June 2005 East Range Epistle


	*The East Range Epistle* June 2005

Feeding the Starved Soul
by Mary Groeninger, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Ely

    When I was a child, I don’t ever remember taking a Sunday off from church. Even on vacation, my parents asked the hotel clerk where the Catholic Church was located so that we could go. Like brushing our teeth every night and going to school every day (no mental health days in our house), it was just something we did.
    I remember once (and only once) asking my mother, “Why do we have to go to church EVERY Sunday?” She gave me one of those looks at which women of her generation excelled, calm and piercing, and said, “Because it’s not too much too ask that we give an hour out of every week to God.”
    I didn’t have a response for that one and never remembering asking the question again. Nor did I give up the habit of going to church each week. Even as a college and graduate student, on Sundays I almost always gave up that hour to God, my mother’s voice echoing somewhere in the back of my brain. It may have been guilt—not the best motivation for faithful church attendance—but it got me there.
    I can’t remember when my reason for going to church shifted. That voice in the back of my head never completely died out, but at some point in my 20’s I found that if I missed church for one or two weeks, I felt not guilty, but a bit empty. There was something inside of me that needed feeding and was beginning to feel starved. And again, I’m not exactly sure why, but I found that after I went back to church, no matter how mundane the sermon or the music, I’d leave feeling more at rest. This summer I was away for three weekends in a row in August and feeling increasingly out-of-sorts and grumpy. So when Sam, like his mother before him, chose that time to ask the same question I had asked my mother thirty years before, I found myself saying, “Because I miss it, and I need to go.” Different answer, but he       didn’t have anything to say back either.
    Every year when it comes up in the lectionary at church, I puzzle over the words of the Beatitudes.
    Why are the poor, the sick, the lonely, the oppressed happier than the rest of us? They’re not really, are they? It’s hard to be happy, to be loving, to be giving when you’re homeless or sick or hungry or alone. But I’m beginning to think Christ’s talking about something different, as much as he pitied and reached out to people who suffered. I think he’s talking about the emptiness of a life where every material want is satisfied, about that empty place, buried deep in me and – I suspect – in most of us, that surfaces from time to time as — what? Dissatisfaction? Restlessness? Loneliness? In me, it’s all of those things, and it’s through the gathering of the Body breaking bread together that it’s filled.
    I hope that my kids, who go to church every Saturday (though I admit that Will and I are not as diligent as my parents at seeking out churches when we’re away from home!), will keep it up as they grow older, but not because of their mother’s guilt-inspiring voice echoing in the back of their brains (I’ll save that voice for less important stuff). I hope they’ll go because despite the gifts they’ve been given all their lives, their affluence, the love that surrounds them, they also will feel that empty place inside them that needs filling from the Life-Giver.

Mary Groeninger is an active member of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Ely, MN. She wrote this prior to adding to her motherly guilt by giving birth to Phoebe in April.

In this Issue


Feeding the Starved Soul 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

Pat after her Installation, October 2003

Pat's Pastoral Notes ...
The Rev Patricia Gillespie

Finding the Presence of the Holy

    I sit in the room that was mine as a child, listening to the ocean. It is a comforting sound, strong and stable among all the changes of life. There is much that is godlike about the ocean.
    I wonder how it is that we learn to see God at work in our lives. The child that I was found God in this little room. The child that I am today is touched by God on the beach as the fertile, powerful, and dangerous ocean washes around my feet.
    God’s touch is unplanned, unscheduled. God, in God’s own time, takes me by surprise. Those times when I try to pin God down, to find God at the time and place of my own choosing, scheduling “the experience” to fit my busy schedule, I am so often left feeling alone, empty, and frustrated. I have forgotten who’s in charge of this relationship. This is no tame god, subject to my call.
    I try to set those control needs of my adult self aside. I wait in my little room childlike, breathing with the sound of the ocean until I fall asleep. Waking sleepy-eyed I see before me the Holy Trinity: Flaming red dove, trailing streams of glory. The light of the world shining like a victor’s torch. The brilliant multicolored mystery of the holy one. Three in one dancing, interpenetrating, flowing light and color, the burning bush, wrapping me in peace.
    I blink and it’s gone. Or it’s still there. Same old child’s painting – multicolored ink-blot type – that’s been there for years. But for that one brief moment in childlike suspension of practical, adult reality, I was in the presence of the Holy, the really real.
    You, perhaps, have been there, too. The light reflected off an autumn maple leaf, the laughter of children, a grandmother’s tears, the crash of the surf, the warmth of your own breath. In a moment of childlike grace, a taste of what is really real, a glimpse of the presence of the Holy among us.
    Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it. (Luke 18:17)
    May the child in you discover God in your life today.
    Blessings !

Pat +


	East Range Churches' News

Joint Vestry Meeting

Tuesday evening, June 14, at 6:30 pm in Tower at St. James’ Presbyterian Church at 302 Spruce Street. Informal gathering for dinner at 5:00 pm at Good Ol’ Days in Tower on Main Street (across from Zup’s). Vestry and Bishop’s Committee members from the East Range Episcopal Churches are expected to attend the meeting and all others interested are encouraged to come as well. The Rev. Canon Sandi Holmberg will be with us to help us reflect on the “state of the church” and our resources for the future.

Worship Ministers’ Training

Two opportunities for training for Worship Ministers (formerly called “Lay Readers”) to be licensed to lead public worship services (e.g., Morning Prayer).

Tuesday evening, June 7, 6:30 - 8:30 pm, at St. John’s in Eveleth
Sunday afternoon, June 12, 12:15 to 2:15 at St. Paul’s in Virginia.

Please let Pat know that you plan to attend so she can prepare accordingly. Active worship ministers are also encouraged to attend. All interested are welcome to come to learn about our worship services, whether or not you are preparing to lead services.

Upcoming Retreats: - Journeying with the Saints in the Wilderness:

September 20-23 (Tuesday-Friday) in the Boundary Waters
The Practice of the Presence of God: August 30 - September 1 (Tuesday-Thursday) at a lakeside cabin.

Save the dates and please let Pat know ASAP if you want to attend one of these events. Space is limited.

The Seekers – an Open Sunday Gathering

“The Seekers” is a new name for a regular, ongoing, year-round Sunday gathering for interested people to inquire and reflect on almost any topic in a Christian context. It is a “come when you like” time when we can explore a variety of programs. It could be bible study or book discussion, a formal program like via media, a speaker or a video, a panel of experts, or other creative options as appropriate.

12:15 on Sundays at St. Paul’s
done by 1:30 unless otherwise announced ahead.
brown bag lunch, unless otherwise announced ahead

    Programs approved by Pat may be facilitated during this time by a variety of people. If you have an idea for something for The Seekers, please let Pat know. All are encouraged to attend and to bring friends. Watch The Epistle and check Sunday announcements for upcoming topics.
    Your program suggestions are invited.
    The schedule for June and July is:
June 5: Living the Resurrection: Session 2: Common Worship
June 12: Serving at Worship (Worship Ministers’ Training)
June 19: Bible Study: Instructions for the Faithful - Jeremiah 20:7-13 and Matthew 10:16-33
June 26: Open
July Sundays: Renovare: Traditions of Spiritual Renewal

Welcoming and Caring For our Children

To help our churches be welcoming and safe places for our children, the Diocese has made a video and training available for those of us who care about our children. For the sake of our children, Pat would like all of us to see and discuss the video, which will be shown after worship some time this summer. Our church leaders and those who work with our children and youth are also expected to attend a “safe church” training session, which will be scheduled later, perhaps in the fall.
We do have a youth group meeting regularly and are planning for Christian Education for our youngest members for the fall. Over the summer Andrew Hill along with Taylor Twite will be sharing bible stories and program with children at St. Paul’s during the first part of our worship time. If you would like to help, regularly or occasionally, please let Pat know.

Education for Ministry (EFM)

EFM is an opportunity to share your faith journey with a small group, to reflect on how God is active in our lives, and study scripture and theology. Consider joining our EFM group. Beginning in September, we will be meeting two Wednesday evenings each month for reflection, study, and prayer. A commitment to regular attendance is expected and there is tuition to cover the materials (and scholarship help if needed). Let Pat know if you are interested.

Sermon Helpers

Our preachers group needs people to help us grow in our preaching abilities. “Sermon Helpers” of all ages and perspectives are needed to comment on occasional Sunday sermons. Helpers will be given a written form indicating some specific feedback needs. Of course, informal feedback and reflections about sermons are always welcome. If you are interested in helping, let Pat know.

Looking for a Movie Camera

The Preachers’ Group is looking for a video camera to use to help our Preachers-in-Training. If you have one we can borrow, please let Pat know.

Transitions

Robert Dick of St. Mary’s, Ely, entered resurrection life on April 15.
Phoebe Catherine Groeninger Helms was baptized on April 30 at St. Mary’s in Ely.
Cooper Quinn Williams was baptized on May 1 at St. John’s in Eveleth.

Joint Vestry Meeting Notes

Notes from the Joint Vestry Meeting East Range Episcopal Churches Joint Vestry Meeting in Tower at Benchwarmers, March 15, 2005:

Motion approved to buy a new resource pack for new Vestry members from Forward Movement at $25.00.
Discussion on the role of the Vestry
Cheryl K. reported on the evangelism meeting in Minneapolis.
Pat G. acknowledged the great work done on hospitality and service.
Pat G. spoke about stewardship needing to be an all year event and drawing on the congregation’s gifts other than monetary gifts. Pat G. seeks a “non-monetary gifts” treasurer.
Pat G. suggested holding Lent evening prayer services at St. Johns’s next year.
Pat G. encouraged more involvement in various leadership activities for members from all churches.
Pat G. thanked Chuck Morello for doing the newsletter.
Directory information needs to be turned in by 4/15/2005.
Pat G. asks for birthday and anniversary information also.
St. John’s needs to have a delegate.
Pat G. suggests a joint vestry meeting three times per year, spring, summer, and fall.
Pat G.’s vacation will be June 21-30 and August 11-18. Pat may also take one week of continuing education time in June. The Vestry can recommend an area for Pat to do training in—please think about it and make suggestions.
The Nov. 22nd budget meeting will be at St. John’s at 5:30 p.m.
The Bishop will visit on 7/23/2006 for baptisms and confirmations. “Official” transfers from one congregation to another may also be done.
No more meetings will be held in public places.
The next joint meeting will be at St. Mary’s in Ely if possible. Gail S. will check on this and confirm.
For the next joint vestry meeting, please think about the vision and mission of the East Range Episcopal Churches.
Reports from Sandi Holmberg will be posted at each Church

Next Epistle

Deadline for input to the July 2005 issue of The East Range Epistle is Wednesday, June 15, 2005 to your congregational contact. Processing is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, June 22.

Epistle Contribution Schedule

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

July-August: St. Paul's
September: St. John's
October: St. Mary's

Please keep the article to 400 to 500 words and send it to the lead article to Carol or Chuck Morello. Deadline is the same as for the regular Epistle production.

Getting Input to the Epistle


Preparation of the Epistle is time-consuming. The following guidelines will ease the work burden on those involved: 1. All submissions must be in electronic format (RTF, MS-Word, WordPerfect, Wordpad, Notepad, or as text inside an e-mail). Non electronic format materials must go through your congregation’s EpistleContact: St. John’s: Jane Kingston (218-744-3833) St. Mary’s: Mary Groeninger (218-365-3364) St. Paul’s: Deanne Polski (218-741-2503)	2. Deadlines have been established to make it possible for you to receive the Epistle before the new month starts. The Epistle goes to the printer on the Monday before the “folders, spindlers, and mutilators” process it. Input received late may not be printed. 3. If you wish to help with the production of the Epistle, please contact Pat (218-638-1206). 4. If you wish to help with the editing of the Epistle, please contact Carol or Chuck Morello (218-744-1615)


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

Vestry Notes

Meeting of April 19, 2005:

The Treasurer’s report for March was approved as presented. Expenditures were $3,179.51, and receipts were $3,587.64. Checking account balance is $12,966.34.
St. John’s would like “Epistle costs” to be added to the next 3-point meeting agenda.
Bishop Jelinek will visit our 3-Point churches on July 23, 2006 (that’s next year, not 2005), and Duluth in May 2006.
The Art Nichols memorial silver baptismal basin was received, and it is spectacular. Gail will contact Joanne regarding the $44.00 Art Nichols memorial balance.
Pat completed and submitted our 2004 Parochial Report.
Sue Grillo’s resignation was accepted with deep regret. Approved not filling vestry vacancy until next year.
Dorothy Zeller wrote with uplifting words of encouragement – thank you, Dorothy!
Approved expenses for summer organist – Nancy will handle.
Lauren DePaulis will be our lawn maintenance person again this summer – thank you, Lauren!
Tom will assess painting and building repair needs, and will coordinate sump pump work.
Tom will inventory our safe deposit box, keeping a particular eye out for By-Laws and Erickson Fund documentation.
Pat is taking vacation the week of May 22 (notice too late for Epistle). Linda is scheduled Lector both May 22 and May 29.
Vestry members will come prepared with outreach ideas for discussion at our next meeting.
Schedule of meetings: Jane requested and it was approved that vestry meetings change from third to first Tuesdays starting in September. Therefore, vestry meetings through 2005 will be May 17, Jul 19, Sep 6, Oct 4, Nov 1, and Dec 6.

Rector’s Report

Mother Pat congratulated us on taking the initiative to hold our special meeting in April.
Pat mentioned that stewardship, usually thought of in the sense of money, also includes time, talent, and energy, and Saint Paul’s is getting more involved in marketing, evangelism, and stewardship in its more complete sense. Jane will request a copy of Dave Allen’s letter on stewardship when it becomes available.
Sandi Holmberg’s Ministry notes from our meeting last November will be emailed to vestry members, and is now posted upstairs.

Meeting of May 17, 2005

Treasurer’s report for April ‘05 was approved as presented. Expenditures were $2,606.25 vs. receipts of $963.75, resulting in a $1,642.50 monthly deficit. Checking account balance is $10,995.11. YTD disbursements are $11,860 vs. receipts of $8884.
Tom’s investigation of our safe deposit box contents revealed nothing specific on either By-Laws or Erickson Fund documentation.
Youth Education, Safe Church, and Stewardship materials have been received. Pat suggested that Youth Education materials be forwarded to Ellen Williams.
Pending: sump pump status (Tom), trash & recycling bins (Gail & Jane), and Crisis Meeting summary/questionnaire (Jane) should go out sometime next week.
Nancy completed St. John’s Calling Tree and our portion of the updated 3-Point Directory – thank you very much, Nancy!
In speaking with Joanne Nichols, Gail reported that she was interested in applying the balance of Art’s memorial funds towards a baptismal pitcher and/or a heavy-duty snow shovel. Jane and Tom will check availability and prices of both.
Megan will begin summer organist duties after May 26.
Jane will complete and submit our National Survey of Episcopal Congregations which is due at the end of May.
Outreach idea: joining forces with other Eveleth churches in collecting food and money on an ongoing basis was suggested. Being such an expansive issue, feedback regarding outreach will be solicited as part of our Crisis Meeting questionnaire so that all members can participate in submitting their ideas and suggestions. Tom recommended that the Erickson Fund be used in future outreach efforts, as has been done in the past.
Nancy reported that $145 has been collected for UTO thus far. Thank you very much to all donors!

Rector’s Report

Mother Pat recommended that Stewardship become an on-going, year round activity and focus, rather than just once annually.
In addition to each of the 3-point churches’ treasurers (Tom Kingston, Dick Borgstrom, and RaeLynne Koivu) and the 3-point treasurer (Joanne LaPatka), representatives from Hibbing and Grand Rapids churches will participate in the financial audit to be held this summer. Our audit will cover both 2003 and 2004. Tom volunteered to arrange the date for this activity, ensuring coordination with all participants.
After having taken the Safe Church training, Pat reported that the video is of such good quality that it would be well worth showing as general education for all church and community members. It would be appropriate for outreach, or for viewing as part of our post-service coffee gathering.

Reminders and Notices

A member is needed to serve as our delegate at the annual Diocesan Convention which is held during the last weekend in October. Please consider volunteering for this critical opening!
Lost and found: size S maroon Eveleth jacket, yellow toy bus, red hair brush, and purple coin purse.
Wish list: low-set credence table or shelf for front of church.


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

Notes from Annual Meeting

The following was covered at St. Mary’s Annual Meeting, Saturday, January 22, 2005

Treasurer’s Report: The Treasurer’s Report was unanimously accepted.
Elections: All vestry members are still serving terms.
Reports:

The Canon Missioner’s Review was read.
Tower Overview: The Tower church needs a bathroom. All agreed that this was a project worth pursuing. The The Episcopal Church Welcomes You sign in the entrance to the Tower church will be moved to Mary Brown’s house where it can be hung close to the road. Dick will look into the purchase of a smaller sign to be hung on Hwy 169 in Tower directing people to the church.
Ely Overview: Report read (filed with minutes at the church).
Education and Formation: Report read (filed with minutes at the church).

Discussion:
Worship: The Tower church will continue to use Rite 2 in the Book of Common Prayer and Ely will continue to use The New Zealand Prayer Book and Rite 2 on third Saturdays.
Finances: Discussed and agreed to the purchase of additional copies of the New Zealand Prayer Book for the Ely church. Discussed the purchase of additional hymnals but will try making copies instead.

Formulated a Christian Education budget, incorporating funds for adult education, Sunday school, and day camp.
Agreed to begin sending $100 monthly to Ely Presbyterian in thanks for use of the building.
Formulated a budget for advertising, to be used for a sign and advertising in local papers as needed.

Welcoming: Carol agreed to call old members to update the church directory.
Publicity and Marketing: We will place a larger ad in the paper advertising Easter services and keep the weekly notice in the Ely Echo.

Wednesday Night Meetings

Wednesday Night Meeting will continue in June with a discussion of Annie Lamott’s new collection of essays, Plan B. Meetings are held on the first and third Wednesdays of the month, from 7-8:30 PM. Contact Mary (218-365-3364) if you’d like to be notified periodically of future discussion topics.

Service Schedule Changes

On June 11, due to a wedding, the 4:30 PM service normally held at Ely Presbyterian will be held at the Mary Catherine Brown House, which was willed to the church earlier this year. To get to the house, turn South at the light by The Moose and head up the hill. The house is on the right; look for the Episcopal Church Welcomes You sign.

Services at the Church in Tower

The Saturday 6:30 PM services at St. Mary’s in Tower will start up again in June.

Northwoods Family Camp

St. Mary’s will be sponsoring the 4th annual Northwoods Family Camp, a family-oriented environmental camp, on August 26-27 at the South Kawishiwi National Campground. Camp will include kid’s activities on Tuesday afternoon; swimming for families late afternoon followed by dinner, games, and storytelling; and hiking and seining Saturday morning. We have a limited number of premium campsites (direct access to the water) reserved for those who register early. Contact Mary (218-365-3364), for more information.


	St. Paul's News

United Thank Offering

To each and every one of you - Thank You for your Spring United Thank Offerings which totalled $587.02. A check for this amount has been forwarded to the coordinator. God Bless.

Pam Brooks McIntosh

Vestry Notes

    Unofficial Minutes of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Vestry Meeting, May 10, 2005:

The Planning Committee:
    The Vestry approved June 6 at 10 a.m. as the date and time for a follow-up cleaning, weeding, and planting outside the church.

Building and Grounds:
    1) David reported that the members who toured the rectory on April 23 found it to be in excellent condition just as Mike Gunderson had said. The only interior work we might undertake between tenants is rewallpapering the stairway and upstairs hallway. There was no evidence of steam damage except to the paint on the outside porch immediately adjacent to the city’s steam vent. A basement wall that has been subjected to great heat for a continued time should be reexamined after the steam leak problem has been repaired.
    2) Marlene moved that we either clean, scrape, and repaint the church sign on the corner or buy a new one. Lynne seconded the motion, and it was approved. (The vestry preferred renewing the present sign for its historical value.)

Restoration:
    1) Marlene reported that the new stained glass windows have been promised for June 15.
    2) Downstairs work will now continue on plumbing, cupboards, and the general finishing of the 2 basement rooms in progress.

Youth:
    Gail reported that the youth group has 4 regular members. They have recently viewed the movie “Billy Jack” as the prompt for a good discussion on prejudice and especially prejudice on the Range.
Rector: Because Pat was at Clergy Conference she prepared a written report and request for discussion/action.
    1) Vestry approved that Pat be reimbursed $100 from outreach for the contribution to enable Trey to enter the 3-state baby contest (which he won).
    2) Vestry approved Andrew Hill to read Bible stories to children during church services providing Taylor Twite is also present. Taylor is to be paid $10 per Sunday.
    3) Vestry approved that we make members aware of where and when Safe Church trainings will be held at other churches.
    4) The vestry discussed Pat’s thoughts on adult education. One suggestion that found consensus is to have short-term rather than long-term programs (i.e. “for the next 3 Wednesday evenings, those interested will meet to discuss The First Coming”) The belief was that people are not inclined to commit themselves to long-term adult education programs, and if they do commit and then miss sessions, they are often reluctant to start attending again. Thus such group(s) keep dwindling in numbers.

Treasurers’ Reports:
(1) Joanne presented the 3-point treasurer’s report.
(2) The vestry reviewed the April treasurer’s report for St. Paul’s. With it, Rae Lynne included a note requesting that we find a replacement for her as soon as possible and set a target deadline for the replacement as September 1.
It is hoped that the stewardship letter about to be sent to members will help, since it features an appeal for a volunteer to take Rae Lynne’s place, She also included a letter from Grande’s hardware requesting an update approval on who is eligible to charge costs for the rectory. The vestry agreed that Mike Gunderson and Darrel Swenson should be the two we name.

Old Business:
David distributed a draft of the stewardship letter he had volunteered to write at the previous meeting. Gail moved that the letter be approved to be sent to the St. Paul community. Joie seconded the motion, and it was approved.

New Business:
    1) Joanne said we have been receiving AT&T bills for the church phone, even though it is not to be used for long distance calls. The vestry approved placing a sign by the phone, reminding users not to make such calls,
    2) Lynne asked the vestry for permission to store some of Christine’s belongs temporarily in the big end room in the basement while Christine is between places of residence. The vestry agreed.
    3) Gail said she had received complaints from the Wednesday night women’s group about church events compromising anonymity in the group. The vestry asked Gail to be the liaison with them and to suggest (tactfully) that another night might work better for their meeting.

General Notes


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