St. Paul's News - June, 2007

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St. Paul's Episcopal Church

Lansing Michigan

Volume 32, Issue 6By The Rev. Dr. Gordon Weller

St. Pauls NewsJune, 2007

Ihave a fairlygood sense of di-rection. I can usuallygo somewhere onceand remember how to

get there the next time.Getting there the first time is usually not a prob-lem either because I also can read a map prettywell. Most of the time, Linda would agree withthis assessment. However, self confidence is onething, stubbornness is another. Like most maledrivers who feel they have a good sense of di-rection and can read a map, I am often reluc-tant to stop and ask for directions when it is ob-vious I've lost my way (whether youre lost or notis subjective in our household). It usually takes agreat deal of pressure (read nagging) to getme to stop and ask for directions. Even then I

sometimes don't listen very wellLinda woulddefinitely agree with this assessment. As soon as

I'm out of the gas station, or wherever I'vestopped for the directions, and I'm on the roadagain, I cant remember if I was told two leftsand a right or two rights and a left.

I use this common analogy and male shortcomingto point out how difficult it is sometimes for peo-ple to accept help. Whether it's a male in thecar or a woman in the kitchen, most people haveone or more areas where they feel confidentenough to they reject assistance even if thingsare a bit awry. The results are often frustratingand even dangerous.

On May 27, we once again began the seasonof Pentecost. It will continue for 27 weeksoverhalf a year, June to November. It will be a fa-miliar road for many. On occasion the lessonswill be well known, so will the liturgy. Events nor-

(Continued on page 10)

The Rev. Dr. Gordon Weller

Accepting Help

Vestry 2007: Establishing a Theology of Welcoming

By Greg Wortley, Sr. Warden

On Saturday, May 5, Curate Susie Shaefer and Vestry members Martie Repaskey, SusanHenderson and I attended the 6th diocesan sponsored Ministry Fair held at Christ Church,

Grosse Pointe. As always, the purpose of the fair was to bring together the diocesan householdof Christ for training in various areas of ministry in Christ. The day started with special keynote

presentations on The Future of the Episcopal Church and Generational Characteristics of Ameri-can Life and the Church. Throughout the remainder of the day, over 30 workshops were offeredin such areas as congregational growth, caring and healing ministries, music, prayer, stewardship,mission and advocacy, adult faith formation and ministry with children and youth.

Given the 2007 Vestrys prioritizing of the welcoming initiative, Martie, Susan and I all chose toparticipate in a series of workshops addressing congregational growth. In a workshop on Evangel-ism, we learned how the Church of the Messiah in Detroit quickly doubled the size of their congre-gation by making various changes in their church life so as to better meet the people of their com-munity at their own level. In a workshop on Life Cycles of Congregations, we learned from CanonJohn Keydel how congregations naturally flow through cycles of formation, growth, stability, aswell as redefinition, redevelopment and rebirth. However, what hit closest to home in regard to

(Continued on page 10)

CalendarChoir Schedule

St. Pauls News

UpcomingActivities

Vestry News

Inside this issue:


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Page 2 Upcoming St. Pauls ActivitiesSt Pauls In Action

Ongoing Activities

St. Aelreds Guild, resumes in September

Book Cart, resumes in September B&PW picnic, Tuesday, June 12, 6 PM at the

home of Debby Pierce St. Elizabeth, Tuesday, September 25, 12:30 PM,

at the home of Debby Pierce ECW Picnic, Wednesday, June 13, 6 PM at the

home of Lyn Zynda Family Night Dinner, resumes in September 4Fs, Monday, resumes in September Mens Golf League, beginning Thursday, May 3,

3:30 PM, Groesbeck Golf Course St. Pauls Library, open every Sunday Prayer Group, resumes in September Mens Breakfast, resumes in September Mid-Week Eucharist, Tuesdays, noon

This Month at St. Pauls and Elsewhere

Graduation Sunday, Sunday, June 3

ACEF, Mission & Outreach, Prayer Group andStewardship Committee, dinner, Monday, June 4,5:30 PM

Mass in the Grass, June 10, 10 AM, Lake Lans-ingNorth Park

U2 Eucharist, Saturday, June 16 4:30 PM, ChristChurch, Dearborn

VBS, June 18-22

Looking Ahead

Sr. High & College Youth Habitat Blitz Build, Au-gust 5-11, Detroit

B&PW

By Barbara Richardson

The Business and Professional Womens Guildwill gather for a picnic at the home of Debby

Pierce on June 12 at 6 p.m. Reservations are re-

quired to be made to Debby by June 10 at 485-5446.

St. Elizabeth Guild

By Debby Pierce

The Tuesday, September 25 meeting of St. Eliza-beth Guild will be a renewal of friendships and

welcome to the fall. We will meet at my home at 12:30

p.m. to set our plans for the coming year and catch upon our summer travels and projects.

Galilee By The Sea:Vacation Bible School June 18-22

By Pastor Susie Shaefer, Curate

Vacation Bible School is almost here! On Monday, June 18, St. Paulschurch will be transported back in time and transformed into the bus-

tling seaside town of Galilee. We will spend the week in the places Jesus walkedand learn what it means to

walk with him today! Join us for a great week of crafts, drama, music and fun, all centered in the love of God.VBS is a huge effort every year, serving kids in our own parish and beyond. There is still time to register yourkids, your friends, and your kids friends. Registration forms are available in the Merrifield Room on Sundaymornings or by calling the church office.

There are lots of ways to support this program! Check out our wish list bulletin board and see if you can helpby loaning needed items. We always need extra hands for set-up the Sunday before VBS, on Friday for ourclosing celebration, and definitely for clean-up afterwards! If you can help with any of these things, fill out apink form from the bulletin or contact Susie Shaefer at the church office.


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Upcoming St. Pauls Activities Page 3

Save October 20, 2007

By Eleanor Doersam

In reviewing the comments from Todays BloodDrive Sheet, April 21, 2007, Team Leader/Charge Nurse Jody Miller, R.N. wrote, It is alwaysa pleasure here at St. Pauls.

Our goal of 50 was surpassed by 53 productiveunits. We had 68 donors present with 11 defer-

rals, seven first-time donors, and two unsuccessfulpints where the quantity was not sufficient.

This valuable community outreach program hasgrown since December 2001 into one of the BloodServices most productive drive sites. Please findyour name on the Roll of Honor and picture reviewas posted in the Merrifield Room. Our April drivewas in honor of our own Caroline Thomas.

We thank all who contributed to the success of thisdrive and ask you to save Saturday, October 20,2007, as we again ask for your help. It takesmany people to put together a successful drive,and I know we can count on the St. Pauls Family.We so appreciate all you do for so many.

U2 Eucharist

By The Rev. Susie Shaefer, Curate

Theyve been covered by Newsweek, Dateline,and even the Lansing State Journal. And now, the

U2 Eucharist is coming to a church (somewhat) nearyou! The U2 Eucharist is an Episcopal Eucharist servicethat uses the music of Irish band U2 and focuses wor-ship on the Millennium Development Goals. This blend ofpopular music and sacred prayer emphasizes Gods

work of reconciliation and justice and the call we haveas Christians to participate in Gods healing of theworld. If you love U2, if you are interested in this justicework or are simply curious about this worship phenome-non, then come see it in action! The music of U2 will rockthe walls of Christ Church in Dearborn on June 16 at4:30 p.m. Sign up outside the Merrifield Room or talkwith Rev. Susie Shaefer if you are interested in car-pooling to this event.

Senior High & College Youth: Compassion At Work Detroit


Come, be a part of this special youth summer experience! The second annual diocesan service camp for

youth, ages 16-21, will happen August 5-11. High school and college-age students from our diocese willgather for a Habitat for Humanity Blitz Build in Detroit. The organizer of the trip, Rev. Geoff Piper writes, Wewant to introduce and establish our youth in the blessedness of servanthood. We want to unite our diocesanyouth from varied backgrounds in a week of Christian fellowship and ministry that helps everyone discoverwhat we share in Christ. We want suburbanites to better understand the life, blessings and challenges of folks inthe city; and our urbanites to better understand their counterparts from out of town. We will help establishhope and health in an east side neighborhood. Instead of complaining about politics, the economy, or the city,well step up in Christs Spirit and make a difference.

The camp will be based in a dormitory at Wayne State, where the group will share meals, daily worship andreflection times, and relax together after each day of work. The week will conclude with a day of celebrationat a water park. For registration packets and more information, contact Sue McCune at the Diocesan Center at313-833-4420 or [email protected].

Combined Planning Meeting

Dr. Stephen R. Lange, Minister of Music

There will be a planning and information meeting ofthe Adult Christian Education and Formation (ACEF),

Mission & Outreach, Prayer Group and StewardshipCommittees on Monday, June 4 beginning at 5:30 p.m.in the Merrifield Room. A soup and salad dinner will beserved.

If you would like to participate in the planning processfor the 2007-08 church year, please contact SteveLange.


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Page 4 St. Pauls News

Please welcome as newcomers to St. Paul's, Patrick (Sean) and Julie Hickey, and their children Aaron, 15,and Angelica (Angie), 12, of 322 N. Foster in Lansing. He is employed by Doty Mechanical, Inc., and she

is a registered nurse working for the Ingham County Department of Health. They have lived in Lansing for someyears but recently decided to join St. Paul's and become Episcopalians.

By Tom Shawver, Staff Writer

Church School/Teacher Recognition


Sunday, May 20 was the last day of church school for this school year, and we had a great year! Thatmorning we also recognized all of our teachers. These dedicated folks make it possible for us to serve so

many young people in our child and youth ministry programs. In the elementary classes, we hadCarol Laub,Julie Fletcher, Judi Clarke, Kathy Gut, Jill Walker, Chris & Charlie Krupka, and new teachers, Matt & KymHall. Our junior high class was led by Chris Nazar, Sue LeDuc, new teacher Tom Foltz, and returning teacherBarb Heany. Senior high was led by Lyn Kressler. These teachers are also supported by our regular substi-tutes, Barb Hamm and Millie Ericson, and Sunday Shepherd Chris Krupka, and the work of the Youth Chris-tian Education committee.

If you have ever been a parent, a kid, or known someone who was once a kid, you know that faith formationtakes patience, care and love. These teachers are a marvelous example of those qualities! Be sure to saythank you when you see them. We are also planning for the fall! Teaching in church school is a great way to

develop your own faith. If you might be interested speak to Susie Shaefer or Judi Clarke.

By The Rev. Dr. Gordon F. Weller

Graduation Sunday

It has long been a tradition at St. Paulsto honor our high school, college and

advanced-degree graduates. On Sunday,June 3 your Vestry will provide a breakfastfor the graduates and their families at 9AM. During the 10 AM service there will bea short ceremony to honor the high schoolgrads, and a small gift by which to remem-ber us will be presented.

We want to acknowledge and congratu-late all the following graduates:

Jimmy Boniglio Britt Lindquist

Hannah Couch Alex Mishra

Anthony Earley Eric Potts

Lucy Finkel Erin Sanchez

Josephine Kariuki Staci Sparks

Mass on the Grass!!

Date: Sunday, June 10, 2007Time: For the 10 a.m. Service

Location: Lake Lansing North Park

We hope youll join us for

Food, Fellowship and Fun!!

Bring lawn chairs, plenty of sun protection and a

dish to pass. If your last name beginswith:

AI Bring a Salad

JS Bring a Casserole

TZ Bring a Dessert

Beverages & Place settings

will be provided


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Financial Information as of April 30, 2007

By Jeff Irwin

The total pledge and non-pledge revenue received through April 30 was $112,645, which is 39.8% of the

total 2007 budget. Nearly $36,000 in pledge income was received in April, which is 33.3% of the year, so weare ahead of budget.

In April, we booked a net income from operations of $11,141, primarily the result of the strong pledge collec-tions. This brings the year to date total loss from operations to $12,716.

The restricted and designated funds have recorded $19,203 in investment gain through April 30. Combinedwith $68,958 of restricted contributions (including the $59,194 from the Penniman Trust), we have recorded atotal of $88,161 in restricted income through April 30, 2007.

This brings the combined net income of the church through April 30, 2007 to $75,445.

In April, we withdrew $20,000 from the Perpetual Fund to set up the new Shawver Fund for Special Programs.With the vestry approval of $50,000 at the April meeting, there is $50,000 currently available to be with-

drawn from the Perpetual Fund.

News from the Vestry Page 5

Over the summer the office will be preparingthe event and activity calendar for Septem-

ber, 2007 thru May, 2008. Please send informa-tion on any committee, Guild or organizationalmeetings you would like placed on the church cal-endar to the office. Deadline for inclusion isWednesday, August 1.

Attention Committees, Guildsand Organizations

Highlights from the Vestry Meeting:

At the May 15 meeting of the Vestry, your Vestry:

Reviewed the Mission/Vision Statement Made assignments to the "Vision/Mission" team

and the "Welcoming Church" team Participated in a Rogation Day devotional re-

minder

Welcomed diaconal candidate Bill Fineout to theParish Was informed of the GLADE progress in the par-

ish (with thanks to Ed and Pat Meier) Discussed the Oliver Towers project Heard how the sewer separation project is on

hold Were reminded to review the Public Relations

Plan presented last month Approved in principal a new name plaque board

for the Columbarium. The Vestry will review amore complete presentation next month.

Heard a report from people who attended theMinistry Fair

Received various committee reports Discussed the various joint committee meetings

occurring in June and the good expected to comefrom them

Received a financial repot from Jeff Irwin (foundelsewhere in the issue). Through the end of April,expenses have exceeded revenue by $12,716.

Discussed the Organ fund and the possible short-fall from unfulfilled pledges

Acknowledged Susie's ministry among us andgave thanks for her presence

Approved the addition of another Curate, proba-bly to start in August

Discussed Susie's leaving and appointed a com-mittee to make plans


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Page 6 St. Pauls NewsKristine Miller's Visit

By The Rev. Dr. Gordon F. Weller

O

n Sunday, May 6, St. Paul's was visited by the Diocese of Michigan coordinator of Stewardship and

Planned Giving, Kristine Miller. Following a short Stewardship presentation at each of the services, andbreakfast with the Business and Professional Women's Guildwho were having their Corporate Communionshe spoke to about 30 parishioners on the Topic of "Planned Giving" or what we would want done with our as-sets after our deaths.

This is an important topic because as the "Baby Boomers" begin to age and die, many wish to leave portions oftheir estates to the important pieces of their lives, and the Church needs to be ready for any gifts it may re-ceive. As Kristine pointed out, "It's not as easy as just cashing the check."

Kristine was invited by your Stewardship committee as part of its ongoing plan to keep issues of Stewardship infront of the congregation all during the year, not just during the every member canvass. The committee hasworked extensively with her and considers her a valuable resource. We thank the diocese each time she is withus.

In response to her presentation and our desire to have a Planned Giving team, the committee is working on aprogram for St. Paul's. If you are interested in being on the committee, please contact the Church office or Fr.Weller.

The 4Fs Group Visits Congregation Shaarey Zedek

By Nancy Sheldon

The 4 Fs group has been taking a journey this pastyear to explore the three faiths of Abraham: Is-

lam, Christianity and Judaism. In April, we completedthat journey with a presentation on the Jewish faith by

Nancy Sheldon and a visit to the CongregationShaarey Zedek. Rabbi Baroff was a gracious host dur-ing our visit.

We began in the sanctuary where Rabbi Baroff de-scribed the Torahs writings as well as its covering. TheTorah is a scroll which is written on very special parch-ment that is manufactured from the skin of a kosheranimal. The scroll is dressed or covered in a velvetcostume with a crown. This covering varies on each andevery Torah but is dressed to represent King David.Congregation Shaarey Zedek has five such Torahs thatare used throughout the year during their Sabbath

services. In its narrow meaning, The Scroll of the Torahis the Five Books of Moses, the Pentateuch (Genesis,Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy). This isreferred to as the Sefer Torah. Later, Torah came tomean the whole of the Old Testament Bible and all theexplanations, elaborations and extensions by theSages of Israel. In that sense, the Torah means thewhole of Jewish teaching, the total picture of whatGod wishes them to do.

The Rabbi also described the differences in the threemost universal Jewish congregations: Orthodox, Reformand Conservative. Congregation Shaarey Zedek is a

Reform Synagogue (with some conservative members)and the Kehillat Israel Congregation, also in Lansing, isyet another form called Reconstructionist, a liberalform of Judaism. While Judaism embraces God, Torah

and Israel, the ideas are full of significance and, there-fore, open to differing interpretations, just as we findamong the various Christian faiths.

Rabbi Baroff also talked about their belief in theWorld to Come (that the death of the body is not theend, but that the soul lives on), about Jesus as aprophet and the doctrine of the Messiah, the dawningof a Messianic Age. They believe that this will be atime when mankind will not only live in peace, but willdevelop into a higher order that pursues goodness forits own sakethat human history will find its fulfillmenton this earth, that there will be an end of days in

which injustice will be abolished and wrongs put rightfor all humanity here on earth.

After answering our many questions, we took a tour ofthe building and grounds. One interesting largeplaque in the Sanctuary that he talked about containsa list of all of the deceased members of their congre-gation. The anniversary of their death is noted by asmall light next to their name which remains lit duringthe week of the anniversary.

We also visited their Hebrew School classrooms where(Continued on page 10)


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Page 7St. Pauls News

Caroline's Brunch

By Debby Pierce

Thanks to all of you who made Carolines fund-raiser possible. We were able to present

Caroline's family with $1,447.00.

The St. Paul's family continues to amaze me with itsgenerosityyou all are very special.

My sincere thanks to all of you who brought food,served and cleaned up afterwards. It was difficultto have to be out of town when we wanted to behere with all of you.

Design & Preservation

By Max Pierce

Abig thanks to the crew that turned out for theclean up on Saturday, May 14. The closets were

cleaned, including the outside storage room, and thecourtyard was weeded and spruced up. Our thanks toPat and Ed Meier, Matt Hall, Larry Clark, Carly Lenonand Ree Huber (thanks for the donuts), Susie Shaefer,Gordon Weller, and Max and Debby Pierce.

As a diaconal candidate at St. Pauls, I am thrilled to be assigned by Bishop Gibbs to serve this com-munity and those with needs in the world. These next few months are to be an on the spot learn-

ing and training experience in the areas of liturgy, outreach and parish life.

A deacon (BCP, p. 543) has a special ministry of servanthood directly under the Bishop to serve all peo-ple, especially the poor, the weak, the sick and the lonely. This ministry includes interpreting to the Churchcommunity the needs, concerns and hopes of the world. At all times, a deacons life and teaching are toshow Christs people that in serving the helpless, they are serving Christ himself. At St. Pauls, a major por-tion of my service will be involved with outreach, pastoral care and the surrounding street ministries.

I will also be assisting the priests in public worship and in the ministration of Gods Word and Sacraments.Liturgy participation will be another major portion of my service at St. Pauls, serving and assisting with

worship, lectors, Eucharistic ministers, prayers, the setting of the Table and other functions as needed orrequested by Father Weller.

Previously some of my outreach ministry has been associated with Advent House Ministries, Eles Place forGrieving Children, the Alzheimers Association Memory Walk (Sept. 17, 2007), activities of Lansing AreaEpiscopal Projects, Episcopal Relief and Development, activities and ministries of Christian Services, Can-terbury MSU, Habitat for Humanity and Heifer International.

I am very excited to meet and get to know all of you who have done such wonderful outreach ministryhere at St. Pauls. I hope you will share with me your experiences and passions helping others. And if youare just beginning to explore helping others through outreach, I will be very happy to answer your ques-tions, listen to your ideas and support you.

In the next few weeks I hope to compile a list of the active outreach endeavors here at St. Pauls and toestablish a calendar of outreach activities with your help and input. If you chaired or shared leadership inan outreach activity, please tell me about it. I was able to attend some of the Lenten presentations on theneeds in the Lansing area and look forward to hearing your cares and concerns as we serve others.

Your servant in Christ,

Bill

Outreach and Service at St. Pauls Your Diaconal Candidate

By William H. Fineout


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St. Pauls NewsPage 8

We Shortened the Hiatus

By Christine Caswell

Were used to quiet summers at St. Pauls, including a rest from our beloved St. Pauls News, which will notbe coming out again until the September issue.

However, we have moved up the date for submissions for that first newsletter. Articles will be due on August1, instead of the 15th. There are two reasons for this: the September issue is usually overwhelming, so for thesanity of the staff, we would like more time. Secondly, with the problems weve had with mail delivery oflate, we would like the hard work from all of those who contribute to get to the rest of the members beforetheir events occur.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact either Gordon, Lyn or me regarding this. For those of you

who do regular articles, youll be hearing from me in July. Thanks to everyone for their help and supportthroughout the year.

Organ Restoration Campaign

By The Rev.Dr. Gordon F. Weller

In January, at the annual meeting, it was reported that the fund raisingcampaign conducted in 2006 raised the needed funds to refurbish the

organ to a better than new state. We celebrated this with a recital in Febru-ary and at some really special services at Christmas and Easter.

At the May 15 Vestry meeting, it was noted that the pledged contributions to the Organ Fund had started todwindle. As of the end of April, there was still $6,183.00 in outstanding pledges. If you made a pledge andare able to complete it, we would appreciate your continued support. If you are unsure, please contact the par-ish office for an update on your account.

St. Pauls June Prayer List

We pray for those who are sick and in need: Beverly McEachern, Cindy Robinson, Rich-ard, Audrey & Aaron Hegmon, Shelley Robinson, Donna, Grady, & Dennis Letner,Clara Voges, Mason Hill, Lois Caswell, Brian Schray, June Wyatt, Dick Siebert, Carol,Bernie Lynch, Judith Jones, baby Benjamin, Becky Chamberlain, Nancy Hiscoe Clark,Elizabeth Marsden, Dezi & Penny Horvat, Charles Weaver, Kristin Kelley, Rich Davis,Cris Plyler, Ben Herbert, Tim Ross, Chance Collins, Caroline Thomas and her parents,brothers & godparents, Betty Jensen, Aaron Robinson, Marjorie Belles, Dan, Marsha &

Skip Macholz, Gloria Harvat, Jack Siebold, Joe Manson, DakBai DakBai, Jessica Ryan, Irene Jones, RogerOphaug, Richard Bailey, Fredrick Engle, Kelsey Bauman, Daisy Dockstader, Mary Ann Kelley, Esther

Rivas, Mark Surprenant, Theda Assiff-MacGriff, and Ed Farmer

We pray and remember those in the Military, serving in dangerous areas: Carlos Sims

We pray for the children who completed the March Communion Class: Rebecca Rose, Lydia Rose, AndrewStephenson, Jane Stephenson, Henry Young

We pray for those expecting: Ian & Brooke Broughton, Daren & Ellen McConnell, Matt & Joan Ferguson,Brian & Amy (Fowler) Ashcraft, Daniel & Gretchen Barnas, and Leigh Zynda & Ryan Henrys

We pray for comfort for the family and friends of Fern Folkers and Leonard M. Folkers, M.D. who recentlypassed away

Prayer List


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Page 9St. Pauls NewsJourneys and Growth


I

t seems to me that most of the parables and stories

we hear from the Bible have to do either withseeds and growing things, or being on a journey to orfrom somewhere. I suppose that makes sense, since inthis life of faith, we are always growing, always on ajourney towards a deeper relationship with God. Andso these come to mind as I prepare to leave this won-derful community where I have traveled for two yearson this faith journey of ordination and grown so muchby being with each of you.

Its hard to believe that I have been at St. Pauls fortwo years. I am so grateful for the time and ministryweve shared. Over these months, Ive experienced

Gods presence in so many ways: in our common wor-ship, in gatherings for food and study, in a Tennesseework camp. I am happy for all the work that we havedone together: Vacation Bible School, the youth missiontrip, welcoming new members, church school planning,a Habitat house, Communion classes, Bible studies anddinners. But even more than those, I have been blessedby the relationships formed here in the name of Godslove. It is in our love and care for one another that Je-sus is most present, and I have witnessed that care inabundance here at St. Pauls. This has been a great

place to grow and learn, and Ive appreciated your

welcome and willingness to help me in this process.Of course, the next month continues to hold opportuni-ties for ministry and relationship building, withGraduation Sunday, the church picnic, a final sermonon June 17, and of course, Vacation Bible School! Buteven beyond that, our growth in God continues. I willmiss this community and am glad that my new ministryfor the diocese will enable me to hear from you nowand again. Thank you for giving me a place to de-velop roots and branches. Thank you for equipping mewith so many tools and memories and experiences forthe continued journey. Thank you for being the faith

community that is St. Pauls church!A Celtic Blessing

May the road rise with you.

May the wind be always at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face.

May the rain fall soft upon your fields.

And until we meet again, may God hold you

In the hollow of Gods hand.

ECW Retreat

By Kathy Vogel

The women of St. Pauls held their annual retreat at the St. Johns retreat center in Plymouth on April 27-28.The title this year was CHOOSE LIFE: Making Godly Choices in a Busy Life. It was well attended by a

mixture of seasoned and first-time participants. Carol Ingells did a wonderful job leading us through medita-tions, discussions and exercises designed to help us examine aspects of our lives that provide us with joy andfreedom, as well as those parts of our lives that challenge us.

We read the story of the woman at the well and discussed the choices both she and Jesus made during theirexchange together. In this same way, we were asked to examine our own lives to create ways of approaching

our daily obligations with life giving energy.

This gathering provided us with a unique opportunity to get to know each other in greater depth. Who knewthat St. Pauls had so many fun women?! We were provided with a nice balance of focus on the retreat topicand time to socialize. Together we shared laughter, listening and loving. I can hardly wait until next year.


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St. Pauls NewsPage 10

what St. Pauls is trying to do in our welcoming initia-tive was a workshop by Canons Jo Gantzer and John

Keydel on Warming Up Your Welcome. The work-shop provided a wealth of information on how per-sons typically approach a new church setting, as wellas on numerous practical ways a church can be mostsensitive to that situation and most effective in wel-coming and integrating such persons.

As helpful as the statistical and practical informationwas, what made the biggest impact on me, and whatI feel most in need of sharing with you from the Fair,was the simple reminder that unless our welcoming isfirmly grounded on sound theological principleonour most responsible thinking about God and recon-

ciliation with God through Christthe nuts andbolts of welcoming will be limited in effect. In thatregard, I share with you from among the workshophandoutsa simple theological statement by the lateSusy Miller, former national church consultant, writtenas a groundwork for welcoming efforts in thechurcha theology of welcoming, if you will, thatcan inform all that we do as we proceed with ourwelcoming at St. Pauls.

We believe that God is a God of love. We believe thatevery human being desires to know the God of love. Andwe believe that the God of love desires each of us all the

time, whether we are connected with a faith community ornot. We believe that we and all human beings are restless

until we rest in the presence of the loving God.

We know when a person accepts an invitation or justshows up at church that God is at work, yet we some-

times denigrate that work with labels of church shop-ping and consumerism. The truth is, it is never an acci-dent when a visitor or stranger comes into the churchGod is at work. To encounter a visitor is a holy moment;it is to be in the presence of God at work. Welcoming is

participating in Gods mission to reconcile all people toGod and one another in Christ.

Welcoming is assisting God in Gods work. It is to beaware and open to Gods presence at work in the life ofanother. We do not have to make it happen, God is doingthat. We need to cooperate with what God is doing.

We are not welcoming a person to our church. We areacknowledging that God is doing a new thing, and we areready to accompany another person in naming Godswork in his/her life, claiming that we are Gods belovedchildren and are made in Gods image, and sending that

person out with this Good News.

Welcoming is far more than welcoming a person to achurch that is friendlyit is welcoming that person as the

person God has brought to us and being the guide in thatpersons continuing faith journey. We need to look at theentire Sunday morning experience and environmentthrough the lens of the one who is discovering that she orhe is a beloved child of God.

(Continued from, Vestry 2007, page 1)

mally associated with the season will again occur: graduations, baptisms, summer planning, Vacation BibleSchool, Recognition Sunday in September, an every member canvass, and All Saints Day to mention a few.

As familiar as it may be, I want to remind you that the entire season of Pentecost is to serve as a reminder that

when Jesus ascended to heaven, he assured his followers that he wasn't leaving them alone or comfortless, orwithout a guide for the journey. He wanted them to know that they would have a constant companion. We toohave unseen help in our lives, in the car, in the kitchen, everywhere. The question is, will we ask for help or try togo it alone because we have been this way before?

I look forward to seeing you in Church this summer, and I look forward to the bulletins you often bring me fromthe places you have visited. In your journeys, hither and yon, remember the abiding presence of God and seekyour direction from the Holy Spirit.

(Continued from, Accepting Help, page 1)

the children learn Hebrew as well as receive religious instruction in preparation for their Bar Mitzvah (boys) orBat Mitzvah (girls), the occasion when a Jewish child arrives at the age of religious responsibility, 13 years.

The synagogue also has many beautiful sculptures, both inside and out. On this beautiful spring afternoon, theRabbi walked us around the grounds and explained the significance of each sculpture and plaque, patientlyanswering all of our questions.

(Continued from, The 4Fs Group, page 6)


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218 W. Ottawa

Lansing, MI 48933Phone: 517-482-9454

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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. Susie Shaefer, Curate

Dr. Stephen R. Lange, Minister of Music

Ms. Mary Rodeck, Assistant Minister of Music

Mr. William H. Fineout, Deacon

Ms. Kathleen Johnson, Office Manager

Mr. Daniel Kallish, Sexton

St. Pauls News Editorial Staff

Christine Caswell, Editor

Tom Shawver, Staff Writer

Helen Hiscoe, Proofreader

Documents

St. Paul's News - June, 2007