In this Issue
Next Epistle
Deadline
for input to the Mayl 2006 issue of The
East Range Epistle is
Wednesday, May 17, 2006 to your congregational contact.
Processing is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, May 24.
|
Epistle
Contribution Schedule
The schedule for the lead article
for the next three issues of The
East Range Epistle
is:
- June: St. Paul's
- July-August:
St. John's
- September:
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, 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 Mother 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)
|
|
By night, we will go to the spring. Deep within us there sparkles
living water where we can quench our thirsts. Could the human soul
be that, too: the secret heartbeat of a happiness almost beyond
words?
Taizé meditation from
Peace of Heart in All Things
by Brother Roger
|
|
When we pray, if we find that human language is almost incapable
of expressing the depths of our being, there is no need to be alarmed.
In a prayer steeped in silence, we rest in God – body, soul
and spirit.
Taizé Meditation
from Brother Roger
|
|
When we pray, if we find that human language is almost incapable
of expressing the depths of our being, there is no need to be alarmed.
In a prayer steeped in silence, we rest in God – body, soul
and spirit.
Taizé Meditation
|
In this Issue
|
Acts of the
Apostles
By Mary Groeninger, St. Mary’s Episcopal
Church, Ely, MN
They met constantly to hear the apostles teach and to
share the common life, to break bread, and to pray. A sense
of awe was everywhere, and many marvels and signs were brought
about through the apostles.
For Lent this year I decided to read the Acts of the Apostles.
That part of the Bible has always been a bit of a mystery
to me – usually I start reading the New Testament in
chronological order and get distracted before I’m halfway
through Matthew. So this time I thought I’d just start
with the part of the story that I knew least well.
I was struck at first by how action-packed the Acts are –
with just the right amount of blood and gore to appeal to
the ten year old boy with whom I’ve been reading. Judas’s
guts spill out of his body; Ananias and his wife hold back
part of their wealth (who doesn’t?) and fall over dead;
apostles get thrown into prison on a regular basis; Stephen
gets stoned; crowds riot; and Paul travels the high sea, his
ship nearly wrecking and sailors mutinying. Even when lives
aren’t at risk, the narrative is rich in activity –
miraculous healings, arguments with mocking pagans, speeches
to Romans in the high court – as the apostles spread
their incredible story.
Another thing that struck me was the way the apostles, as
they travel, continually appoint elders to carry on the work
of the church. I’ve always thought of seminary-trained
priests as the proper descendants of the apostles, and –
okay, I admit it – felt a bit disdainful of churches
where the pastor just gets called from the members of the
congregation. But none of the people leading the early church
are chosen because of their education – and while you
could argue that the apostles had the best seminary of all,
after Jesus left them, their first move was not to write down
everything he said and start an academy. Priests, moreover,
don’t come off very well at all in Acts. They’re
the exasperated intellectuals constantly trying to clamp down
on the “untrained laymen” who disrupt the decorum
of their worship space with wacky talk about the arrival of
the Messiah. They stick ‘em in jail and complain to Rome,
and still the apostles keep popping up in the most unwelcome
places, healing the sick and boldly reinterpreting Scripture
in ways that years of study contradict.
And that’s the other thing that intrigues me. The apostles
and their followers have a purpose, a message that has set
them on fire. They’re not spreading the Good News because
that’s what a good Jew does (it’s not) or because
they want to set a good example for their kids (it’s
not really clear in Acts where all the kids are, in fact!).
They don’t seem driven by the need to save souls from
eternal damnation. It’s something else. It’s love
– a powerful, persistent experience of God’s love,
which leads to a contagious love of God and neighbor that
has no modern equivalent. As Acts puts it, “The whole
body of believers was united in heart and soul.” What
would even one-tenth of that love feel like today?
All of which has led me, reluctantly, to an epiphany. Christian
leadership is not rooted in training or expertise or properly
following tradition. In its essence, it’s about experiencing
and acting on the Spirit moving within and among us. And following
God is not just about faithfully coming to church each Sunday
and teaching Sunday School (curriculum firmly in hand) as
the need arises. It’s about adventuring to unknown places
and risking all to grow the Kingdom. And, most importantly,
Christian love is a consuming, joyful love that draws in friend
and stranger, and it’s a love I’ve never fully experienced.
I’m not sure yet what any of this means exactly –
like one of the apostles huddled in the locked-tight upper
room, my vision of who and where and what we are and my part
in the whole thing is muddier than it ever was. But I’m
trying to trust in the Spirit – that She will blow through
me and through my Church and open a path before us. And I’m
trying to shake off my attachment to the old ways of doing
things, to ready myself for near shipwreck, and gut spilling,
and marvels and signs, and a sense of awe everywhere.
Mary Groeninger is a member of St. Mary’s
Episcopal Church in Ely and of the Minnesota
Episcopal Environmental Stewardship Commission.
|
|
|
Pat's Pastoral
Notes ...
The Rev
Patricia Gillespie
|
Celebrating Spring
“Earth her joy confesses, clothing
her for spring,
all fresh gifts returned with her returning King...”
Easter. For Minnesotans it’s good
that Easter is a season of fifty days because sometimes it
takes that for the earth to “catch up” with our
Resurrection Day. Most of us can remember Easter Days when
we had to shovel our way out to get to celebrate “The
queen of seasons bright.”
But this year Spring and New Life seem to be
with us on the Range.
(That’s not to say that I’m predicting
that you won’t see another snowflake before Pentecost.)
The dandelions are already appearing in my yard. Cooper, Phoebe,and
Trey are up and “walking in love” all over our worship
times and into our hearts. We have spring baptisms on the
calendar. We’re looking at new options for our churches.
As we watch the world around brighten with green
and blossoms, let us see it reflected in new life in our congregations.
The dirty snow and brown grass are behind us now. May the
light of the Resurrection bring joy to our plans for our future
as Easter People.
“Welcome happy morning”
Pat +
|
|
Pat's Liturgical Observation
Rogation Day this year will be celebrated at the beginning of
our worship services on May 20 and 21 with drumming, chant,
outdoor procession, and blessing of the soil.
Rogation Day observances trace their roots back to the fifth-century
church in France when special prayers were offered just before
the Feast of the Ascension because of a devastating earthquake
and poor harvests. The early Roman Church celebrated Rogation
Days with a Christian procession around the fields on the Feast
of St. Mark to suppress the ancient pagan Roman celebrations honoring
the god “Mildew” and the goddess “Rust.”
The celebration became part of the liturgy of the ancient Church
of England. When our English and Celtic ancestors arrived in the
New World, they brought the observance of Rogation Day with them.
The Rogation Procession moves from a recognition of the sacred
earth and Christian roots to prayerful hope for fruits of the
earth and fruits of the Spirit. The service celebrates the roots
of the Church in the earth and in our life-giving groundedness
in Christ.
|
|
|
East
Range Episcopal Churches' News
|
Seekers
An open group for reflection and discussion gathering
on Sundays at 12:15 PM at St. Paul’s. Every-one is welcome.
The focus for May is the spiritual life. The gatherings will be
led by Sr. Gertrude, OblSB, who has a master’s degree in
spirituality and who happens also to serve as pastor of the East
Range Episcopal Churches.
- May 7 Spiritual but Not Religious
- May 14 Dreams and the Spiritual Life
- May 21 Native American Spirituality
- May 28 Celtic Spirituality
Transitions
Baptism of Gage Randall Kohler at St. Paul’s on Easter
Day
United Thank Offering
Spring Ingathering in May: Still thankful after all these years.
The United Thank Offering is 120 years old this year. It is based
on the very sound theological premise that it is good to give
thanks to GOD, and it actualizes our universal belonging, connecting
our thankfulness with the needs of the world.
Pam
Great North Fishing Fundraiser
The Great North Fishing Fundraiser is still on for May 19-21.
Proceeds from this event go to support the Cass Lake Episcopal
Camp, the Enmegabowh House Retreat Center and the Mary Brown Environmental
Center.
The fundraiser features “fishing a northern Minnesota lake
with a local angler” and includes two nights of lodging,
all meals on Saturday and Sunday brunch. The fundraiser will provide
a fishing “host” and a boat for groups to go to the
better local fishing spots. If you prefer to stay in your RV,
arrangements can be made through the local fishing “host”.
To ensure you have a space, you must register in advance (by mail
to the Diocesan Offices or online).
Cost is $400 (check made out to Episcopal Diocese of Minnesota
with a notation for “fishing fundraiser” in the memo
line and be sent to:
Episcopal Diocese of Minnesota
Great North Fishing Fundraiser
1730 Clifton Place Suite 201
Minneapolis, MN 55403
After registration, you will be contacted by your fishing “host”
to work out details.
Inquiries on available spaces should go to the Diocesan Offices
(800-596-3839) or the
Rev Canon Steve Schaitberger.
Shared Future Options Meeting
The date is set for a “Shared Future Options” meeting
for Saturday, May 13, 10 AM at St. James’ Episcopal
Church in Hibbing and ends with lunch (hosted by St. James’).
The meeting is for vestry, bishop’s committee, and anyone
else interested.
|
Vestry Notes
From the meeting of April 4, 2006:
+ Expenditures $2246.49, receipts $1512.84, $733.65 monthly deficit,
checking account balance $13,879.15.
+ YTD expenditures $8025.36, YTD receipts $3411.99, YTD shortfall
$3713.37.
+ Upcoming 3-point congregational meeting with Sandi Holmberg
at 6:30 PM on 4/18 at Saint John’s to discuss Total Ministry
and future options.
+ Intertribal worship service at Saint Andrew’s 4/23. Worship
leader is needed; Jane will check with Linda.
+ JKingston and Mother Pat settled issues on Pat’s time away.
+ Kathy Hall spoke with Margaret Thomas regarding hosting an Intertribal
Service at one of the 3-Point churches to be funded with Erickson
Fund monies on May 21. Traditionally, a pot luck dinner follows
such services. Costs would include $200 for the drummer, mileage
expenses, and funds towards Trinity Church and priests Jeff Nelson
and Harold EagleBull. It was agreed Saint Paul’s would be
the best venue, if they are amenable. Kathy will follow up with
Margaret. [NOTE: subsequent contact with Jeff Nelson indicated
May 21 will not work]
+ Mother Pat will make folders with handouts used at 3/25 vestry
retreat available. Jane noted she especially valued and enjoyed
the open discussion of the sermon tradition at Saint Mary’s
and would like to try it at Saint John’s.
+ No response has been received on our request to increase the
Whitman Fund distribution rate.
+ Cookbooks: currently on sale at Koke’s (thank you, Gail
and Sharon!), Kathy agreed to make available for sale at Curl
‘n’ Clip (thank you, Kathy and Jo!). We will investigate
making them available at the Senior Citizens’ Center as well.
The price is $15.
+ Agreed to schedule regular vestry meetings in summer months.
Rector’s Report
+ Mother Pat noted that deciding on direction for 2007 remains
the top priority.
|
Wednesday Night Discussion Group
Wednesday Night Discussion continues to meet at 7:00 PM on the
1st Wednesday of each month at Ely Presbyterian and on the 3rd
Wednesday at the Mary Brown Environmental Center. Our topics in
May will be The Meaning of Jesus by N.T. Wright and Marcus Borg
and the Taizé Community in France. For more information
or a schedule, e-mail to Mary
groenima@hotmail.com
Service Schedule Change
St. Mary’s service times will be changing mid-May from 4:30
PM to 5:00 PM. Those who forget and come early will have to eat
scones and drink more tea than is good for them.
|
|
|
News
of St. Paul's Episcopal Church
|
Vestry Notes
Notes from the meeting of April 11, 2006:
Planning: Agreed to by the vestry:
1) An all-congregation meeting on April 25 at 6:30 (follow-up
to the April 18 meeting on Total Ministry with Sandi Holmberg,
Canon Missioner)
2) Rogation Day service, Sunday, May 21
3) Indian Feast Service, evening of May 21 (a suggested
date yet to be confirmed for this Erickson Fund event. St. Paul’s
has agreed to host the service regardless of the final date chosen.)
4) Use of St. Paul’s by the Friday night AA group on either
May 3 or 10.
5) Use of St. Paul’s on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each
month by the Nursing Mothers Network. The 2nd Wednesday meeting
is in the morning; that of the 4th, in the evening.
Rector:
1) Pat reminded the vestry of the Bishop’s visit on July
22 and 23.
2) She announced the Gideon’s will present at services on
May 14.
3) She stated she will be taking about a week's vacation and missing
the Sunday services on August 20 to be at the wedding of
her daughter Miranda in
Houston, TX.
Old Business:
The vestry returned to work on proposed by-laws. After some discussion,
work was deferred until Pat has had a chance to review the articles
and sections Canon law permits us to alter in the template document
prepared by Chuck Morello.
Thank You
A big “Thank You” to the musicians who added to the
Lenten Reflections services: Russell Bergum, Susan Lindmeier,
Catherine McBride, Carol Morello, and Joie Swenson.
When in our music God is glorified ... it is as though the
whole creation cried, “Alleluia!”
Chuck
RUMORS
Some of us are hearing rumors about decisions and deadlines
being made by our vestries and Bishop’s committee concerning
the necessary new directions of our three churches. This is to
state unequivocally that NO (NONE) (0) decision has been made
nor is soon to be made. We are still moving ahead through all-congregation
meetings and joint vestry meetings in defining and discussing
all conceivable options. At a joint session the vestries of our
three churches did agree there was sufficient interest in the
Total Ministry approaches to solving our mutual and single-church
problems that we should learn more. Therefore, we invited Sandi
Holmberg back for an all-congregations East Range informational
meeting on April 18, and meetings for further discussion of Total
Ministry followed that along with visits to and from churches
now engaged in Total Ministry.
But, again, NO decision has been made on Total Ministry or any
of the other options so far delineated. Moreover, when such decision
are made they will be all-parish decisions, and what each of the
churches decides may well require at least a 2/3 vote by all communicants
of that church.
To address specific rumors heard:
- No, St. Paul's vestry has no plan to sell the church rectory.
- No, we do not have to have reached a decision or finalized
a plan for our new directions before the Bishop’s visit
in July. (It might be “nice” if we did know our new
bearings by then, but no unpleasant consequences will fall upon
us if we don’t.)
The best way to keep accurately informed on current discussions
is to talk with those on the vestries or Bishop¹s committee,
and, better yet, attend the all-congregation meetings. Often at
such meetings preconceptions about this option or that are altered
through up-to-date information from knowledgeable sources.
Dave Allen
Sr. Warden
St. Paul’s Church
|
|
. Address
comments on typographical errors to Chuck. 
