The Rector’s Page September 1, 2006

Marilyn Baldwin has recently joined the staff of St. John’s as a newly-ordained Transitional Deacon. Her background includes twenty-five years in corporate logistics management and a graduate degree from Cardinal Stritch University. She has completed her divinity work at Seabury-Western and United Theological Seminaries. The term "transitional" is applied to a deacon who is expected to be ordained priest in a short time; in her case, a December ordination to the priesthood is planned.

A call to ordained ministry in the church is often unexpected, and Marilyn will tell you that her call came through a series of life events including an early divorce, surviving cancer, and the loss of her immediate family. It was through reflection on the strength which God offered that she realized that she was called to share God’s message of hope with others, and to be with them through the challenges of life.

Marilyn and her husband of thirty years, Tom Carroll, have recently moved to White Bear Lake from Eagan, where they were members of Ss. Martha and Mary Church. She was active in choir, Bishop’s Committee, altar guild, worship committee, and other activities. She is experienced in adult training in both church and corporate work, and will be focusing on additional adult formation opportunities within the St. John’s community as part of her work here. In addition, she will be providing pastoral care, and assisting at worship on most Sundays for the coming year. During this year that we have Marilyn, she will be serving part-time with us and with St. Paul's on the Hill. Normally during the week, Marilyn will be at St. John’s on Wednesdays and Thursdays. After Marilyn is ordained priest, we will work with her to hear where the Holy Spirit is calling her to serve in this great diocese.

I am also pleased to introduce Alison Lund as our new Youth and Children’s Choir Director. Alison is a native of New Zealand who arrived in America at the age of 18 to study voice at the Manhattan School of Music. After graduation she performed in various operas as a Coloratura Soprano and has held various teaching positions in voice, piano, and early childhood music and movement. Most recently she has taught at the Saint Paul Academy for the middle school musicals and as a music specialist at Montessori preschools. She also maintains her own private studio in St. Paul. You may want to view her website at www.mollysmusicstudio.com

. Along with the Youth & Children’s Choir which performs at the 9 am Family-friendly Eucharist, Alison will serve as a paid voice and cantor for the 10:30 am Choral Eucharist. She is excited to get to know our faith community and, with the good ministry of Dr. Gehrenbeck, to inspire new levels of musical expressions of faith.

We also welcome the return of Janet MacNally, a long time parishioner. During this past year of her diaconal training program she was deployed by the bishop to serve at Epiphany in Plymouth. She is now in her final year of study to be a deacon and will serve here as a non-paid minister during this time. Janet will be here Monday mornings and Wednesday afternoon through evenings helping with pastoral care. In addition she will be here Sunday mornings working with the various liturgies. God willing and the Church consenting she will be ordained in June of 2007 and deployed by the bishop to serve the diocese. If you would like to know more about the diaconate, speak with Janet or Deacon Rick.

Wednesday Evenings: Living Faith

Join us on Wednesday evenings at 6 pm for the video series, Living Faith, an exploration of the essentials of Christianity led by Tom Wright, Bishop of Durham in the Church of England. If you missed this series on Sunday mornings, this is your opportunity to review important aspects of Christian life from a new perspective.

The Living Faith series format includes a 30 minute video presentation followed by group discussion. Our schedule spans 10 weeks, beginning September 13:

  Sep. 13 The Story and Message of the Bible

  Sep. 20 The Hebrew Scriptures

  Sep. 27 The World, Life and Ministry of Jesus

  Oct. 4 The Gospel Testimonies to Jesus

  Oct. 11 Paul and the Outward Movement

  Oct. 18 A Brief History of Christianity

  Oct. 25 Christian Doctrines and Beliefs

  Nov. 1 Other Religions and Beliefs

  Nov. 8 Growing In and Sharing Christ

  Nov. 15 Living Christianly in the World

Do you have a personal Bible? Do you feel comfortable using it? If not, we can help!

We will offer various versions of the Bible for sale between Eucharists on that day, and at 9 am, a brief forum on how to approach it. Come and join us, and find a Bible that will be perfect for you!

Many of us in the Episcopal Church come from different traditions, or from none at all. (It doesn’t matter!) There are lots of things that puzzle even cradle Episcopalians. If you have ever had questions about basic beliefs and traditions in our church, please come and be part of the discussion at our early fall series. We’ll all learn something, and we’ll get to know each other better. No homework, and no tests!

  When: Six Sundays, beginning September 17, in the Parlor

  Presentation 10 am – 10:25 am

  Discussion 10:30 am – 11:00 am

  Facilitated by Kathy Smith and the Rev. Marilyn Baldwin

  Jonathan Dean Stedt 8/13/2006

  Saige Kathleen Tinsley 8/13/2006

  Anne Elisabeth Herron 8/9/2006

A new Chancel Choir season seems much more realistic than it did a month ago. Indeed, the startup date is Wednesday, September 6, at 7:30 pm in the Choir Room.

Every fall, it seems, it takes a few weeks to rev up to full throttle (or voice). We are hoping this year might be different, and there are some very good reasons why! Come on September 6 and find out!

The choir’s first Sunday morning will be Rally Day, September 10, at the 10 o’clock liturgy, and from then on during 10:30 worship.

Do join us, and make a joyful, well-tuned noise!

David Gehrenbeck,

Organist/Choirmaster

Deuteronomy 4:1-9

Ephesians 6:10-20

Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23

Psalm 15

Isaiah 35:4-7a

James 1:17-27

Mark 7:31-37

Psalm 146

Isaiah 50:4-9

James 2:1-5, 8-10, 14-18

Mark 9:14-29

Psalm 116:1-8

Wisdom 1:16-2:1, 12-22

James 3:16-4:6

Mark 9:30-37

Psalm 54

Italicized verses are read during the 9:00 am family-friendly liturgy.

Items discussed were:

  Second Harvest Heartland proposal

  Columbarium order

  Necessity for video/sound capability in the Parish Hall

  Options for additional clergy

  Commitment Sunday

  Building Use Policy

The following motions were passed.

  1. The Property Committee may spend up to $1000 for weed control on the cemetery grounds.

  2. The Property Committee may spend up to $700 to cover the cost of installing seven benches in the cemetery if the anticipated funding for this project does not come through.

  3. To accept a bid from enVIROmatic Corp. of Mpls. to clean the kitchen vents at a cost of $669 for the first cleaning and approximately $350 every two years from here forward.

  4. The Vestry accepts the contract proposal with Second Harvest Heartland that will provide reduced cost food for the Out To Lunch program.

Items discussed were staffing, the upcoming pledge drive, sound system proposals, space analysis for the building, items for the Memorials and Gifts giving list, recommendations for use of profits from the Haynes’ property sale, and spending within a committee’s approved budget.

The following motions were passed:

  1. To designate $5,000 of the Transitional Deacon’s stipend as housing allowance.

  2. To accept Margaret Thor as a replacement delegate for the 2006 Convention.

  3. To accept Marilyn Baldwin as Transitional Deacon.

  4. To accept Alison Lund as a part time music staff member.

  5. To use the remainder of the children’s music budget plus Capital Campaign growth portion funds, not to exceed $15,000, to support the part time music staff position for the next twelve months.

  6. To go forward with the sound and video system with a cost not to exceed $15,000. The funding for this project will be determined by the Treasurer, Wardens, and Property Committee.

  7. To add the following items to the approved giving list:

a. Sound system for Church, Parlor, Parish Hall, and outside.

b. AV equipment for the Parlor.

c. Two chairs for funeral reception serving.

d. A small chair with arms for the ladies bathroom.

  8. To move $50,000 of the $171,000 profits from the Haynes’ property sale into the endowment fund at St. Paul Foundation, invest $100,000 into a short term, high interest bearing fund, and allocate $20,000 for the space improvement analysis and sound system expenses.

The Vestry approves a new spending limit of $1,000 for amended or non budgeted items as long as funding is available within a committee’s approved annual budget.

The Vestry meets next on September 12, 2006 at 7 pm in the Church Parlor.

Fall is quickly approaching and our Wednesday evening fellowship, worship and education opportunities are here also. We begin with a community meal at 5:30, followed by education time at 6, and Eucharist at 7 pm. It’s a great way to get to know people on a first-name basis, and to experience the Eucharist on a different level. We welcome everyone to participate.

To support this weekly ministry, volunteers are needed to provide a light meal for twenty to thirty people. Do you feel called to provide this hospitality, perhaps one week a month? Partner with a friend and make it fun! Please contact Rev. Marilyn at 651/429-5351 ext. 16 to sign up.

The Hospitality Committee thanks July Treaters Marge Polanek, Penny Nap, Tim & Susan Schmuck, Helen Kissel, Alice McClaren, Janet Kelber, Joann Smith, Ken & Carole Paddock, Linda Carpenter, and Alma Limbach. Thanks to Charlie & Josie Power for their delicious raspberries. Thank you also to our monthly Coffee Makers and Hosts: Mary & Jim Bartley and Sandy Stevenson, Amy Hawley and Joanna Torgerson, Janet Kelber and Joann Smith, Kathryn Smith, and Alma Limbach. Anyone willing to help Kathryn on the 4th Sunday or Alma on the 5th Sunday monthly please call Janet Kelber at 651/484-7193. A big thank you to all who help out on any given Sunday.

Long-term recovery efforts continue on the Gulf Coast a year after Hurricane Katrina devastated the region on August 29, 2005. Volunteers are still needed to help in that work.

Camp Coast Care (CCC) on the campus of Coast Episcopal School in Long Beach, Mississippi (http://www.campcoastcare.com), operates a recovery and reconstruction ministry to those in need on the Mississippi Gulf Coast as well as considering itself to be a "Christian community of faith that provides welcome and hospitality to any volunteer wishing to serve in the Hurricane Katrina recovery effort," according to the camp's website. The camp's operations are about to move into a new facility that will be fully air conditioned and will accommodate up to 100 volunteers a night.

Although there is a critical need for skilled construction laborers, there are ample opportunities for participants at all levels of skill. Opportunities include rebuilding homes damaged by Katrina, building one- and two-bedroom cabins for those still needing permanent housing, working with the camp's case-management in-take system and working at the CCC site, in the kitchen, tool shed, office, and other places.

Episcopal Community Services has been around since 1963, and is still the best kept secret in our Diocese. Acting through love, ECS programs offer encouragement and support to those in need, no matter their race, gender, creed, or financial circumstances. As a mission driven organization, we are dedicated to assisting families in crisis and youth at risk across the Midwest by helping them achieve and maintain a better quality of life. In spite of its record of service and accomplishments and its sterling reputation in the field of social service, ECS receives no funding from the Diocese or the greater church. It therefore relies on the support of every parish and the community as a whole. For more information visit www.ecsmn.org or call 612/874-8823.

The Stewardship Committee has goals for 2007. Our number one goal is to get as many church members as possible to pledge. Last year 61% of us pledged. Our second goal is to get the average pledge per household up closer to or past the overall Diocese of Minnesota average pledge (about $2,100). Please prayerfully consider the amount of your pledge.

We hope you return your pledge form by or on Commitment Sunday, September 17th. If you need another pledge form, you can download a form as a PDF file below. If you cannot attend Commitment Sunday on the 17th or prefer to get it in early, please drop it off in the Parish Administrator mail slot near the Master Calendar desk on the south (1st Street) side of the church, or mail it back (address on the front page of the Voice).

Our youth can also pledge and contribute! This is our third goal, to involve our youth as active credited pledgers. Through Rally Sunday events, Sunday School and Youth Ministries, special materials will be available for all youth and children interested in participating.

  In 2006, 61% of households who appear in St. John’s directory pledged; 39% did not.

  The average annual pledge among Diocese of Minnesota churches is $2,100, 34th in the nation.

  St. John’s average 2006 pledge was $1,692.

  Increase the number of pledges, approaching 100% of member households.

  Increase pledges to the next higher $ category.

  Meet or exceed the $2,100 diocesan average pledge value.

  Involve youth/children as active, credited pledgers.

(Where) were you on the chart below? Where can you be in 2007?

Please click on the PDF icon below to download a 2007 Pledge Card as a PDF file.

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Join us for the 12th Annual ECW Birthday Luncheon at 11 am on Saturday, September 16th at North Oaks Country Club. The buffet lunch will consist of Chicken Christine, baby red potatoes, vegetable du jour, mixed green salad, rolls & butter, and chocolate cake. The cost of the luncheon is $13.00.

This year we will be entertained by A Banjo Belle Jazz Band. Along with a great lunch and fabulous entertainment, put you name in the "HAT" to win fantastic prizes! We will give away two round trip airline tickets, Viking and Wild tickets, and many more prizes.

Invite friends, neighbors and relatives. Everyone is welcome. Everybody has a birthday to celebrate!

Please fill out the form below and return with full payment to church by Sunday, September 10th. Please place your reservation in the ECW mail slot by the office. If you have any questions or would like to contribute a centerpiece, please call Cyndi Domin: 651/653-1262 or Susie Mahoney: 651/429-3505

Please click on the PDF icon below to download the Reservation Form for the Birthday Ball as a PDF file.

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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. Approved June 13 and work has begun on implementation. See plan for update.

  2. Assess need for additional clergy staff; analyze costs and recommend availability of funds for this purpose. Transitional Deacon Marilyn Baldwin has been hired part-time to assist us in areas such as adult education. Ordination to the Priesthood scheduled in December.

  3. Work with the Stewardship Committee to design suitable fund raising strategies to support the work of the Church. Plan in progress with Commitment Sunday scheduled on September 17.

  4. Establish a policy and procedure for the rental of Church space to outside groups. First draft reviewed in April / Second draft discussed in July / Final draft in progress.

  5. Complete of the sale of the Haynes property and determine use of funds moving forward. $171,000 has been realized from the sale of the property willed to St. John’s by former Rector Greenlee Haynes. There were no restrictions on the use of this bequest by Haynes so the Vestry will begin discussion on proper stewardship of funds at the August meeting.

  6. Oversee installation of air conditioning units prior to the beginning of the cooling season in May 2006 as approved in 2005. Hallelujah! Completed in May!

  7. Ensure installation of the Church Security System approved in 2005. Work 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 and Procedures approved, rates set, survey scheduled for completion in August with the columbarium installation to commence this fall.

  9. Approve bids for the purchase of grounds maintenance service as recommended by the Property Committee. Approved in May.

Follow our progress on the bulletin board inside the entrance from the parking lot; 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.

The Memorial & Gift Committee maintains a list of the approved items that may be given to the church. If you are interested in giving one of these items, please contact a member of the Committee: Bev Boyle 429-6769, June Hochbrunn 762-6662, Barbara Merrill 429-1005, John Johnson 429-0618, Jack Reed 762-7583, or Judy Kroesch 429-0291. (All phone numbers listed are area code 651.)

Approved items and approximate costs (if known):

  Sacristy remodeling $2,000

  Church Nave baseboard restoration

  new pew-back tract racks

  changeable entrance sign $50

  Parish Hall round tables

  St. John’s processional banner $400

  Gospel Book ceremonial cover +$400

  unity candle stand +$500

  Book of Occasional Readings $100

  sound system for Church Nave, Parlor, Parish Hall, outside areas, etc. $15,000

  Parlor projection screen & white board cabinet $800

  2 reception serving chairs $500

  Ladies’ Restroom small armchair

  Prayer Books, Hymnals, Library books, choir robes, and altar linens.

You guessed it. Time to start weeding out and cleaning up for the Fall Rummage Sale. The All Parish Sale is Wednesday, October 4th, 6 - 8 pm. Public Sales are Friday, 10/6, 9 - 3 (items as priced) and Saturday, 10/7, 9 - noon, ($2/bag). "Shop as you work" dates are Monday, 10/2 - Friday, 10/6. Worker lunches are served Tuesday - Friday, and child care is provided those days. You may bring rummage beginning Friday, September 1st. Place it behind the Parish Hall divider cabinets. Do not block EXIT doors. Leave nothing in the entryway. No large items are allowed unless cleared first. Do not bring anything that doesn’t work. Of course, a Saturday cleanup crew is a must.

Questions? Call Lynn Gadbois, 426-3402, Christine Karp, 653-6369, or Pat Pickering, 429-0223. (All area codes are 651.)

Does your BodyMindSpirit feel out of balance?

Does your spiritual energy need a boost?

Reserve Saturday, November 11, 2006, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm for a special treat—and retreat.

Our focus for this year’s Spiritual Spa is how to unearth and celebrate joy in everyday living. The Healing Team is planning a day-long retreat concluding with a healing service.

Participants are welcomed to bring a bag lunch or to enjoy a soup lunch, which we’ll provide. Join us to laugh, share, create and pray together. Learn how joy is a key element in maintaining balance in BodyMindSpirit and in developing our prayer lives.

The retreat is open to all teens and adults, parish members and non-members. There is no cost, but we will welcome contributions to cover the costs of materials and food. We’ll publicize registration details in October.

Cathryn Bashore,

Colleen Johnson,

Dianne DelGiorno,

The Rev. Joanie Delamater,

and Sherri Afryl

The mission trip crew before leaving the airport for New York City

Getting instructions before handing out bag lunches at St. Thomas Episcopal Church to the homeless.

  1. Define and support the rector’s role in a program church and educate the parish.

  2. Develop a communications plan to educate and integrate new members into the parish community.

  3. Restructure communications between the many working committees and between working committees and church leaders.

  4. Better integrate St. John’s into the surrounding community.

  Plans are in initial stages to create a unified visual image for the Church in the community and a weekly update that can be sent to members and friends by email is in progress.

  St. John’s maintained a presence in the Manitou Days Grand Parade and Pet Parade, and at Marketfest.

  Linkage to the community is being created on an ongoing basis by programs such as: Habitat for Humanity projects coordinated by George Gorbatenko; the expanded Out to Lunch program, Committee Chair Gail Kasmani; Social Justice Committee; and Hurricane Katrina efforts in Mississippi spearheaded by the Schmuck family. Other projects are also underway.

  1. Expand new member orientation.

  2. Formalize the membership process.

  3. Expand adult education offerings to suit differing needs of parishioners.

  4. Improve hospitality.