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St. Paul's Vestry Fall Retreat
We Gather Together Thanksgiving Luncheon
Wednesdays in Advent
The United Thanks Offering
Christmas Pageant
Planned Giving / Arbor Society
Christmas Concert
Music Assessment Committee
Heartfelt Thanks
Liturgical Space
Progressive Dinner
Handel's Messiah
Great Habitat News!
Diocesan Convention Report
ERD News
Water for Sudan, Inc.
The Vestry met together for a retreat at Wainwright Hall on October 24 and 25.
On Friday evening, Fred Reynolds spoke about his sabbatical work in September with Dr. Peter Steinke in Austin, Texas. Dr. Steinke applies systems theory to churches to help congregations determine their health. A healthy congregation has clear financials that are open to all; clear vision and mission statements; increasing lay ministry and an empowered vestry. When change causes anxiety, how a congregation manages the anxiety shapes group behavior. A clear process lowers anxiety and helps a congregation to be responsive, not reactive. Fred's presentation provided a focus for the retreat.
On Saturday we reviewed our current vision statement, under the leadership of Les Kernan, using material provided by Tom McCart. A revision will be considered at our November meeting. There followed a session covering membership and marketing led by Barbara Warner. We looked at the last ten years of parochial reports and discussed how we can be more structured in our welcoming and more intentional in bringing new people, especially in our church neighborhood, to St. Paul's.
Jim Tedford and Jim Talpey then led a discussion of Stewardship. It became clear that membership and stewardship go hand in hand and are year-long activities. We may need a volunteer or a part-time staff member to help in these areas. A sub-committee will create job descriptions and determine what additional funding might be needed.
Rick Harrison led a discussion on the Parish Hall renovation, postponed last year when it was decided that the climate for raising additional funds was not favorable. The Vestry reaffirmed that the Parish Hall project is St. Paul's number one capital need and will ask the Parish Hall Renovation Committee to review the plans presented last year and to determine the feasibility of raising funds for the project in the relatively near future.
The final session, led by Chris Moore, was a review of staff compensation and benefits. We learned that salaries equal about 42% of our budget, which is lower than the average of other churches in the diocese.
The Vestry found it beneficial to have this extended time together to discuss important topics in detail.
Sally McGucken
We will once again gather together in the Parish Hall after the 10:00 a.m. service on Sunday, November 23. Turkey, gravy, and dessert will be provided. Your contribution of potatoes, stuffing, vegetable, or salad should serve 8-10 people. No sign up is necessary and there is no charge for this event. However, a freewill donation in any amount will be gratefully received. If you would like to be part of the 'behind the scenes' activities, help is needed for set up, clean up, decorating, etc. Please call Alice Eldredge at 637-8851 to volunteer.
Our Advent series begins on Wednesday, December 3 (10th & 17th). We begin with Evening Prayer in the choir, followed by a simple soup supper and the program. This year we will explore the hymns and themes of the season of Advent, led by Tom McCart and Steve Lane. Mark you calendars now, sign up in the Parish Activities Book, and prepare to enjoy an exciting series.
Dear Fellow Members of the St. Paul's Community:
As I come to you with this year's UTO appeal, I am reminded that small acts of generosity can reap wonderful things for people all over the world. Last night, I was reading the 2002 UTO Annual Report and was amazed at the job the accumulation of our pennies, quarters and dollars produced in countries much in need of funds for the construction of hospitals and schools as well as providing sources for clean water and improved medical care.
Here are just a few examples of the countries around the world that received UTO grants in 2002:
Pakistan —Received $35,000 for the Christian Hospital Development and Extension Project in the Punjab province.
Haiti — Received $57,000 to build an elementary school located in the area of Ascension Church. Improving the rate of literacy and promoting youth is an important aspect of proclaiming the gospel in that country.
Uganda —The Diocese of Lango received $49,000 for establishing a safe and clean water source for a lakeside community that currently has a high rate of infection with intestinal illnesses.
Let's give thanks to God by helping to do more good things in the world. Our generosity at this time will help communities all over the world know that they are loved and that God's presence is in their lives.
Here is the United Thank Offering Prayer:
"Gracious God, source of all creation, all love, all true joy: accept, we pray, these outward signs of our profound and continuing thankfulness for all of life. Bless those who will benefit from these gifts through the outreach of the United Thank Offering; and keep each of us ever thankful for all the blessings of joy and challenge that come our way; through the One who is the greatest gift and blessing of all, Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior."Amen.
Blessings,
Salva Dut, UTO chairperson
Adults, children, parents, grandparents, neighbors, friends, newcomers,
old timers
(no pets please, unless you have a lamb or camel)
Not necessary to sign up for the supper, we're planning on a large
crowd
Mark your calendar and be there!
You have an estate. Do you have a will? Having a will puts you in control of your estate. In addition to providing for the needs of our own families, each of us can make a plan to share a portion of those resources to sustain the programs of St. Paul's Church. Bequest amounts received by the church have varied from a few hundred to well over a million dollars. These generous people have expressed their love in a tangible way that will benefit the church for years to come. We have a beautiful Arbor Tree mounted on the wall in St. Peter's Chapel. Many of the leaves bear the names of those who have remembered St. Paul's in their wills. A book lying on the table beneath the Arbor Tree also includes those names. Every individual or family is welcome to have their name added to a leaf on the tree; all it takes is some simple estate planning that mentions the church. Once you have included St. Paul's in your will, you only need to call the Rector and let him know that you have done so. You need not mention the amount. Your word is your membership in the Arbor Society. Please join us in remembering St. Paul's in your will.
Joan and Dave Flint, Planned Giving Committee Chairpersons
Do you enjoy singing but are too busy to sing with the Senior Choir every Sunday? Here is your opportunity for a short-term commitment and to participate in the choir's Christmas Concert of wonderful music on Sunday, December 14 at 4 p.m. Rehearsals are on Wednesday evenings at 7:30 p.m. in the Vestry Room. Come and join us in this joyful tradition. The Alleluia and Youth Choirs will also take part.
As indicated last spring, the Music Assessment Committee has resumed its work this fall and will make its report to the Vestry in January 2004.
Joe and Jesse Warren extend heartfelt thanks on behalf of their family to everyone who has so graciously offered prayers these last few months for their great-granddaughter, Haley Jessica Warren, who was born prematurely last summer. Haley is doing very well and on her way to becoming a healthy baby.
During the liturgical year, we mark the changes in the seasons in a variety of ways at St. Paul's. The eucharistic prayer and the Prayers of the People change as the season changes; the service music changes, and, of course, the focus of the readings from Holy Scripture changes along with the color of our vestments. It seems reasonable, then, to think about using our wonderful, beautiful space in different ways depending upon the season of the year. This Advent we will explore this option by taking advantage of the opportunity of entering the space differently. Instead of our processing up the center aisle from the rear, we will enter in a short procession from the east side of the nave.
Social Hour
From 6:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. in the Vestry and Cadigan Rooms
Dinner
Following the social hour in the Parish Hall
Carol Singing
Following dinner
There is no cost, but free will donations will be gratefully accepted.
PLEASE CALL GAIL BUSH at 377-5129
for reservations and dish assignment.
One of the highlights of the season is Handel's "Messiah" which St. Paul's Senior Choir will take part in with the Rochester Chamber Orchestra on Sunday, December 7, at 7 p.m., at the Hochstein Music School, 50 N. Plymouth Avenue. Among the soloists will be former St. Paul's choir members who are now known internationally, American-Canadian soprano Janet Obermeyer and tenor Douglas Ahlstedt. Tickets are available from Julie Doescher or by calling 442-9778.
A very gracious anonymous donor has given a matching Grant up to $1000 toward the completion of our Habitat House at 118 Fulton Avenue! It means that every dollar you give now is doubled! Your generous donation to St. Paul's noting, "Habitat Matching Grant Fund," would go a long way especially now! Remember, last minute tax deductions are most welcome.
The 72nd Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Rochester met on October 10-11, 2003. As one of your delegates I have the privilege of reporting to you on the activities of the Convention. Other delegates were Mike Traphagen, Sue Grinnell, Fred Reynolds, Ed Hunt and Tom McCart. Other parishioners in attendance included Kitty MacDowell, Charlotte Kimberly-Haag and Jane Reynolds.
Commission on Ministry: Rev. Vicki Prescott, Incarnation, Penfield; Sarah Collins, Christ Church, Rochester; Elizabeth Porter, St. Michael's, Geneseo
Diocesan Council: Rev. Joshua Hoover, Christ Church, Pittsford; Rev. Louise Johnson-Toth, Grace, Scottsville/St. Andrews, Caledonia; Rev Lynn Sinnott, Zion, Palmyra
Standing Committee: Rev. Albert Keeney, St. John's, Canandaigua; Robert Sudlow, Epiphany, Gates
Trustees: Rev. Johanna Barrett, St. Thomas, Rochester; Thomas Marullo, St. Matthias, East Rochester; Rev. Marilyle Sweet Page, St. Mark's & St. John's, Rochester
Companion Relationship with the Diocese of Ontario: Lois Geiss reported that efforts are underway to deepen and broaden our relationship with the Diocese of Ontario. Our companion diocese offers many wonderful opportunities for partnership with the Diocese of Rochester.
Committee of the Diaconate: Janet Farnsworth reported that the Committee is evaluating the role of Deacons in Parish and Diocesan life. An ultimate goal is to increase the number of Deacons in the Diocese.
Constitution and Canons: Resolutions on procedures for holding runoff elections, completing financial audits in the event of rector resignation or retirement and implementing Roberts Rules of Order were approved.
Liturgy Task Force: The Convention approved the use of supplemental liturgical materials (Enriching Our Worship) throughout the Diocese for the period from the First Sunday in Advent, 2003 to the First Sunday of Advent, 2004. The Convention also authorized the Bishop to form an ongoing diocesan structure for liturgy evaluation.
Prison Advisory Board: The Convention asked the Bishop to form a "Jail/Prison Ministry Advisory Committee" for the purpose of identifying, developing and encouraging congregationally-based ministries with the incarcerated, those at risk of incarceration, ex-offenders and their loved ones.
2004 Budget: The budget of $2.15 million for 2004 was approved.
| Income | Parish Apportionment | 47% |
| Endowment | 47% | |
| Other | 6% | |
| Outgo | Individual Growth | 9% |
| Ministry to Congregations | 16% | |
| Diocesan Mission & Structure | 11% | |
| Outreach | 16% | |
| Administration | 48% |
Diocesan Council: The Convention approved the report of the Council concerning education, mission and ministry entitled Being the Church.
General Convention Report: The Convention asked that all relevant committees and councils of the Diocese conform our canons to the newly revised Title III, Canons 1-9 of the Episcopal Church. This deals with discernment, education, ordination and licensing of clergy and laity.
The Convention asked the Diocese to take up General Convention resolution #A064 concerning seminarian debt. In short, is there a way to ease the debt load of newly minted clergy?
Resolutions Committee: The Convention approved a resolution concerning Iraq wherein the Convention urged the US Government to support multinational efforts to address the issues of terrorism and to make available sufficient sums for humanitarian assistance within Iraq.
The Convention approved a resolution concerning Rural and Migrant Ministries wherein the Diocese is asked to appoint a task force to explore ways in which the Diocese and individual congregations may partner with Rural and Migrant Ministry, an organization that addresses the prejudices toward and poverty of migrant farm workers and other rural poor.
The Convention approved various resolutions of courtesy.
The Committee on the Bishop's Address: Several resolutions arose out of Bishop McKelvey's address to the Convention. In particular, one requested that each parish consider ways to improve its welcoming habits and develop them to open our mission and ministry to others. Each resolution was passed.
Please feel free to contact any of your Convention delegates for more information.
Respectfully Submitted,
Christopher A. Moore
Your contributions have helped Episcopal Relief and Development reach out to recent victims of fires and flooding close to home and far away.
This summer, wildfires raged through regions of Montana. Three dozen large fires burned over 300,000 acres of land destroying buildings and homes. The Missoula and Bitterroot valleys filled with thick smoke following high temperatures, dry conditions, and high winds. On behalf of the people in the Episcopal Church, ERD helped the children, the elderly, and people suffering with asthma by providing 150 air purifiers. ERD advanced $15,000 in emergency assistance to the Diocese towards the purchase and distribution of the purifiers.
After Hurricane Isabel ripped through North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, ERD gave emergency funds to the Dioceses of Maryland, Virginia, East Carolina and Southern Virginia. The funds provided shelter, food, and other critical supplies such as bottled water, baby supplies, and blankets.
Our reach extends around the world by helping children at the LMS Higher Secondary School in Marthandam, India, continue their education. A fire destroyed the school's main building in August. The school, which has existed for over 175 years, serves poor children from villages near Marthandam in the Diocese of Kanyakumari. The fire gutted and destroyed classrooms and the library. Both student and staff records were lost in the blaze. It took four hours to extinguish the fire. "We are trying very hard to rebuild this school," said Pauline Sathiamurthy, Ph.D., the General Secretary of the Church of South India. "It is the middle of the academic year and there is no other place to conduct classes," said Dr. Sathiamurthy. ERD's funds are creating temporary classrooms and replacing textbooks and supplies for students.
In the upcoming holiday season, remember that the gifts you give can make a real difference. The ERD "Gifts for Life" catalog will be available soon, or you can order a catalog for yourself by visiting www.er-d.org. Thank you for your continued support, and for making me proud to be a part of the Episcopal Church!
Linda Workman
Salva Dut returned to the Sudan in 2002 to see his father, who was suffering from worms in his stomach and on his limbs from unclean water and a hernia from carrying heavy jugs of unclean water miles everyday. During his visit, Salva too became infected with parasites due to the unclean water. He feels strongly that it is his destiny to help alleviate the suffering of the people of Sudan.
With the support of Scott Arrington, John Bevier and others, Salva has formed an international charitable organization, Water for Sudan, Inc., to have wells drilled and provide clean fresh water in his homeland. Currently, Salva is gathering funding for the first year of operations - three boreholes in Southern Sudan. After the first year, the United States Agency of International Development (USAID) may fund ongoing operations.
To coordinate this project, Salva intends to live in Southern Sudan during the dry season October to May and be in Rochester for the annual June Board meeting and for arranging the financial needs of the company for the next year's drilling activities.
Dear Mission I Funding/Vestry,
Thank you very much for funding the Water for Sudan Project. Your support has made a huge difference in this project. This project's mission is to provide clean water to the people of southern Sudan who have suffered from water borne diseases for many, many years. I decided to do this project after I went to see my father last year who was very ill from drinking the unclean water.
Also, I am very thankful for all people from St. Paul who have been supporting me within these eight years I have spent with you here in this church. I am very thankful for the people who are helping me in this project, like Scott Arrington and John Bevier plus other people who are involved in this project. We hope to operate in the beginning of the year if God bless us to be able to raise money.
Blessings,
Salva Dut