St.

Paul's Episcopal Church

Lansing Michigan

St. Paul’s News

God is Doing New Things December, 2006

By The Rev. Dr. Gordon Weller

Volume 31, Issue 10
D uring the month of
November, we
offered a service of
change. The point was made that as much as
God calls us to new awareness and experiences,
as in the lessons, we almost always wish to keep
Morning Prayer, fol- things as they are or even go back to as they
lowed by refreshments were. God and God's kingdom are ever- Inside this issue:
and Bible study at 7 changing; we usually wish to maintain the status Calendar 13
The Rev. Dr. Gordon Weller a.m. on Wednesday quo. Choir Schedule 9
mornings. Our Bible
study consisted of looking at some of the lessons Some of that may have to do with the fact that St. Paul’s News 6,8
we (American Christians) are on top of the food 10-11
from Isaiah that would or could be used during
Advent and Christmas, the thought being that chain. We have most of what we want and more Upcoming 2-5
discussion before hearing these lessons in Advent than we need. But the Wednesday morning Activities
might make them more understandable and group identified several other mindsets that po-
meaningful when heard. sition us to be resistant to the change that is Vestry News 7
God.
One of the mornings, the lessons studied were
Isaiah 35:1-10 and Isaiah 40:1-10. Both of One was comfort. All of us would rather be com-
these beautifully poetic pieces speak to what a fortable than uncomfortable. This becomes truer
new world, created by the coming of the Mes- the older we get. The allure of the unknown that
siah, might look like. On this occasion, the talk propelled us when young is replaced by the
shifted to a place where we were discussing (Continued on page 12)

CREDO
By The Rev. Gordon F. Weller

W hat's a CREDO? I'm glad you asked. In October, I was away from the parish for eight
days. I attended a conference, sponsored and paid for by the Church Pension Fund, which
was designed to help clergy deal with some of the unique issues that ordained ministry presents.
CREDO stands for Clergy Reflection Education and Discernment Opportunity. And it was a wonder-
ful opportunity. I took the time and had the faculty support to look at the various aspects of my life
that in some cases I have not looked at since I was ordained 34 years ago.
My particular group was for clergy 55 and older who are still in active ministry. We looked at
issues of health (medical, spiritual and emotional) and had experts in all fields running seminars
and available to talk to.
We had representatives from the Church Pension Fund present. They, too, ran seminars and indi-
vidually looked at our current financial conditions and where we would like to be at retirement. For
many this was really important because they do not have long years of service to the Church.
There was only one person who has been in Church service longer than I. Some have as few as five
years.
(Continued on page 12)
Page 2
Upcoming St. Paul’s Activities
St Paul’s In Action
Ongoing Activities
• St. Aelred’s Guild, third Wednesday, 5 PM
• Book Cart, First two Sundays in December, after
10 AM
• B&PW, Tuesday, December 12, 6 PM
• St. Elizabeth Corporate Communion, December 10,
after the 8 AM service
• ECW, third Monday, 7 PM
• Family Night Dinner, Wednesdays, 5-6 PM
• 4 Fs, second and fourth Monday, noon to 2 PM
• Infant/Toddler Group, 3rd Saturday, 10 AM-Noon
• St. Paul’s Library, open every Sunday
• Prayer Group, first Tuesday, 5:30 PM, Choir Re-
hearsal Room
• Men’s Breakfast, third Thursday, 7-8 AM, Hill Room
• Mid-Week Eucharist, Tuesdays, noon
Committee Meetings
• Design & Preservation, second Tuesday, 5:30 PM
• Evangelism Meeting, Third Tuesday, 5 PM
• Mission and Outreach, third Monday, 5:30 PM
• Vision Statement Committee, Tuesday, December
19, 5:30 PM
Gathering to Benefit ERD
By Pastor Susie Shaefer
C ome kick off the holidays on Friday, Decem-
ber 1, from 7-10 p.m. with the Gathering, a
party at the home of Kathy & Larry Gut (at 5552
Wild Iris Road in Haslett). A freewill offering will
be taken to benefit Episcopal Relief & Develop-
ment. Please join us to enjoy good music provided
by our own Kressler brothers, champagne punch
and great hors d’oeuvres. We’ll get the Christmas
spirit started!! Bring an appetizer to share, and
please sign up outside the Merrifield Room.
Shop The Book Cart Twice In December
By Sue Millar
T he Book Cart will offer books and other items for sale on the first TWO Sundays in December in order to
provide additional opportunities for holiday shopping. Check out the titles that appeal to a range of ages
and interests as well as some unique craft items. We will also offer a selection of jewelry. There is still time to
special order Prayer Books or Bibles.
• Welcoming Church Committee, December 19, 5:30
PM
This Month at St. Paul’s and Elsewhere
• The Gathering, Friday, December 1, at the home
of Kathy & Larry Gut, 7 PM
• Advent Pageant, Sunday, December 3, 10 AM
• Lange Choral Ensemble Christmas Concert, Satur-
day, December 9, 7 PM
• Brunch, Sunday, December 3, after 10 AM service
• Youth Group Christmas Service Project, Sunday,
December 10
• Lessons & Carols, December 17, 10 AM
Looking Ahead
• Parenting God’s Children, Wednesdays beginning
January 10,
• Safeguarding God’s Children, Saturday, January
13, 10 AM to Noon
• Toddler/Infant Playgroup, begins again, Saturday,
January 20, 10 AM to Noon
• Annual Meeting, Sunday, January 28, after 10 AM
service
• ERD Book Sale, Spring 2007
Sunday Brunch Returns
By Pastor Susie Shaefer
O n Sunday, December 3, after the 10 a.m. service
and Advent pageant, stay for brunch to celebrate
the start of the church year. Proceeds from the brunch
will benefit Episcopal Relief and Development, the na-
tional and international relief agency of our church. The
suggested donation for the brunch is $5-7 per person,
or $15-20 for a family. Food donations are also
needed. Sign up outside the Merrifield Room to attend
and/or to bring food. Questions? Please contact Kathy
Gut.
 Upcoming St. Paul’s Activities Page 3

By The Rev. Gordon F. Weller and Pastor Susie Shaefer

O n December 3, the young people of the parish will present an

Advent pageant at the 10 a.m. service. The calendar has
blessed us this year because the first day of Advent is not the Sunday
following Thanksgiving, when so many people are away. Instead, the
First Sunday of Advent affords us the opportunity to learn as both
children and adults from this production. Written by Father Weller,
the pageant will explore the hymn, “O Come, O Come Emmanuel,”
and we will be visited by many special guests, helping us prepare for the coming of Christ. Many thanks to
Maureen Nauss, our director, and the youth and children presenting this piece. Please join us for this worship
experience, and support our young dramatists.

Christmas: A Season for Music

By Dr. Stephen R. Lange, Minister of Music

T he Christmas season will begin with the annual Christmas Concert by The Lange Choral Ensemble on Satur-
day, December 9, at 7 p.m. (Please note that the program is on Saturday, not Sunday as usual!) Their pro-
gram, titled “A Candlelight Christmas Concert,” will feature music by Whitacre, Lauridsen, Tallis, Palestrina, a
special piece composed by Jeff Kressler in honor of Dr. Lange’s birthday last spring—Psalm 150 (not one
Psalm for each year!)—and Laud to the Nativity by Ottorino Respighi. This work will be accompanied by a
woodwind septet. Tickets are $8.00 for adults and $6.00 for senior citizens and students, and they will be
available at the door.
The service of Lessons and Carols, a particular favorite of parishioners, will be held one week earlier than
usual, on Sunday, December 17 (because the Fourth Sunday of Advent is also Christmas Eve). All of St. Paul’s
choirs will join in singing anthems in response to the Advent lessons, which foretell Christ’s coming.
The Christmas Eve Festival Eucharist, beginning at 11 p.m. on December 24, will once again be preceded by a
half hour of special Christmas music. The pre-service program, beginning at 10:30 p.m., will include music for
soloists, brass and organ music, and the handbell choir. As usual, graduates and alumni of St. Paul’s choir pro-
gram are invited to join us for this service. Rehearsal will be at 10:15 p.m. on the 24th. Please let Dr. Lange
know ahead of time so that there will be music ready.

2006 Christmas Services

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Monday, December 25
Friday, December 29
Monday, January 1
December 17 - Advent III
8 AM Eucharist
10 AM Lessons and Carols
December 24 - Advent IV
8 AM Eucharist
10 AM Choral Eucharist
December 24 - Christmas Eve
4 PM Children's & Family Eucharist
10:30 PM Carol Sing
11 PM Choral Eucharist
December 25 - Christmas Day
10 AM Eucharist
December 26 - St. Stephen's Day
Noon - Eucharist and Healing
December 31 - 1st Sunday of Christmas
8 AM - Eucharist
10 AM - Eucharist
January 6 - Epiphany
7 PM - Eucharist
January 7 - 1st Sunday after Epiphany
8 AM - Eucharist
10 AM - Choral Eucharist & Baptisms
Page 4
Upcoming St. Paul’s Activities
Mission/Outreach Committee St. Elizabeth Guild
By Debby Pierce By Debby Pierce

T he next scheduled meeting of the Mission and

Outreach Committee is Monday, January 17
at 6 p.m. in the Van Atta Room. We have some
new projects we will be discussing and would like
to have some additional representation from the
Congregation. Please contact Susie Shaefer at
482-9454 or Debby Pierce at 394-4800.
S t. Elizabeth Guild will be having its annual Corpo-
rate Communion & Breakfast on Sunday, Decem-
ber 10. We will meet for the Eucharist Service at 8 a.m.
Breakfast is to follow in the Merrifield Room with Rev.
Susie Shaefer as our guest speaker. Spouses and guests
are welcome. If you are interesting in attending, please
call Debby Pierce @394-4800.
This will be our last meeting until spring so we would
like to see as many members as possible.

A Special Holiday Celebration

By Nancy Sheldon

T he 4 F's Group (Faith, Food, Fun and Fellowship for those who have time in the middle of the day) would
like you to join us on Monday, December 11 for the following:
• Noon Eucharist in the Chapel followed by lunch ($4.00)
• A Christmas Offering by Nancy Lange's Madrigal Singers from Grand Ledge High School
Please join us by calling the church office or signing up outside of the Merrifield Room. Rides will be provided
by notifying Kathleen Johnson in the office. We'd love to have you join us and will be more than happy to pick
you up for this enjoyable Christmas occasion.

ECW Update Playgroup

By Annette Irwin, By The Rev. Susie Shaefer, Curate
President

P lease mark December 17

on your calendar for the
T he Toddler/Infant Playgroup will not have a
regular meeting in December. We will gather
again on January 20 for a service project, working
ECW Christmas Tea. This is a on fleece blankets for Project Linus. Please join us!
special coffee hour with delicious cookies, tea, coffee Playgroup is for parents of children age 3 and
and punch which follows the 10 a.m. service of Lessons under, and we meet from 10 a.m. to noon on the
and Carols. third Saturday of each month. Questions? Please
contact Pastor Susie or Dianna Erickson!

Parenting God’s Children

By Pastor Susie Shaefer

P arenting is so many things—joyful, frustrating, confusing, rewarding—and it can be all of those in just one
day! Parenting is also an exercise of faith, and, therefore, the Church should be a place where we can
gather to reflect on our role as parents, to sharpen our skills in raising children, and support one another on our
different journeys.
To that end, the Adult Education Committee will be sponsoring a series called “Parenting God’s Children,” on
Wednesday evenings, from January 10 through February 14. Our focus will be a curriculum entitled “Parenting
101: The Basics of Becoming a Proactive Parent,” with an introductory and closing session. We will do Bible
(Continued on page 12)
 Upcoming St. Paul’s Activities Page 5

St. Aelred’s Guild

By Nancy Sheldon

S t. Aelred's Guild offers spiritual friendship to members of our congregation in time of need through notes,
visitation, prayer list management, Eucharistic visits, celebration of births and marriages, as well as phone
calls to shut-ins. You are welcome to join us in this ministry on the third Wednesday of each month from 5 - 6
p.m. St. Paul’s would like to know when one of our parishioners is in the hospital, 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 and praying for them. Please pick up a form for this special ministry at the Welcome Table after church,
or call Kathleen in the office at 482-9454.

Gifts for the Christ Child Mitten Tree

By Debby Pierce By Debby Pierce

W e will celebrate the birth of the Christ Child

at the Christmas Eve Services. We will once
again fill the manger with gifts for the newborn.
These gifts will be donated to EVE's House, a local
shelter for victims of domestic violence. Thank you
for your thoughtful gifts!
L ook for the Mitten Tree in the Cloister the first
weekend in December. We would like you to cover
that tree with mittens, hats, scarves, etc. We will be do-
nating these items to Cristo Rey before Christmas.
Please bring your gifts by Dec. 17.
These gifts will be greatly appreciated by many little
hands. Let’s fill the tree so that no green is showing.

Safeguarding God’s Children

By Pastor Susie Shaefer

E ach time a child or adult is baptized, the congregation promises to support that person in his or her life in
Christ. In recent years, however, newspaper headlines demonstrate that too many children are victims of
abuse. On Saturday, January 13, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, please join us for a presentation of “Safeguarding
God’s Children—for Parents and Congregations,” a curriculum recently produced by the Episcopal Church for
the prevention of sexual abuse of children. Grounded in theological and practical knowledge, the first part of
this curriculum is designed to educate parents and congregations on recognizing and acting to keep our children
safer and healthier. We will be joined by Kris Forsyth, a trainer for the curriculum, a director of Christian Edu-
cation in Grand Blanc, and a mother of two girls. All parents and Church School teachers are especially encour-
aged to attend, but this presentation is open to all who are interested. Questions? Please speak with Pastor
Susie.

B&PW Meeting Convention Update

By Elisabeth Richardson, Treasurer By Pastor Susie Shaefer

T he Business and Professional Women will meet

for dinner and a Christmas program on Tues-
day, December 12 at 6 p.m. Dinner is $8. RSVP to
Nancy Milne at 882-0573 by Sunday, December
10.
The diocese of Michigan met in Convention in Dearborn
the last weekend of October. By now, you should have
received a letter summarizing the actions and experi-
ence of Convention. If you have questions, our dele-
gates would be happy to talk with you. This year’s
delegates were Gordon Weller, Susie Shaefer, Chuck
Millar, Libby Richardson, Greg Wortley, and Charlie
Krupka.
Page 6
St. Paul’s News
Organ Rededication
By Elisabeth Richardson, Senior Warden

T here was an amazing event at the church on Sunday afternoon, November 12. We re-dedicated the or-
gan. WOW! Who knew the organ was that powerful and beautiful? I fully expected the stained glass to
come bursting out of all the windows at one point, (just as in the movies)! Please take a moment to thank the fol-
lowing people for all of their dedication and hard work on this project: Steve Lange, Gordon Weller, Nancy
Milne, Jeff Kressler, Brad Deacon, Ben Herbert, Kirk Lindquist, Mary Luginsland, Bill Luginsland, Tom Re-
paskey, Susie Shaefer, Susan Henderson, Rick Laub, Sue LeDuc, Greg Wortley, and Elisabeth Richardson.
Please also take a moment to thank everyone who has contributed financially to this endeavor. Thank you,
Thank you.
I would also like to take a moment to acknowledge Debby & Max Pierce for a wonderful reception following
the rededication program. Their generosity is highly valued and appreciated. I would also like to thank
Marion and Tim Magee, Annette Irwin, Ray and JoAnn Chase, and the staff of A Catered Affaire for all of
their assistance with the reception.
Thank you to everyone!

St. Paul’s held a special rededication service for the refurbished organ on Sunday, November 12. Guest organist and
composer Doug Austin returned for the event.

Bravo! UTO Ingathering for November 5

By the Organ Restoration Committee By Kay Gallup

W hat a wonderful performance we all heard No-

vember 12! The organ rededication service was
truly a wonderful musical experience. Our wonderful
T hanks to all for your gifts at this Ingathering.
Our total was $918.50.

choirs and newly up-dated organ were both featured,
along with a brass choir and Doug Austin’s choral setting
of the 46th Psalm. Steve Lange is to be congratulated
for his wonderful conducting and performing that day!
The greatly improved sound of the organ is very appre-
ciated after several months of listening to an electronic
version. Congratulations to all those involved with the
service!
As of November 1, 2006, St. Paul’s has received 129
pledges and cash contributions totaling $128,217.92,
with $101,997.92 received already. We are continu-
ally getting closer to our goal. Thanks to all of you for
your support!
Once again, our offerings are combined with those
of hundreds and thousands of other Episcopalians to
help meet compelling needs around the world.
My special thanks to those who helped at the two
services on Sunday, November 5: Nancy Milne,
Sally Laurion, Annette Irwin, Joyce Renfrew,
Vivian Toomey and Pam Irwin.
Again, Blue Boxes will be available at both en-
trances to the church for any who choose to
use them for daily thanks.
 News from the Vestry Page 7

Financial Information As of October 31, 2006

By Jeff Irwin
The total revenue received from actual pledges was $206,537, as of October 31, 2006, which is 85.3% of the
budget. September is 83.3% of the year. Non-pledge revenue continues to be below budget at 31.7% of the
budgeted amount.
The operating loss for October was $13,434, which puts the year-to-date operating loss at $114,250. Our
operating budget for 2006 was for a $117,597 loss, so at this point it appears likely that we will have a loss
greater then the amount budgeted.
It is important to keep in mind that we do receive significant contributions that are restricted and, therefore, are
not part of operating income. As of this writing, final October 31 amounts are not available, but it is possible
that restricted contributions made and investment gains will offset the loss on operations of the church. Looking
at the combination of the restricted funds and the operations of the church, we should approximately break
even for 2006.
Restricted funds transferred to the operating account in October consist of $8,800 from the Building fund to
reimburse the cost of the roof repair. Also, $2,200 was transferred from the Mission and Outreach fund to pro-
vide for a special need in the parish.
In October, no cash was withdrawn from the St. Paul’s Perpetual fund. However, in early November, $10,000
was transferred to the operating account.
As of October 31, 2006, we have received a total of $101,998 to pay for the organ restoration. We have
paid Austin Organ $123,569 and $12,121 is still owed for the final contract payment. Additionally, in Novem-
ber, $8,900 was paid beyond the contract amount for an additional improvement.

Vestry Nominations Annual Meeting

By The Rev. Dr. Gordon F. Weller By The Rev. Gordon F. Weller

N ames of candidates for election to the Vestry

are now being received. Qualifications in-
clude:
• Baptized
• At least 16 years of age
• Regular in attendance
• A contributing member of the congregation
• Willingness to attend 10 vestry meetings
• Willingness to chair a vestry committee
• Willingness to attend the vestry retreat on
Feb. 1-2, 2007
If you are willing to serve or have someone you
would like to nominate, please confirm their willing-
ness and submit their name. As always, nominations
from the floor are acceptable.
This year's Annual Meeting will be held on January 28,
2007. It will immediately follow the 10 a.m. service
(approximately 11:30 a.m.). Many significant things
happen at the Annual Meeting. The previous year is
reviewed both financially and spiritually. Where did we
do well? Where is there room for improvement? At this
year's meeting, we will review the Vision Statement and
The Welcoming Church to see the progress that has
been made. We have some bylaw revisions to adopt,
and we also will recognize those who have made valu-
able contributions to the life of the congregation.
In addition, we chart our path for the new year. This
includes reviewing and passing a budget for 2007,
electing new Vestry persons, and talking about the
goals we would seek to accomplish. Please make every
effort to be in attendance.
Page 8
St. Paul’s News
Church School
By Pastor Susie Shaefer

T he first half of our church school year is nearly

over, and what a fall it has been! The junior and
senior high classes have spent time learning about our
Episcopal traditions: the Sacraments, Book of Common
Prayer and worship style. Our elementary classes have
been following the lectionary, and spent one morning
making prayer beads, prayer boxes and writing their
own prayers as part of the congregational celebration
of Morning Prayer. Thanks to Carol Laub for her role
in planning these activities!
The December church school schedule is as follows:
• Sunday, Dec. 3 – Advent Pageant – No Church
School
• Sunday, Dec 10 – Regular Church School
• Sunday, Dec. 17 – Lessons & Carols – No Church
School
• Sunday, Dec. 24 – Regular Church School in the
morning

Thanksgiving Baskets
By Dr. Stephen R. Lange, Minister of Music
Thank you for your generous support of Thanksgiving
baskets. St. Paul’s parishioners delivered 15 baskets to
needy families and donated more than $500! Money
received was used to pay for the 15 turkeys; what was
left over was sent as a donation to the Food Bank.
Thank you!

Wonder, Love, and Praise

By Dr. Stephen R. Lange, Minister of Music
The bulk of the following article was used as Worship Notes on November 12
On November 12, we at St. Paul’s welcomed a new member to our church worship. This newcomer, however,
unlike most, doesn’t have arms, legs or a face. Instead it has a dark green cover, about 114 new hymns, 72
pieces of new service music, and a catchy name—“Wonder, Love, and Praise.” Its official name is “Wonder,
Love, and Praise: A Supplement to The Hymnal 1982.” (Over time, as we get to know it better, we’ll just call it
“WLP.”) Despite its rather imposing name, however, “Wonder, Love and Praise” is really a very friendly book,
one well worth getting to know. Its hymns are found in the first portion of the book (The hymn numbers, which
begin with 721, are just a continuation of the hymn numbers of The Hymnal 1982) and the service music in the
last portion.
Although we used this hymnal in worship for the first time on the 12th, we already did know some of its contents.
For several years we have used such hymns as “Eagle’s wings,” “I, the Lord of sea and sky,” and “Lead me,
guide me” regularly in worship.
Just as newcomers can enrich our parish family by bringing new outlooks, resources and greater diversity to our
worshiping community, so, too, does this hymnal offer supplemental materials that can enrich, broaden and pro-
vide greater variety to our worship experience. Thanks to the generous donation of a couple who wishes to re-
main anonymous and to the Hubbard literature fund, we have been able to purchase these hymnal supplements
for our use.
The title, “Wonder, Love, and Praise,” is taken from the final phrase of the Charles Wesley text “Love divine,
all loves excelling” (Hymn #657). The entire final stanza reads, “Finish then thy new creation; pure and spotless
let us be; let us see thy great salvation perfectly restored in thee: changed from glory into glory, till in heaven
we take our place, till we cast our crowns before thee, lost in wonder, love, and praise.” What a wonderful
description this is of the transcendence that worship at its best can bring to us!
 St. Paul’s Choirs Page 9

Choir News and Dates to Remember

By Dr. Stephen R. Lange, Minister of Music

Wednesday, December 20 - We (all youth and adult choirs) will eat and, after a very brief rehearsal to
be sure we are ready for Christmas Eve, go caroling for some of our shut-ins. (Parents, of course, are ea-
gerly invited to join us!!) We’ll have a sign-up sheet to let us know if you will be able to go, and if you are
willing to drive. Adults will rehearse on Wednesday, as well, and not on Thursday the 21st.
Wednesday/Thursday, January 3-4 - No rehearsals (but all will vest as normal on January 7)
Cabaret - Saturday, March 3 - Please note the change of date because of scheduling conflicts. Cabaret
will be held on Saturday, March 3 (NOT the 10th, as originally indicated!). This is an evening of dinner
(spaghetti) and entertainment, sponsored by the England choristers, at which members of all the choirs will
perform. Please save this date!
Reminder: Please let Dr. Lange know if you are going to miss a rehearsal or a service. With holiday travel
plans coming up, it may mean a shift in anthems if too many people are absent! Also, Sunday morning re-
hearsals begin at 9:30 a.m. Please be prompt. Thank you.

Singing Schedule
Date Choirs
December 3 Boys’ and Grace, High School
December 10 Chancel, High School
December 17, Lessons & Carols Cherubs, Boys’ and Grace, High School and Chancel
December 24, 10 AM Chancel, High School
4 PM Cherubs, Boys’ and Grace
11 PM (Rehearsal at 10:15 PM) Chancel, High School
December 31 NO VESTED CHOIRS
January 7 All Choirs Vest
January 14 Chancel; High School
January 21 Chancel; High School
January 28 Chancel; High School

A Special Note
A HUGE THANK YOU goes to all the choristers and other musicians who partici-
pated in the organ rededication service on November 12. You enabled the ser-
vice to be such a wonderful ministry to parishioners and guests. I was especially
pleased that we missed so few choristers and that most of those who did have to
miss let me know ahead of time. I was extremely gratified by the number of peo-
ple who attended the service and especially by the number of people who stayed (and stayed!) for the recep-
tion. Thanks to Debby and Max Pierce for sponsoring the reception. It was pastoral and evangelical ministry at
some of its best—as was your part in the service. Well done!
Page 10
St. Paul’s News

By Tom Shawver, Staff Writer

M ore newcomers have joined St. Paul’s. We welcome them to the congregation and hope they soon feel at
home.
Scott and Amy Basel and their children, Kaitlyn and Tyler, live at 1258 Sweetwood Dr. in Okemos. They for-
merly lived in Lake in the Hills, Illinois, a Chicago suburb, where they attended St. Mary’s Episcopal Church.
Scott is an attorney with the firm of Cummins Woods, and Amy is an accountant with Delta Dental.
Greg and Cynthia Ward live at 1345 Turner St. in Lansing. Greg works in marketing for Consumers Energy and
Cynthia is an Associate Professor of Law at Cooley Law School, specializing in Elder Law.
These two families and other newcomers were introduced to the congregation on All Saints’ Sunday, November
5, and formally voiced their desire to be members of St. Paul’s.

Newcomers
By The Rev. Gordon F. Weller

O n November 5, many new

members were welcomed
into the congregation. Three were
newly baptized children. Those
New members Robert Pearl, Justin and Three babies, Skyler Joy Hall, John Mi- baptized and welcomed were
Brooke Gifford, and Greg Ward were chael Waugh, and Lydia Inez Villa were
welcomed at the All Saints’ Sunday service. baptized on All Saints’ Sunday. Skyler Joy Hall, and her parents,
Lisa & Jason Hall, John Michael
Waugh and his parents, Elana and John Waugh, and Lydia Inez Villa, whose parents are Joy Luckadoo-Villa
and Carlos Villa.
In addition, we welcomed Robert Pearl, Greg and Cynthia Ward, and Justin and Brooke Gifford at the 8 a.m.
service. At the 10 a.m. service we welcomed Amy and Scott Basel and their children, Kaitlyn and Tyler; Lisa
and John Craig; Delores Sneed; Lisa and Steve Swihart and their children, Jack and Will.
It is our pleasure to have them in our midst.

Exceeding Expectations
By Eleanor Doersam

O nce again, the St. Paul’s family exceeded expec-

tations during the Fall October 21 blood drive.
While we had a goal of 45 units, 75 people partici-
pated in many capacities to provide 51 units of blood
for the American Red Cross, Mid-Michigan Blood Cen-
ter.
We have selected Saturday, April 21, 2007, for our
second blood drive date. This drive will support our
own five-year-old parishioner, Caroline Thomas.
Caroline needs different types of blood products to
help her during her cancer treatment. Many of you
may have seen the article in the church bulletin about
helping Caroline one Saturday a month at the Ameri-
can Red Cross Donor Center,1729 E. Saginaw St.,
Lansing. We hope to collect more than 50 units again
in April and will sign up more than 70 donors to reach
or exceed this goal for Caroline.
Remember our date, April 21, 2007, and, remember,
you can only donate every 56 days. You cannot go
under that by even one day!
In keeping with our Stewardship theme of “Giving the
Gift of Generosity,” let’s pull together to TAKE THIS
OPPORTUNITY TO HELP CAROLINE AND THE THO-
MAS FAMILY.
 St. Paul’s News Page 11

St. Paul’s November Prayer List

W e pray for those who are sick and in need: Cindy Robinson, Beverly McEachern,
James Lantz Family, Dixie Durr, Audrey, Richard & Aaron Hegmon, Shelley
Robinson, Donna & Grady Letner, Clara Voges, Mason Hill, Mary Olds, Lois Caswell,
Brian Schray, June Wyatt, Dick Siebert, Erik Lindquist, Bernie Lynch, Carol, Judith
Prayer List Jones, baby Benjamin, Andrew Astley, Bill Kundrat, Kim Cross, Nancy Hiscoe Clark,
Elizabeth Marsden, Kristen Kelley, Dezi & Penny Horvat, Rich Davis, Cris Plyler,
Charles Weaver, Ben Herbert, Ross, Virginia Jessop, Dennis Waltz, Brian Judge, Chance Collins, Stephne
Staples, Barb Powers, Tim Ross, Barb Richardson, June Isreal, Ron Hannenberg, Steve, Marlene Dom-
broske, Chris Laurion, and Caroline Thomas and her parents, brothers & godparents
We pray and remember those in the Military, serving in dangerous areas: Carlos Sims and DakBai DakBai
We pray for those joined in marriage: Alex Pereida & Katherine Poxson
We pray for the recently baptized: Skylar Joy Hall, daughter of Jason & Lisa Hall; Lydia Inez Villa, daugh-
ter of Carlos & Joi Luckadoo-Villa; John Michael Waugh, son of John & Elana Waugh
We pray for those expecting: Norm & Tara Farhat, Tad & Leigh Miller, Mark & Kate Johnson, and Ian &
Brooke Broughton.
We offer thanksgiving for the safe return of Stacey Speck from his military duty overseas
We pray for the recently departed: Dorothy Lawrence

Advent Assiff's Memorial Kneeler

I thank you, God, source of all anticipation . . . .
For my blueberry patch, tilled, mulched and ready
to receive ten balled and burlapped bushes
next May;
For goldfinches gathering in the treetops chattering
among themselves: “Shall we go or stay?”
For the willingness of oak leaves to let go, to fall,
to make room for next spring’s buds;
For the first snowflake’s shy offer to begin blanket-
ing the winter woods;
For the darkened pond sequined with yellow, red,
and brown leaves, its creatures waiting winter-
safe in deep black ooze; and
For nighttime stars, so clear and mysterious, recall-
ing another star and another time of waiting for
new life.
The Rev. Charles W. Millar
By Mandy Lawton
A fter John Assiff died, his wife, Juanita,
wanted a memorial kneeler for him. As he
had been an usher, she chose a kneeler in the
back. In the discussion, Juanita decided to have
one for herself. This is an extra long kneeler since
she also added one in memory of their daughter,
Mary Assiff Lindsay. Juanita has, also, since
passed away. The kneeler is by the last pillar on
the left side as you are facing the altar. The kneel-
ers were stitched by Mary Tuckey, Nancy Milne
and Sue Millar.
The memorial kneelers make nice gifts for a loved
one or as a memorial for a deceased member. We
have over 100 needlepoint kneelers in our church.
As with anything, material prices keep going up, so
we need to raise the price to $350.00 for one
kneeler. If you are interested please contact me,
Mandy Lawton.
Page 12
St. Paul’s News
(Continued from, “Parenting God’s Children,” page 4)
study, reflect on our own experiences, as well as those presented by the curriculum, and learn practices to
strengthen our parenting. We hope that in the course of the series, we will develop a sense of mutual support
among the group that will also strengthen our faith lives as parents.
This series is open to parents with children from infants to teens, and all are invited. Of course, we know that
parenting has its own emergencies, but because the curriculum builds upon materials from the previous week,
we ask that parents really make a six-week commitment to the group and attend all sessions. Child care will be
available during the class.
We are very excited about this opportunity, and hope you will join us. Class conveners are Millie Ericson, Mar-
tie Repaskey and Susie Shaefer. Please contact any of us with questions, and sign up outside the Merrifield
Room or through the church office.
(Continued from, “God is Doing New Things,” page 1)

knowledge that venturing into the unknown is sometimes painful. Why take the risk?
Fear is also a reason we seek to remain as we are. The fear is usually in response to the possibility that we
might lose something: material possessions, control of the situation, being embarrassed in front of God or
other Christians, and any number of other things. There is safety in the foxhole of life and danger on the
battlefield for Christ.
The final thing that the group identified as being an impediment to Christian change was the pride that all
of us have. While it is good to be confident in one's self and one's ability, and while it is true that these
qualities can be marvelous tools used in the service of God, we step over a dangerous line when we become
so prideful that we won't change because we think we know better, or that God thinks the way we do.
These thoughts are offered to get us all thinking about the Season of Advent and how it should be a period
when we prepare to explore the changes God calls us to make. When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of
Judea, in the days of Herod the King, it was a new thing that God was doing, and the world has not been
the same since. We celebrate it, but how does it change us? The concept that God would give up so much of
His divinity as to become human was a new thing and the world has not been the same since. We celebrate
it, but how ready are we to change because of it? The idea that God should suffer and die was a new con-
cept. While most people of Jesus' day couldn't accept it, we know that the world hasn't been the same since.
The idea that God calls us to pick up our crosses and follow in the path of sacrifice was and is a new con-
cept. We know and have witnessed that those who make this change are never the same again. The disci-
ples and those who followed them proved that change in outlook could, did, and can change the world.
I hope the lessons of Advent have a clearer meaning for all of us this time.
Advent is a season of joy in the changes God has accomplished. It is a season of Hope for the changes to
come. It is a season to open our hearts and minds to this kind of joy and hope, as found in Jesus who is Christ
our Lord.

(Continued from, “CREDO,” page 1)

We talked about our spiritual lives, the good and the bad. We were given time and encouraged to take a
long look at ourselves and formulate a plan of refocusing. This was valuable because many spend so much time
going into the ministry and being priests that their own spiritual health is neglected.
We also were encouraged to think and plan for the next phase of our ministry. That, as they so often pointed
out, may not mean retirement. For many this was enlightenment. It provided new excitement and energy.
Finally, we had the occasion to make new friends. Much of the retreat was spent in small groups talking about
the issues. My group consisted of people from California, Connecticut and New Jersey. We were different but
the same and excited about the prospects of the future and the opportunity for new friendships. We vowed to
keep in touch and so far we have.
I want to thank you for your good wishes prior to my leaving for the conference and questions about my well
being upon return. It was a truly refreshing experience.
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Phone: 517-482-9454
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Website: www.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. Daniel Kallish, Sexton
St. Paul’s News Editorial Staff
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