June 2015 Epistle

S T . P A U L ’ S E P I S C O P A L C H U R C H • M U R F R E E S B O R O • S T P A U L S M B O R O . O R G

Empowering for God’s Service

Welcome to the new Parish Hall! The dedication and blessing of the new parish hall, cross and Book of Remembrance pedestal was a glorious occasion! Bishop B a u e r s c h m i d t

was impressed by what we, with God’s help, have accomplished. It has been an interesting year, to say the least!

Within the next few days we expect to receive our certificate of occupancy.

a tremendous interest in using the building. To minimize confusion and to avoid conflicts in scheduling, everyone must request the use of any room on campus through the parish office. Kathy Warlick will have the master calendar. Please contact Kathy at [email protected] or by calling the parish office at 615-893-3780 to check on the availability of space. Once Kathy knows your needs, she will send you the appropriate forms and reserve the space. We will do everything possible to accommodate your ministry or group.

In other articles in this issue you will learn about the use of the kitchen, how we hope to fully equip and furnish the building and an overview of the new key system. All of these are important processes as we learn how to program the parish hall in ways to best empower us for God’s service.

I ask that you be understanding and charitable during this transition period.

Faithfully,Polk+

James K. Polk Van Zandt Rector

June 2015

At that point we will be able to take delivery of the tables, chairs, kitchen equipment, etc. that is on order. We will also unload the pods and move the catechesis classrooms. Once all of that is accomplished, we’ll be ready to fully utilize our long anticipated parish hall.

The opening of the parish hall is a good time for us to think about the stewardship of our campus. This amazing building will greatly expand our capacity for ministry. We have invested a great deal of time and money to make all of our facilities spaces that are Holy, beautiful and functional. Let’s continue to work to keep them that way – after all, this is God’s house!

In order to do that in an orderly manner you should be aware of a few necessary procedures. There has already been

Building Fund Pledge Update

Total Pledged to date: $1,876,956.08Total Paid to date: $1,167,294.51Balance of pledges due: $709,661.57

Campaign Pledge Period: 1/1/2014 to 12/31/2016


Go in and Occupy!

“Remember the long way that the Lord your God has led you. . . For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land. . . You shall eat your fill and bless the Lord your God for

the good land that he has given you.” Deuteronomy 8

This morning I awoke knowing that writing this article for The Epistle was at the top of my “to do” list for the day. When I opened my computer, I checked my email and read from Forward Day by Day and the online lectionary readings, as I try to do each morning. There, through God’s graciousness, I found my help. For this week, we are standing in

Alicia Hollis Senior Warden

the doorway, looking into the promised land of our new parish hall and C h r i s t i a n e d u c a t i o n building. God has brought us a long way to this point in our journey. On Sunday, May 17, Bishop Bauerschmidt blessed the new facility and led us in blessing the Lord for his fulfillment of our prayers.

Just as the Israelites journeying to the Promised Land, many participated in

leading us to this place. Some of us have done many years of the journey and will have but a short time ministering in the new building. Some of us have barely begun, but have a long time ahead to

work here. Some of those who were very faithful did not even live to cross into the new parish hall. Each of us has had a part in the journey; our names and prayers are written on the very foundation and supports of the building.

Before the Israelites

could fully posses the Promised Land, they had more work to do. We also have more work to do. We will have to learn to share every square foot of the new building with each other and with our community. We will have to

accept that, wonderful as it is, the new building is not “complete.” We must continue to pray and listen to God concerning his will for the new building and our developing ministries.

The good land that God has given us is a great gift. Here we will study, learn, minister, praise, share, sing, mourn and celebrate together. We will love God and each other and invite others to

share in this love. We will grow up, grow strong and grow old here. We will seek to carry out our mission to worship God and bring all into a loving relationship with Jesus Christ. Thanks be to God!


FAQs*

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the New BuildingWill there be a Grand Opening Party to celebrate the new Parish Hall and Christian Education Building? Yes, there will! Later this summer when the punch list on construction is complete and when training for use of the kitchen facility is finished, we will have a wonderful party in the famous St. Paul’s tradition of hospitality. Date to be announced –

When will we see a final financial report on the construction of the new building? The Building Committee is eager to “close the books” on this project. Right now they are planning to close the financial report sometime in early June. The report will be made available to the parish as soon as possible. As of this date, the building is still under budget!

I can’t wait to get into the new kitchen and cook. When may I do this? The new commercial standard kitchen is very different from the old church kitchen and from the kitchens in our homes. We will be holding training sessions so anyone who is interested may learn how to safely operate the

new appliances. The pantry door will be locked to safeguard expensive or hazardous items such as mixers, knives, etc. If you need to get in, you will be able to get a key from the church office. A detailed procedure notebook for using the kitchen facilities is in the works now and will cover instructions for appliances, health and safety issues, food storage, set up and clean up.

How will recycling be handled in the new building? Currently the church is studying the appropriate recycling receptacles to use in the new building. We hope to have a new system and recycling locations in place very soon. St. Paul’s hospitality programs will become noticeably more “green” as we begin using ceramic coffee mugs, glass/china plates, and stainless utensils on a regular basis.

When will the new church library be ready for use? Beautiful new wood

shelving is being constructed for the library, with thanksgiving for a special gift making this possible. A small committee of Fr. Polk, Fr. Colin, Rachel Kirk, David Rowe and Libby Willis is meeting to discuss the library’s purpose, scope and function. The new library should be open later this summer. Watch for an announcement.

Who may use our new building? How much will it cost to rent the space for an evening? The Transition Committee is studying community use of our new facility. We are gathering information from other churches about their policies for community use. Right now we are planning on a year-long moratorium on renting the building to any outside groups. We want to be sure that our parish and our ministries have settled into the new facility first.

I have some furnishings that I would like to donate to the church for the new building. How do I do that? Fr. Polk has asked a new standing committee to review furnishing needs and requests to purchase furnishings for the new building, as well as review possible donations. Our new building actually has limited space for “furnishings” other than tables and chairs that were included in the construction budget. If you are interested in giving something to the church, please contact Fr. Polk. The Furnishings Committee will want to see the item (a picture or in person) and discuss whether it is something that the church can use. If not, the item may be offered to the annual ECW White Elephant Sale.

Have ideas for articles about life at St. Paul’s? Photos from a group event? Send them to: [email protected]


Painting of ChaliceRay Kleinlein, a parishioner and artist, painted this piece of art that hangs above the prei-dieu (prayer kneeler) in the narthex addition. You will recognize the chalice as one we use on Sunday. The chalice, which we share during the Eucharist, is a symbol of unity for those who have been called together by the Holy Spirit as one body, the Body of Christ. The painting, is a gift from Joan & Ray Kleinlein

Like us and share events and photos with your friends.

Parish Hall CrossThe beautiful cross in the Parish Hall was created by Don Dunlap using the flooring from St. Paul’s original Parish Hall. Don, we are grateful for the gift of your time and creativity.

Blessing of the CrossLord Jesus Christ, you stretched out your arms of love on the hard wood of the cross that everyone might come within the reach of your saving embrace. As we dedicate this parish hall to the great cause for which you commissioned us, we ask you to bless this beautiful cross, the reminder of the price of our redemption. Bless the hands that made it and all those who will find inspiration for their work through it. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Gifts to the Parish

The pedestal was created by Dan Cranor, a local craftsman. The Book of Remembrance is a way to honor our loved ones who have died, not only right after a death, but also as the years pass. Each parishioner’s name added to the Book is read aloud on All Saints Day. When a donation is made to the Book of Remembrance in honor of, memory of, or thanksgiving for a deceased person his or her name will be written in the book.

Blessing of the Book of Remembrance and PedestalAlmighty God, you have knit together your elect in one communion and fellowship in the mystical body of your Son Christ our Lord. We give thanks for the gifts of this Book of Remembrance and pedestal given in memory of Kendall Morton through which we will continue to hold close to us those we love but see no more. Bless the hands that made them and the hearts that give them; comfort those that mourn and inspire us to honor our love for them by living and serving in your name. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Book of Remembrance & PedestalThe pedestal for the Book of Remembrance was commissioned by Claire Bradford in memory of her husband, Kendall Morton.


2015 EfM Graduates, mentors and class (not pictured Rose Wright)

Youth confirmands with Bishop Bauerschmidt

Adult confirmands with the bishop, Fr. Polk, David Rowe and Joyce Adkins.

During the construction of our new building, we have taken a close look

at how we secure both our new and existing buildings. We have many parishioners and off campus groups that use our campus after normal hours who need keys to enter the buildings and various spaces. As construction comes to an end, we will be re-keying our existing campus to match the new building.

We will have (6) keying schemes which will include: 1) Entrance doors, 2) Choir

Office/Robing Room, 3)Mechanical/Electrical/Storage Rooms, 4) Classrooms, 5) Kitchen/Pantry, 6) Off Campus group Entrance (North Parking Lot Entrance/Handicap Ramp). Please continue to use your existing keys (if applicable) until we have completed re-keying all existing locks. Once this process has been completed and you find your key no longer works, please see the church office. New campus key(s) will be distributed on a need-to-have basis and a deposit may be required. If you have any questions please feel free to ask!

Campus Security and KeyingJonathan BartschJunior Warden


Furnishing NeedsSt. Paul’s has been very fortunate to have the volunteer design services of Larry Castelli, father of parishioner Maria Castelli Knox, during the latter stages of construction on the new building. Larry is a retired interior designer who has informed the interior of many churches and other public buildings during a long career in Murfreesboro. We are most grateful to him for his practical advice, vision and generosity. There are really very few furnishing needs in our new building. Larry has helped with the placement of new art and the Book of Remembrance stand. New chairs and tables for the Parish

Hall were included in the construction budget and have been ordered. The Choir Room also has new chairs for choir practice seating. Our Catechesis rooms will be equipped with furnishings from the old Christian Ed areas.

The main area where new furniture is needed is the upstairs “gathering room.” We are the recipient of a beautiful sofa and mirror from generous parishioners. Still needed to make this a comfortable conversational area are two high-top tables and chair sets, four upholstered swivel chairs and a large coffee table.

One other big need is window treatments, drapes or shades in several rooms, which will still allow natural light

but screen the view of Jr.’s parking lot and help control light when viewing from the projector during daylight hours. Larry has offered the design of these window treatments for the Parish Hall, Adult Christian Education Room, the Library, and the Choir Room. The fabric for these drapes has been donated, so we will just have the fabrication and installation costs to cover.

If you would like to help “put the finishing touches” on the new Parish Hall and Christian Education Building, you may make a gift towards the cost of these items.Please contact Fr. Polk or Alicia Hollis if you are interested in helping.

June 15-18, 9am - 12pm (noon)Ages: 4 years old (must be potty trained) - 4th grade (rising 5th).

Visit stpaulsmboro.org for a link to register.

Volunteers are also needed! Please contact Ca’Tricia Robinson with questions at [email protected] or (615)210-7552.

New Kitchen and PantryCheryl BeasleyHospitality Chair, Transition Committee There are so many aspects of our faith that are filled with anticipation. We re-live that anticipation again and again throughout our Liturgical calendar as we approach each celebration of God’s gifts.

We have been in great anticipation of the opening of our beautiful Parish Hall

and Kitchen for many months. The anticipation is over and the Blessing is ours to receive and utilize to His Glory.

Over the coming weeks information about the use of the Kitchen and Parish Hall for Hospitality will be provided through Guidelines, Policies, and Procedures for use of the Kitchen, Pantry and Parish Hall. These will be developed with the hope of providing a safe, healthy and robust facility for the growth of our ministry of Hospitality.

Additionally, you may be approached to

provide input into the Hospitality needs of the ministry you’re most engaged in. If you are not contacted and have information you feel should be included, please provide the information to the Church office so it can be considered for inclusion. As we share our Blessing with each other and the community we serve, let us now anticipate with joy the challenge of using it well.


Our First Parish Hall

An old joke: How many E p i s c o p a l i a n s does it take to change a light bulb? Four—one to change the bulb and three to talk about how

much better the old one was.

It’s not likely that many people will say the old parish hall was better than our new building, but as a gathering place and school for ministry it played a critical role in the life of the parish that the new facility will have to match. Anyone who has worshipped at St. Paul’s for more than a few years can name dozens of events they attended in that cozy space. For sixty five years it welcomed hundreds of Christian Education students of all ages; receptions for weddings, funerals, anniversaries, baptisms, and confirmations; three diocesan conventions; annual meetings; and a myriad of social events.

The building was both the product and the impetus of growth at St. Paul’s. In 1939 Bishop Edmund P. Dandridge noted that St. Paul’s was “taking on new life with increased numbers and ministries,” and while World War II slowed the pace of growth, post-war Murfreesboro seemed to pick up where it had left off when the war started. As early as 1947 the church’s leaders were planning to build a new “parish house.” Two years later, the same year that St. Paul’s became an aided “parish,” the congregation borrowed nearly $3000 from the Diocese of Tennessee and constructed a simple, detached, concrete block structure at the rear of the church (today’s chapel). It served the congregation’s needs in that state for nearly twenty-five years.

In 1974 the vestry voted to sell the East Main property and move to a lot it purchased on Clark Boulevard, but they

reconsidered the plan, sold the new property to the Mormon Church, and set out to enlarge and redesign the current space. It added the two transepts and built a connecting link to the parish hall, for the first time allowing for access to it protected from the elements. Ultimately the building received new classrooms and offices at the rear and a new entrance on the east side as well as a new roof. Inside, a beautiful fireplace graced the fellowship space.

This was the parish hall most of the “old timers” remember with only a few now able to reach back to remember the small gathering spot of the real “old days.” So while watching its demolition last Fall created a lot of excitement, for those of us who have been around a while it also was, if not sad, at least a nostalgic moment. So as we welcome the new, we can celebrate the old and the many lives that were enriched within its walls and the Kingdom work that it nurtured.

David L. Rowe

The old parish hall exterior under renovation in 1974

Interior after its update.


The mission of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church is to worship God and to bring all into a loving relationship with Jesus Christ.

116 North Academy StreetMurfreesboro, Tennessee 37130stpaulsmboro.org

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Newcomers MinistryNew Ministry Team at St. Paul’sPam & Rick Burcham, Kathy Reeves and Joyce Adkins will be heading up our Newcomers Ministry at St. Paul’s. The four were brought together last year through a Ministry Formation Group. After praying that God would lead them into a shared ministry they discerned that our newcomers ministry would be a perfect fit. With our new building opening, their team will help guide our newcomers from their first visit to becoming members of St. Paul’s. Pam, Rick, Kathy and Joyce will be commissioned for their new ministry on June 14 at the 11 am service.

The Building CommitteeThanks for all of your hard work!Jonathan Bartsch (co-chair)

Don Clayton

Bill Emory

Rodney George (super duper co-chair)

Kristi Hay

Liz Huber

Kris McCusker

June 2015 Epistle

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Transcript of June 2015 Epistle