Professional Documents
Culture Documents
T hanks to all for the support received during our recent fund-raising drive to refurbish St. Paul’s
pipe organ! The instrument sounds absolutely wonderful with the new stops and other im-
provements to the electrical system! The final cost for this project was actually less than we had
anticipated: $150,580.00. The financial breakdown is as follows:
Total amount pledged $96,386.00
Monies Received:
Pledges $84,418.00
Non-members & gifts from members above the pledged amount $18,160.00
Fratcher Foundation $10,810.00
Diocese $10,000.00
Whitely Foundation $2,000.00
Pampered Chef $164.92
Total Received: $125,552.92
In the season of Lent, we are called to respond to the initiative of Christmas and Epiphany and examine our-
selves so that we might also do the “right thing” to be instruments of love. As part of your own Lenten disci-
pline, consider the ways you might break down the “isms” that divide and separate us: ageism, “genderism,”
ethnic “backgroundism,” and yes, Racism.
Upcoming St. Paul’s Activities Page 3
Lenten Programs
Dr. Stephen R. Lange, Minister of Music
BP&W
S t. Aelred’s Guild works to provide visits, cards,
prayers and support to the community of St.
Paul’s unable to attend church regularly because of
illness or other hardship.
By Barbara Richardson
Request forms for this special ministry are avail-
F or 10 years our diocese, through the Whittaker School, has offered an annual two-day conference on
stewardship. Words can't describe what is in store for you if you commit a Friday evening and Saturday
morning and afternoon to attend. I am happy to witness to the fact that each of the preceding conferences has
impacted my thinking and spiritual awareness significantly, long-term and constructively. I look forward to this
next conference with eager anticipation, knowing that I will be "fed."
Bishop Michael Curry of the Diocese of North Carolina is the scheduled speaker. People who have heard him
enthusiastically endorse his message and his abilities as a skilled and persuasive speaker.
Watch for more information in the Sunday bulletins or bulletin board notices. For now, just save the date, Fri-
day, March 23, 6-9:30 p.m. and Saturday, March 24, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
W e pray for those who are sick and in need: Beverly McEachern, Cindy Robinson,
Richard, Audrey & Aaron Hegmon, Shelley Robinson, Donna, Grady, & Dennis
Letner, Clara Voges, Mason Hill, Lois Caswell, Brian Schray, June Wyatt, Dick Siebert,
Erik Lindquist, Carol, Bernie Lynch, Judith Jones, baby Benjamin, Becky Chamberlain,
Prayer List Kim Cross, Nancy Hiscoe Clark, Elizabeth Marsden, Dezi & Penny Horvat, Charles
Weaver, Kristin Kelley, Rich Davis, Cris Plyler, Ben Herbert, Tim Ross, Chance Collins,
Marlene Dombroske, Caroline Thomas and her parents, brothers & godparents, Chris Laurion, Steve, Caro-
lyn Such, Betty Jensen, Aaron Robinson, Linda, Marjorie Belles, Dan, MaryLea Benson, Ed Meier, Marsha
& Skip Macholz, Gloria Harvat, Roland Howes, Cindy Alvarez, DakBai DakBai, and Jack Siebold
We pray and remember those in the Military, serving in dangerous areas: Carlos Sims
We pray for those expecting: Norm & Tara Farhat, Tad & Leigh Miller, Mark & Kate Johnson, Ian & Brooke
Broughton, and Daren & Ellen McConnell
We pray for and celebrate the baptisms of: Alexander Thomas Kissling, son of Kurt Kissling & Cara
Garvale Kissling; Aida Virgine Leonard, daughter of Justin & Jessica Leonard; Abigail Elizabeth Young,
daughter of Michael & Julie Young
Upcoming St. Paul’s Activities Page 5
T
classes will begin March10 and meet for four
he Four F’s group will visit Holy Trinity Greek Or-
consecutive Saturdays. These classes are required
thodox Church on Monday, February 12. This visit
for those considering baptism for themselves or
is part of our continuing examination of “Abraham, Fa-
their children, but are something that could benefit
ther of Three Religions.” The day will begin with an
any Christian yearning to know the requirements of
11:30 a.m. Eucharist and a noon lunch. At 12:30 p.m.,
being a Christian. Each class begins at 9:30 a.m.
we will go to the Orthodox Church to compare, contrast
and will last for two hours. A sitter is available if
and reflect on the differences and similarities of another
needed (notify the Church). Please sign up now by
branch of the Christian faith. If you would like to attend,
calling the Church office or signing the guest list
please call the church or sign the guest list outside the
outside the Merrifield Room.
Merrifield Room. The cost for lunch is $4.
L ast year we held the first ERD used book sale. Thanks to your wonderful support, it was a great success and
we sent over $500 to support the work of Episcopal Relief and Development.
Since that time I have frequently been asked if we planned to have another one. "Sure," I would answer, and
the time is here.
For the second sale to be successful, it again depends on you. Look through your and your children's book-
shelves for books you have enjoyed but won't read again. (You may also have unread books that you can't
imagine ever reading.) Place them in the red bin under the sign-in table next to the elevator and we'll be
launched on our second annual sale.
Come March 18 and 25 to buy replacements for the spaces on your shelves, donate generously to ERD and
return home to enjoy some new reading adventures.
(Please, no textbooks, magazines or computer manuals.)
O ne of the commitments that the 2006 stewardship committee made to themselves and to St. Paul’s was to
live the theological realization that Stewardship is a year-round way of life, and not just a fall fund rais-
ing campaign. To that end, the committee will continue to meet every month during the year and present some
of their thoughts and findings to the congregation on a regular basis.
Their current presentation is “Which Star Are You Following?” This diocesan program is an outgrowth of last
fall’s stewardship campaign, “The Gift of Generosity.” The program begins on Ash Wednesday and continues
throughout Lent. Explanations have been included in the weekly bulletins since Epiphany. We would be happy
to mail any parishioner a more complete explanation on request.
The essence of the program is to challenge individuals to think of tithing as a Christian way of life and to be
one who tithes during the season of Lent. This is not simply another fundraiser for St. Paul’s. As the Diocesan ma-
terial states, gifts of generosity can go anywhere, not only to the Church. Everything is anonymous and the only
criteriaon is to try. One component will be a Labyrinth meditation that will take place at St. Paul’s on Friday,
February 9 at 7 p.m. Anyone trying the program will be invited to attend a dinner in the fall with the bishop to
celebrate the attempt. Contact the Church office for more information.
Another program sponsored by the Stewardship committee and the Diocese is a “Planned Giving Seminar.” This
will take place on Saturday, March 10 at St. Paul’s and will be open to the Lansing area parishes. More infor-
mation on this event will be included in the March issue of the St. Paul’s News.
E very Wednesday morning in Lent, February 28 - March 28, there will be a service of Morning Prayer at 7
a.m. It will be followed by a Bible study that will concentrate on the resurrection appearances of Jesus.
News from the Vestry Page 7
By Jeff Irwin
T his article was written before the December 31, 2006 accounting was finalized. Therefore the amounts
reported are preliminary and may change.
Many positive things happened in 2006. There were many generous gifts that were placed in various restricted
funds. Some of the more significant gifts were made by the estate of Juanita Assiff, the estate of Janet Hendy
and the Lucille Penniman Trust. Additionally, Tom and Jean Shawver provided funds to start a special speakers’
fund in 2006. All told, a total of $102,543 was received that was either designated or restricted for a particu-
lar purpose. Additionally, the restricted funds recorded an increase in value of $63,940 in 2006.
A successful organ restoration project took place in 2006. Almost $144,000 was raised to restore the organ.
The majority of the funds came from within our congregation. At year end, over $99,000 had been received
from members with an additional $12,000 in pledges to be collected in 2007. Approximately, $33,000 came
from the Diocese, the Fratcher Trust and the Whitely Foundation. Final funding was provided by a $6,000
transfer from the Organ Repair Fund to complete the project.
As in the past, support was provided to assist the Sudanese. All carryover funds were expended for Sudanese
projects in 2006 with net support of approximately $5,000 provided.
In 2006 the designated and restricted revenue totaled $154,891.
In the unrestricted operations, pledge and non-pledged revenue was $267,836. Almost $10,000 of that was
(Continued on page 10)
Summer Camp
By Pastor Susie Shaefer, Curate
T his year, the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan is partnering with the Lutheran Church to offer summer camp
programs for children and youth. The camp ministry, called Living Water Ministries, has all kinds of offer-
ings from Sailing Camp or Acting Camp for high schoolers, to Junior High Horse Camp, to traditional summer
camp for those entering grades 4-9. On Sunday, February 18, a team of counselors from Living Water Minis-
tries will be joining us in church school and worship to share more about the camp ministry. Check out the camp
brochures available in the literature & tract rack, and join us on February 18 to hear about this exciting oppor-
tunity for children and youth.
W e bid a fond farewell to Chris Nazar who is leaving Lansing and St. Paul's in March to take a new job
in Kansas City. In his nearly six years at St. Paul's, he has been one of the most active members of the
parish, especially in mentoring and working with the youth groups. He was a leader of last year's mission trip to
Tennessee and an earlier trip to New York City. He also participated in "lock-ins" for parish young people and
coordinated the annual Crop Walk to alleviate world hunger. As a Vestry member for two years, he worked
primarily in Christian Education.
Chris is a native of Ontario and a graduate of the University of Toronto. He will head up planning operations in
the Kansas City office of Wilbur Smith and Associates, his present employer.
"I've really enjoyed my experience in St. Paul's," he said. "I've been blessed to work with a good group of peo-
ple, and I'm impressed that so many people here are involved in the work of the church."
St. Paul’s Choirs Page 9
High School Choir - Wednesday, February 21: No Rehearsal, although all members of the High School Choir
are invited to join the Chancel Choir for the Ash Wednesday service (7 p.m.). Cherubs and Boys’ and Grace
will meet as normal from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Chancel Choir - Wednesday, February 21: We will sing for the Ash Wednesday service (rehearsal for the
service will begin at 6:30 p.m.) and then will have our normal Thursday rehearsal after the service. There
will be no rehearsal on February 22.
All Choirs - Saturday, March 3 - Cabaret (an evening of dining, fellowship and great entertainment pro-
vided by choristers of St. Paul’s.) This is a fundraiser for the England Choristers’ trip. All the Youth Choirs will
be presenting numbers. Please save this date and support the High School Choristers!
Singing Schedule
Date Choirs
February 4 Boys’ and Grace; High School
February 11 High School and Chancel
February 18 High School and Chancel
February 25 High School and Chancel
Cabaret is Coming
Dr. Stephen R. Lange, Minister of Music
A wonderful evening of light dining and heavy entertainment (or is that heavy dining and light entertain-
ment?) will be held at St. Paul’s on Saturday, March 3, beginning at 5 p.m. The menu will be spaghetti,
salad, roll and dessert, to be followed by some of St. Paul’s finest performing works from Broadway and off-
Broadway (and maybe even off-off Broadway). Tickets will be available at coffee hours in February. It’s al-
ways family-rated entertainment, with Cherubs, Boys’ and Grace, High School Choirs, and several adult soloists
and groups performing for us. Reservations are necessary, so please purchase your tickets early. It’s a great
way to spend an evening: good food, great entertainment and wonderful fellowship. Please join us!
Page 10
St. Paul’s Youth Ministry
(Continued from, “Lenten Programs,” page 3)
At the time of this report, we have $11,968.00 in outstanding pledges, and we also will be receiving another
grant of $10,000 from our Diocese, bringing the grand total to $147,520.92!
Our thanks go out to the Organ Restoration Committee members: Brad Deacon, Susan Henderson, Ben Her-
bert, Steve Lange, Rick Laub, Kirk Lindquist, Mary Luginsland, Tom Repaskey, Libby Richardson, and Greg
Wortley. A special thank you also goes out to Gordon Weller, Susie Shaefer, MaryLea Benson, and Carolyn
Such for their help with the campaign!
over the budgeted amount. We also, received $27,467 from the Diocese of Michigan in support of our Cu-
rate.
In total, the operating activities of the church recorded a deficit of $144,415. In order to provide funds, it
was necessary to withdraw money from various restricted funds when allowable. A sum of $90,000 was re-
leased from the St. Paul's Perpetual fund to provide cash. An additional $32,371 was taken from the Building,
Bancroft, Hubbard Literature, Memorial, Levina Miles and Mission & Outreach funds. Without the use of these
funds, we would not have been able to pay our bills during the year.
The combined 2006 results of St. Paul's for 2006 were $664,956 in revenue and $654,480 in expenses. This
includes both the restricted and operating activities of the church for a combined net revenue of $10,476.
Although this appears to be a positive year, a significant amount of the revenue is not available for the
church’s day-to-day activities. Additionally, we have been the beneficiaries of many generous bequests this
past year. With the exception of $50,000 from the Penniman Trust for 2007 and 2008, it is unlikely we will
be so fortunate in the future.
On December 31, 2006, the total fund balance of the church was $607,246. The unrestricted fund balance is
actually in a deficit position of $24,501. There is $631,747 that is restricted.
There is not a budget for the restricted and designated funds since this revenue is essentially the result of un-
pledged contributions and earnings on the funds invested. In both 2007 and 2008, we will receive approxi-
mately $50,000 from the Penniman Trust. The vestry has established that 90% of this amount will be placed in
the St. Paul’s Perpetual fund and 10% in the Mission and Outreach fund.
The operating budget for 2007 again shows a very large deficit. Only by using the St. Paul's Perpetual fund
and other funds will we be able to continue to operate in the same manner as we have in the past.
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