St.

Paul's Episcopal Church

Lansing Michigan

St. Paul's News

Important Days in the life of the Church
January, 2009
By The Very Rev. Dr. Gordon F. Weller
e are in the process of celebrating Christmas. Though the season
W is 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 Christian
Volume 34, Issue 1

year. In reality, there are probably at least two others days and sea-
sons that are theologically more important. There is Easter, the forty Inside this issue:
day celebration of the resurrection Jesus, and Pentecost, the Day and
The Rev. Dr. Gordon Weller season when we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit. These celebra- Calendar 1
tions are important because they commemorate the highlights in Jesus’ life
that indicate and memorialize God’s continual love for all of Humanity. Choir Schedule 7

The fact that we feel an obligation to be present on these high holy days is the corresponding indi- Mission and
cation that we recognize God’s acts of loving mercy and wish to respond. Yet, over and above our Outreach
10
simple 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- Prayer List 6
bers and pass a budget, but these actions are not the most important things we do. As we gather
Upcoming
together at the annual meeting, we remember and memorialize the things God has done in our 2-5
Activities
lives in the preceding year; and we plan how we might best implement the faith that is in us in the
year 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)

Stewardship Committee Postpones Hawaii Trip

By John Nevin, Vestry Member
ince we have not quite yet reached our goals for 2009, the Stewardship Committee has de-
S 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 prayer
and personal contact.
The committee is pleased to report that the response of St. Paul’s family to the 2009 campaign has
been 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, it’s hard to compare this year to last year. As a result, the
committee remains a bit nervous regarding the finally tally.
Most importantly, the committee is so excited by the wonderful testimony we heard from Jean
Shawver and Matt Ferguson and the thought-provoking message we heard from Dr. Steve
McSwain on Invitation Sunday. Clearly, in this congregation, there is no shortage of passion, faith
and love for our brothers and sisters and for Jesus Christ.
So, if you haven’t pledged yet, we need to hear from you. Even if you can’t make a financial com-
mitment, just fill out the card and let us know you’re praying for St. Paul’s and our many ministries.
And when all those cards are in, the committee will take off for Hawaii—just kidding! Seriously, the
vestry and Father Weller need to finalize the budget in time for the annual meeting at the end of
January, so please let us hear from you soon.
Page 2
St. Paul's News
Activities at a Glance
Ongoing Activities
• St. Aelred’s Guild, third Wednesday, 4:30 PM
• Book Cart, 1st and 2nd Sunday after 10 AM
• B&PW, Tuesday, January 13 6 PM
• ECW, 3rd Monday, 7 PM
• Family Night Dinner, Wednesdays, 5 PM
• 4 Fs, 2nd and 4th Mondays Noon-2 PM
• St. Paul’s Library, open every Sunday
• Prayer Group, 1st Tuesday, 5:30-6:30 PM
• Men’s Breakfast, 3rd Thursday, 7 AM
• Mid-Week Eucharist, Tuesdays, noon
This Month at St. Paul’s and Elsewhere
• Epiphany services, January 6, Noon and 7 PM
• Ministry Retreat, January 8-10, 2009
• Epiphany Sunday, January 11, 10 AM, also First
Communion and Sunday School resumes
• Baptisms, Noah’s Pudding, January 11, 2009
• Parish-wide Book Read, beginning the week of
January 11, 2009
• Martin Luther King, Jr. service, Sunday, January
18, 10 AM
• Author Mark Curriden visit, Wednesday, January
21, 7 PM
• Annual Meeting, Sunday, January 25, 10 AM
• Voyaging on the Dawn Treader, Friday, January
30, 2009
Looking Ahead
• Confirmation Preparation Program, beginning Sun-
day, February 8 during Sunday School
• Sunday, February 15 and 22, ERD Used Book Sale
after 10 AM service
• Celebrating II, February 28, 9 AM to 4 PM, Dioce-
san Cathedral Center
• Cabaret, March 21
• ACTION, April 28, May 12, 2009 7 PM
• Godspell, May 29 & 30, Central United Methodist
Church
• 160th Anniversary Celebration, May, 2009

Epiphany
By The Very Rev. Dr. Gordon F. Weller
here are four important days in the Christian Liturgical year that are always cele-
T brated but seldom observed. A service is always planned and held (celebrated), but
Services the attendance is often so meager that it is obvious that most of the congregation is un-
aware of their importance: All Saints Day (always November 1), Ash Wednesday
Noon and 7 p.m. (always on a Wednesday in either February or March), Ascension Day (always on the
Thursday 40 days after Easter) and Epiphany (always January 6).
Epiphany is a celebration of the fact that the Magi found Jesus and were the first to proclaim him Lord. The
alternative name for Epiphany says it all: The Manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles. In the Orthodox branches
of the Church, this day has more significance and is more of a time of celebration than Christmas. This year
Epiphany will be celebrated on a Sunday. We have some special things planned (see elsewhere in this issue), so
plan on being present.

B&PW January Meeting Baptisms

By Barbara Richardson n Sunday, January 11,

he Business & Professional Women’s Guild will

O we will mark the bap-
tism of Jesus with baptisms
T gather for dinner at 6 p.m. in the Hill Room on
January 13, 2009. After dinner, we will plan programs
of our own. Several are
already scheduled. If you or
and dinner menus for the year. The cost of dinner is $8. someone in your family
Yearly dues of $7.50 will also be collected at this meet- would like to be baptized,
ing. Please continue to bring contributions to the Food please contact Father
Bank as the need is great. Weller.

January 2009
 St. Paul's News Page 3

Noah’s Pudding
By The Very Rev. Dr. Gordon F. Weller
n Sunday, January 11—the next date for baptisms—we will have Turkish Muslim visitors who will introduce
O us to an ancient custom called Noah's Pudding. Since Noah and the flood is a story common to all Abra-
hamic religions, this is a good opportunity for us to both host and be hosted by our Muslim sisters and brothers.
The group will bring a PowerPoint presentation and handouts to be shared, along with the pudding, at the cof-
fee hour. It will be a children’s story that we can all share.
Nimet Alpay, spokeswoman for the Great Lakes Society for Friendship and Culture, wrote:
The first month of the Islamic calendar, though it changes every year, starts at the end of December this year
and ends at the end of January. During this month, we make a special pudding from different beans, spices and
fruits, as we believe Prophet Noah and his believers had made this pudding to survive when they were rescued
from the big flood. They made and ate this pudding as a symbol of God's blessing on them.
This tradition has been carried on for centuries in Turkey. People make the pudding in very large pots and they
distribute it in their neighborhoods to show their love, care and friendship for their neighbors. As the Turkish
community here, we have been trying to keep the same tradition here every year. We make the pudding and
distribute it among our neighbors and neighborhood churches as a way to start new friendships, conversations
to understand one another, and to share this wonderful tradition with the people here in Lansing....We will bring
the pudding in individual serving bowls, covered and labeled with the ingredients so people will know what is in
it...Thank you again for your willingness and openness to introducing a different tradition in your church. I think it
will be a wonderful opportunity for people of different faiths and cultures to come together and learn from
each other. I am really excited about this."
I hope we, the members of the St. Paul’s community, will be excited also.

Thank You
inda and I would like to thank all the members St. Paul’s Annual
L of the parish for your cards, gifts and season’s
greetings. This is truly a wonderful community and
Martin Luther King, Jr.
we are pleased to be a part of it. Service
Gordon & Linda Weller Sunday, January 18
Worship and Praise Eucharist
10 a.m.

Book Read Author to Speak at St. Paul’s

By Millie Ericson, Vestry Member
s the highlight of this year’s adult Book Read, and in conjunction with Martin Luther King Day and the inau-
A guration of our first African-American President, St. Paul’s is privileged to have Mark Curriden, co-author of
Contempt of Court as our guest and speaker on Wednesday, January 21, at 7 p.m. He will share his experiences
in writing the book, his knowledge of the players in this legal drama and the implication of the issues for our cur-
rent times. Those who have heard him say he is very compelling. Mr. Curriden comes from Dallas, Texas, where
he is in private practice with the law firm of Vincent, Elkton. He is the former legal affairs writer for the Dallas

(Continued on page 16)

January 2009
Page 4
St. Paul's News
If You Feed Them, They will Come
By Lyn Zynda, ECW President
or the past few months in St. Paul’s News, and throughout this issue are numerous articles about the upcom-
F 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 Goals
to be decided, and much important parish business to be discussed. Now I give you another great reason to
attend the Annual Meeting: FOOD.
For the past several years the members of the ECW Steering Committee have prepared a fantastic, extraordi-
nary, can’t-be-beat-for-the-price brunch for our fellow parishioners. We’ve done this for a couple of really
good reasons; to raise money for a worthy charity and because we’ve learned from experience that, “. . .if you
feed them, they will come.” You might feel as I do; I’ll sit through almost anything to enjoy a meal I didn’t have
to cook.
This year we are donating the money collected from the brunch ($5 per person or $15 per family) to the Food
Bank. 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 decide
important business for your parish community, your donations will help feed hungry people in the community
where you live, and you won’t have to stand in line for 20-30 minutes waiting for a table for breakfast.

Vestry Elections
By The Very Rev. Dr. Gordon F. Weller
ive new members will be elected to the Vestry at the January 25 Annual Meeting. One will be our youth
F member. 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 four
positions 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 as
well. 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 person’s willingness and
submit his or her name in writing through the parish office. As always, nominations from the floor of the Annual
Meeting will be accepted if the consent of the person nominated has been obtained.

January 2009
 St. Paul's News Page 5

2009 “One Church, Many Journeys” Parish-Wide Book Read

By Millie Ericson, Vestry Member
or Adults: Contempt of Court, the turn-of-the-century lynching that launched 100 years of Federalism, by
F Mark Curriden and Leroy Phillips, Jr.
For families: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, by C.S. Lewis, third book in the Chronicles of Narnia, continuing
the story of Prince Caspian.
The books can be picked up at the St. Paul’s book cart.
Discussion groups: Book groups to discuss Contempt of Court begin the week of January 11. As last year, the
groups will meet in the homes of parishioners on various days and times and in various geographic locations
throughout 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 out
with familiar characters, including Reepicheep, Edmund and Lucy, on a great sea voyage to the Lone Islands
and 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 a
copy of the Dawn Treader Resource Booklet with 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 available
on 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 the
Merrifield Room.

Used Book Sale ERD Fundraiser Scheduled for

Next Month
By Sue Millar
n Sunday, February 15 and Sunday, February 22, we will see the return of our annual Used Book Sale. By
O this 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 a
chance 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 can’t use textbooks, maga-
zines or computer manuals; however, DVDs, VCRs and CDs are quite marketable. Thank you for your continuing
support.

January 2009
Page 6
St. Paul's News
160 Years at St Paul’s…Where our members of St Paul’s (living or
dead) who have served in the
Past Welcomes our Future military during our 160-year
history, so we may honor them
By Nancy Sheldon next spring at our Homecoming
celebration. If someone in your
lose your eyes for a moment and try to imagine
C the innumerable blessings this church has be-
stowed upon those who have visited as well as the
family has served, or if you
know of someone who has,
please call Ruth Farmer at
members of our congregation since 1849. Just think of (517) 882-0404) or e-mail
it! Picture the thousands of people who have worshiped Buffy Mann at buffy-
at St. Paul’s and received comfort and solace, hope matt396@hotmail.com. In addition to the person’s
and renewal, forgiveness and healing, education and name, we’d like the branch of the military in which he
joy, not necessarily in this building, but in this commu- or she served, the years served and rank if you know.
nity of faith, during the past 160 years.
Also, if you have given a talk to the congregation for
Each Sunday, throughout the year, Jean Shawver will the Every Member Canvass or the Stewardship Drive
be placing a little known historical fact in the bulletin on “What St Paul’s Means to Me,” please dig in your
to give us a mini history lesson which we hope you will desk drawers or file cabinets to see if you still have
enjoy. She will also share a special story with us each your speech. If you do, please make a copy and send
month in the St. Paul’s News about an interesting piece it to Mandy Lawton at 1510 E. Oakland Ave., Lans-
of our history. Our committee has planned a variety of ing, MI 48906.
other activities with the main focus in May. Mark your
calendars now so you don’t miss these special Sundays: If you have a memory or story about St Paul’s as you
or your children were growing up (and we know that
• May 3 - Music and Worship there are many!) that you would be willing to share
• May 10 - Children (it’s also Mothers’ Day) with us, please call Mandy Lawton (482-4316).
• May 17 - Mission and Outreach Someone will then contact you to interview you or col-
• (May 24 - Memorial Day Weekend) lect something you’ve written to place in a memory
• May 31 - Homecoming Sunday book.
Help Wanted: We’re looking for current and former

e pray for those who are sick and in need: Cindy Robinson, Richard
W and 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 of Audrie Hegmon, who recently passed away.

We pray for those expecting: Sarah (Weller) and Joseph Evenden, Linda and Don Junger, Amanada and
Darrick 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.

January 2009
 Choirs News
St. Paul' Page 7

Choir Newsletter and Dates to Remember

By Dr. Stephen R. Lange, Minister of Music

A big thank you goes to all of you, parents and choristers alike, for all you did to make the Christmas 
services so special, especially Lessons and Carols and the two Christmas Eve services. Without your 
dedication and willingness to give of your time, talent, and (singing) resources, the services would 
probably not have manifested as much joy and love as they did. A very heartfelt wish for a joyous and 
blessed New Year! 
Special Dates to Note: 
There will be no Chancel Choir or Handbell Rehearsal on January 1. Rehearsals will resume as 
normal on January 7 and January 8. 

Ash Wednesday: February 25 
Cabaret: March 21 ‐ All choristers are asked to save this date for our evening of good dining and 
entertainment: Cherubs, Boys’ and Grace, and High School. Thanks. 

Singing Schedule
Date Choirs

January 4 High School and Chancel

January 11 High School and Chancel
January 18 High School and Chancel
January 25 High School and Chancel

February 1 High School and Boys’ and Grace

February 8 High School and Chancel
February 15 High School and Chancel
February 22 High School and Chancel

Saturday, January 3 and Saturday, February 21  ‐ all rehearse from 10 a.m. until 
noon; the main cast from 12:30 to 2 p.m. 

Sunday, January 18, Sunday, January 25, Sunday, February 15, and Sunday, Febru‐
ary 22 ‐ all rehearse from after 10 a.m. service until 12:15 p.m.; the main cast from 
12:15 to 1:30 p.m. 
Performances will be Friday, May 29 and Saturday, May 30, at Central United 
Rehearsals Methodist Church  

January 2009
Page 8
St. Paul's News
Emily and Elizabeth
By Rick Laub
any Sundays, two young women seem magically to appear at
M the altar, or near the piano—usually 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 who
delight us with their musical talents? They are Emily and Elizabeth
Rodeck, daughters of our assistant music director Mary Rodeck and
her husband Dan.
Emily is in 10th grade at Grand Ledge High School and has been Emily and Elizabeth Rodeck
playing trumpet since 3rd grade and piano since she was three. In
addition to her performances with the Grand Ledge Wind Symphony, she can often be spotted in the orchestra
pit for the musicals.
Elizabeth is in 8th grade and has been playing clarinet since 5th grade. Since she doesn’t want to march with
her clarinet, she is learning trumpet to play in marching band next year. She is also a pit musician, recently
playing 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 Emily’s dancing in the GLHS
production of “Footloose.”
When they are not at St. Paul’s blessing us with the fruits of their talents and hard work, they attend Trinity
Episcopal Church in Grand Ledge. A blessing indeed!

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

S of need through notes, visitation, prayer list management, Eucharistic visits, celebration of
births and marriages as well as phone calls to shut-ins. St. Paul’s would like to know when one of our
parishioners is in the hospital, is unable to come to church, has been moved to a special care facility
or just might appreciate a card or visit to let them know we are thinking about them and praying for
them. 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 third
Wednesday 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
n Saturday, May 30, the Bishop of the Diocese of Michigan will be here at St. Paul’s for a service of Con-
O firmation, Reception and Reaffirmation.
Beginning Sunday, February 8, 2008, our clergy, along with support from our Sunday school teachers, will be
offering a 10-session confirmation preparation program. The program will cover a variety of topics, including
the 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 Episcopal
Church are encouraged to participate in the program. Classes will run through May 17, 2009 and will be held
on Sunday mornings during our normal Sunday school hour. For questions and more details, please see Fr.
Weller or Fr. Byrd.
January 2009
 St. Paul's News Page 9

Evangelism Linebacker But I’ll be honest that I would rather be tackled by a

seven-foot linebacker than make an embarrassing
public faux pas at a social event. I know many of you
By Stephanie Van Koevering, Vestry Member well enough to think that you might agree with me on
this one. We are Episcopalians, after all, a classy
here is a series of videos on YouTube under the
T group of intelligent individuals, with relatively good
heading of “Evangelism Linebacker.” My favorite taste and breeding. In many ways, we see evangelism
involves a young gentleman who runs up out of the as something that simply isn’t done in mixed company,
blue, knocks people down and then yells at them about out of either politeness or tolerance or some blend of
their decisions on matters of faith. The video is a run-
the two.
ning gag involving young people making tough choices
and then getting tackled by a flying, noisy football If we’re honest, though, there’s a healthy amount of
player who shouts Bible verses and spiritual advice, fear in there, too. We fear embarrassment as much (or
such as, “Your mama raised you better than this, my more) than we fear physical attack. We are not going
boy; don’t make me blow you up no more!” to bring up our faith out of our fear of making a social
gaffe or being seen as a “Bible Thumper,” no more
Sage advice, indeed! intellectual than Tammy Faye Bakker and about as
The joke is a bit obvious, perhaps, but effective. How much fun at a sophisticated gathering.
many of us would behave differently if we faced a But somehow we need to overcome our fear and have
physical threat from someone huge, aggressive and an open discussion on matters of faith. I think it can be
loud? I will speak only for myself, perhaps, in saying done without a two-by-four, a linebacker or even a
that I am uncomfortable with any violent contact rela- raised eyebrow from Emily Post. It is done with kind-
tive to my person. I will, in fact, go to great lengths to
avoid it. (Continued on page 16)

4 F’s Looking Back Helps Us to Look Forward

By Nancy Sheldon

U sually 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 or
call 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 to
us about the cathedral and the Catholic faith.
• February 9 - Steve Lange will give us a presentation on the Wesley brothers and the relationship of
Methodism to Episcopalianism.
• February 23 - We will visit Central United Methodist church next door and tour their facilities. We
will also continue our conversation with Joe Huston, their minister, about the Methodist church and
their 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 Sheldon’s

January 2009
Page 10
St. Paul's News
Outreach
By The Rev. Deacon Bill Fineout
ur 2008 Millennium Development Goal project, “Water for Life,” has been completed!
O The Water for Life collection finished in December. We are in the process of counting donations as this
newsletter goes to press. We will report how “deep we dug” for water as soon as we can. We are thankful to
Meijer 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 in
the 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 eight
MDG goals; one project in each of eight years. This year, we will choose our second project. The Outreach
team will make a recommendation at that time.

Mission and Outreach Activities: 160 Years at St Paul’s…

Where is Christ calling you to help others? Where our Past Welcomes
April 1—December 13, 2009 our Future
• Episcopal Relief and Development or Heifer Did You Know That…?
International
April 12-26 By Jean Shawver
• Food Drive—Food Bank n 1894, John Zimmerman was
May 21 I engaged to reorganize the music of the church
and expressly to form a choir of men and boys.
• Ascension Day - Deacon's Dinner The male choir became the first vested organiza-
May tion in Lansing and attracted much favorable com-
ment for its singing. You can see a photo of this St.
• Sudan Education Project for 2010 Paul's choir in the north hallway of our church. It is
above the needlepoint pew in the History Hallway,
Ongoing: leading to the parking ramp.
• Outreach Committee meeting, second Monday,
5:30 p.m. (Source: To a Goodly Heritage by Robert Coleman.)
• 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.

January 2009
 St. Paul's News Page 11

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 will
be 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 is
expected 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 of
2008, there has been a net gain of $21,374. The combined net income of the operations and the funds is a loss
of $114,585.
Through the end of November, it has been necessary to withdraw a total of $120,000 from the Perpetual Fund
in 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.

Vestry Highlights
At its December 16, 2008 meeting, your vestry:
• Shared a meal in the glow of the Christmas tree
in the Merrifield Room.
• Considered Ember Day traditions as part of its
devotions.
• 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 Restoration
monies.
• Passed a similar motion to take $3,713.86 from
the Music Fund to cover this shortfall.
• Passed a motion to make an additional $30,000
available 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 parish
at the Annual Meeting.
• Discussed the status of the Memorial Plaque for
the Memorial Garden with the question, "Do we
continue?" Martie Repaskey will contact Stamp-
Rite.
• Established a Shawver Fund Oversight Committee
consisting of Rector Gordon Weller, Jr. Warden
Martie 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, in
part, 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.

January 2009
Page 12
St. Paul's News
Christmas Hymn 84
By Dr. Stephen R. Lange, Minister of Music
n Sunday, November 23, as part of the Intergenerational Pentecost/Advent/Christmas program, people
O gathered 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 Lessons
and Carols on December 21 to the tune of hymn 84.
Gifts came down at Christmas, Light arrived on Christmas
Gifts received and gifts we share - and drove the darkness away,
Gifts of hope and loving, No more despair nor doubt,
Lifting weights of hurt and care or light shone on Christmas day.
Sue Millar Joy appeared at Christmas,
All sorrows were banished then.
Life afresh, burst upon us. When joy came at Christmas,
Break our bonds that cramp and kill. The world shone brightly for them.
Life anew, surge through us.
Bring us joys that lift and thrill Zoe Beckett
Chuck Millar Peace was born on Christmas,
Banishing all war away.
Peace came down at Christmas; Peace will live through Christmas,
Peace so difficult to find. Peace, my friends, is here to stay.
Jesus' peace is what we crave,
Joy is here this Christmas;
Peace of heart and soul and mind.
the world will no more be sad.
And He will not fail us Joy springs forth from Christmas,
or forget or walk away. Rejoice my friends and be glad.
God's peace is for us all Paul Beckett
Thank You, on this Christmas day.
Hope came back at Christmas,
Carol Ingells
Doubt, it couldn’t bear to stay.
Joy at Christmas coming, Hope was born on Christmas,
joy so beautiful, joy divine. Banishing all fear away.
With this joy to brighten, Claire Beckett
all on earth will shine.
Truth at Christmas coming,
God’s truth, the truth of God’s Love
Hear the angels singing,
His Love gentle as a dove.
MaryLea Benson

January 2009
 St. Paul's News Page 13

Celebrating II –
Becoming a whosoever church that can, by grace, grow everywhere
xpanding Hospitality and Discipleship,” or increasing the number of visitors and new members, is the
"E theme of this year’s joint day of workshops and worship with the Southeast Michigan Synod of the Evan-
gelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA) and the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan. Begun last year, “Celebrate
II – Becoming a whosoever church that can, by grace, grow everywhere” is a collaboration to pool the wisdom
and best practices of the two denominations.
Celebrate II will be held at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul on Saturday, February 28, 2009, from 9 a.m.- 4
p.m. Registration is $15, and a box lunch may be ordered ahead of time for $10. Congregations are encour-
aged to bring a team to gather as much information and as many experiences as possible. Questions and reg-
istration information can be directed to Beth Rowley, browley@edomi.org or at (313) 833-4421.
The speakers, workshops and liturgy are all designed to help congregational teams consider what they can do
to make their church a “whosoever kind of place.” The morning will begin with two keynote speakers: the Rev.
Lottie Jones Hood, who renewed and repopulated the historic First Congregational Church of Detroit, and the
Rev. Stephen Bouman, the executive director of the ELCA’s Evangelical Outreach and Congregational Mission
office.
The mainline churches are concerned about church growth and the development of a spiritual depth that will
help newcomers decide to stay. Certainly Bishop John Schreiber, the late bishop of the Southeast Michigan
Synod, had this in mind when he coined the phrase that became the title. A “whosoever church” would welcome,
nurture, engage and employ all comers in the work of the kingdom.

(Continued on page 16)

January 2009
Page 14
News Ministry
St. Paul's Youth
First Communion
Sunday
n Epiphany Sunday,
O January 11, Fr. Gordon
will be welcoming children
to their first communion. On
Saturday, January 10, from
10 a.m. to noon, a two-hour
workshop will be conducted to prepare children for this
very special day. If you are interested in having your
child 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 & Valentine’s 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 not
meet on its regularly scheduled first Sunday of the
month. The first meeting for the group in the new
year will be on Sunday, January 11.

Sunday School Program Swings into Second Semester

unday school will resume on Sunday, January 11, 2009, for all classes, except Sr. High School. To provide
S our 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. Don’t 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-grade
classes, 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 to
have 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.

Thank You for Your Kindness Looking for a

By The Rev. Ronald C. Byrd, Sr., Curate Babysitter?
ennifer and I would like to thank the members By Courtney Irwin
J at St. Paul’s for all of the wonderful gifts,
f you are looking for a
goodies and greeting cards. While we have said
this before, please know we feel profoundly
blessed to be here at St. Paul’s, and thank you all
I babysitter, Daniel Crab-
tree, Anna Krupka, Drew
so very much for bringing us into your family. May Krupka, Margaret Kariuki,
our ministry together continue to grow in God’s Steven Walker and myself
grace and may God’s blessing be with us all. all took the babysitting training program from the Red
Cross. On February 13-14 (Valentine’s Day weekend),
special rates will be provided for church members.
Please feel free to contact anyone of these certified
babysitters directly if you need a sitter at any time.

January 2009
 St. Paul'sSt.
Youth
Paul'Ministry
s News Page 15

Youth Ministry Articles Provided By:

Youth Group Council President, Ms. Emily Laub
Youth Christian Education Ministry Chairperson, Dr. Judith Brown-Clarke
The Rev. Ronald C. Byrd, Sr., Curate

Second Annual Sunday School Holiday Project

unday school students, hoping again to spread a little holiday cheer, created wonderful cards for distribu-
S tion to members of St. Paul’s. On December 14, students
from first grade to high school worked together in an assembly
line, producing 60 Christmas cards for members of St. Paul’s
homebound, center bound
and shut-in community.
This is the second year the
Sunday schoolchildren
have teamed up with St.
Aelred’s Guild to express,
on behalf of our entire
parish, our love and
thoughts for our Church
family members who are Sunday school hard students at work on cards for
unable to be present with distribution by St. Aelred’s Guild
us for worship and fellow-
ship. Fourth- and fifth-
grade Sunday school teacher Kim Hall remarked, “Matt and I had a
great time with the kids yesterday! The card making is always organ-
Sunday school teacher Kim Hall and stu- ized craziness, but it's so fun! Hope the cards are enjoyed!”
dents make cards for St. Paul’s members

Youth Group Brings Smiles and Song to Residents of TenderCare West

n Sunday, December 14, the St. Paul’s Youth Group traveled to
O TenderCare 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-Brown
Clarke and Barbara Bellinger
Heany, how proud Dr. Lange
would be of our kids. Our
young people sung impres-
sively well and exchanged
hugs and holiday cheer with
TenderCare West residents.
Clara Voges, a longtime pa- Members of St. Paul’s Youth Group, along
rishioner of St. Paul’s, was with Fr. Byrd and Barbara Bellinger
especially pleased to see our Heany, surround parishioner, Clara Vo-
young people. Clara guided ges, at a visit to TenderCare West
the group from room to room,
St. Paul’s Youth Group make new friends at a where the kids passed out candy canes, recited poems and re-
visit to TenderCare West sponded to special song request from residents. A great time was
had by all!

January 2009
Page 16
St. Paul's News
(Continued from, “Important Days” page 1)

I invite you all to be present on January 25, following the 10 a.m. service. A meal will be served and child care
for all ages will be offered. Our attendance in past years has been good and averaged perhaps 115 people.
But, this number represents only about 14% of the listed congregation. If our average Christmas or Easter at-
tendance is over 500, it only represents 22 %. I would like to see better representation at the annual meeting,
so I ask you to make every effort to be there. This meeting is a huge part of our corporate and spiritual life
together.

(Continued from, “Book Read Author to Speak,” page 3)

Morning News. His presentation is made possible by The Shawver Fund. Join us for the Family Night dinner
(reservations required), and stay for the presentation.
Contempt of Court is a real-life legal/courtroom thriller every bit as compelling as anything written by John
Grisham. The book tells the story of a case that was, in the words of Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall,
“Perhaps the first instance in which the [Supreme] Court demonstrated that the Fourteenth Amendment and the
equal-protection clause have any substantive meaning to people of the African-American race. The…case
served as a foundation for many cases to come…a moment of courage by the Court.” The Dallas Morning
News says of the book that it should be “required reading for anyone who wants to understand how the Con-
stitution protects individual citizens.” The New York Times Book Review suggests that it “brings into focus a grim,
critical time in American history.”
Importantly for us, it is a story of Christians acting out their witness to seek justice, even in the face of great risk
to themselves, their families and their careers. It is the story of a simple man, whose epitaph reads, “God bless
you all, I am a [sic] innocent man. Farewell until we meet again in the sweet by and by.” It is a story of sacri-
fice and redemption.
Sign-up sheets are available outside the Merrifield Room.

(Continued from, “Evangelism Linebacker,” page 9)

ness, intellectual consideration and a smile. And, when done in the sanctuary of our home at St. Paul’s, we know
it will be welcomed. Our visitors and guests would not be here if they didn’t want to share some aspect of our
faith with us.
(Here’s what the Evangelism Linebacker has to say about that, by the way: “Let me talk to you about fear!
Fourth and one, Jerry Rice, what you gonna do? That don’t compare to fourth and one in eternity!”)
So while we may not knock anyone over physically or verbally with our ideas, I think it’s worth letting them
show. Whether we are in church or outside of it, we can all benefit from the sharing.
It’s fourth and one, and eternity awaits.

(Continued from, “Celebrate II,” page 13)

Attendees will have the opportunity for a short Q & A session following their dialogue about what it might
take to become a “whosoever kind of church.” Two rounds of workshops will follow on topics like fast growing
congregations, engaging men in the life of the church, making worship a welcoming place for families, adult
spiritual formation, what are they doing? and many more. (A complete listing of workshops will be on the
www.edomi.org Website by February 1.) The day will close with a Lent-appropriate Eucharist that models
liturgical hospitality.

January 2009
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St. Paul's Episcopal Church

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Phone: 517-482-9454
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Choir Room: 517-482-0369
Website: Stpaulslansing.org

The St. Paul’s News is a publication of St. Paul’s Episcopal

Church, Lansing Michigan.
St. Paul’s 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. Paul’s News Editorial Staff

Christine Caswell, Editor
Helen Hiscoe, Proofreader
Lyn Zynda, Acting Editor

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