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The
East Range Epistle
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by Mary Catherine Brown, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Tower/Ely Soon we shall all gather around some board in celebration of a time in our early American history when pilgrims gathered. A national holiday. How do all of us treat “thanks”? Do we thank the Lord? Do we thank our family? Do we thank our friends and caregivers? Mavericks like me constantly test the rules and subsequently frequently stumble into trouble. Saved from catastrophe, I then think or say, “Thank you, Lord.” Often more than once a day I think or say it! One of the first things we teach our children to say (after please) is “thank you.” And, eventually, what your parents’ patience taught rewards you with the care you need as you age. Few East Rangers will remember Allen Brown (a real original). Allen had a lengthy terminal illness but continued to worry about my future. In his own way he promised to “be there” to help and guide me. So, often with my “Thank you, Lord” I offer a “Thank you Allen.” (Allen still guides me after more than 25 years.) Young to middle-aged parishioners can thank the Lord by doing for those in need physically or spiritually, whether they thank us or not. The personal reward is enormous. As elders we may have to rely on thank you notes and phone calls to express our gratitude to those caregivers who make our lives acceptable. But send those thank yous we must! Do we say the Prayer Book General Thanksgiving often enough? Probably not. But it's there to assist us. We have a new pastor whose efforts and plans encompass a bright future for our East Range parishes. Have we thanked Pat? Let's! And so, as we approach a bountiful thanksgiving were we, are we sufficiently thankful? Thank you, Lord? Amen! |
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The Ministry of Gifts
I sit wrapped in my gorgeous new quilt, pondering the gifts I have received in our churches. Not simply those symbols of ministry from our Celebration of New Ministry, or even the delectable chocolate treats, but gifts of welcome and friendship, when people share parts of our own lives. This is how the church, which is the Body of Christ, is built up and strengthened.
Wrapped in the varied colors of love as in a quilt, one is warmed and strengthened, hopeful and encouraged, ready to reach out to others with love. This is ministry. This is (don't be frightened by the words) evangelism and good stewardship of the gifts we have been given.
We love because God first loved us (1 John 4:19).
When we know we are loved, and are able to receive that love as a gift, we become able to share that gift. The gift, the grace, spreads – simple gifts like food, clothing or quilts, as well as things like friendship, laughter, and welcome. Ministry and "being church" is about sharing these gifts.
God has given you something to help make your church a place where people can hear the good news of God's love and can discover their own gifts. Consider what God has given you. Your own gifts will grow when you share them
Each of us was given grace according to the measure
of Christ's gift. . . . for the work of ministry, for building
up the body of Christ. (Ephesians 4:7,12).
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East Range
Churches' News |
All Saints’ Day Remembrances
On Nov 1, the Church celebrates the Feast of All
Saints – 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:
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Lorraine Minter |
54th Annual Ham Dinner
(submitted by Bill Shimmin)
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Virginia, invites all Episcopalians and friends of the Church to the 54th Annual Ham Dinner to be held on Tuesday, November 4, at the Miners Memorial building. The Meal will be served from 4:30 to 7:00 PM. The Price: Adults $7 per plate, and Children 12 and under $3. Any member of St. Paul’s has tickets. Takeouts will be available by calling the Church (218-741-1379) in November and leaving your name and phone number. Hope to see you there!
Farewell to Canon Missioner Steve Schaitberger
The Reverend Canon Steve Schaitberger, Canon Missioner of the Northern Regions of the Diocese of Minnesota since 1995, will be honored on the occasion of his retirement with a celebration on Monday, November 17 at Bennetts on the Lake, 600 East Superior Street, Duluth. The planned activities include:
After Pentecost
A time of study, prayer, fellowship, and reflection on God's activity in our lives. Scripture, spiritual writings, or movies (on the big screen!) will focus our reflections. First and third Wednesdays. 7:00 - 9:00 pm at St. Paul’s.
Members of the three churches are invited to attend an Advent Event at St Paul's following services on Sunday, November 30 (the First Sunday of Advent). We will make advent wreaths and other crafts that we can take home to use with our families to celebrate the season of Advent. This event is open to all and will be particularly fun for children, with many projects especially geared toward them – so invite grandchildren, friends, and neighbors. Please let us know in advance if you plan to attend, either by signing up at church (look for a poster) or by contacting Mary Groeninger (218-365-3364).
Diocesan Convention
This year’s Diocesan Convention was held at the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center (DECC) on October 24-26. Details will be in the December-January issue of The Epistle.
Next meeting will be on Wednesday, Nov 12 St.
Paul’s Guild Hall at 12:30. Bring a bag lunch. Christmas
projects and parties will be planned. Bring yarn and needles
to work on scarves, hats and mittens. Lunches will continue on the
third Wednesday (Nov 19) at Arizonas Restaurant in the Park Inn
For more information, contact Marlene Munig (218-741-3077).
Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service
On Wednesday, November 26, at 7 PM Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church will host an Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service. Everyone is invited to attend. If you want to sing in the joint choir, music is available.
December Epistle
Deadline for input to the December 2003 -January 2004 issue of The East Range Epistle is Wednesday, November 19, to Carol Morello (218-744-1615, or fax: 218-744-1635). Processing is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, November 26.
Epistle Contribution Schedule
The schedule for the lead article for the next three issues of The East Range Epistle is:
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St. John's
News
(Submitted by Nancy Harvey) |
United Thank Offering
On Nov 9 St. John’s will be taking the Ingathering for the United Thank Offering (UTO). If you are unable to attend service, contact Nancy Harvey (218-744-2599) to arrange for dropping it off with her.
Vestry Notes
The following was discussed at the Vestry Meeting of October 8, 2003:
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St. Mary's News |
No Input Received
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St. Paul's News |
See the ECW entry.
Fall Ingathering for U.T.O.
(submitted by Pam McIntosh)
November 2nd is scheduled for St. Paul’s U.T.O. Fall
Ingathering Sunday.
U.T.O. is a very special program that deepens the
understanding and practice of prayer. Each time you place a
coin in the “blue box” and say a prayer, you have expressed the presence
of God with thanksgiving.
Minnesota was blessed again in 2003 as two U.T.O.
grants were given, each of $25,000 to St. Luke's in Detroit Lakes for a
building upgrade, and to St. Paul's in Duluth for a family resource center.
Thanks be to God.
Thanksgiving Food Collection
(submitted by Pam McIntosh)
On Sunday, November 23, St. Paul’s will collect food for the Food Shelf. In thankfulness let us fill our food basket for the food shelf, and help to feed the hungry this Thanksgiving.
Vestry Notes
The following items were discussed at the Vestry Meeting of September 9:
The photos, below, (as well as the photo with Pat’s Pastoral Notes) are from the Fellowship following Pat’s Installation.
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