Reflections of Father David

Sacred Space

I am really blessed in that I can, throughout the day, go into the sanctuary to pray. Sometimes I kneel at the Altar rail (usually on the left side of the gate), quiet down, focus on the Sanctuary candle or the crucifix, enter into God’s holy presence and pray. Just now I did that praying for someone who lost their job and asked for prayers, and for another person who requested that I pray for a friend of theirs who died unexpectedly.

Other times I enter into the Sanctuary, turn on the light behind my chair and sit, or pray, or meditate, or read, or simply wait on God. I may be there for only five minutes to find that space of quietness before entering into the busy work of my day. I may be there to gain strength before having to do something potentially unpleasant. Or I may be in my chair for almost a hour, simply resting in God’s presence.

Sometimes I enter the worship space to go to the Sacristy, to put something on my prie-dieu (the official name for the wooden kneeler in front of my chair), to stop by Kathy Huebner’s office, or to pick up something left from Sunday. At these times I may only be in the church for a few minutes. Even so, I stop, give a slight bow to acknowledge the presence of Christ in the room, give a word of greeting or prayer and continue on my way. I know and feel that God is present. I would never enter or leave without respectfully acknowledging that presence.

For approaching 50 years now, prayers have been offered in our church building. They have been prayers of joy, sorrow, hope, despair, fear, and the list goes on and on. These prayers have been the prayers of the gathered community of St. David’s, and they have been the prayers of her individual members, who are never alone for God is always present.

As a result of these constant prayers and worship, there is a definite feeling of sacred holiness in the sanctuary. When you walk in, you can physically feel God’s presence like a mantle on your shoulders. You feel this is a place of meeting, a safe place, a place of rest and healing.

It is not overpowering like the scent of cheap perfume or cologne. It is more like the feeling of a fresh gentle breeze on a hot, humid, still afternoon. To experience it, you must first expect it and be attuned to its presence. If we are too busy carrying on a conversation with the person next to us, we cannot experience this wonderful feeling. Worse, in our loud conversation, we may prevent someone who desperately needs that feeling and quiet from experiencing it.

We are very fortunate to have wonderful gathering spaces in the Narthex and Great Hall. Most Sundays the 8 am community starts gathering at 7:30 for a time of coffee and conversation in the Great Hall before the start of worship. They use the half hour to check in and socialize. They visit with each other, then quietly enter the church to visit with God. Prior to the 10:30 service, many people gather in the Narthex and the Great Hall to do the same. Everyone should come early, visit and catch up on the news, then move quietly into worship. It will make all the difference in your ability to feel the presence of God.

May God always bless and keep you.

With deepest affection,
Fr. David

1. Reflections of Father David
2. Happenings in the Music Program
3. Outreach Activities / Programs
4. EFT Offering
5. Parish Work Bee
6. Small Groups
7. Marmalades Chair
8. Easter Flowers
9. Community Garden
10. Rivers of Grace
11. United Thank Offering
12. Prayers
13. Bishop Robert Gepert set to resign in summer 2013

Reflections of Father David

Sacred Space

I am really blessed in that I can, throughout the day, go into the sanctuary to pray. Sometimes I kneel at the Altar rail (usually on the left side of the gate), quiet down, focus on the Sanctuary candle or the crucifix, enter into God’s holy presence and pray. Just now I did that praying for someone who lost their job and asked for prayers, and for another person who requested that I pray for a friend of theirs who died unexpectedly.

Other times I enter into the Sanctuary, turn on the light behind my chair and sit, or pray, or meditate, or read, or simply wait on God. I may be there for only five minutes to find that space of quietness before entering into the busy work of my day. I may be there to gain strength before having to do something potentially unpleasant. Or I may be in my chair for almost a hour, simply resting in God’s presence.

Sometimes I enter the worship space to go to the Sacristy, to put something on my prie-dieu (the official name for the wooden kneeler in front of my chair), to stop by Kathy Huebner’s office, or to pick up something left from Sunday. At these times I may only be in the church for a few minutes. Even so, I stop, give a slight bow to acknowledge the presence of Christ in the room, give a word of greeting or prayer and continue on my way. I know and feel that God is present. I would never enter or leave without respectfully acknowledging that presence.

For approaching 50 years now, prayers have been offered in our church building. They have been prayers of joy, sorrow, hope, despair, fear, and the list goes on and on. These prayers have been the prayers of the gathered community of St. David’s, and they have been the prayers of her individual members, who are never alone for God is always present.

As a result of these constant prayers and worship, there is a definite feeling of sacred holiness in the sanctuary. When you walk in, you can physically feel God’s presence like a mantle on your shoulders. You feel this is a place of meeting, a safe place, a place of rest and healing.

It is not overpowering like the scent of cheap perfume or cologne. It is more like the feeling of a fresh gentle breeze on a hot, humid, still afternoon. To experience it, you must first expect it and be attuned to its presence. If we are too busy carrying on a conversation with the person next to us, we cannot experience this wonderful feeling. Worse, in our loud conversation, we may prevent someone who desperately needs that feeling and quiet from experiencing it.

We are very fortunate to have wonderful gathering spaces in the Narthex and Great Hall. Most Sundays the 8 am community starts gathering at 7:30 for a time of coffee and conversation in the Great Hall before the start of worship. They use the half hour to check in and socialize. They visit with each other, then quietly enter the church to visit with God. Prior to the 10:30 service, many people gather in the Narthex and the Great Hall to do the same. Everyone should come early, visit and catch up on the news, then move quietly into worship. It will make all the difference in your ability to feel the presence of God.

May God always bless and keep you.

With deepest affection,
Fr. David

Happenings in the Music Program

The first summer I was at St. David’s the church purchased the supplemental hymnal Lift Every Voice and Sing II (LEVAS), published by the Episcopal Church. We sing out of this hymnal about once every two or three weeks. As I write this note, we are in the season of Easter. (May 27th Pentecost begins.) A favorite Easter hymn from LEVAS, written by William & Gloria Gather, is Because He Lives. This song speaks to us today.

Gloria shared: “When Bill and I started our family in the 60’s, racial tensions were tearing the country apart. Civil rights activists had suffered and some had been killed. The Vietnam conflict was claiming thousands of lives, and tensions boiled over on university campuses. Many young people were growing disillusioned and ‘dropping out’. In this climate Bill and I sought to write songs with lasting answers to the turmoil of the human spirit. But in the fall of 1969 several things happened to test the reality of our own convictions. We were going to have another baby which was quite soon after our last one. Also, Bill contracted mononucleosis, which left him exhausted and depressed. The combination of national and personal trouble discouraged us and we asked each other,” If the world is like this now what will it be in fifteen or sixteen years for our baby? What will this child face?” While praying about these things, we came to realize anew that our courage doesn’t come from a stable world, for the world has never been stable. Jesus himself was born in the cruelest of times. No, we have babies, raise families, and risk living because the Resurrection is true. A few weeks after Benjamin was born, our song Because He Lives poured from our souls!”

God sent His Son, they called him Jesus. He came to love, heal and forgive. He lived and died to buy my pardon. An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives!

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow; Because He lives, all fear is gone; Because I know He holds the future, and life is worth the living just because He lives.

How sweet to hold a newborn baby, and feel the pride and joy he gives; But greater still the calm assurance this child can face uncertain days because He lives.

And then one day I’ll cross that river. I’ll fight life’s final war with pain. And then as death gives way to victory, I’ll see the lights of glory and I’ll know He lives.

Happy Rest-of-Easter Season!

MAY MUSIC AGENDA

3rd:Last Bell rehearsal for the season

6th: Handbells play Faith of Our Fathers; Rich Magee- solo, children practice after worship

10th: music committee mtg. 8pm- planning for summer worship and 50th Anniv. Celebration

13th: Adult choir –Give Thanks, women-The Gift of Love; children practice after worship

17th: Last adult choir rehearsal

20th: Children’s choir sings at worship, Adult choir sings He Is Our King

27th: Pentecost /Memorial Day Wknd.

June 7th: Thursday 6pm – All music people and their families are invited to picnic at Kathy’s home. Potluck- Sloppy Jo’s provided.

June 10th: Adrianne Fleming –guest soloist (2012 HS graduate)

Other activities:

May 18 & 19th The Lansing Women’s Choral -Sistrum presents their Spring Concert at Dart Auditorium at LCC (Kerry Chapin- member)

May 20th The Steiner Choral will hold their Spring Concert at (Nancy Pike& Jennifer Cronkite –members)

Blessings,
KathyHuebner,Music Director

Thank you and Blessings,
KathyHuebner,Music Director

Outreach Activities / Programs

Upcoming ECW Events

Next Crafting days – May 19 & June 16, 2012

MONTHLY BREAKFAST

Carey Draeger continues to cook up breakfast between the two Sunday services the third Sunday of the month to raise money for Outreach projects. So, if you are hungry after the 8am service stay and have breakfast. If you can arrive at church before 10am, have breakfast before attending the second service. The cost is $5 and goes from 9am to 10am.

Bon’ Appétit!

Help Fill the Barrel

Your Outreach Committee will once again be collecting nonperishable food items for the Lansing Rescue Mission. The food will be collected on the last Sunday of each month.
Food items can be placed in the large yellow barrel in the Narthex. You do not need to wait until the last of the month to drop off items. Donations may be left throughout the month. So please help fill the barrel and feed the hungry in the Lansing area.
Please participate and share your good fortune with those less
fortunate.

Thank you.

EFT Offering

EFT Offering

The vestry is exploring the option of providing electronic fund transfer (EFT) offering at the request of congregation members who have expressed an interest in it. Briefly, EFT is a form of direct fund transfer from an individual’s checking or savings account to the recipient of the funds, in this case, St. David’s. Instead of writing your weekly or monthly offering check and mailing it or bringing it with you to church, your predesignated offering is directly transferred from your account to the church account according to the schedule you designate. You can still make additional plate offerings or change the amount of your regular pledge, if desired, and you will receive your annual statement of giving the same as now. Before vestry can proceed further, we need to get a better idea of how many households are really interested in using this option if we make it available. Please contact me by May 30 at church, by email, or phone with questions or to express your interest in having this service available.

Contact Gail Donovan Sr. Warden

Parish Work Bee

We have scheduled an All-Parish WORK BEE to be held on Sat., June 2, beginning at 9:00 am.Please plan to come and help beautify our facilities & grounds.indoor & outdoor projects are planned.will be provided.Plan to bring, shovels, hedge trimmers,brooms, work gloves, etc.

For more information see Gary Mugnolo, Vestry B&G

Small Groups

By: Gretchen Smith

Could Small Groups Bring In New Members to St. David’s?

Recently, I had the good fortune to visit St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Mt. Pleasant, SC. It is an old church that has added a new addition, and has 500 regularly attended services throughout the week. They have both traditional and contemporary services, and they’re proud of the rich diversity of their membership, from long-time members to new members, both singles and young families.

I talked with both priests, and they told me the secret to their growing membership is “small groups” that meet outside of Sunday worship. The groups are 12-16 in size, and they cater to almost any interest. The “Small Group” concept was born out of Cursillo. They have more than 50 “small groups” that meet on a regular basis, some at the church, but most in members’ homes or meeting spaces that fit the needs of each group.

The “small group” concept is based on the disciples whom Jesus sent out to speak to those who had not yet heard the “good news” of Christ’s death and resurrection for our sins. Episcopalians are not the best evangelizers.

However, St. Andrew’s found that when small groups met, they began to know more about those in their group than they would ever learn in coffee hour. Collectively, their faith deepened, and however the group was organized, there was a base of prayer, sharing of scripture, conversation, and outreach. Regular members were empowered by the church leadership to step out in faith and lead in new and exciting ways. The bonds of the small groups brought people back to church services to witness and share their experiences with others.

St David’s already has a few small groups that meet regularly:

• The Crafters’ Group
• Promise Keepers
• Order of St. Luke
• St. David’s youth group among others…

St. Andrew’s has groups that organize around expressed needs:

• An ongoing book study group
• A group devoted to discussing particular chapters of the Bible.
• Potlucks that meet for fellowship, prayer, sharing and outreach
• Young parents that want to understand how to raise children in a Christian home
• Mid-lifers trying to find balance in their schedules
• Groups organized around discussing sports from a Christian perspective<
• Young Adventurers: those interested in walking Christ’s path by working with neighborhood youth, at-risk individuals, those who seem to have lost their way.

I could go on listing the various groups, but the interesting thing is when people meet in small groups, they are much more likely to encounter Christ in unexpected ways, and to invite friends to a small group, which often leads to asking the their friends to come to church on Sunday.

The “small group” concept does not exclude long-time members. In fact, they often become the focus of a ministry, or God opens the door for a new leadership opportunity. ”Small groups” can be a channel outside of Sunday worship that introduces them to the church by first building bonds of trust and sharing with friends.

We are at a pivotal juncture in St. David’s future as a growing congregation. Might “small groups” be one way to begin that disciple journey? Share your ideas with you Vestry members:

• Fr. David Pike
• Rev. Carol Spangenberg
• Gail Donovan
• Gary Mugnolo
• Gretchen Smith
• Jason Gentry
• Dave Byers
• Bill Paff
• Michelle Ridley
• Craig Leinbach
• John Runcie

Marmalades Chair

Have you checked out John Winter’s really sharp new black Mustang? I saw it today in the church parking lot. Carol Abbott did not get to drive it up to Diocesan Convention where she was a Delegate from St. David’s.

It is great having Bill and Nancy Adams back from their winter in Florida. They jumped right in by helping with the Food Baskets.

Jay and Gloria Bastian continue to heal from winter problems. It is great having them back in church on Sunday.

Mike and Deb Benoit continue to thank everyone for their support and prayers as Mike continues his chemo for cancer.

Pearl Brooks is home after a wonderful trip with a friend.

Norma Bunday continues to do well and loves company. Stop by in the afternoon for a visit!

Continue to keep Nancy Burns friend Janet in your prayers for her health.

Karen Burt continues to struggle with medical issues and appreciates your prayers. It’s been good to see her in church again lately.

Keep Mary Buzzie in your prayers as she deals with medical issues.

Keep Ted and Anne Cannell in your prayers as Anne continues to recover from a stay in Sparrow. She is in the nursing home in Charlotte.

Keep John and Sarah Chapman in your prayers regarding the death of John’s sister Millie.

Kevin Cornell asks for prayers for a friends daughter, Megan, who is in ill health.

Madison Cote represented the Eastern Deanery at Diocesan Convention. Stephanie stayed in Traverse City to visit with her dad.

Jennifer and Neal Cronkite had a wonderful week long cruise over spring break. Neal’s parents were on the same cruise as well.

It is great having Bill and Peg Dodds back from their winter in Florida.

Gail Donovan continues to enjoy her Mondays with Eddie. Gail also represented St. David’s at Diocesan Convention and took care of the United Thank Offering table. Have you been putting your coins of thanksgiving in your blue box?

The office heard from Fr. Bill and Millie Ericson who are now in Springville, IL and will be there until fall. They have promised to come up to Lansing for a visit.

Please continue to keep Elida Gamboa’s daughter, Josie in your prays as her health continues to decline.

Our Diocesan convention delegates report that they saw Tom and Nancy George up in Traverse City and that they are doing well.

Fran Homer is in rehab in St. John’s. Keep Fran and Dick in your continued prayers.

Matt Koss ran in Lansing’s first ever marathon and half marathon. I think Matt ran the half marathon.

I hear Steve Leiby had his 60th birthday and it was a great day in every way.

Continue to keep Bill and Ruby McGee in your prayers.

Amy Mugnolo celebrated her 50th birthday by running Lansing’s First Marathon, half marathon, and 5 K. Amy ran her first half marathon. Even though it will irritate the pugs “You are the cat’s meow! Way to go! Are you going to do a full marathon now?”

It is great seeing Bob and Glennis Muncie in church so often thanks to their children.

It is great having Dick and Lorayne Otto back in church. They had a wonderful winter in Arizona and even got to see the cactus bloom.

Fr. David had a great birthday and thanks everyone for the cards and best wishes.

Keep Bob and Pauline Solomon in your prayers. Bob continues to need more help with every day activities and Pauline is in rehab from her fall breaking her nose, arm and knee.

Barb Van Dyke was in Traverse City as a Diocesan Convention Delegate.
Meow !

Easter Flowers

Easter Flowers were given to the Glory of God by the following!

Janet Allemen Trumbull in loving memory of George

Dave & Janie Byers in memory of Margaret Byers, Lloyd & Deloris Pinkston

Don & Bethany Hartwick, Mark & Sara McAnally in memory of Glen & Thelma Beadle, Neill Penney, Mike McAnally

Nancy Hilgendorf in memory of Fred Hilgendorf

Edie & Bob Nordlund in honor of Corinne and Max

John & Sarah Chapman in thanksgiving

The Gentry Family in memory of Junior Gentry

John Winters & Carol Abbott in memory of our parents, Orlo & Eva Abbott and John & Jane Winters

Donna Graves in memory of Gerry Graves and Rosemary Mugnolo

Aaron & Sharon Phipps in memory of Irene & Irving Froeligh

Dave & Carol Spangenberg

Edith Cole in memory of Kenneth Cole

Dick & Carol Schmidt in memory of Fred, Lecie & David Schmidt and Russell & Ethel Dunckel

Dick & Lorayne Otto

Charles & Louise Henley

Dan Durbin

Bob & Glennis Muncie in memory of loved ones

Steve & Maria Leiby in honor of Jay, our Easter gift

JoAnn Bell in memory of David Bell

Bill & Kay Paff in memory of our loved ones.

Matt & Sarah Koss in memory of Edward & Kathleen Taber and William & Violet Mitchell

Lar Carey in memory of Laurence & Nina Carey and other loved ones.

Nancy Howard in memory of Frank Howard

Ed & Mary Lou Vandermoere in memory of family

Jean Dooley in memory of Jim Dooley, Judy Waltz, daughter, Kevin & Sherrie, grandchildren & parents.

Gail Donovan, Patricia & Paul Raschke in memory of Blanche & Dudley Millard and Judy Raschke

Bob Nostrant in memory of Shirley, Fay, Chuck, Little Gordy and my parents

Lore Tuttle-Strong in memory of James Tuttle and Edward Strong

Gretchen Smith in memory of Joan & Bob Claude and Elma Valentine

Fr. David & Nancy in thanksgiving for our many blessings.

Faris & Carlene Howrani in loving memory of parents and grandparents
April altar flowers were given to the Glory of God by the following people:

April 22: Andi Fitton & Kerry Chapin,
In memory of mom’s birthday

April 29: Cindy Price

Community Garden

We have an opportunity for 2 -3 families to maintain small garden plots in our Community Garden (located behind our parking lot). This garden was created last spring and turned out to be too large for Carey Draeger to maintain. The Vestry has decided to break up the garden into 2-3 smaller plots for parishioners to grow their favorite garden vegetables. People who use the garden will be responsible for weeding & maintaining their own plot. If you are interested or have questions, please see or contact Gary Mugnolo.

Rivers of Grace

Healing Conference

A Healing Prayer Conference Featuring
Rev. Mike Endicott
May 18-19, 2012
St. John’s Episcopal Church
110 S. Clay St. Sturgis, MI

The Rev. Mike Endicott is the founder and current leader of the Order of Jacob’s Well, Wales, UK. The Order of Jacob’s Well was founded by a group of lay and ordained Christians involved in the Christian healing ministry.

At the heart of the Christian Gospel is a message about wholeness and healing in Christ. At the start of the 1990’s, Mike Endicott was aware of this and equally aware of the lack of connection being made between the Gospel message of healing and the very many people who were searching for healing in their own lives. Together with a few others, Mike began to open his house to people for prayer. They saw results and were greatly encouraged. Gradually he has extended his ministry with greater knowledge and experience. This has fed into a growing teaching ministry, both in the UK and abroad.

The Healing Ministry of St. John’s and the OSL Chapter in Southfield are co-sponsoring this healing conference with Mike Endicott at St. John’s May 18 and 19. The conference begins at 7pm on the 18th and continues from 9am through the early evening of May 19. There are four teaching sessions and many opportunities to receive the-laying-on-of-hands and prayers for healing.
To register, please call (269) 651-5811 or email secretary@stjohnssturgis.org or visit their website at www.stjohnssturgis.org . The cost is $20 for the conference and this includes lunch on Saturday. St. David’s/Greater Lansing Chapter of OSL is making limiter funds available to help defray costs for those attending from this area. Please contact Jerry Williams or John Post for further information.

United Thank Offering

In my Annual Meeting report for UTO I said I was going to try and note each day what I was thankful for. I’ve had good success making a mental note of each day’s blessings, but only mediocre with getting them on paper. The good news is, its never to late to recommit so I’m going to try and improve my record starting today. Did any of you take up the challenge and how have you done?

We’ve certainly had a lot to be thankful for so far this year. The mild winter has been nice if you’re not much into snow. The spring flowers have been beautiful and lasted longer than usual. We are in the middle of Easter season. I can’t think of anything greater than Christ’s Resurrection to be thankful for. Its appropriate, therefore, that Ascension Day, May 20, and the following Sunday, Pentecost, are traditionally the designated Sundays for the spring United Thank Offering ingathering. The offering is a joyful witness to Christ’s presence within us by sharing our blessings; a reverent and thoughtful giving of thanks to God; the forming of loving bonds that unite us into one community in Christ. UTO is a commitment to prayer and thanksgiving. We offer ourselves to be faithful servants, to love justice, to do mercy, to empower and enable people everywhere to witness and proclaim the grace of God.

There are several ways to make a United Thank Offering. Blue UTO envelopes are available in the pew racks. If you elect to use a white pew envelope, be certain the front is clearly labeled “UTO”. You may also place your UTO collection box in the offering place. For your convenience, new collection boxes are available on the table in the Narthex. Further information about United Thank Offering is available in the Great Hall tract rack, just inside the double doors, or by contacting me after services, or by email here

Prayers

Prayer for the Search-Transition Teams of the Diocese of Western Michigan

Almighty God, give wisdom and understanding to the members of the Episcopal Search and Transition Teams that they may walk in your way, be open to your Spirit and diligently seek the one who will lead us with vision and speak your truth of love and justice in this diocese. Renew our strength in the baptismal ministries to which you call us and bless us in our common mission to build up your Church and glorify you in all things, in all ways. Amen

Prayer of the members of the Diocese of Western Michigan

Gracious God, Great Shepherd of your people, may we seek your wisdom as we listen for your voice among many voices. May we imagine boldly, pray unceasingly and act to be the community that you would have us be. May we be strengthened by our companionship with one another and by your presence in our deliberations and decision–making. May you bless the labors of those who seek our next bishop who will lead us with vigor and vision; and in this discernment may we all be encouraged in discipleship in Christ for the good of your people throughout Western Michigan. Amen

Bishop Robert Gepert set to resign in summer 2013

The Rt. Rev. Robert R. Gepert, VIII Bishop of Western Michigan has announced that he will resign his position as Diocesan in the summer of 2013 due to “advanced age”. He wants to make clear that Bishops and Clergy never really retire; they simply resign the position they hold and that “advanced age” was the only category that fit when letting the Presiding Bishop know of his intentions.

Here are some facts and dates.

The Rev. Dr. Robert Schiesler, Chair of the Diocesan Standing Committee and the seven additional members who serve the Standing Committee will be in charge of the Diocese once Bishop Gepert resigns and prior to our new Bishop’s arrival.

The Standing Committee has called a 12 member Search Team as well as a 12 member Transition Team. These teams are made up of members of each deanery. There is a lay woman who will be their chaplain. The names of the Search and Transition Teams can be found on the Diocesan website at www.edwm.org .

The Search Team will seek data from the diocesan membership and develop a profile. Materials will be sent (Oct – Nov 2012) out and names then received for nominations. They will interview the nominations ( Dec 2012 – Mar 2013) and eventually put forth (Mar. 15, 2013) 3 – 5 candidates for the Diocese to select from.

The Transition Team will provide support Bishop Gepert’s continuing ministry, make and implement plans for the celebration of his ministry and his farewell party, plan the Diocesan “Walk About Tour” (May 2 – 5, 2013) plan the Electing Convention (May 18, 2013) in Grand Rapids, plan the Ordination and Consecration of the 9th Bishop of Western Michigan on September 28, 2013 with the Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, Chief Consecrator.

It is my understanding from the last three times I participated in this event, that members of the Congregation will be able to attend the Walk About and the Electing Convention. Depending on the venue for the Ordination and Consecration we may be allotted a number of seats or it may be open to anyone who wishes to attend.

New information will continue to be put forth on the Diocesan Webpage and will be put out from the parish office. Please keep the Bishop, the people on the Diocesan Teams, the people of the Diocese and those whose names will be submitted in your prayers.

Sunday, May 13 is designated St. David’s Annual Teddy Bear Sunday. If you have never participated in this event, we encourage you to do so. Please donate new stuffed animals (with tags attached) and place them on the table in the narthex. On May 13, during the 10:30 AM service, the children of St. David’s will bring the stuffed animals to the altar to be prayed over before they are donated to the Delta Township Fire Department. These stuffed animals serve as comfort items for children who may have been victims of a house fire, domestic abuse, automobile accident or other traumatic event. Firemen carry these items in their vehicles in order to have them on hand if a situation arises.

DIOCESAN MISSION OPPORTUNITIES

JOPLIN MISSION, APRIL 28 THROUGH MAY 5 Wind gusts of up to 200 mph destroyed 25% of the city and an additional 50% of Joplin was extensively damaged. Flattened were 7000 homes. The tornadoes length was 22 miles and cut a path a mile wide. Rebuilding homes will be the primary focus of this mission. Opportunities for work other than construction are also offered, including meal preparation, landscaping, beautification projects, yard work, and camp maintenance.

PINE RIDGE MISSION, AUGUST 10 THROUGH 17 This mission affords volunteers an immersion experience into the Lakota culture. Each day of the mission, tribal elders explore various aspects of the tribes heritage. Visitations will be scheduled to the Badlands and the Wounded Knee massacre site. Volunteers will also provide basic home repairs, helping tribal elders and the disabled. Many reservation homes are decades old trailers, lacking basic necessities, such as running water, indoor plumbing and electricity.

Sunday, April 1 – Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday
8:00 AM – Liturgy of Palms, Holy Eucharist, and Sermon.
10:30 AM – Liturgy of Palms, Festival Procession, Holy Eucharist, and Sermon

Wednesday, April 4
6:30 PM – Holy Eucharist in St. Non Chapel

Maundy Thursday, April 5
6:00 PM – Seder Supper begins; Holy Eucharist, Stripping of the Altar
8:00 PM – begin Vigil before the Altar of Repose

Good Friday, April 6
Vigil before Altar of Repose continues
11:30 AM – Rosary Service in St. Non Chapel
12:00 Noon – Good Friday Liturgy, Passion Gospel, Solemn Collects, and Communion from the Reserved Sacrament
7:00 PM – Community Service – Delta Presbyterian Church

Holy Saturday, April 7
7:00 PM – Great Vigil of Easter:
Lighting of the New Fire and Paschal Candle,
Vigil Readings, Renewal of Baptism, and the First Eucharist of Easter

Easter Sunday, April 8
8:00 AM – Festival Eucharist and Sermon
10:30 AM – Festival Eucharist and Sermon

Why Palm Sunday – Palm branches are mentioned in only one of the four Gospels (see John 12:12-15). So why do we call the first day of Holy Week Palm Sunday? Tradition plays an important part in church history. During Jesus’ time, Rome was the world’s leading power. Whenever the Romans were victorious in battle, citizens traditionally threw palm branches in the returning heroes’ path. This was the accepted custom of reception. So, when Jesus rode into Jerusalem, it was appropriate that he receive a hero’s welcome. One week after, he would be victorious over death.

Senior World Luncheon – The last St. David’s SENIOR WORLD LUNCHEON PROGRAM will be held on Thursday, April 12 at 11:30 AM in the Parish Hall. The program will be “The Easter Story in Easter Hymns”. Members of St. David’s are encouraged to attend! Bring a dish to pass and enjoy the fellowship, music, and program with our friends from five housing facilities and other locations. Contact John Post for information and/or reservations

We need volunteers to set up for the meal, folks to staff the kitchen and a group willing to serve as a cleanup crew. The sign-up sheets are on the table in the Narthex. If you have any questions, please contact Carey Draeger.

Maundy Thursday Seder Supper – Don’t forget to sign up today for our Annual Seder Supper. We will meet this Thursday at 6:00 PM in the Great Hall and share the same foods Jesus ate with his disciples in remembrance of the Jewish Passover. The cost is somewhere between $6-$8 per person. We simply take the cost and divide it by the number of people in attendance. If you have questions, see Fr. David.

Next Sunday, April 8 is Easter.

• Bring a flower for the Cross
• No Sunday School classes on Easter Sunday
• Easter egg hunt following 10:30 service.

During Lent our external worship space reflects our interior journey. It is the melding of two worlds – physical and spiritual. During Lent we are called to simplify and put aside, for the time being at least, those things that keep us from deepening our relationship with God.

Some people do this by giving up something. This represents a willingness to sacrifice something important to their lives. For some, giving up caffeine reminds them that they have become very dependent on something other than God. For others, giving up dessert, or wine, or smoking, or watching TV is what they offer to God for Lent.

During Lent other people take on something as a discipline of their interior journey. They spend additional time in prayer, reflection, and study, all in an attempt to draw closer to God. This is what I urge people to do on Ash Wednesday. “I invite you, therefore, in the name of the Church, to the observance of a holy Lent, by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and meditating on God’s holy Word.” BCP page 265.

Too often we give God short shrift. We give him what is left over of our day; we give Him second best. We don’t set out to do this. We have good intentions to begin every day in prayer and to spend more time in the presence of God, but somehow the day gets away from us and there is not enough time and suddenly all we can offer God is a few tired minutes at day’s end, or time crushed between appointments and events. Lent says to us, cut out the other stuff and give God the best, the first fruits of your time, attention and energies.

Take a few moments and think about all God has done for you, the many ways He has blessed you. Are you as generous with God as He has been to you? Chances are good the answer is no. Lent is a time to rectify that. God is waiting. He desires time spent with us. It may seem hard at first, perhaps even impossible. If you try, really try to observe a holy Lent as outlined above, by Holy Week you will find yourself a changed person wondering how you ever lived otherwise.

May God bless you this holy Lent and always.

With deepest affection,
Fr. David

The Singer by Calvin Miller

The above conversation takes place between the Singer (Jesus) and the Friendship Seller (Mary Magdalene) prior to her healing. This was her first encounter with the Lord and until then, the only love she knew was that taught by the World Hater (Satan). It was only after her encounter with Jesus, and her healing, that she really understood what true love was.

February is often referred to as the month of love. We see hearts everywhere, flower sales are at their highest, candy sales spike, Hallmark and other greeting card companies enjoy brisk sales. Valentine’s Day is a day set aside for telling those special people how much they are loved.

Love is one of the most powerful concepts in the human lexicon. People have gone to war in the name of love. People have died for love and died for a lack of love. Love has the power to heal and always leaves a lasting mark on those willing to give and receive it.

The life Jesus lived is a testament to the love of God. The parables Jesus taught, the healings he performed, the lives he changed, all clearly express how much God loves everyone in his creation. The ultimate example of God’s love was the willingness of Jesus to die on the cross and God raising Christ so that we might have eternal life in his presence.

We can never love to the extreme depths that God does, but we can learn from the examples set forth in Scripture. In the name of love, we can reach out and have a profound effect on the lives of others. The more we love, the more we discover how much we are loved. The more we give, the more we receive.

May God richly bless you with His everlasting love.

1. Reflections of Father David
2. Outreach News
3. Music Happenings
4. ECW News
5. Pancake Supper
6. Bits & Pieces
7. Prayer Chain
8. Parenting Challenge
9. January Flowers
10. Push
11. Submit your news articles

Reflections of Father David

He met a woman in the street. She leaned against an open door and sang through her half-parted lips a song that he could barely hear. He knew her friendship was for hire. She was without a doubt a study in desire. Her hair fell free around her shoulders. And intrigue played upon her lips. “Are you betrothed?” she asked. “No, only loved,” he answered. “And do you pay for love?” she asked. “No, but I owe it everything.” he replied.

The Singer by Calvin Miller

The above conversation takes place between the Singer (Jesus) and the Friendship Seller (Mary Magdalene) prior to her healing. This was her first encounter with the Lord and until then, the only love she knew was that taught by the World Hater (Satan). It was only after her encounter with Jesus, and her healing, that she really understood what true love was.

February is often referred to as the month of love. We see hearts everywhere, flower sales are at their highest, candy sales spike, Hallmark and other greeting card companies enjoy brisk sales. Valentine’s Day is a day set aside for telling those special people how much they are loved.

Love is one of the most powerful concepts in the human lexicon. People have gone to war in the name of love. People have died for love and died for a lack of love. Love has the power to heal and always leaves a lasting mark on those willing to give and receive it.

The life Jesus lived is a testament to the love of God. The parables Jesus taught, the healings he performed, the lives he changed, all clearly express how much God loves everyone in his creation. The ultimate example of God’s love was the willingness of Jesus to die on the cross and God raising Christ so that we might have eternal life in his presence.

We can never love to the extreme depths that God does, but we can learn from the examples set forth in Scripture. In the name of love, we can reach out and have a profound effect on the lives of others. The more we love, the more we discover how much we are loved. The more we give, the more we receive.

May God richly bless you with His everlasting love.

With deepest affection,
Fr. David

Outreach News

The “Hat and Mitten Tree” is up and ready for donations. The tree is located in the Great Hall.

Donations of hats, mittens, gloves, scarves, socks, fleece throws, any kind of warm winter clothing, will be accepted. All donations will be taken to the Lansing Rescue Mission.
Please help those less fortunate this winter and make it a warm one for them. Many thanks in advance from your Outreach Committee.

Other Outreach

Submitted by Carol Abbott

I want to thank those people who participated in the Samaritan’s Purse Christmas Shoe Boxes. We had 19 shoeboxes turned in. As soon as I hear from Samaritan’s Purse, I will let you know where our boxes went.

We also provided many school supplies for the mission location in Kentucky. I took five large boxes to Grand Rapids last summer consisting of:

3 pack of primary school paper, 10 packs of wide rule paper, 14 packs of college rule paper, 18 2 pocket folders, 11 composition notebooks, 126 pencils, 28 various size boxes of crayons, 54 glue sticks, 1 package of dry erase markers, 85 cap erasers, 34 pick erasers, 16 rulers, 9 pair scissors, 2 deodorant sticks, 16 hand sanitizer bottles, 8 pencil boxes, 7 reams of copy paper, 8 glue bottles, 7 packs of colored pencils, 7 packs of tissues, 2 calculators, 4 rolls paper towels, 247 pens, 15 spiral notebooks, 17 three ring binders, 2 packs graph paper, 6 packs 3×5 cards, 2 pencils sharpeners, 4 packs markers, and 3 backpacks. WOW!!!! Thank you so much.

This year when I go to Pine Ridge in August, I would like to take goods needed. I will check with Pine Ridge in July, and let you know. Often they need twin sheets and blankets.

It is heart-warming to know that whenever there is a need, St. David’s people are so willing to help. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!

Lansing Area Episcopal Projects

I still represent St. David’s at Lansing Area Episcopal Projects (LAEP) which consists of the parishes of St. David’s, St. Paul’s, St. Michael’s, All Saints, St. Katherine’s, and Canterbury MSU. This group has coordinated the donation of goods for the Supervised Independent Living Service (Foster Child aging out). The State has recently adopted a new program that will support these children while they are still in school. Details of this have yet to be worked out. Funding provided to Child and Family Services for the SILS program has been cut however. At this point, further needs are unknown. I will be sure to inform you if we need to gather goods again. Many thanks to all who have so graciously helped with this program.

LAEP has also tried to get some joint social get-togethers going for Lansing Area Episcopalians. The youth leaders are working on this also, having done roller skating and laser tag. Families did a Lugnuts game together last August.

If you have any ideas for get-togethers or service projects, please let me know.

Carol Abbott

Music Happenings

When I choose music to play or to lead the choirs,I like to select from a variety of styles . When I started as music director two years ago,I was asked to incorporate some more contemporary pieces of music into worship. I was also asked if the guitar and praise songs for communion suited me. I said yes, very much so. My sons started me in with praise songs twenty years ago when they started college and were involved with the Christian College gatherings. Both my sons were on the praise team playing guitars and singing, and when they visited me they would share the latest music with me. My son, who never sang in public prior to this, would sing for me in his sweet voice and I came to love these songs of faith and hope. I was also asked to start a children’s choir which I enjoy as well. The children are learning songs from our Christian faith and are gaining strength. They have no problem standing up front and singing for their church family.

I enjoy my time with the hand bell choir, we have lots of fun together. I also enjoy the time I give playing for the folks who come to the Senior World Program. The music program is growing and we may need more bells this year, or some chimes. In any event we continue to sing and play a variety of music so no one needs to feel left out of their favorite style.

Upcoming events:

At 6pm every Thursday is Handbell Practice for one hour.

At 7pm every Thursday is Adult Choir Practice until 8:15pm.

After the 10:30 worship on Sundays is the Children’s Choir Practice for 15 minutes while parents are in coffee hour. Nancy Pike assists with her guitar.

Feb. 5 David Byers, soloist “The Lord is My Light”

Feb. 12 Children’s Choir will sing “I Like to Sing About Jesus” and “Who Did Swallow Jonah?”

Feb 19 Adult Choir will sing” Christ Hath a Garden”
I will be out of town visiting my step-mother, so Jennifer Cronkite will play for worship.

Feb.26 Adult Choir will sing “Ave Verum”. Bells will perform “Amazing Grace”

There will be a Handbell Bake Sale. A fundraiser for bells and music, so please come prepared to purchase some goodies.

The music committee met and discussed 2011 , the upcoming Lenten and Easter season , as well as the September 50th anniversary of St. David’s Episcopal Church.

In attendance was Steve Leiby, Michelle Ridley, Carol Abbott, Nancy Pike and Kathy Huebner.Chip Kiebler was ill.Please feel free to talk to these folks if you have suggestions for Kathy, or talk to Kathy directly.

ECW News

Upcoming events!

THE NOW SEMI-ANNUAL GARAGE SALE! Now is the time to start sorting and planning what you would like to donate to the Garage Sale-this is a church wide event, not just for the ECW. only do we need items to sell, but we need your help setting up the tables, sorting and pricing before the sale, and we need help bagging up any leftover items on Saturday afternoon, which we will donate to one of the local charities. Please think about helping. we do have a lot of fun, even though it is a lot of work.

Remember, if it is in good usable condition, we would love to accept it. However, if it is seriously stained, or broken, or if the cookware you want to get rid of is of the scratched teflon variety-we don’t want it either. The date of the sale is April 27-28, set up will begin on Wednesday of that week (April 25) at 11a, we will work till about 7:30 or 8 that, and the same on Thursday. sale is from 9-4 Friday the 27th, and 9-2 on Saturday the 28th. (Watch next month’s newsletter for pictures of past sales-you will see that we really do have fun!)

Just a quick update on the crafting days we have had, and to remind you of the dates of the upcoming ones!!

If you go to our church website , there are pictures posted of past crafting days. you can see, we have had a lot of fun, and not everyone is working on scrapbooks. Leiby, Edith Cole, Carolyn Jacobs and Tanya Chapin have all been doing needlework. the last crafting day, Julie Combs was working on decorating a vase. Kerry Chapin has brought latchhook with her in the past! it is portable, please feel free to join us!! We have a great time.

The next scheduled Crafting Days are:

February 11
March 24
April 21 (for this one we will be in the Youth Room)
May 19
June 16

We will take a break over the summer, unless you still want to get together. am gone so much then, that I need to be sure that someone will be here to open the building, and be sure it is locked up tight at the end of the day. The fall schedule will be posted next month.

We meet in the Great Hall, unless otherwise noted. Please join us next month!! you need a ride, please let me or Jan Volk know in advance so we can arrange transportation for you!
Submitted by: Andi Flitton , St. David’s ECW Chair

For more information place contact Andi Flitton.

Pancake Supper

This year Lent begins on Wednesday February 22. That means our Annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper will take place on Feb. 21, 2012 from 5-7pm.

We will need helpers to set-up for the dinner, prepare the food, serve and clean-up. This is a fun all parish event and everyone can help out somewhere.

Keep an eye on the bulletin for sign-up information and begin thinking about who you can invite to dinner that night. It is an easy way to let others know about St. David’s and all that we have to offer!

Tickets are $3.00 individually or $10.00 for a family of four or more.
Questions? Contact Tim Cote’ or Jeff Spitzley.

Bits & Pieces

VESTRY OPENING

There is an opening on the Vestry that was not filled at the Annual Meeting. you are willing to accept a three year term of service on the Vestry please contact any current Vestry member or myself expressing your willingness. you for this important service to the whole St. David’s family.

QUIET DAY

On Saturday, March 10, 2012 there will be a Quiet Day at St. David’s. will begin at am and end at 3 pm. will start our time with Morning Prayer and then everyone will find a quiet, comfortable place somewhere in the building to read, write, pray, reflect, rest in God. will gather at noon for Noonday Prayers followed by a sack lunch. After lunch there will be more quiet time before closing out the day with the Eucharist. are welcomed to bring family members and friends as long as they understand the need for everyone to be quiet throughout the day. will be allowed during lunch only. you have any questions just ask Fr. David.

ANNUAL MEETING REPORT

At the Annual Meeting reports from the parish leadership reviewing accomplishments over the past year were received. of the Annual Meeting reports are available in the Narthex. The Vestry presented a balanced budget of $231,325.00. and was accepted by those present. is based on 73 pledges for a total pledge income of $177,730. If you have not turned in your pledge for 2012 your grateful Vestry will still happily accept it with thanksgiving. the Annual Meeting Ms. Gretchen Smith and Mr. Jason Gentry were elected to three year terms on the Vestry. the Vestry Meeting following the Annual Meeting, Ms. Gail Donovan was named Sr. Warden, Mr. Gary Mugnolo was elected Jr. Warden, The Rev Dr. Carol Spangenberg was elected Clerk of the Vestry. position of Treasurer is still open as we are still receiving names for the position of Treasurer and the Vestry will fill that position shortly. meeting will take place on the third Wednesdays of each month beginning at 7:15 pm. is welcomed to attend.

50th ANNIVERSARY

As was announced at the Annual Meeting last month, come September St. David’s will celebrate her 50th Anniversary. that time we will start a year long celebration with lots of special events planned. need people willing to help make those plans and carry them out. If you would like to help in this planning stage please let me know. intend to put together a celebration committee with sub committees etc and will keep everyone posted as plans develop.

The Picture Board

Who is that? Take a look at the updated picture board in the Great Hall. Gail would like to add more faces! See her for a fresh photo or please bring a recent one in that she can add to the board.

Thanks for your participation.

Prayer Chain

The prayer chain is a quiet but important ministry. We are in the process of reorganizing a bit and would like to find some new members. Our purpose is to pray daily for others, particularly members of the parish. Requests are confidential unless they have been shared in some way with the congregation–for example in one of Fr. David’s emails.

You do not have to have a lot of special training for the prayer chain ministry. Membersall ordinary people with ordinary lives who have our own routines for prayer.are many prayers in the prayer book that you can use, and we will help you get started. We are moving to a simpler listing system; it will be easy to keep track of who you need to pray for.

If you think you might be interested in joining the prayer chain, let me know and we can talk about it.

Many thanks,
Maria Leiby

Parenting Challenge

Attention Parents: Are you a parent? Do you sometime struggle in your roll as a parent? Would you like to gain new tools to raise great kids?

If you’ve answered yes to those questions, then we invite you to participate in “The Parenting Challenge” the Lenten service, beginning Wednesday, February 29th from 7:15 to 8:30 pm. Parenting Challenge was created by Dr. Randy Carlson. You will get simple and easy tools successful parents use to raise great kids. Discover how to be consistent with discipline, how to stay cool under pressure and much more! Seminar consists of 7 weeks, we may add additional days after lent if we run over.

Craig and I purchased the kit to share with anyone who would like to attend. Each participant will need a workbook.We will place one order, but we need to know how many to order.So, If youinterested (or have questions), please tell Abby Leinbach at church, via phone or email by Sunday, February 12th.

P.S.If you are a parent of adult children the last session is for you, “Overtime Parenting – The Adult Child”!
Thanks,

Leinbach

January Flowers

January altar flowers were given to the Glory of God by the following people:

John Post in memory of the life, love and service of Barbara Post

John Winters & Carol Abbott in honor of their wedding anniversary.

Push

A man was sleeping one night in his cabin when suddenly his room filled with light, and God appeared.

The Lord told the man he had work for him to do, and showed him a large rock in front of his cabin.

The Lord explained that the man was to push against the rock with all his might…

So, this the man did, day after day. For many years he toiled from sunup to sundown, his shoulders set squarely against the cold, massive surface of the unmoving rock, pushing with all his might!

Each night the man returned to his cabin sore and worn out, feeling that his whole day had been spent in vain.

Since the man was showing discouragement, the Adversary (Satan) decided to enter the picture by placing thoughts into the man’s weary mind. (He will do it every time!)

“You have been pushing against that rock for a long time and it hasn’t moved.” Thus, he gave the man the impression that the task was impossible and that he was a failure.

These thoughts discouraged and disheartened the man.

Satan said, “Why kill yourself over this? Just put in your time, giving just the minimum effort, and that will be good enough.”

That’s what the weary man planned to do, but decided to make it a matter of prayer and to take his troubled thoughts to the Lord.

“Lord,” he said, “I have labored long and hard in Your Service, putting all my strength to do that which you have asked.

Yet, after all this time, I have not even budged that rock by half a millimeter. is wrong? Why am I failing?”

The Lord responded compassionately, “My friend, when I asked you to serve Me and you accepted, I told you that your task was to push against the rock with all of your strength, which you have done.

Never once did I mention to you that I expected you to move it. Your task was to push.

And now you come to Me with your strength spent, thinking that you have failed. , is that really so? Look at yourself.

Your arms are strong and muscled, your back shiny and brown; your hands are callused from constant pressure, your legs have become massive and hard. opposition you have grown much, and your abilities now surpass that which you used to have. True, you haven’t moved the rock.

But your calling was to be obedient and to push and to exercise your faith and trust in My wisdom.

That you have done. I, my friend, will move the rock..”

At times, when we hear a word from God, we tend to use our own intellect to decipher what He wants, when actually what God wants is just simple obedience and faith in Him.

By all means, exercise the faith that moves mountains, but know that it is still God Who moves the mountains.

When everything seems to go wrong………………………Just P.U.S.H.

When the job gets you down………………………………..Just P.U.S.H.

When people don’t do as you think they should……..Just P.U.S.H.

When your money is “gone” and the bills are due….Just P.U.S.H.

When people just don’t understand you……………….Just P.U.S.H.

P = Pray
U = Until
S = Something
H = Happens

Though no one can go back and make a *brand new start*, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.”

Author Unknown
Submitted By Tim Cote’

Submit your news articles

Please submit news articles to Kerry using Mailbox #111 in the church mail room or you may submit your news via St. David’s web form found here

1. Reflections of Father David
2. Outreach News
3. Music Happenings
4. ECW News
5. Rembrandt and the face of Jesus
6. First Christmas form letter
7. Odds & Ends
8. The Restoration of the Shrine of St. David

Reflections of Father David

Far too often, Epiphany is a forgotten day. People begin preparing for Christmas no later than Thanksgiving and certainly are done with it by New Year’s Day. Very few people truly understand, much less celebrate, the Twelve Days of Christmas, which end with the Epiphany.

This year The Feast of the Epiphany occurs on a Friday, January 6, the twelfth night after Christmas. There will be a service at St. David’s that morning at 9 am honoring the arrival of Wise Men at the birthplace of Jesus.

On Sunday, January 8, 2012 we will hear how the Wise Men presented gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh before returning to their own countries to tell everyone what they had seen and heard concerning this child. After the service we will turn off the star over the altar and put the sanctuary back to its normal order.

Why do we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany? Does it truly have any relevance in the world today? The answer is “Yes, it most certainly does!” When Jesus was born it was a very small, intimate event with Mary, Joseph, perhaps a young serving maid from the inn or even the inn-keeper’s wife who may have taken a moment from her busy duties to check on the young woman. When God made the event known to the shepherds, and in time, to the Wise Men, Herod found out about this extraordinary birth and all Jerusalem was troubled with him. What happens next is why we have the Feast of the Epiphany. The Wise Men left by another way and returning home, spread the Good News of the birth of the Messiah.

The Wise Men and the shepherds became the first evangelists. They told everyone of this wondrous birth. They couldn’t wait to share the news.

We follow in the footsteps of Wise Men and shepherds, serving maids and curious villagers. We are called to tell the world about the wonderful birth and what it means to the world. We have become very cautious in talking about our religion and our spirituality. We are so afraid of offending others that we stuff the wonderful life-changing news down deep inside.

The world needs the Good News of Jesus among us now more than ever. The trail has been blazed and made clear before us. We are called to go forth and make known the news we have heard and seen. This Epiphany, show forth the Good News of the birth of Christ in what you say, how you act, what you truly believe. Others will see the light of the Star of Bethlehem in you and want to follow you on your journey.

May God richly bless and keep you this Epiphany, and always.

With deepest affection,
Fr. David

Outreach News

Hat & Mitten Tree

The “Hat and Mitten Tree” is up and ready for donations. The tree is located in the Great Hall.
Donations of hats, mittens, gloves, scarves, socks, fleece throws, any kind of warm
winter clothing, will be accepted. All donations will be taken to the Lansing Rescue Mission.
Please help those less fortunate this winter and make it a warm one for them. Many thanks in
advance from your Outreach Committee.

Toiletry and Personal Items Needed

The Outreach Committee is in need of donations of any kind of “personal needs” items. This would include soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoos, combs, brushes, etc. could also use the small sample sized items that are supplied with hotel/motel rooms. All items must be new and unused.
Please put all donations in the blue tote supplied for this in the mailroom. The Committee includes these items in personal needs bags for the families we supply food baskets to at holiday times. Thank you.

Rescue Mission Barrel – “Help Pack the Pantry”

The Lansing Rescue Mission is once again holding their holiday barrel drive to help “pack the pantry”. The Mission will provide an estimated 112,000 meals this year to men, women, and children in Michigan’s capital area. They also have a pantry to distribute boxes of food to low income individuals and families; and this service is only available as long as they have enough food supplies. Currently, there is a great need for food. We can help pack the Mission pantry with non-perishable food items to supply these meals and food boxes during the holidays and into the following year. Any non-perishable food items are welcome. However, the Rescue Mission is in particular need of fruits and vegetables, tomato sauce or diced tomatoes, elbow macaroni, wide noodles, and rice. Please help to fill the barrel and help those less fortunate this holiday season.

Music Happenings

The month of January we will have special music featuring different combinations of the choirs.The upcoming music calendar:

January 1, Duet: “Were You There” sung by Jennifer Cronkite and Nancy Pike

January 5,   No handbell or adult choir practice

January 7, 9am-10:30 am Handbell maintenance workshop with – Kim Finison

January 8 Handbell duet: “Open My Eyes” played by Michelle – Ridley and Carol Abbot

Duet: “In the Bleak Mid-Winter” sung by Neal Cronkite and Rich Magee

January 12 Handbell Practice 6 pm: Adult choir 7 pm-8:15 pm

Music committee meeting immediately after choirs

January 15 Children’s choir practice after worship

January 19, 26 Choirs meet

January 22 Women’s quintet singing “Mary Did You Know”

January 29 Duet:Vivaldi’s Laudamus Te from “Gloria” sung by Jennifer Cronkite and Nancy Pike

The bell choir wishes to thank Steve Leiby for purchasing lights for each music stand.They are very helpful.I wish to thank all the choirs for a beautiful Lessons and Carols on December 18, and for all the wonderful music on Christmas Eve at the two services.

We are few, but we are mighty.Any one wishing to join either handbells, or adult choir, contact Kathy Huebner, 614-9302.

God bless you.

KathyHuebner,Music Director

ECW News

Crafting Days

The crafting days will resume again in January, with the first one being scheduled on the 14th. Andi will be preparing lunch again-soup and dessert-to raise funds for our local outreach project. Be sure to RSVP for the luncheon, you don’t have to come to craft that day, you are welcome to join us for lunch!

Here is the schedule for the upcoming craft days, which begin at 9am. They will all be held in the Great Hall except for the April one, which will be in the Youth Room.

January 14 February 11 March 24 April 21 (Youth Room) May 19

GARAGE SALE!!!

Yes, it will happen this year. It is scheduled for April 27 and 28. You can start to bring your items in on Sunday evening, sorting will begin on Wednesday; Thursday will be the congregation sale in the evening.

Remember, we don’t want anything that isn’t usable, or that is soiled, or broken! If we have to throw it out, we don’t want it!

PLEASE PLAN TO HELP! THE MORE HELP WE HAVE, THE EASIER IT WILL BE FOR THOSE OF US WHO ARE SORTING.
Meetings

We need to have meetings! We can make them simply business, and have them in the double classroom immediately after the service, or we can have them on a weeknight, serve refreshments and some social time along with the meetings. Ladies, I would like to have input from a few of you, we are all part of this group. Give us some ideas to make this a viable group! For more information contact Andi Flitton

Rembrandt and the face of Jesus

We are planning a day-trip to the Detroit Institute of Arts on Saturday, January 14, 2012, to view the exhibit “Rembrandt and the Face of Jesus”. This exhibit brings together for the first time many of Dutch master Rembrandt van Rijn’s finest paintings, prints and drawings that portray Jesus and events described in the Bible. The exhibition of 64 works includes approximately 52 intimate paintings, prints and drawings by Rembrandt and his students that illustrate how Rembrandt broke from traditional 17th-century representations of Jesus.

The exhibit runs November 20, 2011, through February 12, 2012. Individual adult and youth (under 15 years) are $16 and $8, respectively; however, adult tickets will be $12 if we have a group of 15 or more. We plan to carpool or rent a van if there is sufficient interest. Additional information regarding the exhibition is available by going to the DIA website (www.dia.org).

For more information please see Maria Leiby or Gail Donovan.

First Christmas form letter

Dear Friends

We’re sorry to resort to this form letter, especially since we are sending it after the holidays, but this has been a busy year; it is amazing how parenthood takes away free time.

That’s right, parenthood. Joe and I are the proud parents of a beautiful baby boy, a gift from God.

Literally.

Now I know that you’re good at mathematics, and I know you don’t remember a wedding invitation, just that we were engaged, but it is not what you think. It is a little hard to explain, however.

You also will notice that the postmark is not Nazareth, but Egypt. No, we did not move, at least not permanently. No, Joe did not get transferred, just transplanted.

You remember that census thing? Joe and I had to go to Bethlehem – Joe is a Davidson, after all – and wouldn’t you know it, my time came while we were there.

Everything was full up. Bethlehem was a madhouse. Holiday Inn was packed for the holidays. Red Roof not only had no frills but no vacancies, and Motel Six turned the light off for us.

We ended up going to, of all places, a cave. While it wasn’t a picnic, it was a miracle. As we wrapped him up, Joe and I just marveled at this new little life.

We named him Jesus. Actually, an angel named him. I told you it was a busy year.

Anyway, we had just the best Christmas together – that’s what we’re calling it, Christmas. We even had a surprise visit from some shepherds; I won’t tell you how they knew, because I know this already is quite a stretch for you.

So why are we in Egypt? Well, at one point, some astrology professors from Eastern University suddenly showed up at our door, to worship Jesus as the new king, according to some star they saw.

And while it was nice of them to give us gifts, they also gave us away – to that wicked King Herod, who tried to kill Jesus. That is why we took a flight into Egypt.

So please forgive us if we are a little out of touch with things for now. We hope everything will get back to normal soon, so we can move back to Nazareth. Meanwhile, keep us in your prayers, don’t tell Herod where we are, and have a Merry Christmas.

Love
Mary, Joe and baby Jesus

Odds & Ends

St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital Recycled Card Program

You can mail your donations to:

St. Jude’s Ranch for Children
Recycled Card Program
100 St. Jude’s Street
Boulder City, NV 89005

Phone orders:
877-977-SJRC (7572)

Recycled Card Program History

Over thirty years ago, wishing to show our donors appreciation for making St. Jude’s Ranch for Children possible, the idea was conceived for turning the previous year’s Christmas cards into “new” cards for the coming season. The recipients were so delighted with their unique “thank you,” they requested the children sell them the special cards. And so, the St. Jude’s Ranch Recycled Card Program was born.

Since then, the program expanded to include all occasion greeting cards…just about anything that starts with a used greeting card. People from all over the world have sent us their used cards!

Operated by Kids’ Corp., a program for the children at St. Jude’s Ranch to learn entrepreneurship skills, the children participate in making the new cards by removing the front and attaching a new back. The result is a beautiful new card made by the children and volunteers. The benefits are two-fold: customers receive “green” holiday cards for use and the children receive payment for their work and learn the benefits and importance of “going green”.

The ongoing support for the Recycled Card Program has been overwhelming! The Program grew and soon we were receiving over one million cards. We have since redesigned the process to more efficiently manage the increased production from the increased volume and we welcome your submissions!
NOTE: We currently have an increased need for both Birthday and Thank You card submissions.

WE NOW ACCEPT USED, ALL-OCCASION CARDS YEAR ROUND!!

Coupon Exchange Box

There is once again a Coupon Exchange Box in the mailroom.
Please take one, leave one, and discard the expired ones.

Knitting/Crocheting Group

The Outreach Committee is looking for knitters, crocheters, or those that would like to learn. We will be making scarves, hats, etc., to be donated to local missions and shelters. If you are interested in participating, please contact Susan Froeligh.

Monthly event calendar

A new monthly events calendar has been been put in place on the front page of the St. David’s web site. This calendar is updated each week along with the scrolling weekly meeting list. Look for more web site changes to take place during the month of January.

Prayer Chain

The prayer chain is a quiet but important ministry. We are in the process of reorganizing a bit and would like to find some new members. Our purpose is to pray daily for others, particularly members of the parish. Requests are confidential unless they have been shared in some way with the congregation–for example in one of Fr. David’s emails.

You do not have to have a lot of special training for the prayer chain ministry. Members are ordinary people with ordinary lives who have our own routines for prayer. Many prayers are in the prayer book that you can use, and we will help you get started. We are moving to a simpler listing system; it will be easy to keep track of who you need to pray for.

If you think you might be interested in joining the prayer chain, let me know and we can talk about it.

Many thanks,

Maria Leiby

The Restoration of the Shrine of St. David

Included in this months newsletter is a wonderful article written by The Reverend Harri Williams (Secretary of the Friends of St. David’s Cathedral) where he speaks of the ongoing restoration of the Shrine of St. David’s. Because of it’s length it has been placed on a page of it’s own within the St. David’s website. You may access this article from the read link below.

Read Article

Vestry Nomination (Annual meeting)

We usually hold a pot luck after the second service then have our meeting. We will have elections and discuss the financial status, etc. Please have any reports to be included into the Annual Report in to Edie by Jan. 3rd.

Do you have a nomination for the vestry? Please let Fr. David know asap or use the web site form provided below

Vestry Nomination