St.

Paul's Episcopal Church

Lansing Michigan

St. Paul’s News

Lenten Discipline March, 2006

By The Rev. Dr. Gordon Weller

Volume 31, Issue 3

L ent is such a spe-

cial time. It really
offers a person a
chance to pause and
reflect on the many
issues of Christianity
The Rev. Dr. Gordon Weller
associated with the
season, and to more fully prepare for the cele-
bration of Easter. By contrast, the other season
of preparation, Advent, is so filled with secular
considerations that the religious images almost
can't come into focus until we hear the story of
the birth of the Christ Child on Christmas Eve.
Fortunately the business world has not found
anything they can sell or promote during Lent or
Easter, as much as they might try with the Easter
Bunny.
It does, however, take time to involve oneself
with the disciplines of the season. As I sit to write Scripture)."
this, the Winter Olympics are center stage. Al-
most every individual interviewed focuses on
three items. The first is the greatness of the op-
portunity to participate. The second is the
preparation needed to compete, and the third
the glory associated with the prize.
As this comes to you, we all are about to begin Inside this issue:
the season of Lent. I would remind you that to
fully appreciate the gift of Easter, we must be Upcoming Activities 2-4
like the Olympic athletes. You can all make the
connections mentioned above for yourselves. I
would tell you one of mine. As mentioned, train- St. Paul’s News 5-6,
ing or some Lenten discipline, is important. Some 9-11
use the "Call to a Holy Lent," from the Ash
Wednesday liturgy, as a training manual. I Choir Schedule 7
would suggest one other. On page 184 of the
Prayer Book, the collect for proper 28 speaks to
Holy Scripture and what its impact on us might Youth Ministry 8
be. When used, one prays that he might "read,
mark, learn, and inwardly digest them (Holy
Calendar 12
(Continued on page 12)

Vestry Retreat
By Elisabeth Richardson, Senior Warden

T he Vestry met on January 28 at St. Francis

Retreat Center to orient new members,
build community, worship, examine the Mission/
Vision statement of the parish, and review and
plan our goals for 2006. Before I discuss this
year’s goals, here is a list of the 2005 goals and 4. Develop measurable goals: in process by
a status report on completion.
1. Programming (Christian education) for the
full year: in process by the Adult & Youth
Christian Education committee.
2. Increased emphasis on Evangelism: in proc-
ess by the Evangelism committee.
3. Complete the visualization of what we want
to be; what God is calling us to be; and to
whom is God calling us to go: in process by
the Vestry. The Web page is in good shape.
The Communications committee is working on
marketing and advertising strategies.
the Vestry and all committees.
5. Building the community: in process by the
Evangelism committee.
6. Ministry to those seeking us: in process by
the Evangelism committee.
(Continued on page 12)
Page 2 Upcoming St. Paul’s Activities
St Paul’s In Action
Ongoing Activities
St. Aelred’s Guild, 3rd Wednesday, 5 PM
Bible Study, Wednesday, 6:15-7:30 PM
Book Cart, 2nd Sunday
B&PW Dinner Meeting, 2nd Tuesday, 6 PM
ECW, 1st Tuesday, 7 PM
Family Night Dinner, Wednesday, 5-6 PM
Food, Faith, Fun & Fellowship, (4Fs), 2nd and 4th Mon-
day, Noon, Holy Eucharist, 12:30 PM Program
St. Paul’s Library, open every Sunday
Prayer Group, 1st Tuesday, 5:30 PM
Men’s Breakfast, 3rd Thursday, 7 AM
Mid-week Eucharist, Tuesday, 12 Noon
Committee Meetings
Design & Preservation, 2nd Tuesday, 5:15 PM
Service/Mission/Outreach, 3rd Monday, 6 PM
This Month at St. Paul’s and Elsewhere
Christianity in the Market Place, Wednesdays beginning
March 8, 6:30 PM
Lenten Lunch-N-Book Review, Mondays, March 6-April
4, 12:30 PM
England Choristers Cabaret, “Dinner in Italy,” March 11
The Household of God, March 24-25, St. John’s,
Royal Oak on March 24 – 25
Women’s Retreat, Saturday, March 25, St. Kathe-
rine’s, Williamston
Looking Ahead
Maundy Thursday Celebration, April 13, 6 PM

Capitol Deanery
Women’s Retreat
By The Rev. Susie Shaefer, Curate By Nancy Sheldon

A ll Saints, East Lansing, has graciously ex-

tended invitations to their women’s retreat to
include other Lansing area parishes. This retreat will
take place on Saturday, March 25 from 10 AM – 3
PM at St. Katherine’s Church in Williamston. It marks
the Feast of the Annunciation, and the theme is
“Mary: Creativity and Theology.” It will feature
presentations on the interplay of theology and
creative arts. The cost is $15. To register, please
call All Saints Episcopal Church office at (517) 351-
7160.
Note: This retreat does conflict with “Becoming the
Household of Jesus Christ: Sabbath Economics.” How-
ever, we look at it as another spiritual opportunity for
those who are unable to attend that event.
Join us for Faith, Fellowship, Fun and Food every 2nd and
4th Monday of the month. The schedule for each gather-
ing is:
• Noon: Holy Eucharist
• 12:30PM: A $4.00 lunch supplied by A Catered
Affaire
• 1:00PM: Bible Study by Steve Lange
• 1:15PM: Program of the Day
• 2:00PM: Dismissal
See the Lenten Book Series article for the March and
April schedule on page 3.
May 8th: Cinco de Mayo celebration led by Rev. Susie
Shaefer (with Mexican food!).
May 22nd: Wrap up session for the year

B&PW Update
By Elisabeth Richardson, Treasurer

T he Business & Professional Women will meet Tuesday, March 14 at 6 PM for dinner and a program. Dinner is
$8 and reservations are due to Nancy Milne by Sunday, March 12 (882-0573). We will have a Lenten pro-
gram, presented by the Rev. Gordon Weller. The entire parish, visitors and guests are always welcome.
 Upcoming St. Paul’s Activities Page 3

St. Paul’s 2006 Lenten Series

"Christianity in the Marketplace”

Where Sacred and Secular Values Can Collide
The Rev. Dr. Gordon Weller
On five successive Wednesday evenings, from March
8 - April 5, prominent Episcopalians will share their
experiences about how their Christian values can
sometimes collide with their secular responsibilities. For
those interested and who sign up, a meal will be pro-
vided for $4.00. The dinner portion will begin at 6PM
and be available until 6:45PM. Reservations for din-
ner may be made by calling St. Paul's parish office
(482-9454) or by signing the guest list on Sunday
morning. The program will begin following dinner at
7PM and is without charge. The public is cordially in-
vited. Speakers and fields of reference include:
The Legal World
Dr. Helen Hiscoe, medical ethics instructor at MSU
The Corporate World
Mr. John Grettenberger, former president of the
Cadillac Division of General Motors
The Broadcast World
Ms. Jane Aldrich, news anchor for TV 6, WLNS
The Political World
The Hon. John Cherry, Lt. Governor of the State of
Michigan

Ms. Susan LeDuc, Assistant District Attorney for Ing- As of the deadline of the St. Paul's News, dates for
ham County specific persons have not been finalized. Check our
Mr. Hugh Clark, prominent Lansing defense attorney Web site, www.stpaulslansing.org, as we get closer to
the opening night.
The Medical World Medical Center
Dr. Bonta Hiscoe, surgeon for 26 years at Sparrow
March 1, 2006
7AM — Chapel
Noon — Chapel
7PM — Church
Lenten Lunch-N-Book Reviews
Services
By Dr. Stephen R. Lange, Minister of Music

T his year, the Lenten Lunch-N-Book Reviews have moved to a new day of the week. They will be held on
Mondays to mesh with the 4 Fs schedule. They will begin on Monday, March 6, and run through April 4
(five sessions).
The format will be the same: a simple lunch (soup, bread, salad for $4) followed by a book review by one of
St. Paul’s parishioners. In addition, this year there will also be a celebration of Holy Eucharist each of these five
weeks from 11:30 AM to 12 noon.
Reviewers will include Dorothy Marsh (March 6—The Lovely Bones: An Autobiography of God), Chris Krupka
(March 13—The Ragamuffin Gospel), Susie Shaefer, (March 20—Looking for Mary), Steve Lange, (March 27—
The Good Book), and Gordon Weller, (April 3—Rescuing the Bible from Fundamentalists). They have chosen a
wide variety of books to review, but all with a message that can enrich our spiritual lives.
Remember Mondays for Lenten Lunch-N-Book Reviews. And consider bringing a friend or inviting a co-worker
to join you. Sign-up sheets will be on the table by the elevator.
Page 4 Upcoming St. Paul’s Activities
Cabaret is Coming
By Dr. Stephen R. Lange, Minister of Music
C abaret is coming! St. Paul’s annual festival of
fine dining and wonderful entertainment will
be held on Saturday, March 11, this year. Dinner
will begin at 5 PM, the entertainment at 6 PM (one
hour earlier than last year, so that families may
attend more easily). The theme for the evening is
“A Night in Italy”, and will feature Italian foods
and delightful entertainment. Please save this date
and plan to attend. Besides being a great value
for food and entertainment, it is a great opportu-
nity to meet with friends and enjoy an evening of
great camaraderie. Tickets are $12.50 for a lasa-
gna or spaghetti dinner and entertainment; $10.00
for coffee, dessert, and entertainment; and $7.50
for a kid’s meal and entertainment.
Becoming the Household of God Meets in March
By Dorothy Marsh
T he annual meeting of “Becoming The Household of
God,” on March 24-25, is one of those rare times
when we are invited to hear from a nationally recog-
nized speaker. The conference is held at St. John's
Episcopal Church in Royal Oak. It begins at 6 PM on
Friday night (24th) and ends in Saturday afternoon. It
is also a time when we can meet with and worship with
fellow Episcopalians from other churches in our diocese.
Too often we feel a sense of isolation from the Bishop
and the other churches because we are on the far west
side of the diocese. This is an opportunity for real fel-
lowship.
Ched Myers, the speaker and facilitator for the con-
St. Elizabeth Guild
By Debby Pierce, Acting President
E arly reminder! St. Elizabeth Guild will begin
meeting again on Tuesday, April 25, at
12:30PM at my house. The program is to be an-
nounced soon. The May Salad Lunch will be at St.
Paul’s, and our program will be by Mandy Lawton
with a presentation and tour of the wonderful nee-
dlepoint in St. Paul’s.
The Rev. Dr. Gordon F. Weller
P lease save the date, April
13, at 6 PM. We will again
gather with our friends from Christ
Community Church (formerly First
Baptist) and Central United Meth-
odist Church for a meal commemo-
rating Christ’s institution of the Lord’s Supper. This is a
time of prayer in the Garden remembering Christ’s ag-
ony and the stripping of the Altar reading used for
Good Friday. A sign-up sheet will be on the table by
the elevator.
ference, is recognized nationally for his experience in
teaching biblical literacy. He is co-founder and pro-
gram director of the Bartimaeus Cooperative Minis-
tries, and they are currently focusing on economic is-
sues as a concrete way to challenge us. This is econom-
ics that is related to four lifestyle issues (Sabbath/
work, consumption, living green, and solidarity) as well
as debt, giving, and investing.
Ched will speak with us about the strategic steps that
individuals, churches, and church institutions can take to
assure that their financial resources are being ex-
pended for the common good. Registration forms will
be found on the table in the cloister.
Mission and Outreach
By Debby Pierce
T hank you to all of you who listed Mission and Out-
reach on your Time and Talent pledge card. We
will be very pleased to have some new members on the
committee. If you are interested, our next meeting is
scheduled for Monday, March 20, at 5:30 PM in the
Van Atta Room. Prior to then, I will send all of you let-
ters to let you know a little history and what is in the
future. We would love some input from any and all pa-
rishioners who are interested in this very important part
of our church life.
 St. Paul’s News Page 5

We’re Asking Questions

By Christine Caswell, Editor

T he St. Paul’s Communications Committee, founded and led by Rick Laub, has taken on part of the mission
to “grow” the church and its congregation. In order to do this, we are going to survey current members to
find out what’s important to the people who are currently here. Who is coming to the church? Who is joining,
and what is bringing them here? Who is staying, and why do they do so? We need to know more about you as
a church member, so we can determine how best to achieve the mission of being a “welcoming church,” and in-
troducing St. Paul’s to potential new members. The survey will take a little time to fill out, but we hope you will
spend a few minutes to help us in this effort. All responses will be anonymous.
I know that all of us are always getting surveys these days, but, if you, as a parishioner of St. Paul’s, could take
some time to let us know what is important to you in a worship community, it will not only be greatly appreci-
ated but will tell us how to keep our church vital.
Also, along with Rick, we offer many thanks to Stephanie Van Koevering for taking the initiative to develop a
formal marketing plan and to put the survey together, and to Patrice Van Voorhees, Thomas Kelleher, Susie
Shaefer, Kathleen Johnson, and Tom Shawver who have all contributed to the work of this committee.
We look forward to getting your comments.

LEMs, LEVs and Lectors

By The Rev. Dr. Gordon F. Weller
By Tom Shawver, Staff Writer

W e welcome as newcomers to the parish,

Perry and Kristi Thompson and their four-
and-a-half month-old daughter Amanda of 381
Coventry Lane, Mason. They moved here from
Commerce Township in Oakland County last fall.
He is an attorney and real estate salesman and
she is state director of services/purchasing in the
Department of Management and Budget. Their
infant daughter was baptized in St. Paul's in Janu-
ary.
I would like to thank Carol Ingells for her ser-
vice to the parish for the last two years as
scheduler and coordinator of our LEMs, LEVs, and
Lectors. This group of volunteers is an integral part
of our worship experience at any worship service,
and coordinating the schedules of two dozen peo-
ple can be daunting. Carol did it with much grace.
We also offer a welcome to Dorothy Marsh as she
begins her term of service as coordinator. To those
in the LEM, LEV, Lector group, please try to be as
attentive and accommodating of the schedule as
you can.

Thanking Carol Ingells

By Dorothy Marsh

T here are many ways that people serve at St. Paul's, some of them in somewhat obscure ways only known
to a few. Have you ever wondered how those serving at the altar and reading the Sunday morning scrip-
tures arrive at their responsibilities? This is something that we generally take for granted but without an orga-
nizing mind behind it there would be a kind of chaos.
Carol Ingells has provided that guidance for what is often a thankless job. Thankless because few are aware
of it and thankless because sometimes we fuss at her over the times we have been scheduled. She is now retir-
ing and her thoughtful and prayerful approach to this responsibility is greatly appreciated by those of us in the
know.
Now you know, too. Thanks Carol!
Page 6 St. Paul’s Youth Ministry
Organ Refurbishment
By The Rev. Dr. Gordon F. Weller
A s announced at the Annual Meeting in January,
our organ is in need of refurbishment. It was
originally installed in 1950 and had a modest revamp-
ing in 1979-80. Given that the average life expectancy
of an organ is 50 years, you can see that the time is
upon us. Our hope is to have the bulk of the work com-
pleted over the summer. If you are interested in learn-
ing more and/or being part of the Organ Committee
and haven't been contacted, please contact Father
Weller, Senior Warden Libby Richardson, or Junior
Warden Greg Wortley.
Congratulations to Choristers
By Dr. Stephen R. Lange, Minister of Music
By The Rev. Dr. Gordon F. Weller
A s rector, I am pleased to announce that we
have a new Episcopal Relief and Develop-
ment parish representative replacing Penny Ryp-
stra who moved recently.
Please welcome Kathleen Gut as our new voice for
ERD at St. Paul's and congratulate her when you
see her in church. Kathleen also serves on the Ves-
try, the evangelism committee, and teaches Church
School. She is excited to take on this new chal-
lenge, anticipating the sharing of knowledge about
ERD as she learns more.
We are also pleased to report that St. Paul's pa-
rishioners donated $985 to ERD's work last year.
Thank you to all who responded.
Kathleen looks forward to sharing a more detailed
report on ERD's relief work following the Katrina

A t Solo and Ensemble Festival, held at Mason High

School on Saturday, February 4, two of St. Paul’s
choristers received superior ratings (Megan McGee and
disaster. After Kathleen has had time to review the
ERD materials, she plans on a parish event to up-
date us on the work of ERD.
Sarah Niven), and one received an excellent rating
(Staci Sparks). In addition, Melanie Walker is a member Thank you, Kathleen!
of the MSU School of Community Music Children’s Choir
that received two Emmy’s for their recordings last year
for best classical album and best choral album. Con-
gratulations to all on their wonderful work!

St. Paul’s March Prayer List

We pray for those who are sick and in need: Cindy Robinson, Bev-
erly McEachern, James Lantz Family, Dixie Durr, Audrey Hegmon,
Richard Hegmon, Aaron Hegmon, Shelley Robinson, Donna Letner,
Grady Letner, Clara Voges, Mason Hill, Mary Olds, Lois Caswell,
Pam Cathey, Ruthann Perry, Dorothy Lawrence, Brian Schray, June
Wyatt, Janet Siebert, Barbara Millar, Avel Neito, John Kim, Ray Chase, Michelle Benson, Rich Davis, Jes-
sica Gonzales, Pat Riley, Kim Crawford, Erik Lindquist, Bernie Lynch, Bobby, Mary Ann Kelley, Carol,
Melinda Gordon; Tom, Lydia and Justin Young; and Judith Jones
We pray and remember those in the military, serving in dangerous areas: Carlos Sims, Stacey Speck, and
Paul Jorae
We pray for those expecting: Rich & Vicky Bellon, Michael & Julie Young, Michael & Lois Aguilera, Justin
& Julia Heany and Justin & Jessica Leonard
We celebrate the birth of Amelia Wolf Pauly, daughter of Matt & Mindy Pauly
We pray for those who have died: Francis Howard
 St. Paul’s Choirs Page 7

Choir News and Dates to Remember

By Dr. Stephen R. Lange, Minister of Music

P lease be sure to save Saturday, March 11, for Cabaret. The format will be slightly changed this year,
with an Italian theme for the food. All members of Cherubs, Boy’s and Grace, and High School Choirs will
be performing.

T here will be a Sunday brunch at the Lange’s for all members of the Chancel Choir on Sunday, March 12,
starting at noon. Please sign up in the Choir Rehearsal Room.

Singing Schedule
Date Choirs
March 1, Ash Wednesday Chancel, (6:30 PM Rehearsal, 7 PM Service)
March 5 High School; Boys’ and Grace
March 12 Chancel; High School
March 19 Chancel; High School
March 26 Chancel; High School

April 2 Chancel; High School

April 9 (Palm Sunday) Chancel; High School; Boys’ and Grace
April 16 (Easter) 9 AM Chancel; High School; Boys’ and Grace; Cherubs
11 AM Chancel; High School
April 23 Chancel; High School
April 30 Chancel; High School

Rehearsal Schedule Adjustments for March and April

B ecause of the Ash Wednesday service at 7 PM on March 1, my absence from St.

Paul’s from March 30 to April 6 (helping my wife chaperone her Madrigal Sing-
ers on their trip to Italy), and Holy Week, there will be several rehearsal changes in
March and April. They are as follows:
March 1, Ash Wednesday: Cherubs and Boys’ and Grace — Normal rehearsal schedule
High School Choir — No rehearsal (but are invited to sing the 7 PM service)
Chancel Choir — Sing for the 7 PM service (warm-ups at 6:30 PM); rehearsal
after the service at 8 PM
Thursday, March 2: No Handbell or Chancel Choir rehearsals
Thursday, March 30: No Handbell or Chancel Choir rehearsals
Wednesday, April 5 No Cherubs, Boys’ and Grace, or High School Choir rehearsals
Thursday, April 6 No Handbell or Chancel Choir rehearsals
Wednesday, April 12: NORMAL REHEARSALS FOR CHERUBS, BOYS’ AND GRACE, HIGH SCHOOL
7:30 PM Chancel Choir rehearsals
Page 8
St. Paul’s Youth Ministry
Kid’s Communion Instruction
By The Rev. Susie Shaefer, Curate

W hat does my child need in order to receive

Communion? Should they wait until they
are old enough to understand the theology? Or,
Church School, and from being present in worship.

Last fall, we offered an afternoon Communion class

aren’t they part of the church now? Many parents
struggle with these questions. The short and simple
answer is: Baptism is all that is required. In the
Episcopal Church, we believe that at Baptism chil-
dren (and adults!) become full members of the
Body of Christ. Therefore, children of all ages are
welcomed at the Lord’s Table. Of course, the reali-
ties of being a small child can make receiving Com-
munion more difficult. Babies don’t eat solid foods
like bread, and toddlers may not understand what
is going on in church, or what to do with the
strange bread and cup of wine at the rail. Simple
instructions from parents can help a child partici-
pate in Communion, and teach them that they are
indeed members of the Church. As children grow
and develop, so will their understanding of the
Eucharist, with help from their parents, from
for children, and we are offering it again this
spring. On Saturday, March 25, from 9AM - Noon,
there will be one of those opportunities for chil-
dren to deepen their knowledge and understanding
of the Eucharist. We will use stories, activities,
and prayer to help children learn about the Eucha-
rist. The class will be most appropriate for children
ages 3 to 8 (Pre-K through 2nd grade). The follow-
ing Sunday will include a recognition for the stu-
dents from the class receiving Communion as an
important step in their life as baptized Christians.
For parents who prefer that their children have a
class before taking Communion, this is for you! For
parents who want to explore Communion with their
kids, even if they already regularly receive the
bread and wine, this is the class for you too! To
register, please contact the Rev. Gordon Weller.

Youth Group Mission Trip News

By The Rev. Susie Shaefer, Curate

S t. Paul’s Youth Group is going on our first mission trip! From July 15-21, we will be going to Eagle
Ranch in Tennessee. We will participate in a Habitat project, as well as environmental education
projects, such as trail building and stream clean-up. We will share meals with other youth groups from
around the country, as well as have evening time for devotions with our own group. It will be an incredi-
ble opportunity for youth and leaders to grow in faith and service to God by serving others, and spend-
ing time together away from home.

Mission trips require more support and planning than most youth group events. First, we ask your
prayers as we prepare for this trip. We also ask your patience as we organize and raise the needed
funds. Finally, we ask for your encouragement. It is a brave thing for teenagers to give up a week of
their summer vacation to work for the benefit of people they will likely never see again. The leaders,
Chris Nazar, Darren & Ellen McConnell, and Rev. Susie Shaefer are looking forward to the opportu-
nity to work with these youth, and will happily answer other questions about the trip.

An opportunity for support is coming soon! Please join us on Sunday, March 19 after the 10AM service
for a special fundraiser brunch. We will have breakfast casseroles and other brunch goodies, and your
donations will support our youth! Look for a sign-up sheet with more details in early March. If you would
like to help, please contact Kathy Gut, chair of the brunch.
 St. Paul’s News Page 9

Thank You: From the Ingells Family

By Carol Ingells
To the Congregation:

M elissa, Lester and I offer our heartfelt gratitude to each of you for the countless ways you supported us
during Norris's illness and final passing. The visits, calls, meals, notes, e-mails, memorials, hugs, and espe-
cially your prayers and presence gave (and still give) us strength and courage to go on.
Special thanks to Gordon, Steve, Kathleen, Susie, Vicki and Melanie Walker, Chuck Millar, Jannel Glennie,
Rick Laub and the women of the ECW Steering Committee. The service and reception were beautiful. Many
who don't attend St. Paul's commented on the beauty of both, as well as the hospitality of our church. We were
proud to be part of such a good congregation and believe Norris would be delighted with it all.
We know many of you mourn his loss, as well. And while we miss him more than we can express, we are grate-
ful for his freedom and joy in New Life and for the full and gifted life he lived on earth. Thank you from our
hearts!
Carol & Melissa Ingells

St. Aelred's
By Nancy Sheldon

S t. Aelred's Guild offers spiritual

friendship through visitation
and lay Eucharistic visits to members
on the prayer list or knows someone
whom they'd like placed on it,
please call Kathleen Johnson, our
when we can visit or how we can
help. Sometimes, a hospital visit is
not recommended or advised. In
of our congregation who are unable office manager, and let her know. those cases, we can put you, or a
to worship with us on Sunday. We The current weekly prayer list is member of your family, on our
also help to keep the prayer list up also posted on the bulletin board prayer list and then visit later, at a
to date and welcome our newest outside the church office and in the more appropriate or beneficial
babies into the congregation. Any- newsletter. time.
one who would like to join us in this
ministry is very welcome! We meet Also, please note that hospital pri- St. Aelred's request of all of you is
the third Wednesday of the month vacy rules do not allow them to tell to share with us your need for
from 5-6 PM in the Van Atta Room. churches (or others) when someone prayer or the needs of a member
from their congregation is in the of your family or others. This helps
Names on the prayer list, printed in hospital. Please remember to tell us be better prepared to reach out
the Sunday bulletin, are supposed the hospital during the admission to members of our parish family in
to remain there for 30 days or, until process that you, or a member of spiritual friendship. Please let Fa-
the person being prayed for or a your family, are parishioners at St. ther Weller or Kathleen know of
member of their family calls to ad- Paul's. You should also call the your needs. Thank you for being our
vise us to continue the listing or re- church office or Father Weller to let "eyes and ears!”
move it. If anyone would like to be us know who is in which hospital and
 Page 10
St. Paul’s News
Vestry Highlights
Because of the lateness of the Vestry meeting, February
21 (as late as it can be), the shortness of the month (as
short as it can be), and the desire to get the newsletter
information to you in a timely manner, Vestry Highlights
will not be included this month. Minutes may be found on
the bulletin board across from the rector's office.
Parish Stewardship
(Or let’s not burn down the Parish House)
By Debby Pierce
Sometimes I Wonder…
By Sue Millar, Book Cart Manager
S ometimes I wonder if the effort of the Book
Cart is worth it. It’s not about making a profit
for St. Paul’s. It’s about making written resources
easily available to parishioners. My thought, when
I decided to take on this project, was that it would-
n’t take too much time and would be easy to do.
No big deal.
The Book Cart, as I hope you know, provides pa-
rishioners with a chance to purchase books I secure
through the Cathedral Book Shop. Bibles, Prayer
Books, books on theology or church history, liturgi-
cal materials, books that nurture individual spiritual
growth, books for children and their parents are
available. You get the idea.
It’s okay when the monthly display registers no
sales, since people often browse and at least are
aware that the books are available. Still, since
bookkeeping is pretty far down on my list of fun
things to do, and even this project requires a mini-
mum, there are times I wonder, “Why did I take
this on?”
Then last month, following the service during which
Fr. Weller preached on praying with your children,
a young mother asked if we had anything that
would help her as she nurtured her three-year-old
(Continued on page 11)

A s I look around the Parish House and church, I see it is time for my semi-annual stewardship/housekeeping
reminder. We have several very important issues that we all need to be aware of. First, if you have a
meeting, please make sure the outside doors are all locked before you leave (check the outside handle of the
Parish House doors [front] to be sure the handle is in a locked position). Be sure the Cloister door is locked, if
you exit by way of the Cloister door, and be sure to push it until it latches.
If you have made coffee, be sure the Bunn coffeemaker is turned off. If you are the last to leave on Sunday,
make sure the coffeemaker and coffee urns are turned off. The coffee urns were left plugged in on Christmas
Day and not discovered until the 27th—bad smell. The Bunn coffeemaker was left on January 24 and when the
caterers came in the next morning, the pot had gone dry and blown out a fuse. Unfortunately, the icemaker is
on the same circuit, so the ice all melted and the maker was filled with water.
These are all potentially dangerous situations, and we all need to be more diligent to see that nothing serious
happens.
 St. Paul’s News Page 11

"The banners are up! The banners are up!"

By Tom Shawver, Staff Writer

I t's a cry worth repeating throughout the church, at the culmination of a years-
long project to cap the renovation of the Merrifield Room with a host of colorful
banners hanging from the rafters. The effect is akin to an heraldic display in a me-
dieval castle or cathedral, only these are different.
The eight double-sided banners, shaped like shields and measuring about three by
three-and-a-half feet, represent eight seasons of the church year. They're on permanent display for present
and future congregations of St. Paul's to learn from and enjoy.
The Merrifield Room banners were first envisioned by Catherine Hornbach, an interior designer who was a con-
sultant for the $1 million renovation project at St. Paul's that started about 10 years ago. She recommended a
"great room" concept for the main fellowship hall of the church.
Following up on this recommendation, Mary Luginsland of the "People United" renovation committee asked
Jean Shawver to head up a banner committee, and she, in turn, invited eight other women in the congregation
to join her.
"All the women have special talents for creativity and are proficient in the fiber arts," said Jean. They are
Mary Luginsland, Ruth Farmer, Marilyn Rider, Sally Boron, Debby Pierce, Chris Krupka, Elisabeth Richard-
son, and Susan Bonfiglio.
The women began by viewing banners in churches in the Lansing area and beyond, then brainstorming among
themselves before settling on the seasons of the church year as the theme. Research followed on colors and
symbols, such as the Christmas rose, the Easter lily, and the Epiphany star. The focus is on simplicity of design
and strong graphic representation.
Before construction began, the group had to deal with other issues, such as state and local fire regulations, fab-
ric choices, acoustical problems, hanging devices, and color fasting the fabrics used.
Ever since then, the committee has met in the Merrifield Room in groups of three to six, usually, with sewing ma-
chines, irons, and ironing boards at the ready.
"It has been a wonderful experience," said Jean. "In many ways this has been the best committee I've ever
worked with at St. Paul's.”
Assisting in the project were several men in the parish, most notably John Irwin, Rod Sanchez, Max Pierce,
and Alan Boron.

(Continued from, “Sometimes I wonder,” page 10)

in the practice of prayer. I quickly responded that I would call the Cathedral Book Shop to see what was avail-
able.
Accommodating as always, they immediately shipped out a couple books that I thought might do the trick. The
timing was good; the following Sunday was Book Cart day. This inquiring mom purchased one of the two books
and she was so appreciative. The second book, geared toward older children, was purchased that day by an-
other parent.
To connect Sunday worship, sermons, the nurture of children, and helping parents with an important responsibil-
ity, all of these made me realize that, “Yes, it is worth it.”
Page 12

(Continued from, “Vestry Retreat,” page 1)

7. Ministry to those whom we seek: in process by the Evangelism committee. We are doing better, but need to
continue to grow this area.
8. Contact time & talent responders: not done yet, but Evangelism intends to make contacts. We need more
newsworthy events.
9. Continued emphasis in Youth Ministry – defeat two-layer system: in process by Youth Christian Ed.
10. Alpha program for fall: not done, Adult Christian Ed.
11. “Know the flow:” not done, Adult Christian Ed.
12. Advertise Lenten Programs to the community: not done.
13. Family weekend camp: not done.
14. Ministry to families with young children: in process.
15. Ministry to singles: in process.
16. Tell personal stories: in process.
17. Redefine space – Russians, Sudanese, Closing the Gap: Design & Preservation is working on this.
18. Take more personal faith risks: not done.
19. Build on Stewardship drive: not done.
Goals for 2006:
1. Include portion of the Mission/Vision Statement in the Sunday bulletin and monthly newsletter on a regular
basis.
2. More direct attention to accomplishing the specific actions listed in documents.
3. Purchase new Phonic ears.
4. Be sure large print bulletins are available.
5. More discussion on sensitive issues: disabilities, gender issues, race or ethnic issues.
6. Expand the Welcoming process with mentors, mentor training, formalized welcoming process.
7. Continue to expand the “Baptismal Covenant Process,” but change the label to fit specific situations.
8. Develop new slants to our worship:
a. Eucharist in the Garden
b. “Special” Sunday focus
c. More roundtables in the Merrifield room
d. Look at statistics to see what they say
9. Expand the horizons of our Service Committee to inform the parish – ERD, CESA, Sudanese work.
10. Review Welcoming Church document monthly: status of changes, accomplishments.
As you can see, we are working hard and will continue to work hard on these goals. If you want to see the Ves-
try in action, please come to any meeting on the third Tuesday of the month. Everyone is welcome!

(Continued from, “Lenten Discipline,” page 1)

This collect is usually read in the midst of the pre-Advent preparation, and where the reading, marking, and
learning might be accomplished, the "inward digestion" usually is postponed for time's sake. My pact with
myself this Lent is to take this prayer and its admonition of inward digestion more to heart. I usually take the
time to read and mark certain passages of the season. At times I may even commit some to memory because
of their importance. This Lent, the Lenten discipline (read training exercise) will be to take the time to in-
wardly digest that which is appointed. I urge you to consider a training program for yourself. The benefit is
enormous; the prize eternal.
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Phone: 517-482-9454
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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 Rev. Dr. Gordon Weller, Rector
The Rev. Susie Shaefer, Curate
Dr. Stephen R. Lange, Minister of Music
Ms. Mary Rodeck, Assistant Minister of Music
Ms. Kathleen Johnson, Office Manager
Mr. Patrick Brander, Sexton
St. Paul’s News Editorial Staff
Christine Caswell, Editor
Tom Shawver, Staff Writer
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Lyn Zynda, Layout Editor

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