St.

Paul's Episcopal Church

Lansing Michigan

St. Paul's News

Home Again September , 2008

By The Very Rev. Dr. Gordon F. Weller

Volume 33, Issue 7
uring the last several weeks of my sabbatical I was reminded how
D near things are to one another in the Holy Land. When you stand
on the top of Mount Tabor (only some 1500 feet in height), where the Inside this issue:
Transfiguration is thought to have taken place, you can literally look
across the valley and see into Nazareth where Jesus spent his youth. The Calendar 13
Sea of Galilee is only about five miles across and eleven miles long.
You can walk around it in a two day period. As Americans we tend to Choir Schedule 7
The Rev. Dr. Gordon Weller
overlook these facts because of our own topography of huge lakes and mountains. Mission &
11
I was most impressed by the relative nearness of these historical places when I learned that Jesus Outreach
returned to Capernaum between his excursions into the surrounding country side. Jesus’ ministry Prayer List 15
took place over approximately three years. As related in the Bible this ministry appears to have
been a continuous series of events stretching from one town to another. It was always difficult for St. Paul’s News 4
me to imagine Jesus constantly traveling around the countryside with his twelve disciples and the
other people in his group. Where did they sleep and eat? What about those who like Peter were Upcoming
2-3
married? Activities

It became more comprehensible to me when I understood the trips were a series of short one or Youth Group 9

(Continued on page 18)

Remembering Tom Shawver

By Christine Caswell, Newsletter Editor
After Tom Shawver’s memorial service, I accused his family of plagiarizing this article.
The stories they told sounded so familiar, as well as those of Melissa Ingells, who sent a
letter read at the service by her mother, Carol. Melissa’s letter referred to Tom as a father
figure who had always been interested in her media career. That was my story. Although
not everyone was involved with the media, all who spoke reflected on how Tom just liked
to sit and talk with people and hear about their lives.
Of course, it is only fitting that I talk about Tom in the St. Paul’s News, since he was the edi-
tor for 24 years. He did it in the days when all of the copy had to be prepared on a
typewriter, cut and pasted, and sent to the printer to be typeset. It has been quite daunt-
ing to follow in his footsteps, especially after reading about his Pulitzer-prize winning ca-
reer in his obituary. But even after he “retired,” Tom still wrote for the SPN, including the
“Comings & Goings” articles where he interviewed newcomers, as well as those moving on.
And, as he did with so many others, Tom always took an interest in my career. Whenever I
(Continued on page 18)
Page 2
St. Paul's News
Activities at a Glance
Ongoing Activities
• Book Cart, 2nd Sunday after 10 AM service
• B&PW, Tuesday, September 9, 6 PM
• ECW, third Monday, 7 PM
• St. Elizabeth Guild, September 23, 12:30 PM at
the home of Debby Pierce
• Family Night Dinner, Wednesday, September 10,
5 PM
• 4 Fs, 2nd and 4th Mondays (except as noted) Noon-
2 PM
• St. Paul’s Library, open every Sunday
• Prayer Group, Tuesday, September 9, 5:30-6:30
PM
The Parish That Prays Together, Stays Together
By Carol Ingells
hen I was a child, we often heard the phrase,
W “The family that prays together, stays to-
gether.” The same holds true for any group of people
who seek to love and serve God.
Again this fall, you are invited to consider being a
regular part of St. Paul’s monthly prayer group. Co-
led by Steve Lange and Carol Ingells, and occasion-
ally by other participants, we meet for an hour, 5:30-
6:30 p.m., the first Tuesday of most months, in the
Choir Room. However, the September gathering will
be on Tuesday, September 9.
This year our focus will be the spiritual journal, May the St. Paul’s family continue to pray together
“Weavings,” which is published every two months and and stay together.
Commissioning Sunday
By The Rev. Ronald C. Byrd, Sr.
O n Sunday, September 14, St. Paul’s will kick off its
2008-09 program year. At the 10 a.m. Eucharist,
Fr. Gordon will recognize and commission various
groups that participate in our Sunday morning worship
services and ministry programs. Members of the fol-
lowing groups are asked to be present for this special
program year-opening service: Acolytes, Altar Guild,
Church Musicians and St. Nicolas Guild, Church School
Teachers, Lectors, Leaders-Prayers of the People, LEM
& LEVS, and Ushers and Greeters.
• Men’s Breakfast, 3rd Thursday, 7 AM
• Mid-Week Eucharist, Tuesdays, noon
This Month at St. Paul’s and Elsewhere
• Sunday School resumes, September 14, 9:45 AM
• Commissioning Sunday, September 14, during 10
AM service
• Sampler Sunday, September 21,10 AM
• Usher’s Breakfast, Sunday, September 28, 9 AM
Looking Ahead
• Pizza Party & Game night, October 3
• The Gathering, November 4, St. Paul’s
contains articles around a particular theme, such as
Grace or Gifts or Prayer. Primarily, however, the
meetings include sharing prayer concerns and praying
together. Participation is voluntary and non-
threatening.
Come when you can. And even if you can’t, know there
is a group praying together regularly: praying for the
church, the world, the community, for ourselves and
those we love. If you have a prayer concern and can-
not attend, feel free to “send” it to the group via one
of the regulars or through Carol or Steve.
Wednesday Night is Family Night!
By The Rev. Ronald C. Byrd, Sr.
amily night starts again on Wednesday eve-
F nings, beginning September 10. Need a
break, need a date, well don’t be late in joining
your church family for food and friendly conver-
sation every Wednesday night beginning at 5
p.m. Due to ever challenging economic times, Ca-
tered Affaire has graciously reduced the pricing
for family night dinners. Dinner is $4.50 per per-
son, $15 for a family of four and $18 for families
of five. Family night dinners aren’t just for people
with children. It’s dinner for the whole St. Paul’s
family! Please don’t forget to sign up. Sign-up
sheets are available on the wall adjacent to the
elevator just outside the Merrifield room.
 St. Paul's News
B&PW
By Barbara Richardson
eptember is the beginning of another
S busy year for B&PW. Our special recipe
dinner meeting is Tuesday, September 9 in
the Hill Room. Bring your favorite recipe and
dish with the recipe directions. Dinner is at 6
p.m. This is always a fun and delicious meet-
ing.
The board meeting will be at 5:30 p.m. in the
Van Atta Room.
As always, all women of the parish are wel-
come. If you are planning on attending,
please call Debby Pierce by September 7.
Sunday School Begins September 14
By The Rev. Ronald C. Byrd, Sr.
unday school classes will resume Sunday Septem-
S ber 14! Classes are provided for children in pre-
school through high school. Classes begin at 9:45 a.m.,
allowing parents time to bring their children before
attending the 10 a.m. worship service. Classes usually
last about one hour, and then children and teachers
join the entire congregation for Holy Communion.
Our classes from pre-kindergarten through eighth
grade will continue using the “Living the Good News”
curriculum, which is based on the Revised Common Lec-
tionary. Children study and participate in activities
that cover the same stories and lessons heard by the
larger congregation during the Ministry of the Word
segment of the worship service.
Sunday school study for senior high students is Bible-
based and centered on theological questions that of-
ten arise during one’s adolescent years. Students are
encouraged to consider some of the basic fundamental
tenets of the Christian faith, and are challenged by
that while also seeking practical applications for their
daily lives.
This year we are blessed to have a full complement of
teachers who have agreed to invest another year of
September 2008
Page 3
Calling All Men of the Parish!
By Dr. Stephen R. Lange, Minister of Music
D o you like good breakfasts? Do you like fellow-
ship with other men? Would you like to deepen
your understanding of your faith? (These questions are
not necessarily in not in order of importance!) Even if
you don’t, you are still warmly invited to join the Men’s
Breakfast Group who meet on the third Thursday of
every month from 7-8 a.m. to have breakfast together
and then discuss issues of faith.
This year the group is continuing its study of the Gospel
of Mark. Each session, although linked to the preceding
and following ones, stands on its own. The Bible study
group has discussed such topics as Parables, Eschatol-
ogy, The Kingdom of Heaven, Hearing God’s Call and
others that grow out of the scripture.
If you’re interested in joining us (you don’t have to at-
tend every meeting), please let George Gallup (622-
4637), Gordon Weller (482-9454) or Steve Lange
(482-0369) know, or just sign up on the sheets by the
elevator. Our first meeting of the fall will be Septem-
ber 18. We’d love to have you join us!
their time, talent and treasure towards ensuring a re-
ceptive and spiritual experience for our children.
Please join Fr. Gordon and me in thanking this won-
derful group of loving and dedicated individuals, and
may God’s blessings lead them throughout the upcom-
ing school year.
Pre-K. – Kindergarten Carol Laub and Julie
Fletcher
1st – 3rd Grade Judi Clarke, Kathy Gut and
Jill Walker
4th – 5th Grade Matt and Kim Hall
6th – 8th Grade Barb Heany and Tom Foltz
9th – 12th Grade Lyn Kressler
Important Dates for Teachers:
Teachers’ work and setup day, Saturday, Sept.
13, 9 a.m. – 12 noon
Youth Christian Education Meeting, Sunday, Sept.
28, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Page 4
St. Paul's News
Sampler Sunday
By The Rev. Ronald C. Byrd, Sr.
his year Sampler Sunday, September 21, will be a one-day event and has been scheduled two weeks
T later than its usual time to provide each organization at St. Paul’s an opportunity to participate in a
“Sampler Sunday Show-Jesus Contest.” Each group, guild or committee is being asked to coordinate a display
which best explains its ministry. Small tables and other accessories will be available; however, participants are
encouraged to be creative and thoughtful in preparing their presentation, as “juicy” prizes will be awarded to
the organization with the best booth, setup or display.
Sampler Sunday is an opportunity for members of the congregation to explore where their personal gifts
might be best utilized in the overarching ministry of St. Paul’s. For some it may be an opportunity to become
involved in a new or different ministry program; for others it will be a chance to recommit themselves to an
organization with which they were formerly involved. Don’t forget to mark this date on your calendar, because
you never know where God might be calling you. For questions or details, please contact Kathleen Johnson
or Annette Irwin.

Early Lansing Families:

Mid-Michigan Genealogical Society to Compile Histories of Capital City Families
Contact:
Kris Rzepczynski
President, Mid-Michigan Genealogical Society
517-281-6722
lansingfamilies@gmail.com
To coincide with Lansing’s 150th anniversary as a city in 2009, the Mid-Michigan Genealogical Society
(MMGS) is working on a compilation of histories of selected Lansing families. Anyone with knowledge of or
connections to early Lansing families are encouraged to submit family names, dates, and stories, along with
sharing their historic photographs, diaries, family Bibles, and other genealogical records and research.
The project is expected to be completed by mid-2009; submissions are requested by August 31, 2008. For
more information about the Early Lansing Families Project, please contact Kris Rzepczynski, MMGS President,
at: lansingfamilies@gmail.com; (517) 281-6722; MMGS, PO Box 16033, Lansing, MI 48901.

St. Elizabeth Guild Usher News

By Debby Pierce
n organizational meeting for St. Elizabeth Guild
A will be held on Tuesday, September 23 at 12:30
p.m. at the home of Debby Pierce.
All the women of St. Paul’s are invited to come and
bring ideas for the 2008-09 programs. A light lunch-
eon will be served.
September 2008
By John D. Hawkins, Chair
ur annual breakfast is scheduled for Septem-
O ber 28 at 9 a.m. Family members are wel-
come to join us. Ushers will need to RSVP to their
respective Head Usher by September 14 so
enough food is prepared by A Catered Affaire.
Head Ushers can contact me with their counts at
303-1217.
On another note, “Sampler Sunday” is scheduled
for the Sunday, September 21, and James Clark
and his crew will be representing the usher group
this year. If anyone would like to help or has any
ideas for our table, I am sure Jim would be happy
to hear from you.
 St. Paul's News Page 5

Financial Information as of June 30, 2008

By Jeff Irwin
The last financial statement was June 30, which was halfway through the year. The 2008 pledge revenue is
$298,318, which is 49.2% of the budget, so we are approximately on target. The operating loss through June
30 is $69,482, which is again on target.
The designated and restricted funds recorded a significant loss of $27,230 in market value in June. Along with
contributions to the funds, the funds’ net income was $54,688. As of June 20, the combined net income of the
operations and the funds is at a $14,794 loss.
To date, it has been necessary to withdraw $70,000 from the Perpetual Fund in order to make payroll and
pay outstanding bills. An additional $3,200 has been withdrawn from the Perpetual Fund for special purposes
authorized by the vestry.

Vacation Bible School ’08 Sails into Port St. Paul’s

By Carol Laub, First Mate
he week of June 22-27 saw the transformation of St. Paul’s into a
T seaworthy craft, the HMS Steadfast, which carried our 58 participat-
ing crew members through exciting adventures of Bible learning and fun
based on the VeggieTales “The Pirates Who Don’t Do Anything.” Our
days began with rousing songs and skits at the Yo-ho-ho Opening Show,
where the Commodore and his pirate side-kicks, Bumpo and Bones, kept
our crew on course to learn how to become true heroes for God. As our
ship sailed on to Clapping Rock Crafts, Whipcrack Island Games, Spy-
glass Bible Theater, Rockmonster Science Lab, and Cheesecurl Cave
Snacks, we reinforced the Bible
verse of the week: “I can do all
things through Christ because he
gives me strength.” Phillipians 4:13. A few of “The Pirates Who Don’t Do
We were especially blessed to have Anything” who made VBS a rousing
Caroline Thomas and her brothers, success
Jacob and Joshua, as shipmates on
our journey all week.
The success of Vacation Bible School ’08 was made possible through the
commitment and efforts of the entire St. Paul’s community. Throughout the
week, we had over 45 different volunteers on site, assisting in various
capacities. Among those present were over 15 youth: some VBS gradu-
ates, others relatives of church members and some friends of St. Paul’s
Commodore Fr. Ron and his pirate teens who were recruited to help. They put in a huge effort, and the week
side-kicks would not have been possible without them! There was also tremendous
support behind the scenes.
Generous financial donations from church members nearly covered our costs for materials, supplies and deco-
rations. Others managed the registration process, donated snacks, bought food for the cookout, lent props,
helped decorate, cut fabric for the mission project, prayed for our success and so on. They say it takes a vil-
lage to raise a child, and VBS is a wonderful testament to that tradition. It takes an entire church community to
launch a successful VBS program.
Our commitment to this form of outreach touches the lives of so many children in the greater Lansing area and
plants the seeds of God’s love and compassion. Thank you all who made it possible! You are all heroes in
Christ. Participants, children and volunteers are asked to join us at St. Paul’s on September 28 for VBS Reunion
Sunday and don’t forget to wear your t-shirts. Remember, “God made you, and he loves you very much!”
September 2008
Page 6
St. Paul's News
4 F’s Group for 2008-2009 Programs
“LOOKING BACK HELPS US TO LOOK FORWARD”
By Nancy Sheldon
Usually the 2nd & 4th Mondays of each month (exceptions noted *due to Town Hall conflict)
12:00 Eucharist 12:30 Lunch ($4.00)
1:00 Bible Study (Steve Lange) 1:15-2:00 Program
Anyone is invited who has time in the middle of the day!
eptember 15* - After studying other faiths and November 24 – We will continue to work on our his-
S religions, we thought it would be interesting to
look at our own Episcopal faith this year. Fr. Ron Byrd
tory together.

will discuss the teachings of the Episcopal religion and December 8 - We shall continue our annual tradition
help us find answers to the questions we have always of a Christmas celebration with a special luncheon be-
wanted to ask about our faith. These questions will fore a concert in the church. Since Nancy Lange is no
then be put to John Keydel at our next session. longer the Choral Director in Grand Ledge, we’ve in-
vited the Someko singers from Okemos, as our own
September 29* - John Keydel, the Canon for Ministry Matt Nauss is a member of this talented Okemos High
Development and Transition Ministries from the Dio- School group.
cese of Michigan, will answer the questions we have
about our faith that we formed on the 15th, as well as January 12 - Fr Weller will give us a presentation on
any additional ones we thought of during the interim. the Roman Catholic Church and how it presently re-
lates to the Episcopal Church by comparing and con-
October 20* – “Where I encountered God this sum- trasting the two faiths.
mer”…a chance to share a summer activity and how
we saw God’s presence therein. Fr. Weller will also January 26 – We will visit the Cathedral of St. Mary’s
share tales of his sabbatical. and have someone there guide us and talk to us about
the Cathedral and the catholic faith.
October 27 - We will take a trip to St. Katherine’s
Episcopal Church in Williamston to see their present February 9—Steve Lange will give us a presentation
church (along with their art gallery), the original on the Wesley brothers and the relationship of Metho-
church, their labyrinth, and some of their grounds. dism to Episcopalianism.
We’d also like to have communion in the original February 23 – We will visit Central United Methodist
chapel and have the Rev. Jannel Glennie talk to us church next door and tour their facilities. We will also
about their church and its history. continue our conversation with Joe Huston, their minis-
November 10 – As we look forward to St Paul’s 160th ter, about the Methodist church and their faith.
Historical Celebration in May 2009, we’ll begin to March 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30—Book Reviews during
compile the continuing history of St Paul’s since 1970 Lent
when “To a Goodly Heritage” was written. Recent his-
tory is very important and by telling our own stories of April 13 – NO meeting since this is the day after
our lives at St Paul’s during the last 38 years, we will Easter
be able to add to the timeline that will be going up on
the wall in the Merrifield Room during the Celebration, April 27 – We will take a trip to see the work of the
and share the anecdotes that make our history a living City Rescue Mission. While there, someone will talk to
document. us about their ministry.
May 18*—Picnic at Nancy Sheldon’s home.

September 2008
 Choirs News
St. Paul' Page 7

Calling All Choristers!

By Dr. Stephen R. Lange, Minister of Music
All of St. Paul’s Youth Choirs will begin rehearsals on Wednesday, September 10. The schedule is as follows:
Cherub Choir (Grades K-2) 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Boys’ and Grace Choirs (Grades 3-6) 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
High School Choir (Grades 7-12) 6:30 to 7:45 p.m.
The first Sunday for vesting is September 14.
The Chancel Choir—for adults of the parish—will kick off the year on Thursday, September 11, with a
potluck dinner at 6:30 p.m. and rehearsal from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Please feel free to bring a singing friend or
guest. Plates, cups and plastic ware will be provided. Please bring a dish to pass, but if you can’t, please
join us anyway!
There will be a brief choir parents’ meeting for all of the youth choristers on Sunday, September 28, right
after church in the Choir Rehearsal Room to share hopes and expectations for the coming year and to sign
up volunteers to help with vesting and other St. Nicolas Guild opportunities.
Anyone who has questions about choir or who is interested in joining this fall and hasn’t been a member before
is asked to call Stephen Lange, Minister of Music, at 482-0369.

Summer Baptisms
By The Rev. Ronald C. Byrd, Sr.

n Sunday June 22, Kory Ekineh Amachree

O was baptized into the body of Christ and re-
ceived into the household of God. Kory, born Janu-
ary 11 of this year to Opuene and Karen Ama-
chree, was accompanied on this special day by his
godparents, Kristine Rice, Tonye Amachree and
Kenneth Schillinger.
Also, Fr. Gordon, one week back from sabbatical, bap- Tonye Amachree, Kristine Rice (holding Kory), and Kenneth
tized and sealed as Christ’s own forever, Hunter Mi- Schillinger stand with proud parents, Karen and Opuene Ama-
chael Nicholas Riggins and Parker Robert Matthew chree
Riggins. Michael, soon to be two-years-old and Parker,
just five months, are the two baby boys of proud parents Matthew and Courtney Riggins. While Matthew
was baptized and raised at St. Paul’s, he and his family now reside in Noblesville, IN. Steve and Ana Ihrig, the
boy’s godparents, witnessed along with our St. Paul’s family this glorious occasion.

September 2008
Page 8
St. Paul's News
WHAT IS ALTAR GUILD?
By Sue LeDuc
t. Paul’s Altar Guild is a committee (we just use the old-fashioned word “guild”) that takes care of the altar
S and all the altar furnishings for the church. The guild is organized by weeks so a member has duties just
one week of any month. To be fair, we rotate the major holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Palm Sunday and
Easter). This ensures the members assigned to the 4th week don’t always have to take care of Christmas.
Members are responsible for setting up the altar for all services held at St. Paul’s, including weddings and fu-
nerals. We also clean up after each service, polish the silver and brass as needed and launder the linen. The
“sanctuary” is our bailiwick and we keep it clean and polish the brass pulpit, the lectern, crosses, etc.
Let me clear up some “myths” about the guild:
• Membership does not require special knowledge of those “mysterious” things that happen at the altar.
• Membership does not require status as a life-long Episcopalian or even long-time membership at St. Paul’s
• Membership does not require any special training or study other than the hands-on training we give to
every member
• Membership does require people who are interested in serving the church is this quiet and rewarding way.
If you are interested and think this might be a way you could give back to our parish community, please con-
tact Sue LeDuc (349-4079) or Pat Riley (882-1691) You will find a group of people who are fun, caring and
who always help each other out.

Stewardship Committee Builds on Successful 2007 Every Mem-

ber Canvass
By John Nevin, Vestry
he St. Paul’s Stewardship Committee met through- turned and blessed at the altar. We are hoping for
T out the summer, building on last year’s successful
Every Member Canvass. The committee met on July
this service to be truly inspirational.

28th with Kristine Miller, Director of Stewardship and
Planned Giving for the diocese and with her advice
and encouragement, adopted some changes for 2008.
Most importantly, financial pledge cards will be sepa-
rate from Time and Talent cards which will be distrib-
uted in September. Instead, the committee is planning
“Invitation Sunday” on November 2 (All Saints Sun-
day). Pledge cards will be distributed at the begin-
ning of the “Invitation Sunday” service, there will be a
special guest preacher and pledge cards may be re-
A revised stewardship brochure is being developed
that will be distributed at Sampler Sunday on Septem-
ber 21. The committee will be looking for volunteers to
stuff packets at the Family Night Dinner on Wednes-
day, September 17th. Please, watch for your invita-
tion to “Invitation Sunday,” the bulletin and future is-
sues of SPN for further details about the 2008 Every
Member Canvass.
Finally, the committee has been blessed with new
members Kate Johnson, Goldie Adele and Lynn
Mande-Rollins.

September 2008
 St. Paul's St. Paul'Ministry
Youth s News Page 9

Youth Ministry Articles Provided in Collaboration By:

Youth Christian Education and Youth Fellowship Chairperson, Kelly Gmazel
Youth Group Executive Council President, Steven Kariuki
Youth Group Coordinator, Barbara Heany
Youth Group Advisor, Tom Foltz
Acolyte Guild, Directors Patricia Bellinger & Carol Sleight
The Rev. Ronald C. Byrd, Sr., Curate

Youth Executive Council to Convene September 21

he youth group will hold its first executive council meeting on Sunday, September 21 at 11:30 a.m. The
T council will take up several orders of business for the day, including the election of officers and program
calendar planning. Lunch will be provided. Young people between the ages of 10 and 17 are asked to attend
and be prepared to cast their vote. Next month the youth group will meet on its regularly scheduled first Sun-
day of the month.

Acolytes Guild Meeting CROP Hunger Walk 2008

T he acolyte guild will meet on Sunday Sep-
tember 14, immediately following the 10
a.m. service. Parents, if your child is interested in
becoming an acolyte, please contact Fr. Ron for
more information. Children should be at least
eight-years-old. The acolyte guild meets on the
second Sunday of every month.
he youth group will be gearing up for the 2008
T CWS Greater Lansing Crop Walk. The 10K walk
for hunger will take place on Sunday, October 12, be-
ginning at 12 noon. Last year, the youth group received
over $1,000 in donations and is looking forward to sur-
passing that number this year. On Sundays, September
28, October 5 and October 12, the youth group will be
collecting donations and pledges in the Merrifield room
during coffee hour. Please stop by the table and help
say NO to hunger!

St. Paul’s Youth Travel to San Antonio, Texas

lexandra Fletcher and Baylie Sanchez traveled with Bishop Gibbs and a youth delegation from
A the Diocese of Michigan to the Episcopal Youth Event (EYE) in San Antonio, Texas. EYE brings to-
gether over 1,500 young Episcopalians from all across The Episcopal Church USA. The youth experi-
ence is a week sharing and growing in what is hoped to be a deeper faith with Jesus Christ. Study and
learning, worship, prayer and music services marked the week. AJ and Baylie returned home from San
Antonio on July 14.

EYE Reflections there is so much we haven't experienced, so much

By Alexandra Fletcher that we don't yet understand. It is during this time,
when we are surrounded by all of this doubt, that
YE was an amazing experience. To worship we begin looking to God for guidance and reas-
E with so many individuals at once is a feeling surance. EYE was the most supportive group I
like no other, especially since these people were could have asked for to help re-energize my faith
not just from around the country, but from other in the world. I walked away with hope for the fu-
parts of the world as well; each and every one of ture and the strength to help others who are strug-
them being different, not only in their personality gling as I was.
or where they came from, but also in their many
I want to thank my church, St. Paul’s, for sending
different places on the path of faith. It was very
me to San Antonio. I enjoyed every minute of my
comforting that there were people at EYE to assist
time there, participating in activities such as music
us in our journey with God, because in our youth,
services, forums, seminars and masses.
September 2008
Page 10
St. Paul'sand
Mission News
Outreach
Collecting for SILS in September
By The Rev. Deacon William H. Fineout
ome eighteen-year-old former foster children, collection of needed items will take place during a
S whose foster families no longer receive state assis- two week period, September 14-28.
tance, find themselves without a place to live or with-
out any family support. We will soon know if our young adult recipient is a
male or female, and possibly the first name. All com-
Child and Family Services attempts to aid these young munications are confidential through Child and Family
adults through its Supervised Independent Living Ser- Services.
vices (SILS), but much state funding of the program
has been cut. There are seven areas (care packages/rooms) like the
one listed above for an October 1delivery date. Mis-
When these teenagers are placed in an apartment, sion & Outreach will provide you with a detailed list-
they get financial assistance for rent, but they have no ing of all items we need.
funds and no family/friend support for all the items
that a young person needs to start independent living, Examples from one area include: Bathroom – 3 bath
from blankets & sheets to frying pans, glasses, toilet towels, 3 hand towels, 3 washcloths, a bathmat or
paper, etc. bath rug, shower curtain & rings, tumbler & soap dish,
and a laundry basket (into which we would pack all of
As part of Lansing Area Episcopal Projects (LAEP), St the above).
Paul’s will take its turn this September. Purchase and

Habitat for Humanity Builds

By The Rev. Deacon William H. Fineout

T his information is from the Habitat update of July 30, 2008:

“In the next year we will start and complete at least three new construction houses. One of these has be-
gun and is funded by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Peckham Industries will fund the next new project. The
third project will begin in the fall and is very special to us: You may remember a fatal fire on Mothers Day
2007. That fire took the lives of two long-time Habitat volunteers, Chuck and June Rybnikar. Their family re-
cently donated that property to Habitat Lansing. We will work to complete the house so that it may be dedi-
cated on May 12, 2009, the second anniversary of the fire.
The other projects will be rehabs. The first rehab will be a house on Massachusetts Avenue that has been do-
nated to us. This is a very generous donation, as the house has been appraised at $70,000. The house has had
new electrical and plumbing, new drywall, windows and roof. The donor is donating tile and grout, materials
for the porch railing and a new refrigerator. The work needed to complete this project includes painting, floor-
ing, new porches and a garage. We expect this project will require an additional $10,000 to complete.
The other rehab projects will be acquired from the Ingham County Land Bank. I have been working with the
Land Bank to acquire HUD foreclosed homes that can be rehabbed for less than the cost of new construction
and that will require fewer volunteer hours. We expect to complete 4 – 6 of these homes in the next year. The
average cost of rehab of these homes will be $30,000 (less than half of new construction). Expected volunteer
hours will be 500 – 700 per project. Given the economic climate, this will get good houses occupied and get
those in need into homes quicker.
St. Paul’s has a group that has been very active in this ministry, and we support Habitat with outreach funds. If
you would like to help with either donated hours of service or financial support, let Deacon Bill know.

September 2008
 MissionSt.and
Paul' s News
Outreach Page 11

Water for Life

By Lyn Zynda, Mission and Outreach

n the United States, we take clean drinking water for granted while elsewhere in the
I world, a child dies every eight seconds from drinking dirty water.
You might remember the St. Paul’s community voted to build a well for a village as our
2008 project to fulfill the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). This is an ambitious
undertaking and will require us to raise $7,500 in order to build one well and provide
connections for houses to the local well.
The Water for Life fundraising campaign to reach this impressive goal is well underway. As a means to raise
the funds necessary to fulfill our commitment, Mission & Outreach decided to use water bottles to collect loose
change similar to the tithe boxes used by UTO over the years
The Meijer Store in Grand Ledge has generously donated 20-ounce water bottles for this project and we be-
gan by distributing the bottles to the congregation during the Parish Picnic. After the bottle is empty, rather
than just throw it away or recycle it, cut an opening in the top and say a prayer of thanks for the ready avail-
ability of fresh water as you drop in your spare change.
If you haven’t already done so, pick up a water bottle or replace your filled water bottle. Water bottles are
available at the back of the church. Look for goal updates in future issues of the Newsletter and Sunday bulle-
tins.

Mission & Outreach Activities:

Where is Christ calling you to help others?
December 6 (13)
September 21
• Housing Assistance Fund – Fruit & Greens Sale
• Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk
December
September 14-28
• Youth - Mitten Tree
• SILS Apartment Collection for Lansing Area Episco-
pal Projects December 14
October 10 • MDG – Water for Life Ingathering/Wrap up
• Canterbury MSU – “Fall Feast” fund raiser dinner & December 24
auction • Gifts for the Christ Child – Eve’s House
October 11 Ongoing:
• Blood Drive – Red Cross • Manna Sundays for street ministry (busing/work
October 12 boots)
• Water for Life
• Crop Walk – Church World
• Heifer International
November • Prayer quilts
• UTO Ingathering – Episcopal Church Women • Cars INC
(ECW) • Sudanese Education

November 9-23 Check the Newsletter articles and the Sunday Bulletin
Announcements for additional details and informa-
• Thanksgiving Baskets
tion.

September 2008
Page 12
St. Paul'sand
Mission News
Outreach
Volunteers are needed!
There are few things more rewarding than making a difference in the life of a child. Consider
volunteering with Ele’s Place as a children’s grief support group facilitator, and help children
learn to cope with the death or life-threatening illness of a parent, sibling or other loved one.
Ele’s Place participants range in age from 3 – 18, and come from a wide variety of ethnic
backgrounds. People of color, males, and bilingual individuals are particularly encouraged to apply to become
a facilitator; however, any interested adult is welcome to submit a volunteer application.
Please apply by August 20 to be considered for the next facilitator training program, which begins on Septem-
ber 4, 2008. For more information, call (517) 482-1315 or visit www.elesplace.org

Order of Saint Luke the Physician Group Forming

By The Rev. Deacon William H. Fineout
e are delighted to announce the formation of a of shame and loneliness, and he helped the willing to
W local group open to Saint Paul's Episcopal
Church members, the Order of Saint Luke the Physi-
yield to the will of God. The name Jesus, in Hebrew,
means "God heals."
cian. The Order is made up of lay people, health pro-
fessionals, and clergy who feel called to make Jesus’ As a Christian community, we are called to healing
ministry of healing a regular part of their vocation. prayer. We know that God is always loving, and we
give thanks for all kinds of ways that God heals.
The Order exists to promote and practice the healing
The Order of St. Luke hopes to meet on the third Sun-
ministry of Jesus Christ. Therefore it is important that
all of its members should be thoroughly familiar with day of the month at 4 p.m. at St. Paul's. The Rev. Dea-
what Jesus said and what Jesus did. The only way to con William Fineout will serve as chaplain, and he will
do this is to study carefully the healing ministry thatbe happy to answer any of your questions. At these
occurs in the Gospels with prayer and community. meetings we will have teaching, pray for each others'
concerns, and conduct the order's business. Each year
This is a group called by God to develop and practice we plan to have a healing mission/retreat. The first
healing prayer by the laying on of hands and praying one is planned for April of 2009.
for specific concerns and wholeness. This group, which
will include members of other Episcopal churches, will All are welcome who are seeking to discern if the
address the commission from Jesus to the church - to healing gift is what the Holy Spirit is calling them to
heal the sick. develop. In the Order of Saint Luke the Physician, we
will study scripture and prayer, share readings and
Jesus healed. He healed anyone who came to him in experiences of healings, and develop daily devotions
need. He reached out and touched people who were to a rule of life. These help us to discern our healing
paralyzed, had skin diseases, epilepsy, and bone de- gift and develop that gift to understand what God
formities, to name just a few. He even brought back to wants us to do each moment of the day. Come and
life several people who had died. He healed people join us.

Join or Support the Alzheimer’s Memory Walk

By The Rev. Deacon William H. Fineout
he Lansing area Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk will be held on Sunday, September 21, beginning
T at 1 p.m. on the beautiful MSU campus (registration begins at noon).
Please join with your Deacon Bill and the St. Paul’s “team” in this year’s walk by becoming a walker or by
making a donation to sponsor this year’s team or individual walkers. Last year, St. Paul’s was represented by
three walkers who presented a total donation of $120. We hope to increase those numbers this year.
(Continued on page 13)

September 2008
 MissionSt.and
Paul' s News
Outreach Page 13

ACTION of Greater Lansing Update

By The Rev. Deacon William H. Fineout
he Justice Ministry team has been hard at work at 1. Reinforce an existing housing code that requires
T St. Paul’s! Our parish joined with three diverse
congregations from Lansing and East Lansing over a
rental property owners to post their positive rental
status visibly on the rental property.
year ago to create a dynamic organization, ACTION
of Greater Lansing. ACTION works to fill gaps in our 2. Provide the community with a publically accessible
local communities to bring fairness and justice to every webpage of rental property information. This in-
individual. It does this not through providing direct cludes information on red tag properties and what
service work to those in need, but rather through is being done with those properties by the city of
bringing the needs of the community to those in power Lansing.
positions. We do this through a specific three-step ACTION has also been busy on finishing the initiatives
process of listening, research and then direct action, from 2007. In 2007, we asked the County Commission
where we ask the politicians to reform the system to to create a Jail to Community Reentry Initiative to bet-
fix these needs. Through this method, we have been ter transition the high repeat offenders from the Ing-
able to successfully initiate or complete three different ham County Jail into our community. We are proud to
issues within one year of existence! announce that we are on track for this initiative, look-
Twenty-five individuals from our parish attended our ing at a starting date in the fall of this year. We also
Nehemiah ACTION Assembly in May in hopes of se- asked Lansing Police Chief Mark Alley to complete a
curing a favorable response from Lansing Mayor Hot Spot Card Program, an anonymous crime report-
Bernero on a housing initiative. With nearly 450 peo- ing tool for the city. We are proud to announce that
ple there to support the initiative, we received unani- this program has been completed and is currently
mous “yeses” from Mayor Bernero. We are proud of bringing in an average of one card each week that
Sue LaDuc who served as the co-chair of this housing reports crime and drug activity in our neighborhoods.
initiative and was the individual to publicly receive the At this time, we are completing our summer support
commitment from Mayor Bernero! drive. If you haven’t already, please contact one of
ACTION specifically asked the city to crack down on our justice ministry team members to support this work
the high number of unregistered rental properties in financially. In the fall, we will begin our next round of
the city of Lansing. These unregistered properties were listening meetings within the church to identify a new
found to be directly related to the high number of ‘red problem to solve in 2009! Please consider being a
tagged properties’ in the city that were closed due to part of one of these exciting meetings as we continue
gross violations of the housing code. Action asked for to build an exciting ministry for justice within our con-
specific action steps to: gregation!

(Continued from page 12)

The walk parallels the scenic Red Cedar River on campus and provides many chances to shorten or lengthen
the actual walk as you might wish. This is a wonderful way to help fight this insidious disease which is affect-
ing more families every year.
“The Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk® is the nation's largest event to raise awareness and funds for
Alzheimer care, support and research – and it calls on volunteers of all ages to become champions in the
fight against this fatal disease. Since 1989 Memory Walk® has raised more than $230 million for our
cause.
See Deacon Bill to join as a walker or donor. Further information may be found at the Lansing Memory
Walk web site: http://www.kintera.org/FAF/home/default.asp?ievent=272393. You can also donate on
line to any walker if you are so inclined. All checks should be made out to the “Alzheimer’s Association.”

September 2008
Page 14
St. Paul's News
Reflections on the April 19, 2008 Blood Drive
By Eleanor Doersam
y the time you read this I hope you have all seen
B the Blood Drive Honor Roll and viewed the pic-
tures of some of our volunteers.
Over 80 parishioners and friends worked together to
register a 102% goal for 51 unites of blood. Once
again we were commended by the Red Cross for sur-
passing our goal of 50 units.
I’m writing today to clarify one aspect of our drive
that disqualifies so many of our blood donors. Pub-
lished Reference Range for hematocrit/hemoglobin for
men is 40.7-50.3% and for women 36.1-44.3%. The
Red Cross uses a higher standard. If you were de-
ferred it is a good idea to read the nutrition fact label
of all foods you eat and determine how much iron is in
your diet. Foods that are good to eat to increase the
amount of iron in your diet are listed below:
Liver, beef, pork, poultry, and fish are all excellent
sources of dietary iron. These foods contain heme iron,
which is readily absorbed by the body. Shellfish, such
as shrimp, mussels and oysters are also good sources
of iron.
Special Thanks, To Special People!
The Rev. Ronald C. Byrd, Sr.
uring Father Gordon’s sabbatical, I witnessed
D God’s grace and blessings through so many of
you. When I called, asked or tapped you on the shoul-
der with a question or request for assistance, each of
you responded with an enthusiasm and willingness to
help in any way you could. Our collective efforts and
genuine desire to live faithfully into the ministry to
which we have been called is reflective of Christ Jesus.
For this I give thanks and praise to our Father in
heaven, and to you God’s truly special people…my St.
Paul’s family. Thank You!
September 2008
If you do not eat meat or fish, other foods with high
iron content include:
• Iron fortified cereals
• Beans or legumes – especially kidney
beans, pinto beans and chick peas.
• Vegetables – such as peas, spinach, and
lentils.
• Fruits – especially apricots and raisins.
• Enriched and whole grain breads.
• Molasses
Absorption of iron from any of the sources can be im-
proved by eating vitamin C rich foods at the same
meal. Vitamin C rich foods include orange juice,
grapefruit, cantaloupe, green peppers and tomatoes.
Tea contains tannins which will decrease absorption of
iron.
Our Fall Blood Drive date is Saturday, October 11,
2008. Let’s all iron up this summer! Sincere thanks for
your generous support of this outstanding Outreach
Project.
St. Paul’s Homebound Members
Need You!
By William H. Fineout, Deacon
lease consider becoming a Eucharistic Visitor.
P At present there are a couple licensed mem-
bers who may take Holy Communion to home-
bound parishioners.
St. Aelred’s Guild members do a marvelous job of
visiting those among us who are sick or unable to
attend Sundays or Tuesdays, and the clergy make
regular visits with Holy Communion on major holi-
days and upon request; but there is a need for
additional trained lay visitors who can maintain
our community connection and take Communion to
our shut-ins.
Many Eucharistic visitors also are licensed as Eu-
charistic ministers to serve the chalice during Holy
Eucharist on Sundays, however doing both is not
required. Please consider where God is calling
you to serve this flock. Let Deacon Bill know if you
are interested.
 St. Paul's News Page 15

Laying the Foundation: An Update from the Evangelism Committee

By Stephanie Van Koevering, Vestry Member
uring the past few months St. Paul’s Evangelism Committee has begun to develop and implement a solid
D action plan for welcoming and engaging newcomers.
We have already started to develop an electronic database for tracking and following up with visitors and
parishioners in need of contact from our clergy. To date, several hundred contacts from the past few years
have been entered, and committee members are scouting out “relationship management” software that will
allow Fr. Weller and Fr. Ron to keep track of their outreach efforts in the future.
The committee also issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to overhaul the St. Paul’s website. Several intriguing
responses were received and a working group of committee members, Vestry leaders and other interested
participants is currently being formed to evaluate all the candidates.
In the year ahead, the Evangelism Committee plans to develop a new church wide mentoring program that will
help newcomers become assimilated more fully into the life of the parish. We look forward to working with all
members of the St. Paul’s community as we reach out and connect with new families on an ongoing basis.
If you have ideas, thoughts or suggestions about how you would like to see St. Paul’s engage newcomers more
effectively, please feel free to share them. The Evangelism Committee continues to seek new members and rec-
ommendations for future improvement. Please contact Stephanie Van Koevering at (517) 669-9111 or
vankoevering@comcast.net with your suggestions.

We pray for and celebrate the birth of Hannah Violet Hall, daughter of
Kym and Matt Hall.
We pray for those expecting: Deb and Jeff Sleight and Sarah (Weller) and
Joe Evenden.
We pray for and celebrate the weddings of: Carrie S. Ihrig and Joshua A.
Freeman, and Kayla M. Hibner and Phillip A. Kitchell
We pray for and celebrate our newly baptized: Kory Ekineh Amachree,
son of Karen and Opuene Amachree; and Hunter Michael Nicholas Riggins and Parker Robert Matthew
Riggins, sons of Courtney and Matthew Riggins
We pray and remember those in the Military, serving in dangerous areas: Daniel Reno, David Granger, and
Bill Sheldon
We pray for comfort for the family and friends of Judith A. Rush, Nancy Hiscoe Clark, Harold W. Irwin, Ber-
tha Winkle, Marilyn Britt, Tom Shawver and August D. Diedrich, Jr., who recently passed away
We pray for those who are sick and in need: Cindy Robinson, Richard, Audrie and Aaron Hegmon, Shelley
Robinson, Dennis Letner, Mason Hill, Lois Caswell, Eric Lindquist, Charles Weaver, Ben Herbert, Chance
Collins, Caroline Thomas and her family, Mary Ann Kelley, Ed Farmer, Ed Jones, Barb Hacker, Darrick,
Chris, Marjorie Belles, Cal, Kathryn and Elizabeth Senko, Daphne Such, Aleda, Rina Rister, Barb Powers,
Pam Lacey, Dave, Skip and Marsha Macholz, Patricia Reno, Chuck Buck, Rick Edwards, Leona Gordon,
Carrie, Michael Skinner, Bea Richards, Dick Wagner, Edward Such, Virginia Jessop, Judy Jones, and Mason
Beasley
We pray and give thanks for the ordination of The Rev. William H. Fineout, Deacon and for the safe return of
Fr. Gordon Weller from his sabbatical.

September 2008
Page 16
St. Paul's News
ST. PAUL’S 160TH YEAR
AN HISTORICAL CELEBRATION

By Nancy Sheldon
t. Paul’s will celebrate its 160th birthday in 2009. Plans are underway for activities and events throughout
S May, 2009, with special emphasis on the four Sundays that month.
• May 3 – Worship and Music
• May 10 – Children’s Sunday
• May 17 – Missions and Outreach
• May 31 – Homecoming Sunday

A committee began work on plans for the celebration in March, but we would like your assistance for this spe-
cial celebration.
The committee would like you to contribute any ideas you may have on ways to commemorate the anniversary.
We would ask you to share any “historical” treasures you may have: pictures, items you may have written for
the church prayers, thoughts or essays about “what St. Paul’s means to me,” interesting personal stories or
memories, music, old copies of St. Paul’s News or Sunday bulletins, cookbooks, and guild memorabilia. Almost
anything you think might be noteworthy about St. Paul’s long history.
We would also like to encourage your participation in other ways. Ideas might include putting on a play. We
need volunteers to collect “church” clothes from various decades; work on a celebration committee; and contact
former members and their families. We would love to have someone film the various events or help preserve
the memories and stories.
You’ll be hearing more about the upcoming activities, but your eyes and ears and memories are vital to a suc-
cessful, meaningful celebration. Contact Nancy Sheldon or any of the clergy if you’d like to help or you have
some “treasure” for the committee.

From the Parish Life Committee

By Millie Erickson, Vestry Member
lans are in full swing for a variety of fellowship opportunities this fall. Mark your calendars with the fol-
P lowing dates:
October 3 – 2nd Annual Pizza Party and Game Night for all the Parish family: kids, families, couples, singles.
There will be something fun for everyone.
November 4 – “The Gathering” Coffee House at St. Paul’s. Recall the days of Pete Seeger, Peter Paul &
Mary, folk guitars and tie-dye in this fun event for all adults in the parish and their guests. Entertainment will
be provided by local folk talent.
More details on both these events to come.
Watch for announcements in the near future regarding other happenings, including the “One Book, Many Jour-
neys” Book Read, which will be back in January. This year we will offer both an adult and a family book with
related events. The titles will be announced soon!

September 2008
 St. Paul's News Page 17

Sewer Separation Completed

By Martie Repaskey, Jr. Warden
ork has been completed on a long-overdue project at St. Paul’s. Though the extensive sewer separation
W proceeded at a subterranean level and was not easily visible to onlookers, the end result was that St.
Paul’s has come into compliance with the City of Lansing’s requirements for separating storm and sanitary sew-
ers. Lansing’s entire downtown area has been engulfed in similar work, creating closed streets and detours;
apparently this work will be ongoing for several years.
The project at St. Paul’s included the following:
• Separating downspouts on the parish house
• Replacing concrete in the alley on the east side of the building
• Video camera work to locate the depth of existing pipes
• Separating the sump pump from the sanitary pipes in the basement of the music building
• Re-building the sinking catch basin in the parking lot; the manhole was replaced with a precast basin
• Re-directing the small catch basin (close to the north wall of the Merrifield Room) to the larger catch basin.
The bulk of this work was undertaken by All-Terrain Alterations, Inc., and Myers Plumbing did the sump pump
separation. Supporting these competent contractors and furnishing invaluable knowledge and communication
support were three parishioners: Max Pierce, Paul Potts and our Verger, Jim Boulton. This was an expensive
but necessary building and grounds project with a good outcome.

Grounds Restoration One Thing Leads To Another….

By Martie Repaskey, Jr. Warden
lease take a walk around the grounds of the
P building and the Memorial Garden at St.
Paul’s, and enjoy our new “look!” Extensive exca-
vation in the front yard and courtyard necessi-
tated landscape restoration with sod and new
plants.
We all know how “one thing leads to another,” so
St. Paul’s gardeners went into full gear! With sig-
nificant financial support from a parish family,
three professional gardeners weeded, graded,
trimmed and planted. Additionally, several pa-
rishioners re-set the granite tiles in the courtyard,
added more plants, and spread mulch.
It was estimated that 150 man-hours brought our
Memorial Garden back into a serene, green,
peaceful place of beauty which all may enjoy.
Indeed, it is believed that our grounds may offer
an outreach to passersby and even to our legisla-
tors from across the street!
Thank you to all who shared their time, talent and
resources in restoring this sacred place.
By Martie Repaskey, Jr. Warden
he restoration of the Memorial Garden stimulated
T the interest and attention of many parish garden-
ers who provided consultation and support throughout
the process. This has led to some discussion about the
potential of developing a Gardeners’ Guild, which
would be an auxiliary of the Design and Preservation
Committee. In informal conversations, several ideas
have been shared. A gardeners’ guild could be in-
volved in the obvious work of caring for our garden
and grounds; this would include both workers and con-
sultants! Members of a gardener’s guild might offer
mentoring to new gardeners, host a plant sale in the
spring to benefit the Bancroft Fund, enjoy field trips to
other gardens and possibly even do some outreach
landscaping at Habitat houses. The sky’s the limit!
If you are a gardener or a wannabe gardener who
might be interested in doing something “green” by
joining a St. Paul’s gardeners’ guild, please contact
Martie Repaskey or Max Pierce.

September 2008
(Continued from page 1)

two day excursions with returns to a home town in between. It also fits into what I experienced during my time
away from St. Paul’s. Linda and I traveled to many places, talked with many people, and witnessed many
things, but it was always a relief to come home. Home provides a chance to renew one’s self physically, men-
tally and spiritually.
As this sabbatical comes to an end I am pleased to be among you once again. Being with you sets me at ease.
While I am grateful to have had the opportunity to experience all that I did, I am also grateful to be of service
to the Lord in this place. During the rest of the summer take your own periods of rest and relaxation, but let’s
meet again at St Paul’s in September. St. Paul’s is home.

(Continued from page 1)

would see him, he would want to know what I was doing and would comment if he had read any of
my free-lance articles. And I always sought him out to at least say hello.
When St. Paul’s did its capital campaign approximately10 years ago, Tom wanted me to work with
him on the publications. Fortunately, I had a workplace then that was very generous, and allowed
me to use its desktop publishing software. Tom would come into my office, and we would just sit and
talk. My supervisor from that era was a retired colonel from the state police, so one day, he and
Tom stood in the hallway chatting for quite awhile about all of the people they both knew in com-
mon. When the father of one of my co-workers died in that same time period, I was happy to see a
very familiar bagpiper at the memorial service.
The Shawvers were always good to my mother, taking her to programs and bringing her home from
church. Whenever I would showed up for a service, Tom would always check to make sure I wasn’t
planning on leaving her there. I guess he was just looking out for her.
A few years ago, Mom lost a pair of glasses in their car. I told Tom that since I didn’t work that far
from where they lived at the time, I could come over on my lunch hour. But he insisted on coming my
way and asked if I could meet him at the little coffee shop down the street just to catch up for a
while. So I did. It was still the same job but by then a different boss. I went anyway and definitely
stayed longer than I should have. But it was worth it.
Tom and I also served together recently on St. Paul’s communications committee, trying to figure out
how best to target and attract new members. If the church is to survive, it needs new blood and
ideas. But it is also important to know our history, and Tom was certainly a vital part of that.
For those of us who knew him, Tom Shawver was the embodiment of St. Paul’s. When his health is-
sues became more apparent, I realized that when he passed away, it would be the end of an era
and a great loss to my church family.
I wish I had the time to research and pay tribute to all of the guilds, special projects, and activities
Tom was involved in throughout the decades at St. Paul’s, because I feel as though I am doing him
an injustice by not recognizing all of his contributions. But he probably would have understood that
we are on a really tight deadline this month. Besides, it would probably take weeks to find all of
that information, even if I could. The man was involved in almost everything.
My prayers are with Jean and the rest of his family at this time, but my condolences go out to all of
us who knew Tom Shawver. We have suffered a great loss.
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St. Paul's Episcopal Church

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Lansing, MI 48933
Phone: 517-482-9454
Fax: 517-485-8621
Choir Room: 517-482-0369
Website: Stpaulslansing.org

The St. Paul’s News is a publication of St. Paul’s Episcopal

Church, Lansing Michigan.
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Staff
The Very Rev. Dr. Gordon Weller, Rector
The Rev. Ronald C. Byrd, Sr., Curate
Dr. Stephen R. Lange, Minister of Music
Mr. William H. Fineout, Deacon
Ms. Mary Rodeck, Assistant Minister of Music
Ms. Kathleen Johnson, Office Manager

St. Paul’s News Editorial Staff

Christine Caswell, Editor
Helen Hiscoe, Proofreader
Lyn Zynda, Layout Editor

If you no longer wish to receive these mailings, please call the church office (517) 482-9454,
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