ST . PAUL 'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH , DULUTH

MESSENGER DECEMBER 2017

Deadline for submitting articles for the

January Messenger is December 15. Email the

to: office@stpaulsduluth.org

Vibrant Faith

I have some very exciting news to share this month. St. Paul’s is one of 24 congregations from throughout the country chosen to participate in a new initiative from Vibrant Faith (vibrantfaith.org). Vibrant Faith is an ecumenical faith formation organization that believes: The initiative we have been invited to be part of is called Creating a Culture of Vocation. We will receive a four-year grant “to promote a congregational culture of vocation that helps Christians of all ages discover their callings throughout life and equips them to live their vocation in the church community, at home and in the world.” Three of us from St. Paul’s will participate in four convocations and work with a larger leadership group from the parish to design and implement the plan. The initiative begins in 2018 and runs through 2020. There is no cost to the parish, and we will receive invaluable training, contacts and resources. As we all know, we live in a rapidly changing world and a rapidly changing church. Our Christian formation programs have already begun this transformation as we move towards more intergenerational, intentional, home-based faith practices with options for online engagement, thanks in large part to Sue Van Oss, our Director of Christian formation, and leadership, parents, and a church community that makes Christian formation a priority. This initiative, I believe, will give us the chance to learn from an organization that is on the cutting edge and other churches who are doing good work. It will help us to continue to shape and form Christian disciples in our changing world and our changing church. Please let me know if you have any questions. Peace, Bill Van Oss, Rector

We need families to be communities of faith practice. We need churches that are vital faith forming communities. We need all ages to be engaged in faith forming experiences for a lifetime. We need to engage those who no longer experience belonging and meaning in Christian faith. We’re generating adaptive change in Christian faith formation alongside curious leaders who seek to change the church, and change the world.

Our name is our mission. We believe that we need a transfor-mation in the way we envision and design faith formation for all ages and generations in the twenty-first century.

(from the Vibrant Faith website)

When the vestry met on October 17, 2017, we spent the majority of our time discussing the final details of our Fall Fest Fundraiser. We were pleased to hear that Charlie Orsak and Jenny Keto will act as Co-chairs of this year’s Stewardship Committee. The November Vestry meeting was held on November 21, 2017. Your Vestry is pleased to report that $4, 465.44 was raised at the Fall Fest. A total of $12,917.47 was raised at this year’s three fundraising events (Valentine’s Day, Rummage Sale and Fall Fest). As we have experienced some exterior flaking of limestone and additional interior water infiltration, a few Vestry members recently toured the bell tower with Bill Van Oss, Craig Fellman and others from Jamar to determine if there was a new problem with the roof. There was not; the cause of the additional infiltration remains the tuck-pointing. The Vestry is working to determine how best to proceed to remedy this problem. Bill shared with us materials from Peace Church regarding their proposal to become a sanctuary church for an individual or family actively engaged in the immigration process, but needing additional time to receive documentation or naturalization. Peace is reaching out to other area congregations. We agreed to be one of the congregations generally supportive of their efforts. Bill reported that St. Paul’s has been invited by Vibrant Faith to participate in a new three-year initiative - Creating a Culture of Vocation. St. Paul’s will be one of 24 congregations from across the country to participate in this 3-year program. The vestry will next convene December 19, 2017. Your vestry members are Amber Sadowski, Craig Heidenreich, Diane Kolquist, Eirik Rennan, Ina-Marie Kennedy, Karen Dingle, Matt Gustafson, Nancy Schuldt, Peg Sutherland, Ryan Erspamer, Sue Stromquist, and Mark Brown, Junior Warden. Jane Jarnis, Senior Warden

Vestry meetings Highlights - October 17 & November 21, 2017

PAGE 2

IN GRATITUDE

We are pleased to announce that by working together our St. Paul’s community raised $12, 917.47 through our 2017 fundraising activities. Did you or your group contribute an auction item for the Valentine’s Dinner, Rummage Sale or Fall Fest? Thank you! Did you help before, during or after the Valentine’s Dinner, Rummage Sale or Fall Fest? Thank you! Were you able to attend the Valentine’s Dinner, Rummage Sale or Fall Fest? Thank you! Were you unable to participate, but sent good thoughts for our success? Thank you! We are truly grateful. Jane Jarnis on behalf of your Vestry

From the Parish Records Baptism: November 26, 2017—Everett Thomas Rouse, son of Matthew & Krista Rouse and grandson of Fred & Anita Rouse.

Deaths: October 15 , 2017—Robert Hanft

Loaves & Fishes Christmas Party

PAGE 3

Monday, December 4 is St. Paul’s day to prepare and serve lunch at the Damiano Soup Kitchen located at 206 W. 4th St. The time is 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., volunteers are always needed. Please contact Nelson Thomas (525-5785) if you can help. Half shifts are available. Please bring a hat.

Thanks, Nelson Thomas

Damiano Soup Kitchen

Evening Bible Study

Our Parishioners in Assisted Living or Homebound

Our evening Bible Study group’s next session is scheduled for Thursday, December 14, between 6-8 pm. We are completing our discussion of Bishop Tutu and The Dalai Lama’s book, The Book of Joy. This session we are planning to work through the Joy Practices in the Appendix. We will be setting the dates for our meetings after the first of the year then, too.

Please call the office to learn additional details or email Reverend Barb about it. (belliott@d.umn.edu)

Our friends at Loaves and Fishes are having their annual Christmas party on Sunday, December 10 from 2 -5 pm in the parish hall. You are welcome to come and celebrate with them! Christmas fes-tivities include a pot-luck feast! Please bring a dish to pass.https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/4090f4fafa622a5fb6-loaves1

Notes of a Different Kind Advent is such a rich time. The Sunday readings overflow with the vivid imagery and eager anticipation of birth of Jesus. The Old Testament readings in particular have an almost musical quality to them. They become a kind of humming that sits in the background, calming us during the rush of a busy and often very lonely season. The darkness of the short days pushes in around us even though we know we will have more light on December 22, the coldest days of winter still lay ahead. Nature feels almost hostile toward life, and the world feels strange and out of synch. We recall fond memories of times long-past. But we wait in eager anticipation. This is not waiting like when your spouse is late for dinner or your child doesn’t observe curfew. It’s much more active than that, like you’re standing on tip-toes, heart pounding from excitement, looking for the One who was and is promised to be the Savior of the world. We light candles one by one to symbolize increasing light while the light is decreasing out-side. We wait for Jesus, God made human; God made like us, tangible and touchable. Join us in worship as we gather and look forward together. God is present and is called Emmanuel, God with us. Peace, Tom Hamilton Director of Music

Beehive Home: Gloria Stone Franciscan Health Center: Howard Martz Mt. Royal Pines III: Phyllis James, Jean Manthey, Joy Williams Homebound: Charles Kehler

PAGE 4

Christian Formation News

1.Advent Around the World Festival, this Sunday! December 3 at 11 a.m. in the Parish Hall. Visit the booths of 12 different countries as you sample the unique foods prepared for the holidays, view special Christmas displays, make an Advent wreath, have your picture taken with St. Nicholas and much more! Check out the special flyer for more information, for all ages! 2. December Formation Schedule Sunday, December 3—KidsWord and ADVENT AROUND THE WORLD FESTIVAL Wednesday, December 6—Formation for 4th-8th Grade and Adults, Character Club for prk-3rd Sunday, December 10— KidsWord Wednesday, December 13—Formation for 4th-8th Grade and Adults, Character Club for prk-3rd Sunday, December 17—KidsWord– Happy Birthday Jesus Party Wednesday, December 20—GIFT Night – Caroling at Mount Royal Pines III Assisted Living– meet in their lobby at 6:30pm Sunday, December 24—No 8 a.m. service, 10 a.m 4th. Advent Morning Prayer, 4 p.m. Christmas Eve Service and Pageant, 10 p.m. Christmas Eve Service Monday, December 25—Christmas Day Service 10 a.m. December 31—No KidsWord Wednesday, December 27 and January 3—No Church Night programming 3. DECEMBER 24—CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE AND PAGEANT 4:00 p.m. All children are invited to participate in the pageant. Costumes will be distributed in the back of church beginning at 3:00 p.m. Children are also invited to play an instrument/sing before the service. A sign-up sheet will be posted on the second floor bulletin board or you can contact Tom Hamilton to sign up. 4. Youth Advent Overnight—Let there be Light, December 8-9 for high school youth and 8th graders who attended/were invited to the Navigating Life Retreat. If you haven’t done so already, let Sue know if you are coming! 5. Wednesday Character Club—Will meet on December 6 and 13 as they explore the character trait of Generosity. 6. Journey to Bethlehem—Have Mary and Joseph visit your home this Advent! We have sets of Mary and Joseph small figures that are waiting to be welcomed into your home for a week! On the Sundays of Advent you can pick one up on the glass table in the Parish Hall and take it home for a week. Place it in your home to remind you of the long journey Jesus’ parents had to take from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Jot down in the provided journal what they did in your house that week. Have fun taking pictures of them engaging in your family’s daily life! All of the sets will arrive back at St. Paul’s by Christmas Eve. 7. Prayer Partners Program: Thank you to all the adults who are praying for our children and youth. Know that they also have been praying for you! It is very powerful for these young people to know that their church community supports them in so many ways; especially through prayer as they deal with the joys, fears and challenges of growing up in today’s world. 8. Milestone Kits have been restocked and are available in the two black carts in the Parish Hall. There are kits for all ages and stages in life to help you bring God’s presence into the special moments in life’s journey. Each kit contains a simple prayer, conversation starter, blessing and symbolic gift to mark the occasion. Sue Van Oss, Director of Christian Formation

PAGE 5

Now is the time to establish NEW floral memorials or thanksgivings for inclusion in the Christmas bulletin memorial listings. The donations for memorials make it possible to provide beautiful flowers, garlands and wreaths that decorate the Church during the Christmas season. Names for the new memorials should be submitted in writing to the Altar Guild c/o the Church Office by Monday, December 11, or call Joanne Marinac, Altar Guild Floral Memorials Coordinator, 728-6330. Names included last year do not have to be resubmitted, unless there are changes. The Altar Guild will accept donations in any amount with a suggested minimum of $20.00. Please make checks payable to ST. PAUL’S ALTAR GUILD with “Christmas Floral Memorials” written on the memo line. An acknowledgement and name listings will be sent to all donors following the Christmas services.

New Christmas Floral Memorials and Thanksgivings

Festival of Lessons and Carols

Sunday, December 17, 2017

3:00 p.m.

What Sweeter

Music

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

1710 East Superior Street

Duluth, Minnesota

PAGE 6

We would like to invite children who play an instrument (including the piano) and may be working on some Christmas carols to play the prelude for the early Christmas Eve service. We can take as many as are willing. The carols played should be sacred. This is a great opportunity for children to start using their musical gifts in worship. Contact Tom Hamilton if your child or grandchild or nephew or niece (or whoever) might be interested. Please sign-up outside the sacristy.

Prelude Music for Christmas Pageant—Christmas Eve 4:00 p.m.

Giving Tree

If you’d still like to help with the Giving Tree, it’s not too late; a few tags remain. Gifts may be left under the tree or brought to the parish office by Wednesday, December 6th. If you would rather make a cash donation towards the purchase of gifts or have questions, please contact Susan Anderson.

GreeninG of St. Paul’S church December 17 – After the 10:00am service

The Altar Guild invites everyone to help decorate the church for Christmas. Fresh evergreen wreaths and garland will be delivered to the Superior St. entrance at 11:30 a.m. Help is needed to attach bows to the wreaths, and then hang the wreaths and garland throughout the church.

After a quick snack in the parish hall, please come to the back of the church at 11:30 if you are able to help.

An Advent Prayer

God of hope, who brought love into this world, be the love that dwells between us. God of hope, who brought peace into this world, be the peace that dwells between us. God of hope, who brought joy into this world, be the joy that dwells between us. God of hope, the rock we stand upon, be the center, the focus of our lives always, and particularly this Advent time. Read more at: http://www.faithandworship.com/prayers_Advent.htm#ixzz4QOWETbgB Under Creative Commons License: Attribution

Church Nights for December

PAGE 7

Wednesday Church Nights continue in December. We have great speakers and programs again this month, so take a moment to read this. Church Night begins with our 5:30 p.m. Eucharist in church. This is a great way to attend service if you are not able to make it on Sunday. We gather in the front pews. We are grateful that Brad Brunfelt will once again lead our music on his guitar. This service is less formal and briefer than Sunday. We use the scripture readings for the coming Sunday. I am delighted that Buffy Helstrom and helpers prepare our 6:00 p.m. simple suppers. Buffy does a wonderful job preparing a simple, healthy meal that we ask you to help support by making a dona-tion toward defraying the cost. The 6:30 p.m. program includes Christian formation for children in preschool grade through confir-mation. Character Club is a new program for prek-3

rd grade with fun activities based on a different

core value each month. 4th-Confirmation age will have formation groups also. There will continue to

be a speaker or program for adults. Please let me know if you have suggestions for speakers or programs. Church Nights will meet three times per month. Two Wednesdays the children/youth will be in their age specific program, one Wednesday we will be together for GIFT; Growing in Faith Together, and we will have one Wednesday where we don’t gather at church, instead that time can be used for fo-cusing on faith at home.

December Church Night Programs: December 6 – What’s A Deacon? Deacons Alice Olson, Jane Quesenberry-Nelson, and David Hill will share their stories of being called to the deaconate and the various ways they have served as deacons. December 13 – How are the scripture readings we use on Sundays chosen? Bill Van Oss will be discussing the lectionary and scripture readings for Year B, especially the Gospel of Mark. December 20 – Christmas Carols at the Pines! All ages are welcome come to Mt. Royal Pines (50 E. St. Marie Street) at 6:30 p.m. to sing Christmas carols and enjoy some simple treats. The will not be Eucharist or supper this evening. December 29 – Church night is OFF for Faith At Home. Check out stpaulsfaithformation.org for ide-as.

Church Night Menus December 6th—Soup , salad, and bread. Kid’s option—pb & j December 13th—Lasagna with Caesar salad. Kid’s option—buttery noodles Hope to see you at Church Night! Bill Van Oss

From Your Friendly Stewardship Committee

A big thank you to everyone who has submitted a pledge for 2018. We had a great turnout on Stewardship Sunday, and we all enjoyed some cake after the service to celebrate. If you have not submitted a pledge yet, there is still time, and we are hoping to hear from you. You can put your pledge in the collection plate, drop it off or send it in anytime. Pledge cards are available in the pews or through the church office. You can also give electronically by visiting: stpaulsduluth.org. Every pledge helps to build the Beloved Community!

Christmas Cookies for the St. Louis County Jail

Upcoming Women’s Events:

January 26 Meal Prep Night Wouldn’t it be nice to come home after a busy day and know you have a meal ready to go from your freezer? Well now you can! Leslie Brunfelt, former owner of Meal Time, will lead us in preparing several meals in advance that you will be able to take home and have ready in your freezer! There will be options for serving sizes too, so you can make meals that serve 2-3 or a larger family! Because ingredi-ents will need to be purchased, there will be strict deadline of January 12 to register; either online at www.stpaulsfaithformation.org/adults.html or in person with Sue! Cost of event will be determined by the number of meals/serving sizes you select after you register.

February 9-10 Overnight Women’s Retreat Join us at Camp Heartland in Willow River to take a deep breath from life and enjoy some much needed relaxation and rejuvenation! Whether you are single, in a relationship, married, parenting a tod-dler, a teen or an empty nester, women spend a lot of energy, time, blood, sweet and tears supporting their loved ones. This retreat is a chance to take time for yourself! Spend a relaxing overnight with other women sharing your hopes, dreams, joys and challenges of be-ing a woman in today’s world! We will be staying at Camp Heart-land in Willow River, a short 45 minutes away, with beautiful trails for hiking, cross country skiing and more!

Three meals and lodging are included in the $60 cost; scholarships available. Register online at www.stpaulsduluth.org/adults!

The St. Louis County Jail will be hosting a Christmas program for their inmates on December 15. They are looking for donations of homemade cookies for their gathering. The program will include live music by the MN Adult & Teen Challenge Choir, along with Christmas messages by Fr. John Petrich and Chaplain Justin Thomson. There will be 200 inmates along with 35 volunteers at the program, so they need lots of cookies. The Christmas program itself is a great way to bless those who are unable to be with their loved ones during the holidays. If you can bake an extra couple dozen cookies to donate, let Susan Anderson know 724-3535. Cookies wrapped in a container that doesn’t need to be returned should de-livered to St. Paul’s kitchen by Tuesday, December 12 before noon. Due to food allergies, please do not cook with any nuts or coconut.

PAGE 9

Advent Around the World

Festival Sunday Dec. 3

Begin the Season of Advent by coming to

this new Festival! Experience different

traditions, foods, sights and sounds from

13 different countries!

Food samples include: Guatemalan Tamales, Norwegian

Lefse, Risengrøt and Krumkake, German Stollen, Italian

Panetonne, Colombian Natilla, Swedish Pepparkakor, Sweets

from the British Isles, French Galette des Rois and Dutch

St. Nicholas cookies! See holiday displays and learn about

traditions from different countries, make unique ornaments,

visit with St. Nicholas, make an Advent wreath, pick up an

Advent calendar and daily reflection booklet and more!

Come one, come all ages! This is a great

event to invite friends and family to!

PAGE 10

December 3 December 10 December 17 Greening

December 24 Morning Prayer

December 31

ALTAR GUILD

C SPENCER C CONRAD J MARINAC J JARNIS J MARINAC

K Leonard S Hartley M MacDonald O Hansen M MacDonald

J Harvey S Hall C Miller D Kolquist C Miller

L Hultkranz A Sadowski P Markert M Parks P Markert

S Meyer

8:00 AM S Stromquist N Diener A Mackenzie —— M Gustafson

USHERS P Waite M & S Brown C & B Dinan N Schuldt G & K Bubalo

M & N Rubin J & S Dusek D Kolquist C Orsak J & H Ransom

K Morin-Swanson J Jarnis

ACOLYTES See www.stpaulsfaithformation.org for current acolyte schedule

LECTOR K Halverson Z Stodola L Van Oss J Stormquist A Mackenzie

CHALICE K Halverson Z Stodola M Gustafson A Mackenzie

BEARERS J Stromquist N Diener S Anderson S Anderson

S Meyer K Baumgarten P Enenbach Z Stodola

FLOWER DELIVERY

C Spencer M Dragish & J Pastor

M & S Brown Rita Rosenberger

COFFEE HOSTS

T & G Lyle B & L Brunfelt M & B Minter Merry Christmas! S Stromquist & J Chesser

LOCK UP M Brown J Austin G Maloney C Fellman T Diener

Altar Guild Other Duties: Linens: E. Killen, J. Harvey Subs: C Conrad, C Miller Fair Linens: J Marinac, C Miller Cleaning: *C Conrad, A Abraham, J Marinac, S Hartley Subs: C Miller, J Sederberg Wednesday Team: 12/6 Team 2 12/13 Team 3 12/20 Team 4. 12/27 No services Wed Subs—C Conrad, C Miller, N Brun-felt Sunday Alternates: G Bouschor, E Killen

December 24 & 25—All services are covered by Team 2

Please find a sub if you are unable to fulfill your obligation.

December 24 4:00 pm

December 24 10:00 pm

USHERS

ACOLYTES

Head acolyte in all capital letters

LECTOR

M Gustafson J Pastor

CHALICE M Gustafson J Pastor

BEARERS S Stromquist P Enenbach

G Maloney S Meyer

K Baumgarten N Diener

DEC

EM

BER

20

17

Sun

M

on

T

ue

W

ed

T

hu

F

ri

Sat

3 A

dven

t F

esti

val

1st

Adv

ent

8am

Ser

vice

10

:05

Kid

s W

ord

(pre

K-3

rd)

10

am S

ervi

ce

11:3

0 C

offe

e H

our/

T

win

Por

t W

ind

Ens

embl

e ?

4 Serv

e M

eal a

t D

amia

no

Cen

ter

1-1:

45p

m G

entl

e Y

oga-

Chi

ldre

n’s

Roo

m

5 8:30

am B

ible

Stu

dy

6 9:00

am S

taff

Mee

ting

, O

R

10:3

0 am

Bib

le S

tudy

, R

R

Chu

rch

Nig

ht

5:30

pm E

ucha

rist

6p

m M

eal

*6

:30p

m P

rogr

am/

Adu

lt/

4-8

/C

onf/

CC

6:15

pm S

anct

uary

Cho

ir

7:40

pm B

ell C

hoir

7 1

8 You

th O

vern

ight

2 Se

t-u

p

Adv

. Fe

st

9

10 2

nd A

dven

t 8a

m S

ervi

ce

10am

Ser

vice

10

:05

Kid

s W

ord

(pre

K-3

rd)

11

:30

Cof

fee

Hou

r/

11

1-1:

45p

m G

entl

e Y

oga-

Chi

ldre

n’s

Roo

m

12

8:30

am B

ible

Stu

dy

13

9:00

am S

taff

Mee

ting

, O

R

10:3

0 am

Bib

le S

tudy

, R

R

Chu

rch

Nig

ht

5:30

pm E

ucha

rist

6p

m M

eal

*6

:30p

m P

rogr

am/

Adu

lt/

4-8

/C

onf/

CC

6:15

pm S

anct

uary

Cho

ir

7:40

pm B

ell C

hoir

14

15

Me

sse

ng

er

De

adli

ne

16

17 3

rd A

dven

t

8a

m S

ervi

ce

10am

Ser

vice

10:0

5 K

ids

Wor

d (p

reK

-3rd

)

11:3

0 C

offe

e H

our

/

GR

EE

NIN

G O

F T

HE

C

HU

RC

H

4:0

0pm

Fes

tiva

l of

Les

son

s &

C

arol

s

18

1-1:

45p

m G

entl

e Y

oga-

Chi

ldre

n’s

Roo

m

19

8:30

am B

ible

Stu

dy

6p

m V

estr

y M

eeti

ng

20

9:00

am S

taff

Mee

ting

, O

R

10:3

0 am

Bib

le S

tudy

, R

R

GIF

T—

Car

olin

g at

Pin

esII

I—6:

30

21

22

P

ublic

Sch

ools

Off

23

24 4

th A

dven

t (

No

8am

ser

vic

e)

10am

—M

orn

ing

Pra

ye

r C

HR

IST

MA

S E

VE

3:

30 p

m C

ho

rist

er

&

C

he

rub

Re

he

arsa

l 4:

00 p

m F

amil

y Se

rvic

e/P

agea

nt

Ch

ori

ste

rs &

Ch

eru

bs

Sin

g

10pm

Ser

vice

25

CH

RIS

TM

AS

DA

Y

10

am

Se

rvic

e

Off

ice

Clo

sed

26

27

9:00

am S

taff

Mee

ting

, O

R

10:3

0 am

Bib

le S

tudy

, R

R

Dul

uth

Scho

ol V

acat

ion

N

o C

hurc

h N

ight

Mea

l or

Act

ivit

y

28

Me

sse

ng

er

Ma

ilin

g

29

30

318a

m S

ervi

ce

10am

Ser

vice

11

:30

Cof

fee

Hou

r/

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church 1710 East Superior Street

Duluth, MN 55812

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Nonprofit Organization

U.S. Postage

PAID

Permit No. 667

Duluth, MN

Church email:

office@stpaulsduluth.org

Website: www.stpaulsduluth.org

Address: 1710 E. Superior Street, Duluth, MN 55812 Phone: 218-724-3535 Clergy The Rev. William Van Oss, Rector billvanoss@stpaulsduluth.org The Rev. Dr. Barbara Elliott, Assistant Priest belliott@d.umn.edu The Rev. Margaret W. Thomas, Priest Emerita tmsnelmw@cpinternet.com

Advent 4 and Christmas Services This year the fourth Sunday of Advent falls on Christmas Eve, December 24.

Services are as follows:

Sunday, December 24: No 8:00 a.m. service

10:00 a.m. Sung service of Morning Prayer for 4 Advent

4:00 p.m. Christmas Eve service with pageant 10:00 p.m. Christmas Eve service with candles and choirs

Monday, December 25:

10:00 a.m. Christmas service