March 2012 Grains of Sand

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A People on the Way to Knowing, Loving, and Serving God

Grains of Sand

The Episcopal Mission of

St. Andrew’s-by-the-Lake

Logoi (Lo-gos (lo’gos; n. pl. lo’goi) [Greek: speech, word, reason] March, 2012

Often in Lent we talk about “giving up something” as a mark of sharing in the trials of Christ in the wilderness. Yet equally as often this winds up being something that is actually to our benefit, overtly or subtly (giving up candy, giving up pocket change, giving up Facebook). This Lent I want to recommend a different approach to self-improvement for Christ’s sake, found below. See how many of these spiritual disciplines you can take on as a permanent practice. May you have a happy and Holy Lent and may you continue the exercise into Eastertide and beyond! Theo+

• Fast from judging others; Feast on the Christ dwelling in them.

• Fast from emphasis on differences; Feast on the unity of life.

• Fast from apparent darkness; Feast on the reality of light.

• Fast from thoughts of illness; Feast on the healing power of God.

• Fast from words that pollute; Feast on phrases that purify.

• Fast from discontent; Feast on gratitude.

• Fast from anger; Feast on patience.

• Fast from pessimism; Feast on optimism.

• Fast from worry; Feast on divine order.

• Fast from complaining; Feast on appreciation.

• Fast from negatives; Feast on affirmatives.

• Fast from unrelenting pressures; Feast on unceasing prayer.

• Fast from hostility; Feast on non-resistance.

• Fast from bitterness; Feast on forgiveness.

• Fast from self-concern; Feast on compassion for others.

• Fast from personal anxiety; Feast on eternal truth.

• Fast from discouragements; Feast on hope.

• Fast from facts that depress; Feast on verities that uplift.

• Fast from lethargy; Feast on enthusiasm.

• Fast from thoughts that weaken; Feast on promises that inspire.

• Fast from shadows of sorrow; Feast on the sunlight of serenity.

• Fast from idle gossip; Feast on purposeful silence.

• Fast from problems that overwhelm; Feast on prayer that strengthens.

—William Arthur Ward (American author, teacher and pastor, 1921-1994.)

The Structure of the Holy Eucharist

Last month I promised to follow my article on liturgical planning with a piece on the structure of our common worship. I have tried to emphasize that shape with the headers used in our seasonal worship booklets; this shape is never–changing and provides the ground for whatever diversity we may introduce from season to season. What follows is an expanded explanation of this basic premise. Theo+

“The Holy Eucharist [is] the principal act of worship on the Lord’s day and other major feasts ” (The Book of Common Prayer, page 13)

Our English word “Eucharist” comes from a Greek root, eukharistos, meaning “gratitude or thanksgiving”. Using this word as the title for our worship is intentional: our whole service is intended to be one act of gratitude, in thanksgiving for all that God has done for us. The service itself is designed to rehearse the history of God’s saving acts and to give the household of God gathered on this occasion an opportunity to give back their thanks and praise.

The service of Holy Eucharist is divided into two parts:

1) The Word of God, and

2) The Holy Communion. This is an ancient pattern and goes back to the early centuries of the church. In its most basic form it looks like this:

· a liturgy of the word, today typically including three Bible readings and a psalm, a sermon, and intercessory prayers;

· a liturgy of communion, consisting of the placing of bread and wine on the Lord’s table, followed immediately by the offering of a prayer of thanksgiving over them; and a ritual breaking of the bread followed by the administration of communion.

Later centuries have added other elements, such as hymns and anthems, the so–called “Lord’s Prayer” and other prayers, the creeds, and acts of penitence (confession). There may also be different degrees of ceremonial from church to church. But good liturgy takes care to maintain the ancient core of the service and its basic pattern.

There are 7 basic actions within that two-fold pattern, as laid out in our Prayer Book:

1) We gather in the Lord’s Name

Every time we gather there is some kind of entrance rite, which at a minimum includes an opening exchange between the presiding priest and the people, a song of praise, and the Collect of the Day. Other features of this rite may vary as the congregation chooses and the season suggests.

2) We proclaim and respond to the Word of God

This generally includes readings from the Old Testament, the Psalms, and the New Testament letters the Acts of the Apostles, but always from one of the four Gospels. With many other denominations, we follow an ecumenical lectionary that appoints specific readings for each Sunday and feast day of the year, in a three–year cycle. The readings recall for us what God has done throughout history for God’s chosen people and especially in God’s Anointed One, Jesus. The readings are generally followed by a sermon, the recitation of an affirmation of faith, the Prayers of the People, and, in most seasons, a general confession, all of which are still part of our corporate response.

3) We exchange the Peace

Generally here, but occasionally elsewhere in the service, all greet one another in the name of the Lord. The Peace is a symbolic bridge or hinge between the two parts of the service.

4) We prepare the table

Representatives of the congregation bring the people’s offerings of bread and wine, and money or other gifts, to the deacon or presider. The deacon or presider prepares the table. The offerings are placed upon it. Often music is played or sung to cover this action; this, too, is intended as an offering to God.

5) We make Eucharist

The people and presider join in a long prayer called “The Great Thanksgiving.” The Prayer Book offers several different versions of this prayer from which the priest may choose (two in Rite I, four in Rite ll) and innumerable others may be found in supplemental liturgical materials (subject to approval by the bishop). Whichever version is used, this prayer too has a time–honored shape or format:

a) an opening dialogue between the presider and people, in which the presider greets the people and asks their permission to continue (traditionally called the Sursum corda, “lift up your hearts”);

b) a prayer of thanks to God the Creator follows, naming God’s work in creation and God’s selfrevelation to the people. In some Eucharistic prayers this section includes a portion called the “Proper Preface” that varies from week to week;

c) this section concludes with all saying or singing the Sanctus (“Holy, holy, holy Lord…”) and Benedictus (“Blessed is he who comes…”);

d) the prayer continues, now praising God for the salvation of the world through Jesus Christ our Lord;

e) next we recall Jesus’ words and acts at the Last Supper. This is called the “institution narrative” because it tells of the beginnings (the institution) of our ritual meal;

f) some prayers may now include an acclamation (our unqualified affirmation) of what has so far been said (for example, “Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.”);

g) we then ask that God will sanctify (make holy) both the bread and wine and the people gathered (this may take place in different places in different versions of the prayer);

h) the prayer concludes with a doxology (a statement of praise to God);

i) and the people respond, “Amen,” meaning “So be it.” Note that in the Prayer Book this response is printed in all capital letters!;

j) the Lord’s Prayer generally follows.

6) We share the gifts of God

The presider breaks the bread; an anthem called a “fraction” may be sung or said; the presider invites the people to come forward; and communion is distributed. When communion is completed, generally the altar is cleared in some fashion (this varies greatly from church to church) and all join in a final prayer of thanks.

7) We go forth into the world

Just as there are a variety of ways for the service to begin, so are there different ways for the service to conclude. At a minimum, the deacon or presider dismisses the people for service in the world in the name of Christ.

LITURGY PLANNING SESSION 2: SATURDAY, MARCH 24, 9-11 AM

Sally Buck, Laura Jacobs, Joanne Blyler, and Fr. Theo had a good time last month choosing material for our Lenten liturgy. Now it’s time (yes, already) to plan for Holy Week and Eastertide. All interested individuals are invited to join Fr. Theo for round two of “the people’s work.” An email to say you’re coming would be appreciated.(salamander.park091@gmail.com)

HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE

Watch for more information closer to the dates.

Maundy Thursday, April 5; 5:45 pm Eucharist, agape meal, and the stripping of the altar

Good Friday, April 6; Noon, Prayer Book liturgy; 7 pm a contemporary presentation

Holy Saturday, April 7; 7 pm The Great Vigil of Easter

GRIEF AND TRANSFORMATION:

A Lenten retreat Day Saturday, March 31; 9:30 am — 3:00 pm

Like Jesus, we will go away to a quiet place for the day and spend time in prayer and meditation, using scripture to explore the dual themes of grief and transformation and prepare ourselves for Holy Week. Led by Fr. Theo; lunch provided; free-will offering.

Discovery Team Report

Mark Bovee and Mary Gaidis, co chairs; Mary Anderson, J Laundergan, Karen Nichols, Ellen Pillsbury, Heather Pitschka, and Abbey Anderson

Our 1^st meeting took place on January 22 and it was facilitated by our Transition Consultant from the Diocese, Cammie Beattie. Our next meeting is scheduled for February 29, 2012 @ 5:30. An additional meeting has been scheduled with The Rev. Tim Hodapp on April 28, 2012, Saturday. Fr. Hodapp is the Missioner for Mission for the Episcopal Church of MN. He has a strong background in congregational development and strategic planning. His specific focus with St. Andrew’s will be on developing congregational mission which will help direct us in choices we make in terms of leadership and the deployment of our resources.

The process has started and we are underway. As we met with Cammie she was very clear, “This process should not be rushed and we need to use the time to both define and decide on what is important to each of us at St. Andrew’s.” We talked about the strengths and weaknesses of the church. We talked a bit about the history of the St. Andrew’s and J Laundergan has provided a very interesting history of the church that will be shared. It needs to be updated as the chronology recording of our history and activities stopped some 25-30 years ago. Do we have aspiring writers/historians who would like to step to the plate and run with that task?

With the input of both Theo and Cammie, we have also identified and discussed a few things that need to be completed in the same time frame of the search or discovery process. These are things a prospective candidate may want to see. We need to develop operating bylaws for St. Andrew’s and we need to be able to provide an accurate and concise financial report for St. Andrew’s.

As we begin the discovery process there are some crucial questions that you will be asked and we ask begin to think about these:

What is “it” that continues to draw you back to St. Andrew’s for Sunday services, special event, and those activities that define who and what we are as a community?

What is “it” that continues to draw you back individually, relative to your experiences at St. Andrew’s? What spiritual needs are being met and what are not being met?

The last questions will be the initial focus of the Discovery Team and we will ask for input from each of you. Your experiences and needs both define and articulate the history of St. Andrew’s, who St. Andrew’s is today, and who and what we want to be in the future. Times change, needs change and as we look forward to calling a new priest we need to no where we have been and where we want to go. The Discovery Team, with all of your input, will look at our history, our current ministries, our existing programs, our mission, and where you have told us you want to go in the future. Using all of that information the discovery team will create a leadership profile of recommended qualities we are seeking in a priest. The leadership profile will be combined with “…our vision for the future direction of St. Andrews and a description of the current state of the spiritual, organizational, and financial health of the parish.” The Bishop’s Committee then approves all of this information and this is the information that is provided to candidates for the new priest at St Andrew’s.

On a personal basis I have been through this process 3 times at St. Edward’s and once at St. Paul’s. If I have a singular request, I ask and urge that every one participate in the process. As you are individually asked to share and provide input, whether it be a questionnaire or a personal conversation with one of the discovery team I urge you to do so. Please take the time to think about what St. Andrew’s means to you and share that. Know that your input is very important. You may share something that we should be aware of that has not been shared. The little things can and do make a big difference on our lives and in the life of the church. Also know, relative to your sharing, that the source of all information shared is totally confidential.

I mentioned that I had another comment on the financial report. The report or budget for 2012 is currently a small deficit budget and that is what prospective candidates will see as they consider the position as St. Andrew’s. It is in our common interest to eliminate the deficit if we can.

This is an exciting process that relies on your participation. As time goes on please do not hesitate to call any of the discovery team members with your thoughts and input.

Report by Mark Bovee to annual meeting; Feb. 12, 2012

LOOKING FOR SUNDAY BULLETIN EDITOR:

Please send all Sunday announcements by Thursday to Father Theo at:salamander.park091@gmail.com

AND… please consider whether this might be your ministry, too!

THE READER’S CHOICE BOOK CLUB OF ST. ANDREW’S

Will have its next meeting on Friday, March 2 at NOON at Porter’s. Please call Sandy Carlson at 723-1181 or Heather Pitschka at 720-8683 if you would like to join the group. New members are always welcomed. Next meeting, April 6th.

SABTL SATURDAY STITCHING

Saturday, March 24th, 9am to 2pm. Potluck lunch served at noon. Mission Hall at St. Andrew’s. Bring your stitching projects! Questions? Contact Joan Hunn (393-8576).

THE SABTL PRAYER GROUP

Meets at church on March 9 at 9:30 AM. All are welcome!

“SEE HOW THEY LOVE ONE ANOTHER!”

Part of living together in Christian community is caring for the needs of the Body. Part of providing adequate care is knowing when there is need. Part of knowing is being informed! Your pastoral care team tries to keep a collective ear to the ground, but we need your help so that no one slips between the cracks. If you have concerns about a loved one, about your own needs, or just someone you hear about in passing, please pass it along to Joanne Blyler, Jan Peterson, Mark Bovee, or Fr. Theo.

PRAYER SHAWLS

Our supply of prayer shawls is getting low and they are so appreciated by the recipients. If you are a knitter and would like to participate in this special ministry, please let Joanne Blyler know. You can reach Joanne at 218-464-2945 or email her at blyler5@aol.com (Joanne has instructions if you need them).

SECOND SUNDAYS AT SABTL

Every second Sunday of the month there are three activities of special note:

Healing Prayer. After the service, one of the members of the pastoral care team will be available in the sanctuary for confidential conversation and healing prayer. Your prayer may be for your own needs or another.

Is anyone among you suffering? Call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over you, that you may be healed.

James 5:13-18

Vicar’s Discretionary Collection. The cash collection on each of these Sundays will be dedicated to the vicar’s discretionary fund for the relief of those in need.

Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above….Religion that is pure and undefiled before God is this: to care for others in their distress.

James 1:17, 27

CHUM — 90 bag lunches are made after the Sunday service. Help in the kitchen is greatly appreciated. As one volunteer said, “There’s hungry people out there!”

SHARE THE LOVE CONCERT II:

THANKS, EVERYONE, FOR SHARING THE LOVE!

The concert on February 17 was wonderful! The music was great – Elena Knezevich warmed up with her piano playing and then Laurie and Bill Bastien took off with their violin/fiddle and guitar and voice. What fun! Special thanks to Jan Peterson for taking care of the music.

The desserts were super! People at St. Andrew’s sure can cook! Thanks to Ginny Berger for organizing the food/hospitality and, of course, to all of the people (I don’t want to leave anyone out, so this is a blanket thank-you) who made desserts and helped serve and set-up/clean-up.

This was a fundraiser and the receipts that night totaled $1112. CHUM lunches and probably some dinners, too, can be funded again this year.

LOOKING FOR HOUSING

I have been and continue to be extremely grateful to Bob and JoAnn Carmack for their gracious hospitality, but after Easter those days come to an end and I will need to find other housing. My budget is small, so I’m not looking for much. If you have or know of anyone who has a spare room to rent (ideally with access

to a bath and shared kitchen privileges), or have a lead of any sort, please contact me. Thank you; Fr. Theo. (salamander.park091@gmail.com)

NEW CHECK REQUEST PROCEDURE

As part of bringing fresh eyes to our systems, assessing and making changes

where necessary, we are beginning a new procedure for requests for reimbursement of expenses or new checks initiating payment. In either case, you must now fill out a form (found in the treasurer’s box in the small working office); the form asks the usual basics (what is the expense for, how much is it, who has to be paid, what is the address) and also asks you to note the appropriate account on which the check is to be drawn as well as requiring the signature of the person authorized for that account. Our book-keeper Shannon Stevens is very excited about the clarity this new procedure will give her job; let’s not let her down!

SPRING ART EXHIBIT

In April a new art exhibit will replace our stewardship photo show. Thank you to all whose contributions helped to make a successful show for the enjoyment of parish members and visitors. We are indeed blessed to have so many members willing to share their creative achievements in the visual arts. Everyone is invited to participate in the next exhibit.

On Easter Sunday we will have the opening reception for our new show which is titled “A Visual Hymn: For the Beauty of the Earth”. Read the hymn [#416, Hymnal 1982] and reflect on the imagery of the words. What stands out for you? Respond to the imagery in your favorite art form–drawing, painting, photography, fiber arts or anything that can be hung on a wall. Enter as many pieces as you would like. Pieces must be framed or ready to hang.

Entry forms (to give us full information) and a sign-up sheet are available in the mission hall.

Please keep the following dates in mind:

· Sunday March 25 or Sunday April 1- Remove your photos from the wall ; take them home.

· Sunday, March 25 or Sunday, April 1- Bring new entries and forms for next exhibit.

· The show will be hung after the service on Palm Sunday, April 1.

· Easter Sunday, Opening reception.

Questions? Ask Ellie Alspach or Arlene Renken.

THE UN-FAIR CAMPAIGN AND WHITE SUPREMACISTS

Have you noticed the anti-racism posters in Duluth this month? The Un-Fair Campaign was developed to look at racism and encourage dialogue. One of the results is that a self-avowed group of white supremacists will be coming to Duluth on March 3 to hold a white pride rally.

The Peace and Justice response in the community is being planned, and it is not to respond, not to hold a counter-rally, not to encourage the tactics of hate groups.

What can you do, instead? As a Christian, first pray for peace and justice. If you want to do more, you can consider pledging money to a local group that espouses equality. Check out the Duluth News Tribune and recent articles written by Robin Washington and Christa Lawler.

MARCH IS MINNESOTA FOODSHARE MONTH:

HELP CHUM FIGHT HUNGER IN DULUTH!

If Minnesota FoodShare’s March Campaign did not exist, local food shelves throughout the state would truly be facing “Mission Impossible.” But for 29 years, civic groups, businesses, congregations, schools and individuals have come together in this grassroots effort to fight hunger.

As you probably know, the need for food assistance in CHUM’s service area continues to grow. Every day we see individuals and families coming to our food shelves for the first time, people who have never before needed assistance from social service programs. The food shelf is a vital support to families in time of crisis, helping to keep the family system stable by providing groceries to put dinner on the table tonight, information and referral services to our network of service providers, and short-term case management help.

March provides an unequaled opportunity for people to stretch cash and food contributions to food shelves. The Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign provides a proportional match for all food and financial contributions received throughout the month of March. The Feinstein Foundation provides a proportional match for all gifts given in March and April. What a way to double our contribution!

Cash donations are especially welcome.

They allow the Food Shelf to take advantage of lower prices available through local vendors. Simply write a check to St. Andrew’s and put “CHUM Food Shelf” in the memo line at the bot tom.

Foods Most Needed:

Canned stew, chili, hash, SpaghettiOs, ravioli; canned fruit cocktail, mandarin oranges, peaches, pineapple, pears; canned whole kernel corn; chicken noodle or cream of mushroom soup; tuna or Spam; ramen noodles; baked beans; boxed potatoes; spaghetti sauce; canned (not frozen) juice or juice concentrate in flip top cans.

Let’s see what a difference we can make this Lent…and then all year long!

INTERMEDIATE CLASS LENTEN COLLECTION

The Intermediate Students have chosen Life House for their fundraiser for the next year. On Sunday Feb. 26th, they will put out tea pots to collect all of your loose change, anything from pennies to dollar bills. What may seem small change to you can make a world of difference to someone else!

Life House is a program for the Homeless Youth of Duluth. Last year Life House serviced 675 youth. Around 35-50 teens walk through the doors of Life House each day. Life House helps at-risk youth to break the cycles of poverty, homelessness, and abuse. Life House offers immediate access to emergency needs such as food, shelter, basic health care, and life skills programs. Services they offer are helping them find a place to live…as these young people have been living in cars, under a bridge, in doorways, or even from friends’ couch to friends’ couch for a night or two. Helping to get back to school and get the high school degree and move on to college, finding employment so they can pay rent and buy food. They even have their own prom in the spring.

$29 a month means things like hot meals for a week, access to personal hygiene supplies or a hot shower, bus fare to get to school, a GED testing fee, and so much more!

TEC #46 UPDATE

The next Great Northern TEC (#46) will be held March 23, 24, 25 at St. Paul’s- Duluth.

Who is attending from St. Andrew’s by-the-Lake so far?

Madaline Stauber- Youth Advisor (giving a talk);Sarah Thompson- Kitchen Team; Garrett Reedy- Wheat; Joey Nichols- Wheat Team (giving a talk); Maggie Brakke- Music Team; Willie Brakke- Wisdom Team Leader (giving a talk); Alyson Lundberg- Wisdom Team; Brian Lundberg- Wisdom Team Chaplain.

What can you do to help support our youth, young adults and the TEC Program?

You could;

a). Donate “wheat” for the weekend in the form of food items such as brownies, chips and salsa, candy bars, fruit, cookies, granola bars etc…

b). Write “wheat letters” to youth, young adults and adults you may know who are attending the weekend. Wheat letters are letters of encouragement, thinking of you, and hope your weekend goes well… letters or cards.

c). Donate money for registration scholarships and to help pay for food and supplies for the weekend. Checks can be made out to Great Northern TEC and given to Madeline Stauber or Brian Lundberg.

d). Pray for the youth, young adults and adults on the weekend.

If you have any questions regarding the TEC program please ask any Sr. High Youth.

The Episcopal Mission of St. Andrew’s-by-the-Lake

2802 Minnesota Avenue

Duluth, MN 55401

Office: 218-727-1262

Interim Vicar: salamander.park091@gmail.com

612-206-4455

Editor: Sandra Carlson

carlzimm@msn.com

218-723-1181

Suggestions/comments appreciated.

We’re on the web!

Www.standrewsbythelake.org

2012 Bishop’s Committee

Tim White, Senior Warden

Ellen Pillsbury, Junior Warden

Cindy Hendrickson, Clerk

Kinnan Stauber, Treasurer

Ginny Berger

Mark Bovee

Bob Carmack, Convention Delegate

JoAnn Carmack, Convention Delegate

Margaret Handley

Liz Maeshima

Bob Owens

FATHER THEO’S CONTACT INFORMATION

Fr. Theo is with us 20 hours a week, which he spreads out between Wednesday night through Sunday service. He can be reached via the church phone, his cell phone (612-206-4455), or his email (salamander.park091@gmail com). When he is in Minneapolis, don’t hesitate to try the cell or home phone (612-333-0963).

St. Andrew's by the Lake Episcopal Church

Vestry

Sermon 1

A Simple Way to “E”

March 2012 Grains of Sand

What Do you know For Sure?

February 2012 Grains of Sand