News from the Red Doors - January 29, 2021

From Your Senior Warden, Jean Burns

It is a privilege to be elected Senior Warden of St. Paul’s. Thank you for once again for trusting me to represent each of you as Mother Michelle and the Vestry plan and carry out our church’s goals for the coming year. As most of you know, I was the Senior Warden when Father Paul was called to St. David of Wales Episcopal church in Denton, Texas. Unfortunately, this was the same time that Bob was fighting cancer and that we were about to sell our home of 51 years, purchase a new home, and move. After discussion and prayer, he and I determined that there was little possibility that I could carry out the demanding role of Senior Warden during the search for a priest. As a result, I submitted my resignation. Of course I had no way of knowing that the search would take as long as it did, nor that a pandemic would multiply the challenges.

How blessed we were at St. Paul’s when Sandra Provan agreed to accept the responsibilities of Senior Warden. All of us, I in particular, are indebted and grateful for her years of faithful work and leadership. I cannot begin to calculate the hours, the worries, the decisions, the stress that she has shouldered for all of us. Perhaps most amazing is that during such a trying time so much was achieved. God was with us and remains with us.

Mother Michelle has already been a wonderful blessing to St. Paul’s. She quickly and effectively adapted to the challenge of continuing meaningful, safe worship in spite of the pandemic, a feat unmet by many, perhaps most, far larger congregations. She has made every effort to get to know us, our traditions, our history. She has demonstrated her gratitude for the support of the laity and of John Gouwens, our gifted organist. I do believe that she and Joe have returned to the church home they love. I look forward to all that I can do to help Mother Michelle succeed and for St. Paul’s to thrive.

God’s blessings, Jean

This Week at St. Paul's
Mother Michelle Walker

Dear St. Paul's Family,

For those of us who have enjoyed praying compline at the end of a day, or at the end of every day, we will find comfort in the Song of Simeon that appears in the Gospel passage this Sunday for the Presentation of our Lord.  These 6 short lines offered by the "righteous and devout" man who waited for some indeterminant amount of time at the temple steps are profound at any time of the day, especially as we near to sleep (daily OR eternal).

Lord, you now have set your servant free *
   to go in peace as you have promised;

For these eyes of mine have seen the Savior, *
   whom you have prepared for all the world to see:

A Light to enlighten the nations, *
   and the glory of your people Israel.

For Simeon, his life's work was complete at seeing the Christ child. It's clear from his words that he was fulfilled and that whatever might come next for him was an extra bonus. He is at peace regardless of whether his life lasts another minute or another couple of decades.

I often think of this passage, reflect upon this peace as my day comes to a close, or even in quiet moments when extra peace is most welcomed in my life. I hope you also have that sense in these long nights of winter ... that we are surrounded by God's peace, always. Be well and see you soon!

Blessings!

Mother Michelle
priest@stpaulslaporte.org | 219-575-0226

News from the Red Doors - January 22, 2021

This Week at St. Paul's
Mother Michelle Walker

Dear St. Paul's Family,

On Wednesday, January 20th, I breathed the largest sigh of relief when the Inauguration was complete without incident. As a firm believer in prayer, I am thankful that our prayers helped this important transition of power to take place. The words spoken during the address and the actions taken within the first few hours all bring me hope. This is clearly only the beginning. We must continue to pray for our leaders, our government, and our nation - with HOPE in our hearts!

On another note, as you've likely heard by now, this Sunday is our annual meeting! I am excited for our meeting, despite the challenges of holding it in a pandemic. I think our ability to continue conducting the business of St. Paul's in the midst of all the other challenges in our lives right now is a testament to the strength and resilience of our congregation. We deserve to take pride in our tenacity, in our ability to be more flexible than we previously imagined ourselves, and in our love for God and each other. Thank you for continuing to love God here at St. Paul's!

Be well my friends. Wear your masks. Stay safe. And PRAY! I'll see you many of either in-person or virtually this Sunday. Have a blessed day!

Blessings!

Mother Michelle
priest@stpaulslaporte.org | 219-575-0226

News from the Red Doors - January 15, 2021

This Week at St. Paul's
Mother Michelle Walker

Dear St. Paul's Family,

Today, Thursday, is full of excitement as our new tenants, our "rectory family" as I prefer to call them, will be arriving later this evening to receive their keys and begin settling in. I bumped up the heat, checked for hot water, labeled some switches and locks, made a contact sheet, and prayed for the space that will become their family home (for at least 6 months). It brings such joy to know our beautiful home will BE a home again starting tonight. We thank God for this blessing, this connection, this opportunity!

I also found joy today in the beautiful, temperate weather ... and several hours of sunshine. My heart is happy with the news of a successful knee surgery for Wayne W. and a simple eye surgery for both Tom K. and Tom R. I've heard of at least two parishioners who have already had their first dose of the COVID vaccination and several more who are scheduled over the coming weeks. While I know a few vaccinations don't equal an abrupt end to this pandemic, it is definitely a step in the right direction. I find hope and peace in these regular moments that happen in the midst of an otherwise rather irregular month and year so far.

Truthfully, this next week is likely to be a tumultuous one in our nation. The FBI has learned of planned protests in each of our state capitals and with the impeachment hearings and the Inauguration right around the corner, we can be assured every single news station in the country will have something on which to report. It can truly draw us in, and down, if we let it. We find people wanting to 'set us straight' or 'argue with us' at every turn, regardless of what our political beliefs or stances may be.

This morning in our Thursday Bible study we were reading Colossians when we came upon this verse:

"Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth ..." (Col 3:2)

Of course this verse is wonderfully nestled in the context of other words of wisdom St. Paul had for the church in Colossae, but we stopped to reflect on just how vital these words are to us always ... especially now. We can not become so mired down in the actions of the world that we lose sight of our true belonging, our membership in the family of God. Nor can we negate that we live in this curious world.

So for this week, let us pray ardently for the righteous actions of our government as people on both side of the impeachment issue struggle to make right decisions. Let us pray that all protests are peaceful ones and that no one is hurt, no lives are lost. Let us pray that the Inauguration happens with none of the drama that is predicted. And let us pray that our nation can heal and be reconciled to each other in ways completely unfathomable to us in this moment. We must never underestimate the power of prayer. And prayer, my saints, begins and ends with each of us.

Be well my friends. Wear your masks. Stay safe. And PRAY!

Blessings!

Mother Michelle
priest@stpaulslaporte.org | 219-575-0226

28. In Times of Conflict (BCP pg. 824)
O God, you have bound us together in a common life. Help us,
in the midst of our struggles for justice and truth, to confront
one another without hatred or bitterness, and to work
together with mutual forbearance and respect; through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.

17. For the Nation (BCP pg. 207)
Lord God Almighty, who hast made all the peoples of the earth
for thy glory, to serve thee in freedom and in peace: Give to
the people of our country a zeal for justice and the strength
of forbearance, that we may use our liberty in accordance
with thy gracious will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who
liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God,
for ever and ever. Amen.

News from the Red Doors - January 8, 2021

Annual Meeting Announcements

The nominating committee has proposed the following to be elected at the annual meeting, Sunday, Jan. 24:

Senior warden: Jean Burns
Junior warden: Tom Konieczny
Vestry member: Linda Baker and ??


One more vestry member candidate is needed, please call Sandra Provan, 362-5618, if you would be willing to serve.

Related to this announcement are a few more details about the meeting itself.

  • According to my preliminary count of individuals in the Parish Directory who remain active members (which is everyone who hasn't told us explicitly they will no longer attend St. Paul's), we have approximately 55 members on record who can vote. Quorum at this number is 28 people.

  • Our meeting will be conducted in the church nave, directly after the Eucharist. (Everyone will remain in their seats.) We will make every effort to shorten the service. The priest's pastoral address will be given at the time of the sermon.

  • All reports will be documented and sent electronically prior to the service, and offered as hard copy on that morning.

  • Anyone willing to join via Zoom is welcome to do so. We will do our best to ensure the best quality of voice and picture possible.

  • It will be important that you make every attempt to attend this meeting, either in-person or electronically, so that we can elect our new officers/vestry and pass our budget.

A Note from Your Senior Warden

I was surprised to find the U.S. government had deposited $600 in my bank account this week. If, like me, you do not need it to keep body and soul together or pay your rent, might I suggest you give a tithe to St. Paul's? I am grateful for all God's goodness so I have given an extra $60 above my pledge.
I hope you will consider doing the same.

God bless,
Sandra J Provan
Senior warden

This Week at St. Paul's
Mother Michelle Walker

Dear St. Paul's Family,

We were pleased to learn on Tuesday of this week that because of the PPP loan provided to the Diocese of Northern Indiana, each faith community was provided a one-month break from paying their diocesan assessment. (See above video from Bishop Doug.) It was a joyous discovery that we greatly appreciate.

That same exact day we also learned that the yearly fee we've paid to have our lifts down to the basement and up to the bathrooms inspected did NOT in fact cover our lift/elevator permit with the Indiana Department of Homeland Security. In fact, apparently we are more than 10 years delinquent! Thankfully we will have our January gifted month of Diocesan assessment to apply toward this bill. There is ALWAYS something to learn around a church! We are eager to have this corrected and be in compliance. We are thankful to have January's assessment to apply toward it!

Beginning this week I am happy to share that our Parish Administrative Assistant, Mike Konieczny, who has faithfully been producing our bulletins for more than two years, will begin handling our Sunday in-person registrations. I am thankful to Mike for his willingness to give this a try, especially as he balances his other full-time employment. The process will remain essentially the same for us, except we request that you register by Friday at 5pm. By Saturday morning Mike will download the registrations and send your confirmation email. And don't worry, a few reservations will always be saved for walk-ins. Please do try to register if you plan to attend, however.

Lastly, and certainly most importantly, regardless of how you voted in the most recent election, I imagine you are mortified by the events that occurred at our Capitol building on Wednesday during the verification of the electoral college votes. What started as a seemingly peaceful first amendment right to free speech protest turned violent and scary for many. As I watched the events unfold I had to keep reminding myself that it was OUR Capitol in the news.

Now, more than ever, is a time for us be in prayer for a peaceful transition of power. We must pray for and look for ways to unite our country, including the people in our own lives. We must petition God to protect our nation from our enemies during this time when leadership is so fractured. This isn't about who is or isn't, should or should not be president. This is about protecting our country and our government through urgent and much needed prayer.

If you are feeling particularly despondent, or have 10 or so minutes or time, I recommend you find a quiet place, light a candle, and offer The Great Litany. (https://bcponline.org/GreatLitany/Litany.html or page 148 in the BCP). If you have only a few moments to squeeze in an extra prayer, try one of these:

28. In Times of Conflict (BCP pg. 824)
O God, you have bound us together in a common life. Help us,
in the midst of our struggles for justice and truth, to confront
one another without hatred or bitterness, and to work
together with mutual forbearance and respect; through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.

17. For the Nation (BCP pg. 207)
Lord God Almighty, who hast made all the peoples of the earth
for thy glory, to serve thee in freedom and in peace: Give to
the people of our country a zeal for justice and the strength
of forbearance, that we may use our liberty in accordance
with thy gracious will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who
liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God,
for ever and ever. Amen.

Friends, it will take all of us praying for healing and reconciliation AND leaving room for it in our lives to affect the change so desperately needed at this time in our nation's history. Let US lead the charge for prayer.

Be well friends. Wear your masks. Stay safe. And PRAY!

Blessings!Mother Michelle
priest@stpaulslaporte.org | 219-575-0226

PS. Next Tuesday/Wednesday 1/12-13 I will be joining my Wabash Pastoral Leadership Program cohort (virtually) and will not be in the office nor responsive to emails.

Our Epiphany Tea to Go was a SUCCESS!

While we would have much preferred to have offered our traditional in-person celebration of our Epiphany Tea, our pandemic-mandated version was a wonderful success. Thank you to Margie Bender for preparing and presenting this lovely treat for us. We look forward to next year (hopefully) enjoying it in person!

Vestry Minutes - December 2020

The Vestry of St. Paul's met live and by ZOOM on Tuesday, December 15th.
Present were: Mtr. Michelle Walker, Sandra Provan, Tom Robinson, Margie Bender, Tom Konieczny, Gloria Armstrong, Vickie Floyd, Sue Cummings, and Bruce Burmeister. Joining by ZOOM were Sally Glynn, Wayne Woodrick, and Susie Richter.

The November minutes were approved by email.

Treasurer's Report- Cummings sent out a report by email. A discussion was held. $1000 was donated to the Salvation Army. Robinson moved to accept the report. Floyd seconded. Motion Passed. The Proposed budget for 2021 was also discussed. New income includes rent from the Rectory. Payroll is being done once a month instead of twice. Various funds will be taken from the Edward Jones account as needed, instead of budgeted. An example given was maintenance. There was also discussion concerning finding a less expensive insurance. The budget will be approved in January.

Priest's Report- Mtr. Michelle reported that John Gouwens, organist, has made a proposal for organ maintenance. It will cost $3,280 of which John would like to donate $1000, and the rest would come from the Winters Memorial fund. Cummings moved to accept, Robinson Seconded. Motion passed.
The logistics of the Annual Meeting was also discussed. It was decided it would be held in the sanctuary, with special seating and social distancing. Some members can also join by ZOOM, as long as there is a quorum for elections .. Also, the meeting needs to be short.

Senior Warden- Provan gave the report of the nominating committee. The slate is as follows:
Senior Warden, Jean Burns.
Junior Warden, Tom Konieczny.
Vestry member- Linda Baker.
Still looking for one more Vestry member.
The Boy Scouts will let us know when they want to meet again. Will be meeting with the Cub Scouts on December 17th. One volunteer is needed to take a 90-minute Suicide Prevention training that will be offered online, on demand. (Vickie Floyd volunteered to do this after the meeting.)
Junior Warden- Robinson reported the rectory is ready to be rented. The sunroom has been painted and a new fan is installed. Konieczny offered to take out any remaining furniture. Misc.- December 16th, the exchange air system will be finished. Reminder of the Vestry Retreat scheduled for February 20th. Konieczny thanked Provan and Robinson for all their work as the Wardens, especially through this difficult time.

Next meeting will be January 19th.
The Lord's Prayer was the closing prayer for the meeting ..
Adjourned 6:53 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Susie Richter, Clerk to the Vestry

LIVE from St. Paul's - An Offering of Morning Prayer on Epiphany

May Almighty God, who led the Wise Men by the shining of a star to find the Christ, the Light from Light, lead you also, in your pilgrimage, to find the Lord. Amen.

May God, who sent the Holy Spirit to rest upon the Only- begotten at his baptism in the Jordan River, pour out that Spirit on you who have come to the waters of new birth. Amen.

May God, by the power that turned water into wine at the wedding feast at Cana, transform your lives and make glad your hearts. Amen.

And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you for ever. Amen.