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Following my accident on July 19th, I was out of the office for several weeks. For the last almost twelve years, I have been the central celebrant for all but a few Sundays a year. I do not know how my absence felt for your side of our community. I can only imagine that, at the very least, it felt odd. It felt odd from my side, for sure. I am grateful for all of the peo- ple who stepped in and kept things going when I could not. The Rev. Alwen Bledsoe, the Rev. Judy Ziemann, and Verger Susan Hillring come to mind. And there are so many oth- ers. Had it not been for my wife Michelle, I don’t know how the ball would have kept roll- ing those first few weeks, and I shudder to think how in the world I would have recovered without her continued and loving care. (I know, she’s awesome!) As grateful as I am for all of the folks who stepped up and stepped in to continue the ministries of the church, there is one group I would like to mention here. As the years have gone by, I have begun to realize the importance of a community caring for each other. The Episcopal way has had a pastoral care model that has not al- ways supported allowing a congregation to be pastors and healers to each other. I am not necessarily leveling a general criticism at the church’s pastoral model. I am just saying that the history we’ve shared as a denomination has had two characteristics that have not fos- tered the caring community. One of those characteristics is the size of our churches histori- cally. Most of the episcopal parishes (most parishes in all denominations) began as small country or village churches. In those parishes, it was easier (not easy) for a single pastor to attend his flock (her flock would come later, but we got there) because the congregations were smaller and folks were not so spread out. The second characteristic is that historically speaking the priest has been understood as the chief, if not the only, pastor of the people. I attended our Pastoral Care Ministry meeting in August – we meet the fourth Tues- day of every month. After having been absent for so many weeks, I wasn’t sure who need- ed care. It is always the case that in a parish our size many folks are in midst of some life
rinted on 100% post-consumer recycled paper event, so I was ready to hear how we were doing. In anticipation of the meeting, I became aware of how long I had been gone and became anxious as I imagined the needs of our people piling up. I had been gone and I was worried about folks. But I learned a couple of things. As I sat in that meeting and listened to the conversations between our pastoral min- isters and who they were caring for and how they were caring for them, I began to recog- nize that I was in the midst of a skilled and engaged group of people. As I listened to the names of the people they continued to care for, I began to see a vision of a church – our church – who had taken seriously the call to care for each other. In short, I was in awe. In that moment, I witnessed the church at work. And that work was done while I was not pre- sent and able to get it done myself (not that I ever could do it myself). That’s the other thing I realized: I may be our church’s chief pastor, but I am not the only one, by any stretch. I am one among many. I am blessed to work alongside the ministers of the church who are not called Father or Mother. The ones who do what they do with faith and desire and without title. These ministers are not place-holders who do their work when the priest is absent, they are central to the care of our community. They are among those who make us all worthy to utter the name church with integrity. As I said, there are so many people to thank. But, today, I want not just to thank the Pastoral Care Ministers of the church, I want to hold them up before you all so that you can recognize the work they do. I am particularly grateful for the pastoral leadership of Carol Davenport. She understands care and how it is central to the life of our church. But more than that, as I have seen her do her work, she understands something even more im- portant, that is that we can only answer God’s call to us when we are centered in prayer. Thank you, Carol. And… God bless you all. allan+
Bishop Lucas had great things to say on all seven of the practices, but what WARDEN'S CORNER she had to say about worship stuck with me the most. She told a story about a As a lay delegate to the Diocesan Annu- time her husband had visited a church in th al Convention coming up on October 4 the diocese and he sent her a text message th & 5 , I was asked to attend the Front with a video of the offertory song with a Range Region’s Convocation on Septem- vocalist and pianist performing a Negro th ber 7 . The theme of the upcoming con- spiritual. His words were, “The rest of the vention will be Presiding Bishop Curry’s service was meh, but this was holy.” She “Walking the Way of Love” (which I also talked about the numerous times she have written about in my past two Epistle has dropped-in on services unannounced, articles), and at the regional convocation, and the preacher has told her afterward, we had the pleasure of hearing our own “I’m so sorry; if I had known you were Bishop Lucas speak on the seven practic- coming, I would have worked on my ser- es of The Way of Love: Turn, Learn, mon more.” This said to me that many Pray, Worship, Bless, Go, and Rest. clergy feel that the most important part of the liturgy is their sermon, which is only a small fraction of the service. She said to us (many being lay delegates, but also FROM THE JUNIOR many being clergy) that way too often during services, our God has left the WARDEN building. We show up, we go through the motions, and we leave, but have we felt There will be a fall St. Paul's parish work- the Spirit? day in November. Right now we're tar- For me personally, like Bishop Lu- geting Saturday, the 9th as the date. We cas’s husband in the anecdote above, I will have various projects identified with most often feel the Spirit move in me tools and supplies on hand to complete with powerful musical experiences. And the tasks. Please remember to bring there are numerous opportunities to in- clothing that is needed based on the corporate music in our liturgy, particular- weather conditions. Everyone is invited ly during our 10:30 service: prelude, pro- to participate. This is a great time to cessional/entrance hymn, hymn of work together and get to know a little bit praise, psalm, Gospel hymn, offertory about each other. Look for a sign up song, presentation/doxology, Sanctus, sheet in Royster (Parish) Hall at the first memorial acclamation, Agnus Dei, com- part of October. Also, we are determin- munion, recessional/closing hymn, and ing if we will have a breakfast before we postlude. I have also attended services start the day or lunch afterwards. More to elsewhere that sing the Lord’s Prayer and come in the upcoming weeks which we do multiple songs at the beginning of the will update in the St. Paul's Weekly Up- service and during communion. If you dates. haven’t heard it before: when you sing, Bill Bennett you pray twice! I have heard some people tell me that they don’t like to sing because they don’t have a strong voice. But then I share with them something my childhood priest would tell people: when you sing, you’re either thanking God for the voice that He gave you or reminding God of the voice that he gave you.
Just so you know, the vestry of St.
Paul’s greatly appreciates all of the input from the congregants who were able to gather on July 14th. We are working to form a vision for St. Paul’s music minis- try for a new long-term music director, and we thank you for your continued prayers throughout the entire process.
Rachel Sefton Senior Warden bury. A recent book by Williams is titled Christ: the Heart of Creation. This series will be a great lead-in to the Advent sea- son which begins on December 1st. We meet between services every Sunday at 9:15am in the library. All are welcome to attend. ADULT FAITH Living in Faith, Saoirse Charis-Graves EXPLORATION Coordinator, Adult Faith Exploration
Thus says the Lord … I have called you by name, you are mine, You are precious in my sight, Christian Education and honored, and I love you. ~ Isaiah 43: 1, 4 Sunday School is up and run- ning. Thank you teachers! If you have Faith Exploration is a journey of not registered your child(ren) please do life, in which we each continue to grow so. This gives us important information and live into. Through faith sharing and study, we apply our religious experience like allergies and parent's email. to making a difference in how we live our lives, raise our children, spend our money and engage in the dynamics of our Saint Paul’s community. Our ongo- ing commitment is to explore how we can do more to know our faith and be PRAYER FOR signs of God’s love and mercy to each other and to those in our larger commu- AUTUMN DAYS nity utilizing such questions as: Who is God? What does God want? What is God up to? And what does that look like here on earth, in our church, and in our individual lives? Beginning September 15th, we be- gan a 4-session series of short videos leading into thoughtful reflections with “Holy Curiosity” as our guide. Begin- th ning October 13 , we will take a deep dive into the Book of Common Prayer, a topic specifically requested in our sum- mer survey. Finally, on November 3rd, Allan will lead a 4-week series on Rowan Williams — Welsh priest, theologian, writer and former Archbishop of Canter- allegiance to the God of Jesus’ time. Sac- rifices are many and even the disciples - faltered at times. On Christ the King Sun- day, Luke recites the story of the crucifix- ion. And yet, we are leading up to the ex- traordinary promise of Jesus’ birth during the Advent season. Resources Each time my calendar shows that a new article for The Epistle is due, I wan- der the internet looking for something interesting to share. This time around, I found a website called The Episcopal Ca- fé
ST. PAUL’S and Survival on Both Sides of the Berlin Wall LITERARY SOCIETY by Nina Willner. We will not meet in January. St. Paul’s Literary Society is for The book for February 5, is Killers of the EVERYONE – men, women, singles Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the and couples. We read and discuss Birth of the FBI by David Grann books, both fiction and nonfiction in the context of faith, spirituality and Christi- Please contact Carol Davenport anity. Some books may not have an with any questions. overt religious/spiritual nature but create great discussion when viewed from a Christian/faith perspective. Please join us the 1st Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. in the library. On October 2, we will be discuss- ing The O'Reilly Factor: The Good, The Bad, and the Completely Ridiculous in Amer- ican Life by Bill O'Reilly. "A hard-hitting and no-holds-barred broadside from the AN- anchorman of the Fox News Channel's The O'Reilly Factor--what's good about America (plenty), what's bad(plenty NUAL HOLIDAY BA- still), and what's completely ridiculous ZAAR (most everything else)." test-growing ca- ble news program--and that's because O'Reilly leaves no stone unturned in his St. Paul's 12th Annual quest to reveal the truth about the state of America. It doesn't matter if you're a Holiday Bazaar Hollywood movie star, or a Washington Friday & Saturday insider, or Joe Blow from Massapequa-- when you come up against O'Reilly, you November 22 & 23 better get your story straight. Wonderful homemade crafts and The book for November 6 is Kim the ever popular by Rudyard Kipling. "Set between the ECW Bake Sale second and third Afghan War, “Kim” presents a vivid portrait of 19th century The Bazaar relies on all the won- India. Considered by many as Kipling’s derful members of the congregation that masterpiece, “Kim” is a classic novel of volunteer to help with this fun and re- espionage and adventure which helped warding project each year. If you are bring popular attention to the political able to help, please see the sign-up sheet and diplomatic confrontation between in Royster Hall the beginning of Novem- the British Empire and the Russian Em- ber. We couldn't do it without you - pire in Central and Southern Asia at the thank you! end of the 19th century." Amazon re- Your Holiday Bazaar Ministry
There is nothing like ending a crisp fall day with a warm, homemade meal, and sharing the meal with friends makes everything taste even better. Please plan on joining us on the first and third Wednesday of every month for dinner. Our community meals bring us together to enjoy food, fun, and most importantly, fellowship. It takes many hands to set up the room, put the finishing touches on dinner, and to help serve. While we need and want your help, please know that if you prefer to be a guest, it’s a simple as walking in the door. We would love to spend the evening with you.
Sincerely, Terrie Fontenot, Sandy Roark, Robert Young, and Kim Zeiner
Upcoming Meals:
Wednesday, October 2nd Potluck Soup Supper / Desserts
Wednesday, October 16th Pork Roast / Stuffing / Salad / Dessert
Wednesday, November 6th Traditional Turkey Dinner / Desserts
Wednesday, November 20th Macaroni & Cheese / Salads / Desserts
Meals Served from 5:15 – 6:45 PM
St. Paul`s Episcopal Church Statement of Income and Expense by Minor Group August of Fiscal Year 2019
Current Month Year-to-date Budget Actual Budget Actual Income 00-01-Pledge & Plate Offering 18,175.73 19,292.50 202,596.80 198,926.48 00-02-Miscellaneous Receipts 790.92 1,618.81 19,661.18 18,485.49 00-04-Dedicated Income 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Total Income 18,966.65 20,911.31 222,257.98 217,411.97 Expense 00-01-Administrative Expenses 2,487.77 3,375.80 15,615.70 15,919.01 00-02-Clergy Expenses 11,064.91 10,985.94 89,042.48 88,751.17 00-03-Personnel&Contract Labor 6,382.57 4,509.19 52,977.21 50,129.78 00-04-Plant Expenses 1,968.20 1,595.03 33,528.03 33,003.93 00-05-Programs Expenses 2,008.33 1,862.05 17,964.09 17,062.00 00-06-Columbarium Expenses 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 00-07-Diocesan Pledge 2,013.33 2,013.33 16,106.64 16,106.64 00-08-Front Range Region Pledge 503.33 503.33 4,026.64 4,026.64 Total Expense 26,428.44 24,844.67 229,260.79 224,999.17
Income Less Expense -$7,461.79 -$3,933.36 -$7,002.81 -$7,587.20
Month: Income $20,911; Expense $24,844; Net income $-3,933.
YTD: Net income $-7,587.
We came out a little ahead of budget this month; however, net was still down near- ly $4,000. We are getting seriously low on cash, so thanks for keeping your pledges up to date. Simplify your life by automating your pledge at http://www.stpaulslakewood.org/ giving-to-st-pauls.
David Parkhurst and Pam Horizny Co-Treasurers
ST. PAUL’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF LAKEWOOD 9200 WEST 10TH AVENUE LAKEWOOD, CO 80215-4701
THE EPISTLE OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2019
WEEKLY SERVICE SCHEDULE SUNDAYS 8:00 a.m. Holy Communion 9:15 a.m. Adult and Youth Christian Education 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion & Elementary Education TUESDAYS 6:00 p.m. Centering Prayer THURSDAYS 11:00 a.m. Holy Communion SATURDAYS 6:00 p.m. Nishma/Holy Communion
ST. PAUL’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH STAFF
The Rev. Allan Cole, Rector Vestry: The Rev. Robert A. Buck, Rector Emeritus Rachel Sefton, Sr. Warden Kati Olytan, Director of Office Ministries Bill Bennett, Jr. Warden Ret North, Social Media Coordinator Jane Barnes, Tina Blackburn, Barbara Engemoen, Susan Hillring, Verger Hank Head, Susan Hillring, Rod McLenon, David Parkhurst & Pam Horiszny, Treasurers Debra Meglio, Renee Parkhurst, Eric Richardson David Ebner, Esq., Chancellor Clerk of the Vestry: Pamela Blome Joe Montano, Sexton Church Office: 303-233-4991 Fax: 303-233-2682 E-Mail: [email protected] Epistle E-Mail: [email protected] Web: www.stpaulslakewood.org Editors: Nancy Colligan, Kathy Breit, Judy Henderson rinted on 100% post-consumer recycled paper