"Fear Not, I am with you always"

By Charles Morello, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Virginia, MN

As I listen to some members of our congregations talk about our future and how best to respond to the challenges ahead, I am aware of a heightened anxiety in our midst. Change is often scary and so is uncertainty about the future. Our fears are normal and expected. Our challenge is how we respond to them.

One response is to talk honestly about our concerns. The individual and joint congregational meetings have given us an opportunity to express our feelings and to discuss concerns about budget, relationships, options, and physical space. Once these concerns are spoken out loud, they begin to lose their power over us. We can then address them with greater clarity and insight when we acknowledge their very real presence and respect them as real and valid.

Another response is to recognize (as Pat has often told us) that faith and risk go together. People of faith are risk-takers, and risk always causes anxiety. Our call as Christians is not a call to safety. If you feel some healthy fear, perhaps it is a sign that we are being faithful to a God who is constantly calling us into new places where we have never gone before. The fears we experience can be glimpses of God’s grace because they motivate us to seek God in new ways. Fear keeps us praying, and when we pray we open ourselves to hear Christ say, “Fear not! I am with you always.” And with that promise we find peace even in the midst of anxiety.

A third response is that we do not rush too quickly to resolve our tensions. Most of us don’t enjoy the discomfort of chaos – we seek comfort and relish control. The challenge is to trust that God is present in the chaos. Pick up your bible and read the creations stories in Genesis and the wilderness stories in Exodus. Meet a God who leads the Israelites through the wilderness and a God who holds Jesus in the dark of Gethsemane. Let God speak to you through these stories. Remember that God is always present and always at work, whether we recognize God or not.

And, finally, don’t forget that we are called to work toward faithfulness – not happiness or success. This Easter Season may be a good time to review our Baptismal Covenant (BCP 304-305) and to remember why we are here in our congregations and remember whom we are called to serve in this world.

It can be an exciting and hopeful time, even if we do feel a little anxious. In the meantime, we should be patient and merciful with one another and keep our congregations and our leaders in our prayers.

Charles “Chuck” Morello is a Pew Warmer of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Virginia, a member of the Minnesota Episcopal Environmental Stewardship Commission, and the Episcopal Ecological Network.This is adapted from a letter by the Rev James Cook to the Episcopal Parish of St. David, Minnetonka, MN, in Oct 2002. It is used in lieu of an article from St. John’s, which was not received.

Pat's Pastoral Notes ...

The Rev Patricia Gillespie

Change and Resurrection

“Get behind me, Satan.”

Jesus’s words to Peter are hard to hear. Peter just saw his dream destroyed and he objected. Jesus then tells him harshly to forget that wonderful dream of a victorious messiah. Peter had put his trust in that dream and now it is lost.

When our hopes and dreams are lost it is natural to object. In every change, something is lost and all loss brings grief. Jesus changes lives. Peter and the disciples lives change so radically at the cross that they run away and hide. Their grief is overwhelming.

Life is full of change – change for individuals, change for churches, change for the world around us. We object, we run, we hide, we grieve. Change is facing our congregations now. Perhaps those things we have valued most seem threatened.

When Peter and the disciples had what they valued most taken from them, Jesus surprised them by finding them in hiding; he brought new life from their grief. Like the disciples and rich young ruler whom Jesus loved, we are asked to give up important things to follow Jesus. I expect that Jesus will also surprise us in our lives as individuals and as congregations.

Following Jesus to our own resurrection may cost us what we value most. Jesus changes the loss and the grief to new life and joy. The resurrection is real.

Pat +

Pat's Liturgical Observation

During the “Great Fifty” of Easter between Easter Day and Pentecost, we will sing the doxology as an offertory and chant the psalm. For some this will be old-style and familiar, for others it will be new. Easter and spring are like that – life is new and familiar at the same time. These more traditional forms of worship help us recall our roots as we move into change and new life.

East Range Episcopal Churches' News

Holy Week & Easter Service Schedules

The following services have been scheduled for Holy Week and Easter:

Maundy Thursday (April 13)
7 PM at St. John’s
Good Friday (April 14)
1 PM at St. Paul’s
Easter Vigil (April 15)
8:30 PM at the Mary Brown Environmental Center
Easter Services (April 15-16)
6:30 PM (15th) at St. Mary’s in Tower
9 AM (16th) at St. John’s
10:30 AM (16th) at St. Paul’s

Church on the Road:
Intertribal Worship at Cloquet

On Sunday, April 23, at 10:00 am, the East Range Episcopal Churches will gather at St. Andrew’s in Cloquet for an Intertribal Worship Service and a Feast following the service. Everyone is encouraged to attend this opportunity to experience Native American spirituality in the Episcopal tradition. Those interested in carpooling, please gather at St. John’s or St. Paul’s at 8:45 am. Though we hope most will be able to travel to Cloquet, an informal service of Morning Prayer will be held at St. John’s and St. Paul’s and Holy Eucharist as usual at St. Mary’s.
(Note: This is also an opportunity to meet some folks from a total ministry congregation.)

Introduction to Total Ministry

Everyone from the East Range Churches is encouraged to come to hear more about Total Ministry as we consider whether it might be part of our future. The Rev. Canon Sandi Holmberg will be introducing Total Ministry on Tuesday, April 18, at 6:30 at St. John’s. Sandi is the Canon Missioner for Total Ministry as well as our Northern Canon Missioner and can give us an overview and respond to our questions.

Please plan to attend so we can make an informed decision about the future of our churches.

February Future Options II Meeting

People from our three congregations gathered on February 22 to hear from Pat about issues discussed at Future Options I when we met with the Rev. Canon Sandi Holmberg and to consider any other options that may have surfaced in the interim.

- The meeting began with prayer: “For Today” from Forward Day by Day.
- The intended focus was on what we have rather than our problems.
- Pat commented on how she sees our churches and her own situation (see “Pat’s Comments and Overview”).
- Jane Kingston offered financial data for comparison of various options. (Ask Jane for a copy.)
- Additional options were proposed by the group.

Merging St. John’s and St. Paul’s
Operating as a House Church – small group(s) without a building
A building in Midway
Sharing ministry with Lutherans
Regional Missioner (a seminary priest supervising multiple congregations)
(Noted that long-term supply clergy is not an option.)

- Total Ministry was briefly introduced and handouts were made available. (Ask Pat for a copy.)
- Brief discussion about the options for ministry and finances followed.
- The meeting concluded with Scripture and The Lord’s Prayer.

Pat’s Comments and Overview
on the Future Options II Meeting:

Comments:

We cannot afford to continue business as usual.

We need a radically different and sustainable plan for ministry and mission.
Pat would like to stay in the area ministering with our churches if possible.

Overview of churches from annual reports and parochial reports:

St. John’s attendance is down.
St. Paul’s attendance is stable.
St. Mary’s attendance is up.

Relative financial picture from annual report, rounded to thousands.

St. John’s has a $28,000 budget with a $13,000 deficit, and about $97,000 in reserves.
St. Paul’s has a $64,000 budget with an $18,000 deficit, and about $26,000 in reserves.
St. Mary’s has a $16,000 balanced budget, and about $20,000 in reserves.

Three things we need to do:

Discerning what God is calling us to do.
Visioning a long-term, sustainable financial plan for doing the work God is calling us to do.
Finding a short-term financial plan for this calendar year, particularly for St. Paul’s.

Conclusion:

The Rector (Pat) and the churches are both looking for change.

We are in a rector and parish arrangement, which is a tenured commitment, but may be dissolved by mutual agreement. Pat is unlikely to resign unless she is convinced that the congregations have a realistic and hopeful plan for future ministry in place.

Pat believes the Holy Spirit is at work here. Things are going to have to change (and we won’t like it).

Even Jesus had to be “driven” rather than just “led” by the Spirit when his life was changed after his baptism. When the Spirit is blowing, like it or not, the result will be blessing, growth, and new life in our congregations.

Lenten Seekers:
Prayer - Reflections and Practice

Sundays at 12:15 - 1:15 PM at St. Paul’s. Everyone is welcome:

April 2: Contemplation

Bishop’s Visit

Bishop Jelinek will be visiting the East Range Churches on July 22 and 23. At that point we will all have an opportunity to celebrate our commitment to our churches by reaffirming our baptismal vows. In this way active participants in our congregation may be added by confirmation or reception to our official parish records, which are somewhat out of date.

March Joint Vestry/Bishop’s Committee Meeting Notes

John Hagerman of Episcopal Relief and Development will visit the East Range Churches on March 25-26.
A program from Episcopal Community Services was introduced and received with interest.
Safe Church Training to be held for range churches, but not yet scheduled.
Bishop’s Visitation July 22-23, 2006, was discussed, including the opportunity for all interested to reaffirm our commitment to the church, to be received, or to be confirmed.
Rector’s State of the Church focused on the “Options for the Future.” Among the options, she feels Total Ministry is the most viable. She is willing to work with churches so they may move ahead individually as they become ready if not all are ready at the same time.
Parochial reports were reviewed and signed.
Individual congregational updates were given:
St. Mary’s: “Leaning toward” total ministry. Lenten activities: bread baking & egg decorating.
St. Paul’s: “Intrigued” by total ministry; ready to invite Sandi Holmberg to talk about it.
St. John’s: Comments on communication, not judging others, financial assets, and acting with love. Total ministry interesting; there are other options; not ready to decide.
General interest was expressed in visiting Total Ministry congregations.
All three churches committed to meet this year’s financial obligations.
Group agreed to invite the Rev. Canon Sandi Holmberg to speak on Total Ministry on April 18 at 6:30 PM.
Erickson Fund will be used help support kids interested in Music Camp this year.
Interested people will drive/carpool to the Intertribal Worship at Cloquet on April 23 rather than rent a bus.
Erickson Fund money may be used to host an Intertribal Worship service at a later date.
Options for finding a new treasurer for the East Range Churches were discussed.
Various Meetings were announced and scheduled.

Next Joint Meeting: June 13 at 6:30 in Tower.

Compensation and Budget Meeting to be scheduled later.

Mutual Ministry Review to be scheduled later.

Open discussion was facilitated by Gail Sheddy, including:

creative options for fund raising and building use
total ministry questions
biblical grounding for total ministry
concern that people want things to stay the same
Lutheran (ELCA) options

Minnesota Total Ministry Churches

Participants in the Three-Church Vestry/Bishop’s Committee Meeting requested a written list of Total Ministry Churches. Visit one of these congregations and see total ministry in action.

Spirit of the Lakes:
Trinity in Hermantown
St. Andrew’s in Cloquet
Spirit of the Heartland:
Good Samaritan in Sauk Centre
St. Stephen’s in Paynesville
Our Saviour’s in Little Falls
St. Matthew’s in Chatfield
Holy Trinity in Luverne
St. James’ in Marshall

Other congregations, like Holy Trinity in International Falls, are still in formation. Commissioning and Ordination of the International Falls team is planned for July.

Episcopal Relief and Development

I pray your Hope Chests are getting full with all the many blessings that have been bestowed upon all of us. As a reminder, please bring them in on Easter and offer them during the collection and let us bless others with our abundance at Easter time. If you choose you can mail in a donation directly to ERD and envelopes are available at church.

Peace,

Cheryl Killien

Every Single Day Matters!

St. John's Episcopal Church News

(Submitted by Jane Kingston)

Vestry Notes

From the meeting of March 7, 2006:
+ Expenditures $3219.51, receipts $1755.85, $1463.66 monthly deficit, checking account balance $14,612.80.
+ YTD expenditures $5778.87, YTD receipts $2799.15, YTD shortfall $2979.72.
+ The $2000 matching fund starter has not yet been received. Mother Pat will follow up.
+ Treasurer will meet with Miners Bank to renew expired CDs.
+ Sr Warden submitted her response/analysis of Mother Pat’s summary of time away to Mother Pat.
+ Vestry supported 3-Point participation in ECS monthly projects, and distribution of ERD collection boxes.
+ 3-Point Vestry retreat at MBEC on 3/25 from 10:00 AM until 5:30 PM.
+ Region II delegate Liz Lenich reported on the March 4 information meeting held at St. Paul’s in Duluth regarding the Windsor report, which is available online in its voluminous entirety.
+ St. John’s nominated Sally Sneve of Duluth as candidate for the St. Luke’s Board of Directors.
+ Parochial Report is complete, has been approved by Treasurer, and is ready for final approval by Mother Pat and vestry, after which JKingston will file electronically.
+ Whitman Fund distribution rate increase (from 5% to 7%) resolution was approved and submitted to Diocesan Trustees.
+ Relevant references regarding last month’s discussion on the issue of Rector’s authority were presented:

Diocesan Canon 602.1: The Rector has control of the worship and spiritual interests of the Congregation.
National Canon III.9.5 sec 5(a): The Rector shall have full authority and responsibility for the conduct of the worship and the spiritual jurisdiction of the Parish, subject to the Rubrics of the Book of Common Prayer, Constitution and Canons of the Church.
National Canon III.9.6.sec 6(b): No Priest shall preach, read prayers in public worship, or perform any similar function, in a congregation without the consent of the Rector or Priest-in-Charge of that congregation.
Letter of Agreement at Retirement of previous Rector: If, after a suitable period of time, there is a desire on the part of the next rector to review termination of priestly, pastoral, and administrative duties, or officiating or assisting at any baptisms, weddings, or funerals, she may instigate that with the consent of the vestries and provided the retired rector is willing for such review to occur.

+ Vestry supports using Erickson funds to host Intertribal Worship in one of the 3-Point churches, as well as for paying tuition for 3-Point youths interested in attending Music Camp at Willow River this summer.
+ JKingston will contact Eveleth ELCA regarding potential for shared Sunday School.
+ TKingston rendered strongly his objections to stifled discussion at 2/22 Future Options meeting, stating open discussion is crucial on all such Future Options meetings, which generated a flurry of opinions being exchanged on related subject matter and format. JKingston expressed her appreciation for meetings that adhere to schedule. Mother Pat said she does not want one church ready to move to be held back by others who may need more time to make decision on their future direction. JKingston referenced the verbal 3-year agreement parties made in May 2003, reminding those involved of its intent to reconsider our agreement after 3-years, including the extra $15,000 contributed to the 3-Point in hopes of making the agreement work out for all involved. Mother Pat said Saint Mary’s doesn’t count on what she termed the “tenured agreement” because they are a mission. JKingston noted that Mother Pat and all 3 churches are signatory to agreement. Pat said supply clergy as a future option is not allowed. The possibility of sharing an area ELCA pastor was noted. TKingston stated that now and in the past canons and restrictions have been misquoted, and that too much information was thrown out at the 2/22 meeting but not documented or given anywhere near adequate time to process. Mother Pat will supply all references and written information she quoted and introduced at the 2/22 meeting.

Rector’s Report
+ Mother Pat noted that defining a sustainable plan for 2007 and beyond is needed sooner rather than later, and that energy should be focused there. She is willing to dissolve our agreement if the church has a plan for mission and ministry she considers viable. She stated that she has not been willing to negotiate with our individual churches in the past but now may consider it.

News of St. Mary's Episcopal Church

(Submitted by Mary Groeninger)

Preparing for Easter at St. Mary’s

April 1, 1:00-4:00: Seasonal Breadbaking. Make breads of the seasons—pretzels, hot cross buns, and a special Easter bread, some to freeze and some to eat right away. Hear the stories that go with each bread. (Come from 9:00-10:00 am if you want to help mix and knead the Easter bread dough).
April 8, 2:30-4:00: Egg Decorating. Decorate blown Easter eggs to decorate your home at Easter. Something for all ages, from pysanky for older children and adults to plastic eggs and stickers for the youngest. Blown and plastic eggs provided: bring your own (any if you’d like to decorate lots).
April 15, 8:00-9:30 pm: Easter Vigil Service. Join us as we greet Easter with fire, water, story, and song. A dramatic and moving way to begin your Easter celebration. Children are welcome.

Call Mary (218-365-3364) for information. All are welcome!

News of St. Paul's Episcopal Church

Vestry Notes

In a special meeting, Sunday, March 12, St. Paul’s vestry discussed options for the future of the East Range churches.

Since St. Paul’s seems significantly interested in Total Ministry as a possible option, we should invite Canon Missioner Sandi Holmberg to conduct an informational meeting about it. A motion to invite her was approved.

[That meeting has been tentatively scheduled for April 18.]

Wednesday Lenten Services

Reflection is a thought, idea, or opinion formed ... as a result of meditation. For five Wednesdays during Lent St. Paul’s will be doing a “reflective Lenten Service” consisting of music framing a mostly spoken Service for Evening (not to be confused with the Evening Prayer Service). On different Wednesdays, Russell Bergum, Catherine McBride, Susan Lindmeier, and Carol Morello will making musical offerings for personal reflection. A sung evensong may happen on April 5.

Service will start at 7 PM and end 7:45 PM. There is no additional discussion program planned for Wednesday evenings. However, if you wish to stay around afterwards for conversation, the Guild Hall will be available.

Easter Lilies

Lilies for St. Paul’s Easter Services are available for $10 each. They can be brought home after the Easter Sunday service, or left at the church for the Easter season. Contact Gail Coon (H) 218-744-5138 (W) 218-744-5099.

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"Fear Not, I am with you always"

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