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The East Range Epistle
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by Linda Davis, St. John’s Episcopal Church, Eveleth, MN Last Fall I had the opportunity to meet with a small
group of members of other Christian denominations in a series of eight
weekly seminars. Some were life-long members of their churches; others,
like me, had worshiped in several different churches before selecting the
one that was the right fit. Each of us brought to the table different perspectives
and life experiences, as well as the particular feel of our respective
churches. During one of the early, introductory stages, we sat around a
table and described our home churches.
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Linda Davis is one of the Search Committee members from St. John’s Episcopal Church |
Notes from Canon Missioner Steve Schaitberger should return for the December- January issue.
+ 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”. |
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. For the latest information, please check with your congregation’s Transition Team member. St. John’s:
St. Mary’s:
St. Paul’s:
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It has been brought to our
attention that some of you are not aware of what is happening with the
Search Committee, so, in an effort to keep you abreast of events as they
develop, we will be submitting to The Epistle monthly re-caps of what is
happening, as well as continuing to give updates at services. Due to space
limitations, it may be listed in sections rather that in its entirety.
When the committee was first
formed and met as a unit with our Diocesan-appointed Consultants, Bob and
JoAnn Carmack, we were instructed to list the things about the Church that
were important to us; the things that we hoped to see in the future; and
any opportunities for change or improvement. (These lists are available
at the churches.) It was an interesting exercise, especially since it later
proved to be so representative of your thoughts and beliefs as a congregation.
It shows that the committee represents viewpoints of the larger congregation.
The Carmacks also handed out
a guide sheet for what we, as a committee, needed to do to comply with
the Diocesan process of selecting a new priest. The first thing was
to study the many pages of questions they gave us to select those that
applied to our congregations. Those chosen would be included in our
questionnaire that you each received. Care was taken to insure that
opposing needs and points of view would be included, so all could have
an equal say. When we had completely gone through the list of recommended
questions - we added a few of our own, too.
When the questionnaire was
completed, it was sent to each member of our three congregations, and the
returned surveys were then grouped and rated, statistically. The
results follow (please note - these are summarized. Complete results are
available from committee members or are in your church!):
Regarding Change
You all listed growth as something
we need to survive, yet at the same time no one wants to see us sacrifice
the intimacy we share as a small church family. You hope for more participation
from current members and more options of activities that would increase
your participation. Suggested activities included choirs, Bible studies,
youth and adult Sunday school, reading groups, discussion groups, men's
groups, and activities that would increase the participation of young people.
You want our children to feel
important and vital to the church, increased activities for them to join
in, and for them to be involved in the service itself.
Rector Skills and Talents
The most important ability in a priest, you felt, was as a Pastor, followed closely by preacher, crisis minister, youth worker, and counselor. (The least important skills were as a liturgical leader, a community leader, an administrator, an evangelism leader, and a stewardship leader.) What we found interesting was that the things most important to you are skills that are specific to the priesthood, while those least important are skills that can effectively be carried out by lay people.
Rector Characteristics
You overwhelmingly used this
section to describe attitudes – you want a priest who is warm and
welcoming; and able to identify and relate to each of us – no matter
what our ages or circumstances. You want someone who truly wants to be
here, and be a part of our church family and our lives. You want someone
who can appreciate the diversity of our 3 parishes, yet will help us work
more closely together without losing our identities. You want someone
who will appreciate the area and its culture and beauty. You want someone
who will commit to our area and share our respect and appreciation for
the Iron Range. You want someone who will keep the good we have and add
new good things to us, and accept us as we are. You want someone who is
honest, open, has integrity and a sense of humor. You want a friend.
You were adamant that no one
who is arrogant, controlling, narrow-minded, close-minded, or prejudiced
need apply. You don't want this congregation used as a stepping-stone for
a "real" church. You don't want a priest who doesn't listen or who will
do things only “their” way. You don't want someone who is condescending
or a puppet for the Diocese, with no real concern for our churches.
You expressed a desire for
a priest who would be able to relate the messages of the Gospel to our
lives; an inspiring preacher who would stimulate us and encourage us to
apply the lessons of the Bible to our lives as a church, in our communities,
and in the world. You want the church to be a greater part of our
lives, and you want to make a difference in at least your corner of the
world.
Only 4 people felt that a
Lutheran-trained minister would be unacceptable, although several expressed
concern that the minister is able to express and conform to Episcopal theology.
| The following are members of the Search Committee:
St. John’s:
St. Mary’s:
St. Paul’s:
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East Range
Churches' News |
All Saints’ Day Remembrances
On Nov 1, the Church celebrates the feast of All Saints. This is a day to remember those who have died. Each year, we list all those of the East Range Episcopal Churches who have died since the previous Nov 1. This year we remember especially:
Charlotte Lerohl
Stuart Walker
Roger McBride
Justin Stuckey
Walter Marttila
Joan Mock
Carl Schuster
Iver Lerohl
Diocesan Convention
The 145th Convention of the Diocese of Minnesota was held October 25-27 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Information about the Convention will be in the December-January issue. If you have questions, contact Chuck Morello (218-744-1615).
Region II Meeting
On Saturday, October 12, the Region II meeting was held at Christ Church, Grand Rapids. Topics of discussion included:
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.
December-January Epistle
Deadline for input to the December-January issue of The East Range Epistle is Wednesday, November 13, to Carol Morello (218-744-1615, or fax: 218-744-1635). Processing is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, November 20.
Epistle Contribution Schedule
The schedule for the lead article for the next three issues of is:
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St. John's
News
(Submitted by Nancy and Dick Harvey) |
No Information Received
Please provide your news and information to Nancy Harvey (218-744-2599).
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St. Mary's
News
(Submitted by Mary Groeninger) |
No Information Received
Please provide your news and information to Mary
Groeninger (218-365-3364).
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St. Paul's News |
U.T.O. Ingathering – Sunday, November 3, 2002
Daily Prayer changes Lives.
Generous God, source of all creation,
All love, all true joy; accept, we pray,
These outward signs of our profound and continuing thankfulness
for all of life.
Bless those who will benefit from these gifts through the outreach
of the United Thank Offering;
and keep each of us ever thankful for all the blessings of
joy and challenges that come our way;
Through Him who is the greatest gift and blessing of all, Jesus
Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.
Tuesday, November 5, will be St. Paul’s 53rd Annual Ham Dinner. Have you sold all your tickets? George Munig has more, just ask him! Have you signed up to work on that day? Everyone is welcome, and needed to make this event happen. Call chair-person [Carol Draper (218-865-6389)] if you have any questions.
St. Paul’s Churchwomen
(Submitted by Marlene Munig)
St. Paul’s Churchwomen will meet each Wednesday at the Guild Hall at 11:30 AM. Bring a bag lunch. We have several ideas in mind. Come join us. Something to interest everyone, and not always work. For more information, contact Marlene (218-741-3077)
Sharing Corner
(Submitted by Pam Brooks-McIntosh)
What pleasure to find a good book to read, chuckle over and enjoy. I’m reading Jan Karon’s seventh book In this Mountain. Like all the others, it’s great!!! Pass it on.
Vestry News
The October Vestry Meeting was held after The Epistle went to press. Details will be in the next issue of The Epistle.
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Address comments on typographical errors to Chuck.