The St. Paul's Epistle
September 16, 2007
Contents
Dear Members & Friends of St.
Pauls:
Introducing our Music Intern
Annual Picnic
Rochester Marathon 2007
RAIHN at St. Paul's
Stephen Ministry
Are you an owner or a
renter?
Construction at St. Paul's
Sunday Morning Ministry
Why the Church?
Mercy Respite for Caregivers
Trinity Church, Pass
Christian
Cole Porter, the Man and his
Music
WANTED - Tour Guides
Upcoming Organ Programs
SPY Corner
Dear Members & Friends of St. Pauls:
"But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin." (1 John 1:7)
The author of John's first letter wrote that fellowship with one another was imperative. The word fellowship comes from the Greek word KOINONIA, which means, "to share in common." Christian fellowship is more than attending Church - it is "assimilating" into the body of believers, becoming "one" in worshipping, loving, caring and sharing.
What is "koinonia?" Koinonia is a Greek word that is used some 20 times in the Bible. The first occurrence of the word is in Acts 2:42 "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." Christian fellowship is a key aspect of the Christian life. Believers in Christ are to come together in love, faith, and encouragement. That is the essence of koinonia.
The program year is off and running and some of you are joining us for the first time this fall while others are returning after a time of hiatus over the summer. Whatever the case may be, you have come here seeking something. Perhaps you are looking for a place to explore; to delve more deeply into the understanding of Christianity. Perhaps you are here so that your children can have a good foundation on their faith journey. Perhaps you have come to find a place to be renewed and restored.
There are many ministries with which to occupy your time here at St. Paul's and many ways in which to assimilate into the body. St. Joseph House and RAIHN (Rochester Area Interfaith Hospitality Network) are always looking for volunteers. Parish Life has many functions with which they need help. There are Bible studies in which to participate and teach, choirs in which to sing and Foyer Groups in which to participate. Ministry, it is said, occurs where our heart's deepest longing meets the worlds' greatest need. It is also, I believe, the place where we come together in love, faith and encouragement. It is where we fellowship according to John's first letter and according to the author of John it is imperative. I am blessed that you have come to this place at this time and I pray that you will discern that place where your longing and the world's needs meet. I know that as we "fellowship" together we will be changed. I know this to be God.
Welcome to the fellowship!
~ Leslie St. Louis
Introducing our Music Intern
We welcome David Baskeyfield as our Music Intern for the 2007-2008 season. He is at the beginning of his second year at Eastman, where he is studying with David Higgs towards a Master's degree in Organ Performance. His undergraduate years were spent at St John's College, Oxford. He read Law and his duties as senior organ scholar entailed directing or accompanying the college choir in two weekly choral evensongs in the Anglican tradition. Having left Law behind with a certain amount of relief, he subsequently spent a year as organ scholar of St Patrick's and Christ Church Cathedrals in Dublin before arriving in the States to embark on full-time music study. He cooks and enjoys heavy red wine.
David is not unknown at St. Paul's, having served as a substitute organist a number of times in the past year. He began his duties September 1.
~ Robert Poovey
Annual Picnic
On Sunday, September 16, St. Paul's will celebrate its annual back from summer picnic after the 10 a.m. service under the tent in Paul's Cross. Hamburgers, hotdogs, potato chips, iced tea and lemonade will be provided. Participants are asked to contribute desserts and cold side dishes. If your last name begins with A-M please bring a cold side dish. If your last name begins with N-Z please bring a dessert.
Come and enjoy the food. Catch up on the summer experiences we have all had. Help kick off a new program year at St. Paul's. Meet Robert Poovey, our new Director of Music, and welcome him to the parish.
Rochester Marathon 2007
On Sunday, September 16, the third annual Preferred Care Rochester Marathon will take place. Participants will begin downtown and proceed up East Avenue past St. Paul's. Runners begin the race at 7:30 a.m. and should be well past St. Paul's by our 10 a.m. service. However, the marathon will cause a number of streets to be closed at various times, and you will probably have to take streets other than East Avenue on Sunday. Streets will open as runners pass. Although there may be some challenges that morning, you won't want to miss church.
A complete posting of road closures and times is on the marathon's web site.
RAIHN at St. Paul's
A 'Volunteer Appreciation Dinner' will be held on Thursday, September 20 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall for all current Paul's Place volunteers and new people interested in this program. This is a first time event, so mark your calendars for Thursday evening, September 20. Join the St. Paul's RAIHN Volunteers for dinner, fun, and an open sharing on this program. Erica Vera, the RAIHN program director, will be there to review the program.
Please R.S.V.P. by Sunday, September 16 to Hank or Kathy Kingston at 385-3187.
Stephen Ministry presents a Caring Ministry Workshop at St. Paul's
Want to learn to be an active listener and reach out to others in a distinctively Christian way? Would you like to know more about the Stephen Ministry Program? On Saturday, October 13, St. Paul's will host a Stephen Series Caring Ministry Workshop from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. The half-day workshop consists of three sessions designed both to enhance participants' care-giving skills and to help congregations explore ways to expand their caring ministry. Churches throughout the Rochester region will be invited to attend this workshop. As you know, St. Paul's began participating in the Stephen Ministry Program in 2004.
The workshop is sponsored by Stephen Ministries, the St. Louis-based Christian training organization that has been providing congregations with training and resources for Christian care-giving for more than 30 years. The workshop will be led by Michael Russo from Johnstown, PA. Mr. Russo has worked closely with Stephen Ministries, as a workshop presenter and also as a faculty member at Stephen Ministry Leader's Training Courses. In addition to pursuing a Master of Arts degree in Systematic Theology at St. Vincent Seminary in Latrobe, PA, he is an Oblate of St. Benedict affiliated with St. Vincent Archabbey.
The workshop sessions include:
- Ministering to Those Experiencing Grief
- An Introduction to the Stephen Series of lay caring ministry
- How to Care in a Distinctively Christian Way
As members of the host congregation, you are all invited to attend this workshop. If you are interested, please sign up in the Church Office, the Sunday Office or call Judy Carpenter at 383-1756. We look forward to seeing you on October 13.
~ Judy Carpenter, Sally McGucken and Anne Refermat
Are you an owner or a renter?
A recent article by a Lutheran pastor caught my eye and asked me to ask the same questions about myself and my own parish. Moving into ownership means transforming our lives so that God is central. Being an owner means expecting maintenance and taking action. I hope that Brian Malison's thoughts below will invite you to reflect on your relationship with God and with this parish.
~ Thomas McCartA friend of mine opened my eyes to a new understanding of being the church. He asked me, "Have you ever rented a car?"
"Sure I have, lots of times when I travel," I said.
"Okay," he said. "Do you ever rotate the tires of the car you rent?"
"Never," I said.
"Have you ever washed the car?"
"Not once."
"Have you ever changed the oil?"
"I've never given it a thought."
Then he said, "But have you done any of those things with the car that is sitting in your garage?"
"Sure I have, many times," I told him.
Why the difference? Because one I'm just using, I realized, but the other I have an investment in.
My friend wasn't done with me yet.
"Does your church have mostly 'renters' or 'owners'?"
I looked at him real hard. I was trying to make the connection. He saw the blank look in my eyes.
"You know, do you mostly have people who use the church for their convenience, or do you have mostly people who are committed to the church?" Tough question to ask; harder question to answer.
So, are you a renter or an owner? A renter goes to church when it's convenient; an owner is in church always. A renter worships occasionally on Sunday mornings; an owner worships every day. A renter has ministry done to them; an owner does ministry for others. A renter quits when they get tired; an owner never gives up. A renter complains when things aren't going their way; an owner prays to have God change their heart. A renter occasionally gives their money; an owner gives their life.
These are just a few things that, in my opinion, separate renters from owners. And truthfully I don't know if we have renters (I'm sure we do) or if we are mostly owners (I pray we are).
The point is, God is inviting us, through Jesus, to be owners, to own the faith that he gives us, to own the cross we are to carry and to own the ministry we have been created to do.
I am asking that owners step up in their commitment to God's ministry here and invite renters to exchange their short-term lease for a long-term mortgage. It will make all the difference.
Written by the Rev. Brian Malison, pastor of Christ Lutheran in Visalia, Calif. Edited for space and used with permission.
Construction at St. Paul's
Recap, Status and Schedule
As anyone who has been around St. Paul's this summer or has been back this fall will know, St. Paul''s is undergoing significant construction.
Recap: Last year the Church School building was experiencing major water leaks on every second floor outside wall. Paint was blistering and the window sills had puddles on them during hard rains. We did some investigation in October including removing the bricks over a window and discovered water was getting into the walls and the metal beams were rusting. We did some patch work on the roof to get us through the winter although the rooms were not pretty and the leaks continued. John Bero, parishioner and architect; Joanne DeMarle, Bero architect; and Bob Frank, Vestry member and Property Chair did a complete evaluation of the entire complex in early spring and compiled a list of 28 items that needed work. Based on these findings we prepared several bids for the critical items and awarded the major contract to Frank J. Mariannaci. Other contracts were awarded to Leo Roth for slate maintenance, Steven Jordan for window repair, Pike Stain Glass for stain glass maintenance, Baker for lightning protection, and Verdin for clock tower repair. St. Paul's House Committee is also working on church school furniture and fixtures.
Status: As of late August Mariannaci's work on the church school building is progressing with the parapets and the walls dismantled to the tops of the second floor windows. This was done to expose the metal beam around the top of the structure so that the rust can be cleaned off and the beam painted for further protection. In removing the brick it was discovered that the vertical beams on the Vick Park B corners of the building were extremely damaged, losing their structural soundness, and need to be replaced. Replacing the beams will be done in September.
Damaged Metal Beams
Once the two vertical beams are replaced and the top horizontal beam is cleaned, the walls will be rebuilt and the entire roof replaced. Mariannaci is also replacing the roof under the bell in the bell tower, the imitation slate over the former offices, imitation slate over portions of the day care, and the roof over the day care entrance. Pointing the stone on the sanctuary walls and the brick on the parish hall, church school and Wainwright Hall, as well as painting trim and installing new storm windows in the church school and parish hall building, is also part of the contract. Mariannaci will also be replacing some of the decorative finials on the exterior of the sanctuary as well as work on the East Avenue sanctuary parapet.
Damaged Finial
Roth has completed maintenance work on the sanctuary slate and replaced a small roof on the Vick Park B day care bay window which was also leaking.
Steven Jordan is repairing the windows in the second floor of the church school and the third floor over the parish hall. This work includes making all windows operational and stripping any lead-based paint. He is almost complete in the church school. Some rotting has been found on and around the window sills that will be repaired as well.
Rotting Wood
Once much of the major construction work is completed, new lightning protection will be installed on the sanctuary, and maintenance work done on the stained glass windows.
As you can see the work on the facility is comprehensive and major. Without completing this work the church school rooms could not be used and the structural soundness of the building would be in question. We are making up for decades of deferred maintenance.
Schedule: It is expected that the work will be completed late this fall with the exception of the church school. Once the upper walls and roof are replaced the interior of the church school will be painted and refurbished. The extent of the refurbishment is still being determined by the House Committee. The second floor of the church school building - the class rooms - is scheduled to reopen around Thanksgiving but this date could slip until after Christmas. The Vestry and Clergy thank you for your patience during the construction and the inconvenience of not having the church class rooms available this fall.
If you have any questions, please contact Bob Frank or the Wardens.
~ Bob Frank
Sunday Morning Ministry with
Children and Youth - 2007-2008
Young people are invited to participate in classes on Sunday mornings beginning at 9:40 and then at 10:40 to join the Eucharist service at the Peace. We hope that in classes and worship our children develop in faith, supported by their friends and the church community. By working, learning, and praying together, we grow closer to God and the Kingdom.
Nursery: Babies and toddlers are welcome every Sunday year-round in the nursery rooms upstairs on the East Avenue side of the Parish Hall. The nursery opens at 9 a.m. Lead Caregiver is Missy McMullen.
Primary Class: Children in Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 2 participate in Godly Play. Movable figures and props enliven Bible stories and allow children to learn interactively about worship and traditions. The emphasis is on providing words and behavior to allow children to express their faith.
The Primary Class meets upstairs on the East Avenue side of the Parish Hall. Teachers are Sue Hall and Tom Milliman.
Intermediate Class: Youngsters in Grades 3, 4 and 5 focus on the Bible lessons for the day as developed in curriculum provided by the National Episcopal Church. Through discussion, art, drama, and games, students have the opportunity to grow in faith and fellowship as they increase their understanding of the Bible, worship, and the Church year.
The Intermediate Class meets in the Spanish Chapel, downstairs under the Parish Hall. Teachers are Chris Fitzstevens, Sandra Stenzel, Mary Ellen West, and Jessica Wood.
Middle School Class (Grades 6 and 7): Pre-teens look toward the freedoms and responsibilities of growing up. They incorporate the lessons of the lectionary, and the prayers and rituals of the church to look at how their faith and community support their increasing maturity. Rite-13, held in November, celebrates these young people in their transformation into young men and women.
The Middle School Class meets in the Library, up the steps in the Parish Hall. Teachers are Karley Rous and Erik Warner.
Confirmation Class: Young people look at issues of faith, present and past. They seek to understand the message of Christ and become familiar with the ways of the Episcopal Church. As part of this class, young people explore ways that they can support their church and community. Preparation for Confirmation is a continuation of the life-long search to discover the meaning of Christian commitment and increasingly live into this commitment.
Youth who will be at least 14 years old by May 2008 and are interested in being confirmed on Pentecost this spring are invited to speak with the Rev. Leslie St. Louis or Barbara Warner.
High School Class: Teens gather to move forward on their journey to adulthood. Using selected lessons related to the Bible and theology, contemporary issues, spirituality and Christian living from the on-line series "The Thoughtful Christian," they look at the advantages of consciously making choices that impact on themselves and others. They ask and seek answers about applying their faith to their lives.
High School students meet on the Vick Park B side of the Parish Hall. Teachers are Tim Davis and Nancy Kleintop.
We welcome our children and look forward to learning and growing from each other.
Jesus said, "Let the little children come to Me; don't stop them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." Mark 10:14
~ Barbara Warner
Why the Church?
For Anglican scholar C. S. Lewis, author of "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe," the church exists for making disciples for Christ. "If the Church is not doing this, then all the cathedrals, clergy, missions, sermons, even the Bible, are a waste of time."
One way to grow in discipleship, at any age, is through participation in Christian formation. Find opportunities for education that fit into your schedule Sundays, evenings, and weekdays. Think, question, learn, and grow! See Adult Formation offerings published in the last Epistle. The brochure is available in church or at www.stpaulsec.org.
Upcoming programs
- The Rev. Leslie St. Louis presents fresh perspectives on Jesus through Bible study. Sundays, 9-9:40 a.m. in the East Room.
- The Rev. Tom McCart looks at the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion. Sundays, September 16, 23, 30, 9-9:40, in Wainwright Parlor.
- Dr. Robert Poovey, Director of Music, provides a perspective on himself and his first months at St. Paul's. Sunday, October 7, 9-9:40 a.m. in Wainwright Parlor.
- Author Walter Bruggemann, Professor Emeritus of Columbia Theological Seminary, is the Bible and the World lecturer on Sunday, November 4, at 5 p.m. Discuss Mandate to Be Different: An Invitation to the Contemporary Church Thursdays, October 11, 18, and 25, 7-9 p.m. in the East Room.
- Via Media, an 8-week interactive program on the Episcopalian approach to Scripture, Tradition, and Reason, begins Friday, September 21, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Vestry Room. Sign up in the Sunday Office, call the Church Office 271-2240 or email barbara@stpaulsec.org.
~ Barbara Warner
Mercy Respite for Caregivers
Need a break? Some time off? Mercy Respite for Caregivers, a ministry of the Sisters of Mercy offers relief and support to family caregivers, relatives, and friends. People who care for their ailing loved one now have a place where they can come for a day and be cared for themselves. This ministry responds to caregiver stress, burnout, fatigue and the many challenges that caregivers encounter.
It is not unusual to see family caregivers and relatives caring for two or three loved ones at the same time. Mercy Respite emphasizes the importance of self-care while caring for a loved one, taking care of one's own health, finding oneself in a peaceful and prayerful surrounding and assisting in stress reduction.
These services focus on the emotional, physical and spiritual well-being of the family caregiver. Join us for conversations with other caregivers, a home-cooked meal, relaxation techniques, yoga and prayerful reflections on deepening the caregiver's spiritual journey. Caregivers will also be offered the option for a massage.
- Donation: $45.00
- Massage is a separate fee.
- Registration is required for the respite day and the massage.
- For more information and to register please call: Mercy Respite for Caregivers at 585-271-0760 or e-mail mercyrespite@frontiernet.net
Trinity Church, Pass Christian
Our partnership with Trinity Church, Pass Christian continues as they move forward in rebuilding, following the devastation of hurricane Katrina. We recently completed our financial commitment to them, and in response, Christopher Colby, rector, shared the following:
"Construction should start sometime this month [August]. We have completed the building plans. We have identified a contractor that we would like to work with. We have adequate funds to begin the renovation of the old church. It will become the parish hall. Sometime in early 2008, we hope to begin construction of the new nave."
On behalf of his parish, Chris (who is a dear friend of almost thirty years) extended thanks to St. Paul's for our "staunch support" and gratitude for "your steadfast friendship."
Please continue to keep them in your prayers.
~ Thomas McCart
Cole Porter, the Man and his Music
Joyce Bogdanski, our own musician, will be presenting a program of Cole Porter and his music September 20 at 1:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary following the ECW Luncheon. She will take us on a musical odyssey that highlights his particular American genius with words and music. What is required is simply an appreciation for his clarity, wit and sophisticated rhythms that explore the complex interplay between mind, heart, and song.
Won't you please join us in what promises to be an entertaining and engaging program guaranteed to bring a lilt to your heart?
As always, if you plan on Luncheon at noon with ECW, please confirm your reservation through the Church office at 271-2240 by Friday, September 14.
~ Mary Critikos
WANTED - Tour Guides
Meet at the foot of the Chancel steps with Gwen Cheney or Henry Couch after the 10 a.m. service to tour the church and learn to be a guide.
~ Gwen Cheney
Upcoming Organ Programs
at St. Paul's
Tuesday, 2 October, 7 p.m.: Fabrice Muller
Fabrice is a Master's student at ESM, studying with Hans Davidsson.
Sunday, 7 October, 5 p.m.: Erica Johnson
Erica is a Doctoral student at ESM, also studying with Hans Davidsson.
This will be a lecture-recital featuring music of American composer Leo Sowerby.
Friday, 12 October, 8:30 p.m.: Todd Wilson
This concert is a part of the 2007 Festival of the Eastman Rochester Organ Initiative (EROI). ESM Organ Department Chair David Higgs will join Mr. Wilson for the second half of the concert, which will utilize both the Skinner organ and the Wissinger continuo organ.
Stay tuned for more information in the next issue of The Epistle!
SPY Corner
Overnight at Camp Cory
We will meet at St. Paul's at 4:30 on Friday, September 21 and then head off to Keuka Lake for an overnight at Camp Cory. Friday evening we will have dinner, play games and enjoy a bonfire. On Saturday we will complete a service project for the camp and then enjoy the camp's facilities. Pick-up time will be at 2:00 at the church on Saturday.
Please RSVP to Laura Hayden by
Friday, September 14 (383-8808 or
lhayden@rochester.rr.com)
Canal Cruise Aboard the Sam Patch
Ted Curtis has generously invited SPY members and their families to join him aboard the Sam Patch on Sunday, September 30 for a cruise along the canal. We will meet at 3:30 on the dock at Schoen Place in Pittsford Village. The boat will depart at 3:45 and will return at 5:30. Light snacks will be provided.
Please RSVP to Laura Hayden by
Wednesday, September 26 (383-8808 or
lhayden@rochester.rr.com)