st. paul's news - jan. 2009

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St. Paul's Episcopal Church

Lansing Michigan

Volume 34, Issue

St. Paul's NewsJanuary, 2009

Calendar 1

Choir Schedule 7

Mission and

Outreach10

Prayer List 6

Upcoming

Activities2-5

Inside this issue:

By The Very Rev. Dr. Gordon F. Weller

Important Days in the life of the Church

We are in the process of celebrating Christmas. Though the seasonis only 12 days long, no one can deny that the entire world iden-

tifies Christmas Day as one of the most important days in the Christianyear. In reality, there are probably at least two others days and sea-sons that are theologically more important. There is Easter, the fortyday celebration of the resurrection Jesus, and Pentecost, the Day andseason when we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit. These celebra-

tions are important because they commemorate the highlights in Jesus lifethat indicate and memorialize Gods continual love for all of Humanity.

The fact that we feel an obligation to be present on these high holy days is the corresponding indi-cation that we recognize Gods acts of loving mercy and wish to respond. Yet, over and above oursimple responses of attendance, how can we indicate and respond to the love God shows human-ity? I think one very important way is to attend the Annual Meeting. We will elect new Vestry mem-bers and pass a budget, but these actions are not the most important things we do. As we gathertogether at the annual meeting, we remember and memorialize the things God has done in ourlives in the preceding year; and we plan how we might best implement the faith that is in us in theyear to come. These important activities are best accomplished with a large portion of the mem-bership present and active in the discussion.

(Continued on page 16)

The Rev. Dr. Gordon Weller

Stewardship Committee Postpones Hawaii Trip

By John Nevin, Vestry Member

Since we have not quite yet reached our goals for 2009, the Stewardship Committee has de-cided to postpone its annual Hawaii Trip. Instead, the committee has decided to stay here in

the Lansing area and focus its efforts on finding and inspiring a few more pledges through prayerand personal contact.

The committee is pleased to report that the response of St. Pauls family to the 2009 campaign hasbeen heartwarming, especially given the challenging economy and falling stock market. Indeed,both the total number of pledges and average amount given is promising. However, since the proc-

ess we adopted this year is so different, its hard to compare this year to last year. As a result, thecommittee remains a bit nervous regarding the finally tally.

Most importantly, the committee is so excited by the wonderful testimony we heard from JeanShawver and Matt Ferguson and the thought-provoking message we heard from Dr. SteveMcSwain on Invitation Sunday. Clearly, in this congregation, there is no shortage of passion, faithand love for our brothers and sisters and for Jesus Christ.

So, if you havent pledged yet, we need to hear from you. Even if you cant make a financial com-mitment, just fill out the card and let us know youre praying for St. Pauls and our many ministries.And when all those cards are in, the committee will take off for Hawaiijust kidding! Seriously, thevestry and Father Weller need to finalize the budget in time for the annual meeting at the end ofJanuary, so please let us hear from you soon.

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St. Paul's NewsPage 4

Vestry Elections

By The Very Rev. Dr. Gordon F. Weller

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

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

A Baptized member At least 16 years of age Regular in attendance A contributor to the life of the congregation with time, talent and treasure

Willing to attend a minimum of ten Vestry meetings a year Willing to chair a Vestry committee

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

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

If You Feed Them, They will Come

By Lyn Zynda, ECW President

For the past few months in St. Pauls News, and throughout this issue are numerous articles about the upcom-ing Annual Meeting on Sunday, January 25 after the 10 a.m. service. There is important work to be done,

Vestry members to be elected, Angel and Canterbury Awards to be presented, Millennium Development Goalsto be decided, and much important parish business to be discussed. Now I give you another great reason toattend the Annual Meeting: FOOD.

For the past several years the members of the ECW Steering Committee have prepared a fantastic, extraordi-nary, cant-be-beat-for-the-price brunch for our fellow parishioners. Weve done this for a couple of reallygood reasons; to raise money for a worthy charity and because weve learned from experience that, . . .if youfeed them, they will come. You might feel as I do; Ill sit through almost anything to enjoy a meal I didnt haveto cook.

This year we are donating the money collected from the brunch ($5 per person or $15 per family) to the FoodBank. In this economic climate the need is so great; and, unfortunately because of the economic climate, dona-

tions are not meeting the increased need. We are also asking that you bring a donation of canned non-perishable food items for the Food Bank (and please watch the expiration date).

It is amazing the amount of good you will accomplish by attending the Annual Meeting. You will help decideimportant business for your parish community, your donations will help feed hungry people in the communitywhere you live, and you wont have to stand in line for 20-30 minutes waiting for a table for breakfast.

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St. Paul's News Page 5

Used Book Sale ERD Fundraiser Scheduled for

Next Month

By Sue Millar

On Sunday, February 15 and Sunday, February 22, we will see the return of our annual Used Book Sale. Bythis time, most of you have experienced the sale as donors for books that you are ready to pass on and as

buyers of books that offer you new reading delights. I often refer to this as a win-win situation since you have achance to create some space in your bookcase and to buy some new volumes that tweak your curiosity at bar-gain prices. At the same time, you are supporting the life-saving work of Episcopal Relief and Development.

You may place your books in the red bin by the elevator. Please remember that we cant use textbooks, maga-zines or computer manuals; however, DVDs, VCRs and CDs are quite marketable. Thank you for your continuingsupport.

2009 One Church, Many Journeys Parish-Wide Book Read

By Millie Ericson, Vestry Member

For Adults: Contempt of Court, the turn-of-the-century lynching that launched 100 years of Federalism, byMark Curriden and Leroy Phillips, Jr.

For families: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, by C.S. Lewis, third book in the Chronicles of Narnia, continuingthe story of Prince Caspian.

The books can be picked up at the St. Pauls book cart.

Discussion groups: Book groups to discuss Contempt of Courtbegin the week of January 11. As last year, thegroups will meet in the homes of parishioners on various days and times and in various geographic locationsthroughout the community:

Sundays, 3-4:30 p.m., Jan. 11, 18, 25 - Max and Debby Pierce, 1424 Wellington, Lansing Mondays, 7-8:30 p.m., Jan. 12, 19, 26 - Don and Sally Lawrence, 2115 Walmar, Lansing Tuesdays, 2:30-4 p.m., Jan. 13, 20, 27 - Chuck and Sue Millar, 14818 Oakes Rd., Perry Wednesdays, 7-8:30 p.m., Jan. 14, 28, Feb. 4 - Barb Richardson and Libby Richardson, 1630 W. Kala-

mazoo, Lansing Wednesdays, 7-8:30 p.m. , Jan.14, 28, Feb. 4 - Kirk and Barb Lindquist, 2154 White Owl Way, Okemos

Family Book Read Notes: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader continues the story of Prince Caspian as he sets outwith familiar characters, including Reepicheep, Edmund and Lucy, on a great sea voyage to the Lone Islandsand beyond, in search of the seven Lords. Ahoy, maties, for a great read.

Families (with or without children) are invited to read the book together in their own homes this month. Pick up acopy of the Dawn Treader Resource Bookletwith background information and suggestions for activities to sup-plement the book. Also pick up a picture-book version for reading with younger children. These are availableon the Book Cart.

There will be a special Voyaging on the Dawn Treader Family Carnival Night, on Friday, January 30, from 6-8 p.m. Come journey to the Lone Islands, Dragon Island and the Island of the Dufflepods. Discover games, fun,food and prizes in this Narnian adventure! You might even see some guests from Narnia. Sign up outside theMerrifield Room.

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We pray for those who are sick and in need: Cindy Robinson, Richardand Aaron Hegmon, Shelley Robinson, Mason Hill, Erik Lindquist,

Chance Collins, Barb Hacker, Darrick, Marjorie Belles, Aleda, Dave, Kath-

ryn Senko, Barb Powers, Patricia Reno, Skip and Marsha Macholz, Carrie,

Michael Skinner, Edward Such, Judy Jones, Cambria McMillen, Ed Ben-

son, Marguerite Upham, Christine Farr, Bonta Hiscoe, and Nancy Rudd.

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

We pray for comfort: for the family and friends ofAudrie Hegmon

, who recently passed away.

We pray for those expecting: Sarah (Weller) and Joseph Evenden, Linda and Don Junger, Amanada andDarrick Alvarez, Summer (Sleight) and Jake Stevens, Brooke and Ian Broughton, and Susie and Luke Shae-fer.

We give thanks for: the birth of Lydia Jane Sleight to parents Jeff and Deborah Sleight.

160 Years at St PaulsWhere our

Past Welcomes our Future

By Nancy Sheldon

Close your eyes for a moment and try to imaginethe innumerable blessings this church has be-

stowed upon those who have visited as well as themembers of our congregation since 1849. Just think ofit! Picture the thousands of people who have worshipedat St. Pauls and received comfort and solace, hopeand renewal, forgiveness and healing, education andjoy, not necessarily in this building, but in this commu-nity of faith, during the past 160 years.

Each Sunday, throughout the year, Jean Shawver willbe placing a little known historical fact in the bulletinto give us a mini history lesson which we hope you willenjoy. She will also share a special story with us eachmonth in the St. Pauls News about an interesting pieceof our history. Our committee has planned a variety ofother activities with the main focus in May. Mark yourcalendars now so you dont miss these special Sundays:

May 3- Music and Worship May 10- Children (its also Mothers Day) May 17- Mission and Outreach (May 24- Memorial Day Weekend) May 31- Homecoming Sunday

Help Wanted: Were looking for current and former

members of St Pauls (living ordead) who have served in themilitary during our 160-yearhistory, so we may honor themnext spring at our Homecoming

celebration. If someone in yourfamily has served, or if youknow of someone who has,please call Ruth Farmer at(517) 882-0404) or e-mailBuffy Mann at [email protected]. In addition to the personsname, wed like the branch of the military in which heor she served, the years served and rank if you know.

Also, if you have given a talk to the congregation forthe Every Member Canvass or the Stewardship Driveon What St Pauls Means to Me, please dig in your

desk drawers or file cabinets to see if you still haveyour speech. If you do, please make a copy and sendit to Mandy Lawton at 1510 E. Oakland Ave., Lans-ing, MI 48906.

If you have a memory or story about St Pauls as youor your children were growing up (and we know thatthere are many!) that you would be willing to sharewith us, please call Mandy Lawton (482-4316).Someone will then contact you to interview you or col-lect something youve written to place in a memorybook.
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]

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St. Paul's News Page 7Choir News

January 4 High School and Chancel




February 1 High School and Boys and Grace

February 8 High School and Chancel



Singing Schedule

Date Choirs

Abig

thank

you

goes

to

all

of

you,

parents

and

choristers

alike,

for

all

you

did

to

make

the

Christmas

servicessospecial,especiallyLessonsandCarolsandthetwoChristmasEveservices.Withoutyourdedicationandwillingnesstogiveofyourtime,talent,and(singing)resources,theserviceswouldprobablynothavemanifestedasmuchjoyandloveastheydid.AveryheartfeltwishforajoyousandblessedNewYear!

SpecialDatestoNote:

TherewillbenoChancelChoirorHandbellRehearsalonJanuary1.Rehearsalswillresumeas

normalonJanuary7andJanuary8.

AshWednesday:February25

Cabaret:March

21

All

choristers

are

asked

to

save

this

date

for

our

evening

of

good

dining

and

entertainment:Cherubs,BoysandGrace,andHighSchool.Thanks.

Choir Newsletter and Dates to Remember

By Dr. Stephen R. Lange, Minister of Music

Rehearsals

Saturday,January3andSaturday,February21 allrehearsefrom10a.m.until

noon;themaincastfrom12:30to2p.m.

Sunday,January18,Sunday,January25,Sunday,February15,andSunday,February22 allrehearsefromafter10a.m.serviceuntil12:15p.m.;themaincastfrom12:15to1:30p.m.

PerformanceswillbeFriday,May29andSaturday,May30,atCentralUnited

MethodistChurch

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S

T AELRED'S GUILD offers spiritual friendship to members of our congregation in time

of need through notes, visitation, prayer list management, Eucharistic visits, celebration ofbirths and marriages as well as phone calls to shut-ins. St. Pauls would like to know when one of ourparishioners is in the hospital, is unable to come to church, has been moved to a special care facilityor just might appreciate a card or visit to let them know we are thinking about them and praying forthem. Please pick up a form for this special ministry at the Welcome Table after church or call Kath-

leen in the office at 482-9454. All parishioners are welcome to join us in this Ministry the thirdWednesday of each month from 4:30 to 5:30 PM in the Van Atta Room

Preparation for Confirmation

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

On Saturday, May 30, the Bishop of the Diocese of Michigan will be here at St. Pauls for a service of Con-firmation, Reception and Reaffirmation.

Beginning Sunday, February 8, 2008, our clergy, along with support from our Sunday school teachers, will beoffering a 10-session confirmation preparation program. The program will cover a variety of topics, includingthe history and catechism of the Church, Church policy and practices, theology and beliefs and much more.

Children ages 16 and older and adults who have not been confirmed, received or reaffirmed in the EpiscopalChurch are encouraged to participate in the program. Classes will run through May 17, 2009 and will be heldon Sunday mornings during our normal Sunday school hour. For questions and more details, please seeFr.Weller or Fr. Byrd.

Emily and Elizabeth

By Rick Laub

Many Sundays, two young women seem magically to appear atthe altar, or near the pianousually bearing a trumpet, or a

clarinet or perhaps a handbell. Often, they can be seen unobtru-sively at the piano turning pages. Who are these young women whodelight us with their musical talents? They are Emily and ElizabethRodeck, daughters of our assistant music director Mary Rodeck andher husband Dan.

Emily is in 10th grade at Grand Ledge High School and has beenplaying trumpet since 3rd grade and piano since she was three. Inaddition to her performances with the Grand Ledge Wind Symphony, she can often be spotted in the orchestrapit for the musicals.

Elizabeth is in 8th grade and has been playing clarinet since 5th grade. Since she doesnt want to march with

her clarinet, she is learning trumpet to play in marching band next year. She is also a pit musician, recentlyplaying the penny whistle and recorder in The Secret Garden.

Both Emily and Elizabeth were selected to be in the All State middle school bands and both are in the ad-vanced pointe and lyrical ballet group at Riding Star Dance Studio. You can see Emilys dancing in the GLHSproduction of Footloose.

When they are not at St. Pauls blessing us with the fruits of their talents and hard work, they attend TrinityEpiscopal Church in Grand Ledge. A blessing indeed!

Emily and Elizabeth Rodeck

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4 Fs Looking Back Helps Us to Look Forward

By Nancy Sheldon

Usually the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month (exceptions noted *due to Town Hall conflict):

12 noon Eucharist, 12:30 p.m. Lunch ($4.00) 1 p.m. Bible Study (Steve Lange), 1:15-2 p.m. Program

Anyone is invited who has time in the middle of the day! Please sign up for lunch outside the Merrifield Room orcall the Church office for a reservation.

January 12 - Fr. Weller will give us a presentation on the Roman Catholic Church and how it pres-ently relates to the Episcopal Church by comparing and contrasting the two faiths.

January 26 - We will visit the Cathedral of St. Mary and have someone there guide us and talk tous about the cathedral and the Catholic faith.

February 9 - Steve Lange will give us a presentation on the Wesley brothers and the relationship ofMethodism to Episcopalianism.

February 23 - We will visit Central United Methodist church next door and tour their facilities. Wewill also continue our conversation with Joe Huston, their minister, about the Methodist church andtheir faith.

We will have Book Reviews during Lent and the schedule will be 11:30 a.m. Eucharist, 12 noon -1 p.m. Lunch.

March 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30 - Book Reviews April 13 - NO meeting since this is the day after Easter April 27 We will take a trip to see the work of the City Rescue Mission. While there, someone will

talk to us about their ministry. May 18* - Picnic at Nancy Sheldons

Evangelism Linebacker

By Stephanie Van Koevering, Vestry Member

There is a series of videos on YouTube under theheading of Evangelism Linebacker. My favorite

involves a young gentleman who runs up out of theblue, knocks people down and then yells at them abouttheir decisions on matters of faith. The video is a run-ning gag involving young people making tough choicesand then getting tackled by a flying, noisy footballplayer who shouts Bible verses and spiritual advice,such as, Your mama raised you better than this, myboy; dont make me blow you up no more!

Sage advice, indeed!

The joke is a bit obvious, perhaps, but effective. How

many of us would behave differently if we faced aphysical threat from someone huge, aggressive andloud? I will speak only for myself, perhaps, in sayingthat I am uncomfortable with any violent contact rela-tive to my person. I will, in fact, go to great lengths toavoid it.

But Ill be honest that I would rather be tackled by aseven-foot linebacker than make an embarrassingpublic faux pas at a social event. I know many of youwell enough to think that you might agree with me onthis one. We are Episcopalians, after all, a classy

group of intelligent individuals, with relatively goodtaste and breeding. In many ways, we see evangelismas something that simply isnt done in mixed company,out of either politeness or tolerance or some blend ofthe two.

If were honest, though, theres a healthy amount offear in there, too. We fear embarrassment as much (ormore) than we fear physical attack. We are not goingto bring up our faith out of our fear of making a socialgaffe or being seen as a Bible Thumper, no moreintellectual than Tammy Faye Bakker and about asmuch fun at a sophisticated gathering.

But somehow we need to overcome our fear and havean open discussion on matters of faith. I think it can bedone without a two-by-four, a linebacker or even araised eyebrow from Emily Post. It is done with kind-

(Continued on page 16)

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Mission and Outreach Activities:

Where is Christ calling you to help others?

April 1December 13, 2009

Episcopal Relief and Development or Heifer

InternationalApril 12-26

Food DriveFood Bank

May 21

Ascension Day - Deacon's Dinner

May

Sudan Education Project for 2010

Ongoing:

Outreach Committee meeting, second Monday,5:30 p.m.

Manna Sundays for street ministry (busing/

work boots)

Water for Life

Heifer International

Prayer quilts

Cars INC

Check the Newsletter articles and the Sunday Bulle-

tin Announcements for additional details and infor-

mation.

Outreach

By The Rev. Deacon Bill Fineout

O

ur 2008 Millennium Development Goal project, Water for Life, has been completed!

The Water for Life collection finished in December. We are in the process of counting donations as thisnewsletter goes to press. We will report how deep we dug for water as soon as we can. We are thankful toMeijer for donating the water bottles.

We have been able to meet five of the eight MDG goals with this project:

Achieving universal primary education for children; with access to closer water, girls can stay in school and inthe classroom, instead of traveling miles for water

Promoting gender equality and empowering women; women and children no longer have to leave their vil-lages for much of the day to carry water, sometimes as far as 13 miles

Reducing child mortality; having ready access to clean water and sanitation Improving maternal health Combating disease

At the 2008 annual meeting, we agreed that we would attempt an MDG project to meet each of the eightMDG goals; one project in each of eight years. This year, we will choose our second project. The Outreachteam will make a recommendation at that time.

160 Years at St Pauls

Where our Past Welcomes

our Future

Did You Know That?

By Jean Shawver

In 1894, John Zimmerman wasengaged to reorganize the music of the church

and expressly to form a choir of men and boys.The male choir became the first vested organiza-tion in Lansing and attracted much favorable com-ment for its singing. You can see a photo of this St.Paul's choir in the north hallway of our church. It isabove the needlepoint pew in the History Hallway,leading to the parking ramp.

(Source: To a Goodly Heritage by Robert Coleman.)

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Financial Information as of November 30, 2008

By Jeff Irwin

The total pledge and nonpledge revenue received as of November 30, 2008 was $267,072, which is 89.5%of the annual budget. November 30 is 91.7% of the year. It is expected that total 2008 pledge revenue willbe close, if not equal to, the total 2008 budget.

The operating loss through November 30, 2008 is $135,959, including $10,577 recorded in the month of No-vember. The 2008 operating loss was budgeted to be $135,998. Based on information now available, it isexpected the actual loss will approximate that amount.

The designated and restricted funds recorded an overall loss of $1,804 in November. For the first 11 months of2008, there has been a net gain of $21,374. The combined net income of the operations and the funds is a lossof $114,585.

Through the end of November, it has been necessary to withdraw a total of $120,000 from the Perpetual Fundin order to make payroll and pay outstanding bills. An additional $3,200 has been withdrawn from the Perpet-

ual Fund for special purposes authorized by the vestry.

At its December 16, 2008 meeting, your vestry:

Shared a meal in the glow of the Christmas treein the Merrifield Room.

Considered Ember Day traditions as part of itsdevotions.

Approved the November 18, 2008 minutes. Accepted a bequest in the amount of $240,000.

Details will be disclosed at a later date. Accepted the treasurer's report as presented. Passed a motion to write-off $3,713.86 from the

balance sheet as un-received Organ Restorationmonies.

Passed a similar motion to take $3,713.86 fromthe Music Fund to cover this shortfall.

Passed a motion to make an additional $30,000available to the treasurer for the operating ac-counts.

Reviewed an updated draft of the 2009 budget.

The final version will be distributed at the Janu-ary Vestry meeting. Accepted with great regret the resignation of

treasurer Jeff Irwin, effective following the An-nual Meeting of January 25, 2009.

Received a Stewardship report. We are on tar-get for at least equal last year's totals.

Approved a report from the finance Committee to

present a "Planned Giving" concept to the parishat the Annual Meeting.

Discussed the status of the Memorial Plaque forthe Memorial Garden with the question, "Do wecontinue?" Martie Repaskey will contact Stamp-Rite.

Established a Shawver Fund Oversight Committeeconsisting of Rector Gordon Weller, Jr. WardenMartie Repaskey and Jean Shawver.

Discussed the Web Site - Stephanie Van Koever-ing needs a Vestry response to the proposal dis-tributed last month.

Received various Committee reports which said, inpart, the following: Some roof leaks still exist and the roofer will

be contacted Confirmed that Mark Curriden will be our Book

Read/MLK celebration speaker. Approved this year's Millennium Development

Goals project as raising money to purchase an"Ark" through the Heifer Project.

The Personnel committee has met with all staff. Discussed and planned the Vestry calling to take

place in January. Reviewed the Diocesan Sexual Misconduct policy

and the Vestry's compliance responsibility. Received Clergy reports.

Vestry Highlights

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Christmas Hymn 84

By Dr. Stephen R. Lange, Minister of Music

On Sunday, November 23, as part of the Intergenerational Pentecost/Advent/Christmas program, peoplegathered in the choir rehearsal room to write a hymn of their own for the Service of Lessons and Carols.

The following are the hymns that were created during this meeting. They were sung at the Service of Lessonsand Carols on December 21 to the tune of hymn 84.

Gifts came down at Christmas,Gifts received and gifts we share -

Gifts of hope and loving,Lifting weights of hurt and care

Sue Millar

Life afresh, burst upon us.Break our bonds that cramp and kill.

Life anew, surge through us.Bring us joys that lift and thrill

Chuck Millar

Peace came down at Christmas;Peace so difficult to find.

Jesus' peace is what we crave,Peace of heart and soul and mind.

And He will not fail usor forget or walk away.

God's peace is for us allThank You, on this Christmas day.

Carol Ingells

Joy at Christmas coming,joy so beautiful, joy divine.

With this joy to brighten,all on earth will shine.

Truth at Christmas coming,Gods truth, the truth of Gods Love

Hear the angels singing,His Love gentle as a dove.

MaryLea Benson

Light arrived on Christmasand drove the darkness away,

No more despair nor doubt,or light shone on Christmas day.

Joy appeared at Christmas,All sorrows were banished then.

When joy came at Christmas,The world shone brightly for them.

Zoe Beckett

Peace was born on Christmas,Banishing all war away.

Peace will live through Christmas,Peace, my friends, is here to stay.

Joy is here this Christmas;the world will no more be sad.

Joy springs forth from Christmas,Rejoice my friends and be glad.

Paul Beckett

Hope came back at Christmas,Doubt, it couldnt bear to stay.

Hope was born on Christmas,Banishing all fear away.

Claire Beckett

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First Communion

Sunday

O

n Epiphany Sunday,

January 11, Fr. Gordonwill be welcoming childrento their first communion. OnSaturday, January 10, from10 a.m. to noon, a two-hour

workshop will be conducted to prepare children for thisvery special day. If you are interested in having yourchild receive his or her first communion on January 11,please contact Fr. Ron.

Upcoming Youth Group Events

January Sledding/ice skating or Laser Tag

February Red Cross training & Valentines Day babysit-

ting for families

March Lock-in, bowling and feeding the homeless

April Host Easter Egg hunt for young children

May Overnight mission trip (within Michigan)

Please note: In January, the youth group will notmeet on its regularly scheduled first Sunday of themonth. The first meeting for the group in the newyear will be on Sunday, January 11.

Sunday School Program Swings into Second Semester

Sunday school will resume on Sunday, January 11, 2009, for all classes, except Sr. High School. To provideour Sr. High School students with an opportunity to attend special 10 a.m. services on Epiphany Sunday,

Martin Luther King Sunday and Annual Meeting Sunday, high school classes will not resume until February 8,2009. Dont worry seniors, we have something really special for you when classes start again!

The second semester will not mean any changes for most classes. However in the first-, second- and third-gradeclasses, Kathy Gut and Jill Walker will replace Dr.Judi Brown Clarke as teachers. Judi will continue her ser-vice as a substitute teacher for all classes.

As you consider your stewardship offering to St. Paul's in the upcoming year, please consider giving your time

and talent to our children as a substitute Sunday school teacher. As you may notice, the individuals who volun-teer to teach Sunday School continue to miss a large portion of the worship service. It would be a blessing tohave a pool of substitute teachers so that our core teacher can have some respite Sundays. For more informa-tion on how to become involved in St. Paul's Sunday school program please see Dr. Judi Brown-Clarke or Fr.Ron.

Looking for a

Babysitter?

By Courtney Irwin

If you are looking for ababysitter, Daniel Crab-

tree, Anna Krupka, DrewKrupka, Margaret Kariuki,Steven Walker and myselfall took the babysitting training program from the RedCross. On February 13-14 (Valentines Day weekend),special rates will be provided for church members.Please feel free to contact anyone of these certifiedbabysitters directly if you need a sitter at any time.

Thank You for Your Kindness

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

Jennifer and I would like to thank the membersat St. Pauls for all of the wonderful gifts,

goodies and greeting cards. While we have saidthis before, please know we feel profoundlyblessed to be here at St. Pauls, and thank you allso very much for bringing us into your family. Mayour ministry together continue to grow in Godsgrace and may Gods blessing be with us all.

St. Paul's Youth Ministry

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Second Annual Sunday School Holiday Project

Sunday school students, hoping again to spread a little holiday cheer, created wonderful cards for distribu-tion to members of St. Pauls. On December 14, students

from first grade to high school worked together in an assemblyline, producing 60 Christmas cards for members of St. Pauls

homebound, center boundand shut-in community.This is the second year theSunday schoolchildrenhave teamed up with St.Aelreds Guild to express,on behalf of our entire

parish, our love andthoughts for our Churchfamily members who areunable to be present withus for worship and fellow-ship. Fourth- and fifth-grade Sunday school teacher Kim Hall remarked, Matt and I had agreat time with the kids yesterday! The card making is always organ-ized craziness, but it's so fun! Hope the cards are enjoyed!

Sunday school teacher Kim Hall and stu-

dents make cards for St. Pauls members

Youth Group Brings Smiles and Song to Residents of TenderCare West

On Sunday, December 14, the St. Pauls Youth Group traveled toTenderCare West nursing home to sing Christmas carols. The kids

were warmly welcomed and met with big hugs and bright smiles. I re-marked to Dr. Judith-BrownClarke and Barbara BellingerHeany, how proud Dr. Langewould be of our kids. Ouryoung people sung impres-sively well and exchangedhugs and holiday cheer with

TenderCare West residents.Clara Voges, a longtime pa-rishioner of St. Pauls, wasespecially pleased to see ouryoung people. Clara guidedthe group from room to room,where the kids passed out candy canes, recited poems and re-sponded to special song request from residents. A great time washad by all!

Sunday school hard students at work on cards for

distribution by St. Aelreds Guild

St. Pauls Youth Group make new friends at a

visit to TenderCare West

Members of St. Pauls Youth Group, along

with Fr. Byrd and Barbara Bellinger

Heany, surround parishioner, Clara Vo-

ges, at a visit to TenderCare West

St. Paul's Youth MinistryYouth Ministry Articles Provided By:

Youth Group Council President, Ms. Emily LaubYouth Christian Education Ministry Chairperson, Dr. Judith Brown-Clarke

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

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218 W. Ottawa

Lansing, MI 48933Phone: 517-482-9454

Fax: 517-485-8621

Choir Room: 517-482-0369

Website: Stpaulslansing.org

St. Paul's Episcopal Church

Lansing Michigan

If you no longer wish to receive these mailings, please call the church office (517) 482-9454,

any time of the day or night and leave a message to be taken off our mailing list

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LANSING, MIPermit 1621

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

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

St. Pauls Episcopal Church Staff

The Very Rev. Dr. Gordon Weller, Rector

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

Dr. Stephen R. Lange, Minister of Music

The Rev. Deacon William H. Fineout

Ms. Mary Rodeck, Assistant Minister of Music

Ms. Kathleen Johnson, Office Manager

St. Pauls News Editorial Staff

Christine Caswell, Editor

Helen Hiscoe, Proofreader

Lyn Zynda, Acting Editor

st. paul's news - jan. 2009

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