The Rector’s Page October 1, 2006

Our son, Matthew Truman Gardner was baptized as a baby at St John’s in the Wilderness in a hundred year old family christening gown in the summer of 1974. His beauty and disposition were only slightly marred by an enormous swollen gland.

To be honest, Sunday School was not our family strength. His older brother, who has Prader-Willi Syndrome, slipped away from Sunday School one morning and helped himself to three pitchers of maple syrup from the parish refrigerator. It seemed prudent to withdraw a bit and limit this temptation.

Therefore, Matt made his major reconnection at confirmation classes. I brought him to the first session and sincerely told both Matt and Father Joe that he was there to learn about his religion, but not necessarily to be confirmed. As it turned out, confirmation was transforming for Matt. He also joined the youth group and made lifelong friends. He went on missionary trips: to Cabrini Green in Chicago, to the Cass Lake Indian reservation, and to a housing project in Texas. With all of these experiences, Matt grew in his love of God and caring for others. He developed a very strong spiritual side.

Matt died at age 32 on May 1st. He had significant health issues. At age thirteen, he learned that he had only one kidney and that he had experienced undiagnosed infections from early childhood. At fifteen, he developed diabetes which ultimately caused his death.

There will never be another Matt whose love of small children was legendary. He taught a pre-school of disadvantaged children for a year and he had four Godchildren whom he worried about constantly. We will never see that impish grin and those twinkling eyes that so many remembered and mentioned whether they knew him as a toddler or an adult. We will never feel his love and caring counsel again or share his delight in finding the perfect present for a little one or hiding the Easter baskets in bizarre places like a dog kennel. Matt was far too young to leave us, but we are genuinely thankful to God that we had him for as long as we did. He was a very special gift.

Matt had no wife, no children of his own and probably never even thought of making a will. We believe that he would have wanted his few resources to help ensure that the children of St John’s have the same special opportunities that he did. Therefore, we have established the St John’s in the Wilderness Youth and Children’s Ministry Fund at the St Paul Foundation from him. This is a dedicated endowment fund that can be used solely for programs that serve the children and youth of our parish. Matt’s name is not attached to this fund. Instead, we hope that others will want to make additions at times of special celebration or loss so that the youth ministry program continues to grow and prosper in service to our children. More than most of us, Matt realized how difficult it can be to grow up. He would have celebrated this legacy. This is Matt’s final earthly step in his journey of faith.

Joan and Jim Gardner

The BeFriender Ministry is a lay pastoral care ministry of listening presence. BeFrienders are trained lay ministers to expand the capacity of our church to provide pastoral care. Every one of us is, at times, on a difficult journey and needs a caring companion who will listen, empathize and be a reminder of a caring community.

The BeFriender Ministry Program was established in 1981 and is part of St. Thomas University in St. Paul. It is national and ecumenical. The training materials are well developed and based on extensive experience. Rev. Joanie Delamater is a certified trainer from the BeFriender Ministry National Office. She and Rev. Andy Jensen provided extensive training to a dedicated group of individuals who are on the BeFriender team.

Some of the topics covered in training were:

  Christians’ call to ministry

  The attitude of befriending

  Active listening skills; attending, following, and responding

  How to conduct a befriending visit

  Acting in the name of the faith community

  Roles and responsibilities within the BeFriender group

  A small group process for learning from ministry

  Confidentiality

Who needs a BeFriender? Anyone who is experiencing grief, loss, transition or other concerns may benefit form a BeFriender visit. They receive support from their faith community, assurance of confidentiality and empowerment to make choices and move forward from a trained, compassionate listener.

The BeFriender ministry emphasizes spiritual growth, ongoing learning, and community. The Foundation principles of BeFriender are:

  God is present

  Caring, not curing

  Nonjudgmental presence

  Active listening

What does a BeFriender do? A BeFriender provides pastoral care to people in difficult and transitional situations. They encourage the person being befriended to tell his or her story. They accept people as they are and listen with compassion. Confidentiality is maintained with the exception of circumstances requiring mandated reporting and that certain issues may be shared with supervisors.

The BeFriender Leadership team is comprised of Rev. Joanie Delamater, Rev. Andy Jensen and Cathryn Bashore. They also provide supervision to the group. BeFrienders meet monthly to learn from each other, support each other and enhance their skills. If you would like more information on receiving BeFriender visits, please contact any one on the Leadership team.

  Maximus Richard Grey 9/3/2006

  Allan Fagley 8/23/2006

  Alice Fagley 8/23/2006

Save the date for the Blessing of the Animals during the 9 am liturgy on Sunday, October 8th.

Please join us for a St. John’s social on Thursday, October 19th at 5:30 pm at Pine Tree Apple Orchard. We will go on a hay ride and pick pumpkins, then enjoy a bonfire and dinner. Cost is $7 per person. RSVP to Kate Johnson, via or 612/237-8611, or Jason Knauss, 651/426-3535, by October 12th if you plan to attend. We hope to see you there!

The Retired Men’s Group Lunch on the 3rd Wednesday (October 18th) will be a BBQ in the Parish Hall this month.

Numbers 11:4-6, 10-16, 24-29

James 4:7-12

Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48

Psalm 19:7-14

Genesis 2:18-24

Hebrews 2:9-18

Mark 10:2-9

Psalm 8

Amos 5:6-7, 10-15

Hebrews 3:1-6

Mark 10:17-27

Psalm 90:1-8, 12

Isaiah 53:4-12

Hebrews 4:12-16

Mark 10:35-45

Psalm 91

Isaiah 59:9-19

Hebrews 5:12--6:1, 9-12

Mark 10:46-52

Psalm 13

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

Items discussed:

  A columbarium has been ordered. It will feature images of Mary, Jesus at the resurrection, Elizabeth, and John the Baptist. Completion by the end of the year is anticipated.

  Updates on the pledge drive were given.

  Jan and Bill MacNally presented a report on the need for a pandemic plan. It was recommended that a committee be formed to address how to meet the needs of our congregation and community.

  A proposal from Vanman Architects regarding the building space analysis was discussed.

  Details of a bid to install a sound system were reviewed.

  A generous gift by Joan and Jim Gardner was announced.

The following motions were passed:

  1. To support the purchase and implementation of a sound system as quoted by Kingdom Sound and Lighting with funds coming from the growth portion of the capital campaign funds.

  2. To accept a $100,000 established Youth and Children’s Endowment Fund for the Church of St. John in the Wilderness at the Saint Paul Foundation by Joan and James Gardner in memory of their beloved son, Matthew Gardner.

  3. To add the St. John in the Wilderness Endowment Fund and the Youth and Children’s Endowment Fund to the Gifts and Memorials approved giving list.

The Vestry meets next on October 10, 2006 at 7 pm in the Parlor.

The above heading may be a bit startling--but the date is accurate.

November 1 (a. k. a. All Saints' Day) marks the first rehearsal for this year's festival service of Nine Lesson and Carols, on the calendar for Sunday, December 17 (Advent III), at 4:00 pm. As in past years, augmenters for the Chancel Choir are welcome. The choir will convene every Wednesday at 7:30 pm except during Thanksgiving Week, when the rehearsal will be on Tuesday, November 21. And as custom, there will be a final dress rehearsal on Saturday, December 16, from 10 am till noon.

Some new, some old, some robust, some serene. Altogether, a great variety of Advent and Christmas music to lift the spirit and help usher in the true meaning of the season. But remember -- it all starts on November 1!

David Gehrenbeck,

Organist/Choirmaster

The Episcopal Church Women will host the 53rd Annual Bazaar on November 3rd-5th. Sale times are Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm, and on Sunday after all the Eucharists. It is not too early to start thinking about what you would like to donate to the Bazaar; we are always in need of new or gently used jewelry, treasures for the Treasure Cove, baked goods (please remember to label everything), crafts, and books…and of course, helping hands for set up, clean up, and sale days. Plan on participating in this great activity to make this year’s Bazaar spectacular! If you have any questions or would like to donate to the Bazaar early, contact Bev Boyle (651/429-6769) or Lynn Gadbois (651/426-2302).

Parishioner Jeanie Long, Master Booya Chef on Rally Sunday, September 10

The Rev. Marilyn Baldwin, our newest clergy member, serves at St. Paul's on the Hill on the 1st Sunday of each month. A lifelong Minnesotan, she was ordained Transitional Deacon in this diocese in June, after completion of an M. Div. degree at both United & Seabury-Western Theological Seminaries. She will add some new directions to our adult learning opportunities, and assist with pastoral care and worship. Please welcome her to our faith community.

"Therefore we praise you, raising our voices with the Angels and Archangels and all the company of heaven…" Sound familiar? Now’s your chance to explore music as a personal spiritual practice and/or as a service to the community. There are many new and exciting opportunities for musicians of all ages and abilities (even those who are quite convinced they have no ability!)

Your new Children’s Choir Director, Alison Lund (a.k.a. "Miss Alison", or "The Other Alison", as distinct from Youth and Children’s Minister Alison Feigh) has put together some possibilities and is eager to hear your response! Sign up sheets are located in the Choir Room.

The Children’s Choir now offers both "Full-Time" and "Part-Time" membership. "Full-Time" members are expected to be regular participants at rehearsal and services. They will learn parts and more complicated pieces. "Part-time" members will participate as their schedules permit and will just learn the melodies (easiest part). I am also experimenting with including younger children who don’t necessarily read yet. Instrumentalists are also welcome! Rehearsal is on Wednesday evenings, 6 pm-7 pm.

Miss Alison’s pet project. Very small people (ages c. 3-6) singing very simple songs with much gusto, and probably actions. Wings and halos have already been purchased! To perform at a select few services: Christmas, Mother’s Day, etc. Miss Alison will coordinate with the Sunday School to conduct brief "rehearsals" during Sunday School (no outside time commitment!)

Anyone and everyone who is interested in participating in the more complex songs, or just dropping in on Children’s Choir rehearsal once in a while, is very welcome. The more interest is shown, the greater the possibility of a separate Youth Choir being created, or even just some one-off Performance Projects for specific services or occasions. All instrumentalists and singers who might be interested in performing during the 9 am liturgy (with the Choir or as soloists) are encouraged to contact me and share your ideas!

A unique opportunity to raise your voice in an improvised prayer form somewhere between speech, song and meditation. If you can hold one pitch, you can do it! I hope to work on some of the Medieval Chant repertoire (Gregorian chant and Hildegaard von Bingen are well-known examples). Rehearsal time TBA.

We are fortunate enough to have a wonderful set of Handbells. The fact that I have never directed a Bell Choir doesn’t deter me, so the fact you’ve never played ‘em shouldn’t deter you, either! If enough interest is shown, it would be great to, ultimately, coordinate them with the choir for maximum musical effect. I would like to emphasize that Handbells are for all ages and you don’t need to be able to read music to make music, in this case.

Again, sign up sheets are in the Choir Room. Please feel free to leave Miss Alison a message or email with any questions, comments, or ideas. Thank you for welcoming me into your community, I hope we will make lots of awesome music together.

651/429-5351 ext. 17

  Saturday, November 11, 2006

  8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

  parish hall

  St. John in the Wilderness

     2175 First Street

     White Bear Lake, MN 55110

  none (a free will offering to cover expenses will be accepted)

  an open heart and open mind

  a sweater or light jacket (for changeable temperatures)

  a pillow or cushion (for seating comfort)

St. John’s Healing Team (Sherri Afryl, Cathryn Bashore, Dianne Del Giorno, Colleen Johnson, and Rev. Joanie) is preparing a unique program focusing on joy. We are working with special guests, Dr. Mary Freitag, whose psychological practice and research are based on mindfulness, and musician Betsy Campbell, whose guitar and voice are heard frequently in contemporary worship. With them, we will experience and connect laughter, storytelling, scripture, creativity, art, music, mindfulness, ritual, prayer, reflection, healing, and worship.

This all-day retreat is open to all teens and adults, parish members and non-members.

We are planning lunch for 50-75 participants, so our chief soup maker, Stan Kegler, needs everyone to register by November 1.

There are two ways to register:

  For email registration, send names, addresses, and phone numbers to .

  For mail registration, download the registration form below, and mail to:

Rev. Joanie, Spiritual Spa

The Episcopal Church of St. John in the Wilderness

2175 First Street

White Bear Lake, MN 55110

Please click on the PDF icon below to download the Spiritual Spa flyer and mail-in registration form as a PDF file:

(32 KB)

Candidate forums are scheduled for the following races at these times and locations:

7 pm Tuesday, October 10 at Chippewa Middle School, 5000 Hodgson Rd, North Oaks, sponsored by White Bear / North Oaks / Mahtomedi Area League of Women Voters and Press Publications: Senate District 53 (Sandy Rummel & Mady Reiter), House District 53A (Paul Gardner & Phil Krinkie), & House District 53B (Jim Berry & Carol McFarlane).

7 pm Wednesday, October 11 at Roseville Area High School, 1240 County Rd B2 West: Ramsey County Sheriff (Bill Finney & Bob Fletcher), Second District Court Seat 28 (Elena Ostby, Jay Benanav & Paul Godfrey), & candidates for Soil and Water Conservation District 1.

7 pm Tuesday, October 17 at Hugo City Hall, 14669 Fitzgerald Ave N, sponsored by White Bear / North Oaks / Mahtomedi Area League of Women Voters and The Citizen: Senate District 52 (David Francis & Ray Vandeveer), House District 52A (Bob Dettmer & Rob Rapheal), & House District 52B (Jason Gonnion & Matt Dean).

The Rev. Joanie Delamater, Associate Priest, and Janet MacNally, Deacon Candidate, in the St. John in the Wilderness Church Kitchen.

Present: Marilyn Baldwin, Therese Branby, Christine Karp, Judy Kroesch, Pat Pickering, Sally Holtz, George Gorbatenko

After reviewing the purpose of Ministry Forum as a communication source between parish committees to coordinate efforts and plan whole-church events, there was discussion about how to encourage better attendance at meetings. It was decided to continue the monthly meetings on Wednesdays following the evening Eucharist at least till the next Vestry election.

Therese reminded committees that 2007 budgets need to be submitted.

It was noted that the Outreach Committee has a large amount of money in a CD and money market account. Interest from the savings account may be used to fund new initiatives each year. Outreach seems to allocate money while Social Justice plans more hands-on or active programs. Perhaps there could be more ecumenical involvement in programs such as Loaves and Fishes.

Christine reported that youth registration will be on Rally Day, September 10. Marilyn will have Bibles for sale and facilitate a brief forum on how to approach the Bible. Adult Education information will be available during Rally Day. There will also be a Bounce House.

Alison Lund is our new Youth and Children’s Choir Director and she will hold weekly rehearsals. She will also sing in the Chancel Choir.

Stewardship Commitment Sunday is September 17. The Episcopal Church Women will provide refreshments between liturgies.

Welcoming and Evangelism Committee will meet August 22 to prepare a postcard mailing for September. This committee also arranged for a booth and hand-outs at Marketfest in White Bear Lake.

Memorials and Gifts Committee has purchased new paraments, updated the memorial book, replaced church flags, and ordered new memorial cards and the photograph of the Rector for the hallway.

Vanman Architects have taken blueprints and are reviewing current space at the church for better use of what we have. They have experience working with churches and will develop a long term/evolutionary plan.

$50,000 from the Haynes property sale will be put into the endowment fund, and a portion will be used for sound system and other renovations.

Respectfully submitted,

Sally Holtz

The first "CCC Cabin" was dedicated and blessed in Pass Christian, Mississippi. The cabins are built by volunteers at Camp Coast Care on the grounds of Coast Episcopal School (http://www.campcoastcare.com/), then transported to their permanent sites and installed for the homeowners.

The cabins are one- and two-bedroom stick-built dwellings which were developed and designed by Bill Peterson from St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Peterson and about 40 volunteers bought the materials for the shells of the first two cabins and built them at Camp Coast Care. A construction fund at the camp, along with money from Episcopal Relief and Development, Lutheran Episcopal Services of Mississippi (LESM) and Mississippi Association of Realtors (MAR), will allow CCC volunteers to finish interiors of the two houses and move them into place.

The first one-bedroom unit has been given to the Harrison County (Mississippi) Interfaith Disaster Task Force (IDTF) on land owned by Thomas and Mary Robinson. An elderly couple, and life-long residents of the coast, the Robinsons lived in a family house where Mary was born, and which survived Hurricane Camille on August 17, 1969.

As in many cases along the coast, Katrina's reach was more powerful than the home could bear. LESM, through its case-management approach, identified the Robinsons for their new home, in place for a day of celebration on August 29. Board and members of the IDTF contributed the last half-hour of "sweat equity" by painting, cleaning up, and installing appliances. This cabin is the first of many which LESM and CCC hope to build.

"We're going to continue to build these houses as an on-going program of CCC and LESM," said the Rev. Nick Roberts, regional director for LESM's Disaster Response unit on the Gulf Coast. "Dollars from ERD and some MAR funds will help things along. This is a particular project -- taking folks who have no way of getting back into a house -- and building a home for them."

One year ago, Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast. Episcopal Relief and Development responded immediately and worked with diocesan partners and local outreach ministries in Mississippi and Louisiana to develop a long-term, comprehensive recovery program. From the generosity of supporters throughout the world, we received close to $15 million. ERD also received $3 million from United Methodist Committee on Relief to expand case management work for Katrina evacuees across the country.

A year later, ERD has reached close to 500,000 people who lost everything. In 2006, we committed $8.6 towards a multi-year recovery program. The program focuses on the following areas: health and psychosocial care, livelihood recovery, housing renewal, case management services and distribution of supplies.

Here are a just a few highlights from Hurricane Katrina Response: One Year Report. The report provides a detailed overview of ERD’s initial response and long-term recovery work over the past 12 months.

In Mississippi, ERD is supporting Camp Coast Care, a long-term resource facility in Long Beach. 7,500 volunteers have helped 200 families clean their home of debris and salvage personal belongings.

Distribution centers in New Orleans have served 36,000 people, providing food, cleaning supplies, and other essential goods.

Case management services in Connecticut, Texas, Kentucky, and Minnesota have linked 1,021 families displaced by the disaster to public and private services.

You can visit the Hurricane Response Center to read Hurricane Katrina Response: One Year Report.

Please continue to support and pray for people affected by Hurricane Katrina. It will take many years to rebuild and the needs continue to be enormous.

Episcopal News Service

Thursday, August 24, 2006

By Jerry Hames

[Episcopal Life] One year after Hurricane Katrina, Episcopal churches along the Gulf Coast are struggling to rebuild. To assist them, a national appeal to support the restoration of the church's presence in Mississippi and Louisiana is reaching out to individuals, congregations and dioceses to provide badly needed resources.

While Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) works to restore devastated communities and Episcopal Migration Ministries (EMM) helps to relocate families to new communities, the Darkness into Day campaign is targeting the church's infrastructure and rebuilding efforts.