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The
East Range Epistle
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by Gail Coon, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Virginia As we enter the seasons of Advent, Christmas and Epiphany, I often hear how this is a time of “preparation”. I wonder how others “prepare” for the arrival of God's greatest gift ... Jesus. Each of us has different traditions and trappings that we see as necessary for our own preparations. I used to have many more than I do now. It isn't that I'm not aware of the impending holiday, in fact, it is quite the opposite. I’m surrounded with poinsettias and wreaths and Christmas trees and ... well, you name it. But, even with all the color and fragrances, this isn't MY preparation; this is just me providing those “trappings” for everyone else’s preparation. So, when do I “make ready”? I get little bits of Advent time when I can be by myself, sometimes while driving, or during a quiet time when I am working with the evergreen boughs. Any time I can find some peace is a good time to try to calm the turmoil in my mind, heart and soul ... and try to prepare myself for welcoming God among us. Another time that is particularly powerful for me is the annual “Christmas Pageant”. I guess it is because these dramas have been going on in one form or another for so long that everyone has some memory or connection to being personally involved in the nativity story. The last few years we've been using a script from a children's book called The Give-Away by Ray Buckley which is told from a Native American perspective that says “This thing of honor we do is more important than anything we might possess.” In other words, when we give away for the good of the whole, we honor the world and our Creator. If you haven't read this book, there will be a copy at the church on Sunday, Dec. 21 and I would recommend it to all. So, the pageant is done, and then I feel the excitement of the impending celebration. I write a list of who I want to give to, I start thinking about what to cook for Christmas Day, Erwin hauls in the tree and it may get decorated, but even if it doesn't, the whole house smells good and I can feel its presence. I finish the poinsettia deliveries to the various churches, and even bring some home. Almost instantly it is Christmas Eve. I get to the church and see all the plants, wreaths, greens and the people from near and far, and I become aware of all the warmth and love ... and I know that He is here! Alleluia!
Holiday Service Schedule Sunday, Dec 21:
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A Gift of Gold
Today I bought a bag of gold. Well actually, a bag of chocolate disguised as gold coins that will appear in my children’s shoes on December 6. It’s a way to remember a fourth-century bishop, Nicholas of Myra, who was said to have rescued three impoverished young girls from prostitution by throwing gold balls into their stockings that hung drying by the fire. The good bishop is more popularly known later in the month as Santa Claus.
So, whose birthday is it anyway? What to do with our bags of gold? Do we rescue children from prostitution, or find homes for foreign babies who have no place to be born?
It’s Christmas: Enjoy shopping for your loved ones; our gifts are a sign of our love for them. But while you're playing Santa, remember “Santa Claus,” the bishop who showed his love for Jesus by giving to those who shared the newborn infant's neediness. Consider a real birthday gift, a gift that gives life: Budget 10% of your holiday spending for those who live in poverty. Fill up some Salvation Army buckets or support Episcopal Relief and Development; you could sponsor a needy child or give your loved ones gifts from Church World Services or the Heifer Project. There are many possibilities, just ask.
Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.
It's Jesus’ birthday. Let's play Santa
and toss around some gold.
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East Range
Churches' News |
Transitions
It’s Advent, the beginning of the new church year, so some things in The Epistle look new, including a list to keep us posted on recent transitions in our churches. Please contact Pat (218-638-1206) about new faces and transitions in our church families.
St. Paul's:
Women's Christmas Party
(Submitted by Marlene Munig)
The women of all three churches will have their Christmas Party on Saturday, Dec 13 at Noon at Marlene Munig’s (1014 14th Street N, Virginia). It will be a planned potluck so call Marlene (218-741-3077) or Joanne (218-741-7167) about the menu.
Please bring mittens, scarves, and hats purchased or your own handiwork, to be given to the Salvation Army for distribution. Remember the food basket at the church for the food shelf at the Salvation Army. There is an increased need this year.
“In the Kitchen” Group
(Submitted by Carol Draper)
The ‘In the Kitchen’ Group meets once a month from 10 AM to Noon on a Thursday. We meet in the kitchen of St. Paul’s for talking, cooking and coffee. Anyone from the three churches is welcome.
The group met on Thursday November 13. We made mincemeat which was sold at St. Paul’s on Sunday the 16th for $1.50 for 8 oz. The proceeds have gone to the Salvation Army collection for their Thanksgiving dinner. If anyone would like a jar of mincemeat for Christmas contact Carol Draper (218-865-6389). The proceeds will go to the Salvation Army for their Christmas dinner.
In December, the ‘In the Kitchen’ Group is planning a cookie and bar exchange. If anyone in the three churches would like to donate cookies, bars or other Christmas goodies please contact Linda Davis (218-744-5484). We will be packaging the cookies on Thursday, Dec 18th for sale on the 21st at St Paul’s (following the Christmas Pageant). If you would like to order some in advance contact Linda Davis. Proceeds will go to the Salvation Army for their Christmas dinner.
After Pentecost?
A time of study, prayer, fellowship, and reflection on God's activity in our lives. Scripture, spiritual writings, or movies will focus our reflections. First and third Wednesdays. 7:00 - 9:00 PM at St. Paul’s.
There have been positive comments about Pat’s sermons and
some have expressed an interest in reading them again later.
Pat has placed most of her sermons she has preached
since she arrived on the Range online
in order that you may check them out at any time. You can get to
them directly by going to http://www.motherflash.com/sermons/range/
or, should you forget this, there are links from the East
Range Churches webpage and the main webpage for each of our congregations.
Additional links to Pat’s sermons will be added in the New Year.
Three-Point Meetings
The Three-Point Budget Meeting will be on Sunday,
December 7, at St. Paul’s following the service (around 11:45 AM).
The Three-Point Vestry will meet on Tuesday, December
9 starting at 6:30 PM at the Guild Hall at St. Paul’s.
Christmas Pageant
The Annual Christmas Pageant will be held this year at 10 AM on December 21 at St. Paul’s. There will be a rehearsal for the Pageant at 10 AM on Saturday, December 20 at St. Paul’s.
Christmas Tree Decorating Party
On Sunday, December 21, members of the East Range Episcopal Churches are invited to Beaglewood Farm (directions) to assist Mother Pat and Paul to decorate their Christmas Tree. The party will begin around 3PM and run until about 9PM. Check the online calendar and listen during announcements for more details as the day draws near.
Diocesan Youth Acolyte Festival
From 3 PM Saturday January 24th to Noon Sunday
January 25th 2004 at St. Mark’s Cathedral, Minneapolis. Acolytes
in grade 6-12 from all over the diocese are invited for an overnight at
the Cathedral with training, food, dance, movies, commissioning by the
Bishop. Cost is $25.
If you have questions about this contact Courtney
Laufenberg (612-870-7800 x1256) or Pat
(218-638-1206).
The Keynote Speaker at the Diocesan Convention was the Rev Charles Fulton, Director of Congregational Development for the Episcopal Church. His focus was on the dynamics of change in the lives of our congregations. There has been much change in the last ten years and this change has led to tensions. We have become more aware of our multi-cultural communities, our generational differences, and the impact of technology on our daily lives. How we adapt to change will impact on how our congregations survive and grow.
In the final part of his speech, Rev Fulton covered the “Top 5 Reasons to Grow a Church”. In the coming issues of The Epistle, we will look at these reasons as Rev Fulton did (David Letterman style):
Reason # 5 to Grow your Church: The Want of Money
Many people learned how to spell Evangelism because they wanted new pledging units. Money is one of the strongest indicators of when people feel really incorporated into a group. If attendance is up, but your giving is down, you know you have a problem incorporating newcomers into the life of your congregation. Episcopalians are notorious for receiving and welcoming new members, but not for being very sharing of leadership. The use of language like old timers and newcomers tells the newcomer “You can be here if you fit in, but you cannot impact the decision-making process. It is our money.” One of the risks of such language is that it keeps the new member as the guest instead of being part of the host.
Rev Fulton closed by reminding the delegates that the want of money is not a very good reason to go to your church. Jesus did not say, “I have come to take your money,” but rather, “I have come to give you life and to give you life in its fullness.”
Next Issue: Reason
#4: Church Appearance
(note this link will not be active until April 2004)
There will be no Wednesday meeting in December due
to the Christmas Party on the 13th.
As of press time there was no decision concerning
a date and time for the January lunch meeting. Check the online
calendar for date and time or listen for an announcement during services.
For more information, contact Marlene Munig (218-741-3077).
Environmental Stewardship Commission Meeting
From Noon on Jan 9 to Noon on Jan 10, 2004, the Environmental
Stewardship Commission of the Diocese of Minnesota will hold its quarterly
meeting at St. Nicholas’ Episcopal Church, Richfield, MN.
The meeting will focus on implementing actions from
General Convention. If you are interested in attending, contact Chuck
(218-744-1615).
February-March Epistle
Deadline for input to the February-March 2004 issue of The East Range Epistle is Wednesday, January 14, to Carol Morello (218-744-1615, or fax: 218-744-1635). Processing is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, January 21.
Epistle Contribution Schedule
The schedule for the lead article for the next three issues of The East Range Epistle is:
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All Things Come of Thee, O Lord ...
... And Just What's Going on Now? What happened to that familiar bit of music at offering time? Where did that acolyte disappear to now? What do I do with the bread, wine, or money I've brought to the front of the church? After discussion at our Worship Ministers meeting, Pat has asked that we simplify the offering time. We will have just one offertory hymn, rather than two pieces of music at that time. Occasionally the choice for the offertory hymn may be the familiar, customary shorter piece. The bread and wine are to be brought directly to the altar from the congregation at the beginning of the offertory music. The offering plates are also brought directly to the altar during the offertory music as soon as the priest signals she/he is ready. These gifts are symbols of the offering of ourselves to God and so are brought directly to God's table, rather than passed through an acolyte, deacon, or priest. When you notice changes in our worship service, Pat likes to hear your thoughts about them and is happy to answer questions. Look for our new Worship Ministers' Guide to be available in Advent. A copy is yours for the asking. Pronunciation Guides for Lectors A Pronunciation Guide for Lectors is now in each church near the service register books. All those folks with odd biblical names will become more familiar thanks to Shirley Coe's gift to us. |
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St. John's
News
(Submitted by Nancy Harvey) |
Annual Meeting
St. John’s will hold its Annual Meeting on Sunday, January 18, 2004. The service will be at a special time (10:30 AM) and followed by a Pot Luck and the meeting.
Vestry Notes
The following was discussed at the Vestry Meeting of November 9, 2003:
For those of you who missed it
On the weekend of September 27-28, Pat graciously participated in the
Eveleth Heritage Committee’s event to celebrate the history of the churches
in Eveleth. The following is a photos of the circuit-rider that Pat
portrayed"
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Thank you, Mother Pat, for reminding us what church services were like
a century ago!
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St. Mary's News |
No Input Received
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St. Paul's News |
Christmas Poinsettias
Christmas Poinsettias are available for $10 each and folks can take them home after the Christmas service or leave them at the church. Reserve your favorite color by talking to Gail Coon [(Home) 218-744-5138 or (Work) 218-744-5099]
For meetings, see the ECW entry.
The ECW of St. Paul’s has sent $100 to the Diocesan
Christmas Appeal. We have also purchased a 45-cup coffee urn.
We’ve been running short some Sundays. The new urn has a spigot that
fits mugs as well as regular cups. This will cut down on our drips.
We’ve had a very successful tree sale, and we’ve
sold over 100 trees, giving us a profit of over $1,200.
Fall Ingathering for U.T.O.
(submitted by Pam McIntosh)
Our Fall U.T.O. Ingathering realized the sum of $505.82,
which has now been forwarded to our new Diocese U.T.O. Co-ordinator- Kay
Stickney from the Church of the Resurrection in Spring Lake Park.
Thank you to everyone who participated in
this worthwhile cause.
St. Paul’s Annual Meeting will be on Sunday, January 25, 2004, following the service with finger food (pot luck) available for lunch.
Vestry Notes
The following items were discussed at the Vestry Meeting of November 11:
| Stewardship: All that I
do with all that I have after I say “I believe”.
Time is about run out for you to be involved with
stewardship of The Epistle.
Nobody has stepped forward to assist in production. Since Carol and
Chuck will be on travel several times in 2004, there will be several double
issues. This means that, to keep The
Epistle relevant, event planners will need to plan 2-3 months
in advance. Make a “New Year’s Resolution” to plan ahead.
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Address comments on typographical errors to Chuck.
