The East Range Epistle December 2004 – January 2005

Life is Forever Changing by Cheryl Killien, St.. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Virginia, MN       With the ever-changing life cycle we need to embrace change.  Whether we like it or not nothing is static and the energy keeps moving forward.  If we stayed stagnant, we would not be able to keep moving on our journey.  Without moving forward on our journey we would never be able to answer the questions of why we were put here, what is our purpose.  The journey is a large part of what makes life worthwhile, and we should continue on our journey into eternity.  While on our journey we will make mistakes, feel pain and sorrow, be productive, waste time, create families, become communities but most of all we are moving closer to the Divine.  That’s what life is about; we need to strive to build our relationship with God.  We should be open, not become stagnant or we let the journey end.  It may be easier to do nothing than to have a life with God, because with God you need to be responsible and accountable.  You then realize what you do does affect others; we are “supposed to” live a Christian life by all means.     What does it mean to you to be a Christian?  I believe it means to follow Jesus, be guided by our hearts, live life to the fullest, love what you do for it may be the last thing you do, don’t judge, for you do not have that authority, be kind, truthful and honest.  There are so many opportunities available to all of us if we would just listen and follow but we usually turn our hearing down low to what God is trying to tell us or second-guess Him because He doesn’t know it all. But my friends He does and we need to rethink our stance when the next tap on the shoulder comes.     The Spirit is always moving through us and throughout our community at church, this again is a tap on the shoulder that makes us think and we know what we should do but we are afraid.  We need to listen to the Spirit and build our church community, the writing is on the wall and we need to look closer.  If we look closer we may see the words.  A church is a gathering place to worship in common communion and is owned by no one but by everyone who enters the doors.  When all are working for the common good of the church we are all better off, stronger, helpful and helped. Best of all we can keep coming through the red doors with people in community together celebrating our journeys.  Be open to possibilities, change is good!   HOLIDAY SERVICES 4th Advent     Dec 18 (Saturday)           - 10:00 AM: Christmas Pageant rehersal at St. John's           -at 4:30 PM: Holy Eucharist at St. Mary's in Ely     Dec 19 (Sunday) at 10:00 AM: Christmas Pageant at St. John's in Eveleth Christmas Eve (Friday) Dec 24:     4:30 pm:  Holy Eucharist Service at St. Mary's in Tower     7:00 pm:  Holy Eucharist Service at St. John's in Eveleth     9:00 pm:  Holy Eucharist Service at St. Paul's in Virginia Christmas Day (Saturday) Dec 25:     No Services First Sunday of Christmas (Dec  26):      9: 00 AM at St. John's    10:30 AM at St. Paul's Did you participate in the wordsearch puzzle that Pat handed out as part of her Stewardship for 2005?  If you wish to check your answers with the"ultimate authority", click here.

In this Issue Life is Forever Changing Pat's Pastoral Notes East Range Churches Notes St. John’s Notes St. Mary’s Notes St. Paul’s Notes General Notes The East Range Epistle is based on each congregation's input and assistance.  It is published in hard-copy and on the Internet for the East Range Episcopal Churches. Please send comments and input to St. Paul's Episcopal Church P.O. Box 376  Virginia, MN 55792     Via Media is Coming to St. Paul's           via media represents a renewed commitment to evangelism in the Episcopal Church. One of the lessons of General Convention is that the Church needs to spread the message of an inclusive, powerful, passionate God to all people. Our churches have experienced a tension between  “traditional” and “progressive” ideals in the weeks following the prophetic actions of General Convention.  For more information click on the logo above.

East Range Churches' News

• There was pizza!  Thanks to Sue Grillo.
• Proposed proportions of three church expenses for 2005 were introduced.
• An introduction to Authority and Leadership in the Episcopal Church, including an overview with local examples and a review of the canonical changes to be proposed at diocesan convention.
• A period of brainstorming about options for things the three churches could do together; suggestions still welcome.

   Deadline for input to the February 2005  issue of The East Range Epistle is Wednesday, January 19, 2005 to your congregational contact.  Processing is tentatively scheduled for Webnesday, January 26.

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

• February: St. John's
• March: St. Mary's
• April: St. Paul's

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

St. John’s Vestry Minutes from Tuesday, October 19, 2004:

• The Treasurer’s report for September 2004 was accepted as presented. It was noted that the checking account is down over $4,000, and pledge payments are 29% behind the 2004 budget to date. On 11/08/04, a $40K 6-month CD at Miners Bank will be rolled over from 1.25% to 1.75%.
• On 09/23/04, reminder letters were sent to the twelve members who pledged for 2004.
• The sump pump pipe discharge hole through the foundation was completed 10/11/04. Sump pump installation remains to be done.
• Linda Davis will look into getting someone to shovel snow this winter
• Pat informed the vestry that any motion to vote on the audit would be illegal, and could lead to St. John’s being designated a “distressed parish.” The Bishop could also remove Dick Harvey as Senior Warden. The Senior Warden requested that a Vestry meeting be held without rector present to allow unrestricted conversation. Pat noted that a vestry meeting cannot be held without inviting the rector–  although the rector may choose not to attend.
• Thank you very much to Sue Grillo for donating the pizza for the Three-point meeting (but she should be reimbursed, as others have been).
• Pat provided revised 3-Point financial proportions for future vestry review and approval.
• Vestry agreed to sponsor (via the Erickson fund) the bagpipe demonstration and recital scheduled for November 27 at St. Paul’s.
• The Senior Warden moved to not proceed with the proposed audit, which was in the process of being discussed. An objection was made, stating the vestry was being placed into the position of either supporting his motion, or removing the Treasurer. Senior Warden agreed it was an unfair position in which to place the vestry, resigned effective immediately, and apologized for the stress created.
  
• The meeting was adjourned, having completed no vote or definitive motion on the audit issue.

St. John’s Vestry Minutes from Tuesday, October 26, 2004:

• This special meeting was called for the purpose of appointing a new treasurer. The Vestry accepted Dick Harvey’s resignation as treasurer, with regret
• Pat advised that since there was a quorum, and because all vestry members were either in attendance or had expressed their intent in writing regarding the appointment, the usual 3-day advance notification could be waived. She also reasoned that because no articles of incorporation or by-laws were available, a treasurer could be appointed to complete the balance of the term. Tom Kingston was appointed treasurer.
• Kathy Leathers was named co-signer for our financial accounts, including but not limited to the safety deposit box, bank accounts, etc.
• The Rev. Canon Sandi Holmberg will be at St. John’s at 6:00pm on Tuesday, November 16, to meet with Saint John’s vestry, followed by a 7 PM 3-point congregation “Ministry Review” meeting

St. John’s Vestry Minutes from Sunday, November 14, 2004:

• This regular monthly vestry meeting was being held at a special time to avoid conflict with the ministry review meeting scheduled at the same time as our regular third Tuesday meeting.
• Tom Kingston gave a brief treasurer’s report. Dual signatures (Tom’s and Kathy Leathers’) have been recorded at the necessary financial institutions. As of 10/31, all bills were paid, leaving a ~$15.4K balance in the checking account. Continuing in the transition phase of assuming treasurer responsibilities, Tom expects to submit a full treasurer’s report next month. (Thank you, Tom!) He noted that Dick Harvey had done an excellent job as treasurer – all was in order and cross-referenced. (Thank you, Dick!)
• Now that the nursery is closed, St. John’s is responsible for clearing sidewalks throughout the week to allow for mail delivery – not just for Sunday services, as was the case previously. The cost of a box at the post office coupled with Sunday shoveling only vs. mail delivery to the church and shoveling throughout the week will be analyzed.
• Based upon the existing formula, our 3-point proportion for 2005 will be 28.16%.  We voted to accept this calculation, subject to approval by all vestries.  It was noted that our initial commitment was to pay our proportion plus $5,000 for a period of 3 years.
• Pat’s annual compensation (which includes worker’s compensation, health insurance, taxes, etc.) has been adjusted, with our share approximately +$800.00. The Diocese re-calculates clergy compensation every year, without apportinment approval at the annual convention. Although a raise had been scheduled this year, it was recognized that numbers were down across the state, resulting in clergy salary increases being limited to annual cost-of-living (COLA) allowances rather than actual pay increases.
• An easel, coffee, and treats will be provided for the annual ministry review at St. John’s on November 16. Pat explained the purpose of this meeting is to help us determine where we are as a church –  where are we succeeding, where we need improvement, and in which direction we want to proceed – in addition to a ministry evaluation. Written and oral commentary from all sources is welcome. Sandi will also help St. John’s members work through the changes currently taking place at our church. A copy of Pat’s covenant with our churches was provided to all vestry members.
• Pat requested that we think and pray about future nominations to the vestry, and that we approach other members about serving. Liz Lenich, the Junior Warden, will replace Dick Harvey as Senior Warden for the remainder of 2004. A junior warden replacement is not required for such short duration.
• City bags will be purchased for trash disposal, and recycling bins obtained.
• In recognition of our 3-point churches paying their Fair Share, the Diocese has reimbursed search consultants’ fees!
  
• The Christmas Pageant is scheduled for Dec 19th at St. John’s. Please contact Gail Coon (218-744-5138) if you are interested in participating. Parts are available for children of all ages –  including senior citizens!)
  

 ☺ Thank you to Ellen and Bruce Williams for volunteering to perform Lector duties! How wonderful to have new voices!
 ☺ Thank you to new acolytes Charley Kennedy and Jesse McIntyre! You’re doing such a great job!
 ☺ An enormous, grateful Thank You to all acolytes, lectors, lay readers, altar guild, our organist, and members of the vestry – past and present – for their ongoing voluntary, and faithful, work.

St. John’s Reminders

• Church notices can be published in the Eveleth Scene free of charge. Contact either Liz Lenich (218-744-5773) or Rose Judnick at the Eveleth Scene. 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. John’s needs lead articles for future Epistles (including one due January 19, 2005 for February’s Epistle). Please consider submitting one of your own!

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

St. Paul's News

      Well we are winding down or is it ramping up to our via media program and the next time you see an article in the Epistle the program will be close to rolling.  Some of us may find evangelism foreign or objectionable.  Yet this program promotes our church and heritage.  The main emphasis of the program is as follows:
    1) We get together to share a meal.  This is familiar.  We go out to dinner with friends and neighbors frequently and we usually share a meal at home with our families.  I can’t see where food and fellowship would be foreign or objectionable.  Maybe it’s foreign eating with someone we don’t know; but we are a welcoming church so we would provide radical hospitality.  I know when I first came to this church you made me feel welcome.
    2) We view a 30 minute video on various subjects relating to church, God, Jesus, Sin, Bible, Holy Spirit and our Anglican Way.  I know we like to watch movies so that gives us a familiar and fun way to look at our tradition
    3) Then we breakout in small groups and talk about what we saw or felt from the video.  Now I know that we all like to talk and be heard so that shouldn’t be foreign or objectionable.  Now I think I just got it, we don’t like to talk about our God, faith and the mysteries from above.  Why is it uncomfortable to share our feelings about what is so rich in our lives? The thought of opening our hearts and being vulnerable to others?  But this may be exactly the place that God wants us to be! Bring your questions, share with a group and open that part of life and grow.  Let the Spirit free; vocalize your thoughts and feelings.  In our society the quickest way to end a conversation may be to start talking about Spirituality but the quickest way for you to know your journey is to open up and be free. No matter where you are on your spiritual journey this program is for you, it is a safe place to ask the questions and to share what you know about faith and our church.
    4) Our closing session is prayer related and that’s familiar because we come to church and pray.
    I ask you to give via media a chance.  Don’t discount it before you have experienced the process.  Don’t let others dissuade you about the program, no one in our congregations has seen the via media sessions.  You may well come away with the Spirit swirling within you and that is what the journey is all about.
    The program is for all to be “Episcopalians in the know”.  The contents will make us think and perhaps we may learn something new about ourselves. We might create what is called a “light bulb moment”, when all things come together to form a whole.
    You are needed as seasoned Episcopalians to help and guide others in the program. We invite you to participate to “share” your knowledge with those who have questions.  We need you to attend because you are the “valuable assets and resources” of St. Paul’s.
    The program starts on February 13, 2005 at 12:30, look for further updates.  Remember you can call me at 218-254-2487 or Pat Gillespie at 218-638-1206 with any questions.
    Evangelism is not easy, especially when it is foreign to the majority of Episcopalians.  But who will promote our church if not us!

Peace be with you all!
Cheryl Killien

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

This page maintained for the East Range Episcopal Churches by . Address comments on typographical errors to Chuck.