St. Paul's News - October, 2007

8/14/2019 St. Paul's News - October, 2007

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St. Paul's Episcopal Church

Lansing Michigan

Volume 32, IssueBy The Rev. Dr. Gordon Weller

St. Pauls NewsOctoberbe

200

In the openingverses of Genesis,the statement is madethat humanity is cre-ated in the image of

God. Certainly thatdoes not mean thatGod looks like we do:

black or white, red or yellow, beautiful or hand-some. It means that God has given us some ofthe most cherished attributes of Gods personal-ity or, perhaps more accurately, Gods essence.

What we do know about Gods image is that itis given the name of love. Everything God hasdonelike giving us Jesusor will do, like pro-viding a place in the kingdom of heaven, isbased on that love. But there are some addi-

tional qualities that perhaps we dont identify

often enough.

I believe, as does your Stewardship Committee,that one of Gods greatest gifts is that of Gen-erosity. God is generous with us and in turn weare called to be generous with one another. Few

would argue the truth of that statement, but oneof the things often pondered is why God doeswhat God does. Why for example is God lov-ing and/or generous? Because it is right? Per-haps because it keeps creation in balance? Be-cause God knows nothing else? Without beingpresumptuous, I believe it is because it makesGod happy!

As we begin our Every Member Canvass thisyear, I ask you to consider your level of gener-osity. The Stewardship Committee has suggested

(Continued on page 12)

The Rev. Dr. Gordon Weller

The Gift of Generosity

Vestry 2007: Never Too Busy For Welcoming

By Greg Wortley, Senior Warden

Fall is certainly the season of homecoming, and the busyness of welcoming all home to St.Pauls is definitely all around us. Of the many events of this busy time of homecoming, how-

ever, three vestry and committee level happenings warrant special attention in regard to St. Paulswelcoming efforts. During the summer months, plans continued developing effective ways to com-municate our welcoming presence and mission to the greater Lansing area. Building on the recentinitiatives of Stephanie Van Koeverings 2007-08 Public Relations Plan and the ongoing work of

the Communications Committee, we are currently conversing with an additional outside resourceMark Doylewhose professional specialty is assisting non-profit organizations in advertisingthemselves to the community.

The Sundays of September truly welcomed us back to a myriad of opportunities for growth andservice at St. Pauls. Libby Richardson and the Stewardship Committee built upon the SamplerSunday concept of previous years by organizing not just one, but a series of Sampler Sundays.Throughout the four Sunday coffee hours in September we were all introduced and re-introducedto the many, many ways in which we can individually and corporately be good stewards of ourlivesthe many, many ways we can involve ourselves at St. Pauls so as to grow in faith, under-standing and service.

(Continued on page 12)

Calendar 13

Choir Schedule 9

St. Pauls News 6

Upcoming 2

Vestry News 7

Inside this issue:


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Page 2 Upcoming St. Pauls ActivitiesSt. Pauls In Action

Ongoing Activities

St. Aelreds Guild, third Wednesday, 5:00 PM

Book Cart, 2nd Sunday after 10 AM B&PW, Tuesday, October 9, 6 PM ECW, third Monday, 7 PM Family Night Dinner, Wednesdays, 5-6 PM 4 Fs, second and fourth Mondays, noon to 2 PM Infant/Toddler Group, 3rd Saturday, 10 AM-Noon St. Pauls Library, open every Sunday Prayer Group, first Tuesday, 5:30 PM, Choir Re-

hearsal Room Mens Breakfast, third Thursday, 7-8 AM, Hill Room Mid-Week Eucharist, Tuesdays, noon

This Month at St. Pauls and Elsewhere

Habitat Orientation, Wednesday, October 3 (or10)

Newcomers Classes, three Saturdays, October 6,13 and 20, 9:30-11:30 AM

ProActive Parenting, five Wednesdays beginningOctober 10, 6:15 - 7:30 PM

Crop Walk, Sunday, October 14 The Gathering, Friday, October 19, 6:30-9 PM, at

the home of Julie & Mike Young Food Drive, October 19 November 4 Blood Drive, Saturday, October 20, 8 AM-2 PM Diocesan Convention Banquet, The Most Rev.

Katharine Jefferts Schori to speak, Friday, Octo-ber 26

Fruit & Greens Sale

Looking Ahead

All Saints Day services, November 1, 7 PM Baptism, Sunday, November 4

UTO Sunday, November 4 SILS (former foster child) Young Person Collection,

November 11-25

B&PW

By Barbara Richardson

The B&PW Guild will meet on October 9 at 6 p.m. in the Hill Room. Ann Blair, Lansing School District re-tiree and community activist, will be our speaker.

The guild will once again be selling Younkers Community Day coupon books for the Nov. 10 Community Daysale. The books may be purchased from guild members or at the coffee hours on any Sunday in October. Thecost is $5 with the proceeds going to B&PW, not Younkers.

All women of the church are invited to our meetings. Reservations are required. Please contact Nancy Milne(882-0573) by Oct. 7 for a reservation.

Fall The Gathering:

Team Spirit Bonfire And Hot Dog Roast

Friday, October 19, 6:30 9 p.m. at the home of Julie & Mike Young, 6713 Chadwick Rd., DeWitt (Mapon table outside the Merrifield Room)

Wear your team colors (MSU, U-M, other universities or high schools), bring your yearbooks, and be preparedto recall the days of pep rallies, marching bands and torn down goal posts! (This party will kick off the annualFood and Blood Drives with the traditional competition generated by the MSU/U-M football game). Get in theTeam Spirit and sign up on the sheet outside the Merrifield Room. Watch for additional details in upcomingSunday Bulletins.

vs.

By Millie Ericson, Vestry Member


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Page 3Upcoming St. Pauls Activities4 Fs 2007-08 Programs, Taking Care of Ourselves & Others

By Nancy Sheldon

T

he 4 Fs meetings are held the second and fourth Mondays of each month, with communion at 12 noon,

lunch at 12:30, Bible study at 1 p.m. and the program from 1:15 to 2 p.m. We provide faith, fellowship,food and fun for anyone who has time in the middle of the day! Sign up for each session on the table outsidethe Merrifield Room.

October 8

Joe Houston, minister of Central United MethodistChurch, will discuss Methodism, their ministries and theirunique facility

October 22

Walking Turkey in Peace with Carol Ingells. Carolwill share her stories from a special trip to Turkey.

November 12

Spiritual Eldering with retired director of refugeeservices, Pat Hep.

November 26

Spiritual Eldering continued with Pat Hep.

December 10

A special Christmas Celebration with the Grand LedgeMadrigals led by Nancy Lange.

We will continue the 4Fs programs on January 14 andwill have program information in the January St. PaulsNews.

Newcomers Classes

By The Rev. Dr. Gordon F. Weller

Each fall and spring, we hold newcomer classes forthose who would like to know more about St.

Pauls and/or may be considering joining the parish.These classes coincide with our Baptismal Covenantclasses which are held from 9:30-11:30 a.m. on fourSaturdays in October and November (Oct. 6, 13, and20). In addition, a newcomers dinner will be held Sat-urday evening, November 3, at 6 p.m., in the home ofTom and Martie Repaskey. Those seeking to affiliatewith St. Pauls will be officially welcomed at services onSunday, November 4. Should any of this interest you,please contact the church office or one of the clergy.

Baptismal Covenant Classes


One of our yearly educational offerings is aseries of classes where we review and ex-

plain the Baptismal Covenant, which is the PrayerBooks doctrinal statement of what we believeand how we are to respond to that belief. Theseclasses are always interesting because of thequestions, discussion and opinions shared by theparticipants. These classes, which are combinedwith the Newcomers Classes (see related article,right), are appropriate for those seeking Baptism,those wishing to affiliate with St. Pauls and cur-rent members wishing to explore their own faith ina bit more depth. If interested, please contact theparish office or one of the clergy.

Once again we are planning forBaptisms on the first Sunday of No-

vember. November 4, All Saints Sunday,has become a traditional time for bap-tisms because of its theological associa-tion with All Saints Day, which is alwaysNovember 1. Should your or someone in

you family desire to be baptized, please contact the church office orone of the clergy. We will make arrangements with you. Please knowthat one of the requirements is to attend the Baptismal Covenantclasses mentioned in another place in this issue of the St. Pauls News.

T ft| WtThursday, November 1, 2007

Eucharist, Sermon and Necrology

7 p.m.


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Page 4 Upcoming St. Pauls Activities

From the Parish Life Committee


The Gathering is an opportunity for adults of the parish and guestssingles and couplesto enjoy agood time and get to know one another better in informal fellowship settings three or four times a year.

It began a number of years ago by the Evangelism Committee as a way for both longer-term members andnewcomers to meet and feel connected to one another and the parish. Usually the group has gathered in thehome of parish members, sometimes for meals, hors doeuvres or dessert. The evenings have included theateroutings, barbeques, jazz nights and other musical entertainment both planned and spontaneous. Whatever thetheme, fun and fellowship has been enjoyed by all.

The vision of The Gathering is now being carried forward by the Parish Life Committee and exciting plansare in the works for a Fall Team Spirit Bonfire and Hot Dog Roast (see below); a Christmas party; a Valen-tines celebration and a spring theater outing. Watch for the announcements, plan to come and bring yourfriends.

Presiding Bishop to Speak in Lansing


Many know that St. Pauls invited The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, Presiding Bishop of the UnitedStates, to speak at St. Pauls in October. While our dates of invitation did not fit with her schedule, she

will be in Lansing the last weekend of October and will be the keynote speaker at the Diocesan Conventionbanquet Friday evening, October 26. The convention and banquet will be held at the Holiday Inn South. Be-cause of the expressed interest in what she has to say, and the response of the worldwide Anglican Commun-ion to of the House of Bishops request, this will be a well attended banquet. We have reserved 56 tickets (5tables of eight) as a starting point. Tickets for the banquet may cost as much as $35 per person (the price hasnot yet been determined). We do not want anyone to miss this because of the cost of the tickets so anonymousassistance will be provided for those who need it. Please contact Fr. Weller. Should we have more than 56people who would like to attend, we will try to make additional reservations. Please sign up early by callingthe parish office or by signing the reservation list on the table outside the Merrifield Room on Sunday morning.

Sunday School Update

By Judi Clarke, Vestry Member

As of Sunday, September 9, youth Sunday Schoolwas back in session. Classes serve students in

grades pre-kindergarten through high school and be-gin at 9:45 a.m., giving parents adequate time to getin and settled in the sanctuary. Sunday School ends atapproximately 10:45 a.m., when students march intothe sanctuary to be reunited with parents/caretakers.

The curriculum, Living The Good News, provides a lec-tionary-based curriculum that shapes and transformslives. Each lesson includes an overview on how thescripture readings fit together with everydaylife. Providing a warm and loving environment is aprimary goal of our program. We aim to teach thepowerful role that prayer and the sacraments can

play in helping students cope with everyday con-cerns.

The classes are broken down by the following gradesand teachers:

Pre-K. Kindergarten Carol Laub and JulieFletcher

1st-3rd Grade Judi Clarke 4th-5th Grade Matt and Kym Hall 6th-8th Grade Barb Heany and Tom Foltz 9th-12th Grade Lyn Kressler

We look forward to assisting your child in the walkwith God.


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Page 5Upcoming St. Pauls ActivitiesParenting Class Begins October 10

By Martie Repaskey, Vestry Member

T

he second class in the ProActive Parenting series, entitled Communicating with Your Child or Teen, will

begin on October 10. The class will run for five sessions: October 10, 17, 24 and November 7 and 14,from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m. Millie Ericson and Martie Repaskey will be the facilitators for this study of communi-cation skills in Christian families.

Parents of children of any age are encouraged to join this interactive class which utilizes a combination ofvideo presentations, Bible study and conversation. All participants are encouraged to join the family nightcrowd for dinner and fellowship before the class meeting. Childcare will be provided. The sign-up sheet is onthe table outside the Merrifield Room. For further information, please call or talk to Millie or Martie.

Needlepoint News

By Mandy Lawton

According to the September 2007 issue ofEpiscopal Life, the Washington National

Cathedral has 1,500 separate pieces of needle-point. Did you know that St. Pauls has 175 piecesof needlepoint in the church itself? It has 64 tellingthe story of the Old and New Testaments and111 are memorial kneelers. Additional needle-point is in the hushers, the alms basins and on oc-casional chairs throughout the church.

Did you know there are six needlepoint cushions in

the Van Atta room? Have you looked at the cush-ions on the bench in the hallway going into thechurch? They show the successive historicalchurches of St. Pauls.

Did you know that over 40 different individualshave stitched the various needlepoint kneelers?The last memorial kneeler, placed last summer, isin memory of Nancy Herbert. It is seven rows fromthe back of the church on the right side. Do take alook.

The memorial kneelers make a nice gift for aloved one or as a memorial for a deceased mem-ber. Please contact me if you are interested inadding to the silent beauties of St. Pauls.

Habitat Volunteer Alert!

By Bill Fineout, Diaconal Candidate

Habitat for Humanity starts a Lansing house thisOctober. This is a wonderful opportunity to help

a family and the Lansing area with a crucial life com-ponent, housing.

If St. Pauls has enough volunteers (UNSKILLED as wellas skilled), we can schedule our own orientation sessionwith Habitat to be held here at St. Pauls.

There will be weekend builds this fall from October 12until Thanksgiving, and the house will then be finished

in February.St. Pauls has two veteran volunteers, MaryLea Bensonand Matt Mann, who could answer your questions. Wehave not participated in a build in two years and thisjust might be your thing. You can commit to just thehours or days you have to donate. The builds will occuron Fridays and Saturdays with some Thursdays.

Habitat asks a commitment in three areas: prayer, vol-unteers and financing. While all three are extremelyimportant, we need to know if you are willing to volun-teer so we can schedule the orientation meeting,probably Wednesday, October 3 or 10.

Volunteers can be of any skill level. Someone to pro-vide lunches for builders is also needed. If you are in-terested, please let Bill Fineout know so we can sched-ule orientation. Habitat is requiring all volunteers at-tend their orientation sessions.


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Announcing A Parish Wide Book Read


F

ollowing the example of East Lansings One Community, One Book, St. Pauls will launch an opportunity

for all members of the parish to join in reading the same book, gather in small discussion groups andcome together for a guest lecturer who will further enlighten us on the books topic and implications. The goalof this endeavor is to increase our sense of fellowship and common connections as the Body of Christ at St.Pauls.

The book chosen is The Worst Hard Times, the Untold Story of Those Who Survived the Great American DustBowl, by Timothy Eden (New York: Houghton Mifflin, 2006). With section headings like Promise, Betrayaland Blowup, and a conclusion that suggests rebirth, the book offers implications for our Biblical and spiritualjourney as Christians, as well as connections to the Millennium Development Goals. It is highly readable, writtenby a Pulitzer Prize winning author, focusing on the personal stories of those who remained in the Dust Bowl dur-ing the worst hard times and endured.

Discussion Groups will convene in January. These will be held at various times and locations to best facilitatethe needs of everyone. A Guest Lecture will also be in January (guest lecturer to be announced later).

Please sign up on the table outside the Merrifield Room to participate, including your preferred time and loca-tion for joining a discussion group. Also indicate on the sheet if you would be willing to host a discussion groupin your home and/or facilitate a group. (Group facilitators will meet in the late fall to prepare.) Books for pur-chase will be made available at the church, so signing up is important to know how many books we need.

Think up a creative name for our book read and, if yours is chosen, win a free copy of the book. Submit sug-gestions to Millie Ericson or Gordon Weller.

For further information, contact Millie, Gordon or any member of the Parish Life Committee.

St. Pauls News

Highlights from the September Vestry

Meeting:

At the September 18 Vestry meeting, your Vestry:

Had a discussion (review) of The Rev. RonaldByrd's ordination

Noted that the brass plaques for the MemorialGarden have been ordered

Committed to attending Action's Nehemiah ActionAssembly on September 24

Discussed the progress of the city's sewer separa-tion (perhaps three more weeks)

Reviewed the Public Relations Plan progress Heard a report from LAEP (Lansing Area Episco-

pal Projects) - there is a caucus of all DiocesanConvention Representatives on October 8 here atSt. Paul's, 7 p.m.

Discussed the need for the completion of the2006 audit

Received various committee reports. The fall sea-son is here and we are in full operation. It lookslike a good year ahead.

Heard that the Personnel Committee is in theprocess of doing fall reviews

Noted that Steve and the choir will be performing

Gian Carlo Menotti's "Amahl and the Night Visi-tors" in December and that we should get extra

publicity so that attendance is good Noted that the air conditioning installation was

about $4,400.00 over budget, primarily due to a$4,800.00 electrician's bill. Electrician had beenpaid out of general maintenance.

Approved the expenditure of $3,800.00 to fixthe leak in the Parish Hall entryway roof

Approved $389.00 for a new, larger gas meterin case we would like to hook the gas up to thenew AC/heater

Approved moving an additional $20,000 fromthe Perpetual Fund (if needed) to the operatingaccount

Noted that budget requests for the 2008 budgetare now due. The budgeting process is now un-derway, including Every Member Canvass

Received the resignation of Dan Kallish as Sextoneffective immediately. A search for a replace-ment is underway.

Discussed the Diocesan Convention (Oct. 26 & 27)and the fact that the Presiding Bishop will be pre-sent. Vestry and Delegates plan on attending theBanquet.

Received Clergy reports


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Page 7News from the VestryFinancial Information as of August 31, 2007

By Jeff Irwin

The August accounting was not complete as of the writing of this article. The following is based on preliminary

data.

The total pledge and non-pledge revenue received through August 31 was $181,117, which is 64% of the to-tal 2007 budget. August is 67% of the year, so we are a little behind. It is hoped that autumn will bring addi-tional pledge payments and we will meet our 2007 budget for pledge revenue.

Through August 31, we have incurred a net operating loss of nearly $100,000. Although this is a very largeamount, it is not unexpected based on our 2007 operating budget.

The restricted and designated funds have recorded close to $80,000 in revenue. This includes both investmentgains and restricted contributions.

As of September 12, 2007, it has been necessary to withdraw $120,000 from the Perpetual Fund to providecash to keep the church operating.

Highlights from the August Vestry

Meeting:

At the August 21 Vestry meeting your Vestry:

Welcomed Ronald Byrd to the parish and vestry.Approved June and July minutes (posted on theBulletin Board outside the rector's office).

Discussed the cost overrun on the Merrifield Roomair conditioning (about $2,500.00 due to electri-cian's bill) which will be paid out of the Building

Fund when the final overrun amount is known. Discussed garden plaque status - need to be or-

dered. Heard ACTION report. Justice issue selected but

not approved by the ACTION Board. It probablywill be a Jail Ministry item. More by September.ACTION Board meets next Monday evening.

Heard Oliver Tower report. No city response.Only recourse is a ballot initiative. Probably willnot happen.

Heard report on sewer separation. SeymourStreet still is torn up. The Roosevelt Parking ramp

will always be open evenings and weekends. Ourparking will not be interrupted.

Learned the Public Relations plan is still beingdeveloped.

Heard reports from LAEP (Lansing Area EpiscopalProjects) that St. Paul's will have SILS responsibil-ity in November (SILS is the program that pro-vides start-up living materials for those teens ag-ing out of the foster care program).

Discussed the Visioning and Welcoming Churchdocuments.

Approved $4,800.00 to repair the cloister andoffice steps.

Heard various committee reports; we are readyfor the fall season to begin.

Were notified that we will have to replace thesexton. The current sexton is to be out by Septem-ber 20.

Received a treasurer's report (highlights of whichare elsewhere in this issue).

Approved our full diocesan pledge for 2008($43,618.00).

Elected new Diocesan Delegates (Greg Wortley,Charlie Krupka, Libby Richardson, alternates -Kathy Gut, Larry Clark).

Received Clergy reports.


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St. Pauls NewsPage 8

Upcoming Mission & Outreach Activities

Where is Christ calling you to help others?

October 10 Habitat for Humanity Orientation (at St. Pauls) for volunteers, if we have a crew

October 12-13 Habitat for Humanity house build startsOctober 14 Crop Walk (Youth activity in the past)

October 19 Food Drive starts The Gathering

October 20 Blood Drive

October Housing Assistance Fund Fruit & Greens Sale Begins

November 4 UTO Ingathering

November 4 Food Drive Final Day

November 1118 Thanksgiving Baskets

December SILS (Supervised Independent Living Services) Apartment Starter Collection for Child& Family Services young adults who have aged out of foster care. See the Decembernewsletter

November 19 LAEP quarterly meeting (Lansing Area Episcopal Projects)

December 2 or 9 Fruit & Greens pickup at All Saints (date TBA)

December Mitten Tree

December 24 Gifts for the Christ Child Eves House

CarsINCCars In the Name of Christ

By Tom Repaskey

CarsINC was founded in July 2007 as a non-profitministry to assist families in acquiring a car.

The idea for this ministry was borne out of Chuck Mil-lars efforts over the past several years to assist someof the Sudanese members of the parish. A number ofparishioners contributed their cars and made a realdifference in the lives of the Sudanese.

We are now organized as a non-profit corporation,and, while seeking cars to be donated by parishionersand others, we are also looking to raise money to as-sist in their purchase. In this way we believe we canhelp many more families achieve financial independ-ence.

If any members would like to contribute, please makeyour check payable to St. Pauls and note that it beused for CarsINC. Whoever contributes $1,000 duringthe first year of operation will be a Founding Mem-ber.

We are in the process of applying for 501(c)(3)status, which will enable any contribution made toCarsINC to qualify as a charitable (tax-deductible)contribution. Until we are notified that it is complete, itis necessary and appropriate for interested persons tomake their checks payable to St. Pauls.

We placed our first car last week with a single momwith three children and employed as a phlebotomist.Christian Services is thrilled to know that we may beable to assist more families like this one which havecompleted their Quality Living course, are employedand are responsible and eligible to qualify for ourhelp.

There is a huge need and we hope you will considercontributing to this cause.

If you have any questions about this ministry, pleasecontact me at 517-230-0082.


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Page 10 St. Pauls News

St. Pauls October Prayer List

We pray for those who are sick and in need: Cindy Robinson, Richard, Audrie &Aaron Hegmon, Shelley Robinson, Donna, Grady, & Dennis Letner, Clara Vo-

ges, Mason Hill, Lois Caswell, Brian Schray, June Wyatt, Dick Siebert, Carol, Bernie

Lynch, Judith Jones, baby Benjamin, Becky Chamberlain, Nancy Hiscoe Clark, Eliza-

beth Marsden, Dezi & Penny Horvat, Charles Weaver, Kristin Kelley, Rich Davis, Cris

Plyler, Ben Herbert, Tim Ross, Chance Collins, Caroline Thomas and her parents, broth-

ers & godparents, Betty Jensen, Marjorie Belles, Dan, Marsha & Skip Macholz, Gloria Harvat, Jack Siebold,

Joe Manson, DakBai DakBai, Jessica Ryan, Irene Jones, Roger Ophaug, Fredrick Engle, Kelsey Bauman,

Mary Ann Kelley, Mark Surprenant, Ed Farmer, Elizabeth, Virginia Jessop, Sally Engle, Ed Jones, Alice Jes-

sop Lamb, Justin, Susan Sedja and Barb HackerWe pray for and remember those in the Military, serving in dangerous areas: Carlos Sims, Daniel Renoand Daniel LaurionWe pray for those expecting: Brian & Amy (Fowler) Ashcraft, Daniel & Gretchen Barnas, Opuene &Karen Amachree, Stuart & Rochelle Cullum, Cory & Stacy Nelson, Christopher & Kristan Chase, and Justin

& Jessica Leonard

We celebrate the birth of: Hannah Marie Henrys to Leigh (Zynda) & Ryan Henrys

We pray for those who have died: Dixie DurrWe celebrate the baptism of: Harry E. Mika IIIWe celebrate the weddings of: Sarah Forrester & Daniel Brown, Elizabeth Moore & Matthew EverettWe pray for our newly ordained priest, The Rev. Ronald C. Byrd, Sr., and his ministry.

Prayer List

Good News Id Like You to Know

by Sue Millar, ERD Diocesan Coordinator

As awareness of the work of Episcopal Relief and Development has grown, so has our support. Read this

and rejoice with me:

In 2006 St. Pauls contributed a total of $1,904.06In 2007 St. Pauls contributed a total of $2,523.33Additionally, individuals have contributed an unknown amount directly to ERD, sometimes using a monthly EFTto facilitate pledge payment.

The fund raisers you supported to make these gifts possible were the Gathering social events (featuring JeffKresslers jazz group), the Sunday morning brunches, the used book sales and your Hope Chest donations.

In addition to repeating these fund raising activities, we continue to sell Bishops Blend Coffee and send theprofits to ERD. And as the Christmas season approaches, we will again encourage gift giving using ERDs Giftsof Life Catalog.

Our gifts to ERD contribute to the Millennium Development goals that make a great difference in the lives ofthe many innocents who suffer around the globe. As our Presiding Bishop has pointed out, This church has saidthat our larger vision will be framed and shaped in the coming years by the vision of the Millennium Develop-ment Goals a world where the hungry are fed, the ill are healed, the young educated, women and mentreated equally, and where all have access to clean water and adequate sanitation, basic health care, andthe promise of development that does not endanger the rest of creation.

Thanks for participating. Keep up the good work!


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St. Pauls NewsPage 12

that generosity on your part will make you happy in the same way God's generosity makes him happy. Theproblem is that most humans are afraid to take the chance. We tend to hoard and look out for number one.Consider taking a bit of a risk this year. Be generous and perhaps you will be able to find the happiness youseek.

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

Ronald Byrd Ordained to the Priest-


O

n Saturday, September 15, Ronald Byrd was ordained

to the priesthood. In a wonderful service, members offour congregations gathered to celebrate the occasion. Peo-ple from St. Clements, Inkster, his home parish, St JohnsRoyal Oak, his sponsoring parish, his field education parish inWashington D.C., and many members of St. Pauls pro-claimed Ron worthy and called to the ministry of a priest.Our bishop, the Rt. Rev. Wendell Gibbs, fresh from his sab-batical, continued the tradition of apostolic succession by lay-ing hands upon Ron and invoking the power of the HolySpirit. The preacher was the Rev. Canon John Harmon from Washington D.C., and the Litinist was the Rev. EllisClifton. Please congratulate Ron if you have not had the opportunity.

From left: The Rev. Canon John T. Harmon, The Rt. Rev. WendellN. Gibbs, Jr., Mrs. Jennifer Byrd, The Rev. Ronald Charles Byrd,The Rev. Dr. Gordon F. Weller, Front, from left: Ramon CharlesByrd, and Kayla Marie Byrd

Millie Ericson and the newly formed Parish Life Committee welcomed us back with two special opportunitiesfor connecting with fellow parishioners this fall. On Friday, September 21, members of all ages gathered for apizza party and game night. And on Friday, October 19, adults will be gathering for an autumn bonfire andhot dog roast. And the committee reports that future plans include a parish-wide book read, a Prayer Quiltgroup and parish picnic, all opportunities for talking, laughing, playing and interacting with each other.

Of course the possible irony of these highlighted events for enhancing our culture of warmth and welcome, aswell as of the many other happenings and developments of this busy homecoming season, is that we get sotied up with activities that we lose sight of that most important aspect of welcoming, namely, that simple one-to-one greeting or gesture that communicates warmth and caring to someone new to St. Pauls. As important asthe more formal mechanisms of welcoming areand I cant emphasize their importance enoughits my hope

that we not overlook the seemingly obvious, but easily forgotten, fundamentals of hospitality: personallygreeting, welcoming, introducing, orienting and integrating newcomers one by one to St. Pauls.

To that end, I would like to add a postscript to the Evangelism Committees Suggestions for Welcoming New-comers published by Martie Repaskey in last months News with a quote from the late Susy Miller, formernational church consultant for congregational development and reform. Susy wrote, I do love movies. Theygive us such glimpses of our own behaviors, often with enough humor so we can take it all in. The openingscene of Home Alone is one of those moments. Remember the scene? The entire family is quite busy gettingready for their activities and journey. A couple of strangers appear at the door. They look harmless. Actually,they look safeand they look as though they might know why they are there. The family is really, really busyand everyone assumes that everyone else is taking care of the stranger . . . Well, you know the rest of thestory. I think that Sunday mornings just might be a bit like that for many of our strangers. Were really busy,you know, rushing here and there, tossing information to one another, catching a running child, making sure

everyone is ready. We often assume someone else is paying real attention to the visitor....

All the latest developments at St. Pauls keep us hopping, but its my hope that we will not let our activities getin the way of simple hospitality practiced weekly. As Susy continues, People become members of a church fora variety of reasons. But one big reason that they stay [members] is how well they feel welcomed and in-cluded in the life of the congregation.

(Continued from, Vestry 2007, page 1)


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Page 13St. Pauls News


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218 W. Ottawa

Lansing, MI 48933Phone: 517-482-9454

Fax: 517-485-8261

Choir Room: 517-482-0369

Website: Stpaulslansing.org

St. Paul's Episcopal Church

Lansing Michigan

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

St. Pauls Episcopal Church Staff

The Rev. Dr. Gordon Weller, Rector

The Rev. Ronald Byrd, Curate

Dr. Stephen R. Lange, Minister of Music

Mr. William H. Fineout, Acting Deacon

Ms. Mary Rodeck, Assistant Minister of Music

Ms. Kathleen Johnson, Office Manager

St. Pauls News Editorial Staff

Christine Caswell, Editor

Tom Shawver, Staff Writer

Helen Hiscoe, Proofreader

Lyn Zynda, Layout Editor

St. Paul's News - October, 2007

Documents

Transcript of St. Paul's News - October, 2007