Chili Cook-off!

The congregation of St. Paul's has been audaciously challenged by St. James Cathedral to a Chili Cook-off at St. James on January 31. Unfortunately for them, we are well aware that we have the best cooks in Michiana, and are prepared to demonstrate. Are you ready to represent St. Paul's in this epic challenge? If so, talk to or email Mother Susan.

Everyone else is encouraged to encouraged to come down to the Cathedral on the 31st and vote for the best (ahem, you know who that is) chili.

Cost of admission is $6. Proceeds will benefit social concerns in the community, including St. Margaret's House and Habitat for Humanity.

 

Shrove Tuesday

Our annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper, sponsored by the Men's Club, will be held on Tuesday, Feburary 24 at 5:00pm. The cost is $5 per adult, with a maximum of $12 per family.
Toppings abound, and you'll never think of pancakes as just a breakfast food again! Come join us for what is always a great time of fun and fellowship. To volunteer, sign up at the back of the church or contact Keith Miller.

 

Ash Wednesday

The season of Lent begins on Feburary 25th with Ash Wednesday. Worship services with the Imposition of Ashes will be 7am and 7pm.

 

Lenten Book Study

Beginning Wednesday, March 4th, we will resume our Adult Education Series with a book study of N. T. Wright’s book Surprised by Hope. In this book, Bishop Wright explores the modern-day church’s abandonment of the reality of the Resurrection and exhorts them to return and embrace this good news anew. We will continue the pattern we used during Advent of gathering for Evening Prayer at 6:00 p.m., followed by a soup supper, followed by the study. Evening Prayer will take place in the church and the supper and study in the undercroft. St. Paul’s can order the book for you at a cost of $17.00, or you are free to purchase it on your own. If you are planning to take part in the study, please let Mother Susan know and also let her know if you need a book ordered.

 

St. Margaret's House Winter Walk

SMH will hold their Winter Walk on Sunday, February 22nd at 2:30 pm. Funds raised at this walk benefit the women and children of SMH. $52,000 was raised in 2008. To register, please visit www.stmargaretshouse.org or obtain a form from the church office. On site registration begins at 1:30 pm. A reception is held after the walk. Donations of cookies are needed. Please sign-up on the sheet on the usher’s table to do so.

 

Outreach Notes

Food Pantry: In 2008, we collected 3926 pounds—a 13% increase over 2007! Given the needs of many in the current economic climate, this is exceptional!

St. Margaret’s House: We donated $764 to SMH from monthly outreach offerings in 2008. SMH offers services that meet guests immediate needs as well as provides program that help them work toward self-sufficiency. SMH has experienced a large increase in the number of people seeking services during 2008—over 25% from 2007. Please consult the Outreach Board for volunteer opportunites at SMH, including: receptionist, clerical assistance, cooking, and sorting clothes.

SMH will hold their Winter Walk on Sunday, February 22nd at 2:30 pm. Funds raised at this walk benefit the women and children of SMH. $52,000 was raised in 2008. To register, please visit www.stmargaretshouse.org or obtain a form from the church office. On site registration begins at 1:30 pm. A reception is held after the walk. Donations of cookies are needed. Please sign-up on the sheet on the usher’s table to do so.

Episcopal Relief & Development: We donated $969 to ER&D from monthly outreach offerings in 2008.

Marifiki Global Aids Ministry: We donated $1244 to Marifiki from monthly outreach offerings in 2008.

Thanksgiving Baskets: We donated 54 baskets to families in November and two gift cards totaling $70 to 2 families. With joy and gratitude, I would like to thank all those responsible for the success of the Thanksgiving Basket Project. Thank you to: those who contributed food and monetary gifts to purchase food, Jude Keltner for shopping, Keith Miller for providing and assembling boxes and delivery of baskets to SMH, Carol and Ken Finkbiner for assembling of baskets and delivery to SMH, Jan Frieden for assembling baskets and providing polished red apples for the baskets, Betty Jo Boyer for assembly of baskets, Chris and Gerald Cannoot for delivery of baskets, Carole and Jim Gross for delivery of baskets, Jim Lovelace for delivery of baskets, Vickie Hesh and Diane Haywood for delivery of baskets, Dave Collier for delivery of baskets, Roxanne Miller for providing flyers for the baskets, Sue Skarski for assembly of baskets. If I have forgotten to thank someone, I sincerely apologize.

Operation Christmas Child Shoe Box Project: We collected 45 boxes for children. Postage was covered by donations and a generous contribution from the ECW.

Thank you for your generous support of Outreach through your prayers, financial contributions, and time spent at work on Outreach projects. Your efforts demonstrate the tangible love to those in need of help.

If you would like to serve on Outreach Committee or have ideas for outreach development, please contact Pam Jentz at 272-4193 or email: pamjentz@comcast.net

 

Epiphany Tea Thank-yous

The Epiphany Tea on Sunday, January 11th was a wonderful event. We are grateful to all who participated. As Mother Susan received the dime in the cake at last year’s event, St. Paul’s was chosen as the host. Deacon Joe Illes of the Cathedral got the dime at the tea, so they will host next year.

Thank you to Barbara Books and the committee: Jan Frieden, Ida Forbes, Nadine Collier, and Pam Jentz. Thank you to contributors: Joanne Thompson, Betty Jo Adamson, Hollie Adamson, Katie Weakland, Sara & Marty Wolfe, Dave Collier, Jack Frieden, and Ralph Burget. Thank you as well to Mother Susan, Stephen Drendall, and Cynthia Boener for the exceptional music before the tea.

Mary K. & Bill Bissell have very generously donated a silver tea service to the church. It was used at the Epiphany Tea and will certainly be used at future events.

 

Tally Euchre Night

Get those cards out again! St. Paul’s church is issuing a challenge to other area Episcopal Churches (St. James, St. Michael’s and Holy Trinity) to join us for a Tally Euchre Competition. The fun begins officially at 7:00 p.m. A Beginning Euchre class will be taught at 6:00 p.m. for those who don’t know how to play but would like to participate. Plan to join us—bring your favorite hors d’oeuvre and deck of cards. Winning prizes will be awarded at 9:00 p.m.

 

Congratulations!

Congratulations to Owen and Angela Chesnut who welcomed 7lb 6oz Jack David Chesnut into the world at 4:37pm on January 2nd!

 

Do You Have Pictures?

We know that many of you have taken pictures at various St. Paul's functions over the years, and we'd love to share them through the website! If you have digitial versions, you can email them to webmaster@stpaulsmishawaka.org or put them on CD and give them to Brad Thames. If you have print versions, give them to Brad, who can scan them and return them to you. Thanks for your help in improving the site!
Click here to see our pictures, including new pictures of the prayer garden and the Mother Susan's installation.

 

Journey in Faith

Plans are underway to offer this traditional, much beloved course on the Episcopal Church and its faith. Normally, this is the course of study that is followed by anyone wishing to be confirmed or received in the Episcopal Church or by anyone wishing to renew his or her Baptismal vows. Instead of beginning in September, however, we are going to do a trial run of waiting until after Christmas to start. This year, Bishop Little is not scheduled to visit our parish until June 27, so we should have plenty of time to follow the normal catechumenal course. If you are interested in becoming a confirmed member of the Episcopal Church, please let Mother Susan know, and make plans to join us after Christmas

 

 

Contribute to the Website!

Development of the website is a great way to keep parishoners, friends of St. Paul's and visitors informed about our life and ministries, which is especially important during this time of transition. There are several ways you can contribute, even if you don't have computer skills:

- If you know of any upcoming events, announcements or noteworthy news items;
- If you are involved with a ministry and would like to provide information about it;
- If you would like the website to link to your personal or business website;
- If you have suggestions or ideas for additional content, improvements to the layout and design, or are able to provide graphics and multimedia;
- If you have any pictures or knowledge of St. Paul's history;

If you would like to contribute in these or any other way, please do email the webmaster (webmaster@stpaulsmishawaka.org) or speak with Brad Thames or Jon Adamson.

St. Paul's Choir

The Choir is now back in session, and we are looking for new members! Click here for more information...

Rector Installation

On Friday, October 10 at 7:00pm, The Rev. Susan B. Haynes will be officially installed by Bishop Little as the Rector of St. Paul's. The service will be followed by a reception in the undercroft. Everyone is encouraged to attend, even if you are not a member of St. Paul's.

Art Exhibit

Fernwood Botanical Garden will be hosting a Clark Gallery exhibition of Jan Frieden's artwork and artfully collected work influenced by woodland settings and seasons during the months of October and November 2008. There will be a special reception on Sunday, October 26 from 2-4pm. Jan has long been using her artistic gifts towards the beautification of our parish that has enriched our worship and parish life; let us all plan to come out in support of her exhibit, and enjoy what is sure to be a sublime display of her talents!
Click here to see a flyer for the event, including a sample of her work.

Diocesan Convention

Please remember our Bishop, all of the clergy, and the delegates in your prayers as they assemble on October 25th for the 110th Convention of the Diocese of Northern Indiana at Trinity Church in Fort Wayne. Please contact the church office or the diocesan office by October 1 if you plan to attend and wish to make a lunch reservation.

Buildings & Grounds Committee

Sara Wolfe, Junior Warden, will be convening the Buildings & Grounds Committee on Saturday, October 11th at 9:00 a.m. The committee’s purpose is to articulate and prepare both short term and long term goals for the preservation and restoration of St. Paul’s both inside and outside. The group will meet four times per year and will be chaired by the Junior Warden. Those are interested in participating should plan on attending and bring your suggestions and ideas. New members are welcome.

Peanut Brittle

Beginning on October 13th, volunteers will be cooking peanut brittle each Monday at 6:00 p.m. Volunteers are needed to provide ingredients, cook, package, and sell. It is important that we make quantities in October to be sold at the upcoming diocesan convention later in the month. This fundraiser has been very successful in the past and your support will help it continue to be so.

Fall Work Day

A Parish Work Day will be held on Saturday, October 18th from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. There will be a variety of projects for all skill levels.

Novel Published by Parishoner

Did you know that Jeanne Dams has had a new novel published? Her latest, Indigo Christmas, part of the Hilda Johansson series, has been published by Perseverance Press and is now appearing in bookstores. In fact, Jeanne will be absent from church some in the coming weeks because she is going on tour to launch this latest mystery in bookstores around the area. Please congratulate her when you do see her again, usually at the 8:00 a.m. service.

Journey in Faith

Plans are underway to offer this traditional, much beloved course on the Episcopal Church and its faith. Normally, this is the course of study that is followed by anyone wishing to be confirmed or received in the Episcopal Church or by anyone wishing to renew his or her Baptismal vows. Instead of beginning in September, however, we are going to do a trial run of waiting until after Christmas to start. This year, Bishop Little is not scheduled to visit our parish until June 27, so we should have plenty of time to follow the normal catechumenal course. If you are interested in becoming a confirmed member of the Episcopal Church, please let Mother Susan know, and make plans to join us after Christmas.

Prayer Garden

Several members of St. Paul's have worked hard over the summer to beautify our prayer garden. Click here for pictures of the new-and-improved garden

Archbishop Rowan Lecture

The Archbishop of Canterbury gave a stimulating and important lecture at the London School of Economics on Religious Faith and Human Rights back in May. Click here to listen to or download the lecture. A printable transcript of the lecture is here.

Lambeth Indaba

Rather than producing any formal resolutions, the Lambeth Conference took the form of indaba, "based upon an African ideal of purposeful discussion on the common concerns of our shared life." Bishops divided into several groups in which they were able to share their experiences and stories, thoughts and ideas, and engage in a time of listening, understanding and dialogue on a number of topics central to the Anglican mission. These reflections have been assembled in a document entitled the "Lambeth Indaba". Although somewhat lengthy, it is fascinating, sometimes provocative, and above all an indespensible articulation of the many voices in our Communion striving towards a common Anglican identity and mission. We encourage you to take the time to read through it prayerfully and thoughtfully.
Click here to go to the document.

Bishop Little at Lambeth

Read our Bishop's reflections on his time at the Lambeth Conference which just ended. Also, be sure to take a look at the pictures of him with the Archbishop of Canterbury!

Looking Ahead: "Finding the Moral Center"

"Reconcilers of Northern Indiana", a group dedicated to promoting "faith-based reconciliation as a moral vision for Christian living within our communities", will be holding a seminar on applying the principles of faith-based reconciliation to the political division in the church. The seminar will be Oct.31 - Nov 1 at Gethsamane Episcopal Church in Marion, IN. For more information, visit their website.

Nursery Volunteers

We are grateful for the many years of service that Andrea Dudeck gave our parish as our paid nursery assistant. She will no longer be serving in that capacity as she wishes to be more involved in her home church on Sundays. Therefore, we are in need of volunteers to serve in the nursery. Parents of young children are particularly encouraged to volunteer. There is a sign-up sheet on the usher’s table. You will notice in the ministry schedule that “TBD” is listed under “Nursery”. Jon Adamson will contact the volunteers with a proposed schedule shortly.

Diocese of Northern Indiana on Covenant

The General Convention deputies from our diocese (including Christopher Wells) have drawn up a response to the most recent draft of the evolving Anglican Covenant. To read the response, click here. The draft itself, as well as supplemental materials (including a commentary) can be found on the Anglican Communion website.

Donate Items for St. Paul's

Beginning Sunday, March 30, we will be collecting items to be sold on the online auction house Ebay as a fundraiser for St. Paul's - a kind of "online yard sale". If you have old furniture, clothing, collectibles, antiques, or any other items you'd like to get rid of, consdier donating them to be sold on behalf of St. Paul's!
Bring them to the church on March 30 or anytime after that, and we'll take care of the rest.
Or, you can bring them directly to one of the "I Sold It" stores, who will be auctioning the items on our behalf. The closest location to the church is 12933 SR 23, Granger, In 46530, (across from Martin's Supermarket - click here for a map).
For a list of other locations around the country, visit http://www.i-soldit.com/locations.asp.

For more information, please visit http://www.stpaulsmishawaka.org/html/ebay.html.

Contribute to the Website!

Development of the website is a great way to keep parishoners, friends of St. Paul's and visitors informed about our life and ministries, which is especially important during this time of transition. There are several ways you can contribute, even if you don't have computer skills:

- If you know of any upcoming events, announcements or noteworthy news items;
- If you are involved with a ministry and would like to provide information about it;
- If you would like the website to link to your personal or business website;
- If you have suggestions or ideas for additional content, improvements to the layout and design, or are able to provide graphics and multimedia;
- If you have any pictures or knowledge of St. Paul's history;

If you would like to contribute in these or any other way, please do email the webmaster (webmaster@stpaulsmishawaka.org) or speak with Brad Thames or Jon Adamson.

Rowan Williams Letter

Click here to read an important letter from Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams to the primates fo the Anglican Communion in anticipation of the Lambeth Conference next year. In it he offers some thoughts on what it means to be "in communion", thoughts on the purposes of the Lambeth Conference, why prayer, mutual spiritual enrichment and development of ministry are preconditions to open discussion of the difficult issues that our church faces, and more.

Celebrating the Feast of St. Mary

On Friday, August 15 at 7:00 pm (edt), the Church of the Holy Trinity in South Bend will celebrate the Feast of St. Mary. The Rev. Jim Lodwick will preside and the Very Rev. Brian Grantz will preach. Everyone is invited to bring an icon, image, or other Marian memorabilia for carrying in procession, sharing, and displaying. A reception will follow the service. Everyone is invited to attend.

Prayer Garden

Several members of St. Paul's have worked hard over the summer to beautify our prayer garden. Click here for pictures of the new-and-improved garden.

Choir Resumes

The choir will resume participation in the Sunday service on Sept 7 (the Sunday following Labor Day), with a warmup and rehearsal at 9:10am in the Sanctuary. The first weeknight rehearsal is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 9 at 7:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Click here for more information...

Art Exhibit

Fernwood Botanical Garden will be hosting a Clark Gallery exhibition of Jan Frieden's artwork and artfully collected work influenced by woodland settings and seasons during the months of October and November 2008. There will be a special reception on Sunday, October 26 from 2-4pm. Jan has long been using her artistic gifts towards the beautification of our parish that has enriched our worship and parish life; let us all plan to come out in support of her exhibit, and enjoy what is sure to be a sublime display of her talents!
Click here to see a flyer for the event, including a sample of her work.

Baby Shower

Mark your calenders for Sept 20, when we will be holding a baby shower for Annie Reed at 11:00am in the St. Paul's undercroft. There is a sign up sheet at the back of the church. Contact Hollie Adamson for more info - jhadamson@juno.com.

Archbishop Rowan Lecture

The Archbishop of Canterbury gave a stimulating and important lecture at the London School of Economics on Religious Faith and Human Rights back in May. Click here to listen to or download the lecture. A printable transcript of the lecture is here.

Lambeth Indaba

Rather than producing any formal resolutions, the Lambeth Conference took the form of indaba, "based upon an African ideal of purposeful discussion on the common concerns of our shared life." Bishops divided into several groups in which they were able to share their experiences and stories, thoughts and ideas, and engage in a time of listening, understanding and dialogue on a number of topics central to the Anglican mission. These reflections have been assembled in a document entitled the "Lambeth Indaba". Although somewhat lengthy, it is fascinating, sometimes provocative, and above all an indespensible articulation of the many voices in our Communion striving towards a common Anglican identity and mission. We encourage you to take the time to read through it prayerfully and thoughtfully.
Click here to go to the document.

Bishop Little at Lambeth

Read our Bishop's reflections on his time at the Lambeth Conference which just ended. Also, be sure to take a look at the pictures of him with the Archbishop of Canterbury!

Looking Ahead: "Finding the Moral Center"

"Reconcilers of Northern Indiana", a group dedicated to promoting "faith-based reconciliation as a moral vision for Christian living within our communities", will be holding a seminar on applying the principles of faith-based reconciliation to the political division in the church. The seminar will be Oct.31 - Nov 1 at Gethsamane Episcopal Church in Marion, IN. For more information, visit their website.

Iowa Flood Relief

Dean Brian Grantz of St. James Cathedral, who has recently come from several years of service in areas affected by Hurricane Katrina, has challenged all congreagations in the diocese to contribute towards the relief effort in flood-ravaged Iowa. Click here to read his letter.

UTO Spring Ingathering Report

Thank you to everyone who contributed to our Spring United Thank Offering Ingathering. Your generous donations have truly fulfilled UTO's mission, which is to expand the circle of thankful people. The amount received was $418.48, the largest offering to date. Please remember to take a new Blue Box for our Fall UTO Ingathering in November and continue to offer (literally and spiritually) your daily contributions of thanksgiving to God for all God's many blessings.

ECW Yard Sale Update

At last count, the Yard Sale raised over $740.00. Thank you to all who helped make it such a success! A more detailed accounting will be provided next month.

Second Work Day

A second parish work day has been schedule for July 26th starting at 8:00 am. Work should be completed before 12:00 pm. We are in need of volunteers that can assist with outside tasks. Please contact Sara Wolfe, Junior Warden, for more details. If you have never volunteered for a work day before, here is your chance!

Nursery Volunteers

We are grateful for the many years of service that Andrea Dudeck gave our parish as our paid nursery assistant. She will no longer be serving in that capacity as she wishes to be more involved in her home church on Sundays. Therefore, we are in need of volunteers to serve in the nursery. Parents of young children are particularly encouraged to volunteer. There is a sign-up sheet on the usher’s table. You will notice in the ministry schedule that “TBD” is listed under “Nursery”. Jon Adamson will contact the volunteers with a proposed schedule shortly.

Summer Fellowship Evenings

The next summer fellowship evening will be Thursday, August 7 at the home of Brad and Jen Fulton - 1346 Mossy Lane in the Autumn Lakes Apartments by Meijer on the south side of Mishawaka. Click here for a map of the area (note: their street is new, and does not yet appear on the map).

The Summer Fellowship Evenings are a way for the parish to meet together during summer months to strengthen our bonds of affection as a community in an informal summertime setting.

We are hoping to meet around twice a month at the home of a parishioner for fellowship and compline. Some evenings may also include a short devotional meditation about an aspect of our parish mission statement (To celebrate the Good News of Jesus Christ and serve as witness of God's love through worship, fellowship, and outreach, daily living the promises made in our baptism.) Following compline and/or the meditation, we will have time for games and conversation. Evenings would start at 7 pm and end at 8:30 pm.

Please bring a snacks, light dessert, or beverage if possible. Please email Jon Adamson at jhadamson@juno.com with what you are planning on bringing so that we don't have too much of one item.

Please bring lawn chairs and games as well. As the mosquitos are now coming, don't forget the repellent!
If you would like to host a future evening (say the ones in July or August), please contact Jon We hope to offer the evenings at a variety of geographical locations in the area, so that at least one will be close by for everyone.

Feel free to bring guests!

We will have one more evening this summer: August 21st at the home of Janine O'Keefe.

We hope that these will be wonderful events in the life of our parish family! We look forward to seeing you there!

Diocese of Northern Indiana on Covenant

The General Convention deputies from our diocese (including Christopher Wells) have drawn up a response to the most recent draft of the evolving Anglican Covenant. To read the response, click here. The draft itself, as well as supplemental materials (including a commentary) can be found on the Anglican Communion website.

English Cathedral Slide Show

On Sunday, July 20th at 4:00 pm, the Cathedral will be hosting a slide-show presentation entitled “If These Mute Stones Could Speak” which will display images of the great medieval cathedrals in England. Lou and Ruth Foster, former tour guides of Exeter Cathedral and current parishioners of St. Andrew’s in Valparaiso, will host the presentation. A free-will offering will be taken in support of the Third Millennium Campaign of Exeter Cathedral Church of St. Peter.

Missionary Fund

Donations to Christopher Wells’ missionary fund can be made by sending checks to the diocesan office at:

Diocese of Northern Indiana
Attn: Treasurer
117 N. Lafayette Blvd.
South Bend, IN 46601

Please make checks payable to the diocese and note “Wells Missionary Fund” on the memo line. Envelopes will also be provided so that donations can be made during the offertory. Christopher needs to raise around $15,000.00 so that he can serve as missionary in South Africa and teach at a seminary later this year. Thanks to Fr. Frank for setting up this fund and for advertising it in our diocese. Our gifts will be joined with others to make this important undertaking possible.

Update on Evangelism Workshop

The evangelism workshop hosted by St. Michael & All Angels on April 19th was well represented by St. Paul’s. Pam Jentz, Katie Weakland, Christopher Wells, and Sara Wolfe all attended. The speaker, Carrie Boren, offered a fresh perspective a fresh perspective on sharing the good news and making our church a welcoming place for the non-churched.

Memorial Garden Meeting

The Memorial Garden Committee met on April 12th. The committee discussed both long-range goals for the garden as well as addressed current needs. Three current projects will be performed on the Parish Work Day, including establishing a path from the parking lot to the garden, planting annuals, and doing general maintenance and weeding. For more information or to participate on the committee, please contact Sara Wolfe.

Congratualtions!

Jonathan Juilfs has been offered a position at the College of the Holy Cross in Boston, and Carrie Ottsen passed her Masters exam last week. Congratulations to both!

Fr. Gray in Sudan

Click for larger image

Fr. Gray was recently in the Sudan to celebrate the enthroning of Rt Revd Daniel Deng Bul as the next Archbishop of Sudan.

Click here to read about the event.

UPDATE: Fr. Frank has been appointed Commissary to the Sudan Primate. Read about it here. A longer article on the Sudanese archdiocese and Bishop Gray's involvment is here.

Donate Items for St. Paul's

Beginning Sunday, March 30, we will be collecting items to be sold on the online auction house Ebay as a fundraiser for St. Paul's - a kind of "online yard sale". If you have old furniture, clothing, collectibles, antiques, or any other items you'd like to get rid of, consdier donating them to be sold on behalf of St. Paul's!
Bring them to the church on March 30 or anytime after that, and we'll take care of the rest.
Or, you can bring them directly to one of the "I Sold It" stores, who will be auctioning the items on our behalf. The closest location to the church is 12933 SR 23, Granger, In 46530, (across from Martin's Supermarket - click here for a map).
For a list of other locations around the country, visit http://www.i-soldit.com/locations.asp.

For more information, please visit http://www.stpaulsmishawaka.org/html/ebay.html.

Holy Week Thank Yous

Thank you to all of those persons whose ministry made for such blessed worship during Holy Week and Easter—Fr. Frank, Fr. George, Carole, the Altar Guild, Steven Drendall, Ginny Timler, the Choir, servers, ushers, readers, decorators, coffee hosts, and all other volunteers.

 

A Special Thank-You

To the ECW ladies: Betty Jo Adamson, Betty Jo Boyer, Carole Gross, Diane Haywood, Vikki Hesch, Anna Horning, Pam Jentz and Janine O'Keefe who helped to serve the Funeral Luncheon for the family and friends of Ron Esarey.  And also to all of the ladies who prepared and delivered their food items to the church on Saturday morning, February 9th.

Contribute to the Website!

Development of the website is a great way to keep parishoners, friends of St. Paul's and visitors informed about our life and ministries, which is especially important during this time of transition. There are several ways you can contribute, even if you don't have computer skills:

- If you know of any upcoming events, announcements or noteworthy news items;
- If you are involved with a ministry and would like to provide information about it;
- If you would like the website to link to your personal or business website;
- If you have suggestions or ideas for additional content, improvements to the layout and design, or are able to provide graphics and multimedia;
- If you have any pictures or knowledge of St. Paul's history;

If you would like to contribute in these or any other way, please do email the webmaster (webmaster@stpaulsmishawaka.org) or speak with Brad Thames or Jon Adamson.

Parish Workshop

Canon SuzeAnne Silla led an all-parish workshop on Saturday, January 26th. The focus of the workshop was an evaluation of our life as a parish, with the goal of formulating a clear picture of the sort of rector we would like to bring to the parish. The responses given in the workshop will be used to form a parish profile. You can see the results of the workshop, as well as other updates and information, by visitng the Search Updates page.

Sunday Prayers

All names on the Sunday prayer list will need to be resubmitted every month. Click here to resubmit or to submit a new prayer request. Prayer request cards are also available in the back of the church.

Lenten Bible Study

The Lenten Bible Study was a great success. Thanks espeically to Jonathan Juilfs, and all of those who participated. The readings and study guides will remain posted on the website - Click here for access.

St Margaret's House Winter Walk

St. Margaret’s House held its 9th annual Winter Walk on Sunday, February 10th at 2:30 pm. Fr. Frank and many others braved sub-zero temperatures in order to help women in need. It's not too late to sponsor a walker. Please talk to Fr. Frank or Pam Jentz if you would like to help. For more information, please visit their website at www.stmargaretshouse.org.

Camp New Happenings Sunday

Bishop Little designated Sunday, February 10th as Camp New Happenings Sunday. Camp New Happenings is a new ministry of the diocese in conjunction with ecumenical partners. It is a camp for children who have at least one parent in prison. Northern Indiana will join with nearly 20 other dioceses across the country to offer such a camp. For more information, visit www.ednin.org and click on the Camp New Happenings logo. A collection will be taken on this Sunday for the work of the camp. Your generosity is welcomed.

Happy Birthday!

Join us in wishing Betty Jo Adamson a happy 80th birthday, which was February 24th!

 

Annual Meeting Notes

The results of the elections at the annual meeting are as follows:

Senior Warden – Dave Collier
Junior Warden – Sara Wolfe
Vestry (3 year term) – Tami Lewis
Vestry (1 year term) – Brad Thames
Delegate to Convention – Pam Jentz
Delegate to Convention – Diana Pecsi
Delegate to Convention – Barbara Books
Alternate Delegate – Daniel Perett

Dave Collier and Sara Wolfe volunteered to serve as 2nd and 3rd alternates should the need arise.

It was announced that the Search Committee will be comprised of Janine O’Keefe (Chair, Vestry), Dave Jentz (Vestry), Lisette Bolduc (Chaplain), Diane Haywood, Joel Dodson, Diana Pecsi, Phil Reed and Bill Whitman.

The budget was presented by Jack Frieden, Treasurer. A new item, fundraising, was added to the budget this year so that it could be balanced.

Father Gray addressed the meeting, describing the principles of church governance and discussing the work of the interim period the parish is now in, noting that “you can’t say hello to someone unless you say goodbye to someone.”

Thank yous were extended to Gina Myers for her work as Accountant, to Father Minnix for his continued ministry as Assisting Priest, to Jack Frieden for his work as Treasurer (in particular, working to achieve the recommendations of the Audit Committee), to Jan Frieden for her work with floral arrangements and sanctuary décor, to Tara Opaczewski for volunteering to work in the nursery each month, to Dave Collier for his service as Junior Warden, to Sara Wolfe for her service as Senior Warden, and to Marty Wolfe for his cooking at the Farewell Dinner for the Ottsens.

The minutes from the annual meeting (in draft form) can be downloaded from the vestry page.

RIP

Over the last several years both individually and corporately we have assisted a woman in need:  Sharon Weaver.  We are saddened to report that Sharon died on Dec. 18.  Our condolences were given to her husband, RC.  She now rests in the loving arms of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Flower Chart

The Flower Chart Calendar is up at the back of the sanctuary ready for signing.  Please call Jan Frieden, 291-1742, if you have any questions or particular requests for color or flower selection throughout the year.  We encourage you to take the flowers after the 10:00 service.  Containers or foil are available in the kitchen/far lower cupboard.  The suggested donation is $30.00 for a Sunday.  Please make checks payable to St. Paul’s with a notation for flower fund.  This may be placed in the alms basin or delivered to the office, whichever is most convenient.  Thank you!

To the Glory of God!
The Flower Committee
Nadine Collier, Jan Frieden, Sue Mullett

Thank You To

…Mary Lou Bizzaro for sewing fleece bags to store our new pew torches and shades.
…Jude Keltner for her help in packing up Father David’s books for moving.
 …the people of St. Paul’s for their patience and understanding during this time of transition.  We will try to keep things as “normal” as possible.
…All those who contributed to and assisted in the adornment of St. Paul’s for the Christmas Season.  As well as those who served in worship ministries, our organist, choir director and choir. 
…Jack Frieden who has done yeoman’s work in making all the various transitions necessary concerning our financial status.  Thanks to those who also assist in our financial processes:  Chris Cannoot, Diane Haywood, Sharon Katona and Gina Myers.

United Thank Offering

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the 2007 United Thank Offering Fall Ingathering.  A total of $318.45 was donated.  You are invited to take a new blue box from the table near the entrance for your thankful coins, which will be collected at our 2008 Spring Ingathering in May.

 

Go in Peace

On Sunday, January 13th, we held a farewell dinner for Fr. David and Deborah to celebrate their eleven years of ministry with us and to wish them well in their new endeavors at St. Peter’s in Brenham, Texas.
The Ottsens’ new contact information will be:

3007 Live Oak Drive
Brenham, TX 77833-9214
(979) 836-7263

Click here for photos and a video slide show of the event, as well as Fr. David's farewell sermon and letter to the congregation.

Pledges for 2008

In case you have forgotten, please turn in your pledge cards for 2008 as soon as possible. Anticipated pledge amounts give the Vestry the parameters for setting a budget for the coming year.

Rowan Williams Letter

Click here to read an important letter from Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams to the primates fo the Anglican Communion in anticipation of the Lambeth Conference next year. In it he offers some thoughts on what it means to be "in communion", thoughts on the purposes of the Lambeth Conference, why prayer, mutual spiritual enrichment and development of ministry are preconditions to open discussion of the difficult issues that our church faces, and more.

Interim Rector

We are pleased to announce that the priest-in-charge during the transition following Fr. David's departure will be none other than Rt. Rev. Francis (Frank) Gray, former bishop of Northern Indiana. Bishop Gray (or "Fr. Frank" as he prefers to be called) was consecrated Bishop Coadjutor of Northern Indiana in 1986 and served until 1999 (during which time he called a priest named David Ottsen to the diocese of Northern Indiana). He then served as Assistant Bishop of Virgnia until his recent retirement. He has wide experience with the world mission of the Episcopal Church, as well as experience as a seasoned parish priest.

Fr. Frank was born June 27, 1940, in the Philippines. When he was eighteen months old, he and his family were imprisoned in a Japanese prison camp in the Philippines for the duration of World War II. Many decades later he represented Presiding Bishop Edmond Browning at the inauguration of the autonomous Episcopal Church of the Philippines.

Fr. Frank comes from a family with generations of experience in serving the church, as well as a history of close ties to St. Paul's itself. His great grandfather was Bishop of South Florida and had earlier served as a chaplain in the Confederate Army. His grandfather was also a Bishop of Northern Indiana. In fact, the elder Bishop Gray named St. Paul's his pro-Cathedral in 1925; thus St. Paul's was his home church during his episcopate. Bishop Gray's father was also an Episcopal priest and missionary. In addition, Fr. Frank was baptized here at St. Paul's; how fitting that he can return to his baptismal congregation so many years later and partake in this legacy at St. Paul's for a period of time!

Fr. Frank served in the United States Marine Corps, graduated from Rollins College in 1966 and Nashotah House, the Episcopal seminary in Wisconsin, in 1969. Prior to his consecration, he was a parish priest in Florida. He chaired the House of Bishops’ Committee on World Mission from 1991 through 1996, a committee on which he has served since 1988, and he has also served on the Standing Commission on World Mission since 1994.

Fr. Frank is a gifted teacher in stewardship and sought after as a leader of retreats for clergy and lay people. With his close association with the Department of Theology of Notre Dame University in South Bend, he has wide ecumenical experience. He has served on the Board of Directors of the Presiding Bishop’s Fund for World Relief, which he chaired. Fr. Frank and his wife, Karen, have three grown children and several grandchildren.

UPDATE:Click here to read Fr. Frank's inagural letter to the congretation.

A Noteworthy New Anglican Website

St. Paul's parishoner and inveterate ecumenist Christopher Wells has jointly spearheaded a new website/blog dedicated to dialogue and living into Christ's call to communion and covenant. In the face of an increasingly fractious Anglican Communion, these "evangelical and catholic Anglicans, and fellow travelers from the wider household of God, assembled and summoned to a common labor in the ecumenical Church of Christ," seek to respond to the " common faith and hope in Christ’s twofold call upon our lives: to humility and penitence in the teeth of painful division, and to reconciliation in love."
This promises to be at once edifying and challenging, and we encourage you to visit the site often to observe - and perhaps take part in - the sharing of ideas among some of the brightest communion- and ecumenism-oriented thinkers in our church today.
http://covenant-communion.com/

Operation Christmas Child...

"brings joy and hope to children in desperate situations around the world through gift-filled shoe boxes and the Good News of God's love. This program of Samaritan's Purse provides an opportunity for people of all ages to be involved in a simple, hands-on missions project while focusing on the true meaning of Christmas-Jesus Christ."
National Collection Week was November 12-19.
Please visit http://www.samaritanspurse.org/OCC.asp?MPGID=1 or contact Pam Jentz for more details.

Special Outreach Offering

Sunday, September 9th was a regularly scheduled Outreach Sunday. However, on this particular Sunday, there was an opportunity to make a special offering to the continuing hurricane recovery and rebuilding efforts in the dioceses of Mississippi and Louisiana. Congregations throughout Northern Indiana took up collections on this date so that Bishop Little could take the funds raised with him when he met with the House of Bishops in late September. Each diocese in the Episcopal Church hoped to raise $10,000.00 towards this cause. Our efforts at St. Paul's will go a long way to restoring hope to our brothers and sisters on the Gulf Coast. For more information on the work in Mississippi and Louisiana, visit their diocesan websites at www.dioms.org and www.edola.org , respectively.

UPDATE! At the current count, St. Paul’s will be contributing over $1,600.00 to the Diocese of Northern Indiana’s gift for rebuilding efforts in the dioceses affected by Hurricane Katrina. Thank you to all who contributed!

 

Men’s Counseling Group

The Samaritan Counseling Center is starting a new counseling group for men struggling with depression, anger, stress, relationship issues, parenting issues, anxiety, and other similar problems. The group will be facilitated by Dr. Jeremy Linton and is intended to provide a support network for men ages 25 and up. The group will meet for 1 ½ hours weekly. The cost is $30.00 per session and will be able to be billed some insurance companies for group counseling. Dr. Linton will begin accepting referrals for this group immediately. Call the office at (574) 277-0274 to sign up.

 

St. Paul's Choir Needs You

New things are happening with the choir. We request anyone who has ever sung (even in the shower) to consider joining this ministry. Choir experience and musical training are not necessary - I like to teach.
Like any ministry, ensemble singing takes some commitment. I recognize we are all busy people. The choir assists at most Sunday Eucharists, but not all members are expected every week. There are weeknight rehearsals, but since each will prepare for several upcoming Sundays, attendance at every one is not required.
If you would like to learn more, contact me: weekdays 234-7666, evenings and weekends 291-8398.
Let's make a joyful and beautiful noise unto the Lord!
--Stephen Drendall

 

Congratulations!

(Click for larger image)

Congratulations to Benjamin Gregory Adamson, son of Jon and Hollie Adamson, upon the occasion of his baptism on Sunday, August 12th. Godparents are Carrie Ottsen, and Marcella and Daniel Perret.
St. Paul’s was quite full that morning with many members of the Adamson and Maxfield families. The families wish to extend a special thank you to Pam Jentz, Betty Jo Boyer, Deborah Ottsen, and Barbara Books for their work at the potluck following the service.
We welcome Benjamin into the Body of Christ!

Christian Unity

Our own Christopher Wells has just written a piece for The Living Church Foundation on the recent Roman Catholic statement about the Church and churches. Click here to read...

 

Gun Buy Back a Great Success!

A Gun Buy Back was held at St. Paul's from 10am-4pm on Saturday, August 18, through the auspices of CURE and area police departments. Over 250 guns were collected - more than double the amount anticipated. You can read about it here.

Thanks

Janine O'Keefe and Carol McQueen extend their thanks to all for your cards and prayers.

Commentary on Anglican Affairs

Christopher Wells draws our attention to an offers some commentary on an important recent article by Ephrahim Radner.
Click here to read...

Brad Thames gave a short talk about the ministry of L'Abri during worship on Sunday, June 24. You can read the text of that talk, plus some other stuff, by clicking here.

Doers of the Word

In May, Doers of the Word met at All Saints and collected baby items and monetary contributions for the Mustard Seed Mission project at St. Anne's, Warsaw. All gifts from St. Paul's were gratefully received.

Hope Rescue Mission Dinner

On Friday, June 8th, St. Paul's provided and delivered the evening meal to 80 plus folks. I would like to thank every one who helped provide food and serve the meal. I'm especially grateful as I was with my father in Crown Point. Thank you for your prayers. Dad is at home and will undergo further testing soon. Those who helped: Jude and Dale Keltner, Tami Lewis, Fr. David and Deborah Ottsen, Teresa Betz, Janine O’Keefe, Betty Jo Boyer, Jan Frieden, Jonathan Juilfs, Linda Ruthig, Carole Gross, Carol and Pete McQueen, Lisette Bolduc, and Peter van Inwagen. Thank you for your prayers and gifts for outreach to help our less fortunate sisters and brothers.

ECW Yard Sale

The ECW Yard Sale raised $629.75 in June. These funds are used for various needs of the church, including funeral lunch expenses. Thank you to all for donating and purchasing items and to all who volunteered: Jude Keltner, Chris Cannoot, Carole Gross, Keith and Roxanne Miller, Diana Pecsi, Sharon and Ralph Burget, Tami Lewis, Carol and Ken Finkbiner, Janine O’Keefe, Deborah Ottsen, Teresa Betz, Carol McQueen, Diane Haywood, and Jan Frieden. With all the great help, the work went well and we had a good time together.

Food Pantry Donations

Through May, we have collected 1528 pounds. This exceeds our goal for this period. The biggest month for donations this year so far was March. We collected 434 pounds that month due to our additional emphasis on the food pantry during Lent. Let’s keep up the good work!
Please continue to bring in your donations of canned goods and personal care supplied to the food pantry throughout the summer months. Demand does not decrease in the summer, so if you know you will be gone for a while on vacation, please bring extra items on the Sundays on which you will be present.

Philip Jenkins at Pew Forum

Religious Studies Professor (Penn State) and Episcopalean Philip Jenkins discussing the current state of the Anglican Communion at the Pew Forum, a news and discussion outlet about religion and public life.
Click here to read the transcrpt

 

Babies, babies everywhere!

Congratulations to all the new parents (and all of baby boys!):

• Jon and Hollie Adamson (Benjamin Gregory, born May 23);
• Tara and Andrew Opaczewski (Hunter Thomas, born June 1);
• Brad and Manuela Thames (Lukas Jens, born April 10)

 

St. Paul's Choir Needs You

New things are happening with the choir. We request anyone who has ever sung (even in the shower) to consider joining this ministry. Choir experience and musical training are not necessary - I like to teach.
Like any ministry, ensemble singing takes some commitment. I recognize we are all busy people. The choir assists at most Sunday Eucharists, but not all members are expected every week. There are weeknight rehearsals, but since each will prepare for several upcoming Sundays, attendance at every one is not required.
If you would like to learn more, contact me: weekdays 234-7666, evenings and weekends 291-8398.
Let's make a joyful and beautiful noise unto the Lord!
--Stephen Drendall

 

Congratulations!

(Click for larger image)

Congratulations to Benjamin Gregory Adamson, son of Jon and Hollie Adamson, upon the occasion of his baptism on Sunday, August 12th. Godparents are Carrie Ottsen, and Marcella and Daniel Perret.
St. Paul’s was quite full that morning with many members of the Adamson and Maxfield families. The families wish to extend a special thank you to Pam Jentz, Betty Jo Boyer, Deborah Ottsen, and Barbara Books for their work at the potluck following the service.
We welcome Benjamin into the Body of Christ!

Christian Unity

Our own Christopher Wells has just written a piece for The Living Church Foundation on the recent Roman Catholic statement about the Church and churches. Click here to read...

 

Gun Buy Back a Great Success!

A Gun Buy Back was held at St. Paul's from 10am-4pm on Saturday, August 18, through the auspices of CURE and area police departments. Over 250 guns were collected - more than double the amount anticipated. You can read about it here.

Thanks

Janine O'Keefe and Carol McQueen extend their thanks to all for your cards and prayers.

Commentary on Anglican Affairs

Christopher Wells draws our attention to an offers some commentary on an important recent article by Ephrahim Radner.
Click here to read...

Brad Thames gave a short talk about the ministry of L'Abri during worship on Sunday, June 24. You can read the text of that talk, plus some other stuff, by clicking here.

Doers of the Word

In May, Doers of the Word met at All Saints and collected baby items and monetary contributions for the Mustard Seed Mission project at St. Anne's, Warsaw. All gifts from St. Paul's were gratefully received.

Hope Rescue Mission Dinner

On Friday, June 8th, St. Paul's provided and delivered the evening meal to 80 plus folks. I would like to thank every one who helped provide food and serve the meal. I'm especially grateful as I was with my father in Crown Point. Thank you for your prayers. Dad is at home and will undergo further testing soon. Those who helped: Jude and Dale Keltner, Tami Lewis, Fr. David and Deborah Ottsen, Teresa Betz, Janine O’Keefe, Betty Jo Boyer, Jan Frieden, Jonathan Juilfs, Linda Ruthig, Carole Gross, Carol and Pete McQueen, Lisette Bolduc, and Peter van Inwagen. Thank you for your prayers and gifts for outreach to help our less fortunate sisters and brothers.

ECW Yard Sale

The ECW Yard Sale raised $629.75 in June. These funds are used for various needs of the church, including funeral lunch expenses. Thank you to all for donating and purchasing items and to all who volunteered: Jude Keltner, Chris Cannoot, Carole Gross, Keith and Roxanne Miller, Diana Pecsi, Sharon and Ralph Burget, Tami Lewis, Carol and Ken Finkbiner, Janine O’Keefe, Deborah Ottsen, Teresa Betz, Carol McQueen, Diane Haywood, and Jan Frieden. With all the great help, the work went well and we had a good time together.

Food Pantry Donations

Through May, we have collected 1528 pounds. This exceeds our goal for this period. The biggest month for donations this year so far was March. We collected 434 pounds that month due to our additional emphasis on the food pantry during Lent. Let’s keep up the good work!
Please continue to bring in your donations of canned goods and personal care supplied to the food pantry throughout the summer months. Demand does not decrease in the summer, so if you know you will be gone for a while on vacation, please bring extra items on the Sundays on which you will be present.

Philip Jenkins at Pew Forum

Religious Studies Professor (Penn State) and Episcopalean Philip Jenkins discussing the current state of the Anglican Communion at the Pew Forum, a news and discussion outlet about religion and public life.
Click here to read the transcrpt

 

Babies, babies everywhere!

Congratulations to all the new parents (and all of baby boys!):

• Jon and Hollie Adamson (Benjamin Gregory, born May 23);
• Tara and Andrew Opaczewski (Hunter Thomas, born June 1);
• Brad and Manuela Thames (Lukas Jens, born April 10)

Annual Meeting Notes

The results of the elections at the annual meeting are as follows:

Senior Warden – Dave Collier
Junior Warden – Sara Wolfe
Vestry (3 year term) – Tami Lewis
Vestry (1 year term) – Brad Thames
Delegate to Convention – Pam Jentz
Delegate to Convention – Diana Pecsi
Delegate to Convention – Barbara Books
Alternate Delegate – Daniel Perett

Dave Collier and Sara Wolfe volunteered to serve as 2nd and 3rd alternates should the need arise.

It was announced that the Search Committee will be comprised of Janine O’Keefe (Chair, Vestry), Dave Jentz (Vestry), Lisette Bolduc (Chaplain), Diane Haywood, Joel Dodson, Diana Pecsi, Phil Reed and Bill Whitman.

The budget was presented by Jack Frieden, Treasurer. A new item, fundraising, was added to the budget this year so that it could be balanced.

Father Gray addressed the meeting, describing the principles of church governance and discussing the work of the interim period the parish is now in, noting that “you can’t say hello to someone unless you say goodbye to someone.”

Thank yous were extended to Gina Myers for her work as Accountant, to Father Minnix for his continued ministry as Assisting Priest, to Jack Frieden for his work as Treasurer (in particular, working to achieve the recommendations of the Audit Committee), to Jan Frieden for her work with floral arrangements and sanctuary décor, to Tara Opaczewski for volunteering to work in the nursery each month, to Dave Collier for his service as Junior Warden, to Sara Wolfe for her service as Senior Warden, and to Marty Wolfe for his cooking at the Farewell Dinner for the Ottsens.

The minutes from the annual meeting (in draft form) can be downloaded from the vestry page.

RIP

Over the last several years both individually and corporately we have assisted a woman in need:  Sharon Weaver.  We are saddened to report that Sharon died on Dec. 18.  Our condolences were given to her husband, RC.  She now rests in the loving arms of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Flower Chart

The Flower Chart Calendar is up at the back of the sanctuary ready for signing.  Please call Jan Frieden, 291-1742, if you have any questions or particular requests for color or flower selection throughout the year.  We encourage you to take the flowers after the 10:00 service.  Containers or foil are available in the kitchen/far lower cupboard.  The suggested donation is $30.00 for a Sunday.  Please make checks payable to St. Paul’s with a notation for flower fund.  This may be placed in the alms basin or delivered to the office, whichever is most convenient.  Thank you!

To the Glory of God!
The Flower Committee
Nadine Collier, Jan Frieden, Sue Mullett

Thank You To

…Mary Lou Bizzaro for sewing fleece bags to store our new pew torches and shades.
…Jude Keltner for her help in packing up Father David’s books for moving.
 …the people of St. Paul’s for their patience and understanding during this time of transition.  We will try to keep things as “normal” as possible.
…All those who contributed to and assisted in the adornment of St. Paul’s for the Christmas Season.  As well as those who served in worship ministries, our organist, choir director and choir. 
…Jack Frieden who has done yeoman’s work in making all the various transitions necessary concerning our financial status.  Thanks to those who also assist in our financial processes:  Chris Cannoot, Diane Haywood, Sharon Katona and Gina Myers.

United Thank Offering

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the 2007 United Thank Offering Fall Ingathering.  A total of $318.45 was donated.  You are invited to take a new blue box from the table near the entrance for your thankful coins, which will be collected at our 2008 Spring Ingathering in May.

 

Go in Peace

On Sunday, January 13th, we held a farewell dinner for Fr. David and Deborah to celebrate their eleven years of ministry with us and to wish them well in their new endeavors at St. Peter’s in Brenham, Texas.
The Ottsens’ new contact information will be:

3007 Live Oak Drive
Brenham, TX 77833-9214
(979) 836-7263

Click here for photos and a video slide show of the event, as well as Fr. David's farewell sermon and letter to the congregation.

Pledges for 2008

In case you have forgotten, please turn in your pledge cards for 2008 as soon as possible. Anticipated pledge amounts give the Vestry the parameters for setting a budget for the coming year.

Rowan Williams Letter

Click here to read an important letter from Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams to the primates fo the Anglican Communion in anticipation of the Lambeth Conference next year. In it he offers some thoughts on what it means to be "in communion", thoughts on the purposes of the Lambeth Conference, why prayer, mutual spiritual enrichment and development of ministry are preconditions to open discussion of the difficult issues that our church faces, and more.

Interim Rector

We are pleased to announce that the priest-in-charge during the transition following Fr. David's departure will be none other than Rt. Rev. Francis (Frank) Gray, former bishop of Northern Indiana. Bishop Gray (or "Fr. Frank" as he prefers to be called) was consecrated Bishop Coadjutor of Northern Indiana in 1986 and served until 1999 (during which time he called a priest named David Ottsen to the diocese of Northern Indiana). He then served as Assistant Bishop of Virgnia until his recent retirement. He has wide experience with the world mission of the Episcopal Church, as well as experience as a seasoned parish priest.

Fr. Frank was born June 27, 1940, in the Philippines. When he was eighteen months old, he and his family were imprisoned in a Japanese prison camp in the Philippines for the duration of World War II. Many decades later he represented Presiding Bishop Edmond Browning at the inauguration of the autonomous Episcopal Church of the Philippines.

Fr. Frank comes from a family with generations of experience in serving the church, as well as a history of close ties to St. Paul's itself. His great grandfather was Bishop of South Florida and had earlier served as a chaplain in the Confederate Army. His grandfather was also a Bishop of Northern Indiana. In fact, the elder Bishop Gray named St. Paul's his pro-Cathedral in 1925; thus St. Paul's was his home church during his episcopate. Bishop Gray's father was also an Episcopal priest and missionary. In addition, Fr. Frank was baptized here at St. Paul's; how fitting that he can return to his baptismal congregation so many years later and partake in this legacy at St. Paul's for a period of time!

Fr. Frank served in the United States Marine Corps, graduated from Rollins College in 1966 and Nashotah House, the Episcopal seminary in Wisconsin, in 1969. Prior to his consecration, he was a parish priest in Florida. He chaired the House of Bishops’ Committee on World Mission from 1991 through 1996, a committee on which he has served since 1988, and he has also served on the Standing Commission on World Mission since 1994.

Fr. Frank is a gifted teacher in stewardship and sought after as a leader of retreats for clergy and lay people. With his close association with the Department of Theology of Notre Dame University in South Bend, he has wide ecumenical experience. He has served on the Board of Directors of the Presiding Bishop’s Fund for World Relief, which he chaired. Fr. Frank and his wife, Karen, have three grown children and several grandchildren.

UPDATE:Click here to read Fr. Frank's inagural letter to the congretation.

A Noteworthy New Anglican Website

St. Paul's parishoner and inveterate ecumenist Christopher Wells has jointly spearheaded a new website/blog dedicated to dialogue and living into Christ's call to communion and covenant. In the face of an increasingly fractious Anglican Communion, these "evangelical and catholic Anglicans, and fellow travelers from the wider household of God, assembled and summoned to a common labor in the ecumenical Church of Christ," seek to respond to the " common faith and hope in Christ’s twofold call upon our lives: to humility and penitence in the teeth of painful division, and to reconciliation in love."
This promises to be at once edifying and challenging, and we encourage you to visit the site often to observe - and perhaps take part in - the sharing of ideas among some of the brightest communion- and ecumenism-oriented thinkers in our church today.
http://covenant-communion.com/

Operation Christmas Child...

"brings joy and hope to children in desperate situations around the world through gift-filled shoe boxes and the Good News of God's love. This program of Samaritan's Purse provides an opportunity for people of all ages to be involved in a simple, hands-on missions project while focusing on the true meaning of Christmas-Jesus Christ."
National Collection Week was November 12-19.
Please visit http://www.samaritanspurse.org/OCC.asp?MPGID=1 or contact Pam Jentz for more details.

Special Outreach Offering

Sunday, September 9th was a regularly scheduled Outreach Sunday. However, on this particular Sunday, there was an opportunity to make a special offering to the continuing hurricane recovery and rebuilding efforts in the dioceses of Mississippi and Louisiana. Congregations throughout Northern Indiana took up collections on this date so that Bishop Little could take the funds raised with him when he met with the House of Bishops in late September. Each diocese in the Episcopal Church hoped to raise $10,000.00 towards this cause. Our efforts at St. Paul's will go a long way to restoring hope to our brothers and sisters on the Gulf Coast. For more information on the work in Mississippi and Louisiana, visit their diocesan websites at www.dioms.org and www.edola.org , respectively.

UPDATE! At the current count, St. Paul’s will be contributing over $1,600.00 to the Diocese of Northern Indiana’s gift for rebuilding efforts in the dioceses affected by Hurricane Katrina. Thank you to all who contributed!

 

Lambeth Indaba

Rather than producing any formal resolutions, the Lambeth Conference took the form of indaba, "based upon an African ideal of purposeful discussion on the common concerns of our shared life." Bishops divided into several groups in which they were able to share their experiences and stories, thoughts and ideas, and engage in a time of listening, understanding and dialogue on a number of topics central to the Anglican mission. These reflections have been assembled in a document entitled the "Lambeth Indaba". Although somewhat lengthy, it is fascinating, sometimes provocative, and above all an indespensible articulation of the many voices in our Communion striving towards a common Anglican identity and mission. We encourage you to take the time to read through it prayerfully and thoughtfully.
Click here to go to the document.

Bishop Little at Lambeth

Read our Bishop's reflections on his time at the Lambeth Conference which just ended. Also, be sure to take a look at the pictures of him with the Archbishop of Canterbury!

Archbishop Rowan Lecture

The Archbishop of Canterbury gave a stimulating and important lecture at the London School of Economics on Religious Faith and Human Rights back in May. Click here to listen to or download the lecture. A printable transcript of the lecture is here.

Iowa Flood Relief

Dean Brian Grantz of St. James Cathedral, who has recently come from several years of service in areas affected by Hurricane Katrina, has challenged all congreagations in the diocese to contribute towards the relief effort in flood-ravaged Iowa. Click here to read his letter.

UTO Spring Ingathering Report

Thank you to everyone who contributed to our Spring United Thank Offering Ingathering. Your generous donations have truly fulfilled UTO's mission, which is to expand the circle of thankful people. The amount received was $418.48, the largest offering to date. Please remember to take a new Blue Box for our Fall UTO Ingathering in November and continue to offer (literally and spiritually) your daily contributions of thanksgiving to God for all God's many blessings.

ECW Yard Sale Update

At last count, the Yard Sale raised over $740.00. Thank you to all who helped make it such a success! A more detailed accounting will be provided next month.

Nursery Volunteers

We are grateful for the many years of service that Andrea Dudeck gave our parish as our paid nursery assistant. She will no longer be serving in that capacity as she wishes to be more involved in her home church on Sundays. Therefore, we are in need of volunteers to serve in the nursery. Parents of young children are particularly encouraged to volunteer. There is a sign-up sheet on the usher’s table. You will notice in the ministry schedule that “TBD” is listed under “Nursery”. Jon Adamson will contact the volunteers with a proposed schedule shortly.

Diocese of Northern Indiana on Covenant

The General Convention deputies from our diocese (including Christopher Wells) have drawn up a response to the most recent draft of the evolving Anglican Covenant. To read the response, click here. The draft itself, as well as supplemental materials (including a commentary) can be found on the Anglican Communion website.

Missionary Fund

Donations to Christopher Wells’ missionary fund can be made by sending checks to the diocesan office at:

Diocese of Northern Indiana
Attn: Treasurer
117 N. Lafayette Blvd.
South Bend, IN 46601

Please make checks payable to the diocese and note “Wells Missionary Fund” on the memo line. Envelopes will also be provided so that donations can be made during the offertory. Christopher needs to raise around $15,000.00 so that he can serve as missionary in South Africa and teach at a seminary later this year. Thanks to Fr. Frank for setting up this fund and for advertising it in our diocese. Our gifts will be joined with others to make this important undertaking possible.

Update on Evangelism Workshop

The evangelism workshop hosted by St. Michael & All Angels on April 19th was well represented by St. Paul’s. Pam Jentz, Katie Weakland, Christopher Wells, and Sara Wolfe all attended. The speaker, Carrie Boren, offered a fresh perspective a fresh perspective on sharing the good news and making our church a welcoming place for the non-churched.

Memorial Garden Meeting

The Memorial Garden Committee met on April 12th. The committee discussed both long-range goals for the garden as well as addressed current needs. Three current projects will be performed on the Parish Work Day, including establishing a path from the parking lot to the garden, planting annuals, and doing general maintenance and weeding. For more information or to participate on the committee, please contact Sara Wolfe.

Congratualtions!

Jonathan Juilfs has been offered a position at the College of the Holy Cross in Boston, and Carrie Ottsen passed her Masters exam last week. Congratulations to both!

Fr. Gray in Sudan

Click for larger image

Fr. Gray was recently in the Sudan to celebrate the enthroning of Rt Revd Daniel Deng Bul as the next Archbishop of Sudan.

Click here to read about the event.

UPDATE: Fr. Frank has been appointed Commissary to the Sudan Primate. Read about it here. A longer article on the Sudanese archdiocese and Bishop Gray's involvment is here.

Donate Items for St. Paul's

Beginning Sunday, March 30, we will be collecting items to be sold on the online auction house Ebay as a fundraiser for St. Paul's - a kind of "online yard sale". If you have old furniture, clothing, collectibles, antiques, or any other items you'd like to get rid of, consdier donating them to be sold on behalf of St. Paul's!
Bring them to the church on March 30 or anytime after that, and we'll take care of the rest.
Or, you can bring them directly to one of the "I Sold It" stores, who will be auctioning the items on our behalf. The closest location to the church is 12933 SR 23, Granger, In 46530, (across from Martin's Supermarket - click here for a map).
For a list of other locations around the country, visit http://www.i-soldit.com/locations.asp.

For more information, please visit http://www.stpaulsmishawaka.org/html/ebay.html.

Holy Week Thank Yous

Thank you to all of those persons whose ministry made for such blessed worship during Holy Week and Easter—Fr. Frank, Fr. George, Carole, the Altar Guild, Steven Drendall, Ginny Timler, the Choir, servers, ushers, readers, decorators, coffee hosts, and all other volunteers.

 

A Special Thank-You

To the ECW ladies: Betty Jo Adamson, Betty Jo Boyer, Carole Gross, Diane Haywood, Vikki Hesch, Anna Horning, Pam Jentz and Janine O'Keefe who helped to serve the Funeral Luncheon for the family and friends of Ron Esarey.  And also to all of the ladies who prepared and delivered their food items to the church on Saturday morning, February 9th.

Contribute to the Website!

Development of the website is a great way to keep parishoners, friends of St. Paul's and visitors informed about our life and ministries, which is especially important during this time of transition. There are several ways you can contribute, even if you don't have computer skills:

- If you know of any upcoming events, announcements or noteworthy news items;
- If you are involved with a ministry and would like to provide information about it;
- If you would like the website to link to your personal or business website;
- If you have suggestions or ideas for additional content, improvements to the layout and design, or are able to provide graphics and multimedia;
- If you have any pictures or knowledge of St. Paul's history;

If you would like to contribute in these or any other way, please do email the webmaster (webmaster@stpaulsmishawaka.org) or speak with Brad Thames or Jon Adamson.

Parish Workshop

Canon SuzeAnne Silla led an all-parish workshop on Saturday, January 26th. The focus of the workshop was an evaluation of our life as a parish, with the goal of formulating a clear picture of the sort of rector we would like to bring to the parish. The responses given in the workshop will be used to form a parish profile. You can see the results of the workshop, as well as other updates and information, by visitng the Search Updates page.

Sunday Prayers

All names on the Sunday prayer list will need to be resubmitted every month. Click here to resubmit or to submit a new prayer request. Prayer request cards are also available in the back of the church.

Lenten Bible Study

The Lenten Bible Study was a great success. Thanks espeically to Jonathan Juilfs, and all of those who participated. The readings and study guides will remain posted on the website - Click here for access.

St Margaret's House Winter Walk

St. Margaret’s House held its 9th annual Winter Walk on Sunday, February 10th at 2:30 pm. Fr. Frank and many others braved sub-zero temperatures in order to help women in need. It's not too late to sponsor a walker. Please talk to Fr. Frank or Pam Jentz if you would like to help. For more information, please visit their website at www.stmargaretshouse.org.

Camp New Happenings Sunday

Bishop Little designated Sunday, February 10th as Camp New Happenings Sunday. Camp New Happenings is a new ministry of the diocese in conjunction with ecumenical partners. It is a camp for children who have at least one parent in prison. Northern Indiana will join with nearly 20 other dioceses across the country to offer such a camp. For more information, visit www.ednin.org and click on the Camp New Happenings logo. A collection will be taken on this Sunday for the work of the camp. Your generosity is welcomed.

Happy Birthday!

Join us in wishing Betty Jo Adamson a happy 80th birthday, which was February 24th!

 

Outreach Notes - Feb 2009

Committee Meeting
The Outreach Committee will meet Sunday, March 1st following coffee hour after the 10:00 am service.

Food Pantry:
In January, 309 pounds were donated. Through the third week in February, an additional 264 pounds were donated. If you are doing shopping for the pantry, please consider the following suggested items: cereal, meat, tuna, tuna helper, macaroni and cheese, vegetables, fruit, peanut butter, beans, and crackers. Thanks for your continued generous support.

“Souper Success”
St. Paul’s raised $370.20 on Souper Bowl Sunday. Proceeds were divided between the St. Augustine Soup Kitchen and the Northern Indiana Food Bank. Addtionally, 90 pounds of soup were donated and joined with 12 pounds from our pantry to donate a total of 102 pounds to Broadway Christian Church.

Marifiki
St. Paul’s received an email from Fr. John Nganga thanking us for our prayers and financial support during 2008. There is an update with photos of the St Benedict's Girls Dorm posted on the Outreach Bulletin board.

Operation Christmas Child Shoebox
We are happy to report that over 8 million shoeboxes were distributed worldwide. 4.5 million of the total were sent from the United States.

Mother Susan in the Holy Land

click for larger image

Mother Susan took a trip to the Holy Land from January 19th to the 27th with Canon SuzeAnne Silla and Father Dan Martins of St. Anne’s, Warsaw. The three of them took this trip to do advance planning for a diocesan pilgrimage to be led by Bishop Little in the future.

Annual Meeting

The Annual Meeting was held on Sunday, February 1st. A number of people were recognized for their service to the congregation, and we elected a Sr. Warden, Jr. Warden, several vestry members and Dave Jentz, Theresa Betz and Sara Wolfe were elected as delegates to diocesan convention.

Click here to see the biographies of those elected to the 2009 Vestry.

Outreach Notes - Jan 2009

Food Pantry: In 2008, we collected 3926 pounds—a 13% increase over 2007! Given the needs of many in the current economic climate, this is exceptional!

St. Margaret’s House: We donated $764 to SMH from monthly outreach offerings in 2008. SMH offers services that meet guests immediate needs as well as provides program that help them work toward self-sufficiency. SMH has experienced a large increase in the number of people seeking services during 2008—over 25% from 2007. Please consult the Outreach Board for volunteer opportunites at SMH, including: receptionist, clerical assistance, cooking, and sorting clothes.

SMH will hold their Winter Walk on Sunday, February 22nd at 2:30 pm. Funds raised at this walk benefit the women and children of SMH. $52,000 was raised in 2008. To register, please visit www.stmargaretshouse.org or obtain a form from the church office. On site registration begins at 1:30 pm. A reception is held after the walk. Donations of cookies are needed. Please sign-up on the sheet on the usher’s table to do so.

Episcopal Relief & Development: We donated $969 to ER&D from monthly outreach offerings in 2008.

Marifiki Global Aids Ministry: We donated $1244 to Marifiki from monthly outreach offerings in 2008.

Thanksgiving Baskets: We donated 54 baskets to families in November and two gift cards totaling $70 to 2 families. With joy and gratitude, I would like to thank all those responsible for the success of the Thanksgiving Basket Project. Thank you to: those who contributed food and monetary gifts to purchase food, Jude Keltner for shopping, Keith Miller for providing and assembling boxes and delivery of baskets to SMH, Carol and Ken Finkbiner for assembling of baskets and delivery to SMH, Jan Frieden for assembling baskets and providing polished red apples for the baskets, Betty Jo Boyer for assembly of baskets, Chris and Gerald Cannoot for delivery of baskets, Carole and Jim Gross for delivery of baskets, Jim Lovelace for delivery of baskets, Vickie Hesh and Diane Haywood for delivery of baskets, Dave Collier for delivery of baskets, Roxanne Miller for providing flyers for the baskets, Sue Skarski for assembly of baskets. If I have forgotten to thank someone, I sincerely apologize.

Operation Christmas Child Shoe Box Project: We collected 45 boxes for children. Postage was covered by donations and a generous contribution from the ECW.

Thank you for your generous support of Outreach through your prayers, financial contributions, and time spent at work on Outreach projects. Your efforts demonstrate the tangible love to those in need of help.

If you would like to serve on Outreach Committee or have ideas for outreach development, please contact Pam Jentz at 272-4193 or email: pamjentz@comcast.net

Epiphany Tea Thank-yous

The Epiphany Tea on Sunday, January 11th was a wonderful event. We are grateful to all who participated. As Mother Susan received the dime in the cake at last year’s event, St. Paul’s was chosen as the host. Deacon Joe Illes of the Cathedral got the dime at the tea, so they will host next year.

Thank you to Barbara Books and the committee: Jan Frieden, Ida Forbes, Nadine Collier, and Pam Jentz. Thank you to contributors: Joanne Thompson, Betty Jo Adamson, Hollie Adamson, Katie Weakland, Sara & Marty Wolfe, Dave Collier, Jack Frieden, and Ralph Burget. Thank you as well to Mother Susan, Stephen Drendall, and Cynthia Boener for the exceptional music before the tea.

Mary K. & Bill Bissell have very generously donated a silver tea service to the church. It was used at the Epiphany Tea and will certainly be used at future events.

Congratulations!

Congratulations to Owen and Angela Chesnut who welcomed 7lb 6oz Jack David Chesnut into the world at 4:37pm on January 2nd!

Congratulations, Dr. Wells!

Congratulations to Christopher Wells who recently defended his dissertation at Notre Dame. He made a visit to St. Paul’s on Sunday, December 14th following the event. He will be spending the next few months in South Africa on his mission trip teaching at a seminary. Upon his return to the States, he will become the new Executive Director of the Living Church Foundation, which publishes the Living Church magazine. We are very proud of Christopher and hope that he comes to visit us again this summer to tell us all about his trip.

Consecration Sunday

Consecration Sunday was a resounding success! We enjoyed a glorious worship service togheter during which we went forward as families to deposit our pledge cards in teh basket at the foot of the altar. After worship, we all joined together downstairs for a catered luncheon while Jack Frieden, our Treasurer, tabulated the results. What a celebration it was when he announced at the end that our overall pledging for next year was up by 24% compared to this past year, representing a dollar increase in the neighborhood of more than $30,000! Now Jack wants us to understand, this is subject to checking more numbers to make sure no errors have been made, but the bottom line is clear: the people of St. Paul's are grateful for waht God has giving them and are eager to give in return. Blessings on all of you!

UTO Ingathering Total

Our parish Fall 2008 UTO Ingathering on November 7th was a blessed success. The total of $537.75 received surpassed any amount previously recorded. Truly, our spirit of thankful giving has become a part of the “action of grace” that UTO grants provide. Thanks be to God and to the generosity of our St. Paul's parish family. Please remember to take a new Blue Box from the usher's table for our Spring 2009 UTO ingathering in May and continue to offer (literally and spiritually) your daily contributions of thanksgiving to God.   
                                                                                                                        God Bless,
                                                                                                                         Barbara Books

 

Congratulations!

Click for larger image

Congratulations to Phil and Annie Reed, who welcomed into the world Lydia Catherine; born October 29th, weighing 8 pounds, 12 ounces.

Welcome!

We are pleased to welcome to the congregation Ida and Yates Forbis who have transferred their membership from the Church of the Good Shepherd, Galax, VA, to St. Paul's.

St. Paul's Choir

The Choir is now back in session, and we are looking for new members! Click here for more information...

Nursery Volunteers

We are in need of volunteers to serve in the nursery. Parents of young children are particularly encouraged to volunteer. Please contact Jon Adamson if you are interested in helping.

Diocese of Northern Indiana on Covenant

The General Convention deputies from our diocese (including former parishoher Christopher Wells) have drawn up a response to the most recent draft of the evolving Anglican Covenant. To read the response, click here. The draft itself, as well as supplemental materials (including a commentary) can be found on the Anglican Communion website.

Donate Items for St. Paul's

We are still collecting items to be sold on the online auction house Ebay as a fundraiser for St. Paul's - a kind of "online yard sale". If you have old furniture, clothing, collectibles, antiques, or any other items you'd like to get rid of, consdier donating them to be sold on behalf of St. Paul's!
Just bring them to the church and we'll take care of the rest.
Or, you can bring them directly to one of the "I Sold It" stores, who will be auctioning the items on our behalf. The closest location to the church is 12933 SR 23, Granger, In 46530, (across from Martin's Supermarket - click here for a map).
For a list of other locations around the country, visit http://www.i-soldit.com/locations.asp.

For more information, please visit http://www.stpaulsmishawaka.org/html/ebay.html.

Prayer Garden

Several members of St. Paul's have worked hard over the summer to beautify our prayer garden. Click here for pictures of the new-and-improved garden.

Novel Published by Parishoner

Did you know that Jeanne Dams has had a new novel published? Her latest, Indigo Christmas, part of the Hilda Johansson series, has been published by Perseverance Press and is now appearing in bookstores. In fact, Jeanne will be absent from church some in the coming weeks because she is going on tour to launch this latest mystery in bookstores around the area. Please congratulate her when you do see her again, usually at the 8:00 a.m. service.