Adult Education and Formation

Passages

Change in Worship Times

Bible Readings

Vestry Hilites

Spring ECW Grants

Welcoming and Evangelism

Images: Procession of Palms

Images: Jim Delamater Narrates the Passion

The All Parish Cemetery Cleanup

The Xcel Group

For the Human Family

A Letter of Thanks to St. John's for Valentines to the Troops

"Stakeholders Retreat" is Opportunity to Weigh in on the Future of the Diocese

Social Justice Committee at "Day on the Hill"

Beatitudes for Friends of the Aged

Vestry Goals for 2006 Progress Report

Advisory Committee Continues Work

May Birthdays

St. John in the Wilderness Student of the Month

Images: Our Youngest Parishioners Gather in the Nursery

Images: Choir Members Of All Ages Process on Palm Sunday

Youth Voice

Children’s Ministry

For the Care of Children

Lay Ministries Schedule

The Rector’s Page May 1, 2006

God is not done with any of us yet, and we must never feel we are done with God – in any way. Part of our spiritual journey must be a ceaseless exploration of who God is, what God asks of us, and what God desires for us. During May, we continue a ten part video series Living Faith (additional link), covering the essentials of Christianity. Whether you are a newcomer to Christianity or a cradle Episcopalian, if you seek a renewed, deeper, or more mature understanding of the Christian faith, please join us!

Each meeting consists of a 25 minute video with Anglican bishop and theologian Tom Wright, followed by discussion among ourselves. Bishop Wright taught New Testament studies at Oxford University, Cambridge University, McGill University and Regent College for 20 years. He has written over 30 books and has received both academic acclaim and praise for the eloquence and transparency of his popular writings. Christianity Today named him as one of the top five theologians in the world. The third volume of his magisterial series Christian Origins and the Question of God won the 2003 Theologos Award as the book of the year.

We meet Sundays in the Parlor from 10 to 10:50 am. If you worship at 10:30 am, you can still catch the entire video!

In his book by the same name, Pastor Rick Warren reminds us (1) we were planned for God’s pleasure, so our first purpose is to offer real worship, (2) we were formed for God’s family, so our second purpose is to enjoy real fellowship, (3) we were created to become like Christ, so our third purpose is to learn real discipleship, (4) we were shaped for serving God, so our fourth purpose is to practice real ministry, and (5) we were made for a mission, so our fifth purpose is to live out real evangelism. Father Mark will lead this six part series on the ways these simple truths should change our lives.

We meet Wednesdays in the Parish Hall from 6 to 6:50 pm. The Eucharist follows at 7 pm.

  Apr 30 2. The Hebrew Scriptures

  May 7 3. The World, Life and Ministry of Jesus

  May 14 4. The Gospel Testimonies to Jesus

  May 21 5. Paul and the Outward Movement

  May 28 no meeting

  May 3 Part 1 What On Earth Am I Here For?

  May 10 Part 2 You Were Planned For God’s Pleasure

  May 17 Part 3 You Were Formed For God’s Family

  May 24 Part 4 You Were Created To Become Like Christ

  May 31 Part 5 You Were Shaped For Serving God

  June 7 Part 6 You Were Made For A Mission

www.StJohnAdultEd.Org includes series information, our schedule, and downloadable prior presentation overheads or PowerPoint slides.

Comments, questions or suggestions? Interested in joining the Adult Education and Formation Committee? Please contact David Monyak: phone 651/481-8697, or .

  Jack Robert Hedrick 4/15/2006

  Brendan Patrick Johnson 4/15/2006

  Isaiah Edward Knutson-DeMars 4/15/2006

  Helena Demiya Oglesby 4/15/2006

  Jonathan Walker Oglesby 4/15/2006

  T. DeVante Jerome Watts 4/15/2006

  Joyce Marie Sebastian 4/15/2006

  Ruth Clara Mattlin 4/10/2006

Acts 4:32-37

1 John 3:1-8

John 10:11-16

Psalm 23

Acts 8:26-40

1 John 3:18-24

John 14:15-21

Psalm 66:1-8

Acts 11:19-30

1 John 4:7-21

John 15:9-17

Psalm 33:1-8, 18-22

Acts 1:15-26

1 John 5:9-15

John 17:11b-19

Psalm 47

Italicized verses are read at the family service.

The Vestry met on April 11, 2006.

The Advisory Committee’s progress, Stewardship, and a Church Use Policy were discussed.

The following motions were passed:

1. The Vestry approves lowering the bottom selling price of the Haynes property from $200,000 to $180,000 for the purpose of negotiation.

2. The Vestry approves the Resolutions Concerning the Sale of Real Estate in Mesa, Arizona as amended.

3. The Vestry agrees to accept and put in use the Agreement for Burial Rights in Columbarium.

4. The Vestry accepts the Cemetery Policies with suggested changes to be made at the attorney’s discretion.

5. The Vestry accepts the updated air conditioning contract proposal.

The Vestry meets next on May 9, 2006 at 7 pm in the Church Parlor.

Written grant requests must be placed in the Episcopal Church Women (ECW) mail slot by Thursday, May 11. The Spring Grant Meeting will be Friday, May 19th. 

The next committee meeting is 6:30 pm May 23 in Caribou Coffee’s meeting room at Hwy 96 & 35E. We look forward to seeing everyone who is interested in the Committee at this meeting. Contact: Krista Sullivan, 651/484-2263.

Our Clergy complete the Procession of the Palms on the Sunday of the Passion, April 9, 2006.

From the pulpit, Jim Delamater narrates The Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ According to St. Mark

When Glenn & Becky Monson joined our church last year they presented us a great way to raise money: manning a concession stand at Xcel Center. Centerplate trains volunteers to meet the City of St. Paul’s requirements regarding alcohol sales, and oversees operation of the stands. The number of volunteers determines which booth is assigned.

Initially, 24 from St. John's took general training and 7 took management training. However, only about 1/2 of those have been active: Katheryn Schneider, Jennifer Kobinski, Brent Torgerson, Pete & Sally Holtz, Greg Schmit, Jason & Chantell Knauss, Ken Paddock, Pat Pickering, and Therese & Chesly Branby. Glenn & Becky have managed each event. Several outside St. John's have worked events under our banner too: Mike & Ruth Thillen & their daughters, Mary & Annie (from Holy Apostles), and Diane Hanson (Becky's friend from St. John's Catholic, Burnsville). We are grateful to these friends as they are not receiving any monetary benefit. They have joined us out of friendship with the Monsons and for Christian camaraderie.

The money earned depends partly upon the event. Wild hockey games pay $60/person. Other events generally pay $50. The recent WCHA hockey tournament games were difficult to schedule: weekday games paid $75; night games paid $60.

There was initial excitement and enthusiasm, but it has been a struggle to put together full crews for events. At times we would not have fulfilled our commitment without our outside friends. We need at least 5 more people for our ninth event: the May 19th Tim McGraw / Faith Hill Concert. Managers report at 5:30 pm and the crew reports at 6 pm. It will be a late night, but the crew will be done about 11:30 pm. We’re tough Episcopalians, right? New volunteers who can’t get training before the event just won’t be able to work a register and directly serve customers over the counter.

We have had fun and felt much satisfaction earning $3,000-$3,500 so far. The money raised goes into a separate account. The Vestry will decide how it is spent.

This is a huge opportunity for St. John's to be positively exposed to a large outside community of people. Glenn stated, "aside from the extra money for the church there is a camaraderie and friendship being formed by people that have nothing to do with each other outside of the church building. Bringing our own Christian community with our own people doing these things together will, hopefully, get more people comfortable in doing other things together outside of our walls." This could be why people who do not belong to out church are willing to work for free under the St. John's banner. Volunteers are always welcome. Contact Glenn Monson at 866/744-7864 (work) or 651/771-6810 (home). Thanks to everyone for all of your support.

On behalf of the officers of Task Force Panther, thank you so much for the goodies. We really appreciate it. Since we are at “the tip of the spear”, that is the forward most unit in combat, we don’t have many luxuries but your TLC makes our lives a little easier. You truly are making a difference in the lives of our soldiers. We are more grateful than you could possibly know or understand.

We are truly humbled by your thoughtfulness and kindness. They remind us that we are appreciated, supported and loved. Few things are more important to us.

Perhaps, the only other thing which I am hearing from the soldiers which is more important, is to know that they are remembered and not forgotten. And we can honestly say, at least back in White Bear Lake, that is true. Thank you for remembering us as we live, work and fight in a distant place far from home.

The next time I am in town, I will have to stop by personally to thank you for your support and care. Until then, please know that I shall always be,

Faithfully Yours,

Douglas A. Etter

MAJ, CH

Task Force Chaplain

Bishop's Commission on Metro Mission Strategy Seeks Input at Gathering on Saturday, May 20

In an ongoing effort to ensure widespread involvement in the process of developing a coherent metro mission strategy for the Diocese, the Bishop's Commission on Metro Mission Strategy (BCMMS) is planning a Stakeholders Retreat on Saturday, May 20 at Breck School.

The Stakeholders Retreat is being organized to allow individuals throughout the metro area to participate in discerning the next steps on our journey as a region of the Diocese. By joining together in a meaningful and reflective retreat experience, stakeholders will have the opportunity to:

  Review the findings of the BCMMS to date, including:

  Congregational growth/decline patterns 1900-2005 and location patterns of metro area Episcopalians

  Demographic trends and changes within the metro area and how these are impacting congregations and opening up opportunities for ministry

  Assessment of effectiveness of the previous and current program initiatives by the Diocese in the metro area

  Best practices available from other denominations in the metro area, other Episcopal Dioceses in the country, and the current literatures on church health and church development

  Assessment of financial capacity and patterns of giving and expenditures among metro area congregations and the Diocese, along with an assessment of trends in the development of new facilities

  Reflect together theologically on these trends to begin to discern, "What is God up to?" and "What does God want to do?"

  Review several alternative scenarios for the future life and ministry of metro area congregations - the BCMMS will present several scenarios and invite those present to interact with these and offer additional possibilities

  Enter into a time of prayerful and conversational discernment as to a preferred scenario to help guide the further work of the BCMMS in develop a more specific plan of proposed action.

For the purposes of BCMMS, a stakeholder is any person who has interest and wants to have voice in helping to shape the future direction and ministry of the Diocese of Minnesota—whether you live in the Metro Area or Greater Minnesota.

Stakeholders are not just clergy or elected leadership in the church. Stakeholders are anyone who has passion and interest in mission strategy in the Twin Cities area. Stakeholders will not necessarily receive an official invitation to participate in the Retreat. So if you want to participate, please don’t wait to be invited by someone else.

The Stakeholders' Retreat with the BCMMS is Saturday, May 20 from 8:30-3:30 at Breck School. If you are interested in participating in the Stakeholders Retreat, please contact Rachel Swan, Administrative Assistant to the BCMMS, by or 612/871-5311. Your voice is critical to this process. Please plan to be involved.

On March 2, St. John’s members Mary Ellen Elliott, George Gorbatenko, Peggy Holper, Tim Hammond, & the Rev. Rick Todd joined about 850 others at the state capitol for the Joint Religious Legislative Coalition’s "Day on the Hill." Along with neighbors from other churches in District 53, we met with Representatives Doug Meslow & Mady Reiter to discuss our concerns about the social safety net (affordable housing, health care reform, & childcare), energy assistance & conservation, immigration reform, & tax fairness. (This year set a record for meetings with legislators.)

One of the highlights of the day was the briefing our bishop, the Rt. Rev. James Jelinek, offered on immigration reform (Bp. Jelinek chairs the JRLC campaign on the topic).

The JRLC brings together Christian, Jewish, and Muslim voices for justice in Minnesota. St. John’s Social Justice Committee represents the parish in JRLC. We invite your participation in putting our faith into action where it matters for our neighbors!

The Vestry is committed to providing leadership and support for our parish through work focused in the areas of finance and property. It is not possible to measure our success without setting reasonable goals to guide our progress. While additional goals may be added to this work plan during this Vestry term or revised due to a need to rethink priorities, the Vestry has approved the following goals for 2006:

1. The Advisory Committee to the Vestry has been charged with development of a focused strategic plan for 2006-2007 to support our primary ministries and provide infrastructure for the Church. The Vestry has final approval over any recommendations made by the committee, and responsibility to support and implement resulting plans. A final report is due in May when additional goals will need to be developed related to implementation. Interim report presented by Amy Hawley 4/11. Major recommendations due 5/9.

2. Assess need for additional clergy staff; analyze costs and recommend availability of funds for this purpose. Funding available 3/14. Assessment in progress.

3. Work with the Stewardship Committee to design suitable fund raising strategies to support the work of the Church. Discussion held 4/11-ongoing.

4. Establish a policy and procedure for the rental of Church space to outside groups. First draft reviewed 4/11.

5. Complete of the sale of the Haynes property and determine use of funds moving forward. In progress-legal support: John LeFevre.

6. Oversee installation of air conditioning units prior to the beginning of the cooling season in May 2006, as approved in 2005. Approved new bid 4/11. City permit in progress. Installation to be scheduled.

7. Ensure installation of Fire/Security System approved in 2005. Completed in March.

8. Complete installation of a Columbarium approved in 2005, establish policies and procedures as necessary for operation of the Cemetery, and affirm prices for the purchase of plots/units. Policies & procedures approved/contract approved 4/11.

9. Approve bids for the purchase of grounds maintenance service as recommended by the Property Committee. Recommendation received 4/11. Decision pending.

Follow our progress on the bulletin board inside the parking lot entrance, in the VOICE or on the website. Questions, concerns or compliments can be addressed to Therese Branby, Senior Warden at 651/653-3601 or . The Vestry is committed to open dialogue and communication with the membership of St. John’s.

In 2005 the Vestry and committee chairs completed a Mutual Ministry Review (MMR). The MMR identified that some basic work remains for St. John in the Wilderness to complete the transition from a Pastoral sized congregation to a Program sized church and to strengthen programs that support church growth.

An Advisory Committee to the Vestry continues our work on a focused strategy that will support the primary ministry of the Church and identify infrastructure needs, such as personnel policies, to provide a firm foundation for a lively, growing congregation. The completed strategic plan will be presented to the vestry on May 9th. The Advisory committee is focused on four main areas for our strategic plan: Communication, Space, Newcomer/Laity and Policy/Procedure.

During all three April 30 services, Amy Hawley spoke regarding what it means to St. John’s to move from a pastoral to program church and the strategic plan that will be presented to the vestry. Members of the advisory committee were available after all services to gather feedback and answer questions.

An excellent team has been assembled from a cross section of actively involved parishioners to conduct this important work. Members include Krista Sullivan, Joanna Torgerson, James Anthony, Janet Waller, Max Stevenson, Gayle Kasmani, Will McBride, Nancy Jagusch, Judy Kroesch, Tim Hammond (Vestry representative), Therese Branby (Warden), and Amy Hawley (Chair).

Please keep the Transition Team in your prayers.

1 Barbara MacKenzie

1 Ann Watson

3 Megan Mahoney

4 Barbara Anderson

5 Carolyn Johnson

6 Fred Livesay

6 Michael Marier

6 Wendy Muscanto

7 Betty Chappell

8 Emy Marier

8 James Zinter

12 Kyle Peterson

12 Brandon Saldana

13 Corey Domin

13 Charles Power

14 Joan Berry

14 James Hartmeister

14 Maxine Kobinski

14 Dustin Reichert

14 Peter Schneider

14 Addie Zinter

15 Susan Larson

16 Alice Cox

18 Sharon Afryl

19 Christian Ban

20 Lara Dufresne

20 Doris Weinhagen

21 Debra Cossalter

21 Kyle Domin

21 Roland Racine, Jr.

23 Elizabeth Uppgren

25 Marion Sanford

26 Ellis Pope

27 LeRoi Anderson

27 Stephen Moertel

28 Richard Fiddle

28 Alyssa Maloney

28 Bryan Vickstrom

29 Marianne Anthony

29 Lois Hildebrandt

30 Robert Monson

31 Alice McClaren

If you have a birthday this month but are not listed above, please or telephone the Parish Administrator at the church office. Records are not always complete.

Thank you.

  Name Samuel Todd

  High School/Grade North Branch High School, 10th grade

  School/Community Activities Soccer, Boy Scouts, Piano, Band

  Church Activities Senior High Youth Group, Second Year Confirmation, Great Northern TEC, Two Camp Heartland mission trips, & Acolyte

  Favorite Song I like the bands System of a Down, Disturbed, Judged, Queen, and AC/DC.

  Proudest Moment just learning to snowboard in general

  Collections Gift Cards

  Favorite St. John’s Memory arguing for points at treasure hunts & making the Maypole at a lock-in

  Favorite Movie Out Cold, Waiting

  Last good book you’ve read The Last Book in the Universe by Rodman Philbrick

  Best advice you’ve been given "Don't count your chickens while they're hatching." -my grandpa

  Where you hope to be in 10 years working in bio-chemistry

  If you could have dinner with any person, whom would you choose? Bill Gates or Harry Truman

  How can church become more youth friendly? My best memories are with this youth program; I couldn't ask more of it.

Our youngest parishioners gather in the Nursery on Thursday mornings from 10-11:30 am during Moms/Dads/Tots.

Choir members of all ages process from the Parish Hall, down 1st Street & Clark Avenue, and into the nave of the church on Palm Sunday, Apr