St. George s Episcopal Church January 2015 This is a free publication for members and friends Volume 21, No.

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1 St. George s Episcopal Church January 2015 This is a free publication for members and friends Volume 21, No. 1 BAPTISM BEGINS US. by Father Paul Allick On, January 11, we will celebrate the Baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ. I love that Jesus insists on getting baptized. He did not need to. He tells us that he is doing it in order to fulfill all righteousness. God will not exempt his son from any of our experiences, except for giving in to sin. God in Christ is going to take this whole journey with us. It is at Jesus Baptism that his ministry really gets going. It is the same for us. Once we are baptized we are called to begin living the Christian faith. We are called into our ministries. When we receive the sacrament of Confirmation, the bishop lays hands on us and prays for us to be empowered by the Holy Spirit. We are empowered to live out our Christian ministries as adults. Baptism begins us on an important path just as it did with Jesus. In the fourth century, St. Gregory of Nazianzus wrote this about Jesus baptism, Christ is bathed in light; let us also be bathed in light. Christ is baptized; let us also go down with him, and rise with him he who is spirit and flesh comes to begin a new creation through the Spirit and water. We are part of that new creation. Our new lives began the moment we were baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. We have been consecrated as God s royal priesthood to live as his servants in this world. We have been given so much spiritual strength and love through Christ. Too often we hide our love and our gifts from each other. Too often we forget that we are all ministers. St. Gregory goes on, He wants you to become a living force for all mankind, lights shining in the world. You are to be radiant lights as you stand beside Christ, the great light, bathed in the glory of him who is the light of heaven. Our lives in and through Christ began at baptism. Our mission of reconciling all people to God and each other through Christ has already begun. Have we taken hold of the light given to us in Christ and learned how to let it shine brightly for others? Have we yet begun? Reference: From a Sermon by Saint Gregory of Nazianzus, bishop Liturgy of the Hours, Volume I (Pp ) Catholic Book Publishing Corp. New York, 1975 EPIPHANY PAGEANT, January 4, :30 a.m. by Heather Whitesell We are excited to be performing an Epiphany pageant again this year. There will be performers of all ages and music by our own Randy Egan. The pageant will take place in the parish hall on, January 4, at 11:30 a.m., following the 10:30 a.m. service. Please plan to attend. NOTE: For those participating in the pageant, there will be a dress rehearsal on Saturday, January 3, at 10:30 a.m. in the parish hall. St. George s Newsletter January 2015 Page 1

2 THE WARDEN S CORNER by Jane Jacobson, Rector s Warden When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. Matthew 2:10-11 (KJV) The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines Epiphany this way: a Christian festival held on January 6 in honor of the coming of the three kings to the infant Jesus Christ. A moment in which you suddenly see or understand something in a new or very clear way. I believe the Magi s eyes were opened to a new understanding and clarity the moment they knelt before Jesus, worshipping Him and offering gifts. Yes, they knew their journey would lead them to The King of the Jews, but can you imagine the wonderment and awe they felt upon seeing the Christ child? And on top of that, God visits them in a dream and warns them not to return to Herod. I have experienced several epiphanies throughout my life. Some were quiet light bulb above the head moments, while others were profound and life changing. I give value to both. Just as in the Magi s dream, God has spoken to me, guiding me, sustaining me and always leading me in a loving manner. As human beings we are not meant to be stagnant. God has blessed us with discerning minds and hearts; He provides us strength and sustenance as we embark on our own personal journeys. Trust in Him as you travel through whatever darkness you are undergoing. You are not alone. You are never alone. As we celebrate the twelfth day of Christmas, let us give thanks to God for the gift of His only Son and turn our faces to the brilliant light of the Star of Bethlehem. ADULT CHRISTIAN EDUCATION AT ST. GEORGE S s in the Parish Hall at 9:15 a.m. January & February 2015 by Father Paul Allick, January 4: No class s, January 11, 17 and 25: A Review of The Gospel and the Catholic Church by Michael Ramsey (Former Archbishop of Canterbury) Presented by Father Paul Allick Some of us become confused when we Episcopalians say in the Creeds that we believe in the Holy Catholic Church. In this theological classic, Michael Ramsey illustrates how it is that Anglicans believe in the Church Catholic. Although it was first published in 1935, this book is still in print and still being studied. Class for, February 1, is yet to be determined. Bishop Brian Prior will be visiting St. George s on this day. Please stay tuned., February 8: Customs and Saints of Lent Presented by Father Paul Allick A THANK YOU from Roxy Zaun As many of you know, my sister Barb had been fighting ovarian cancer for nearly 5 years. When she was first diagnosed, she received a prayer shawl from St. George's. She used this all the time to help keep her warm as well as to feel the comfort of prayers. This shawl went with her everywhere, including her endless rounds of chemotherapy. She was on the Prayers of the People list at St. George's for many, many months. On Thanksgiving, she went to her heavenly home. I want to thank Father Paul, Deacons Eileen and Diane and my entire parish family for all the prayers, hugs, and cards that have been given to me and to Barb and her family over the past several months. You are all such prayerful and loving people! Barb wished to have her prayer shawl buried with her and so it was... Thank you for your loving support. Roxy Zaun St. George s Newsletter January 2015 Page 2

3 EDUCATION CORNER by Heather Whitesell School Coordinator Children s Chapel The children are continuing to learn about the Church-year calendar and have been very excited to learn about the season of Advent. We have practiced lighting the candles each week and have learned the special meanings behind each one, as well as the wreath itself. They are learning that Advent and Lent are similar, since both are times of waiting and anticipation. Preteen/Youth In place of the white elephant exchange of past years, the young people went on a shopping trip to Target and purchased warm mittens and hats to be donated to Perspectives for children in need. This was a great opportunity for the youth to understand and contribute to the parish community s goals of giving. Confirmation The topic for class this month was Spirituality. We had Kathleen Grittner, owner of Still Point Art Studio (housed in our very own St. George s Christian Education Building), as a guest speaker. It was fun for the youth to talk about spirituality and have some hands-on experience at the same time. NEEDED: by Patty Dittrich, Parish Administrator St. George s could use a few good men or women to serve as ushers at both the 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. services on. If you are interested in helping out, please or call Patty in the parish office at pattyd@stgeorgesonline.org, or OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO: Mary Poulsen on the death of her sister Jillayn in late November. Roxy Zaun on the death of her sister Barb in late November. THANK YOU TO: by Patty Dittrich Parish Administrator Mary Kuhfeld for setting up the wonderful crèche she donated to St. George s a few years ago. It is a truly magnificent gift to the parish. Stop by the Narthex to view it. Altar Guild for doing all the necessary work behind the scenes to let liturgy happen around St. George s. Dave Dittrich for hanging the wreaths on the doors before the first of Advent and for putting the aisle candles up for Christmas. Randy Egan for the beautiful music that enriches the worship experience. BIRTHDAYS 5 Tom Boe 21 Diane McGowan 6 Jillian Zaun Kathy Eckstrom 7 Bill Seely 22 Jim Burns 9 Carole Leonard 24 Myrt Glynn 17 Ellen Anderson 25 Tom Zaun 18 Patti Wales 29 Carolyn Blomgren 31 Katherine Cady SAVE THE DATE: SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15 ONE SERVICE AT 9 A.M. St. George s Annual Meeting will be held on, February 15, with one service of Holy Eucharist at 9 a.m. Please mark your calendars. We hope you will plan to attend. ANNUAL REPORTS DUE by Patty Dittrich Parish Administrator Annual Reports of committees, wardens and staff are due in the office by Thursday, January 15. St. George s Newsletter January 2015 Page 3

4 Calendar of Events January 2015 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 New Year s Day Epiphany 8 am HE, Rite I 11:30 am Epiphany pageant 12 noon Education Committee Office closed 8 6:30 pm AA(LL) am - Rite I 9:15 am Adult Education 2 nd /2 nd Offering DAYD 16 DAYD 17 6:30 pm AA (LL) am HE, Rite I 9 am Choir resumes 9:15 am Adult Education 11:30 am Welcoming Committee 6-7:30 pm Confirmation Class 12 noon St. Mary s Circle 7:00 pm - Vestry 6:30 pm AA (LL) am HE, Rite I 9 am - Choir 9:15 am Adult Education 6:30 pm AA (LL) KEY: HE: Holy Eucharist CEB: Christian Education Building LL: Library Lounge DAYD: Dinner at Your Door SECOND SUNDAY/ SECOND OFFERING: January 11 St. George s Newsletter January 2015 Page 4

5 Ministers of the Eucharistic Assembly January 2015 January 4 Epiphany January 11 First after the Epiphany January 18 Second after the Epiphany January 25 Third after the Epiphany Readings Isaiah 60:1-6 Psalm 72:1-7,10-14 Ephesians 3:1-12 Matthew 2:1-12 Genesis 1:1-5 Psalm 29 Acts 19:1-7 Mark 1: Samuel 3:1-10(11-20) Psalm 139:1-5, Corinthians 6:12-20 John 1:43-51 Jonah 3:1-5, 10 Psalm 62: Corinthians 7:29-31 Mark 1:14-20 Lectors Mary Kuhfeld Carole Leonard Steve Harvala Maraline Keeling Karen Marie Cherry Karen Hurlbert Mary Poulsen Sydney Norman Paul Schroeder Kristin Malone Caryl Eschweiler Cyprian Troyer Marion Miller Ravi Norman Chalice Mary Kuhfeld Steve Harvala Maraline Keeling Karen Hurlbert Amanda Jones Alan Poulsen Kristin Malone Kris Kelley Jessica Olson Cyprian Troyer Leslie O Donnell Ravi Norman Ushers 8 a.m. Ron Erickson Ron Holbach Bruce Becker Gordy Justus Ron Erikson Bruce Becker Ron Holbach Gordy Justus 10:30 a.m. Bill Stromberg Don Janke Tom Zaun Lou Michelich Jane Jacobson Bob Jones Tom Zaun Bill Stromberg Acolytes: Richard Norman Aidan Seifert Brendon Snyders Sydney Prince Richard Norman Alissa Swartwood Harper Malone Calista Snyders Lay Eucharistic Visitors Coffee Hour: 8:00 a.m. Ron Holbach Karen Hurlbert Holbach family Betty Bauer Carole Leonard Geri Alberg 10:30 a.m. Alan Poulsen Mary Poulsen Bob Jones Bonnie Jones Gloria Monroe Johnson Iris Alexander Don Janke Patricia Janke FINANCIAL UPDATE for the month of November, the last month for which we have records: Income $24, % of budget Expenses $19, % of budget Total for month $4,700 Year to date ($11,624) Budget year to date ($20,377) Average Attendance for November: 8 a.m. 26; 10:15 a.m. 85; Combined 111 St. George s Newsletter January 2015 Page 5

6 About St. George s 5224 Minnetonka Boulevard St. Louis Park, MN Office hours Monday-Friday: 9 a.m. 3 p.m. Parish staff: Paul Allick, Rector paula@stgeorgesonline.org Diane McGowan, Deacon smarl@aol.com Eileen Harvala, Deacon eileenh@stgeorgesonline.org Patty Dittrich, Parish Administrator pattyd@stgeorgesonline.org Heather Whitesell, Children and Youth Coordinator heatherw@stgeorgesonline.org Randy Egan, Organist/Choirmaster eganmusic@earthlink.net ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Priest in Residence: Mildred Cox Artists in Residence: Mark Bauer, tenor; Dorothy Benham, soprano; Stephen Houtz, baritone; Don Moyer, bass; and Elizabeth Woolner, Emerita. Vestry: Jane Jacobson, Rector s Warden; Tom Boe, Parish Warden; Iris Alexander, Ryan Anderson, Steve Harvala, Mary Kuhfeld, Ravi Norman, Bill Seely, and Tom Zaun Clerk of the Vestry: Mary Weekes Parish Treasurer: Kathie Brown BISHOP PRIOR S VISIT TO ST. GEORGE S SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1 by Father Paul Allick The Right Reverend Brian N. Prior, IX Bishop of the Episcopal Church in Minnesota, will visit St. George s parish on, February 1. He will preside and preach at both services of Holy Eucharist. Please make a good effort to come and celebrate Holy Communion with our bishop. Any adults interested in being confirmed or received into the Episcopal Church while Bishop Prior is with us, please contact Fr. Paul Allick, Deacon Eileen Harvala or Deacon Diane McGowan. SUPPER CLUB AT THE ZAUN S FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6 6:30 P.M. by Roxy Zaun Believe it or not, February is right around the corner, and that means Supper Club! The Zauns will be hosting this fun event at their home, th Avenue North, in Plymouth, on Friday, February 6, at 6:30 p.m. We will enjoy fabulous food made especially for this event, have great conversation and fellowship. Please RSVP to Tom or Roxy Zaun at before Wednesday, February 4. This is a wonderful evening and we look forward to seeing both old and new faces. St. George s Newsletter January 2015 Page 6