October 2013 Fishtales

Fishtales Newsletter I Saint Mary’s Episcopal Church founded in 1886 1 October 2013

NEW! SUNDAY EVENING CONTEMPLATIVE LITURGY FIRST AND THIRD SUNDAYS OF THE MONTH, BEGINNING OCTOBER 6TH, 7:00-7:45PM

D o you long for moments of quiet focus? Do you hunger for the connectedness to God and to others that comes from silent meditative prayer interspersed with beautiful language: poetry, song, and

scripture? Our new Sunday evening contemplative liturgy may be just what you need to feed your soul as you face the week ahead. Led by members of the community, the service is open to everyone, whether you have experience with meditation or not. While the nature of the “words” part of the liturgy will vary with the leader, the basic rhythm will go like this:

i. The leader shares some opening words: a poem, a piece of scripture, or a song ii. Five minutes of silent meditation iii. The leader shares some more words iv. Ten minutes of silent meditation v. The leader begins a closing prayer; participants are encouraged to join in vi. Time to enjoy light refreshments and conversation

We will solicit the feedback of participants in order to continue shaping the liturgy to the needs of the community.

Please join us in the sanctuary for candlelight, silence, words, prayer, and the feeling of centered focus that all of us need in our increasingly fragmented lives.

—Erika Scheurer, Christian Formation Chair [email protected]

FishtalesFishtalesFishtales Saint Mary’s Episcopal Church NewsletterSaint Mary’s Episcopal Church NewsletterSaint Mary’s Episcopal Church Newsletter

October 2013October 2013October 2013

mailto:[email protected]


F unny, I speak in front of large groups easily. I

love parties and coffee hours. You’d think that

I wouldn’t feel so nervous entering a new

organization for a meet-n-greet, right?

So last spring, I walk into Breck, an Episcopal

college prep school in Golden Valley. I am so

nervous that I start sweating and feel stupid for

feeling nervous. My son will be starting school

there this fall and so we were there for a tour. It all

felt so awkward, and if I felt uncomfortable, I could

only imagine how my son felt (or any kid entering a

new school feels, for that matter). Can I park in

those spots with the numbers? Which door do we

use? Then where would we go? And it had been a

long drive; where were the bathrooms?

Thankfully, Breck School turns out to be really

good at hospitality. Signage and balloons led our

way, we were greeted at the door, given nametags,

and shown where to hang our coats. There was a

table with beautiful looking refreshments, like

strawberries, hot herbal tea, and cookies. And yes,

clear signs for the restrooms!

As we drifted around, there were interesting things

for us to (pretend) to look at: photos of school

history, awards won, and snapshots of the teachers

and staff with their names and titles. It gave us

something to do while we were nervous. And staff

approached us one by one, engaging us in

conversation and (thankfully) eating up the

awkward greet-y time. Mostly, they engaged my

son in conversation, asking about his interests, and

then followed up on those conversations days

afterward with little handwritten postcards. Nice!

Somehow, in a short period of time, I got an

understanding of what the school was like, who

they were, and what they valued. They noticed us,

and remembered us on subsequent visits. It didn’t

take long at all for us to read the clues on what the

norms of behavior were, to find a friendly face in a

crowd, and to feel like we belonged there.

So think about St. Mary’s, and how so totally brave

it is every time a visitor walks in the door. What do

you imagine it feels like? Can they find our front

door? The way to the sanctuary, or the bathrooms,

or the nursery? How does it feel to participate in

the liturgy? When the plates come around? And,

the absolute bravest, those walking into coffee

hour. Who talks with them? Are there interesting

things to read on the walls so they don’t have to

feel so aimless and awkward until someone comes

along to talk with them? How long does it take for

them to be noticed? How do we greet their

children?

I ask all of us to be hospitable. It’s easy for those of

us who are comfortable with the people and the

space to forget what it’s like to be a first or second

or third time visitor. Greet the children, give tours

of the church, show where to find the coffee. Don’t

worry if you’ve met people before, but don’t

remember their name, it’s ok to ask again. Go out

of your way to pass the peace and introduce

yourselves, make sure everyone has a bulletin and

kids know where the toys can be found. Oh, and

please—especially coffee hour hosts—look out for

the awkward at coffee hour! Sometimes, I see them

hanging around, no one talking with them, I feel so

sorry for them, but I’m trapped at the back of the

church greeting people, drives me crazy.

Remember the times where you have entered an

unfamiliar place, and reach out in hospitality to all

who bravely walk through our doors. Thank you!

—LeeAnne

Congratulations new members Anna Clark and Anne

Carter, legally married at St. Mary’s on August 31!

Caring for Newcomers and VisitorsCaring for Newcomers and VisitorsCaring for Newcomers and Visitors


N ewcomers Coffee Date—October 2 Are you new or considering St. Mary's? Join

us for coffee with our rector, LeeAnne, and learn

about all St. Mary's has to offer. Next coffee:

Wednesday October 2, 7:00-8:00pm at the Dunn

Bros on E Lake Street and W River Parkway in

Minneapolis. No RSVP necessary, but contact

Amanda Underwood ([email protected])

or Rachel Walberg ([email protected]) with

questions.

B lessing of the Pets—October 6 Calling all critters! Whether you slither or fly or

crawl, squawk, woof, or meow—come to any of the

services on Sunday, October 6 for a blessing!

T ween Play—October 6

Tweeners (3rd-6th graders) are invited to

play at Good Times Park (3265 Northwood Circle,

Suite 100, Eagan, MN 55121) on Sunday, October

6 from Noon-2:00pm. We will picnic; bring your

own lunch. Questions? Call MiaLisa at 570-269-9688.

S t. Mary’s-Episcopal Homes

Ice Cream Social—October 20

Don’t miss this chance to bond with our Cooke

Household friends at Episcopal Homes, Sunday,

October 20 from Noon-2:00pm. We will need some

families to carpool due to construction at Episcopal

Homes. Questions? Call MiaLisa at 570-269-9688.

W elcoming all 7th-12th Graders: Youth Group Wednesdays, 6:30-8:00pm

October 2: Discussion on Gaming

October 9: Service Project

October 16: No Youth Group

October 23: Vertical Endeavors

October 30: Halloween Costume Party

Visit stpaulyouthgroup.com or call MiaLisa at 570-

269-9688 for more information.

D o You Like to Plan Ahead? Additional Christmas Eve Service

This year we are adding another Christmas Eve

service—we’ve become so crowded! It’s a nice

problem to have,

actually. So put on

your calendar that on

December 24 we will

worship at 4:30, 7:00,

and 9:30pm. The

Christmas Pageant

will be at 10:00am on

December 22, the

Sunday prior to

Christmas Eve.

Note Writers Needed Do you have a knack for note writing? If so, we are looking for individuals who will write notes in

response to the weekly blessings at our Sundays services. You will be provided with the names, addresses, and blessings requested. All you have to do is write, stamp, and send. This is a wonderful

opportunity to reach out and personally respond to our community in a supportive way. Please contact Anne Murphy, Pastoral Care Chair,

at [email protected] or 651-964-9128 if this opportunity interests you!

Baptism of little Evie

Welcome new members

Tammy and Ellen—they

are getting married in

October!



http://www.stpaulyouthgroup.com



Our sympathies with Keely and Carsten Franke on the death of Keely’s mother Lynn.

Our sympathies with John and Toni Erickson on the death of John’s mother.

May their souls, and all the souls of the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

H ow Are You? As some of you know, my husband David of

twelve years was diagnosed with stage two colon

cancer and is currently receiving six months of

chemotherapy. As his wife, I am often asked, "How

is David?,” “How are you?,” and “How are your

kids?". Sometimes, it feels like these are big

questions to answer and it doesn't always feel as

though it's coming from a place of authenticity. And

yet, I know that that question, under the right

circumstances, can be just what I needed. It's a

question that I have asked people daily in my adult

life without much thought as to my intention or

interest, until now.

Up until now, the question, "How are you doing?"

is so common that we generally respond to it by

saying "I'm great," "We're good," or "I'm fine," and

it's fairly unusual and sometimes jarring to hear

someone say, "I'm awful," "Things are terrible," or

"Really bad,” like when I was in line the other day

at a busy store and the woman ahead of me asked

the store clerk how she was doing and the clerk

replied, "Not good." Needless to say, the

conversation that may have been opened was

closed and, yet, I was so thankful that she answered

honestly.

It got me thinking about the question "How are

you?" and why and where it's used. How can we

best convey our good intentions of health, healing,

and forgiveness for someone? I believe that we are

born with great curiosity, compassion, and

empathy for those around us. Sometimes a genuine

smile, a heartfelt hug, or a gentle hand on the back

can be more powerful than words, but when using

words, maybe consider saying these words when

you greet someone:

We are thinking about you and your family.

It's good to see you.

We are with you on your journey.

You are surrounded in love.

These statements are powerful, as they require

nothing of me but to receive someone's love,

attention, and compassion. And that feels good! In

fact, it feels great, and it often brightens my day,

reminding me of my connection to all. In the above

statements I hear you voice your prayers for

healing for our family and acknowledge that you

are available. Thank you.

—Anne Murphy, Pastoral Care Chair [email protected]

Pastoral Care Workshop A Pastoral Care Workshop is being offered on Sunday, October 27 from

1:00-3:30pm in the St. Mary's Room. Please contact Anne Murphy at [email protected] or

651-964-9128 .

Caring for Our CommunityCaring for Our CommunityCaring for Our Community




R enewal of Wedding Vows

We recently witnessed the renewal of Kate

and Annie’s wedding vows on a Sunday morning,

such a lovely day it was. So it got me thinking—

that’s something we can offer to all sorts of couples.

In any case, it’s something good for long-term

partners to ponder. What have you learned in the

years you’ve been together? What’s made you

stronger? What wouldn’t you trade in? What are

your hopes for your future? If you were to write

your vows now, given what you now understand

about life with your beloved, would they change?

So give it some thought. Whether going through a

transition or celebrating a wedding anniversary,

give me a call and perhaps we can schedule a

Sunday morning renewal of vows for you. Among

other things, it’s a chance for the St. Mary’s

community to give you thanks for letting the love

you share between the two of you spill over into us

as well.

—LeeAnne

D id you know about House of Prayer in the City?

A day-use space offering weekly Christian

contemplation, retreats and hospitality, House of

Prayer in the City is an offshoot from the House of

Prayer in Collegeville, a gorgeous and peaceful

Episcopal retreat center. It is located at 425 Oak

Grove Street in Minneapolis, next to St. Mark’s

Cathedral. Here is their latest offering:

On October 26, The Green Man and The Cross:

Celtic Christianity. The current interest in non-dual,

eco-connected spirituality in the Christian tradition is

reconnecting many with Celtic Spirituality. We’ll

consult the groundbreaking works of John Scotus

Eregina, George McLeod, John Phillip Newell,

St. Patrick, and John O’Donohue in our contemplative

day together, exploring writing that assures us of the

presence and boundlessness of Christ the Undivided.

For more information on this event and other

House of Prayer in the City events or to register,

please visit http://ehouseofprayer.org/hopc/.

Renewal of vows for Annie and Katie

Welcome new members Colin

and Anne, baby Otto, and big

sister Penelope!

AWESOME NEWS!!! MUST READ!!! Written August 20, 2013 5:14pm by Maly Lee

www.caringbridge.org/visit/lees

MATCHING 8/8 DONORS HAVE BEEN FOUND FOR JIENA!!!!

I'm crying like a baby LOL I'm so overjoyed!!!

There still aren't any matches for Mason, though, so the hard work doesn't stop yet!

THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH FOR YOUR PRAYERS FOR US!!! GOD IS SO GREAT!!!

http://ehouseofprayer.org/hopc/

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/lees


A n Invitation to join St. Mary’s Partnership with Galtier Elementary School

St. Mary’s is in its sixth year of partnering with a

St. Paul public school to support our children in all

academic areas, but primarily with literacy. Galtier

Elementary has around 90% of many families living

at or below the poverty level. There has been high

staff turnover, high percentage of disciplinary

problems, low test scores and a culture that did not

support academic success.

Our effort consists of over 30 volunteers from

St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Olivet Congregational

Church, Third Way (a Mennonite congregation) and

members of the community. The volunteers are

reading buddies, classroom assistants, math tutors

and science and library support. Last school year, we

provided just under two thousand hours of

volunteer work.

When we started at Galtier in the fall of 2010, the

library was closed due to budgetary cuts. The

children, many of whom were reading below grade

level, were unable to check out books. By January of

2011, we reopened the library with 100% volunteer

support.

Over time, it was apparent that the books on the

shelf were outdated and failed to reflect the cultural

and racial diversity of the children. Hence, for the

past two years, we have organized a Winter Book

Drive that included St. Mary’s Episcopal Church,

Olivet Congregational Church, Groundswell Coffee

(the coffee shop located close to Galtier) and Red

Balloon Bookstore who donated 20% of the profits

of books sold toward the purchase of additional

books to donate. With the new books, the handful of

volunteers and now a paid, full-time library

technician, the library has become a more vibrant

learning environment.

Lastly, we created the Galtier Teacher Student

Fund designed specifically to support teachers with

curriculum-rich materials and students with specific

needs. This year, we have donated over $5500.00.

The donations went to purchase music recorders,

mousetrap cars, an iPad mini, dictionaries and

workbooks, a media learning center, responsive

classroom and level reading books, white boards

with magnets, and math games and manipulatives.

We have purchased uniforms, boots, and snow wear

for the students and have offered in-kind donations

to families in crisis.

There is plenty of room for more volunteers, even if

you have only a couple hours a week to give. If you

would like to donate to the Teacher Student Fund,

we will happily accept

donations. Simply send me an

email ([email protected])

and I’ll talk with you about the

possibilities.

—-Jane Wells

S t. Marians Step Up to Support Education Locally and Beyond

Thank you to everyone who contributed to our

School Tools drive this year, and who donated

money to support Bonne Nouvelle School in Haiti.

More than $1,000 in school supplies, including back

packs, folders, binders, pencils, pens, etc. were

collected as well as an additional $135.00 in cash

donations that will go to the Saint Paul Area Council

of Churches (SPACC) to help

support students in need. In

addition, $411 in donations was

collected to help support

students and teachers in Haiti in

partnership with St. James on

the Parkway.

—Katie Colon, Outreach Chair [email protected]

Doing GoodDoing GoodDoing Good




Update

On Good Friday 2013, people from St. Mary's and

St. James on the Parkway gathered together for a

soup supper and KIVA loaning

session. Fourteen loans totaling $1300 were made

that night to recipients, and Joseph's Group

(bottom right corner) is one of those recipients.

KIVA loans enable many people around the world

to improve their lives and those of their families

and communities and to turn their dreams into

reality.

A church group also gathered on Sunday evening,

September 15, to eat together and make more KIVA

loans. Ten new loans, totaling $2000 were made to

people in Georgia, Pakistan, Mali (3), Peru, Liberia,

Bolivia, Indonesia, and Tajikistan. Some of the new

loans were financed by dollars repaid from earlier

loans. If you'd like more information about KIVA,

ask any of the people pictured above at the KIVA

gathering.

J oseph's Group—Mwahera,

Kenya (Agriculture

Joseph is a 58-year-old teacher and father of 12

children. His wife is also a teacher, but their pay is

too low to meet the needs of the family. Joseph is

planting trees with the KOMAZA microforestry

program to earn income in the future, as well as to

put a windbreak on his homestead. He plans to use

the profit from his tree farm to educate his family.

Joseph's Group asked for a loan of $5000.

St. Mary’s, one of many lenders, loaned them $50.

KOMAZA is a social enterprise founded to convert

Africa’s drylands into productive family farms in

the eastern part of Kenya. The organization equips

smallholder farmers (55% of whom are

women) with the supplies and training they need

to plant fast-growing and sustainable eucalyptus

trees on their unused or underutilized land. In

addition to generating income for farmers and

their families, KOMAZA's sustainable farming

practices help to offset deforestation and provide a

stable, affordable source of fuel. KOMAZA works

with farmers over the course of this time period to

help them grow healthy and regenerative trees that

are then sold as wood commodities. This loan will

cover the upfront cost of seeds, fertilizers, and

KOMAZA’s staff time needed to support the farmer

over the course of the loan term, including multiple

harvest cycles. This model generates years of

income for the farmers’ families and creates a

sustainable wood supply for local markets. KIVA

lenders’ flexible, risk-tolerant capital enables

KOMAZA to offer affordable financing to farmers,

and to scale faster as an organization to impact

more people. Repayments for this loan will come

from revenues generated by wood sales. All plants

and supplies come from South Africa.

—Paulette Briese [email protected]

Joseph, Dzida, Edson, Omar, Ngawa, Christine,

Dama, Saumu, Joyce, and Scholastica

L-R: Molly Driscoll, Edie Meissner, Cathy McNaughton,

George and Anne Green, Terry Alewine, Amy Driscoll,

Kate Hennessey-Keimig, Sarah Turino, Rick Keimig, Anne

and Craig Hanson.



W elcome Sanctuary Upgrade Team! The vestry has authorized a process to

upgrade the sanctuary, which you read about in last

month’s newsletter. We are happy to report that Bob

Butterbrodt and Nancy Driscoll graciously have

agreed to lead the Sanctuary Upgrade Team, which is

a team of people who will navigate and steer

St. Mary’s through the entire process. The Sanctuary

Upgrade Team is being assembled as this newsletter

goes to print, and in addition to Bob and Nancy, there

are many people whose specific interests and skills

we hope to engage throughout the process—please

keep an eye out for invitations to be a part of this

exciting time. And there is space for all who wish to

participate

You will be hearing more about this as the team

assembles and begins its work together, but the

rough idea is that we spend the next three months

with an architect engaging in a visioning process.

Midwinter, the vestry will select a design and

fundraising will begin. We hope to begin upgrades in

June 2014, since in the summer the attendance

drops, making it the least disruptive time for the

church and community.

I am grateful for the whole thing—the team, the

chance for everyone to participate, and the

opportunity to consider our mission in the world,

and how our physical space is congruent—or not—

with our mission.

—LeeAnne

C arpet is Coming! We are looking forward to the

replacement carpet for the blue carpet that is

everywhere, badly stained. The new stuff will

be gorgeous, and should arrive in October. Yay!

L ook at What Bruce Anderson did!

He got a new air conditioning

unit for the nursery. It works

great, and actually vents to

the outside (a vast

improvement over the old one, which vented into

the hallway)! Well done Bruce!

Hey 10:30am-ers!

We are scouting around

for some more greeters,

ushers, and chalice bear-

ers (those are the ones

who do the wine). Inter-

ested? That’s great! Give

Tom Brown an email

[email protected]

and not only will we sign you up, we’ll make

sure you know how to do what you signed up

to do! Thanks!

Tom Brown

Moving Joan into her new apartment! Dale, Don,

Paulette, Meg, Joan, Cassandra, Alex, Peter, and Brian .

Building and GroundsBuilding and GroundsBuilding and Grounds

Welcome new members Jen and Dendy!



T he Weight of Glory: Liturgical Space and Use

Toward a Happier Union

Here are my personal musings and observations on

making music in our current church space through

the various configurations we have used in the

eight years that I have served as music director.

LeeAnne has asked me to share my understandings

of the acoustics and challenges of crafting a musical

worship environment for our services in our

current space with its current configuration, as we

reassess our current needs in our worship space

and what any future configurations might offer.

Five major points come to mind:

1. Most people singing most of the time (unless

there is a full house) feel like they are singing

alone. With our high ceiling and folks scattered

throughout the room, it is hard to feel like we are

one singing body. The choir is often at a distance

from the congregation which does not help.

2. Choirs do not have one ideal spot from which to

sing most of their music. While the nook that used

to hold the baptismal font is great to sing a capella

music from, it is small. When we also need to

present something with keyboard accompaniment,

it gets tighter yet, and anything using the organ is

out of the question. Moving around during the

service is sometimes okay, but musical choices are

often based on what is feasible rather than what is

best.

The space up front behind the altar is difficult to

navigate musically speaking. The choir often has

trouble hearing one another and it can be rather

difficult to balance the organ with voices so that all

can hear the accompaniment, but that the organ is

not overpowering the voices. The sound of the

organ is too far from where the singers currently

sit.

3. The tables for the handbell choir are sandwiched

in the old altar area very tightly. The old altar

platform leaves no room to spread out and grow

and there is not adequate space to walk safely

around the tables.

4. It is difficult for me at times to hear the

congregation singing. With all the organ sound

coming directly at me and the congregation in

another room on a different level and their sound

travelling on a different axis, it is a challenge to

know how they are singing, whether they need

more or fewer accompaniment, or heaven forbid I

get lost, on what stanza of a hymn we are currently

singing!

5. The 9:00am musicians also lack a great spot

from with to present their music. The rectangular

floor space on the main level does not provide

sufficient space for amplifiers and music stands,

and can be quite dangerous with all the cords

running places and many people in a smallish

space.

It is hoped that our future plans for improving,

beautifying, and reconfiguring our worship space

would incorporate designs to assist the musicians

in their creative work. A safer area with less

tripping hazards, in which everyone can hear one

another, and hear special vocal, choral, and

instrumental music properly would very much

improve the worship experience for members and

visitors.

A creative envisioning of the space can include the

special needs of all participants in all of our three

services, and balance our well-loved inherited

worship space with current and future liturgical

use. A space that is even more adaptable to small

prayer groups, worship services of various sizes

and tones, and big celebrations using many

different musicians and choirs at once, and that

feels both comfortable and intimate, while being

able to bear the "weight of glory" that is our

dignified and joyous Christian worship, will best

bring the dreams and hopes of our members past

and present to fruition in our parish's future.

May we always leave beauty in our wake as we

anticipate the needs of those who will be in this

place in 25 or 75 years.

—Bjorn Gustafson, 10:30am Music Director [email protected]



OCTOBER MUSIC OPPORTUNITIES FROM BJORN

S t. Mary's Handbell Choir will hold two

rehearsals and play at the 10:30am

Sunday service once in October. This year, we are

using a different model, one that has the potential

for different people to try playing bells who either

have not had the chance before or folks that would

like to play more often, but cannot commit to an

entire year. Handbell choir will be offered each

month beginning in October and continuing

through the spring. Each month is a different

"slate." Come to two rehearsals and play in church

once. No obligation to do it again. Come as it suits

your schedule. Come once, twice, or to all monthly

sessions.

Ringers of all ages are invited to participate. If you

can count and listen well you can play handbells!

Our October rehearsals will be on Tuesday,

October 8 and October 15 at 6:30pm in the choir

room. We will play on Sunday, October 20 at the

10:30am worship service.

If you are planning on coming, please let Bjorn

know, as group size will dictate some of our music

choices.

M en's Chorus

Our popular Men's Chorus Sunday will

return this October. (Women's Chorus will sing in

the spring.) We will have rehearsal on Wednesday,

October 23 at 7:00pm in the choir room and sing

the following Sunday, October 27 at both services.

(The chorus will sing at the last bit of the

9:00am service and the early part of the 10:30am

service. Singers may attend either one of the

services in its entirety.)

If you are male and sing, come be part of this one

time group!

Call or email Bjorn with questions.

C horisters to Begin!

St. Mary's children's choir is known as

Choristers. Choristers is designed for grade

school aged singers to present music at

Sunday services and special events throughout the

academic year.

Basic singing technique and musician skills are

learned using many styles of church music.

Special highlights this year include December

Lessons and Carols, the opportunity to be part of

the Episcopal Church in Minnesota Youth Music

Festival at St. Mark’s Cathedral in Minneapolis

singing alongside of other young choirs, and,

again, a spring musical at St. Mary's.

Our first rehearsal this year is Wednesday,

October 23, from 6:00-6:45pm in the choir room.

We rehearse at the same time most Wednesdays

through April, observing usual school breaks.

If your young person or someone you know may

be interested in singing with us, come to the first

rehearsal and try it out! You may also speak with

or email Bjorn for more details, or register early

by sending a quick email including your signers

name, age, and contact information for the family.

A great year is in store! Come.

—Bjorn Gustafson, 10:30am Music Director [email protected]

William practicing for Rally Day.

MusicMusicMusic



THANKS AND MUSIC OPPORTUNITIES FROM CONIE

H i Everybody! I’m writing this on the tail end

of our stupendous all-parish Rally Day

service. It was wonderful to see each of you in the

sanctuary and overflowing into the side chapel and

transept. And to hear all the singing! How

marvelous! You want to know who was part of

making it happen, right? Here’s the list!

Violins: Lucien, Lucinda DeWitt Viola: Charlotte Howell Flute: Catherine Neuschler, Betsy Lee Clarinet: William Bassoon: Giulia Trumpet: David Colwell Trombone: Chuck Watts (and arranger

for God is So Good and Guide My Feet! Tussen Takk!)

Guitars: Jim May, Dixie Gedstad, Jak Electric Bass: Karl Smelker Percussion: Mike Johnson, Alex Singers: Elaine Eyre, Courtney, Jane Wells,

Anne Murphy, Amy Driscoll, Cathy McNaughton, Vonda Humburg, Nina Johnson, Arlene Holzemer, Rex Holzemer, Bruce Briese, Anne Green, Ginny DeLuca, Don Johnson, Betsy Brown,

Nancy Driscoll Bells: Susan Russell, Susan Brown, Anne Green , Nancy Driscoll

Please join Bjorn and me in giving thanks to God

for each of these musicians and the music they

raised with everyone on Rally Day.

We also hope you’ll consider joining us when the

music forces of the 9am and 10:30am services

combine again in the new year for the Epiphany

“Festival of Lights” service on Sunday, January 5,

2014 at 10:00am. Check out our rehearsal

schedules for details (the next Big Phat 9am

music rehearsal is Wednesday, October 9,

2013, 7:00-9:00pm in the sanctuary) and let us

know how you’d like to make a musical offering to

our God!

A ramaic Lord’s Prayer Dance Series

Here are the nine Sundays we will

dig into the Aramaic Lord’s Prayer*!

Each hour long event starts at Noon

in the undercroft!

September 29: Abwoon d'bashmaya - Our Father which art in heaven October 20: Nethqadash shmakh November 17: Teytey malkuthakh January 19, 2014: Hawvlan lachma

d'sunqanan yaomana. February 16: Washboqlan khaubayn

(wakhatahayn) aykana daph khnan shbwoqan l'khayyabayn

March 16: Wela tahlan l'nesyuna April 27: Ela patzan min bisha May 18: Metol dilakhie malkutha

wahayla wateshbukhta l'ahlam almin

On June 22, 2014, we will wrap up the series by

doing all eight dances and sharing some

fellowship. Plan on staying an hour and a half,

Noon-1:30pm.. Come with an open heart and mind.

Invite others! A free-will offering will be taken.

*The Aramaic Lord’s Prayer Dances are based on Neil Douglas-Klotz’s book Prayers of the Cosmos: meditations on the Aramaic words of Jesus. John Hakim Bushnell will peel back the layers of meaning each phrase has as we learn how to speak it and then lead us in a heart-centered chanting and movement meditation.

(Article continued on next page.)

Chuck worked with the horn section

for Rally Day —here he is with Giulia


D rumming Series The first drumming event on the books is

tentatively scheduled for Thursday evening,

October 24 at 6:30pm! Marcia Sanoden, multi-

talented musician, will teach us some techniques

of listening to songs and discerning what

percussion and rhythms to play to add color and

vibrancy. Join us!

N ext Big Phat 9am Music Rehearsal On Wednesday, October 9, the 9am music

team will be converging in the sanctuary to

prepare music for the second half of our fall

worship season. Join us! We welcome all skills

levels and instruments. Talk to me if you’re

interested about what and how you want to

contribute.

—Conie Borchardt, 9:00am Music Director

[email protected]

M any Many thanks to George Green! And welcome to Pam!

Wherever you are, whatever you are doing right

now—please take a moment and toss up a

prayer of thanksgiving for the ministry of

George Green, who for many years has tended

our financial records. It would be a daunting

task to try to get an understanding of how many

hours he has spent in this ministry. Through it

all he has been trustworthy, thorough,

dependable, and kind. I have every confidence in

how our money has been handled, and complete

faith in George and the members of the finance

committee. Lately though, George’s eyesight has

gotten worse and is now at a point where he is

no longer able to keep our books.

As our congregation continues to grow, we have

had to remake some of our systems to

accommodate the larger numbers (a nice

problem to have!) (think of the Coffee Hour

Teams). And so along with a larger congregation

comes more complex bookkeeping, and we are

now at a point where the vestry authorized a

bookkeeper as a paid position, less than 20

hours per month. For many months George and

the finance committee have been creating a

smooth transition from George to Pam

Hofstadter.

Please join me in welcoming Pam as our new

bookkeeper! Pam is an accountant in her

professional life, so she brings much skill—not

to mention good humor! Pam and her husband

John have been members of St. Mary’s for a few

years now, usually attending the 7:45am service.

There is so much to be grateful for! Much

gratitude for George for his many years of

faithful service, and a hearty welcome to Pam in

her new role. Good good good.

—LeeAnne

George

Pam

FinanceFinanceFinance



N ow Available: Electronic Giving! Welcome to 21st century giving! St. Mary’s is

pleased to announce the implementation of a

convenient new (and easy) way to make your

regular pledge offerings—electronically!

We are initiating a new electronic giving program,

where you can easily set up a recurring giving

schedule or make one-time contributions. It will

be convenient for you and provide much-needed

financial consistency for our church. If you are

currently giving on a regular weekly or monthly

basis, you will no longer need to remember to

carry cash or bring your checkbook to church.

Even when travel, illness, or other circumstances

prevent you from attending services, St. Mary’s

will continue to receive your contributions on an

uninterrupted basis. This is especially helpful in

those lean summer months!

We are very excited by this new opportunity to

stabilize our pledge income and hope you will

share in the excitement by utilizing one of these

options. Your Stewardship Chairs, Dale Williams

and Amy Driscoll will be available in the

St. Mary’s Room on Sundays throughout the

stewardship season to take you through the sign

up process. Please feel free to call us with

questions or comments! Questions? Please email

Dale and Amy at [email protected] or

[email protected].

N ow you will have several options for making pledges:

Most preferred: Automatic bill pay. Several

parishioners are already using auto bill pay. This

service is available through most banks and it is

generally very easy to set up a recurring

payment to St. Mary’s. With this service, your

bank sends a check to St. Mary’s and it is then

deposited into our bank account. There is usually

no fee associated with this banking service.

Second best: Automatic funds transfer via our

soon-to-come electronic giving program.

Benefits of this service will include a direct

transfer of funds into St. Mary’s account, without

the step of a physical check needing to be

deposited. There will be a one-time set up fee of

50 cents per donor, and a 25-cent fee for each

transaction.

Third best: Placing check or cash into pledge

envelope and then into collection plate. Still a

good way to get your pledge funds!

O ther ways to give, especially for visitors to the church or website, or for those not

quite ready for a recurring donation: St. Mary’s will have a unique QR Code (one of

those cool square boxes that you can wave your

handheld electronic device over and directly

donate to the church!) which will be on the paper

version of Fishtales, in the weekly bulletin, and on

other church marketing materials. Also, our

website will take donations by credit or debit

card.

—Amy Driscoll and Dale Williams, Stewardship Chairs

Stewardship Campaign 2013Stewardship Campaign 2013Stewardship Campaign 2013

Amy Dale




N ew Books for Discussion Groups

St. Mary’s has had some success lately in

recommending a book that most of us can find

time to read. Some of us even find time to gather

and talk about the book, which is always

interesting!

There are two books suggested for fall discussion

groups. One is Unabashedly Episcopalian by

Andy Doyle, Bishop of Texas. This is a great,

short, informal introduction to being

Episcopalian. Most of it is really great, although

LeeAnne wants to caution us that Episcopalians

can believe different things, and she has a

different idea than Bishop Doyle when it comes

to evangelism, but you all are smart and can

come to your own conclusions.

The hope is that most of us, though, will take a

look at People of the Way by the Rev. Dwight J.

Zscheile, who is priest-in-residence (his wife is

the rector) of St. Matthews Episcopal Church in

St. Anthony Park. This book is about a renewed

conversation on the identity and mission in

American Anglicanism/Episcopalianism today.

It’s a good book whether you are a beginner in

the Episcopal Church or a long time member. Ian

Markham, President and Dean of Virginia

Theological Seminary writes “People of the Way

is a work of sheer genius, an absolutely essential

addition to the library of anyone seriously

concerned about the future of the Episcopal

Church.” Hopefully we can get Dwight to come

and speak to us.

Discussion Group sign up will begin in the

St. Mary’s Room Sunday, September 22, after

each of the services. Hopefully the groups will

begin to meet the week of October 13. Both

books are on order and will be coming soon. If

you have any questions, please call Cathy

McNaughton at 651-647-1609 or email her at

[email protected].

—Cathy McNaughton

F reedom’s Daughters A while back, I preached a

sermon that included some of

the stories of the women

behind the civil rights

movement, and I’ve received

some requests for more

information. The book is

Freedom’s Daughters by Lynn Olson.

—LeeAnne

Welcome new members Calli and Emily!

Christian FormationChristian FormationChristian Formation



L et's Talk About It: Muslim Journeys Concordia University will be holding a

series of book talks and presentations, free and

open to the public, based on a series of five

novels and memoirs that provide a glimpse into

the experiences of adults and children living in

Muslim-majority societies. These novels and

memoirs demonstrate the rich diversity of

experience and the variety of Muslim opinions,

and confirm our shared values. The booktalks

and presentations will be held at Concordia

University's Buenger Education Center. The

books are great reads, but if you don't have a

chance to read or finish a book, no worries!

Summaries and excerpts that will facilitate a rich

discussion for all will be provided. Dates and

books are shown below:

October 2, 10:30am: In the Country of Men by Hisham Matar

November 12, 7:00pm: Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood by Marjane Satrapi

February 11, 2014, 7:00pm: House of Stone: A Memoir of Home, Family and a Lost Middle East by Anthony Shadid

March 5, 2014, 10:30am: Broken Verses by Kamila Shamsie

April 8, 2014, 7:00pm: Dreams of Trespass: Tales of a Harem Girlhood by Fatima Mernissi

For more information, please visit http://libraryguides.csp.edu/muslimjourneybooks.

S afe Church

We hosted 2 Safe Church training events in

early September—thank you, Rex! All people in

any leadership or ministry, or even simply

holding a key, must take this training so we can

create a safe environment for children, youth,

and vulnerable adults.

—LeeAnne

William, Alex, and Courtney

Happy 75th Birthday, George!

Happy 5th Birthday, Seth!

The birthday boys celebrated their

September 17 birthdays with cake.

-Anne Green

http://libraryguides.csp.edu/muslimjourneybooks


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PERMIT # 524

Saint Mary’s Episcopal Church

1895 Laurel Avenue

Saint Paul, MN 55104

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Have you moved? Have you moved or changed your email address or phone number recently?

Please, send your new contact information to [email protected]. Thank you!

The Submission Deadline for the November Fishtales is SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13

by Midnight to [email protected].

You are always welcome to worship with us! Sunday morning service times are 7:45, 9:00, and 10:30am.

The new contemplative liturgy will be on the first and third Sundays of the month starting October 6, 7:00-7:45pm.



October 2013 Fishtales

Documents

Transcript of October 2013 Fishtales