As usual, the food was great!

Transcription

1 St. Paul s News St. Paul s Episcopal Church - Lansing, Michigan Volume 37, Issue 2 February 2018 As usual, the food was great! By The Rev. Karen C. Lewis Once again, we have travelled through our Annual Meeting with thanksgiving and joy and great food! Jeff Irwin did an outstanding job explaining the 2017 year-end financials and the annual budget for And we have much to celebrate as we thank all of you who pledged this year. You are investing in the ministry of St. Paul s and it future through your generous pledges the highest number of pledging units in many years and one of our largest ever budgets. Thank you! Many thanks were extended to folks who throughout the year gave of their time and talents above and beyond the call of duty. The Busy Bee awards went to Amanda Ross for having her hand in all sorts of things from SP21Restore Committee to decorating the Merrifield for Easter and Christmas to her work on Vestry. The Hubers were also recipients of the Busy Bee for their great work on our Annual Pledge Drive, SP21Restore and the incredible grant proposal presentation to the Board of Trustees of the Diocese of Michigan (it had to be done via telephone due to weather). And the last recipient(s) of a Busy Bee award were the three members of the Facilities Task Force: Joe Lehning, Jim Clark and Bob Merriman. These three have worked for many months to organize and prioritize all of our building projects. My thanks to all of these folks. The last award was given to the one who had shown the greatest effort and growth in faith the Canterbury Award was presented to Nancy Merriman for her dedication to her faith formation and her great curiosity which is necessary for growth. We re on the web! We gave thanks and celebrated the hard work of the outgoing Vestry Members Lyn Zynda, Sue Boulton and Sally Lawrence. There were four open positions for Vestry as only three person agreed to run, they were voted in unanimously. We welcome, Justin Alexander, Sue LeDuc and Bob Merriman to the Vestry. During the follow-up Vestry meeting, Isaac Francisco was elected by the Vestry to be its Sr. Warden and Jim Clark as the Jr. Warden. We also elected our three delegates to the Diocesan Convention: Amanda Ross, Jennifer Humphries and Laura Julier. During our time together, each table engaged in a conversation responding to four questions regarding our eventual move back into the sanctuary. The responses to each question include: Two things you appreciate the most about worshipping in the Merrifield? Intimacy people are closer to altar and priest; increases participation; can see what is happening at the altar Feel more comfortable being involved here Hospitality we strive to provide hospitality it seems stronger Continued on Page 2 Inside this issue... Annual Meeting Recap Treasurer s Report...4 Parish News & Events... 5 St. Paul s Youth and more!

2 As usual... continued from Page 1 Light brighter; padded seats; casual atmosphere; Kids soft space; clarity of sound Temperature control better Choir likes being closer to congregation Forced into new patterns not sitting in your pew; nobody sits by themselves Being closer to each other resulting in better relationships; closer & more open, new connections. Like how we transition from worship to coffee hour and to potluck set-up parish works together to transition Easter Blessed to have space to worship during reconstruction The creation of a sacred space out of our busy community room Blessed for the patience & participation of the congregation Passing the peace has become more friendly Which of these things do you want to continue when we return to the sanctuary for regular worship? Encourage people to sit together; sitting closer to each other Keep connected to each other to keep our relationship strong time spent together Sit in front; not scattered throughout Peace buddies Sermon closer to the people Get rid of the pews use more flexible seating sitting in round around common table Continue to give communion standing likes not kneeling Likes having kneeling optional with standing communion goes quicker Children more comfortable in Merrifield We are more flexible and adaptable in Merrifield Flexible seating that can be moved, reconfigured Space for young children/babies in sanctuary How do we make sure this will happen? What will you personally do to ensure this happens? Portable altar at foot of steps & offer communion; offer communion at foot of steps Ushers encourage people to sit closer to the front; rope off pews in the back Add soft space in sanctuary Needlepoint cushions for front pews Change who you sit with I plan to sit closer I am getting better at engaging with people that I never really had a chance to meet. I will work to welcome newcomers. Not separate myself from other parishioners Make a point to extend the Peace beyond the nearest pews; extend time for Peace Regular social events; community life; Women s Retreat Sound engineering Any other thoughts/comments regarding our return to the sanctuary for worship? Community life Altar rail will be good to have kneeling back I ll like being able to see Tim s directions when I m singing in the choir after we move back into the sanctuary During this transition the worship space has shown me the church itself is us not a building but the people who gather there To remember what we almost lost and what we have now. To continue to give thanks for our church building the glue that holds the congregation together I m excited to bring these experiences of closeness & willingness to adapt into the sanctuary. Cut off some of the last pews, like some churches do the first pews, so people move up. Lenten Study Heresies of the Early Church By The Rev. Karen C. Lewis Are you an Ebionite or Gnostic? Perhaps you are a follower of Marcion or Pelagious? Perhaps you might classify yourself as one who believes in Arianism or Donatism. How do you explain Jesus Christ being both divine and human? Does one have priority over the other? Are you a heretic? A heretic is one whose teachings the church at large considers erroneous and even dangerous to the faith. It s easy to slip into heresy when trying to clarify the meaning of faith you might have done this yourself without even realizing it. Join us as we wander through the early history of the Christian Church and discover what they fought about at that time. It wasn t which hymn to sing or which color to paint the bathroom. It was more along the lines of was Jesus truly born or did Jesus truly have a human body. We will gather in the Merriman on Tuesday evenings for five weeks beginning February 20th. Child care will be available. Dinner is available for $7.00 from the Catered Affaire at 5:30 pm. Class will start at 6:30 pm. If you wish dinner please sign up the number eating sign-up board is on the Sign-Up Table in the Merrifield. This will be a great way to learn about your faith during Lent. Join us!! Page 2 St. Paul s News February 2018

3 Photos from the Annual Meeting St. Paul s News February 2018 Page 3

4 Treasurer s Report for 2017 By Jeffrey Irwin, Treasurer Discussion of the 2017 financial results: 2017 was a challenging year in the sense that the south wall with the TeDeum window was damaged in a March windstorm and required extensive repairs. Fortunately, we have an excellent insurance policy and the cost of the repairs are essentially being covered by the insurance company. Unfortunately, the damage to the wall brought to the forefront numerous other repairs needed to our church. Again, fortunately we have a very generous congregation and with some gifts from outside entities we have raised a significant amount of funding for the repairs. Although the SP21 project is far from complete we did make significant repairs to the church building during 2017 and we are positioned to continue that work in That said the normal operations of the church went well in Over $350,000 of pledge/non-pledge revenue was booked in That is $18,000 more than we recorded in 2016 and more importantly $39,000 more then we budgeted for Total operating revenues were $401,000 including pledge revenue in A total of $745,000 was expended in Of that expense total $296,000 was for the SP21 project. An additional $76,000 was from other restricted funds including $40,000 from the Shawver Memorial Fund to support the salary of the Youth Coordinator and Assistant Rector. At year end 2017 we have $28,000 more in unrestricted funds available then we did at the end of In regard to the SP21 campaign we collected $390,000 in cash contributions in Of that amount $40,000 was grants from the Whiteley Foundation and the diocese. As of December 31, 2017, an additional $278,000 has been pledged (including $60,000 from the Whiteley Foundation) and is expected to be received over the three years ending Also, the Diocese loaned our Parish $240,000 to fund SP21 repairs. At year end 2017 we have $333,000 available to expend for future SP21 work. Included in that amount is the diocesan loan which does need to be repaid. The designated and restricted funds received $7,000 in contributions in 2017 exclusive of SP21. The designated and restricted funds also recorded $97,000 in investment earnings in This is the sixth straight year our investments have gained in value for a six-year total gain of $348,000. In summary the income statement shows we spent $344,000 more than collected. However, a total of $372,000 was transferred from designated and restricted to unrestricted operations resulting in a net increase of $28,000 in unrestricted funds available for At December 31, 2017 we have $102,000 of unrestricted funds available. We also have $1,166,000 of designated and restricted funds available. The 2016 financial statements were audited by the CPA firm of Layton and Richardson. They did not make changes to the amounts in the 2016 financial statements and their report has been accepted by the Vestry. Please contact the church office if you would like a copy of the 2016 audited financial statements. Discussion of the 2018 Operating Budget: The 2018 operating budget was approved by the Vestry. Pledge revenue is budgeted to be to $324,000 which is $12,000 more than was budgeted for However, in 2017 our actual pledge collections were over budget so if in 2018 we recognize exactly at the budget 2018 pledges will end up being $27,000 less than 2017 actual. The operating budget shows we will expend $571,000 for charges that are eligible for reimbursement from the designated and restricted funds. This amount includes $500,000 for SP21 repairs. Actual expenditures for SP21 will be dependent on future pledge revenue collected. The budget also anticipates $46,000 of support from the Shawver memorial fund for Assistant Rector and Youth Coordinator compensation. The Vestry voted to increase all employees compensation by 2% in It is expected we will spend $28,000 more than revenue collected on the regular operations of the church that will not be supported from the designated and restricted funds. Given we have $102,000 of funds available at the start of 2018 this is a reasonable and viable budget. I want to thank everyone who works hard to on our financial records. Most importantly Theresa Milne for her work as our bookkeeper as well as office manager. Also, Libby Richardson assists Theresa and Karen Lewis is instrumental in generating accurate financial records. Our Sunday pledge counters are also a very important part of our accounting process. Page 4 St. Paul s News February 2018

5 PARISH NEWS & EVENTS Epiphanies Mission and Outreach Ministry By Sue LeDuc An epiphany is a sudden perception or insight into the reality or essential meaning of something usually initiated by some simple, homely or commonplace occurrence or experience I was looking at various definitions of this seasonal word when I realized how much it pertains to missions. I have learned so much from many of our simple ministries here at St. Paul s. In this world of texts and complicated technologies, it is a blessing to get simple reminders of how love works to overcome hate, as Dr. Martin Luther King said. Some simple reminders: 1st Sunday of every month: toilet paper, paper towels, laundry soap, wipes, tissues, bathroom cleaner, dish soap for the Food Bank at First Presbyterian. These items are not covered by food stamps so people are especially grateful for them. Note: this also applies to feminine hygiene products. Needs Closet: diapers, used or new sheets, towels, blankets, pillow cases and new mattress covers and pillows (we don t give out used ones) These go to Families First and Families Forward case workers for families with mental health issues who often have had to move. Refugee Conversation group: every Monday morning for 9:00 to 11:00 AM a group of mostly Bhutanese refugees but now ladies from Sudan and Somalia and several people from Myanmar meet to learn English and about the USA - they come by bus, rain, snow, sleet or shine. We provide coffee and tea, fruits and cookies or rolls and 2 bus tokens.sometimes we have a translator and sometimes not but we find ways to communicate! Special Events: bi-annual blood drive, ERD book sale, Thanksgiving baskets, our coat and mitten tree -- just to name a few. Epiphanies are everywhere. Save the Date! Women s Retreat St. Paul s News February 2018 Ministry Team Potluck!!! What is this? you ask. All are invited, encouraged, requested, entreated and implored to join together after church on Sunday, March 11th for a potluck, conversation and creation of our Ministry Teams. As the day draws nearer for our return to our restored sanctuary, we have an opportunity to discern how best to structure ourselves for ministry to both the St. Paul s community and beyond our doors. A re-birth, if you will, not only of our facility but also of our lives in ministry. What Ministry Team will you be on? Community Life? Worship? Facilities? Mission & Outreach? Christian Formation? Communications & Social Media? Perhaps there is a need for a new ministry team what might that look like? Please put this important date on your calendar and plan on spending time with our St. Paul s community. Sign up for First Aid/CPR/AED Class Enroll in an Adult CPR / AED / First Aid Class: Saturday, March 24, :30 AM Who should be Red Cross Certified? Everybody!! Ushers and Sunday school teachers are encouraged to become certified. Online course complete on your own between March 5 and March 23 Skill session March 24, Saturday, 9:30 am Registration deadline March 4 Current address is required when signing up Class size is limited to a maximum of 8, minimum of 4 Questions? Sally Boron sboron@casair.net or or or Mark Rudd mrrudd57@yahoo. com or Due to popular demand, our Women s Retreat will return on April 20-22nd. This is an opportunity for women to gather for retreat at Geneva Camp & Retreat Center in Holland, Michigan. Our hope is to provide all with a chance for rest, reflection, and a bit of tending to their souls. We will leave for Geneva Friday evening and return Sunday afternoon. Space is limited and once we finalize the cost for the weekend we will share that with you. Financial assistance will be available. If you wish to join us, please either Kathy Vogel kathyvogel@ymail.com or Karen Lewis rector@ stpaulslansing.org to reserve your space. Page 5

6 PARISH NEWS & EVENTS Lent Madness 2018 The Saintly Smackdown is Back! smackdown! By now you ve heard that Ash Wednesday and Valentine s Day coincide this year. The real Lenten love, however, kicks off the next day on February 15. Why? Because for the ninth year running, people of faith are gearing up for Lent Madness, the beloved saintly With its unique blend of competition, learning, and humor, Lent Madness allows participants to be inspired by the ways in which God has worked through the lives of saintly souls across generations and cultures. Throughout Lent, thirty-two saints will do battle to win the coveted Golden Halo. Based loosely on the NCAA basketball tournament of a similar name, this online devotion pits saints against one another in a bracket as voters choose their favorites throughout this penitential season. Here s how to participate: on the weekdays of Lent, information is posted at about two different saints. Each pairing remains open for 24 hours as participants read about and then vote to determine which saint moves on to the next round. Sixteen saints make it to the Round of the Saintly Sixteen; eight advance to the Round of the Elate Eight; four make it to the Faithful Four; two to the Championship; and the winner is awarded the coveted Golden Halo. The first round consists of basic biographical information about each of the 32 saints. Things get a bit more interesting in the subsequent rounds as we offer quotes and quirks, explore legends, and even move into the area of saintly kitsch. This year Lent Madness features an intriguing slate of saints ancient and modern, Biblical and ecclesiastical heavyweights include John the Evangelist, Margaret of Scotland, Richard Hooker, Katharina von Bora, and the apostles Peter and Paul. The full bracket is online at the Lent Madness website and, The Saintly Scorecard: The Definitive Guide to Lent Madness 2018 is available from Karen Lewis+. This companion guide includes biographies of all 32 saints, a full-color bracket, information about how to fully participate, and a series of Pocket Lent trading cards. Lent Madness began in 2010 as the brainchild of the Rev. Tim Schenck, an Episcopal priest and rector of St. John s Church in Hingham, Massachusetts. In seeking a fun, engaging way for people to learn about the men and women who make up the church s calendar of saints, Schenck devised this devotion. Combining his love of sports with his passion for the lives of the saints, Lent Madness was born. The formula has worked as this online devotional has been featured in media outlets all over the country including national television, the Washington Post, NPR, USAToday, and even Sports Illustrated (seriously). More importantly thousands of people have been inspired by the saintly stories of those who have come before us in the faith. If you re looking for a Lenten discipline that is fun, educational, occasionally goofy, and always joyful, join the Lent Madness journey. Lent needn t be all doom and gloom. After all, what could be more joyful than a season specifically set aside to get closer to Jesus Christ? Pick up your Saintly Scorecard from Karen Lewis and return your completed bracket to her before play begins on February 15th. Page 6 St. Paul s News February 2018

7 aaaaa Y O U T H Church School Advent and Epiphany Celebrations By Christine Overway We began the season of Advent with St. Nicholas Sunday on December 3rd. Parishioners of each service were reminded to bring their slippers so that they could line up their shoes in the cloister in the same fashion that children from several cultures celebrate their anticipation of a visit from St. Nicholas. In our case, however, St. Nicholas didn t just come to fill our shoes in the cloister, but also stopped by the 10 am service for a special appearance, taking part in a blessing for the season. Adults and children alike returned to their shoes to find a bag of treats waiting for each of them. A warm thank you to all who helped us have a festive time! My hope is that we also remembered St. Nicholas role as protector of children and those in need. Because we had extra bags, we were able to give them to Mission and Outreach s Refugee Support Group that meets in the Merrifield on Mondays. A parishioner who volunteers with Hospice also delivered some to patients. Following the service on January 3rd, the children were invited to follow the star downstairs to the Church School wing where a nativity scene awaited. The 3rd-7th grade Sunday School teachers hosted a fondue party and we showed the group the gifts that the Magi brought to Jesus: gold (in the form of chocolate coins), frankincense and myrrh. Each family was then given a treasure box containing a piece of paper to write down what gifts we can bring to Jesus. We were all welcomed to pin our responses to the Church School bulletin board throughout the season of Epiphany. One sweet card says marshmallows. I enjoy the honesty and enthusiasm of our children! Thank you to the youth group members who made crowns for the children to wear during the party! St. Paul s News February 2018 Page 7

8 PLAY miniature GOLF! Sunday, May 6, 2018 Sign-Up Form Hawk Hollow Golf Course Mini Hawk course Chandler Road Bath Township MI Cost: $15/person includes golf, lunch, putter, golf ball Lunch only: $10/person Schedule: 10:00 a.m. Church Services in the Hawk Hollow Chapel 11:15 a.m. Mini-Golf Outing 12:30 p.m. Lunch & Auction in the Lakeview Banquet Name (print): (print): phone: ( ) - Sign up as individual twosome foursome include team name Additional players (print): 1) 2) 3) Team name: Checks payable to: St. Paul s Episcopal Church Memo: SP21 Restore 218 W. Ottawa St., Lansing MI *you will receive confirmation upon payment Questions? Keeli Baker at keelibaker@gmail.com Page 8 St. Paul s News February 2018

9 Calendar FEBRUARY 2018 St. Paul s News February 2018 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday February ANNUAL MEETING & 9:00 AM Refugee 12:00 PM 10:00 AM Staff 7:00 PM Chancel FEAST OF THE POTLUCK Support Group- Worship & Meeting Choir - PRESENTATION/CANDLEMAS Safeguarding NO CHILDREN'S CHOIR Merrifield Healing Service - 12:00 PM AA Choir OFFICE CLOSED Training-Brighton REHEARSAL 6:30 PM Men of VanAtta Meeting-VanAtta 12:00 PM AA Meeting-VanAtta 3:45 PM Youth 8:00 AM Worship & Holy Orpheus 6:00 PM Women's Escape Communion-Merrifield -Choir 12-Step Recovery- Outing - Breakout Hill Escape s 9:15 AM Chancel Choir 9:45 AM Sunday School 10:00 AM Worship & Holy Communion-Merrifield 2:00 PM St. Cecelia Chorale-Choir /Merrifield FOOD BANK SUNDAY 9:00 AM Refugee 12:00 PM 10:00 AM Service 7:00 PM Chancel OFFICE CLOSED Noisy Offering Support Group- Worship & Employees Group Choir - 12:00 PM AA Meeting-VanAtta Souper Bowl Fundraiser Merrifield Healing Service - - Merrifield Choir 8:00 AM Worship & Holy 6:00 PM VanAtta 10:00 AM Staff Communion-Merrifield Luke/Theology 7:00 PM SP21 Meeting Small Group - Restore Team 12:00 PM AA 9:15 AM Chancel Choir VanAtta Mtg. Meeting-VanAtta 6:30 PM Men of 5:30 PM Mission & 9:45 AM Sunday School Orpheus Outreach Ministry- 10:00 AM Worship & Holy -Choir VanAtta Communion-Merrifield 6:00 PM Women's 12-Step Recovery- 11:15 AM Children's Choir Hill 11:45 AM Youth Choir 2:00 PM St. Cecelia Chorale-Choir /Merrifield 6:30 PM Bible Study- VanAtta Baptism Anniversary 9:00 AM Refugee 12:00 PM ASH The Rev. Karen OFFICE CLOSED 10:00 AM Feed Celebration Support Group- Worship & WEDNESDAY Fresh 12:00 PM AA Meeting-VanAtta My Sheep NO CHILDREN'S CHOIR Merrifield Healing Service - 10:00 AM Staff Start Pastoral Care REHEARSAL 6:00 PM VanAtta Meeting 7:00 AM Men's Training NO YOUTH CHOIR Luke/Theology 12:00 PM AA Breakfast - Flap REHEARSAL Small Group- Meeting-VanAtta Jack 8:00 AM Worship & Holy VanAtta 12:00 PM Ash Shack/Frandor Communion-Merrifield 6:30 PM Men of Weds. Liturgy & 7:00 PM Chancel Orpheus Holy Communion Choir - 9:15 AM Chancel Choir -Choir 6:00 PM Women's Choir 12-Step Recovery- 11:59 PM SPN 9:45 AM Sunday School Hill Deadline!! 10:00 AM Worship & Holy 7:00 PM Ash Communion-Merrifield Weds. Liturgy & Holy Communion 11:30 AM Family Fun Event & Lunch 2:00 PM St. Cecelia Chorale-Choir /Merrifield LENT I OFFICE CLOSED 12:00 PM 10:00 AM Staff 7:00 PM Chancel OFFICE CLOSED Diocesan Vestry 8:00 AM Worship & Holy Presidents Day Worship & Meeting Choir - 12:00 PM AA Meeting-VanAtta Day - Whole Communion-Merrifield 6:30 PM Men of Healing Service - 12:00 PM AA Choir Building Orpheus VanAtta Meeting-VanAtta 9:15 AM Chancel Choir -Choir 5:30 PM Family 2:30 PM Karen+ Dinner 9:45 AM Sunday School Merrifield Michaels 10:00 AM Worship & Holy 6:30 PM Lenten 6:00 PM Women's Communion-Merrifield Series on 12-Step Recovery- Heresies w/the Hill 11:15 AM Children's Choir Rev. Lewis 11:45 AM Youth Choir 2:00 PM St. Cecelia Chorale-Choir /Merrifield 6:30 PM Bible Study- VanAtta LENT II 9:00 AM Refugee 12:00 PM 10:00 AM Staff 7:00 PM Chancel OFFICE CLOSED 8:00 AM Worship & Holy Support Group- Worship & Meeting Choir - 12:00 PM AA Meeting-VanAtta Communion-Merrifield Merrifield Healing Service - 12:00 PM AA Choir 6:00 PM VanAtta Meeting-VanAtta 9:15 AM Chancel Choir Luke/Theology 5:30 PM Family 6:00 PM Women's Small Group- Dinner - 12-Step Recovery- 9:45 AM Sunday School VanAtta Merrifield Hill 10:00 AM Worship & Holy 6:00 PM Vestry 6:30 PM Lenten Communion-Merrifield Dinner - Meeting Series 6:30 pm Heresies w/the 11:15 AM Children's Choir 6:30 PM Men of Rev. Lewis Orpheus 11:30 AM Altar Guild -Choir Meeting - Hill 11:45 AM Youth Choir 2:00 PM St. Cecelia Chorale-Choir /Merrifield Page 9

10 St. Paul s Episcopal Church 218 W. Ottawa St. Lansing, MI St. Paul s Staff Rector The Rev. Karen C. Lewis Parish Administrator Theresa Milne SPN Editor Hillary Walilko Associate Rector The Rev. Dr. Susan Carter Deacon The Rev. Dcn. Jeanne Stout Minister of Music Dr. Timothy Flynn Youth & Family Missioner Christine Overway Sexton Jeremy Alexander Nursery Attendant Tiffany Stanford Vestry Isaac Francisco, Sr. Warden Jim Clark, Jr. Warden Justin Alexander Keeli Baker Larissa Clark Jen Humphreys Laura Julier Sue LeDuc Bob Merriman Jim Milne Amanda Ross