PASTOR'S NOTE
"Begin Redemption" – that's what the button on my computer screen tells me. I am faced with this message because for Christmas I gave my daughter a cell phone. Instead of monthly charges, you buy ‘airtime' for it, often in the form of a plastic phone card. Then with the computer you can program the information from the card into your phone so you are able to make calls. They call it "redeeming airtime," – so you click the button on the computer screen to start your communication: "Begin Redemption."
I wonder when my redemption began. Did our redemption begin on the Cross? Or with that little baby in Bethlehem? Or when God breathed life into the clay in the Garden? Surely God knew even then that we humans would need God to redeem us – to pay the price to bring us back into communication with God.
I wonder whether this little button on the world wide web is some kind of hidden, theological, ‘cyberspace' message. Is there a lenten button somewhere that I can click to begin opening up the "phone lines" – of communication with God? Lent is a good time to reflect on that communication – on how well we are hearing God's Word for us and how readily we respond in prayer and thanksgiving.
Scripture is pretty clear that our phone bill is all paid up. In Christ not only has our redemption begun, but we are redeemed – ‘bought back' as God's own children. The heavenly phone lines are open and God is waiting – just pick up a Bible or Prayer Book and begin.
Blessings!
SHINGLE'S SHENANIGANS
From the beagle's email files:
What if God decided to install voice mail?
Imagine praying and hearing this:
Thank you for calling The Lord's House. We're sorry, all the angels are helping other sinners right now. Please stay on the line. Your call is important to us and will be answered in this millennium.
Or you may select from the following options:
To leave a message for the Father, press 1.
For Jesus, press 2
For the Holy Spirit, press 3
For the Holy Trinity, hold down 1 while pressing 3.
If you would like to speak to Gabriel, press 11
.
For Michael, press 22.
For a directory of the other Archangels, press 33.
If you would like to hear King David sing a psalm while you are holding, please press 55. Then wait for the beep and enter the number of the psalm you wish to hear.
To find out if a loved one has been assigned to heaven, press 62. Enter his or her Social Security number, then press the pound (#) key, enter their date of birth, then press the pound (#) key twice. (If you receive a negative response, please hang up and try area code 666.)
For answers to nagging questions about dinosaurs, the age of the earth, where Noah's ark is, Darwin, Hitler, the Pope, abortion and UFOs, please wait until you arrive here. Answers can only be understood from a "heavenly perspective."
Our computers show you have already called once today. Please hang up and try tomorrow.
For emergencies, refer to your Bible.
MEET OUR MINISTRY TEAM
Cynthia Evans I grew up in Southwestern Kansas during the dust bowl days. I was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Ulysses, Kansas. My mother died when I was 8. After my Mother died my senile Grandmother cared for my sister and me. I wanted to play the piano we had but my Grandmother kept it locked and would not unlock it so that I could play it. When I was in the 5th grade we had a music class. Each student had a cardboard keyboard. The teacher told my Grandmother that I should have piano lessons. My grandmother finally unlocked the piano and allowed me to take lessons.
When I was 13, I taught myself to play the pipe organ. I played at that church for a few years. Several years later I took organ lessons and have studied with several organists. I moved a lot and usually ended up playing for the church we went to: Methodist, Presbyterian, Congregational. One time in addition to a regular 40 hour work week I played for a Christian Science church to make enough money to take organ lessons. One summer I was asked to substitute at the Episcopal Cathedral in Laramie, Wyoming while the organist was on vacation. I fell in love with our liturgy. I was confirmed in 1966. I have been active in the Episcopal church ever since.
The last eight years before I retired I lived in Berkeley, California. I worked the night shift in the emergency room. I was the organist at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church. I met many students and faculty at "C.D.S.P." -- Church Divinity School of the Pacific
When I retired I moved to Osakis. (What a culture shock that move was.) My sister and a cousin help me financially. I am a single woman. I have two children and one grandchild. My son and his family live in California. My daughter and granddaughter live in Kansas.
Part of the discernment to be called to the team included a scripture given to each of us. The one given to me, in part, was: Amos 7:12-17. "To Amos himself Amaziah said, ‘go away, seer take yourself off to Judah, earn your living there and there you will prophesy! But never again will you prophesy at Bethel for this is a royal sanctuary, a national temple.' ‘I am not a prophet,' Amos replied to Amaziah, ‘nor do I belong to a prophetic brotherhood. I am merely a herdsman and dresser of sycamore-figs. But Yahweh took me as I followed the flock, and Yahweh said to me, "Go and prophesy to my people Israel." I feel that God called me to be on this team for His purpose, and I will continue His call and I will do my best.
WHERE'S OUR TEAM?
Lu Tax
Our Saviour's
At our last Team Meeting, January 12, we made a huge step forward in our quest to become an Ordained/Commissioned Total Ministry Team, serving the Spirit of the Heartland Congregations of Paynesville, Sauk Centre and Little Falls! We gathered at Our Saviour's in Little Falls at 9am, to be assessed by the Examining Chaplains for Total Ministry. Sounds scary? It was. In order to be Ordained/ Commissioned, the Bishop needs to know we are proficient in the areas of: the Holy Scriptures, Christian theology, Christian ethics & moral theology, studies in contemporary society, including racial & minority groups, liturgies & church music according to the use of the Book of Common Prayer & Hymnal, and theory & practice of ministry
A group of five people authorized by the Bishop, and made up mostly of clergy came to "test us". The assessment was given orally to the entire Team, and we answered orally. We were assessed not only on the content of our answers to the questions, but also on how we interacted with each other and how we "problem solved". Some of the questions asked were:
How does a Total Ministry Team operate? Who is in charge? Who is the minister? Is the priest the Rector? Are you viewed as legitimate ministers, priests, & deacons?
An active member of the parish dies. Describe in detail how the Team would handle this situation from the time of hearing of the death. Include funeral arrangements and how it would be planned.
"All people are called to ministry by virtue of their baptism." In light of this statement, explain: A) Total Ministry; B) Lay Ministry; C) The Diaconate; and D) The Priesthood.
Explain the significance of the Exodus experience to the Jewish people and also to Christians today.
With the immigration of peoples from around the world, as well as our own Indigenous Americans and African Americans, Minnesota has become increasingly multicultural. What can we learn from these other traditions? How can we impact and reach out to these people?
Widespread poverty, hunger, homelessness and unemployment are grounds for growing concern in our society. What should Christian people be doing and saying in response to these social problems?
What excites you most about your Total Ministry?
We each answered the questions we were comfortable answering, drawing on each other for additional thoughts & encouragement. Looking back, it was fun hearing the answers "unfold". (It is truly a gift to be part of this group of special people!) We ended our questioning with songs that sum up how we all feel about Total Ministry. After the 15 questions had been answered, the Assessment Team met privately to determine areas for which we could celebrate and areas for which we should be challenged to more in-depth learning. An oral summary of their findings was given to us immediately after this private meeting. We passed with flying colors! We ended our time with the Examining Chaplains by sharing Eucharist, after which we finished the day by continuing our scheduled team formation material.
A few days after our team meeting, the co-chair of the examining Chaplains sent Pat a letter detailing the specific conclusions of the Assessment Team. Here are some excerpts from that letter:
"You have so much to celebrate! You have truly gotten the concept and practice of what Total Ministry is all about. Throughout the assessment, the Team consistently demonstrated a deep and caring attitude for each other; listening intently to what each was saying; diversity of viewpoints with a respect for each other's views. Your teamwork was evident in the fact that you showed little distinction among the different congregations in Spirit of the Heartland. When ministry questions arose, your philosophy of ministering "with" the people as opposed to "to" the people became quite evident… You have good knowledge and a deep love for the Book of Common Prayer, as well as Holy Scripture… It was obvious that you have done some deep and reflective thinking regarding Christian ethics. Your plans for growth and reaching out to others is truly exciting… All in all, it was agreed you did a remarkable job with the assessment, and we went away spiritually uplifted and inspired by your zeal."
Mark your calendars for "an important celebration" coming up on Saturday April 6—more information will follow in the next newsletter!
MEET OUR PARISH MINISTERS
Joan McMillan
St Stephen's, Paynesville
I was born in Grimsby, Ont., Canada of English parents. My grandfather was an Anglican priest in England.
I was always an Episcopalian, especially interested in the music of the church. From a small child I sang in church choirs.
We moved to the U.S. when I was eleven. We attended St. Clements's Church in St. Paul. Two years later we moved to Fargo, ND and attended Gethsemane Cathedral. While there I was asked to substitute on the pipe organ for the summer while the organist was away.
I attended Moorhead State Teachers College, getting my Bachelor's degree in 1935, in elementary education and music. Later, after I was married, I lived in Bismarck, N.D, played the organ and directed the choirs.
I moved to Paynesville in 1993 when I married Lloyd McMillan. Lloyd is Roman Catholic so I go to St. Louis Catholic Church with him every week and to St. Stephen's on Communion Sundays. - Joan
PASTORAL VISITS
Last fall our Team Ministers began making parish visits to members of our three churches. Not all visits were scheduled at the time due to the arrival of the busy holiday season. Those who have not yet been visited should have received a note from a Team Minister letting you know that we will be contacting you about scheduling a spring visit. We look forward to visiting with all of you.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
Good Samaritan in Sauk Centre will have Bible Study Series on the Psalms. Second and Fourth Tuesdays at noon.
St. Stephen's in Paynesville and Our Saviour's in Little Falls continue a series on world religions: "RELIGIONS: Encountering People of Other Faiths".
In Paynesville at 11 am (contact Pat for location):
February 7: Hinduism
February 21: Buddhism
March 7: Tribal Religions
Our Saviour's at the church at 8:45 am
February 24: Hinduism
March: 24 (No Meeting: Palm Sunday)
April 28: Buddhism
May 26: Tribal Religions
SUNDAY WORSHIP TIMES
9:00 am St. Stephen's in Paynesville
10:00 am Our Saviour's in Little Falls
11:00 am Good Samaritan in Sauk Centre
ASH WEDNESDAY
Ash Wednesday is early this year, February 13. We are all encouraged to gather for worship to begin our lenten journey.
1:00 pm at St. Stephen's in Paynesville
4:00 pm at Good Samaritan in Sauk Centre
7:00 pm at Our Saviour's in Little Falls
RURAL MINISTRIES GRANT
Spirit of the Heartland has once again received a diocesan grant to support Total Ministry. The $6830 will bring us an integrated phone system and new albs for our ministry team as well as ongoing support for our Total Ministry formation and training.
HOW DO WE MEASURE UP?
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
ST STEPHEN'S VESTRY
Quarterly Vestry meeting at St. Stephen's on the Feast of the Epiphany, January 6, at 2:00 p.m. Your chance to find the ring in the Epiphany Cake.
OUR SAVIOUR'S VESTRY
Because of Ash Wednesday, on February 13, the February meeting will be moved from the usual second Wednesday, to Wednesday, February 6, at 7 p.m. (The January meeting remains on second Wednesday, January 9.
ARTICLES AND RECIPES
Share your thoughts, news and meditations with all members and friends of Spirit of the Heartland churches. We also need your recipes to share. Give them to Pat or pass them on through one of your vestry members. We want to hear from you.
OUR SAVIOUR'S NOTES
If you are writing a check to the church please indicate on the check which fund it is for such as Pledge, Clergy Discretionary, Building Fund etc. It will be a big help to our Treasurer. Thank you. Please do not leave food in the kitchen cupboards; put in refrigerator or take home. Cleaning volunteers needed for monthly cleaning chores. Please call Debbie McCrudden or other vestry member.
VESTRY HIGHLIGHTS
St. Stephen's
- January 6th
OUR SAVIOUR'S NOTES
Because of Ash Wednesday, on February 13, the February meeting will be moved from the usual second Wednesday, to Wednesday, February 6, at 7 p.m.
If you are writing a check to the church please indicate on the check which fund it is for such as Pledge, Clergy Discretionary, Building Fund etc. It will be a big help to our Treasurer. Thank you.
Please address any correspondence for Our Saviour's to P.O. Box #344 instead of the street address. We have no mail receptacle at the church and new mail persons are often confused.
The finder of the Epiphany ring at Church of our Saviour, on January 6th, was Virginia Berguson.
CHURCH RECIPE OF THE MONTH
Courtesy of Luci YoungBlood, Our Saviours
Chocolate Dessert
1 8 oz cream cheese strawberry or raspberry
1 6 oz yogurt strawberry or raspberry
1/4 cup milk
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup sugar
1 8 oz cool whip thawed
1 9 in. graham cracker pie crust
In large bowl beat cream cheese, yogurt & milk until smooth
Add: sugar & cocoa beat until smooth
Fold: in cool whip until well blended
option 1: pour into pie crust cover & freeze for 1 hr, cut into piececan be kept in freezer until needed takes about 15 min to thaw for serving
option 2: pour into dessert dishes for moose
option 3: layer with fruit & cool whip for parfait
I like to use a hand mixer with one beater; you can use a sugar substitute.
JANUARY BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES
Church of the Good Samaritan, Sauk Centre
February 4th Paul Schlauderaff
Church of Our Saviour, Little Falls
February 2nd Jackie Oss
February 9th Dick & Millie Thomson
February 11th Judy Rose
February 15th Quentin Starin
February 18th Nancy Dobmeier
February 21st Mark Lemme
February 24th Lu Tax
February 28th Peter Tax (29th)
MINISTRY SCHEDULES
Good Samaritan
Our Saviour's
St. Stephen's
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