The St. Paul's Epistle
October 1, 2006
Contents
Dear Members and Friends of St. Paul's
Visitors & Newcomers
Welcome to New Members of St. Paul's!
The Blessing of the Animals
Nominating Committee Accepting Names
Stewardship - A Journey of Giving
RAIHN at St. Paul's Church
Save the Date
So, Who Was Stephen?
Fred's Tenth Anniversary Celebration
Thank You!
Formation of a Men's Group at St. Paul's
Iraq... Stay or Go?
You are Cordially Invited...
"An Inconvenient Truth"
Ushers' Dinner
Altar Guild
St. Joseph's House
SPY CORNER
Dear Members and Friends of St. Paul's
As some of you are aware, there are conversations taking place within the Episcopal Church and the larger Anglican Communion about whether the Episcopal Church will continue to be regarded as a member of the Anglican Communion and whether the Episcopal Church will be able to continue to hold itself together in the face of significant differences on a variety of subjects, not least being the full participation of openly gay and lesbian Christians and the role of women in the life of the church. For some, this conversation is irrelevant; their concern is the on-going life in their parish and its ministry and mission. The larger church, including both the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion is of little concern. For others, this conversation is highly relevant, for it brings to the fore deeply profound questions of identity: "Who are we as Anglican Christians?"
The answer to that question, in my opinion, used to be rather straightforward. Anglican Christians held dearly to the principle of local self-governance as opposed to the central authority inherent in Roman Catholicism and the use of one official Prayer Book, which intentionally allowed for diversity. These two foci are now being challenged by a small but very vocal group in the church. Self-governance needs to be replaced with a central authority, it is argued, and diversity (or disagreement on issues) can no longer be tolerated. Further, a small number of dioceses (seven) have called for Alternate Primatial Oversight, due to the election of a woman, Katharine Jefferts Schori, as Presiding Bishop.
Bill Countryman, who you will remember was with us as our The Bible & The World lecturer two years ago, reminded me that conflict has been a part of the church since its earliest days, most notably in the relationship between Peter and Paul - a relationship filled with conflict and described by Bill thus: "Peter is the time-serving politician, trying to figure out which way the wind is blowing at the moment. Paul is the arrogant intellectual and religious puritan with a history of violence, who doesn't mind displaying contempt for people he considers his inferiors." And yet both were necessary for the church; in fact, without both of them, Bill says, "I don't think we would have a Christian faith today. I doubt that either of them could have done it alone."
Bill went on to argue that we might as well stay in relationship with each other in the midst of our current conflicts. After all, in the Age to Come, "we are going to find ourselves living with some people we haven't gotten on with very well in this life."
"But then and now, the unity of the Church consists not in our perfection, either of behavior or of belief, not in exclusivist organizations or two-tier communions, but in the Good News that God has chosen and still chooses to take the most ordinary and troublesome of mortals into partnership with "Godself" and therefore, like it or not, with one another. Peter will go on being the politician, Paul the purist. Each of us will go on expressing both our gifts and our limitations.
"We can't make anybody stay, of course. But, so far as in us lies, let's go on together. We may as well! We'll have to deal with one another in the Age to Come. God has the power and the passionate desire to bring that about. And there's no sign that any of us is going to get an easy out from that one."
The way forward, as Bill correctly notes, will not be easy. Being together, being in relationship, holding differences of opinion is never easy. Let's make a commitment, however, to go forward together, in spite of our differences. All of us are human, and as humans we have failings. Even so God actually chooses people like you and me to work with - together, not separately. So together, let us speak clearly and confidently the gospel of grace, and in doing that perhaps our divisions and discords will find resolution. If not now, certainly, by God's grace, in the Age to Come.
~ Thomas McCart
Visitors & Newcomers
You are warmly invited to bring your questions about St. Paul's and the Episcopal Church to the "Visitor's Corner" following the 10 a.m. service on the first Sunday of each month, beginning October 1. This gathering meets in the East Room (see the map in the Sunday Notices). This is a wonderful opportunity for you to come to know more about us and for us to come to know you. See you then!
Welcome to New Members of St. Paul's
We welcomed into membership through baptism on Sunday, September 24: Keira Elizabeth McCovick, daughter of Bob and Tammy; Gabriel Herrmann Morrow, son of Hank and Sabrina; and Owen Ryan Willard, son of Doug and Lorrie.
The Blessing of the Animals
This special service will take place on Sunday, October 8, at 2 p.m. at Paul's Cross. All animals (living or stuffed) and their human companions are welcome. The service is inspired by St. Francis of Assisi's love for animals (St. Francis' Day is October 4) and includes prayer, readings, and a blessing for each animal. A special offering will be collected for Lollypop Farm.
Nominating Committee Accepting Names
The Nominating Committee of St. Paul's is accepting names for potential candidates to stand for election to the Vestry at the annual meeting in January 2007. Please submit your suggestions to a member of the Nominating Committee: Ann Buerschaper, Charlotte Kimberly-Haag, George Kittredge and Stan Refermat.
In order to encourage wide participation by all segments of our Parish, we are providing a series of Epistle articles describing the Vestry and the election process. This first article describes the qualifications for Vestry candidates and responsibilities expected of Vestry members.
Qualifications required for Vestry Membership
A member of the Vestry must be a baptized, confirmed Christian who:
- Follows Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior
- Attends services regularly and participates in parish events
- Makes a pledge in a manner identifiable to the staff accountant
- Works well with people
- Listens to the concerns of the entire parish and is willing to work through the Vestry process to achieve goals for the well-being of the entire parish
- Supports the decisions of the Vestry and conveys them to the parish
Responsibilities of a Vestry Member
Serving on the Vestry is a spiritual mission that requires a member to:
- Serve Christ
- Participate in a council of advice for the Rector
- Complete homework and prepare for participation in honest, open discussion
- Work in subcommittees
- Communicate with the Vestry, the Rector, and the Parish
- Attend worship, meetings, and programs
- Support the work of the Church with
- prayer
- gifts of time, talent and treasure
- involvement in parish, diocese, district and national church activities
- support others in their continuing and new missions
~ Stan Refermat, Nominating Committee Chairman
Stewardship - A Journey of Giving
Stewardship calls us to remember that all we have comes to us as a gift from God. St. Paul's church is a treasure that has been entrusted to us. The buildings; the rich traditions of worship, music and preaching; the diverse offerings of ministries and programs; and the legacy of those who came before, are ours to care for, to strengthen and to preserve for future generations. Pledging financial support is essential for a strong parish. It represents the cornerstone of our capability for ministry.
This year the 2007 Stewardship Campaign is following a two-tiered approach. On September 30, Clergy, Vestry Members, the Stewardship Committee and Callers, as well as the Chairs and Co-Chairs of all of St. Paul's initiatives and ministries gathered together for an evening of celebration and fellowship. Everyone in attendance was asked to complete and submit their pledge cards so that the 2007 Campaign could kick-off with an established body of financial support.
We now turn to the heart of St. Paul's, as we ask you to prayerfully contemplate your support towards the 2007 fiscal year. As always, we strive for 100% participation, regardless of your level of giving. Commitment Sunday is October 29.
Our message is straightforward: if this is your community, if this is your outreach, if these fine facilities are part of your life, if you know and appreciate the many ministries; then we need to count on your participation to make it happen through pledging. St. Paul's as a community is the vehicle, but it is your pledge as an individual, a couple, a friend, a family that allows us to continue on our journey of faith.
We thank you in advance for your support this year. We also ask that you reserve a portion of your time if called upon to talk or meet with a representative from St. Paul's, so that we might share with each other our thoughts and experiences that guide us on our journey in Christ.
Your pledge allows this journey of faith to touch countless lives through the many programs, initiatives and ministries that St. Paul's enables within the parish, the community, the nation, and literally around the world. Each of St. Paul's initiatives is made possible through the guidance of its clergy and staff, and with hours of hard work and thought by volunteers. Through our resources and efforts our mission and ministries happen.
St. Paul's needs your increased financial support to continue its mission. Your pledge is very meaningful, so take this as a reminder; now is the time for prayerful thought as you contemplate how you will recognize the joys and responsibilities of Christian giving this year with generous hearts.
~ Paul Berezney and Angie Jones for the Stewardship Committee
RAIHN at St. Paul's Church
What is RAIHN? The Rochester Area Interfaith Hospitality Network is a non-profit organization of faith communities which assists homeless families to achieve sustainable independence by supporting them with resources of food, shelter, personalized case management and a broad network of caring volunteers. St. Paul's is one of fourteen area faith communities that house families for one week at a time, four times a year. These faith communities are supported by more than fifteen others that provide volunteer support. At St. Paul's our support community is the Rochester Zen Center.
How large is RAIHN? RAIHN (www.RAIHN.org) is part of the National Interfaith Housing Network known as Family Promise (www.nihn.org) that includes more than 2000 faith congregations. The Network has proven to be a cost-effective and rewarding way to provide needed temporary overnight accommodations for some of the hundreds of thousands of American families caught in the growing gap between family income and the cost of a home.
How does RAIHN work in St. Paul's? Four times a year, St. Paul's acts as the hosting community for a week at a time. During these weeks, called rotations, the families are housed in the Sunday School rooms, eat in the alcove outside the kitchen and use the SPY room for relaxation and family time in the evenings. After breakfast the families are picked up by the RAIHN bus and taken to the Day Center located adjacent to Third Presbyterian Church on Meigs Street where they receive counseling on job placement and housing needs. The center also provides a place to receive mail, do laundry, shower and school bus service.
What do the RAIHN volunteers do? A week's rotation involves approximately 65-75 people from St. Paul's Church and the Rochester Zen Center, who volunteer their time in one or more of the following activities:
- Providing an evening meal for our families
- Hosting the evening meal
- Participating in evening activities
- Staying over night
- Helping with either set-up or clean-up on Sundays
- October 29 to November 5, 2006
- February 4 to February 11, 2007
- May 13 to May 20, 2007
Is Training Available? All volunteers are encouraged to attend at least one of the regularly scheduled training sessions conducted by the Rochester RAIHN program, held at Third Presbyterian Church on Meigs Street. The next training sessions are:
- Monday, October 23, 2006
- Thursday, February 22, 2007
- Tuesday, April 17, 2007
How else can you help? You can support RAIHN by volunteering your time or through donations of either money or items needed by the program. Items that are always needed at St. Paul's are twin size sheet sets, washable blankets, bath towels, washcloths, pillows and toiletries. We are also in the process of purchasing our own AeroBeds for the program (approx. $90 each). Donations toward the purchase of these beds are always welcome. The RAIHN organization can always use donations of beds and household items to help the families when they do secure housing. Contact us if you have any items to donate.
Who do you contact about RAIHN? If you are interested in finding out more about the RAIHN program at St. Paul's or want to volunteer, please contact the coordinators, Hank or Kathy Kingston at 385-3187 or at PaulsPlace_RAIHN@frontiernet.net.
Save the Date
The 2nd Annual SPY All Saints' Party
Youth pre-school through 5th Grade
Sunday, October 29, 11:30 - 2:00
Wear your costume to church!!!
So, Who Was Stephen?
Stephen's story is told in Acts 6 and 7. In the early days of the church, the apostles' flourishing ministry was resulting in "days when the disciples were growing in number." (Acts 6:1) A concern arose that amidst all this activity, they might be neglecting the needs of some of the people, especially the widows. The apostles, realizing they needed help, directed the people to select from among themselves "seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint to this duty." (Acts 6:3) They selected Stephen, "a man full of faith and the holy spirit" (Acts 6:5), and six others: Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicolaus. They were blessed with prayers and the laying of hands upon them, thus beginning the church's first lay ministry.
Today's Stephen Ministry is similar in many ways. As congregations grow, so does the challenge of meeting the needs of not only widows, but of anyone facing periods of turmoil and difficulty in their lives. St. Paul's currently has 10 Stephen Ministers: Donna Nash-Bayley, Floyd Bayley, Jim Blake, Joyce Bogdanski, Ann Marie Fabrowicz, Nancy Frank, Kitty MacDowell, Louise Moore, Carol Panzer and Beverly Vaughan. For more information or to request a Stephen Minister, call Tom McCart (271-2240.)
Fred's Tenth Anniversary Celebration
Frederic W. Reynolds was recognized during the 10 a.m. service on Sunday, September 17, for ten years of ministry as Rector of St. Paul's.
Senior Warden Chris Moore introduced the Profile and Search Committees that brought the Reynolds to St. Paul's. He reviewed several significant accomplishments since then, including the renovation of the Sanctuary and the Parish Hall and the opening of Wainwright Hall, noting Vestry members and Wardens who have served over the past ten years. Chris noted Fred's support of outreach projects, pastoral care and Stephen Ministry. Adding to the commemoration were letters from Bishops Burrill and McKelvey and the visit of the McCoy family.
Chris Moore and Junior Warden Stan Refermat presented to Fred, on behalf of the Parish, a grant for additional fleece jackets for the people of Nepal and seed money for a fund to benefit music at St. Paul's.
Following the service, a luncheon was held in Fred's honor, a festive conclusion for a morning of celebrating together.
Thank You!
Thank you for a wonderful 10th year celebration of my Rectorship here at St. Paul's. I know many of you had road blocks and barricades to get through because of the Rochester Marathon that morning. Your perseverance was greatly appreciated. Your words of gratitude and thanksgiving for my ministry, both verbal and written, deeply touched my heart and soul.
As I said on Sunday, together we have helped to build up God's kingdom through our renovation of our Sanctuary, Wainwright Hall and Parish Hall, as well as our ministry to School #9, Rochester Area Interfaith Hospitality Network, Hope for Sudan and Water for Sudan.
As the love of Christ shines through your lives, we have become a beacon of hope both here in Rochester and across the world in Africa and Nepal.
A huge thank you to Nancy Kleintop for the wonderful reception.
It has been an honor and privilege to serve as your rector these past 10 years.
Sincerely,
The Rev. Frederic W. Reynolds, Rector
Formation of a Men's' Group at St. Paul's
On Saturday morning, October 21, an informal meeting will be held in the Parish Hall from 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. for people interested in forming a Men's Group. The purpose of this initial meeting is to discuss interest areas for men in our church, to explore ideas, to select topics, and to establish basic directions for future meetings. (Fellowship, job networking, group support, service projects, outside speakers, etc.) Plan to join in this exploratory discussion and enjoy a cup of coffee and a bagel. Come to hear what interests other men and share your own ideas. Please contact Hank Kingston at 385-3187, Dick Yalmokas at 381-8221, or call the Church Office at 271-2240.
Iraq… Stay or Go
The Christian Dialog Committee will ask the question, "Should we stay or go?" We will bring opinions from national and international figures. We would like you to bring your coffee, your opinions and a couple of friends to the Vestry Room on October 22 at 11:30 a.m.
You are Cordially Invited…
Water for Sudan, Inc. invites you to honor Salva Dut and the second successful season of drilling for water in the Sudan on October 16 at 7 p.m. in the Dryden Theatre at George Eastman House, 900 East Avenue, Rochester, NY. There is no admission fee. There will be a reception immediately following in the St. Paul's Church Parish Hall directly across from George Eastman House.
"An Inconvenient Truth"
Come share a view of dangers to our environment from the perspective of former Vice President Al Gore. See and discuss the 100-minute film "An Inconvenient Truth" in the Parish Hall on Wednesday, October 4. Evening Prayer and Supper beginning at 6 p.m. and the program from 7-9 p.m.
You are also invited to a forum "Responsible Use of the World's Resources" on Sunday, October 8.
Ushers' Dinner
Once again it is time for our annual ushers' dinner on Thursday, October 12. The social hour will begin at 6:30 p.m. with dinner being served at 7:00. Please sign up no later than Tuesday, October 10, by calling the church office at 271-2240 and indicate your choice of roast beef or chicken.
Altar Guild
On Wednesday, August 16th, twenty-five past and current members of St. Paul's Altar Guild were joined by Fred Reynolds and Tom McCart at its second annual summer picnic. Good food and lively conversation were in abundant supply and all in attendance agreed that it was a wonderful way to enjoy each other's company in a relaxed atmosphere. Thanks to Linda Lakeman and the hospitality committee who were responsible for organizing it, this marvelous event was enjoyed by all.
In other news from the Altar Guild, at its annual meeting earlier this year Linda Lakeman stepped down as a member of the leadership team and was thanked for her many years of service. Welcomes were extended to the newest member of the leadership team, Laura Hayden, as well as this year's 'class' of new recruits, Sally Castle, Robin Rudy, and Jim Talpey, and returning member, Nancy Andrus. Farewell and thanks were expressed to retiring members Eva Hoard, Nancy Kurtz, and Kitty MacDowell for their many years of faithful service.
St. Joseph's House
We are looking for someone to provide home-baked cookies for St. Joseph's House the first Saturday of the month (10 months a year, from September until June). The cookies could be picked up and transported to St. Joseph's House for you, if you are not in a position to transport them yourself. We would truly appreciate anyone who would be interested in helping us by providing home-baked goods for our guests at St. Joseph's House. Please call Jane Smith (385-4012) or Mary Ellen West (442-9632) if you have any questions or to volunteer.
SPY CORNER
October 15, 1 - 3 p.m., Bulb Planting
On Sunday, October 15 we will meet in the Parish Hall at 1:00 p.m. Wear clothes for working outside. We'll be planting bulbs at St. Paul's and getting ready for the Second Annual SPY All Saints' Party, which will be on Sunday, October 29. Pick up time is 3:00 p.m.
Please RSVP to Laura Hayden by Friday,
October 12(383-8808
or lhayden@rochester.rr.com)