St.

 Paul’s 
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF ST. PAUL’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH
NOVEMBER 2009—VOLUME 34, ISSUE 9
news
Ready or Not, Here it Comes! Church Events
By The Very Rev. Dr. Gordon F. Weller November
It's October 15, and I've seen the decorations already! Not Halloween; they were
 1 - Baptisms
out a month ago! Christmas decorations!! As we enter the month of November, we
begin the busiest time of our calendar year. At St. Paul's we start the season by  2 and 16 - 4Fs
making a big deal out of All Saint's Sunday, November 1. We baptize some and
welcome others as "new members" to the parish. On November 20, "Silver Bells in  4 - Diocesan Convention Re-
the City" will kick off the downtown shopping season for the greater Lansing com- cap
munity. Silver Bells begins with an ever lengthening and more festive parade. This  8 - Invitation Sunday
is followed by fireworks. Many churches, ours included, offer reminders that it's not
all about buying and gifts: Christ is still the "Reason for the Season." At St. Paul's  10 - B&PW
our "Bells" will ring in the season and the Merrifield room will be festively deco-
rated to be as welcoming as possible to the upwards of 250 people who will visit  15 - Bishop Gibbs Visit,
for hot cocoa and cookies. This will be followed by Thanksgiving and "Black Fri- Rabbi Sasso Visit
day." We all know how tired we are on the Monday morning following that week-  16 - LAEP
end. Then the real fun begins. These activities create such a pace that by the time
Christmas afternoon arrives, there is a huge letdown just at the time we should be  17 - St. Elizabeth Guild
most energized by the celebration of the new life that entered the world so long
ago.  20 - Silver Bells

For those who want the season to hold more spiritual meaning and have it last past  22 - Missa Brevis Concert,
December 25, consider some advance planning. That's the reason I offer this arti- Heifer Auction
cle and suggestion now. If you are dismayed at how tired you are at the end of  25 - Harvest Home Dinner
(Continued on page 12) and Thanksgiving Service

Community of Faith in a Circle of Friends

By Martie Repaskey, Sr. Warden
“Whenever two or three of you come together in my name, I am there with you.” Matthew 18:20
It’s the “stewardship time of year” again, only the people of St. Paul’s are doing it differently this time. We are engaged
in a visioning process, attempting to discern just what our combined ministry should look like as we move into the future.
How can we best express our gratitude for the abundance in our lives? How will we carry the Gospel forward, and what
do we need in order to carry out our vision?
In a three-hour event on September 20, we talked about our strengths, our dreams, and the realities of our community in
Christ. Approximately 65 people participated in this time of good communication. Since then, we have begun meeting in
small groups to continue this dialogue with one another. Thus far, the discussions in these small groups have been lively
(Continued on page 12)
Business and
Professional
Women
By Barbara Richardson
Come join us November 10th as we cele-
brate an early Thanksgiving with our fes-
tive and scrumptious Thanksgiving Din-
ner. We meet at 6 p.m. in the Hill Room
for dinner followed by our own Ellie Doer-
sam as our guest speaker. Please make a
dinner reservation with Debby Pierce by
November 8th. Cost of dinner is $8. All
are welcome.
Baptisms
By The Very Rev. Dr. Gordon F. Weller
By the time you read this, baptisms for the
November 1 All Saints Day celebration,
will probably already be planned. Know
however that the next assigned date is
January 10, which this year marks Jesus'
baptism. If so inclined, please contact Fr.
Weller or the Church office for more infor-
mation or to schedule the Baptism.
Mitten Tree
By The Rev. Deacon William Fineout
The Mitten Tree is in the cloister and await-
ing your decorations. It needs to be fin-
ished by November 8, which is earlier than
in past. We have moved the collection
from December to get warm clothing to
kids before it gets too cold. Please donate
hats, scarves, and/or mittens and gloves to
decorate this year’s tree. We will be deliv-
ering this year’s collection to the Love
Closet at Judson Memorial Church for chil-
dren in the Head Start, WIC and Christian
Service programs.
Page 2
The 4Fs Group Programs
By Nancy Sheldon
Usually meets 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!
This year, we will continue the study of the psalms for our Bible Study.
 Nov. 2 - A visit to the Hindu Temple Bharatiya in Haslett at 955 Haslett
Road.
 Nov. 16 - Rabbi Sandy Sasso, a well known author (especially of children’s
books) and a co-rabbi with her husband in Indianapolis, IN, will be a guest
at St Paul’s for two days. During this time, she will speak to the 4F’s group
about talking to our children and grandchildren about God.
 Dec. 7 - We will continue our tradition of an annual Christmas celebration
with a special luncheon before a concert in the church. The Someko singers
from Okemos High School will entertain us once again, and our own Matt
Nauss (a member of this talented group) will be among them.
Diocesan Convention
By The Very Rev. Dr. Gordon F. Weller
By the time you read this, the Diocesan Convention will be over and
most of the actions voted upon will be in the process of implementation.
The need to know what was voted upon and the implications of this vote
are always important, so your Diocesan Convention Delegation will be
available for information and questions on Wednesday, November 4,
at 6 p.m., in the Merrifield room for a synopsis of the Convention and to
answer questions. Please consider attending.
Heifer International
By The Rev. Deacon William Fineout
We continue our MDG 2009 project of “filling an ark” of animals for
Heifer International. We will be taking up one more “noisy” collection on
Family Sunday. And on the second Sunday of November, at the coffee
hour, we will auction off all the stuffed animals and a quilt decorated by
our church children.
We will continue to have the Heifer gift cards available. If you would
like to gift someone by donating in their honor to Heifer, you may do so
and receive a greeting card to give to them explaining your gift. They
make great birthday and Christmas gifts for that person who “has eve-
rything” and a thoughtful and meaningful gift to anyone for any occa-
sion. See Deacon Bill if you would like to purchase some of the Heifer
gift cards; the prices for the animals are posted in the Merrifield Room.
Gift cards will be available during coffee hour.
You’re Invited to “Invitation Sunday”
By John Nevin, Vestry Member
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope
and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
During the past few weeks, many of us attended meetings in members’ homes or at the church to discuss the current and
future ministries of St. Paul’s. At those meetings, several parishioners agreed to write prayers based on the many senti-
ments expressed during these meetings. These prayers were shared with the congregation on October 25 and November
1 during worship. We hope these prayers will serve as a reminder of all we have to be thankful for and for all we have
yet to accomplish to fulfill God’s vision for our ministries. We also
heard testimonials from mem- bers about how St. Paul’s has inspired them
and changed their lives.
This open process of discussing Mark your calendars and plan on our relationship with Christ and ideas about
how St. Paul’s can do even attending “Invitation Sunday” and more of His good work, will culminate on
“Invitation Sunday,” on No- the “Unity Brunch” on November 8. vember 8. On that day, the entire St. Paul’s
family is invited to express our gratitude by returning to God a portion of
our blessings through our pledges to the many ministries that make
our parish a beacon of hope in our community. At both the 8 a.m. and 10
a.m. services, during worship, pledge cards will be distributed for you to fill out. During the offering, you will have an op-
portunity to bring completed pledge cards forward and to place them on the altar to be blessed. Because our pledges
are given out of a love for God and for the ministries of St. Paul’s, it is appropriate that we submit our pledges as an in-
tegral part of our worship.
Just as we did last year, the 10 a.m. service will be followed by a “Unity Brunch” where the entire congregation will cele-
brate our united commitment to love and serve Christ.
As we gather on November 8, let our hearts be open to God’s loving inspiration and may the results of our efforts be so
extraordinary that all will see God’s hand at work in our ministries.

Harvest Home Dinner Bishop Gibbs to Visit

By Dr. Stephen R. Lange, Minister of Music
St. Paul’s annual Harvest Home Dinner (6 p.m.) and Thanks-
giving service (7 p.m.) will be held on Wednesday, Novem-
ber 25. The dinner, served and prepared by the England
Choristers and their parents with the guidance of Debby
and Max Pierce, is a fund raiser for the next England trip,
scheduled for the summer of 2011. The Cherub Choir will
sing an anthem for this service. Please feel welcome to bring
friends and family to the dinner and service. A sign-up sheet
is available by the elevator outside the Merrifield Room.
By The Very Rev. Dr. Gordon F. Weller
On Sunday, November 15, Bishop Wendell N. Gibbs
Jr., 10th Bishop of the Diocese of Michigan, will visit St.
Paul's for his regularly scheduled pastoral visit. He will
be present for both services as preacher and cele-
brant. The 10 a.m. service will be followed by a re-
ception in the Merrifield Room. Please put this impor-
tant date on your calendar and plan on being here.

St. Elizabeth Guild

By Debby Pierce, President
The November meeting of the St. Elizabeth Guild will be Tuesday, November 17 at 12:30 p.m. (please note that this a
week earlier than normal). We will be meeting at my home with a light lunch to be followed by a program and meeting.
If you are interested in joining us, please call me at 394-4800 or 485-5446.
This December Corporate Communion and Breakfast will be on Sunday, December 13 at St. Paul's. Communion Service at
8 a.m. with breakfast following.
Page 3
Eucharist and
Healing Service
By The Rev. Deacon William Fineout
Healing stations will be available during
the Eucharist on Sunday, November 29.
As we begin a new church year and sea-
son, it is most appropriate that we offer
healing prayer on the first Sunday in Ad-
vent. Directions to the stations will be
given during the announcements at both
services.
Healing prayer is also offered at the
weekly Tuesday noon Holy Eucharist or
Morning Prayer services
News from the
Parish Life
Committee
By Millie Ericson, Vestry Member
On Friday, December 4, at 6:30 p.m., there
will be a Holiday Dinner Theater Outing to
see the musical version of “It’s a Wonder-
ful Life” at Lansing’s Starlight Dinner
Theater. The production stars our own
Larry Clark as George Bailey, Lydia Rose
as Zuzu Bailey and Rebecca Rose as an-
other of the Bailey children. This produc-
tion will be enjoyable for the whole fam-
ily and all ages! Tickets will be available
for purchase soon. The cost for dinner and
the show will be $33 for adults and $28
for seniors/students. Starlight Dinner Thea-
ter is located in the Waverly East Interme-
diate School at 3131 W. Michigan Ave.,
Lansing. Join us for an enjoyable holiday
evening and also support our “stars!” Sign
-up is available outside the Merrifield
Room.
“One Church, Many Journeys” Book Read
will be back again in January. This will be
our third Annual Book Read. The book title
will be announced soon.
Rabbi Sandy Sasso
is Coming!
By Martie Repaskey, Sr. Warden
Rabbi Sandy Sasso, a widely acclaimed chil-
dren’s author, will be the guest speaker at St.
Paul’s for two days in November. Excitement is
mounting regarding a planned ecumenical
event on Sunday, November 15. Rabbi Sasso
will present the story of Cain and Abel, and
the lesson “Finding the Fruits of Peace” to ele-
mentary-age children from St. Paul’s, Shaarey
Zedek and Kehillat Israel. A local artist will assist her in facilitating
the children’s creative response to the story, followed by a cookie
and ice cream party for all the children.
On Monday, November 16, Rabbi Sasso will join grandparent-type
folk at St. Paul’s 4F’s program. Her primary presentation will take
place that evening at 7 p.m., promising an interesting topic:
“Nurturing the Spiritual Imagination of Our Children.”
Schuler Books will offer many of Rabbi Sasso’s endearing, beauti-
fully illustrated children’s books after each event. Some of the books
she has written include Butterflies Under our Hats, God’s Paintbrush, In
God’s Name, A Prayer for the Earth, and several books for parents,
including The Divine Fingerprint and God’s Echo: Exploring Scripture
with Midrash.
This event has involved several people in the planning, from St.
Paul’s and from Shaarey Zedek. St. Paul’s Parish Life committee will
be involved with hospitality each evening. This opportunity has been
made possible by the Shawver Fund for Special Programs.
Chancel Choir to Present
Missa Brevis
By Dr. Stephen R. Lange, Minister of Music
On Sunday, November 22, as part of the 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist
service, the Chancel Choir will sing Joseph Haydn’s “Missa Brevis” in
B-flat Major. This mass was originally composed in 1775 for an ec-
clesiastical organization, the “Barmherzige Brothers,” whose patron
saint was St. John. The choir will be accompanied by a string quartet
for this presentation.
Page 4
 Financial Information as of September 30, 2009
By Julie Young

The end of September marks 75% of the year. Pledge income in September was $24,159, bringing the year to date to-
tal pledge income to $209,175, which is 72% of the budget. It appears that we are slightly behind year to date projec-
tions with pledge revenue collection.

Operations for September had a net loss of ($7,991), bringing the year to date loss to ($131,560). Much of this loss can
be attributed to finalizing building maintenance projects such as roof repair, sidewalk repair and the updating of the
speaker system. Funds designated for this purpose have been used to pay for these repairs and improvements.

Transfers from the investment account into the operating account during the month of September totaled $30,000.

Vestry Highlights
At the October 20, 2009, Vestry meeting your Vestry:
 Enjoyed the company of one another at dinner
 Discussed and laughed over the topic "Does God have
a Sense of Humor?" for devotions
 Approved, with additions, the agenda
 Approved, with modifications, the September 22 min-
utes
 Received the Treasurer's report (synopsis found else-
where in this issue)
 Approved an additional $20,000 allocation from the
Perpetual Fund (to be used if needed)
 Approved $10,000 for operations from the Shawver
Fund ($6,000 for Sandy Sasso, $4,000 for this past
summer's mission trip)
 Discussed where we are in our Operating Fund expen-
ditures for 2009
 Discussed the Diocesan Convention issues that may be
present at the October 23-24 Convention held here in
Lansing
 Received a report about the Memorial Garden
plaque (Soon!)
 Received a Capitol Church's Coalition Corporation
Report
 Voted $500 to the 4C's as out part of a newly estab-
lished contingency fund
 Discussed Vestry attendance
 Received Committee Reports; highlights follow:
 B&G - New Sound system almost complete
 Parish Life - Book for Book Read almost selected
 Youth Christian Ed. - Programs in place, all goes
well. Third, Fourth, and Fifth grade youth group
being established
 Mission & Outreach - MDG, Heifer project,
CROP Walk, all wrapping up. Thanksgiving bas-
kets project being readied
 Communications - On line St. Paul's News passed
first hurdle with minimal glitches
 Personnel Committee - New Nursery attendant in
position, Staff reviews proceeding on schedule
 Stewardship - An extensive review of where we
still need to be with our program was discussed.
Members pleased so far
 Discussed the Diocesan Ministry Fair to be held here in
the spring - We will have more to do because of staff
cuts at the Diocesan level
 Distributed the Vestry Calling lists
 Received a preliminary report on Server/computer
upgrades. Our equipment is 7 years old in places.
May need upgrade to be functional with new technol-
ogy
 Reminded ourselves of the guidelines of the two Shaw-
ver Funds
 Discussed the Bishops Visit on November 15th
 Received a report that the Yankees were ahead of
the Angels (1- 0). The wonders of technology
 Received Rector's, Deacon's and Sr. Warden's Reports
 Adjourned at 9:15 p.m.

Page 5
Child Care and
Christmas
Wrapping Service
By Barb Heany
Does getting all your Christmas shopping fin-
ished in a day sound too good to be true? On
Saturday, December 5, St. Paul’s Youth Group
will sponsor a Child Care/Christmas Wrapping
service from 1-6 p.m. Just drop off the kids, get
the shopping done and bring it back for us to
wrap! We will also be happy to wrap gifts af-
ter the 10 a.m. service on December 6. Please
be sure to sign up outside the Merrifield Room
for Child Care. (Donations will graciously be
accepted with 50 percent going to the Lansing
Rescue Mission and 50 percent supporting future
youth group projects and activities).
St. Nicholas’
Celebration
By The Very Rev. Dr. Gordon F. Weller
St. Nicholas' Day is always marked on Decem-
ber 6. This year it falls on a Sunday, the first
Sunday of the month. While this date is over a
month away, mark your calendars now for the
special program that will be offered that day.
Bring the kids, bring the family, bring the
neighbors. Be here for the fun.
Requests for
Prayer
We pray for those who are sick and in need: Cindy Robin-
son, Richard and Aaron Hegmon, Shelley Robinson, Ma-
son Hill, Lois Caswell, Erik Lindquist, Chance Collins, Barb
Hacker, Marjorie Belles, Aleda, Dave, Kathryn Senko, Barb
Powers, Patricia Reno, Skip and Marsha Macholz, Michael
and Gwen Skinner, Melinda Naumer, Tom Foltz, Vivian
Hawkins, Linda, Kaema Amachree, Bill, Mary Lindquist,
Yvette Constan and family, Cris Plyler, Brian French,
Lynne, Kent Riley, Jan Bigham, Max Sutton, John Haw-
kins, Joan, Karol Ryan, Irma Narezo, Mike Wood, Julie,
and Keqin Tang.
We pray and remember those in the Military, serving in dan-
gerous areas: Daniel Reno, Michael Benson, Steven John-
son, and Tyson Carter.
We pray for comfort for the family and friends of Virginia
Hilbert, who recently passed away.
We pray for all those whose jobs and livelihoods are in
jeopardy.
We pray for those expecting: Carrie (Kressler) and Charlie
Smith, Tonya and Joshua Couts, Mindy and Matt Pauly,
Katie Thompson and John Shaw-Reed, and Elana and
John Waugh.
We pray for and celebrate the birth of: Randolf Aloysius
Schneider son of Jill and Clif Schneider; and the birth of
Rose Kathleen Parker, daughter of Allyson and Jerry
Parker and big sister to Lily Parker.
We pray for and celebrate the marriage of Jennifer Cook
and Joseph Baker.

Blessing of the Beasts

By The Very Rev. Dr. Gordon F. Weller
On Sunday, October 4, 33 people and 17 pets gathered in our
courtyard and went nose to nose. There was lots of sniffing, bark-
ing and meowing, and that was by the humans! The children en-
joyed introducing their pets and their parents. The animals enjoyed
the extra treats they received for behaving. Everyone enjoyed the
presentation made by the people from Potter Park Zoo who
brought seven different animals for our inspection.

Page 6
 Choir News
Special Dates to Note
November 1 ‐ England parents’ meeting right after church in the Choir Rehearsal Room. 

November 22 ‐ Chancel Choir to Sing “Missa Brevis” by F. J. Haydn 

November 25 ‐ Harvest Home Dinner. Cherubs and Boys’ and Grace Choirs will rehearse from 5:30 to 6 p.m., and Cher‐
ubs will sing for the service at 7 p.m. The high School Choir will help prepare and serve the dinner. 
November 26 (Thanksgiving) ‐ No Chancel Choir rehearsal. 

Singing Schedule
Date Choirs Date Choirs

November 1 Boys’ and Grace; December 13 High School; Chancel

High School; Chancel December 20 Cherubs,
November 8 High School; Chancel Lessons & Carols Boys’ and Grace;
November 15 High School; Chancel High School; Chancel
November 22 High School; Chancel December 24
4 p.m. Family Eucharist Cherubs;
November 29 High School; Chancel Boys’ and Grace
11 p.m. Choral Eucharist High School; Chancel
December 6 Boys’ and Grace;
High School

The Holiday Seasons Are Approaching!

By Dr. Stephen R. Lange, Minister of Music
November means that preparation for the Thanksgiving and Christmas Seasons will get into full swing as St. Paul’s Hand-
bell Choir will join the Handbell Choir of Pilgrim Congregational Church and its director, John Broughton, to usher in “Silver
Bells in the City.” An annual event in Lansing, Silver Bells includes a festive parade, singing groups, instrumental ensembles,
fireworks and a concert of handbell music offered at St. Paul’s immediately following the fireworks. This celebration will
be held on Friday, November 20. After the concert, there will be free hot chocolate and cookies in the Merrifeld Room for
anyone who would like to stop by.
On Friday, December 4, The Men of Orpheus, an all-male singing group of Lansing, will present its annual Christmas Con-
cert. Directed by former parishioner Gayle Pohl, the program will consist of lighter Christmas music.
On Sunday, December 13, at 4 p.m., the Lange Choral Ensemble will present its annual Christmas concert. This year the
concert will feature music for chorus, oboe and harp. The program will include familiar Christmas carols as well as recently
composed Christmas anthems.
On Sunday, December 20, the service of Advent Lessons and Carols will held during the 10 a.m. service. All of St. Paul’s
choirs, including the Handbell Choir, will join in this annual musical celebration of Jesus’ birth.
Please come and enjoy all these musical offerings!
Page 7
 Mission and Outreach Activities
Where is Christ calling you to help others?
Sunday, October 4 Tuesday, November 16
 Youth Group Noisy Collection for Heifer  Lansing Area Episcopal Projects (LAEP) meeting
Saturday, October 10 November 8—22
 Red Cross Blood Drive  Thanksgiving Food Baskets
Sunday, October 11 Sunday, December 6
 Youth Crop Walk  Youth Group Noisy Collection for Outreach
Sunday, October 25  Feast of St. Nicholas
 Heifer International Auction Thursday, December 24
October  Layette “Gifts for the Christ Child”/Christian Services
 Mitten Tree – Love Closet/Christian Services Ongoing:
Sunday, November 1  Manna Sunday (first Sunday of the month, loose and dedi-
cated offerings for street ministry, bus tokens and work
 Youth Group Noisy Collection for Outreach boots)
 UTO Ingathering  Outreach Committee meeting (second Tuesday of the month)
Sunday, November 8  Heifer gift cards
 Prayer quilts
 Mitten Tree Ends  Cars, INC
 Heifer international Auction  Habitat
 Sudanese K-12 Education Scholarships

Lansing Area Episcopal Noisy Offerings

Projects (LAEP) By The Rev. Deacon William Fineout

By The Rev. Deacon William Fineout
Representatives of the Lansing area Episcopal churches
met in September to share and plan mutual ministry for
this year. We have voted to continue the SILS collections
for Child and Family Services as outreach projects at
each church, with churches signing up for specific months.
We are supporting and exploring combined youth minis-
try project and activities; noting that young people from
at least four churches joined together for the Crop Walk.
LAEP is also exploring a joint Holy Eucharist being
planned for July of this summer.
The next LAEP meeting is scheduled for Monday, Novem-
ber 16, at 7 p.m., at St. Paul’s. The church has only one
lay representative to LAEP at this time. Please consider
being one of our reps to the other area churches.
On the first Sunday of the month during family wor-
ship, our children will be taking up a “noisy” collec-
tion for a specific outreach project. This month they
are again collecting for the Heifer Project to fill an
ark. Just before the regular offering, they will pass
among you with silver buckets for your loose change.
Please “clank and clink” your coins into those buckets
for their collection. This will be the children’s third
collection, the first one at Vacation Bible School and
the second on the first Sunday in October.

Page 8
ACTION of Greater Lansing
By The Very Rev. Dr. Gordon F. Weller
Some have wondered "What happened to ACTION? We heard
lots during the last three years, but all of a sudden, nothing!"
ACTION is going through a reorganization period. In July 2009,
Val Hart, our paid organizer, moved on to another job. In so many
ways she was the heart and soul of ACTION, and her departure
has forced us to look in other directions. One of the byproducts of
the slowing Lansing economy is that the fund raising needed to pro-
vide a salary for an organizer has fallen short and we could not
hire another organizer until our financial condition improved. In our
first several meetings since Val's leaving, one thing was very clear:
we ARE committed to a Justice Ministry and we will have a project
this year. But, we will have to do this ministry in a different way.
That is where we find ourselves at this moment. I will have some-
thing in the SPN each month telling of our progress. Meanwhile,
keep ACTION in your prayers. Also, seek to do and promote justice
in your lives. To do justice is to do the will of God.
A Different View of
Mackinac Island
By Kathleen Johnson, Office Manager
I was fortunate enough to get a different view of Mackinac Island
when the staff joined the clergy at The Grand Hotel on October 4,
5, and 6 before the AMEN Clergy Conference. I have been going
to Mackinac since I was a toddler, explored about every place
possible and love the Island. The one place I was never that inter-
ested in was The Grand Hotel; I always thought of it as a place
where “old” people went. Remember, the big advertising about the
Grand Hotel relates to the biggest porch in the world with rocking
chairs. Therefore, it never quite appealed to me while I was grow-
ing up and that feeling continued on, especially when they started
charging $10 just to walk on the porch. But now, I’m able to admit
that I’m either old or mature enough to recognize the significance
of the Grand Hotel to Mackinac Island and the state of Michigan.
It has a view that defines Michigan – great lakes, great natural
beauty, great history, and great people. Our stay at the Grand
Hotel was indeed grand. We explored all areas of the hotel (even
seeing some of the “named rooms” by making friends with the hotel
staff) and the grounds which still had an abundance of colorful
flowers and foliage. The meals, dining room, and hotel service
were superb. And, yes, partaking in a stroll along the longest porch
(Continued on page 12)
Page 9
The McCullough
Windows
By Jean Shawver
We find these windows on the high sides of
the nave on either side of the church. They
are in the position known as the clerestory
windows. They shed more light into the church
from above. These windows are a memorial
to Dan Dana McCullough, and were given by
his parents Colonel Jay Charles and Janet
McCullough. The nave is fully illuminated by
these windows. The windows honor the holy
men and prophets of the Old Testament who
preceded Christ and made ready the way
for Him. Each window bears the symbol and
name of the Old Testament character. (From
the St. Paul's Fine Arts Guide.)
Gathering on
Mackinac Island
By The Very Rev. Dr. Gordon F. Weller
On October 6-8, 2009, Episcopal clergy
from all over the state of Michigan gathered
on Mackinac Island at the Grand Hotel and
used the gathering for rest and relaxation as
well as to renew the acquaintances that are
often lost as we live and work in the four
different Dioceses that are the State of
Michigan. The opportunity to do this is the
result of the generosity of Dan and Amelia
Musser, who are Episcopalians and residents
of Lansing. They offer their facility at a much
reduced rate and make sure the accommo-
dations are first rate. This year, the staff of
St. Paul's also took the opportunity to enjoy
the Grand and hold a staff meeting over a
sumptuous dinner. We all, clergy and staff,
thank you for giving us the time to attend
and thank the Musser's for their generosity.
Comings & Goings
By Martie Repaskey, Sr. Warden
We have noted and observed many new faces at St. Paul’s, on Sunday mornings. Many of the Burmese families continue
to worship with us and have enjoyed times of fellowship during the coffee hour following the 10 a.m. service. We continue
to honor these newcomers with a warm welcome, and we look forward to getting better acquainted!
Other visitors to St. Paul’s are encouraged to check in at the Welcome Table in the cloister, following the 10 a.m. service.
Further information about St. Paul’s can be found there, along with a friendly person who can answer questions about this
congregation and how to become a member.
On a sadder note, we bid a fond farewell to our long-time parishioner and friend Earl Bowland. Earl has been an active
member of St. Paul’s for almost 40 years, and he is moving permanently to Cape Coral, Florida. Earl states that he was a
“young newcomer” when Steve Lange was a “young newcomer!” It took Earl no time at all to join the Chancel Choir and
share his fine baritone voice with the congregation. During these years, Earl has served on St. Paul’s vestry twice, the sec-
ond time as our Senior Warden. Earl says that he has really enjoyed the worship and fellowship at St. Paul’s over all
these years, and he appreciates the opportunities he has had to contribute to the well-being of our congregation. He pre-
dicts that he will be traveling back to the Lansing area occasionally, so we hope to see him when he is in town. Earl’s per-
manent address is 4022 S.W. 29th Ave., Cape Coral, FL 33914. He will be attending St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Ft.
Myers and will undoubtedly make a difference in that parish in the years to come! We will miss you, Earl!

Blessing of the Beasts

Page 10
 St. Paul’s Blood Drive

Long-time parishioners relaxing and reviving after donating blood New member Jeanne Tippett
and daughter Hanna

Youth Group Walks Against Hunger

By Barb Heany
St. Paul's Youth Group may have experienced the agony of "da-feet" on October 11 after walking 10k for the 33rd
Annual Greater Lansing Crop Walk, but they also experienced the spirit of triumph after making their response to
overcome poverty. Joining in the Walk was St. Katherine’s Father Byrd and Peter Ecklund. Thanks to your generous
support, they were able to raise over $1,000 for Church World Services, an agency that fights to eradicate hunger
and poverty and promotes peace and justice around the world, with 25 percent staying right here in our own commu-
nity to aid hunger-fighting agencies, such as Greater Lansing Food Bank, Lansing Rescue Mission and Advent House.
The youth group would like to graciously thank all of you for your prayers and for supporting them throughout this im-
portant outreach project. For more details on CWS, go to http://www.churchworldservice.org.

Page 11
(Continued from, Ready or Not, page 1)

the season and how meaningless much of it has all become, specifically plan for the things that are the most meaningful
and have the greatest spiritual impact. Intentionally leave out some of those things that are meaningless secular obli-
gations. Make dinners special family times with Advent wreaths or Jesse Tree celebrations. We have provided a lot of
these activities over the last few years, so reuse them. If you don't know what I'm talking about, come see me. We have
several of these spiritual tools left from preceding years. When you consult that calendar on November 1, consider
intentionally omitting some of those things that have lost their luster or are a drudge. In other words, specifically plan
ways to keep the spiritual aspect of Christmas before the commercial.
In the same way, plan for a more intentional 12 days of Christmas. Hold some gifts back until the sixth or ninth days of
Christmas. If you have the courage, hold the suspense for the children and adults as well by leaving one present under
the tree until Twelfth Night, the last day of the Christmas season (January 5). Plan on attending and bringing the chil-
dren to the Epiphany Service on January 6. In some parts of the world, epiphany is more important than Christmas.
Plan now to make this Christmas one that will be remembered for the reason it was intended: "Peace" on Earth.

(Continued from, “Community of Faith” page 1)

and informative. We have read and interpreted scripture with respect to our common Christianity. We have consid-
ered our needs and our thankfulness through the writing of group prayer. Helpful ideas have sprung forth. St. Paul’s
overall ministry—our corporate worship, pastoral care, youth programming, the music ministry, our parish life, Christian
education, our mission and outreach—has been affirmed over and over again by those participating in these small
home gatherings.
Jesus’ intention for us was to be together in our faith in such circles of friends. The early Church was founded in the
homes of its founders. Perhaps our present experiences may provide us with a glimpse of how we may support the
development of our fellowship with each other as we share the Gospel. This could be advanced via study groups, din-
ner groups, mothers’ groups, support groups….circles of friends!

(Continued from, “A Different View” page 9)

in the world and rocking away to a sunset or in the light of the moon was indeed grand. Many pictures were taken to
be shared with our St. Paul’s family. Please check them out on St. Paul’s website, www.stpaulslansing.org.
By far, the greatest view I now have of Mackinac Island, is of Fr. Weller’s thoughtfulness. The staff knows he appreci-
ates us but for him to get special permission from the Bishop to include us in the clergy’s “Grand” getaway was a won-
derful thing to do. St. Paul’s is a place where everyone that comes through the doors has the opportunity to enjoy a
great view and become part of a caring family. I feel blessed to be someone that walked through St. Paul’s doors.
The staff thanks Fr. Weller and his diligence in getting us to Mackinac Island. We’ll also try not to bug him at every
staff meeting about going to the Grand Hotel, at least until 2011 when the next conference comes up!
P.S. – If you go to the Grand Hotel, ask for Room 318.

Page 12
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St. Paul's Episcopal Church

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Phone: 517-482-9454
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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
Dr. Stephen R. Lange, Minister of Music
The Rev. Deacon William H. Fineout
Ms. Mary Rodeck, Assistant Minister of Music
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