St.

Paul's Episcopal Church

Lansing Michigan

St. Paul’s News

Accepting Help June, 2007

By The Rev. Dr. Gordon Weller

I
have a fairly
good sense of di-
rection. I can usually
go somewhere once
and remember how to
The Rev. Dr. Gordon Weller get there the next time.
Getting there the first time is usually not a prob-
lem either because I also can read a map pretty
well. Most of the time, Linda would agree with
this assessment. However, self confidence is one
thing, stubbornness is another. Like most male
drivers 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 you’re lost or not
is subjective in our household). It usually takes a
great deal of pressure (read nagging) to get
me to stop and ask for directions. Even then I
sometimes don't listen very well—Linda would
definitely agree with this assessment. As soon as
Volume 32, Issue 6
I'm out of the gas station, or wherever I've
stopped for the directions, and I'm on the road
again, I can’t remember if I was told two lefts
and a right or two rights and a left. Inside this issue:
I use this common analogy and male shortcoming Calendar 12
to point out how difficult it is sometimes for peo-
Choir Schedule 7
ple to accept help. Whether it's a male in the
car or a woman in the kitchen, most people have St. Paul’s News 4
one or more areas where they feel confident Upcoming 2
enough to they reject assistance even if things Activities
are a bit awry. The results are often frustrating Vestry News 5
and even dangerous.
On May 27, we once again began the season
of Pentecost. It will continue for 27 weeks—over
half a year, June to November. It will be a fa-
miliar road for many. On occasion the lessons
will be well known, so will the liturgy. Events nor-
(Continued on page 10)

Vestry 2007: Establishing a “Theology of Welcoming”

By Greg Wortley, Sr. Warden

O n Saturday, May 5, Curate Susie Shaefer and Vestry members Martie Repaskey, Susan
Henderson 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 “household”
of 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 offered
in 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 Vestry’s prioritizing of the welcoming initiative, Martie, Susan and I all chose to
participate 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 Canon
John Keydel how congregations naturally flow through cycles of formation, growth, stability, as
well as redefinition, redevelopment and rebirth. However, what hit closest to home in regard to
(Continued on page 10)
Page 2 Upcoming St. Paul’s Activities
St Paul’s In Action
Ongoing Activities
• St. Aelred’s 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
• Men’s Golf League, beginning Thursday, May 3,
3:30 PM, Groesbeck Golf Course
• St. Paul’s Library, open every Sunday
• Prayer Group, resumes in September
• Men’s Breakfast, resumes in September
• Mid-Week Eucharist, Tuesdays, noon
This Month at St. Paul’s and Elsewhere
• Graduation Sunday, Sunday, June 3
• ACEF, Mission & Outreach, Prayer Group and
Stewardship Committee, dinner, Monday, June 4,
5:30 PM
• Mass in the Grass, June 10, 10 AM, Lake Lans-
ing—North Park
• U2 Eucharist, Saturday, June 16 4:30 PM, Christ
Church, Dearborn
• VBS, June 18-22
Looking Ahead
• Sr. High & College Youth Habitat Blitz Build, Au-
gust 5-11, Detroit

B&PW St. Elizabeth Guild

By Barbara Richardson By Debby Pierce

T he Business and Professional Women’s Guild

will 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.
T he 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 up
on our summer travels and projects.

Galilee By The Sea:

Vacation Bible School – June 18-22
By Pastor Susie Shaefer, Curate

V acation Bible School is almost here! On Monday, June 18, St. Paul’s
church 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 walked—and 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 your
kids, your friends, and your kids’ friends. Registration forms are available in the Merrifield Room on Sunday
mornings 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 help
by loaning needed items. We always need extra hands for set-up the Sunday before VBS, on Friday for our
closing celebration, and definitely for clean-up afterwards! If you can help with any of these things, fill out a
pink form from the bulletin or contact Susie Shaefer at the church office.
 Upcoming St. Paul’s Activities Page 3

Senior High & College Youth: Compassion At Work – Detroit

By Pastor Susie Shaefer, Curate

C ome, 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 will
gather for a Habitat for Humanity Blitz Build in Detroit. The organizer of the trip, Rev. Geoff Piper writes, “We
want to introduce and establish our youth in the blessedness of servanthood. We want to unite our diocesan
youth from varied backgrounds in a week of Christian fellowship and ministry that helps everyone discover
what we share in Christ. We want suburbanites to better understand the life, blessings and challenges of folks in
the city; and our urbanites to better understand their counterparts from ‘out of town.’ We will help establish
hope and health in an east side neighborhood. Instead of complaining about politics, the economy, or the city,
we’ll step up in Christ’s Spirit and make a difference.”
The camp will be based in a dormitory at Wayne State, where the group will share meals, daily worship and
reflection times, and relax together after each day of work. The week will conclude with a day of celebration
at a water park. For registration packets and more information, contact Sue McCune at the Diocesan Center at
313-833-4420 or smccune@edomi.org.

Save October 20, 2007 U2 Eucharist

By Eleanor Doersam By The Rev. Susie Shaefer, Curate

I n reviewing the comments from “Today’s Blood

Drive Sheet,” April 21, 2007, Team Leader/
Charge Nurse Jody Miller, R.N. wrote, “It is always
a pleasure here at St. Paul’s.”
Our goal of 50 was surpassed by 53 productive
units. We had 68 donors present with 11 defer-
rals, seven first-time donors, and two unsuccessful
pints where the quantity was not sufficient.
This valuable community outreach program has
grown since December 2001 into one of the Blood
Services’ most productive drive sites. Please find
your name on the Roll of Honor and picture review
as posted in the Merrifield Room. Our April drive
was in honor of our own Caroline Thomas.
We thank all who contributed to the success of this
drive and ask you to save Saturday, October 20,
2007, as we again ask for your help. It takes
many people to put together a successful drive,
and I know we can count on the St. Paul’s Family.
We so appreciate all you do for so many.
T hey’ve been covered by Newsweek, “Dateline,”
and even the Lansing State Journal. And now, the
“U2 Eucharist” is coming to a church (somewhat) near
you! The “U2 Eucharist” is an Episcopal Eucharist service
that uses the music of Irish band “U2” and focuses wor-
ship on the Millennium Development Goals. This blend of
popular music and sacred prayer emphasizes God’s
work of reconciliation and justice and the call we have
as Christians to participate in God’s healing of the
world. If you love U2, if you are interested in this justice
work or are simply curious about this worship phenome-
non, then come see it in action! The music of U2 will rock
the walls of Christ Church in Dearborn on June 16 at
4:30 p.m. Sign up outside the Merrifield Room or talk
with Rev. Susie Shaefer if you are interested in car-
pooling to this event.
Combined Planning Meeting
Dr. Stephen R. Lange, Minister of Music

T here will be a planning and information meeting of

the Adult Christian Education and Formation (ACEF),
Mission & Outreach, Prayer Group and Stewardship
Committees on Monday, June 4 beginning at 5:30 p.m.
in the Merrifield Room. A soup and salad dinner will be
served.
If you would like to participate in the planning process
for the 2007-08 church year, please contact Steve
Lange.
Page 4 St. Paul’s News
Graduation Sunday Mass on the Grass!!
By The Rev. Dr. Gordon F. Weller

I t has long been a tradition at St. Paul’s

to honor our high school, college and
advanced-degree graduates. On Sunday,
June 3 your Vestry will provide a breakfast
Date: Sunday, June 10, 2007
for the graduates and their families at 9
AM. During the 10 AM service there will be Time: For the 10 a.m. Service
a short ceremony to honor the high school Location: Lake Lansing — North Park
grads, and a small gift by which to remem- We hope you’ll join us for
ber us will be presented. Food, Fellowship and Fun!!
We want to acknowledge and congratu-
late all the following graduates: Bring lawn chairs, plenty of sun protection and a
dish to pass. If your last name begins
• Jimmy Boniglio • Britt Lindquist with:
• Hannah Couch • Alex Mishra
A—I Bring a Salad
• Anthony Earley • Eric Potts J—S Bring a Casserole
• Lucy Finkel • Erin Sanchez T—Z Bring a Dessert
• Josephine Kariuki • Staci Sparks
Beverages & Place settings
will be provided

Church School/Teacher Recognition

By Pastor Susie Shaefer, Curate

S unday, May 20 was the last day of church school for this school year, and we had a great year! That
morning 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 had Carol Laub,
Julie Fletcher, Judi Clarke, Kathy Gut, Jill Walker, Chris & Charlie Krupka, and new teachers, Matt & Kym
Hall. Our junior high class was led by Chris Nazar, Sue LeDuc, new teacher Tom Foltz, and returning teacher
Barb 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 formation
takes patience, care and love. These teachers are a marvelous example of those qualities! Be sure to say
“thank 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 Tom Shawver, Staff Writer

P lease 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 some
years but recently decided to join St. Paul's and become Episcopalians.
 News from the Vestry Page 5

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 we
are 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. Combined
with $68,958 of restricted contributions (including the $59,194 from the Penniman Trust), we have recorded a
total 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.

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 the
Parish
• 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 a
more complete presentation next month.
• Heard a report from people who attended the
Ministry Fair
• Received various committee reports
• Discussed the various joint committee meetings
occurring in June and the good expected to come
from them
• Received a financial repot from Jeff Irwin (found
elsewhere 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 and
gave 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

Attention Committees, Guilds

and Organizations
O ver the summer the office will be preparing
the event and activity calendar for Septem-
ber, 2007 thru May, 2008. Please send informa-
tion on any committee, Guild or organizational
meetings you would like placed on the church cal-
endar to the office. Deadline for inclusion is
Wednesday, August 1.
Page 6 St. Paul’s News
Kristine 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, and
breakfast with the Business and Professional Women's Guild—who were having their Corporate Communion—
she 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 of
their 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 in
front of the congregation all during the year, not just during the every member canvass. The committee has
worked extensively with her and considers her a valuable resource. We thank the diocese each time she is with
us.
In response to her presentation and our desire to have a Planned Giving team, the committee is working on a
program for St. Paul's. If you are interested in being on the committee, please contact the Church office or Fr.
Weller.

The 4F’s Group Visits Congregation Shaarey Zedek

By Nancy Sheldon

T he 4 F’s group has been taking a journey this past

year to explore the three faiths of Abraham: Is-
lam, Christianity and Judaism. In April, we completed
that journey with a presentation on the Jewish faith by
Nancy Sheldon and a visit to the Congregation
Shaarey Zedek. Rabbi Baroff was a gracious host dur-
ing our visit.
We began in the sanctuary where Rabbi Baroff de-
scribed the Torah’s writings as well as its covering. The
Torah is a scroll which is written on very special parch-
ment that is manufactured from the skin of a kosher
animal. The scroll is “dressed” or covered in a velvet
costume with a crown. This covering varies on each and
every Torah but is “dressed” to represent King David.
Congregation Shaarey Zedek has five such Torahs that
are used throughout the year during their Sabbath
services. In its narrow meaning, The Scroll of the Torah
is the Five Books of Moses, the Pentateuch (Genesis,
Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy). This is
referred to as the Sefer Torah. Later, Torah came to
mean the whole of the Old Testament Bible and all the
explanations, elaborations and extensions by the
Sages of Israel. In that sense, the Torah means the
whole of Jewish teaching, the total picture of what
God wishes them to do.
The Rabbi also described the differences in the three
most universal Jewish congregations: Orthodox, Reform We also visited their Hebrew School classrooms where
and Conservative. Congregation Shaarey Zedek is a
Reform Synagogue (with some conservative members)
and the Kehillat Israel Congregation, also in Lansing, is
yet another form called Reconstructionist, a liberal
form 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 find
among the various Christian faiths.
Rabbi Baroff also talked about their belief in the
World to Come (that the death of the body is not the
end, but that the soul lives on), about Jesus as a
prophet and the doctrine of the Messiah, the dawning
of a Messianic Age. They believe that this will be a
time when mankind will not only live in peace, but will
develop into a higher order that pursues goodness for
its own sake…that human history will find its fulfillment
on this earth, that there will be an “end of days” in
which injustice will be abolished and wrongs put right
for all humanity here on earth.
After answering our many questions, we took a tour of
the building and grounds. One interesting large
plaque in the Sanctuary that he talked about contains
a list of all of the deceased members of their congre-
gation. The anniversary of their death is noted by a
small light next to their name which remains lit during
the week of the anniversary.
(Continued on page 10)
 St. Paul’s News Page 7

Outreach and Service at St. Paul’s —

Your Diaconal Candidate
By William H. Fineout

A s a diaconal candidate at St. Paul’s, 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 Church
community the needs, concerns and hopes of the world. At all times, a deacon’s life and teaching are to
show Christ’s people that in serving the helpless, they are serving Christ himself. At St. Paul’s, 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 God’s Word and Sacraments.
Liturgy participation will be another major portion of my service at St. Paul’s, serving and assisting with
worship, lectors, Eucharistic ministers, prayers, the setting of the Table and other functions as needed or
requested by Father Weller.
Previously some of my outreach ministry has been associated with Advent House Ministries, Ele’s Place for
Grieving Children, the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk (Sept. 17, 2007), activities of Lansing Area
Episcopal 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 ministry
here at St. Paul’s. I hope you will share with me your experiences and passions helping others. And if you
are 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. Paul’s and to
establish a calendar of outreach activities with your help and input. If you chaired or shared leadership in
an outreach activity, please tell me about it. I was able to attend some of the Lenten presentations on the
needs in the Lansing area and look forward to hearing your cares and concerns as we serve others.
Your servant in Christ,
Bill

Design & Preservation Caroline's Brunch

By Max Pierce By Debby Pierce

A big thanks to the crew that turned out for the

clean up on Saturday, May 14. The closets were
cleaned, including the outside storage room, and the
courtyard was weeded and spruced up. Our thanks to
Pat and Ed Meier, Matt Hall, Larry Clark, Carly Lenon
and Ree Huber (thanks for the donuts), Susie Shaefer,
Gordon Weller, and Max and Debby Pierce.
T hanks to all of you who made Caroline’s 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 its
generosity—you all are very special.
My sincere thanks to all of you who brought food,
served and cleaned up afterwards. It was difficult
to have to be out of town when we wanted to be
here with all of you.
Page 8
St. Paul’s News
Organ Restoration Campaign
By The Rev.Dr. Gordon F. Weller

I n January, at the annual meeting, it was reported that the fund raising
campaign 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 to
dwindle. As of the end of April, there was still $6,183.00 in outstanding pledges. If you made a pledge and
are 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.

We Shortened the Hiatus

By Christine Caswell
We’re used to quiet summers at St. Paul’s, including a rest from our beloved St. Paul’s News, which will not
be 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 August
1, instead of the 15th. There are two reasons for this: the September issue is usually overwhelming, so for the
sanity of the staff, we would like more time. Secondly, with the problems we’ve had with mail delivery of
late, we would like the hard work from all of those who contribute to get to the rest of the members before
their 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, you’ll be hearing from me in July. Thanks to everyone for their help and support
throughout the year.

St. Paul’s 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,
Prayer List 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, Roger
Ophaug, 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, Andrew
Stephenson, 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 recently
passed away
 St. Paul’s News Page 9

Journeys and Growth

By Pastor Susie Shaefer, Curate

I t seems to me that most of the parables and stories

we hear from the Bible have to do either with
seeds and growing things, or being on a journey to or
from somewhere. I suppose that makes sense, since in
this life of faith, we are always growing, always on a
journey towards a deeper relationship with God. And
so these come to mind as I prepare to leave this won-
derful community where I have traveled for two years
on this faith journey of ordination and grown so much
by being with each of you.
It’s hard to believe that I have been at St. Paul’s for
two years. I am so grateful for the time and ministry
we’ve shared. Over these months, I’ve experienced
God’s presence in so many ways: in our common wor-
ship, in gatherings for food and study, in a Tennessee
work camp. I am happy for all the work that we have
done together: Vacation Bible School, the youth mission
trip, welcoming new members, church school planning,
a Habitat house, Communion classes, Bible studies and
dinners. But even more than those, I have been blessed
by the relationships formed here in the name of God’s
love. It is in our love and care for one another that Je-
sus is most present, and I have witnessed that care in
abundance here at St. Paul’s. This has been a great
place to grow and learn, and I’ve 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, with
Graduation Sunday, the church picnic, a final sermon
on June 17, and of course, Vacation Bible School! But
even beyond that, our growth in God continues. I will
miss this community and am glad that my new ministry
for the diocese will enable me to hear from you now
and again. Thank you for giving me a place to de-
velop roots and branches. Thank you for equipping me
with so many tools and memories and experiences for
the continued journey. Thank you for being the faith
community that is St. Paul’s 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 God’s hand.

ECW Retreat
By Kathy Vogel

T he women of St. Paul’s held their annual retreat at the St. John’s 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 and
freedom, 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 their
exchange 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 knew
that St. Paul’s had so many fun women?! We were provided with a nice balance of focus on the retreat topic
and time to socialize. Together we shared laughter, listening and loving. I can hardly wait until next year.
Page 10
St. Paul’s News
(Continued from, “Accepting Help,” page 1)

mally associated with the season will again occur: graduations, baptisms, summer planning, Vacation Bible
School, 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, or
without a guide for the journey. He wanted them to know that they would have a constant companion. We too
have unseen help in our lives, in the car, in the kitchen, everywhere. The question is, will we ask for help or try to
go 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 from
the places you have visited. In your journeys, hither and yon, remember the abiding presence of God and seek
your direction from the Holy Spirit.

(Continued from, “Vestry 2007,” page 1) until we rest in the presence of the loving God.

what St. Paul’s 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 well
as on numerous practical ways a church can be most
sensitive to that situation and most effective in wel-
coming and integrating such persons.
As helpful as the statistical and practical information
was, what made the biggest impact on me, and what
I feel most in need of sharing with you from the Fair,
was the simple reminder that unless our welcoming is
firmly grounded on sound theological principle—on
our most responsible thinking about God and recon-
ciliation with God through Christ—the “nuts and
bolts” of welcoming will be limited in effect. In that
regard, I share with you from among the workshop
handouts—a simple theological statement by the late
Susy Miller, former national church consultant, written
as a “groundwork” for welcoming efforts in the
church—a “theology of welcoming,” if you will, that
can inform all that we do as we proceed with our
welcoming at St. Paul‘s.
We believe that God is a God of love. We believe that
every human being desires to know the God of love. And entire Sunday morning experience and environment
we believe that the God of love desires each of us all the through the lens of the one who is discovering that she or
time, whether we are connected with a faith community or he is a beloved child of God.
not. We believe that we and all human beings are restless
We know when a person accepts an invitation or just
shows 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 church—
God 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 God’s mission to reconcile all people to
God and one another in Christ.
Welcoming is assisting God in God’s work. It is to be
aware and open to God’s presence at work in the life of
another. We do not have to make it happen, God is doing
that. We need to cooperate with what God is doing.
We are not welcoming a person to “our church.” We are
acknowledging that God is doing a new thing, and we are
ready to accompany another person in naming God’s
work in his/her life, claiming that we are God’s beloved
children and are made in God’s image, and sending that
person out with this Good News.
Welcoming is far more than welcoming a person to a
church that is friendly—it is welcoming that person as the
person God has brought to us and being the guide in that
person’s continuing faith journey. We need to look at the

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

the children learn Hebrew as well as receive religious instruction in preparation for their Bar Mitzvah (boys) or
Bat 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, the
Rabbi walked us around the grounds and explained the significance of each sculpture and plaque, patiently
answering all of our questions.
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