|
The East Range Epistle
|
|
|
by Gail Coon, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Virginia, MN It is the time of the Autumnal Equinox, and we are experiencing our first serious bout of serious cold weather. Consequently, we arrived at our churches this past week to find the air temperatures a bit brisk! Time to switch gears to the winter routines and decide who will turn up thermostats and such. It reminds me that during this transition time in the 3-point congregations, we have to talk amongst ourselves more often to arrange details and keep connected. I have also become more painfully aware that our churches are suffering from some “gap” issues. We are all fairly good at supporting each other if we are already connected to the church and attend regularly. But what happens when new people arrive, or someone we haven’t seen for awhile becomes ill? There is such a “gray area” for lay people to approach parishioners we know, or people we don’t know, to see if there is anything we can do for them. Will those asked be offended? Will they think we are just being nosy, or will they be grateful someone asked? We just don’t know. Of course, clergy have the same concerns, but most folks accept the ministry of clergy. That is not necessarily so with a lay person. Will people who have not been here for a long time, or those walking through the doors for the first time, realize how many of us are dedicated to keeping these communities of faith viable, because we have found some form of love, peace or spiritual connection to God here? I worry that if I say to someone this is a wonderful place to hear and experience the love of God through worship and relationships .... well, they’ll just think I'm “talking the talk”. How can I say, “Just come and be here for awhile ... not just one Sunday ... and see if you feel the same.”? Will some stop coming because there is a different priest each week? I'm enjoying all the visiting clergy with their different styles, but, I must admit, I sometimes long for more consistency and a regular “rhythm” again. Then, to add fuel to my “worrying” brain, a meeting of the Three-Point Treasurers and wardens was held this last week. We were supposed to crunch the financial numbers and provide some kind of compensation package offer that could be sent out for the search process. This is not anyone’s favorite job, but between all of us it wasn’t so bad. We laid out the financial facts, and came up with something to offer. Hopefully, someone will believe this is a good place to live and work and take us up on a full time or part time position. To be honest, the salary & benefits will stretch these congregations to their financial limits ... and perhaps beyond. St. Paul’s operated at a deficit the last year we had full time clergy (2001) and the pledged income for 2002 is less than it was then. The plan to submit this offer was made with prayerful hopefulness that there will be enough pledged income in the next budget to be closer to making it to the goal of having a full time priest to serve the 3 churches. If it does not increase, the search committee will explore other options for part time. If anyone has suggestions or concerns, or just wants to talk about the upcoming pledge year, please talk to one of the wardens or treasurers. I’m an eternal optimist, but often wish things were easier financially ... I just know we need to fill the gaps ... somehow. |
Gail Coon is the Senior Warden of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church |
Canon Missioner Steve Schaitberger should return
from his four month sabbatical in time for Diocesan Convention. During
the sabbatical he was traveling in the footsteps of St. Paul in Turkey
and Greece.
We wish Steve a safe journey filled with the Holy
Spirit and we look forward to his notes again upon his return.
+ The Rev Canon Stephen Schaitberger is Canon Missioner for Northern Minnesota, which includes the East Range Episcopal Congregations.
| Stewardship:
All that I do with all that I have after I say “I believe”. |
|
. For the latest information, please check with your congregation’s Transition Team member. St. John’s:
St. Mary’s:
St. Paul’s:
|
Questions? ask any search committee member: St. John’s:
St. Mary’s:
St. Paul’s:
|
 |
East Range
Churches' News |
Fall TEC
(Submitted by Gail Coon)
TEC (Teens Encounter Christ) will be held October 18-20 in Hibbing. Adults or high school youth who would like more information can contact Dan Neff (218-741-7439) or Gail Coon (218-744-5138 or 218-744-5099)
Episcopal Relief and Development
(Submitted by Gail Coon)
The Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) which was formerly the Presiding Bishop's Fund for World Relief is hoping to establish a contact person in each parish. If anyone is interested in being the 3-point representative, contact Irene Reuteler, the diocesan representative at 1-800-596-3839.
Diocesan Convention
The 145th Convention of the Diocese of Minnesota will be held October
25-27 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Main topics will be the
triennial budget and changes to the Canons. If you have questions, contact
Chuck
Morello (218-744-1615).
Region II Meeting
On Saturday, October 12, representatives of and clergy from all the churches of Region II will meet at Christ Church, Grand Rapids, to discuss the proposed Triennial Budget. If you would like to be informed or involved, talk with your Vestry about being your congregation’s representative. St. Paul’s representative is Chuck Morello.
Pledge Cards
The annual pledge drive is in October and November this year. Pledge Cards are included in the paper copy of the Epistle. If you wish to make a pledge to any of our congregations, please contact members of the Transition Team.
November Epistle
Deadline for input to the November issue of The East Range Epistle is Wednesday, October 16, to Carol Morello (218-744-1615, or fax: 218-744-1635). Processing is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, October 23.
Epistle Contribution Schedule
The schedule for the lead article for the next three issues of is:
 |
St. John's
News
(Submitted by Nancy and Dick Harvey) |
Centennial Celebration
(Submitted by Liz Lenich & Nancy Harvey)
Friday, October 11 is St. John’s actual centennial date. We are planning to have an evening prayer service, probably the night before. Please check with the Vestry for final details.
Vestry Meeting
(Submitted by Nancy Harvey)
The following information was covered at the Vestry Meeting of September 9, 2002:
 |
St. Mary's
News
(Submitted by Mary Groeninger) |
No Information Received
Please provide your news and information to Mary
Groeninger (218-365-3364).
 |
St. Paul's News |
Thank You
(Submitted by John McIntosh)
A sincere THANK YOU to George and Marlene Munig for providing the facilities for our 3-Point Area Church picnic at their cabin on Saturday, September 14th. The occasion was most enjoyable with good company and delicious food.
Unique Fall Sale
(Submitted by John McIntosh)
On Saturday, Oct 5, from 10 AM -1 PM, St. Paul's will be hosting a Unique
Fall Sale of Christmas Trees, crafts, needlework, collectibles and baked
goods. Coffee 'An. Bring and buy - Tell your friends.
Preparation will begin on Friday, October 4th, starting at 10 AM at
St. Paul's Church. Bring sale items - priced if possible -
(collectibles in lower level of church) and help set-up.
53rd Annual Ham Dinner
(Submitted by John McIntosh)
Tuesday, November 5, will be St. Paul’s 53rd Annual Ham Dinner. Tickets are available. Everyone is needed to make this happen - sign up today. Call chair-person Carol Draper (218-865-6389) if you have any questions. Thank you.
Vestry News
(Submitted by Gain Coon and John McIntosh)
The following items were covered at the Vestry Meeting of September 16, 2002:
| our spiritual journey | our HomePage | schedules of events | back issues of The Epistle | the current issue of The Epistle |
Other links of interest:
.
Address comments on typographical errors to Chuck.