St.
Paul's Episcopal Church
St. Paul’s News
“The Book of Daniel”
By The Rev. Dr. Gordon Weller
T he television pro-
gram, "The Book
of Daniel" certainly has
gotten a lot of publicity
lately. Even before its
opening episode, the
The Rev. Dr. Gordon Weller opinionists were both
praising and panning it
with almost equal fervor. Those panning it said
that it was an affront to God and the Church;
those praising it said that it was new and fresh,
cutting edge. Some stations opted not to run the
program because it was so controversial.
Whether by intent or accident, the hype caught
my attention. The bonus was that the denomina-
tion in review was the Episcopal Church. In retro-
spect, how could it be any other? Nevertheless, I
was interested in how they would portray some-
one in my "profession."
More than wanting to see my profession on dis-
play, I was interested in seeing how they would
portray God. For those who have not seen the
Rebirth
By Rick Laub, “Retired” Senior Warden
A s I write this last message as Senior War-
den, I am excited about the opportunities
that the New Year brings for St. Paul’s. We have
elected a new incoming group on the vestry and
they will bring new energy and fresh perspec-
tives to the challenges and opportunities in their
three years of service. The renewed vitality that
is present in the congregation is palpable, and
we have the prospect of channeling this vitality
both within and beyond our walls. Much as our
Lenten reflection gives way to the rebirth at
Easter, St. Paul’s is poised to build majestically
upon its well-rooted foundation.
Lansing Michigan
February, 2006
Volume 31, Issue 2
program, Daniel is an Episcopal priest who has
visitations by God to help in his personal and
pastoral problems. My hope was that the por-
trayal of God would be as creative as the
1970's movie "Oh! God." There, God was a
character, George Burns, complete with cigar, Inside this issue:
cane, fedora and old man shuffle for a gait. His
minion was a grocery store produce manager Upcoming Activities 2-3
played by John Denver. The impression given
was that God was in complete control, as exam-
Vestry Highlights 4-5
pled by the thunderstorm in the VW Beetle. God
was intelligent and witty, spitting out one liners
that would stop you in your tracks with their wis- St. Paul’s News 6
dom. That God was compassionate and the
Choir Schedule 7
movie emphasized love and forgiveness and get-
ting that message out at all costs. And God was
charming as only George Burns could play Him. Youth Ministry 8
I was disappointed in "Daniel." Not only is this
priest, the family he loves and the congregation Calendar 9
he serves, afflicted by every social ill available
(Continued on page 4)
Serving on the vestry can sometimes seem like a
numbing experience — looking at finances, deal-
ing with problems, and voting on proposals.
While it is all that, it can also be an invigorating
experience where many different perspectives
come together for a common goal. Our vestry is
a wonderful group that has been able to be
forthright and discerning, while still keeping light
and upbeat in the process. We even get to laugh
at most of the meetings!
Thank you all for the opportunity to serve the
congregation. I look forward to what the future
brings.
Page 2 Upcoming St. Paul’s Activities
St Paul’s In Action
Ongoing Activities
St. Aelred’s Guild, 3rd Wednesday, 5 PM
Bible Study, Wednesday, 6:15-7:30 PM
Book Cart, 2nd Sunday
B&PW Dinner Meeting, 2nd Tuesday, 6 PM
ECW, 1st Tuesday, 7 PM
Family Night Dinner, Wednesday, 5-6 PM
Food, Faith, Fun & Fellowship, (4Fs), 2nd and 4th Mon-
day, Noon, Holy Eucharist, 12:30 PM Program
St. Paul’s Library, open every Sunday
Prayer Group, 1st Tuesday, 5:30 PM
Men’s Breakfast, 3rd Thursday, 7 AM
Mid-week Eucharist, Tuesday, 12 Noon
Eucharistic Minister Training
The Rev. Susie Shaefer, Curate
The time has come, the canons say
To talk of many things
Of chalices and Eucharist
And cups for intincting
E very three years, it is time to license and re-license
our Eucharistic Ministers, people who assist in worship
by serving the chalice. To accomplish this goal, there will be
a training and refresher session on Sunday, February 5
after the 10 AM service for approximately one hour. It is
important that all current EMs attend if possible. We would
also love to have new members in this ministry. If you are
interested, please see Fr. Gordon Weller or the Rev. Susie
Shaefer.
B&PW Update
By Elisabeth Richardson, Treasurer
B &PW will meet on Tuesday, February 14 at St.
Paul's. Dinner is at 6 PM. Our program will be on
community outreach projects. All members are asked to
bring greeting cards to be re-packaged, as well as per-
sonal items for EVE's House. If anyone has any other com-
munity outreach project suggestions, please bring them to
the meeting. If supplies are required, please call Libby
Richardson, so we can pass the word. All RSVPs are due
to Nancy Milne by Sunday, February 12 at 882-0573.
Committee Meetings
Design & Preservation, 2nd Tuesday, 5:15 PM
Service/Mission/Outreach, 3rd Monday, 6 PM
This Month at St. Paul’s
Book Sale, February 26, after 10 AM service
Looking Ahead
Lenten Lunch-N-Book Review, Mondays, March 6-April
4, 12:30 PM
Christianity in the Market Place, Wednesdays begin-
ning March 8, 6:30 PM
England Choristers “Dinner in Italy,” March 11
“Sabbath Economics” Conference, St. John’s, Royal Oak
on March 24 – 25
The 4 Fs
By Nancy Sheldon
J oin us for Faith, Fellowship, Fun and Food every
second and fourth Monday of the month. The
schedule for each gathering is:
• Noon: Holy Eucharist
• 12:30 PM - A $4.00 lunch supplied by A Ca-
tered Affaire
• 1 PM - Bible Study by Steve Lange
• 1:15 PM - Program of the Day
• 2 PM - Dismissal
Programs for the remainder of the year are:
• February 13 - Patricia Lyndale, a new member
of our congregation, has a Ph.D. in Religious
Studies and is involved in hospital chaplaincy
and other related topics. She'll be discussing
“Ancestors, Elvis, and Adam and Eve,” a look at
religious and cultural approaches to death.
• February 27 - A second informal sharing of our
favorite books. This is really an enjoyable discus-
sion!
• For March and April, see the article on the Lenten
Book Discussions
• May 8 - Cinco de Mayo celebration led by The
Rev. Susie Shaefer (with Mexican food!)
• May 22 – Wrap-up session for the year
 Upcoming St. Paul’s Activities Page 3

Lenten Series
"Christianity in the Marketplace”
The Rev. Dr. Gordon Weller
T his year we plan on hosting a Wednesday evening
Lenten series entitled "Christianity in the Market-
place.” On five successive Wednesday evenings, begin-
ning on March 8, we will have speakers who will share
with us the difficulties of being Christian and operating in
the area of the marketplace where they work. Areas will
include television, the legal profession, the medical world,
government and the automobile business. The program
will offer the possibility of a meal, a time of fellowship
and community, at our normal Wednesday evening
"Family Night." This will be followed by an hour of pres-
entation, discussion and questions and answers at 6:30
PM. This portion will be held in the Church. Sign up is not
necessary unless you plan on joining us for dinner. Please
mark these five Wednesdays on your calendar. They
promise to be interesting.
Cabaret is Coming
By Dr. Stephen R. Lange, Minister of Music
Lenten Lunch-N-Book Reviews
By Dr. Stephen R. Lange, Minister of Music
T his year, the Lenten Lunch-N-Book Reviews have
moved to a new day of the week. They will be
held on Mondays to mesh with the 4 Fs schedule.
They will begin on Monday, March 6, and run
through April 4 (five sessions).
The format will be the same: a simple lunch (soup,
bread, salad) followed by a book review by one of
St. Paul’s parishioners. This year reviewers will in-
clude Dorothy Marsh, Susie Shaefer, Gordon
Weller, Chris Krupka and Steve Lange. They have
chosen a wide variety of books to review, but all
with a message that can enrich our spiritual lives.
Remember Mondays for Lenten Lunch-N-Book Re-
views. And consider bringing a friend or inviting a
co-worker to join you. Sign-up sheets will be on the
table by the elevator.

S t. Paul’s annual festival of fine dining and wonderful

entertainment will be held on Saturday, March 11.
The theme for the evening is “A Night in Italy,” and will
Did You Save the Date?
feature Italian foods and delightful entertainment. Please
save this date and plan to attend. Besides being a great By Barbara Richardson, ECW President
value for food and entertainment, it is a wonderful op-
portunity to meet with friends and enjoy an evening of
great camaraderie.
W hat date? April 28 and 29, 2006. The ECW
is sponsoring a retreat at the Weber Center
in Adrian, Michigan. Our own Carol Ingells is the
retreat leader, and I can promise that it will be an
excellent event. Look in the March issue of the St.
Paul’s News for a special announcement regarding
Don't Miss the all of the details.
Big Sale!
By Sue Millar, ERD Diocesan Coordinator

F ollowing the 10 AM service on February 26, you will be able to select some books that St. Paul's members
have donated. The purchase price is actually a donation to Episcopal Relief and Development, that won-
derful organization that expresses for Episcopalians our love and concern to those who suffer and are in need.
Our contributions help them do their life saving and hope bringing work.
So, collect the books you are ready to pass on, to enlighten and delight other readers, and leave them in the bin
under the table by the elevator. The deadline is February 22. Then be sure to be on hand on Sunday, February
26 to select books you would like to own and make your contribution to ERD. It’s a WIN-WIN day for everyone.
Page 4 News from the Vestry
Highlights from the Vestry Meeting
At the January 17 Vestry meeting your Vestry:
• Participated in devotions about St. Aelred, the
person for whom our visitation Guild is named
• Approved minutes from the December meeting
• Received a third bid on refurbishment of the or-
gan
• Discussed the needs and possibilities of organ re-
pair
• Approved a motion to agree to rebuild the organ,
appoint a committee to study the rebuilding and
how to finance it, and set the summer of 2006 as
the appropriate time for the work to be accom-
plished
• Received a 2005 year end financial report
(details elsewhere in this issue)
• Approved a 2006 budget to be presented at the
Annual Meeting
• Received unreturned Vestry calling lists - Next
calling will be in March
• Received report on Pictorial Directory - ready
soon
• Received the "time & talent" cards from the Every
Member Canvass committee and distributed them
to the appropriate Vestry Committees
• Approved the "letter of Agreement" between "A
Catered Affaire" and St. Paul's.
• Noted that the Worship and Music Committee will
distribute a survey in Church and at the Annual
Meeting
• Received a nominating committee report indica-
tion that we have eight candidates for four posi-
tions
• Received Clergy reports
• Noted the Vestry retreat time (Jan. 28th, at St
Francis in DeWitt)

(Continued from, “The Book of Daniel,” page 1)

in this Year of our Lord, 2006, to the point of being unbelievable, but God comes to this priest looking like a
thousand visions of the past: flowing robe, long hair and a beard. The problem is that there is little or no sub-
stance to what he says. Jesus is portrayed as little more than a glorified conscience. I expected, I hoped for
more.
In this season of Epiphany, when we hear of God's 10,000-year quest to make himself known to his children and
Jesus becoming our brother and savior, it seems that this show misses the mark that I had hoped for. Yet, I truly
believe that God speaks to us every day. God continually chooses new and creative ways to become known to
those whom he loves. Our task is not to give up hope, but continue to look.

2006 Annual Meeting

By Christine Caswell, Editor

St. Paul’s held its annual meeting on January 21, 2006
to elect four new Vestry members, vote on proposed
bylaw changes and acknowledge the outstanding ser-
vice of dedicated members with Angel and Canterbury
awards.
Those elected for three-year terms to the Vestry were
Sue Henderson, Charlie Krupka, Kelly Gmazel-
Sanchez and Elisabeth Richardson.
The other four members who ran were thanked for their
willingness to serve and, as Fr. Weller noted, will
probably be asked to serve in some other capacity
were Jennett Suprenant, Ian Broughton, Dorothy
Marsh and Pat Riley.
The outgoing members were also thanked: Debby
Pierce, Valerie Boman and Senior Warden Rick Laub.
Those members receiving the Angel award from the
ECW were Tom Shawver, Pam Irwin and Norris
Ingells, who was presented with his award before his
passing in December.
The 2005 Canterbury awards were given to Karen
and Bob Tarrant, Daren McConnell and Marion
McGee.
The proposed bylaw change to add a one-year term
for a youth member was approved, and the 2005 and
2006 budgets were accepted. Jean Shawver an-
nounced that the new banners would be dedicated on
February 19 at the 10 AM service. The meeting was
then adjourned.
 News from the Vestry Page 5

Financial Information As of December 31, 2005

By Jeff Irwin
The year 2005 was another difficult one from a financial perspective. We recorded a net operating loss of
$101,464. This is a little less then the 2005 budgeted deficit, but essentially it was as expected at the start of
the year.
Unrestricted pledge revenue was $281,787, which is 95% of the amount budgeted. Other revenue sources to-
taled $64,637. Overall operating revenue was $15,136, more than budgeted. However, operating expenses
were also over budget by $13,052.
In addition to the operating budget of the church, there are significant funds that have been designated by the
vestry or restricted by the donors. As of December 31, 2005, approximately $600,000 worth of funds existed.
These funds may only be used if the restrictions are met. The single largest one is the St. Paul’s Perpetual fund
which totaled $341,526 at year end 2005. This fund may used in an emergency by a majority vote of the ves-
try. In recent years, it has been necessary for the vestry to release money from the Perpetual fund to keep the
church solvent.
In regard to the revenue from the various funds in 2005, $53,594 was received from the Lucille Penniman Trust.
Of this amount $48,235 was deposited in the Perpetual fund and $5,359 was deposited in the Mission and Out-
reach Fund. An additional $21,231 in contributions was received with restrictions as to the purpose of the use of
the funds. In addition, $16,700 of income was earned on the investments where the funds are held, and $17,241
was expended, which resulted in $74,284 of net revenue for the restricted and designated funds.
The combined net of the unrestricted operating revenue and the designated and restricted funds was a net loss
of $27,180 for 2005.
During this past year, $103,352 was released to provide funding for the continued operation of the church. Of
that total, $81,286 was from the Perpetual Fund.
There is $4,933 in unspent Sudanese funds. Of this amount, $1,800 is restricted for James Aleu's trip to Africa.
The remaining $3,133 is available to be used to assist members of the Sudanese community for education of
relatives back in the Sudan and general assistance as they may need from time to time in Michigan.
An operating deficit of $117,267 is expected in the 2006 budget. This is based on pledge revenue committed,
anticipated other revenue and the cost of the programs necessary to continue to operate the church at the level
of services to which we are accustomed. In recent years, the deficit has been primarily funded by vestry ap-
proval of the withdrawal from the perpetual fund. Undoubtedly, they will again be asked to approve a release
of a significant portion of the perpetual fund to continue to provide monies for the operation of the church.
There is not a budget for the restricted and designated funds. This is because the revenue is essentially the result
of contributions received and earnings on the funds invested. For the years 2006, 2007 and 2008, we will re-
ceive approximately $50,000 each year in bequest income from the Penniman Trust. The vestry has established
that 90% of this amount will be placed in the St. Paul’s Perpetual fund and 10% will be placed in the Mission
and Outreach fund.
If we continue to annually incur deficits over $100,000, and if there are no additional large bequest gifts such
as the Penniman Trust, it is conceivable that in six to seven years, St. Paul’s will be essentially bankrupt.
I would like to thank Chris Strukel, Kathleen Johnson, Elisabeth Richardson and Chuck Millar, who all made
invaluable contributions to the accounting and financial stewardship of the church this past year.
Page 6 St. Paul’s News
St. Aelred's
By Nancy Sheldon

S t. Aelred's Guild offers spiritual

friendship through visitation
and lay eucharistic visits to members
on the prayer list or knows someone
whom they'd like placed on it,
please call Kathleen Johnson, our
visit or how we can help. Sometimes,
a hospital visit is not recommended
or advised. In those cases, we can
of our congregation who are unable office manager, and let her know. put you, or a member of your fam-
to worship with us on Sunday. We The current weekly prayer list is also ily, on our prayer list and then visit
also help to keep the prayer list up posted on the bulletin board outside later, at a more appropriate or
to date and welcome our newest the church office and in the newslet- beneficial time.
babies into the congregation. Any- ter.
one who would like to join us in this St. Aelred's request of all of you is
ministry is very welcome! We meet Also, please note that hospital pri- to share with us your need for
the third Wednesday of the month vacy rules do not allow them to tell prayer or the needs of a member of
from 5-6 PM in the Van Atta Room. churches (or others) when someone your family or others. This helps us
from their congregation is in the hos- be better prepared to reach out to
Names on the prayer list, printed in pital. Please remember to tell the members of our parish family in
the Sunday bulletin, are supposed to hospital during the admission proc- spiritual friendship. Please let Father
remain there for 30 days or, until ess that you, or a member of your Weller or Kathleen know of your
the person being prayed for or a family, are parishioners at St. Paul's. needs. Thank you for being our
member of their family calls to ad- You should also call the church office "eyes and ears!”
vise us to continue the listing or re- or Father Weller to let us know who
move it. If anyone would like to be is in which hospital and when we can

St. Paul’s February Prayer List

We pray for those who are sick and in need: Cindy Robinson, Beverly
McEachern, James Lantz Family, Sally Mishra, Dixie Durr, Audrey
Hegmon, Richard Hegmon, Aaron Hegmon, Shelley Robinson,
Donna Letner, Grady Letner, Clara Voges, Mason Hill, Mary Olds,
Lois Caswell, Pam Cathey, Ruthann Perry, Virginia Hilbert, Dorothy
Lawrence, Brian Schray, June Wyatt, Janet Siebert, Sherry Vogel, Barbara Millar, Avel Neito, John Kim, Ray
Chase, Michelle Benson, Rich Davis, Jessica Gonzales, Pat Riley, Kim Crawford, Erik Lindquist, Akua Men-
yon, Bernie Sleight, Bobby, Mary Ann Kelley, Carol, Larissa Clark and Melinda Gordon
We pray and remember those in the military, serving in dangerous areas: Matthew Rawlins, Carlos Sims, Sta-
cey Speck and Paul Jorae
We pray for those recently baptized: William John Erickson, son of Ethan & Dianna Erickson; and Amanda
Mae Thompson, daughter of Kristi & Perry Thompson
We pray for those expecting: Rich & Vicky Bellon, Michael & Julie Young, Matt & Mindy Pauly, Michael &
Lois Aguilera and Justin & Julia Heany
We pray for those recently married: Shelly Green & Doug Hilbert
We pray for those who have died: Juanita Assiff and Donald Fowler
 St. Paul’s Choirs Page 7

Choir News and Dates to Remember

By Dr. Stephen R. Lange, Minister of Music

P lease be sure to save Saturday, March 11, for Cabaret. The format will be slightly changed this year, with
an Italian theme for the food. All members of Cherubs, Boy’s and Grace, and High School Choirs will be
performing. Tickets will go on sale starting February 5.

Singing Schedule
Date Choirs
February 5 Boys’ and Grace; High School
February 12 Chancel; High School
February 19 Chancel; High School
February 26 Chancel; High School

March 1, Ash Wednesday Chancel

March 5 Boys’ and Grace; High School
March 12 Chancel; High School
March 19 Chancel; High School
March 26 Chancel; High School

Special Ash Wednesday Schedule

B ecause of the Ash Wednesday service at 7 PM on March 1, the re-
hearsal schedule will be altered somewhat for the evening.
Boys’ and Grace and Cherubs will meet as usual, from 5:30 to 6:30 PM. The
High School Choir will not rehearse this evening, but they are invited to sing
for the service. The Chancel Choir will sing for the service and then rehearse
after the service (instead of rehearsing on Thursday of that week).

Christmas Donations
By The Rev. Susie Shaefer, Curate

T hank you to everyone who gave so generously to our Christmas outreach programs. We collected two whole
boxes of mittens, hats and scarves from our Mitten Tree, which are distributed through Christian Services.
On Christmas Eve, the “Gifts for the Christ Child” absolutely overflowed the manger! The recipients of the infant
items are women from EVE’s House, a local shelter and program for victims of domestic violence. Thank you to
Max & Debby Pierce for delivering the gifts to EVE. Thanks to everyone who donated items – they really do
make a difference!
Page 8 St. Paul’s Youth Ministry
Church School News
By The Rev. Susie Shaefer, Curate

O ur second semester of Church School is well underway after a good long break around the Christ-
mas holiday. The new semester brings some changes in our teachers. Thank you and welcome to
Kathy Gut, Jill Walker, Kelly Gmazel-Sanchez and Rod Sanchez who join with teachers from the fall:
Carol Laub, Julie Fletcher, Chris Nazar, Sue Le Duc, Lyn Kressler and Yvonne Lantz. Thanks to our
teachers who taught the first semester: Judi Clarke, Darrick Alvarez, and Chris and Charlie Krupka.
The ministry of teaching is a big job, and these folks do all of us a great service by spending time with
the kids and youth of St. Paul’s.

Also, on the first Sunday of each month we observe Family Sunday, a time when the St. Paul’s community
of all ages can worship together. There is no church school on Family Sundays, and we often have a spe-
cial sermon and music. Still, worship can be a long time to sit for some kids. To help with this, there is a
basket of books, crayons and coloring pages available on these Sundays. Please feel free to borrow from
the basket if your child needs a quiet activity during worship.

Youth Group Family

Super Bowl Party Watch this space for

Y
information about
outh in grades 6-12 and their families are in-
vited to come and celebrate the 2006 Super
Guys Night Out.
Bowl at Chris Nazar’s house on Sunday, February 5.
The party will begin at 5:30 PM. Hope to see you
there!

30-Hour Famine:
The Amazing Race
Youth Group
O ur February lock-in will again be the 30-Hour
Famine, a national program for teens focused
Girls Night Out on fighting world hunger. We raise money to support
the fight against hunger, and spend some time get-

Y
ou are invited to a
girls-only night out
with The Rev. Susie Shae-
fer at a Michigan State
Women’s basketball game!
Save the date for Thursday, February 16 for the
MSU v. Iowa game in East Lansing. We’ll get to-
gether for dinner and go to the 7 PM game.
Watch your mailbox for your invitation with
more details coming soon!
ting a small taste of what it would be like to be hun-
gry, so that others might have food.
We will gather Friday evening, February 24 at 6 PM
for a full 24-hour program through February 25. Our
theme this year is “The Amazing Race.” Our program
will include games, Bible study, service activities and
scavenger hunts. Registration packets are available
from The Rev. Susie Shaefer.
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

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St. Paul's Episcopal Church

Lansing Michigan
218 W. Ottawa
Lansing, MI 48933
Phone: 517-482-9454
Fax: 517-485-8261
Choir Room: 517-482-0369
Website: Stpaulslansing.org

The St. Paul’s News is a publication of St. Paul’s Epis-

copal Church, Lansing Michigan.
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Staff
The Rev. Dr. Gordon Weller, Rector
The Rev. Susie Shaefer, Curate
Dr. Stephen R. Lange, Minister of Music
Ms. Mary Rodeck, Assistant Minister of Music
Ms. Kathleen Johnson, Office Manager
Mr. Patrick Brander, Sexton
St. Paul’s News Editorial Staff
Christine Caswell, Editor
Tom Shawver, Staff Writer
Helen Hiscoe, Proofreader
Lyn Zynda, Layout Editor

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