St. Paul Epistle

www.stpaul.org                      Volume 2001, Issue 6                     June 2001 

A Summertime Parable - A rerun for God's people at St. Paul during this season of rerunning and renewing and relaxing ...

Once upon a time there was a boy who lay on his back and counted the stars.

When he was 12, he knew the sky by heart. At night he would lay on a blanket and spend hours looking up at the sky in wonder and awe.

Now he is 30. He wears thick glasses and studies mathematics. He leans over his papers and figures out stars. He cannot do it without even looking up. Now his little girl looks up at the sky. She wishes he would do it with her.

Are we so involved with the busyness of life ... so caught up with rushing around doing things that we no longer can see the wonder of life?

Are we so grown up that Jesus no longer excites or amazes or causes us to stand in awe of the wonder of it all?

Yours for looking up in wonder at God's action in Jesus!

Rev. Daniel Deutsch, Pastor

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Pastoral Ramblings

A monthly (or seasonal ... or occasional, as the case may be) rambling of thoughts ... thanks ... things coming up ... things to think about, etc.

A new Summertime Schedule for Worship and Study! - After much discussion in various committees, the Church Council has reached a consensus to adopt the following schedule for worship and education for the summer months of June, July and August (runs June 3-Sept. 2):

5:30 p.m. - Sat. evening worship as usual with communion on alternating Saturdays.
8:00 a.m. - Sunday morning traditional, liturgical worship with communion at each service.
9:00 a.m. - Adult Bible study of the book of Revelation (along with coffee and eats in the fellowship hall.
10:00 a.m. - Sunday morning contemporary worship using the present 9:20 and 10:45 a.m. format with communion on alternating Sundays. (This effectively combines our 9:20 and 10:45 a.m. services for the summer.)

Included as part of this consensus decision is a program to receive appropriate feedback in the form of suggestions as we look to the future. The church Council will act as conveners, listeners and recorders at 3 different times during the summer to receive such feedback and feelings about this summer program - its advantages and disadvantages. These times will be announced by the Council in the weekly bulletins.

Easter Season - This past Easter season (ending this Sunday with the celebration of Pentecost) we have been focusing on the book of Revelation for our worship themes. The entire book of Revelation is a series of visions of hope for people who are experiencing pain and heartache, separation from loved ones and despair. Join us each week beginning this coming Sunday, June 3, at 9 a.m. as we take a deeper look at this marvelous vision. We will meet in the fellowship hall where there will be coffee and eats for you.

How Can Someone Receive Care from a Stephen Minister? - Pastor Dan is our Stephen Leader who coordinates referrals. If you or someone you know could benefit from the care of a Stephen Minister, you can talk to him, or to any of our other Stephen Leaders. Any of our Stephen Ministers would also be happy to help you through the process. (If you want to talk about Stephen Ministry for someone else, make sure you get his or her permission first.)

How can Someone Become a Stephen Minister? - Begin by talking with one of our Stephen Leaders or Stephen Ministers and they can tell you more. We will be training a new class of Stephen Ministers once each year, and we plan to begin our next training class this coming August. Stephen Minsters make a two-year commitment to train and serve.

Service opportunity - There is a newly formed group of St. Paul members who provide a complete meal for members of the congregation who have just been released from the hospital when they return home. We are looking for additional volunteers to cook and/or deliver meals. If you are interested or know of someone who would like a meal following their hospital stay, please call Arlene Williams, 356-0598 or Lori Ludwig, 356-4753.

Hospital calls - If you or a loved one is going to be in the hospital for surgery, tests, etc., please call the church office to let us know. We will add you to the published prayer list in the bulletin (if you wish) so that others can join in prayers for you. Also let the church office know if you would like to be called on for prayer while you are at the hospital. Due to new Federal Health Care regulations concerning privacy, the hospital can no longer publish names of those who are in the hospital. Thanks for helping us out with this important ministry.

Prayer ministry - As you pray daily, lifting up your lives and the lives of those around you to His care, please keep in mind the elderly and the lonely and the ill of our congregation. Remember Matilda Ohlrich, Marilyn Stephan, Agnes Sonnenberg, Cleo Sonnenberg, Alma Welk, Helen Townsend, Irene Smith, Sam Kramer, Jeanette Diemond, Eileen Werner, Ruth Schrader, Alice Standen, Alice Bluck, Helen Martinson, Hilda Sommerfield, Erna Golder, Betty Kollin, Viola Marquardt, Delores Stevens and Jeanette Pernie, Vi Bailey, Hilda Kelley, Margaret Kreutzfeldt, Grace McKay, Lila MacMillan, Bessie Nordguard, Pauline Olsen, Ardath Thorburn, Edna Zielinski, Mildred O'Brien, Evelyn Siegert, Marie Kirschner, Inez Owens, Russ Robb, Leona Warren. Jesus said, "Inasmuch as you have done it to the least of these, my brethren, you have done it to me." (Mt. 25:40)

Thanks - a special word of thanks to all of you who continue to support and pray for and be involved in the ministry of God's people at St. Paul. The long list of people from Altar Guild ladies, Funeral luncheon preparers and servers, Counters, Newsletter stuffers, Choir members and worship leaders and assistants, those who care for and look after our property, those who teach and care for our young people, those who pray for shut-ins and special needs ... the list is endless. There would be no ministry here without each and every one of you. Thanks also to those of you who returned your "Time and Talents" survey. We are still in the process of compiling and organizing them. If you have not filled one out and returned it, there is still time to do so. You can either pick up a form from the Kiosk or download a copy of the form from our website. All of these and all that we do as God's people here at St. Paul is in order to "be an expression of God's compassion in our community and beyond." That is who we are and what we do here. Thank you for your involvement.

Did you know that you can listen at home to the sermon given each Sunday? If you are out-of-town or ill and happen to miss a Sunday or if you just want to hear it again, the sermon for each week is taped and sent to our website - www.stpaul.org There are many other items of interest on our website including the weekly bulletin announcements, the monthly newsletters, special items of interest and links to other church-related websites.

God's gracious presence be with each of you as we look forward to the relaxing and renewing time of summer!

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Exploring Revelation Sunday mornings at 9:00, June 3rd - September 2nd

What's the book of Revelation all about? Why is it so weird? Can you use it to predict the future? How does it apply to my life?

Come journey with us this summer through this strange last book of the Bible. Join us in the fellowship hall downstairs at 9 a.m. We'll bring the coffee and donuts! Activities provided for children of parents who wish to attend.

North/West Lower MI Synod Re-Elects Bishop Gary Hansen

Our Synod Assembly voted overwhelmingly (87% of the first ballot) to re-elect Gary Hansen to a second term as Bishop of our Synod. His pastoral leadership over the past six years has been greatly appreciated, and the assembly showed their gratitude by the landslide vote and the standing ovation that followed the announcement of the result. Congratulations and best wishes to Bishop Hansen may our churches continue to grow and flourish under his servant leadership. Five people from St. Paul's attended the Assembly, which was held from May 20-22 at the Holiday Inn South in Lansing: Pastor Dan, Pastor Kurt, Leslie Nye, and Don and Barb Urban.

Fourth of July Open House at the Jensen's!

303 E. Baldwin St. (near the corner of Baldwin and Clinton) 1-5 p.m. July 4, 2001.  Making plans for the 4th? Drop in at our house to say hi and sample some of Emily's cooking!

-Pastor Kurt and Emily

A Brief Note from Les

To quote a favorite Bible verse of mine from Jeremiah, chapter 29 "For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. When you search for me, you will find me; if you seek me with all your heart, I will let you find me."

Another quote that is not in the Bible, but is pertinent to my message... "A good parent gives a child both roots and wings".

You, my friends, my church family, along with my parents have given me good roots. You have watched me grow not only physically, from an infant on but you have, I hope, seen some spiritual growth as well.

In giving me good roots of faith that run deep, you have nourished me nourished me with your encouragement, your love, your support, your prayers. You have been good faith parents to me as I've struggled with discerning God's call to ordained ministry. You, my friends, my faith parents, my church family have indeed given me good roots.

And now, it's come to the time to give me wings. Wings to fly to new beginnings, wings to fly into a future...a future filled with hope...

On Sunday, July 1st, I will use the wings you have given me and begin that future filled with hope. On Sunday, July 1st, I will fly into a future, a new beginning, then close my wings, settle and begin to establish roots at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Herron.

Bishop Hansen has appointed me to fill the vacancy left with Pastor Riedel's retirement.

As the Vicar at St. Matthew, I have agreed to settle there, as their intern for one year. I am also in the process of becoming a seminary student in a three year distance learning program that was recently established by Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in California.

A year from now, Bishop Hansen, the folks at St. Matthew and I will revisit the situation, and there is a strong possibility that I will continue serving the St. Matthew parish while completing the remaining two years of my seminary education.

After that only God knows the plans He has for me but I know deep down in my heart that those plans are for my welfare, that they will not bring harm, and that they will be filled with hope. I know deep down in my soul that those plans whatever they are will involve doing His work.

You all know how long I have searched for an answer to my struggles, my questions it's been a thirty year process. But now, I feel, from the deepest part of my soul, that my questions have been answered and my search ended ....and that the congregation of St. Matthew is in my future-- the same way the congregation of St. Paul has been and will always be my roots.

For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. When you search for me, you will find me; if you seek me with all your heart, I will let you find me.

He has!!! Thanks be to God!!!

Your Servant in Christ,

Leslie Nye
Pastoral Assistant

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Company is Coming?

Do you know of someone who would like a ride to church? We provide transportation for ANYONE who would like to worship with us on the THIRD SATURDAY OF THE MONTH AT THE 5:30 P.M. SERVICE.

There is no charge and we hire Dial A Ride who provides a bus with a lift to accommodate those in wheelchairs or using walkers. Some or our members volunteer to ride the bus with our guests and other members serve as 'host families' to greet and sit with our guests during worship.

If you would like to utilize this service, we would love to have you! The church office, (356-1658), needs to know who is coming by the THIRD THURSDAY OF THE MONTH AT NOON in order to make arrangements.

YOU MUST CALL THE CHURCH OFFICE IF YOU WOULD LIKE A RIDE!

We hope to see YOU in church!!!

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PASTORAL ACTS

RUTH CROSS joined our Lord in eternity on April, 24, 2001. Her funeral service was held here, at St. Paul Lutheran, April 27.

NEIL SEABASE AND REBECCA BURTON were married May 12, 2001. They were attended by Sean Seabase and Jessica Burton.

Baptized on May 27, 2001, TREVOR AND JORDAN OWEN, children of Joni & Nicholas Simonye. Trevor's sponsors were Julie and Scott Simonye, and Jordan's were Marie Monaco and Tim Johnson.

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IF you brought a salad to the last funeral in a clear glass bowl, took the bowl home, and realized it wasn't yours, could you please bring it back to the buffer room, so it can be reunited with its owner and the other pieces of the set . . . or, call Jan Boboltz at 356-4834 and she would be happy to come pick it up. Thanks!

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To Pastors and Members of St. Paul:
Thank you for all your prayers for Linda Simpson, Dennis Diemond's fiance. For the well-attended and generous support at the benefit concert put on by Dennis some time ago. Also, thanks to those who attended the Memorial Service for Linda at First United Methodist Church on May 4th. Dennis and Beatrice Diemond

I would like to thank all the women of St. Paul for providing meals after my back surgery in Petoskey. Karyl Horowitz

Thank you so much to Chuck Connolly for coordinating the American Red Cross Blood Drive and everyone who participated in the blood drive. We appreciated all the volunteers for working and the delicious treats provided. Our goal was 65 units and we collected 58 units. Great job!!

Anyone who wishes to borrow the long tables and folding chairs is reminded that they are available on a first-come, first serve basis and reservations must be made through the church office. Thank you for your cooperation. The donation for a table is $5, and 50 cents per chair.

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Can you find the names of 16 books from the Bible in the paragraph below without the aid of your Bible?

I once made the remark about the hidden books of the Bible. It was a lulu, kept people looking so hard for facts...and for others it was a relation. Some were in a jam, especially since the names of the books were not capitalized. But the truth finally struck home to numbers of our readers. To others it was a real job. We want it to be a most fascinating few moments for you. Yes, there will be some really easy ones to spot. Others may require judges to help them. I will quickly admit it usually takes a minister to find one of them, and there will be loud lamentations when it is found. A little lady says she brews a cup of tea so she can concentrate better. See how well you can compete. Relax, now for there are really sixteen names of books of the Bible in this paragraph.

(The answers will be provided in next month's newsletter.)

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The congregation of St. Paul Lutheran Church wishes to acknowledge those who are graduating this year. It is with our best wishes and heartiest congratulations that we list your names and accomplishments for all to share. Great Job!

Stephanie Adamski, Jamie Copping, Kyle Dutcher, Rebecca Hornick,  Aaron Kaszubowski Annette Kirchoff, Jonathan Krey, Eric Pernie,  Matthew Timrick, Stacey Townsend, Brandon Urban, Bradley Vanacker,  Amy Bennett (she will be attending Northern Michigan University to pursue a career in engineering or education), Felonie Keller (she will be attending Cypress College and studying psychology. She will also be traveling and performing with the Young Americans around the United States and also internationally).

We will be honoring High School Graduates on June 10th at the10:00 am service. If we have overlooked anyone, please call the church office. Thank you.

Advanced Degree Graduates:

Clay Cornelius, son of Pat Cornelius, graduated from Lake Superior State College with a Degree in Accounting. He is in the process of seeking a career in his field.

Timothy M. Horowitz, son of Karyl Horowitz & the late Dennis Horowitz graduated from the University of Arizona with a Degree in Journalism & Creative Writing.

Sarah Werner, daughter of David & Claudia Werner, graduated from Hope College May 6th with a degree in Social Work. She will begin working on Staton Island in August.

Ryan Connon, son of Ken & Linda Connon, graduated from ITT Technical Institute with a Bachelor's of Science degree in Electronic Engineering/Automated Manufacturing Technology Ryan is currently working at Cornerstone Controls of Indiana and he will also be returning to college to further his education.

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Learn about how the church elects a bishop

 Electing a bishop is one of the most important decisions made by assemblies of this church. The elections are critical moments in the life of this church. In the spring of 2001 many synod assemblies will elect bishops. In August voting members of the ELCA Church wide Assembly will elect a new presiding bishop, who will serve a six-year term beginning November 1, 2001. According to the ELCA constitution, the presiding bishop "...shall be a teacher of the faith of this church and shall provide leadership for the life and witness of this church" (ELCA constitution 13.21). We depend upon the ministry of bishops to provide leadership, vision, wisdom, public witness and pastoral care. Prior to the Church wide Assembly The process begins long before the assembly and involves all members the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. As a church, we are invited to pray for the election of the presiding bishop, using these or other words: "Almighty God, giver of all good gifts, look on your Church with grace and guide the minds of those who shall choose a bishop, that we may receive a faithful servant who will care for your people and equip us for our ministries; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen." We are also invited to talk with others in congregations, at synod gatherings and among synodical voting members. A pamphlet called "Choosing a Bishop: Questions to Assist in Preparation" is available at www.elca.org/os/bishop/choosing.html At the Church wide Assembly Prayer and conversation continue at the Church wide Assembly, including prayer before each ballot. At the assembly, election is by an ecclesiastical ballot. This means that no verbal or written nominations have been made prior to the first ballot. Each voting member nominates one eligible person. The number of eligible people is very large - nearly 17,000 pastors - since the ELCA constitution says, "The presiding bishop shall be an ordained minister of this church" (ELCA constitution 13.21). The election process involves several ballots and provides opportunities for the voting members to hear speeches and get information about the final seven nominees. The final three nominees will be invited to respond to questions. The new presiding bishop will be announced immediately upon election at the ELCA Web site (www.elca.org/assemblyy/01). And there will be a live Webcast on Sunday, August 12, at 4:00 p.m. EDT.