St. Paul's Episcopal Church - Clergy Variations

Finally! Summer has arrived. We made it through another cold winter and unpredictable spring. The time of the year to get out and enjoy the wonderful and beautiful state we live in is upon us. It would be a shame to let the season go by without making plans and provisions to reap the physical, emotional and spiritual benefits being out can bring. This is our third summer together, and I’ll say the same thing I’ve said the past two years. Get out in those hills! Take some time to yourself, with a loved one and/or your family. Go somewhere beautiful or peaceful; somewhere a relaxing drive’s distance away, and take a long, deep, cleansing breath—then another, and another. Get out and go, even if you have to take a whole Sunday and miss church. Don’t miss this opportunity to feed your soul and re-fill your soul’s tank from yet another spiritual source.
You may find it unconventional, if not downright strange, that your priest—the same one who tells you how important your presence is to our worshipping life together—would tell you to play hooky from church with his blessing. But that is exactly what I am doing; and with good reason. So much of our life it seems has been dedicated to serving our religion. We give time, talent and money to the church. We work rather hard at times, often to our own physical and spiritual detriment, to make sure that the things get done here and for those we serve. It is good work for sure. It is needed and many people depend on our commitment. But let’s not be confused: Our lives do not exist to serve our religion. Our religion exists to serve our lives. Now, before we go thinking we are the center of the universe, there is yet another thing to consider. Our religion and our lives are here to serve a part in God’s redeeming work—a work that is about all of humanity and all creation.
My point, of course, is this: Our lives require a healthy balance between all of the positive spiritual forces in our lives, church being only one of them. If we are to devote the whole of our lives to the workings of the church, we may find that we are neglecting another important piece of the human experience. That is, our own spiritual needs. Yes, I agree, the needs of the children of God are so vast that we can hardly fathom taking a break from God’s call to us to serve them. But let’s not forget that we, too, are children—we, too, have our needs. Although our work through the church is important, and our presence in church is important, we cannot sustain a healthy level of giving without a personal commitment to rest and to renewal.
So as the beautiful weather of the summer months approaches, I’ll say it again: Get out there! Take a Sunday or two or whatever time you need. Go with our blessing! The church will be here when you return. This is your home, and I promise you will be welcomed back with open arms. I ask only these two things: In your time away, remember to pray for the mission and ministry of your parish home. And stay connected to the church in your commitment to the spirituality of giving by keeping your pledge current. Have some fun! The people of God depend are depending on it.

DEACON’S BENCH

Even though summer is creeping around the corner your Outreach Committee is hard at work either planning or promoting several events for July and August. We are not sure of the date for Loaves and Fishes Sunday, but the Committee will again provide the paper sacks with grocery lists attached to help you shop to replenish the shelves of Jeffco Action Center. If transporting bags of groceries is difficult, remember grocery coupons from either King Soopers or Safeway are also accepted.
This year we will be combining National Night Out and the Community Meal on the first Wednesday of August - August 4th. Again we are working in conjunction with the Eiber Neighborhood Association, and will have all kinds of fun activities available for kids of all ages.
The weekend of August 6th – 8th , the Outreach Committee is helping to support Journeying Into Peace: Creating a Culture of Nonviolence. The Leadership Team of the Colorado Chapter of Episcopal Peace fellowship is working with the national office of the Episcopal Peace Fellowship, Creating a Culture of Peace (CCP), St. John's Cathedral, Jubilee Ministries and other organizations in the ecumenical and secular peace and justice communities to bring an exciting weekend to Colorado.
The Friday night session at St. John's Cathedral in Denver will include a Peace Partners Fair with informational booths showcasing the work of many like-minded organizations, and the opportunity to network over wine and cheese. The fair will be accompanied by a worship service with candle light, incense, haunting music and images from around the world, designed by Mishkhah. This evening will be an opportunity to meet others working for peace and justice and learn about their programs.
On Saturday, the group will meet at St. John's again for a sample of the powerful CCP trainings. In addition to giving participants a beautiful and useful peacemaking grounding, Saturday's experience will help participants discern whether they are interested in bringing the full 20-hour training to their own peace and justice communities. On Sunday, participants will gather in Estes Park for driving and/or hiking in the beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park, ending with an informal liturgy.
The Outreach Committee has set aside scholarship money for 2 people from St. Paul’s to attend this weekend. If the whole weekend seems too much, think about attending the Friday evening service at St. John’s, as it promises to be contemplative and stimulating, or the Sunday hiking and exploring Rocky Mountain National Park. All the events in Rocky Mountain National Park will be handicapped accessible and easy for children to participate in.
I will be participating in the weekend, as I am part of the leadership team from the Colorado Chapter of Episcopal Peace Fellowship. If you have any questions about Outreach activities this summer, or you are interested in a scholarship for the August 6th – 8th event, please contact myself, Nancy Smith, Billie Brown, David Parkhurst or Victoria Weskamp for more information. The next meeting of the Outreach Committee will be August 11th at 7 p.m. in the library. Join us!

WARDEN’S CORNER

On April 4, 2008, St. Paul's Episcopal Church and The Rev. Allan H. Cole executed a Priest-in-Charge Letter of Agreement (the Agreement), effective April 1, 2008. This Agreement expires April 1, 2011, a date Father Allan and your Vestry are fully aware of.
One sentence of the Agreement states: “The relationship between a Priest-in-Charge and a Vestry is unique, and it evolves with a larger covenant of mutual trust and ministry to each other.” With
this mutual ministry in mind, The Rev. Lou Blanchard will meet with Father Allan and the Vestry on June 8, 2010, to talk about our future together.
            The last sentence of the Agreement is: “It is understood that the Priest-in-Charge may become the Rector, if there is a mutual agreement to do so.”
            You have elected the Vestry. Please know that your Vestry acts on your behalf, and takes their responsibility to you and St. Paul's very seriously.
            We don't want to wait until the Agreement expires; we would like to have things decided for announcement at the 2011 Annual Parish Meeting. This is an important time in the life at St. Paul's. Your Vestry has open minds, ears and hearts. The Vestry is here to serve you. Please talk to us when you need to.
            Peace,

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Music Notes from the MUSIC DIRECTOR:

            After a very busy season of regular Sunday music, special feast day music, and the Richard Fitzgerald concert, the choir will take some much deserved time off this summer. Do not worry, though. There will still be special music at the 10 a.m. service. Many of our talented parishioners are already discussing what they would like to do. Come and see what's up when you're in town.
            Watch this space in the August Epistle because we will fill you in on all the exciting plans we have for the 2010-2011 year. The very first thing to watch for is the form to request your favorite hymns and songs. During September, I will schedule all the requests that come in during August. You can write your requests on the form and put it in the offering plate, or just put a note in my box. This was so successful last year that I am doing it again! I had a terrific time enjoying all the variety of favorites!
            The first exciting music of the 2010-2011 Season will be Bluegrass Sunday, on August 29, at the 10 a.m. service. The service will be followed by a picnic. What a fun way to kick off the fall!
            Thanks to all of you for the tremendous support you have shown me, Harry, the choir, music program, and concert series. Special thanks to the ECW for the marvelous receptions they sponsored for the Concert Series.
Have a terrific summer, and we'll all return refreshed at the end of August!

* from Episcopal Haiku by Sarah Goodyear and Ed Weissman
(Thanks to Charlotte Shepic for showing me the book.)

June/July 2010

Musings

DEACON’S BENCH

WARDEN’S CORNER

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Music Notes from the MUSIC DIRECTOR:


Main Page Service Schedule History Map & Directions Clergy Upcoming Events Variations by Rector Committees Youth Page What's Happening at St. Paul's IHN sign up and schedule Other Links	June/July 2010 Pastor's Corner Deacon's Bench Wardens' Wanderings From the Music Director Musings Finally! Summer has arrived. We made it through another cold winter and unpredictable spring. The time of the year to get out and enjoy the wonderful and beautiful state we live in is upon us. It would be a shame to let the season go by without making plans and provisions to reap the physical, emotional and spiritual benefits being out can bring. This is our third summer together, and I’ll say the same thing I’ve said the past two years. Get out in those hills! Take some time to yourself, with a loved one and/or your family. Go somewhere beautiful or peaceful; somewhere a relaxing drive’s distance away, and take a long, deep, cleansing breath—then another, and another. Get out and go, even if you have to take a whole Sunday and miss church. Don’t miss this opportunity to feed your soul and re-fill your soul’s tank from yet another spiritual source. You may find it unconventional, if not downright strange, that your priest—the same one who tells you how important your presence is to our worshipping life together—would tell you to play hooky from church with his blessing. But that is exactly what I am doing; and with good reason. So much of our life it seems has been dedicated to serving our religion. We give time, talent and money to the church. We work rather hard at times, often to our own physical and spiritual detriment, to make sure that the things get done here and for those we serve. It is good work for sure. It is needed and many people depend on our commitment. But let’s not be confused: Our lives do not exist to serve our religion. Our religion exists to serve our lives. Now, before we go thinking we are the center of the universe, there is yet another thing to consider. Our religion and our lives are here to serve a part in God’s redeeming work—a work that is about all of humanity and all creation. My point, of course, is this: Our lives require a healthy balance between all of the positive spiritual forces in our lives, church being only one of them. If we are to devote the whole of our lives to the workings of the church, we may find that we are neglecting another important piece of the human experience. That is, our own spiritual needs. Yes, I agree, the needs of the children of God are so vast that we can hardly fathom taking a break from God’s call to us to serve them. But let’s not forget that we, too, are children—we, too, have our needs. Although our work through the church is important, and our presence in church is important, we cannot sustain a healthy level of giving without a personal commitment to rest and to renewal. So as the beautiful weather of the summer months approaches, I’ll say it again: Get out there! Take a Sunday or two or whatever time you need. Go with our blessing! The church will be here when you return. This is your home, and I promise you will be welcomed back with open arms. I ask only these two things: In your time away, remember to pray for the mission and ministry of your parish home. And stay connected to the church in your commitment to the spirituality of giving by keeping your pledge current. Have some fun! The people of God depend are depending on it. Blessings, *Allan+* Return to top DEACON’S BENCH Even though summer is creeping around the corner your Outreach Committee is hard at work either planning or promoting several events for July and August. We are not sure of the date for Loaves and Fishes Sunday, but the Committee will again provide the paper sacks with grocery lists attached to help you shop to replenish the shelves of Jeffco Action Center. If transporting bags of groceries is difficult, remember grocery coupons from either King Soopers or Safeway are also accepted. This year we will be combining National Night Out and the Community Meal on the first Wednesday of August - August 4th. Again we are working in conjunction with the Eiber Neighborhood Association, and will have all kinds of fun activities available for kids of all ages. The weekend of August 6th – 8th , the Outreach Committee is helping to support Journeying Into Peace: Creating a Culture of Nonviolence. The Leadership Team of the Colorado Chapter of Episcopal Peace fellowship is working with the national office of the Episcopal Peace Fellowship, Creating a Culture of Peace (CCP), St. John's Cathedral, Jubilee Ministries and other organizations in the ecumenical and secular peace and justice communities to bring an exciting weekend to Colorado. The Friday night session at St. John's Cathedral in Denver will include a Peace Partners Fair with informational booths showcasing the work of many like-minded organizations, and the opportunity to network over wine and cheese. The fair will be accompanied by a worship service with candle light, incense, haunting music and images from around the world, designed by Mishkhah. This evening will be an opportunity to meet others working for peace and justice and learn about their programs. On Saturday, the group will meet at St. John's again for a sample of the powerful CCP trainings. In addition to giving participants a beautiful and useful peacemaking grounding, Saturday's experience will help participants discern whether they are interested in bringing the full 20-hour training to their own peace and justice communities. On Sunday, participants will gather in Estes Park for driving and/or hiking in the beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park, ending with an informal liturgy. The Outreach Committee has set aside scholarship money for 2 people from St. Paul’s to attend this weekend. If the whole weekend seems too much, think about attending the Friday evening service at St. John’s, as it promises to be contemplative and stimulating, or the Sunday hiking and exploring Rocky Mountain National Park. All the events in Rocky Mountain National Park will be handicapped accessible and easy for children to participate in. I will be participating in the weekend, as I am part of the leadership team from the Colorado Chapter of Episcopal Peace Fellowship. If you have any questions about Outreach activities this summer, or you are interested in a scholarship for the August 6th – 8th event, please contact myself, Nancy Smith, Billie Brown, David Parkhurst or Victoria Weskamp for more information. The next meeting of the Outreach Committee will be August 11th at 7 p.m. in the library. Join us! Blessings, *Charlotte* Return to top WARDEN’S CORNER On April 4, 2008, St. Paul's Episcopal Church and The Rev. Allan H. Cole executed a Priest-in-Charge Letter of Agreement (the Agreement), effective April 1, 2008. This Agreement expires April 1, 2011, a date Father Allan and your Vestry are fully aware of. One sentence of the Agreement states: “The relationship between a Priest-in-Charge and a Vestry is unique, and it evolves with a larger covenant of mutual trust and ministry to each other.” With this mutual ministry in mind, The Rev. Lou Blanchard will meet with Father Allan and the Vestry on June 8, 2010, to talk about our future together. The last sentence of the Agreement is: “It is understood that the Priest-in-Charge may become the Rector, if there is a mutual agreement to do so.” You have elected the Vestry. Please know that your Vestry acts on your behalf, and takes their responsibility to you and St. Paul's very seriously. We don't want to wait until the Agreement expires; we would like to have things decided for announcement at the 2011 Annual Parish Meeting. This is an important time in the life at St. Paul's. Your Vestry has open minds, ears and hearts. The Vestry is here to serve you. Please talk to us when you need to. Peace, *Jill Massey* Sr. Warden Return to top Music Notes from the MUSIC DIRECTOR: The choir's away and The rest of us suddenly Have lost our voices.* After a very busy season of regular Sunday music, special feast day music, and the Richard Fitzgerald concert, the choir will take some much deserved time off this summer. Do not worry, though. There will still be special music at the 10 a.m. service. Many of our talented parishioners are already discussing what they would like to do. Come and see what's up when you're in town. Watch this space in the August Epistle because we will fill you in on all the exciting plans we have for the 2010-2011 year. The very first thing to watch for is the form to request your favorite hymns and songs. During September, I will schedule all the requests that come in during August. You can write your requests on the form and put it in the offering plate, or just put a note in my box. This was so successful last year that I am doing it again! I had a terrific time enjoying all the variety of favorites! The first exciting music of the 2010-2011 Season will be Bluegrass Sunday, on August 29, at the 10 a.m. service. The service will be followed by a picnic. What a fun way to kick off the fall! Thanks to all of you for the tremendous support you have shown me, Harry, the choir, music program, and concert series. Special thanks to the ECW for the marvelous receptions they sponsored for the Concert Series. Have a terrific summer, and we'll all return refreshed at the end of August! *Allison Olsson* Director of Music * from Episcopal Haiku by Sarah Goodyear and Ed Weissman (Thanks to Charlotte Shepic for showing me the book.) Return to top
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