The East Range Epistle July-August 2004

  va-ca-tion \n, often attrib [ME vaccioun, fr.  MF vacation, fr. L vacation-, vaccatio freedom, exemption, fr vacatus]
  1: a respite or a time of respite from something
  2a: a scheduled period during which activity is suspended
  b: a period of exemption from work granted to an employee for rest and relaxation
  3: a period spent away from home or business in travel or recreation.
 (From Webster’s Seventh New Collegiate Dictionary, 1965)

    Pat was on vacation in early June (“Epistle  week”) and took a respite from  writing something  this time.  Look for Pat’s Pastoral Notes in the  September issue.

East Range Churches' News

    There's still time to register for Education for Ministry (EFM), which begins in September. EFM offers regular gatherings of a small group (6-12) meeting with a trained mentor (Pat) to study scripture and theology, to pray, and to reflect on God’s action in our lives.
    The text for this international program is from Sewanee, an Episcopal Seminary at the University of the South in Tennessee. This is not formal preparation for seminary or for total ministry, but adult learning at its best – students take what they need from the text, a little or a lot, and the group helps each individual integrate the learning into their lives. The group is limited in size, a commitment of regular attendance is required, and there is tuition. Scholarship help is available.
    If you are seeking God, looking for an intimate spiritual community, and ready to ask questions, to learn, and to and grow in faith, talk with Pat about whether EFM might be for you.
    Deadline to register is July 28, 2004.

    Are you interested in the Befrienders’ Program?  The next training session is at Trinity Episcopal Church, Hermantown, July 16-17.  There will be two additional dates in the Fall.  For more information about the program, contact Trinity Episcopal Church or (218-729-7957) or talk with Pat

    The July meeting is Tuesday, July 20, from 7 to 9 PM at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Eveleth.
    The August meeting is Tuesday, August 17, from 7 to 9 PM at a location to be determined.

    “Who do you say that I am?” That’s a question Jesus asks his friends. Today we understand ourselves not only as Jesus’ friends, but also as “the Body of Christ,” that is, the church. So perhaps the question we should be asking ourselves in the church is, “Who do we say that we are?”
    Over the summer, the After Pentecost discussion group will beet on first Wednesdays (July 7 and August 4 at 7 pm at St. Paul’s) to reflect on that question. We will consider what it means to call ourselves Christians, Episcopalians, and part of our own congregations. We will reflect on our shared “core values” –  those essentials that make us a community. All are encouraged to attend as we look at where God is at work in our individual spiritual journeys and our travels together.

July 27-30 –  Seeking God in the Wilderness
September 15-18 – Seeking God with Medieval Women Mystics

    Cost dependent on number of participants. Register with Pat at least two weeks prior to the retreat.

   Deadline for input to the September issue of The East Range Epistle is Wednesday, August 18, to your congregational contact.  Processing is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, August 25.

The schedule for the lead article for the next three issues of The East Range Epistle is:

• September: St. Paul's
• October: St. John's
• November: St. Mary's

St. John's News (Submitted by Jane Kingston)

    St. John’s Vestry Minutes - Tuesday, May 18:

• The Treasurer’s report for April was accepted as presented.  Discussion on low receipts versus high disbursements was explained by cyclical (uneven) events or payments.  Otherwise, the budget appears to be as projected.
• Contrary to what was previously published, the Terrorism Coverage additive to our insurance policy was at no additional charge.
• The sump pump work is still pending
• The new envelope supplier’s proof is expected the week of 5/24/04.
• Touch Decorators has been contacted on our summer painting project
• An inquiry regarding a possible connection with an Anglican Movement for those members of our parish who are deeply troubled by the General Convention’s decision and our own Bishop’s attitude toward the gay bishops issue was a topic of discussion.  There was no decision to pursue the matter at this time.  It was noted that should the issue become a regular topic of conversation, part of Sunday services, or rise to the level of an organized activity, there could be membership implications.
• Pat provided the mileage and fee basis for her First Sunday services (four services at four locations) for June, July, August.  St. John’s share is approximately $70/month, or $209.
• Pat’s Notes

1. Mother Pat expressed her sincere appreciation to everyone for her first year with us.  The Vestry returned the sentiment and looks forward to our future!
2. The Education for Ministry (EFM) program is intended for those interested in learning to think theologically – it is not, in any manner, a push for total ministry.
3. Mother Pat’s schedule is available online at www.motherflash.com/pat/calendar.  Please note her schedule is fluid at best!
4. There exists a Nationwide Church Ad (free copy) program in which each church can receive two (2) free Ad layouts.  They could be published (at our expense) locally as a marketing tool.  Linda Davis agreed to research for St. John’s.

    A great big THANK YOU to Lauren DePaulis for taking on the grounds keeping duties!

    Church notices can be published in the Eveleth Scene free of charge. Contact either Liz Lenich (218-744-5773) or Rose Judnick (218-744-5510) at the Eveleth Scene (218-744-2931).  Deadlines are Mondays each week.

    We are in great need of additional Lectors and Lay Readers at St. John’s.  Although they are not among the most time-consuming contributions, they are each critical aspects of our services.  PLEASE consider taking part in this way – you are needed!

St. Mary's News (Submitted by Mary Groeninger)

St. Paul's News

     My sincere thanks to all who participated in the U.T.O. Ingathering this Spring.
    A check in the amount of $292 dollars and 40 cents has been sent to our co-ordinator Kay Stickney, in Blaine, MN.

    Unofficial Minutes of the Vestry Meeting of June 8, 2004:

    Before the regular order of business Dianna Salsbury requested use of St. Paul’s for the promotion of the line of cosmetic products she sells with the profits to be given to the church. The vestry agreed to the request. The women of the church will work with Dianna to find a good date for the event.

Committee Reports:

• The Planning Committee had not met prior to the meeting, and had no report. Dorothy mentioned the need to plan a rummage sale for the furniture and other household goods of Gynola Hensley. She said the removal of these items from Gynola’s house to the church basement had gone well with good participation of church members helping with this moving on June 7. The vestry decided ECW should make arrangements for the subsequent rummage sale..
• For the Outreach Committee, David A. reported a “Thank You” note had been received from the Niija Center for our recent donation.
• For Buildings and Grounds, it was reported that the elevator had received some damage while being used to store Gynola’s household goods in the basement. It was agreed Larry LaPatka should evaluate the problem before we consult the manufacturer’s repair people.
• Marlene reported for the Restoration Committee with the news that our old stained glass windows above the altar have been restored and are back in place. The cost of cleaning and repairing these was about $1400. The completion and installation of our new stained glass windows have been promised by October.

Rector’s Report:
Since Pat was on vacation and absent from the meeting, there was no Rector’s Report. David A. said she had informed him her contingency fund was low and had asked the vestry to consider ways to regularly replenish it. After brief discussion, the vestry decided it could better determine need and possible means in discussion with Pat and deferred the matter to the next meeting.

Senior Warden’s Report:

• David reported that Dick Harvey (St. John’s) had sent us a proposed revision of each of the three churches’ responsibility for paying for Pat to conduct services for an additional weekend each month during the summer months. This revision was necessary because our previous budgeting had not taken into consideration St. Mary’s (Tower) holding services during the summer months. The vestry agreed that the arrangement Dick proposed is consistent with our shared responsibility as previously accepted.
• David announced with regret that the van Deventers are moving to New York in July, and that, therefore, Abbie has found it necessary to resign from the vestry. The members expressed their regrets, but accepted the resignation. They agreed we should wait until the next annual meeting to fill this vestry vacancy.

New Business:

• Joie moved her request that she be permitted to use St. Paul's for a piano recital on June 16 at 7 p.m. Deanne seconded the motion, and it was approved.
• Joie said that several times she had come to the church at non-regular hours to find the building unlocked and the heat turned up. The vestry considered how to handle the problem, and decided that we might first try announcements in church and posting signs above the thermostats. If the problem continues, a more regular checking procedure might need to be instituted.

    Heads Up!
    Treasures, Trinkets and Slightly Used Sale by St. Paul’s ECW to be held in September - date to be determined.  You may leave boxes downstairs at the church, marked for the sale, during the summer. No clothing, please.  In late August or early September we will take several days to prepare for our “Treasures... Sale”
 
 

• the Diocesan Commission on the Environment.
• the Episcopal Church.
• the Episcopal Diocese of Minnesota.

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