Stewardship Reflection - The Gifts of Faith

The Gifts of Faith
By The Rev. Matthew Woodward

PDF for printing

The parable of the wise and foolish virgins brings back so many rector wedding memories. I have to say, virgins trimming wicks are few and far between in early 21st century Bay Area weddings; you are more likely to find mason jars liberally strewn around the barn venue and handwritten chalkboards offering tri-tip, which you can eat perched on a bale of hay. But the frenetic last-minute energy of things needing to be fixed is just the same today as in scripture.

If you get stuck in the anxiety, keeping company with the wedding planner and their staff, you are going to miss the point of the event.

Weddings confer the blessing of companionship. We can get stuck in the mechanics of delivery and all of the anxiety it generates. Or we can acknowledge that love is a great gift, and we should be grateful for it.

I once oversaw a wedding in which the couple forgot to get a license. I took a deep breath, made sure they had a wonderful day, and secretly remarried them a month or two later. Their love for each other was a gift. We found a way to fix the paperwork.

Faith is a gift, Christian community is a gift; worship, children’s choirs and that moment when teenagers suddenly make a profound connection with their faith: These are all gifts. We could get caught up in the anxiety of paying for it all, or we could just say thank you and write the pledge that shows how grateful we are for all we have received.

The Rev. Matthew Woodward is an Englishman on the West Coast of America and the Rector of Transfiguration Episcopal Church in San Mateo California. He is a recent puppy parent, and loves comics. He has also found stewardship ministry to be a real joy, rather than the other thing, in recent years.

News from the Red Doors - November 6, 2020

An Invitation

The nomination committee, which is comprised of Mother Michelle, myself, the senior warden and a retiring vestry member, Sue Cummings, invites anyone who is interested in being senior warden, junior warden or vestry member, to contact the committee.

The senior warden is really the connection between the parishioners and the priest. In the absence of a priest, the senior warden is the person in charge of the parish. Believe me, the position has become a whole lot easier now we have Mother Michelle!

The junior warden usually takes care of the parish buildings, in consultation with the vestry.

A vestry member is elected for a three-year term. The vestry meets once a month to review the finances and plan any events with the priest. We are currently meeting in person in the parish house, with some members attending by Zoom.

To be eligible for any position, a person must be a communicant in good standing, that is, baptized, worships regularly and supports the parish financially.

We welcome anyone who would like to serve the parish in this way. If you have any questions, please call:

• Mother Michelle, 219-575-0226

• Sandra Provan, 362-5618

• Sue Cummings, 324-5610

It really is a privilege to serve as warden or on the vestry, I encourage you to volunteer.

God bless,
Sandra Provan

---

This Week at St. Paul's
Mother Michelle Walker

Dear St. Paul's Family,

Typically I compose the Friday newsletter on Thursday morning and have it all ready for electronic distribution. This week, I found myself waiting, and waiting, and waiting. Perhaps I thought I'd have more profound words to share if we had also heard the preliminary election results. Perhaps I was dreading acknowledging the discomfort and frustration of waiting for the votes to be counted, every single vote. I went to bed Thursday night saying "I'll finish in the morning."

This morning I wake to still no election results, although we expect them soon. The realization dawned on me that our Christian lives are so often about waiting for an outcome of which we're unsure. We pray and we wait. We may even fall asleep and then repeat again. We'll hear this Sunday the passage about the 10 bridesmaids who were waiting for the bridegroom and fell asleep while waiting. Waiting has always been part of our Christian journey. Waiting is hard, but NOT impossible.

So this morning, there are two things certain to me:

1. Regardless of the results of the election, approximately one-half of the entire country is going to be happy and the other half sad. God loves both halves ... we must attempt to do the same.

2. Regardless of any election, our God is always in charge, always loves us, is always there to hear our prayers. Offer him your prayers, on any topic!

My friends, as we wait, let us keep these two thoughts foremost in our minds. Whether we rejoice or mourn at the election results later today, let us be sure to remember God is in charge. Let us be sure to do our best to love our neighbor as ourselves. And let us remember to continue to breathe in the Holy Spirit and breathe out our anxieties.

In the meantime, life goes on. This week I attended (virtually) the orientation session of my Wabash Pastoral Leadership Program. It was a wonderful day filled with meeting other clergy from all over the state to plan our next two years of learning together. I am honored to have been selected to participate in this prestigious program, which is funded by the Lilly Endowment. You will hear lots more about this soon.

This week our IT consultants ran the internet cabling from the Comcast installation in the church sacristy to the church office. Soon, very soon, we will have only one monthly internet bill. Praise the Lord for the Technology Grant we received that is making this possible.

This week on Election Day we held a prayer vigil in the church from 9am-4:30pm. It was a blessing to all those who participated to be able to sit quietly in our beautiful building and offer prayers for our election, ourselves, and others. My belief in many of our offerings is that the people who need to be there to encounter God are the ones that show up. Whether that is a handful of people, or a church full of people (in a non-pandemic world) - the Lord brings to his altar the ones that need it most. That certainly was true on Tuesday.

Last week I joined a group of 14 other Episcopalians from our diocese who will be engaging in a 10-session video learning series on race and faith called Sacred Ground. I will participate virtually every other Wednesday evening. I'm leaning into my discomfort about talking about race and faith, both for my own development and in hopes that we might have some of these conversations at St. Paul's in the future.

Lastly, on October 20th our vestry met (partially) in-person for the first time since my arrival at St. Paul's. We set up the camera to allow those that needed to attend via Zoom to do so. It was good to be together in this combined environment. The vestry passed the proposed revisions to the ByLaws. The document has been updated with the changes and can be found on our website here: https://www.stpaulslaporte.org/leadership (scroll down, on the right side). In that same section you will find a Vestry Packet from our October meeting including: minutes, priest report, and financials. Praise God for our faithful vestry who has stepped forward to lead our beautiful church community.
And so, we wait. We go on about our business and we wait. And we remember God is in charge, ALL OF THE TIME, even when we can't quite understand it. Stay safe. Wear your mask. Say your prayers. And this week especially, take a few deep breaths!

Blessings!Mother Michelle
priest@stpaulslaporte.org | 219-575-0226

---

Diocesan Convention Address

Tonight (Friday 11/6) at 5:30pm, the Diocesan Convention opening worship and Bishop's Annual Pastoral Address will occur both on the Diocesan Facebook page and the Diocesan YouTube Channel. Please join in to hear Bishop Doug's words of hope to the diocese as we prepare to conduct the annual business meeting tomorrow.

As a side note, Mother Michelle's 'other job' is to plan for and help administer this convention each year. Your prayers for her during these next 24+ hours are greatly appreciated.

A Season of Prayer: For an Election - November 4th

Join us in our novena (9 days of prayer) for an election as found at this link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Z5lre39QHq_dBixV9yIehYZN0o-HQ1hO/view?usp=sharing

A Litany For Sound Government

O Lord our Governor, bless the leaders of our land, that we may be a people at peace among ourselves and a blessing to other nations of the earth.
Lord, keep this nation under your care.

To the President and members of the Cabinet, to Governors of States, Mayors of Cities, and to all in administrative authority, grant wisdom and grace in the exercise of their duties.
Give grace to your servants, O Lord.

To Senators and Representatives, and those who make our laws in States, Cities, and Towns, give courage, wisdom, and foresight to provide for the needs of all our people, and to fulfill our obligations in the community of nations.
Give grace to your servants, O Lord.

To the Judges and officers of our Courts give understanding and integrity, that human rights may be safeguarded and justice served.
Give grace to your servants, O Lord.

And finally, teach our people to rely on your strength and to accept their responsibilities to their fellow citizens, that they may elect trustworthy leaders and make wise decisions for the well-being of our society; that we may serve you faithfully in our generation and honor your holy Name.
For yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. Amen.

NOV 4 Pray for our own work for the common good

Almighty God our heavenly Father, you declare your glory and show forth your handiwork in the heavens and in the earth: Deliver us in our various occupations from the service of self alone, that we may do the work you give us to do in truth and beauty and for the common good; for the sake of him who came among us as one who serves, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

#seasonofprayer

A Season of Prayer: For an Election - November 3rd

Join us in our novena (9 days of prayer) for an election as found at this link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Z5lre39QHq_dBixV9yIehYZN0o-HQ1hO/view?usp=sharing

A Litany For Sound Government

O Lord our Governor, bless the leaders of our land, that we may be a people at peace among ourselves and a blessing to other nations of the earth.
Lord, keep this nation under your care.

To the President and members of the Cabinet, to Governors of States, Mayors of Cities, and to all in administrative authority, grant wisdom and grace in the exercise of their duties.
Give grace to your servants, O Lord.

To Senators and Representatives, and those who make our laws in States, Cities, and Towns, give courage, wisdom, and foresight to provide for the needs of all our people, and to fulfill our obligations in the community of nations.
Give grace to your servants, O Lord.

To the Judges and officers of our Courts give understanding and integrity, that human rights may be safeguarded and justice served.
Give grace to your servants, O Lord.

And finally, teach our people to rely on your strength and to accept their responsibilities to their fellow citizens, that they may elect trustworthy leaders and make wise decisions for the well-being of our society; that we may serve you faithfully in our generation and honor your holy Name.
For yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. Amen.

NOV 3 Pray for the election

Almighty God, to whom we must account for all our powers and privileges: Guide the people of the United States in the election of officials and representatives; that, by faithful administration and wise laws, the rights of all may be protected and our nation be enabled to fulfill your purposes; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

#seasonofprayer

A Season of Prayer: For an Election - November 2nd

Join us in our novena (9 days of prayer) for an election as found at this link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Z5lre39QHq_dBixV9yIehYZN0o-HQ1hO/view?usp=sharing

A Litany For Sound Government

O Lord our Governor, bless the leaders of our land, that we may be a people at peace among ourselves and a blessing to other nations of the earth.
Lord, keep this nation under your care.

To the President and members of the Cabinet, to Governors of States, Mayors of Cities, and to all in administrative authority, grant wisdom and grace in the exercise of their duties.
Give grace to your servants, O Lord.

To Senators and Representatives, and those who make our laws in States, Cities, and Towns, give courage, wisdom, and foresight to provide for the needs of all our people, and to fulfill our obligations in the community of nations.
Give grace to your servants, O Lord.

To the Judges and officers of our Courts give understanding and integrity, that human rights may be safeguarded and justice served.
Give grace to your servants, O Lord.

And finally, teach our people to rely on your strength and to accept their responsibilities to their fellow citizens, that they may elect trustworthy leaders and make wise decisions for the well-being of our society; that we may serve you faithfully in our generation and honor your holy Name.
For yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. Amen.

NOV 2 Pray for discernment

O Lord, mercifully receive the prayers of your people who call upon you, and grant that they may know and understand what things they ought to do, and also may have grace and power faithfully to accomplish them; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

#seasonofprayer

LIVE from St. Paul's - November 1, 2020 - All Saints' Day

A Season of Prayer: For an Election - November 1st

Join us in our novena (9 days of prayer) for an election as found at this link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Z5lre39QHq_dBixV9yIehYZN0o-HQ1hO/view?usp=sharing

A Litany For Sound Government

O Lord our Governor, bless the leaders of our land, that we may be a people at peace among ourselves and a blessing to other nations of the earth.
Lord, keep this nation under your care.

To the President and members of the Cabinet, to Governors of States, Mayors of Cities, and to all in administrative authority, grant wisdom and grace in the exercise of their duties.
Give grace to your servants, O Lord.

To Senators and Representatives, and those who make our laws in States, Cities, and Towns, give courage, wisdom, and foresight to provide for the needs of all our people, and to fulfill our obligations in the community of nations.
Give grace to your servants, O Lord.

To the Judges and officers of our Courts give understanding and integrity, that human rights may be safeguarded and justice served.
Give grace to your servants, O Lord.

And finally, teach our people to rely on your strength and to accept their responsibilities to their fellow citizens, that they may elect trustworthy leaders and make wise decisions for the well-being of our society; that we may serve you faithfully in our generation and honor your holy Name.
For yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. Amen.

November 1st Pray for direction from God

Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings with thy most gracious favor, and further us with thy continual help; that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in thee, we may glorify thy holy Name, and finally, by thy mercy, obtain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

.#seasonofprayer

Stewardship Reflection - Lives Shaped by The Beatitudes

Lives shaped by The Beatitudes
By Mary MacGregor

PDF for printing

Today’s Gospel recalls Jesus’ sermon on the mount, commonly referred to as The Beatitudes. In his usual manner, Jesus surprised his followers by uttering godly, countercultural truth. In essence, his teaching that day laid the foundation for what it means to live a Christian life.

What does it mean to be merciful, pure in heart, meek, poor in spirit, mournful, to be a peacemaker, to hunger and thirst for righteousness and be willing to be persecuted for it? The Beatitudes are a guide that, when studied, reveal layers of meaning for us as believers. They challenge many of our basic human desires and behaviors. Of ultimate importance, they clearly reveal what God seeks to bless.

Aren’t we fortunate that our God is forgiving and full of grace as we strive to be transformed by these teachings? Our journey of formation requires change and opening our eyes to see God in action all around us. Included in this change is seeing God’s endless blessings poured out upon us and developing a posture of gratitude in return.

Being thankful changes us for the better. Being thankful changes our perspective on life and can profoundly impact our understanding of God’s generosity. Being thankful can shape us to be stewards of all God has entrusted to us. Being thankful softens our fears. Being thankful turns fear of scarcity into joyful gratitude for God’s abundance.

We remember the saints who have gone before us on this All Saints Day. Some were revered as saints of old. Some were modern day saints. Some were simple folks like you and me. One distinguishing characteristic of saints is that we can see how they embodied and lived Jesus’ teachings, these very Beatitudes. They generously gave of their lives so much so that we remember them today. We are confident they were blessed by God for their faithfulness. May we be thankful for their witness and see in them lives shaped by The Beatitudes and be willing to do the same.

Canon Mary MacGregor is a member of the board of The Episcopal Network for Stewardship. She has been deeply involved in congregational development for over 25 years, and served as Canon for Congregational Vitality and Mission Amplification for the Diocese of Texas.

A Season of Prayer: For an Election - October 31st

Join us in our novena (9 days of prayer) for an election as found at this link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Z5lre39QHq_dBixV9yIehYZN0o-HQ1hO/view?usp=sharing

A Litany For Sound Government

O Lord our Governor, bless the leaders of our land, that we may be a people at peace among ourselves and a blessing to other nations of the earth.
Lord, keep this nation under your care.

To the President and members of the Cabinet, to Governors of States, Mayors of Cities, and to all in administrative authority, grant wisdom and grace in the exercise of their duties.
Give grace to your servants, O Lord.

To Senators and Representatives, and those who make our laws in States, Cities, and Towns, give courage, wisdom, and foresight to provide for the needs of all our people, and to fulfill our obligations in the community of nations.
Give grace to your servants, O Lord.

To the Judges and officers of our Courts give understanding and integrity, that human rights may be safeguarded and justice served.
Give grace to your servants, O Lord.

And finally, teach our people to rely on your strength and to accept their responsibilities to their fellow citizens, that they may elect trustworthy leaders and make wise decisions for the well-being of our society; that we may serve you faithfully in our generation and honor your holy Name.
For yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. Amen.

OCTOBER 31st Pray for guidance

O God, by whom the meek are guided in judgment, and light riseth up in darkness for the godly: Grant us, in all our doubts and uncertainties, the grace to ask what thou wouldest have us to do, that the Spirit of wisdom may save us from all false choices, and that in thy light we may see light, and in thy straight path may not stumble; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

#seasonofprayer

Mrs. Jean Burns Reflects on Stewardship (AND evangelism!)