, because this is the 21stcentury and we are an inclusive bunch, we will gladly accept cookies and such from St. Pauls folk of all gen-ders. (Personally, I think we should rename the group ECP Episcopal Church People.)

Now, I recognize this is a busy time. There are a myriad of reasons not to participate, but be honest, do you

really want to see this event fade away? Theres something really special about seeing the kids dressed up intheir Christmas finery with a cookie in each hand and chocolate on their faces.

Please contribute by bringing three dozen of your best cookies or dessert bars. Perhaps a coffee cake or sweetbread better fits your baking skills. Whatever! Whats is important is that we all do our part. If you have ques-tions or need further information, give me a call at 202-6992.


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December 2008


4 Fs Looking Back Helps Us toLook ForwardBy Nancy Sheldon

U sually the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month(exceptions noted *due to Town Hall conflict): 12 noon Eucharist 12:30 p.m. Lunch ($4.00) 1 p.m. Bible Study (Steve Lange) 1:15-2 p.m. Program

Anyone is invited who has time in the middle of theday! Please sign up for lunch outside the MerrifieldRoom or call the Church office for a reservation.

December 8 - We will continue our annual

tradition of a Christmas celebration with aspecial luncheon before a concert in the church.Since Nancy Lange is no longer the Choral

Director in Grand Ledge, weve invited theSomeko singers from Okemos, as our own MattNauss is a member of this talented OkemosHigh School group.

January 12 - Fr. Weller will give us a presen-

tation on the Roman Catholic Church and howit presently relates to the Episcopal Church bycomparing and contrasting the two faiths.

January 26 - We will visit the Cathedral of St.Mary and have someone there guide us andtalk to us about the cathedral and the Catholicfaith.

February 9 - Steve Lange will give us a pres-entation on the Wesley brothers and the rela-tionship of Methodism to Episcopalianism.

February 23 - We will visit Central UnitedMethodist church next door and tour their fa-cilities. We will also continue our conversationwith Joe Huston, their minister, about the Meth-odist church and their faith.

ERD Bishops Blend Coffee

A vailable for purchase almost every Sun-day. Over 20 percent of the cost sup-ports the work of ERD, plus you are supportinga Fair Trade product that assures individualcoffee farmers a fair price for coffee that isshade-grown without pesticides or fertilizers,protecting the environment.

ERD Gifts for Life CatalogBy Sue Millar

A lovely new ERD Gifts for Life catalog is avail-able in the cloister to help you honor yourloved ones this holiday season when you provide adonation to ERDs live-saving work. Your gift couldbe in the form of a mosquito net that prevents thespread of deadly malaria. Or you could provideanimals that give food and a livelihood or supporta sanitation system for a village. This catalog givesus another opportunity for a win-win transaction. Beinventive, be generous and be glad.

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Visit the Book Cart Twice in December

By Sue Millar

T he Book Cart will be available for the first two Sundays in December in order to provide greater opportu-nities for your purchase of books, jewelry or T-shirts for folks on your Christmas list. You could also placespecial orders for prayer books and/or bibles, and there is plenty of time to have a name embossed, which is anice personal touch. Of course, if you browse the table, theres always the chance that you will find a book thatwill appeal to your own interests. So do stop by.


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December 2008


Music to Punctuate the ChristmasSeasonBy Dr. Stephen R. Lange, Minister of Music

S everal Choral Concerts will highlight St. PaulsChristmas celebrations this year. First will be aChristmas concert by the Men of Orpheus, an all-malesinging group from Lansing. Directed by former parish-ioner Gayle Pohl, the Men of Orpheus will present aconcert of lighter Christmas music. Their concert will beFriday, December 12, at 7 p.m. Tickets will be avail-able at the door.

Second, the Lange Choral Ensemble will present its an-nual Christmas concert on Sunday, December 14 at 7p.m. Entitled Christmas Music for Brass, Organ, and

Choir, the concert will feature several Renaissancetwo-choir numbers, Christmas Cantata by DanielPinkham, several settings of well-known carols, andseveral movements of Magnificat by John Rutter.Tickets for the concert are $8 for adults and $6 forchildren and seniors.

fxv|t V{|t `|v WMThe Advent/Christmas celebrations will get into fullswing with special music at several of St. Pauls ser-vices. Advent Lessons and Carols will be held on Sun-day, December 23, during the 10 a.m. service, re-counting in seven lessons, the fall and redemption ofhumanity. All of St. Pauls choirs, including the HandbellChoir, will join in this annual musical preparation forthe celebration of Jesus birth.

Three days later, St. Pauls will celebrate again withtwo Christmas Eve services, which will also feature spe-cial music. At the 4 p.m. Family Service, the CherubChoir and the Boys and Grace Choirs will sing an an-them. The 11 p.m. Festival Eucharist service, featuringthe singing of many carols, will be preceded by a halfhour of Christmas music, presented by St. Pauls musi-cians. The music will include pieces for soloists, choir,handbell choir, and brass quartet.

Yes, the ERD Used Book Sale Will ReturnBy Sue Millar

F or those of you who are already setting aside books for this springs sale, thats well and good. For therest of you, this is a request and reminder to begin filling boxes or bags to help us re-circulate your goodbooks while raising money for ERDs efforts to bring safe drinking water where it is now lacking. We will putout collection boxes in January. And remember, no magazines, computer manuals or texts, please. CDs andDVDs welcome. Thank you.

Join The Gathering for an Advent Party

By Millie Ericson

C elebrate the Holidays with friends, food and music featuring live jazz withJeff Kressler and Associates. Join us on Friday, December 19, from 7 to 9p.m. at the home of Larry and Kathy Gut, 5553 Wild Iris Lane, Haslett. PleaseNote: This is a new date to accommodate Jeffs schedule.

Jointly sponsored by the Parish Life Committee and Episcopal Relief and De-velopment, the event is open to all adults in the Parish and their friends. Bringeither an appetizer or dessert and wine to share. You will have an opportunityto celebrate the Spirit of the Season by making a donation to Episcopal Reliefand Development. Information about ERD will be available at the party. Signup on the sheet outside the Merrifield Room.


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December 2008


W e pray for those who are sick and in need: Cindy Robinson, Richard,Audrie and Aaron Hegmon, Shelley Robinson, Mason Hill, ErikLindquist, Charles Weaver, Chance Collins, Barb Hacker, Darrick, Marjorie

Belles, Aleda, Dave, Kathryn Senko, Barb Powers, Patricia Reno, Skip andMarsha Macholz, Carrie, Michael Skinner, Edward Such, Virginia Jessop,Mason Beasley, Judy Jones, Mary McClelland, Ken Vogel, Berthella Hock-ert, MaryLea Benson, Cambria McMillen, and Marguerite Upham.

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

We pray for comfort: for the family and friends of Vivian Toomey, Richard Edwards, Mary Olds, and Clem-ent Laurion, who passed away recently.

We pray for the recently baptized: Hannah Violet Hall, daughter of Matthew and Kimberly (Kym) Hall,Thomas James Hilbert, son of Douglas and Shelly Hilbert, and Kate Brooks Waugh , daughter of John andElana Waugh .

We pray for those expecting: Sarah (Weller) and Joseph Evenden, Linda and Don Junger, Amanda and Darrick Alvarez , Summer (Sleight) and Jake Stevens, and Brooke and Ian Broughton.

Vestry Elections


F ive new members will be elected to the Vestry at the January 25 Annual Meeting. One will be our youthmember. This position, created in 2006, is for a one-year period and is filled by a young person nomi-

nated by a youth caucus, which will be held in early January, and then elected at the Annual Meeting. The out-going Youth Representative is Stephen Karauki . Thank you, Stephen, for your time and efforts. The other fourpositions have been admirably occupied by Sr. Warden, Charlie Krupka , and Vestry members Susan Hender-son , Kelly Gmazel and John Nevin , who is completing an unexpired term. We thank them for their service aswell. These four positions will be filled at the Annual Meeting. To qualify you must be:

A Baptized member At least 16 years of age Regular in attendance A contributor to the life of the congregation with time, talent and treasure Willing to attend a minimum of 10 Vestry meetings a year Willing to chair a Vestry committee

Willing to attend a Vestry retreat at the Weber Center on February 6-7, 2009

If you would be willing to serve or would like to nominate someone, please confirm that persons willingness andsubmit his or her name in writing through the parish office. As always, nominations from the floor of the AnnualMeeting will be accepted if the consent of the person nominated has been obtained.


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December 2008

St. Paul's News Page 7Choir News

December 7 Boys and Grace; High SchoolDecember 14 High School; ChancelDecember 21 All Choirs:

Lessons and Carols Cherubs, Boys and Grace, High School, ChancelDecember 24

4 p.m. Family Eucharist Cherubs; Boys and Grace11 p.m. Choral Eucharist High School; Chancel

December 28 Choirs will not be vesting

January 4 High School and ChancelJanuary 11 High School and ChancelJanuary 18 High School and ChancelJanuary 25 High School and Chancel

Singing Schedule

Date Choirs

Special Dates to Note: Thursday, December 25 There will be no Chancel Choir rehearsal

Wednesday, December 31 and Thursday, January 1 There are no rehearsals

We will resume the normal singing schedule on Sunday, January 4 and Wednesday, January 7.

Choir Newsletter and Dates to RememberBy Dr. Stephen R. Lange, Minister of Music

Annual Meeting


T he Annual Meeting will be held on January 25,2009, immediately following the 10 a.m. service.This will be a very important meeting as we will reviewour activities in 2008, our hopes for 2009 and electVestry members for three-year terms. Please makeevery effort to attend. Child care will be provided.


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December 2008


Water for Life: Church World Service Collection Ends December 14By the Rev. Deacon Bill Fineout

A ll water bottle piggy banks are due, along with other donations, by Sunday, De-

cember 14, when we end this years special Millennium Development Goals project.For the last six months, we have handed out bottled water donated by Meijer, and wehave asked parishioners to fill the empty bottles with money.

Church World Service will use our collective donation to support places like Kenya. MaryObiero, coordinator for the Water for Life program in Kenya, said that only 61 percentof the rural population has access to an improved drinking water source.

It is the responsibility of women and girls in Kenya and Africa, in general, to fetch water. In the arid and semi-arid areas of Kenya, where we work, they walk an average of between seven and 13 miles round-trip insearch of water. The first priority is to increase the supply of potable water for households in water-stressedcommunities, and to reduce the distance women and girls walk, she said. We are also providing water toschools, because teachers also send the girls out to search for it, making them miss valuable class time.

Closer proximity to potable water keeps women in the community and girls in schools, also providing access tobetter sanitation facilities. If you havent taken a bottle of water yet, please do and enjoy it, fill the bottle withmoney and return it on December 14.

Lets dig deep for good water. Water for Life!

Mission and Outreach Activities:

Where is Christ calling you to help others?

November 15December 15

Sudan Education Project 2009December 13 Housing Assistance Fund Fruit and Greens Pickup

December/Advent Youth - Mitten Tree

December 14 MDG Water for Life Ingathering/Wrap up

December 24 Gifts for the Christ Child

April 1December 13, 2009 Episcopal Relief and Development or Heifer Interna-

tional

April 12-26 Food DriveFood Bank

May 21

Ascension Day - Deacon's Dinner May Sudan Education Project for 2010

Ongoing: Outreach Committee meeting, second Monday,

5:30 p.m. Manna Sundays for street ministry (busing/work

boots) Water for Life Heifer International Prayer quilts Cars INC

Check the Newsletter articles and the Sunday BulletinAnnouncements for additional details and informa-tion.


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December 2008


Financial Information as of October 31, 2008

By Jeff Irwin

As of October 31, 2008, pledge revenue collected was $242,736, which is 81.4% of this years budget. Thisputs us very close to meeting our pledge income for 2008. The operating loss was $125,381, including$17,209 recorded in the month of October.

The designated and restricted funds recorded a slight gain of $519 in market value in October. For the first tenmonths, the loss in investment value was $64,325. With contributions, the funds net income was $23,178. Thecombined net income of operations and funds is a $102,203 loss.

Through November 13, 2008, it has been necessary to withdraw a total of $100,000 from the Perpetual Fundin order to make payroll and pay outstanding bills. An additional $3,200 has been withdrawn from the Perpet-ual Fund for special purposes authorized by the vestry.

On Tuesday evening, November 17, your Vestry:

Enjoyed dinner together Approved the October minutes Shared devotions on where we find God in life

changing moments Received a draft of the 2007 audit Continued discussion on the 2009 budget. This

evenings discussion centered on Diocesan Supportand Staff Compensation

Received a report on the revamping of our website Discussed LAEP (Lansing Area Episcopal Projects)

representation Reviewed Vestry calling with an eye to the calling

scheduled for early January, 2009 Received various committee reports and noted:

B&G Reported flat roof leaks

Stewardship report of 100 pledges so far inthe amount of $230,132

Reviewed Adult Christian Education programsto be presented in the spring

Noted a new, less expensive, color copier for theoffice

Appointed Charlie Krupa, Susan Henderson,John Nevin and Kelly Gamazel (the out goingVestry members) as the nominating committee forthe 2009 Annual Meeting

Discussed the possible need for and opportunitiesavailable for fund raising in the 2009 period Agreed to the need for a Shawver Fund long

range planning committee Noted that the deadline for reports to be in-

cluded in the Annual Report booklet is January 3,2009

Received clergy reports

Vestry Highlights

Healing Prayer in the Style of Taize

J oin us on Friday, January 16, 2009 for a quiet evening of Healing Prayer in the Style of Taize at St.David's Episcopal Church, 16200 W. Twelve Mile Rd., in Southfield. The Taize starts at 7 p.m. in thechurch sanctuary. The sanctuary will be open at 6:30 p.m. for anyone who would like quiet meditation. Dur-ing the service, there will be clergy and prayer team members available for individual prayer and anoint-ing. Anyone who would like to participate in the choir should arrive at 6 p.m. for rehearsal. Also at 6 p.m., inthe Parish Hall, there will be a short class on the healing aspects of Christ's ministry. Immediately followingthe healing service, a prayer labyrinth will be available in the Parish Hall. This is an nondenominational ser-vice and is open to everyone. For further information, call the church office at 248-557-5430.


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December 2008


The Gathering Coffee House at St. Pauls

By Millie Ericson

O n November 7, the Merrifield Room was turned into a 60s/70s style coffee house and about 45 peopleenjoyed the waft of freshly brewed coffee and the sounds of folk music from the New St. Pauls Minstrels,

a.k.a. various talented members of the congregation, singing such classics as Imagine, Puff the MagicDragon, Country Roads and This Land is Your Land. Thank you to Max and Debby Pierce for so skillfullytransforming the Merrifield Room. Thanks to Larry Clark for all his hard work in organizing the music and soundsystem. Thanks to all the singers for joyfully entertaining. Thanks to the members of the Parish Life Committeefor all their contributions. Watch for return of this fun event next year!

ACTION Chooses the 2008-2009 Topic for Justice Ministry

By the Rev. Deacon Bill Fineout

I n the October ACTION Problem Assembly meeting held at St. Pauls, with representatives from all ACTIONchurches attending, a vote was taken to choose this years subject for research. The focus will be oncentralized helping services and agencies for those in need, so people will not have to travel from one end oftown to the other to get assistance. The ACTION research team (which you may join) will explore this to see ifchanges can be made for the sick and needy who now have to travel to many places. Usually the people who

have the greatest need do not have their own transportation or have problems which dont allow them easytravel.

We hope you will join your St. Pauls ACTION team again in May when we need all of you to attend the Nehe-miah ACTION Assembly, on Tuesday, May 12. Please put this on your calendars now, and make it an Outreachpriority.

The New St. Pauls Minstrels

Deborah McMartin-Finkel,

Carol Ingells and Larry Clark


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December 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.

Notes about the books:

Contempt of Court is a real life legal/court room thriller every bit as compelling as anything written by JohnGrisham. The book tells the story of a case that was (in the words of Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall)perhaps the first instance in which the [Supreme] Court demonstrated that the Fourteenth Amendment and theequal-protection clause have any substantive meaning to people of the African-American race.

Importantly for us, it is a story of Christians acting out their witness to seek justice, even in the face of great riskto themselves, their families and their careers. It is the story of a simple man, whose epitaph reads: God blessyou all, I am a [sic] innocent man. Farewell until we meet again in the sweet by and by. It is a story of sacrificeand redemption.

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader continues the story of Prince Caspian as he sets out with familiar characters,including Reepicheep, Edmund and Lucy, on a great sea voyage to the Lone Islands and beyond, in search ofthe seven Lords.

Communications and Evangelism Committee: On the Move!

By Stephanie VanKoevering, Vestry Member

T wo St. Pauls committees joined forces in October. The Communications Committee officially merged withthe parish Evangelism Committee to strengthen and support a program of streamlined, intensive public re-

lations activities. The new committee is now co-chaired by Roger Fowler and Stephanie Van Koevering.

The committee has already begun working on website refinements and a media plan for the parishs 160 th an-niversary. These projects are expected to lead to renewed interest in the spiritual, cultural and mission-orientedresources St. Pauls has to offer.

In November, committee members helped support Invitation Sunday with press materials and outreach to localreporters. Newcomers were also welcomed at an annual dinner gathering at the home of Larry and Kathy Gut.

In the weeks and months ahead, the committee will continue to accomplish its action plan objectives and seeknew ideas and members. Parishioners with an active interest in strengthening St. Pauls connection with the com-munity are encouraged to consider becoming part of this vital, active committee.

Please contact one of the committee chairs or speak with Fr. Weller if you are interested in becoming involved.


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December 2008


any human situation and infuse the divine power of love and hope. As the seasons transition from Advent toChristmas to Epiphany, we will hear more stories of personal heartbreak and sorrow. God does not cause thesetragedies that His glory might be revealed, but we should be reminded that they are opportunities for us to beGods agent of change in the world. May you be blessed in these marvelous seasons with the love and hopethat is God, and may we be given to share these wonderful gifts.

(Continued from, Tiny Tim and Charlie Brown page 1)

The two Sundays prior, the congregation heard testimonials regarding, What St. Pauls Means to Me, fromJean Shawver and Matt Ferguson . Both were inspiring, passionate and heartfelt, perfectly delivering themessage that St. Pauls is a very special place and that by sharing our gifts, we can share both the glory ofChrist and the love of fellowship. Both presentations are posted on St. Pauls webpage atwww.stpaulslansing.org.

At the Invitation Sunday services, a healthy number of pledge cards were returned, but we have a long wayto go to meet the needs of the parish and our work in the community. Pledge cards and copies of the testimo-nials have also been mailed out to everyone who has not yet pledged.

(Continued from, No Security Without Giving, page 1)

You Might Be Episcopalian If

. . .when you watch Star Wars and they say "May the force be with you", you automatically reply "And alsowith you"

. . .if the only good reason to raise your hand during a hymn is to question the organist's re-harmonization

. . .if you might be an Episcopalian if words like: "vouchsafe", "oblation", "supplications", "succor", "bewail","wherefore", "dost" and "very" (in its archaic sense) are familiar to you even if you don't have a clue what theymean

. . .if your groomsmen at your wedding whisper "with God's help" to you during your vows after you say "I will

. . .if you think that the Bible is a holy book because it quotes the Book of Common Prayer so well

. . .if you catch yourself genuflecting or bowing as you enter a row of seats in a theater

. . .if you know the best way to quiet a room: "The Lord be with you!"

. . .if your covered dish for the potluck dinner is escargot in puff-pastry shells

. . .if you know that a primate isn't just a monkey

. . .if you know that the nave is not a playing card

. . .if your friend said "I'm truly sorry. . ." and you replied, "and you humbly repent?"

. . .if you consider a sticker on your car to be an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace

. . .if you know that the Senior Warden and the Junior Warden are not positions in the local prison

. . .if you not only talk about God, but God is placed in the palm of your hand

And finally,

. . .if you reach a point when you're not sure about anything theologically but you still feel completely at homeat the altar rail and somehow know you're meeting God there, even though you can't begin to understand how.

***Ed. Note: Many thanks to Stephanie VanKoevering for sharing.


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218 W. Ottawa

Lansing, MI 48933Phone: 517-482-9454Fax: 517-485-8621Choir Room: 517-482-0369Website: Stpaulslansing.org

St. Paul's Episcopal ChurchLansing Michigan

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The St. 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 - december, 2008

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