On Sunday, October 16, we will celebrate the National Children’s Sabbath. This is a time for us to hear our faith tradition speak out on the mandate to nurture and protect children, and to seek justice on behalf of the most vulnerable. During the 9 and 10:30 am liturgy, I have invited a guest preacher to come and raise our awareness on this very important issue.

Dr. BraVada Garrett-Akinsanya is a licensed clinical psychologist with over 25 years of experience in the field of mental health. She recently assumed the position as Executive Director of the African American Child Wellness Institute, a children’s mental health agency dedicated to the research, delivery and coordination of comprehensive wellness strategies for children of African descent. Dr. Akinsanya serves as the President of Brakins Consulting and Psychological Services. She serves as the immediate past President of the Minnesota Association of Black Psychologists. She is also in positions of leadership in American Psychological Association and is the President-Elect of the Minnesota Psychological Association.

Dr. Garrett-Akinsanya received her doctorate degree in 1990 where she graduated as the first African-American to obtain a Ph.D. in the APA -- Approved Clinical Psychology Program of Texas Tech University. Her minor area of specialty was in family therapy practices. She is a nationally recognized speaker who has written, presented and consulted extensively in the areas of developmental psychology, multiculturalism, severe psychopathology and African-American mental health.

Using a unique style of combining humor, educational materials, and sound clinical skills, Dr. Garrett-Akinsanya has earned a reputation for delivering excellent quality in clinical services and training. She has been sought out by magazines, newspapers, radio and television, most recently providing expert commentary to local media such as: WCCO Television/Radio, the Star Tribune, Minnesota Public Radio, Insight Health, The Art Cunningham Show, The TIPical MaryEllen Show, and KMOJ 99.1 FM radio. Her recent training works include "The Color of Healing: African-American Women in Recovery," and "Raising Shaniqua: Treating African-American Adolescent Girls." Her recent publications include the following book chapters: Stress Management, in the Women’s Handbook on Mental Health (Beacon Press), and A Model for Shared Control, in The Psychology of Prejudice and Discrimination (Praeger Press, Inc.).

See you in Church,

Fr. Mark

On Sunday mornings from 10 to 11 am in Adult Education and Formation, we continue our series Biology and Belief. Each session consists of a 20 minute video of a talk with a researcher in the field, followed by discussion. A handout of the session will provide a summary, topics to think about, and references for further reading. If you come to 10:30 am Eucharist, join us! You can still catch the entire video and grab a handout.

On Wednesday, Oct 5, 6 to 7 pm, Fr. Mark will complete his series on practical ways we should prepare for the day we all know awaits us: our death. Don’t take the attitude “you can do whatever you want with what’s left of me when I am gone.” Friends and loved ones will take comfort in knowing they are participating in something you envisaged and desired.

On Wednesday, Oct 12, 6 to 7 pm, we begin a new series on the God of the Old Testament. What sort of God is described in the Old Testament? By reading the biblical text closely, we can discern that the God described in the Old Testament is a God "who suffers, . . . who has entered deeply into the human situation and made it his own." Our primary reference will be The Suffering of God. An Old Testament Perspective by Terence E. Fretheim, Fortress Press, Philadelphia,1984. Dr. Fretheim himself will join us for the last session on Dec 7!

On Sunday, October 16, 10 to 11 am, we will have a special presentation by Rev. Kathleen Brusco on the University Episcopal Center.

Oct 2 No meeting (Confirmation)

Oct 9 No meeting (Pet Blessing)

Oct 16 Presentation on the University Episcopal Center

Oct 23 Biology and Belief: Brain, Consciousness and the Soul

Oct 30 Biology and Belief: The Ethics of Stem Cell Research

Oct 5 Planning for Our Death: Burial Liturgy B

Oct 12 The Suffering of God 1. Introduction

Oct 19 The Suffering of God 2. Current Views on God in the Old Testament

Oct 26 The Suffering of God 3. God & the World & Foreknowledge

The Adult Education web site (www.StJohnAdultEd.Org includes information on past, present and upcoming series as well as the latest schedule. To review the overhead transparencies or PowerPoint slides of a prior presentation, simply download them from the web site.

Anyone with comments, questions or suggestions, or who is interested in joining the Adult Education and Formation Committee, please talk with me or drop me a note, .

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

I am at a loss for words to tell you how much the wonderful reception you had for me on my last Sunday meant. (This is not good for a woman with a background in both speech and English!) Please know that I carried that memory with me as I started my new internship at Epiphany Church in Plymouth, where I am referred to as "the deacon-in-training." Somehow having all of you along in my heart made the transition easier. Thank you for that as well. I look forward to coming "home" in a year. Until then, let us hold each other in our prayers.

In Christ's love,

Janet MacNally

Isaiah 5:1-7

Psalm 80:7-14

Philippians 3:14-21

Matthew 21:33-43

Isaiah 25:1-9

Psalm 23

Philippians 4:4-13

Matthew 22:1-14

Isaiah 45:1-7

Psalm 96:1-9

1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

Matthew 22:15-22

Exodus 22:21-27

Psalm 1

1 Thessalonians 2:1-8

Matthew 22:34-46

Micah 3:5-12

Psalm 43

1 Thessalonians 2:9-13,17-20

Matthew 23:1-12

The Vestry met on September 13th, 2005.

The Discernment Committee presented Cathryn Bashore to the Vestry and reviewed her discernment process.

Representatives from the Abiding Branches Cooperative Preschool presented a plan for the formation of a preschool at St. John’s.

The Findings and Recommendations from the peer audit with St. Christopher’s were discussed.

The Property Committee reported they will meet with an electrical contractor to address supply concerns before installation of air conditioning.

The Rally Day Booya served over 250 people. Thank you to the Long and Knauss families for all of their work.

The hours and responsibilities of a part-time sexton were discussed.

The following motions were made and seconded:

  The Vestry approves the nomination of Cathryn Bashore for Postulancy in the Holy Order of Priesthood and recommends further discernment by the Diocese.

  Delegate the funds necessary, not to exceed $1,000, to proceed with the local building, zoning, health, and fire inspection process.

  Authorize the use of predetermined funding to hire a part time sexton.

Motions carried.

The Vestry will meet next on October 11, 2005 at 7 pm.

St. John in the Wilderness begins its Annual Stewardship Fund Appeal in October. Your financial support through a generous pledge for 2006 will help the parish move toward the full realization of our ministry for the coming year.

Stewardship is using the gifts God has given us to do the work He is calling us to do.

Having just completed a capital campaign with great success made possible by the generosity of the St. John’s family, we are all more than ever mindful of the potential amongst us to do the work God is calling us to do. Our Annual Stewardship Fund Appeal revenue is the mainstay of St. John’s operating budget. Your generosity will determine the financial foundation of our Church life in the coming year.

Please consider how you might use the concept of proportionate giving to make your pledge commitment. Proportionate giving is designating a percentage of our personal resources we will commit to do the Lord's work.  By this commitment, we demonstrate our thankfulness for the love God has shown us through His many blessings, and especially through His Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. 

Thank you in advance for your prayerful consideration and response to the Appeal letter you receive. If you would like to know more about Stewardship or the Appeal, please call or email Anne Hovland.

St. John’s Outreach Committee is again participating in Herberger’s Community Day to support the Out To Lunch Program. We expect this event to raise $500, but the actual amount depends on the help we get from you. Thanks in advance for your support.

Parishioners can help by:

  Volunteering time to sell community day coupon packets on-site at Herberger’s in Rosedale Mall. Tables are set up at the mall entrances. Volunteers greet shoppers entering the store, inform them about the event and Out To Lunch, and sell coupon packets. According to organizations that have done this for a number of years, there is a lot of money to be made this way. Some customers buy coupons and others will just make donations. Many days and time slots are open in October and November. With two volunteers we can sign up for one 3 or 4-hour time slot. Contact Gayle Kasmani to volunteer.

  Volunteering time during the community day event, November 18th-20th, to help Herberger’s with the sale. Besides earning $5 per coupon packet we sell, we can share in the proceeds of the coupons that Herberger’s sells too, but only if we volunteer a total of 12 hours. We need 4 volunteers each willing to work 3 hours, and must sign up by October 15th. Please call Gayle to volunteer and schedule your time.

  Buying one or several coupon packets. Coupon packets cost $5 each, which goes directly to Out To Lunch. You get a $5 off one item coupon, six 20% discount coupons, plus other items including a chance to win a trip to Cozumel. Coupons are good for most regular and sale-priced merchandise on November 19th only. Some restrictions apply as noted on the coupons. There is no limit on the number of coupons you can use on November 19th, but only one coupon per item. See sample coupons on the church vestibule bulletin board and on the church’s website. If you are not a Herberger’s shopper, consider buying a packet to give to an Out To Lunch guest or using the coupons to buy a Christmas present for a needy family. See Gayle Kasmani or Peggy Holper between Sunday Eucharists to buy packets. Please give packets purchased for Out To Lunch guests to Gayle or Peggy.

  Selling coupon packets to friends and family. Buy a few extra packets and sell them to friends and family. Many people look forward to this event, which is one of Herberger’s biggest sale days, and are looking for a source of coupons. While all organizations selling packets are most worthy, we hope you will support this Out To Lunch effort.

After a splendid first rehearsal on September 7, and an equally fine Rally Sunday choir on September 11, a feeling of euphoria quickly settled in. It looked like we were headed for a banner year for the Chancel Choir, one that would fill the choir chancel to overflowing on a regular basis at the 10:30 Choral Eucharist Sunday after Sunday.

Then reality sunk in. Attendance at the second Wednesday rehearsal, September 14, was down by half-exactly 50% of those who were there the week before. Yes, there were a number of legitimate excuses, with at least two or three “Sorry, but I can’t make it tonight” phone calls. But to start out with 6 sopranos, 4 altos, 2 tenors, and 2 basses-followed the next week by 2 sopranos, 3 altos, 1 tenor, and 1 bass-rather dampened the spirits. (This is being written before the third and fourth rehearsals of September and the Sunday Eucharists on September 18 and 25.)

So the call continues. Is our goal of 7 sopranos, 7 altos, 4 tenors, and 6 basses unrealistic? We shall hope not, but it will take more effort and commitment than so far seems to be the case. Can you help? Will you help?

By the time the November Voice appears, we shall have begun (on Wednesday, October 26) weekly rehearsals for our annual Lessons and Carols service (Sunday, December 11, 4:00 pm). Likely we will add several voices for the short-term. But how much more gratifying it would be to have a Lessons and Carols-type choir on a regular basis!

Wednesdays, 7:30 pm in the choir room. One thing is for certain: you will be welcomed with open arms. And more than seven pair thereof, we trust.

-David Gehrenbeck,

organist/choirmaster

You won’t find cucumber slices, mud baths, or pedicures at St. John’s “Spiritual Spa: Stilling and Stirring the BodyMindSpirit” on Friday night, October 14, and all day Saturday, October 15.

Instead, you’ll encounter presentations and workshops to stretch, refresh, and deepen your total self. Expect offerings from expert presenters on creating balance in your life, and using the power of breath, story, art, music, movement, play, and healing touch. For details, check Spiritual Spa on our parish web site or talk with any of the organizers: Rev. Joanie, Rosemary Senjem, MaryJo Lohn, or Dianne Del Giorno, who will happily answer your questions.

The Spiritual Spa will begin with an invocation service on Friday, October 14, at 7 pm and will conclude with a healing service at 4:30 pm on Saturday, October 15. These services are free and open to all.

There is a fee for the Saturday workshops, which will begin at 8:30 am and conclude at 4 pm. You may register for a full or half day. Since space is limited, early registration is encouraged.

To register, complete the form below, make your check payable to St. John in the Wilderness, and submit payment and form to the church office. You may also register online.

1 John Afryl

1 Priscilla Moody

1 Laurie Otte

1 Keith Vruno

3 J. Keith MacKenzie

4 Mary Bartley

6 Rachel Ford

6 Ned Peck

6 Megan Thoemke

8 Peter Thor

8 Robert Weinhagen

9 Thomas Jemielita

10 Emily Hammond

10 Lara Senjem

11 Gregory Eick

11 Adam Gadbois

11 Katherine May

13 Bethany Gildner

17 Gretchen Davidson

17 Davis Long

17 Robert Sullivan

18 Brent Torgerson

19 Therese Branby

20 Joyce Sebastian

20 Sarah Smith

21 Christopher Johnson

21 Harry Thein

23 Matthew Jemielita

23 Lurae Roden

23 Amelia Torgerson

24 Katherine Hoover

25 Cecilia Hawley

26 Eddie Blake

26 Harriette Irvine

27 Ashley Delamater

27 Barry Kostyk

28 Terry Rooney

28 John Warchol

29 Nancy Brown

31 Emilee DeSmet

31 Rona Johnson

31 Anne Moertel

Name Ellen Anthony

High School/Grade Forest Lake High School, 10th grade

School/Community Activities softball, theater, volunteering

Church Activities mission trips, helping out here and there

Favorite Song Burndt Jamb, Weezer

Proudest Moment Singing Solos/volunteering

Collections none

Favorite St. John’s Memory Mission Trip to San Diego / Sunday School with Ann and Libby

Favorite movie Pirates of the Caribbean

Last good book you've read Wicked by Gregory Maguire

Best advice you've been given Treat others the way that you would like to be treated.

Where you hope to be in 10 years Enjoying my job and life in the cities after college

If you could have dinner with any person, whom would you choose? Abraham Lincoln

How can church become more youth friendly? It could continue to have fun youth events and mission trips.

For youth not registered on Rally Day for year-round programming: please get forms from Alison Feigh at church. It is crucial we have proper contact information and medical background in case of emergency.

TEC forms are available. Northern TEC is October 21st-23rd in Virginia, MN and St. Paul TEC is November 18th-20th. Northern TEC is open to youth in grades 9-12. St. Paul TEC is open to youth in grades 10-12. Both weekends begin on Friday morning and end Sunday late afternoon. All returning team members arrive Thursday night as well as attend team meetings or overnights before the weekend.

If you are interested in attending a TEC for the first time, please connect with Alison to answer all your questions and to get forms. Also, your parents should call Alison before you register so she can tell them in detail what to expect. We have a large group of participants who are available to answer questions. Safe Church trained adult drivers may be needed to drive candidates to Virginia, MN on Friday morning. Please talk to Alison if you are willing to volunteer.

The planning overnight for youth to work on team for Northern TEC is October 7th & 8th. We will meet at church at 3:30 pm on Friday to carpool to Virginia, MN together. We should be back at church around 3 pm Saturday afternoon for pick-up. Please sign up with Alison if you plan to go so we have enough drivers.

At our Junior High meeting on Wednesday, October 19th we will make Halloween cards for all college-age students from St. John’s. Feel free to bring Halloween stickers or special paper to enhance your card. It’s always a fun night of creativity.

We invite children and youth to wear non-violent Halloween costumes to the 9 am Eucharist on Sunday, October 30th.

Our prayers of love and support go out to the youth who were confirmed on Sunday, October 2nd. We honor them for the work they accomplished and look forward to walking with them as they transition into their adult roles in our parish community. Congratulations!

Tyler Canterbury

Adam Gadbois

Haley Gilbert

Henry Schneider

Jean Watson

Thank you to our mentor volunteers for this group. The mentor relationships allowed for a safe place for our youth to question, doubt, and explore. Thank-you!

Ron Domin

James Braaten

Pris Campbell

Greg Schmit

Barb Van Steen

“If you’re a big enough fool to climb a tree and like a cat refuse to come down, then someone who loves you has to make as big a fool of himself to rescue you.”

- Walker Percy

October is full of Children’s Ministry activities.

We’ll collect gently used shoes to donate in honor of St. Crispin to the local organization Neighbors Helping Neighbors.

October 9th is the annual Pet Blessing, and there will be no classes.

We will celebrate the Children’s Sabbath on the 16th decorating cookies with Families Inc. in the Parish Hall to bring to St. Joseph's Children's Home. A Children’s Ministry meeting follows, that all are welcome to attend.

On Saturday the 29th we will host Out-To-Lunch. We encourage children and parents to wear costumes as we serve lunch and visit with our guests.

Children may wear appropriate costumes to church on Sunday the 30th. After 9 am worship there will be a blessing of collected shoes and of the children’s feet.