The St. Paul's Epistle
November 1, 2006
Contents
Dear Members and Friends of St. Paul's
Rector to Lead Discussion
Music Search Update
Nominating Committee Accepting Names
Rochester Area Interfaith Hospitality
Network
The Bible & the World Lecture
Never Too Young to be a Steward
Worship with the World
Advent Series
"O Come All Ye Faithful
New Member Ministry
Blessing of Animals - October 8
Be a SPY!
Kneeler Christmas Cards for Sale
St. Paul's Stephen Ministry
St. Joseph's House
Thanksgiving Office Hours
Fleeces and Education for the People of
Nepal
SPY CORNER
Dear Members and Friends of St. Paul's
I had a phone call from my mother about a week ago. I could tell by the tone of her voice that she had serious business to talk to me about, so I settled in for whatever the conversation might be. "Leslie," she said in her most motherly authoritative voice, "do you have your Christmas list for us yet?" Well seeing as it was the 6th of October, I was a bit dumbfounded by the question.
"Mommy," I replied, "you must be nuts! I have not even thought about Christmas yet and besides, you know we have to go through Advent, and really we should not start thinking about Christmas until it is Christmas!!"
"I know," she said, "but your sister and I are shopping this weekend, and we want your list."
I don't know if you have gotten the phone call from the person who "wants your list" or have just been bombarded by the Christmas decorations going up everywhere. If you have not noticed, it isn't even Halloween, and our society is in full swing for Christmas. It seems as if we have lost the ability to live in anticipation, to wait for what is to come and to enjoy what is here now. It is as if we are afraid to fully grasp this present moment and live in it to the fullest for fear of missing what is to come in the future.
Presence and anticipation are large pieces of what our Christian journey is all about. T.S. Elliot writes that Incarnation is "the hint half guessed, the gift half understood." Elliot's writing helps us to understand how we catch glimpses and glimmerings of the divine presence in the very mundane reality of everyday life. Christ is already and always; and yet, not yet present in our everyday life. The call to each of us is to recognize and live in relationship, with that presence, in the here and now as well as to excitedly anticipate it in the theres and thens.
Yes, Christmas is coming and the days will go faster and faster and faster between now and then. But Christ is present now and calls each of us to live intentionally in the present. Experience Christ in the present. Whether you pick up Forward Day by Day, engage in the Daily Offices of the Episcopal church or deepen whatever practice of prayer you now have, spend the next days and weeks very intentionally focusing on the present relationship with Christ. Intentionally be present in these waning days of fall, the first snowfall of winter, the darkness that surrounds us. Intentionally be present as the world slows down. Begin to anticipate the birth of a Child as the new, the unknown, the unfamiliar breaks into our lives and draws us to be present, again.
Because one never wants to disappoint their mother, I said that I would give the list some thought. I am presently thinking about it, and she is still anticipating its arrival.
~ The Rev. Leslie M. St. Louis
Rector to Lead Discussion
The Reverend Frederic Reynolds, Rector, invites you to discuss with him today's issues for people of five major faiths. Meet with him in the Cadigan Room from 9-9:40 a.m. on Sundays, November 5, 12, 19, and December 3 and 10. To join the group, call the Church Office at 271-2240. The book Five Voices, Five Faiths is available at the Good Book Store.
Music Search Update
The Search Committee for the new Music Director at St. Paul's continues to meet biweekly and is making substantial progress. After much discussion and clearing with others, we agreed on a final job description for the new assignment. This description has been posted on the St. Paul's web site and sent to all prospective candidates who are still on the active list.
At its last meeting on October 11, the committee reviewed and discussed the 23 resumes so far received and separated them into 3 groups: those who were thought to be definitely qualified for the job (2 individuals), those who might receive further consideration (5 applicants) and those we did not believe were qualified (12 individuals). Those in the last group have been thanked and informed that they were no longer considered active candidates.
We will continue to review resumes until January 10, 2007, the closing date for applications. Our next few meetings will concentrate on completing plans for how we handle finalists in the selection process.
Questions, comments, or recommendations for the job may be addressed to any member of the committee. We continue to approach this job with enthusiasm and, speaking as Chairman, I want to assure the congregation that this is a serious, talented and responsible group of parishioners, who are a genuine delight to work with.
Your continuing prayers for our success are deeply appreciated.
~ Ted Curtis
Nominating Committee Accepting Names
The Nominating Committee is accepting names to stand for election to the Vestry. The Vestry election will be held during St. Paul's annual meeting on January 28, 2007. A Vestry candidate must be a baptized member of St. Paul's. Please submit your candidate suggestions to a member of the Nominating Committee: Ann Buerschaper, Bob Frank, Charlotte Kimberly-Haag, Kathy Hiltunen, George Kittredge, Trip Miller, Duane Swanson and Stan Refermat.
The Changing Role of the Vestry
In previous issues of The Epistle I gave the qualifications required for Vestry Membership, responsibilities of a Vestry Member and the derivation of the term "Vestry." In this issue I will show how the traditional secular role of the vestry differs from the current view.
Historically the Vestry is responsible for the secular affairs of the church while the clergy have responsibility for spiritual matters. "Except as provided by the law of the State or of the Diocese, the Vestry shall be agents and legal representatives of the Parish in all matters concerning its corporate property and the relations of the Parish to its Clergy (Constitution and Canons, Title I, Canon 14, Sec.2)." "The Rector of the Parish, on the other hand, while authorized to preside at all Vestry meetings, is given primary jurisdiction over the spiritual and educational life of the congregation (Title III Canon 14)."
In his essay entitled "The Changing Ministry of the Parish Vestry," James C. Fenhagan suggests in today's church, the elected laity (Vestry) share with the clergy mutual responsibility for carrying out of the church's mission. The primary responsibility of the Vestry is spiritual with the secular role secondary.
"The Vestry is not a Corporate Board. It is the authorized body of the baptized community called out by the congregation to share with the clergy in the spiritual nurture of the congregation and its mission to the world. The strength of a Vestry is measured not in its management skill, as important as this is, but in the vision it articulates and in its commitment to the spiritual discipline necessary for this vision to be lived out. A Vestry is a symbol of Christian discipleship and shared ministry first, and managerial oversight second. When the Vestry is seen as the spiritual center of the congregation's leadership, it is ready for mission. When it is viewed by the congregation as a Corporate Board, it is very much in need of change."
(All quotes are from "The Changing Ministry of the Parish Vestry" by James C. Fenhagan)
~ Stan Refermat for the Nominating Committee
Rochester Area Interfaith Hospitality Network
United Way Donors can now designate Rochester Area Interfaith Hospitality Network - RAIHN - as their official "designee." The official RAIHN identification number is 2435. Contributors can give through their place of employment or use the regular donor designation form. Designation payments are received from September through March.
~ Nancy Frank
Genesis 1
in an Age of Science
Marti Steussy, Professor of Biblical Interpretation
The Bible & the World Lecture
Sunday, November 5, 2006
4 p.m. - Choral Evensong
5 p.m. - Lecture
St. Paul's Episcopal Church
East Avenue and Westminster Road
Free and open to the public
For more information call 585-271-2240.
Click here to download the full color poster.
Never Too Young to be a Steward
Children receive 3,000 messages a day urging them to spend on themselves. The Church School believes the church has responsibility and opportunity to offer young people alternative ideas about using their money and abilities.
Stewardship Chair Angie Jones met with young people in the Church School on October 15 bringing baggies of dimes to show the younger children that when each of us shares a portion of what we have, there is plenty to go around. She explored with the older students the reasons they come to church to help them realize that it is our contributions that make possible our lives together at St. Paul's.
Everyone received small envelopes in which to put weekly offerings. These offerings are to be collected in classes each Sunday and taken to an alms basin in church.
The Church School thanks Angie for sharing the important lesson that we can support God's work by sharing just a little of what we have. We're never too young to be stewards!
~ Barbara Warner
Worship with the World
Christians from all over the Greater Rochester Region are invited to a service of worship to celebrate God's gift of unity! The event will take place on Monday, November 13, at 7:00 p.m. in the Baber African Methodist Episcopal Church, 550 Meigs Street, Rochester.
The Ecumenical Celebration will coincide with the extraordinary visit to the city by two ambassadors from the World Council of Churches. The Rev. Deborah DeWinter, Program Executive for the WCC in the USA, will speak on the theme, "The Changing Face of the Global Church." Special music will be provided by choirs from several traditions, helping create a worshiping community representative of all God's people.
The second guest, the Rev. Hansulrich Gerber, is the Coordinator for WCC's program known as the "Decade to Overcome Violence." His work takes him to communities around the world where people are struggling to find ways to reduce violence in their midst. On Tuesday morning, November 14, he will lead a seminar exploring the spiritual dimensions of the culture of violence, and that afternoon he will lead a workshop on practical approaches for faith communities to the problem of violence. Both events will be held at the Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School.
The worship, seminar and workshop will be sponsored by the Greater Rochester Community of Churches and CRCDS.
Advent Series
Thursdays, December 7, 14 and 21
"The Role of Mary in the Incarnation:
Implications for the 21st Century"
Dr. Eugen Baer, Professor of Philosophy at
Hobart William Smith Colleges
Eugen Baer was appointed interim dean of Hobart College last June after 35 years of teaching at Hobart and William Smith Colleges. As a professor of philosophy, Baer routinely taught courses in semiotics (the study of signs), philosophy of language and continental philosophy. He continues to teach philosophy on a limited basis during his tenure as interim dean. On the side, Baer gives lectures on biblical topics in Europe and has published books on how to approach the Bible in the context of Jewish and Christian traditions.
A native of Switzerland, Baer came to Hobart and William Smith after earning a doctorate in philosophy from Yale University, a licentiate degree in theology from the University of Freiburg, Switzerland, and a biblical baccalaureate from the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome. Baer, an ordained laicized Catholic priest, has three grown children and currently lives in Lodi with his wife Karen and his five year old son Geni.
Baer has been president of the Semiotic Society of America twice, a fellow of the National Endowment for the Humanities, a member of the Fulbright Grant Screening Committee and the chair of the philosophy department at the Colleges. He also served as Lodi Town and Seneca County Supervisor during the late 1980s and 1990s and is presently councilman of the Lodi Town Board.
~ Fred Reynolds
"O Come All Ye Faithful!"
Start looking forward to the Christmas Pageant! This year the Pageant and Supper is on Sunday, December 17, beginning at 4 p.m.. Rehearsals are scheduled for Saturdays, December 9 and 16, from 10 until noon, including lunch. Both adults and children are needed for the production and the audience. Please watch for sign-ups.
~ Barbara Warner
New Members Ministry
On Sunday, October 15 the New Members Ministry Commission hosted a brunch for new members of St Paul's and recent visitors. We had a wonderful turn-out. Approximately 15 newcomers attended. Strata, Fruit Salad, Muffins, Orange juice and Coffee were provided by some of St. Paul's Greeters. Here are some photos of our Newcomers. Be sure to welcome them when you see them!
~ Beth Gallagher
Blessing of Animals - October 8
Be a SPY!!
Wouldn't you like to be in this picture? Louise Moore took the photo above on a recent trip to Camp Cory with 17 of our junior and senior high school students. We played together, cooked and ate a lot and did some clean up work around the camp.
SPY (Saint Paul's Youth) is off to a fabulous start this year. We took a mission trip to Maine over the summer. We are planning a trip over February break to do mission work on the Navajo reservation in Bluff, Utah. In between, there is lots of fun to be had. There are trips on the Mary Jemison, movie nights, All Saints' Parties and ski trips. There is fund-raising as well, with note-card sales and wrapping paper sales and Rent-A-SPY-Kid to look forward to.
If you are in sixth through twelfth grade we would love to have you join us. SPY is a special community of youth here at St. Paul's. It is a place where you can explore the ways in which you live out your Christian faith. It is a place to form special friendships and experience the deep camaraderie that develops when you work and play and worship together.
SPY is growing by leaps and bounds. SPY is a unique event in our youths' lives. It is a place where with the mentoring of dedicated adults the next generation of disciples is being formed. We plan to continue to grow. In order to do that we need the help of more adults in our community. We invite you to take your place in the next SPY picture. Please prayerfully discern this ministry opportunity in your life. Contact Laura Hayden or Louise Moore to join the fun.
~ The Rev. Leslie M. St. Louis
Kneeler Christmas Cards for Sale
This holiday season, SPY is offering beautiful Christmas cards with images from our St. Paul's kneelers. There are eight cards to choose from. You may order as many of each card as you wish. Order forms and samples of the cards will be available in the Parish Hall on Sunday mornings, or they may be viewed online here.
Boxed sets of cards are also available. We will again be offering our Christmas Collection, which includes 10 cards, two each of five different designs. Boxes of the Birds and Flowers Collection and Crosses and Flowers Collection, which were introduced in the spring, will also be for sale. These cards make wonderful holiday gifts for friends and family.
All proceeds from the sale of note cards will be directed to the SPY Mission Trip Fund. Please consider supporting SPY as we continue to raise money for our February 2007 mission trip to Navajoland. If you need additional information, please contact Laura Hayden at 383-8808.
~ Laura Hayden
St. Paul's Stephen Ministry
(One-to-one Ministry by a Trained, Caring Friend)
In this column we will begin to address questions people have asked about Stephen Ministry.
Q: I might be interested in having a Stephen Minister because of problems I am experiencing in my family, but I am not sure I am eligible. Isn't Stephen Ministry just for people with a serious illness?
A: People facing health-related issues certainly do request Stephen Ministers, but they are most certainly NOT the only ones. Think of Stephen Ministry as a caring, supportive ministry for people who are experiencing major transitions in their lives. Examples of challenging times include illness, loss of a loved one, divorce, loss of a job, depression or family issues like yours. Stress can also come from "happy transitions, such as birth or adoption of a child, job promotion, move to a new home or retirement. These can also be appropriate times to request a Stephen Minister.
To request a Stephen Minister call Tom McCart at 271-2240.
~ Anne Refermat
St. Joseph's House
Thanks to Chris Curtis for providing cookies in October. However, we are still looking for someone to provide home baked cookies for St. Joseph's House, the first Saturday of the month. The next date we are trying to fill is for December 2, 2006. 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.
~ Mary Ellen West
Thanksgiving Office Hours
The church office will be closed for Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 23 and Friday, November 24.
Fleeces and Education
for the People of Nepal
For the past eight years, Sally Hunsdorfer of Marion, Massachusetts, has delivered more than 500 fleece jackets and vests to the people of Chaurikharka near Mount Everest.
To do "more than just squeal about these experiences" she has had, she has gone on to found the non-profit Himalayan Project to help build a modern school in Chaurikharka. The more than $30,000 that she has raised will enclose some small huts that are used for schooling and fund a library. The money, Sally said, goes a long way in an area where people live on $200 a year. Scholarships are being established for village children. "Children live, and grow, and stay if there's schooling."
"People at our age often settle for a second stage of children, grandchildren, security. I just couldn't be there," Sally said. "I still have all that but just wanted some purpose for the second half of my life that allowed me to give back to a culture that has given me an unbelievable sense of the world and myself."
Meet Sally Hunsdorfer and share some of her adventures at the Forum on November 15 at 11:30 a.m. in the Vestry Room.
SPY CORNER
Bowling at Clover Lanes
November 12, 1:00-2:30 p.m.
We will meet at Clover Lanes (2750 Monroe Ave.) at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 12. Transportation will be provided from St. Paul's for SPY members attending choir rehearsal and those choosing to remain for lunch. All others should meet us at Clover Lanes. Pick up time is at 2:30 p.m. at the bowling alley.
Save the Date!!!
On Saturday, December 2 we will be preparing and serving the mid-day meal at St. Joseph's House. Those who participated in this event in April found it to be very meaningful. I encourage all members of SPY to join us in this opportunity for service.
Please RSVP to Louise Moore by Friday, November 10
(377-8239 or louisem4@rochester.rr.com)