PASTOR'S NOTE

"From the primal elements you brought forth the human race, and blessed us with memory, reason, and skill."
(Eucharistic Prayer C)

Two deer stand on the table in the bedroom. They are not alive. At least they are not alive like the raccoon busily trying to open the glass doors behind them. And yet they are full of life. The wood grain is warm and there is nothing stilted, dead, or ‘wooden' about the graceful curve of the back of the grazing deer or the elegant lift of the head as the other sniffs the air. They are strong and earthy and at the same time delicate and free, a mysterious mingling of body and spirit.

They are full of life, overflowing with the memory of the skilled hands that made them and the gentle heart that discovered them lurking in the wood. Clarence's deer. The blessing of memory gathers scattered bits of my father-in-law's life, refusing to let love vanish.

I cannot comprehend eternal life, I can only try to trust; but I can touch the deer and remember a life and a love that is still real. God, who took on a body like ours and lived in this world of ours understands that. God knows about touching Clarence's deer, hugging Edie's afghan, smoking Hollis' cigar, and the smell of Gramma's cooking. God blessed us with memory, and so the ordinary stuff of life becomes lively and holy. Primal elements, water and fire, wooden cross and rolled away stone, bread and wine ...

Of course there is also Clarence's rhubarb wine, still echoing with his laughter. It keeps me real when I become too sentimental around those deer. The blessing of memory keeps me living in hope, stumbling along somewhere between Cana and the Cross.

Blessings !
pat+

MEET OUR MINISTRY TEAM

Hi - My name is Maren Kay Welsand and I became an Episcopalian when I married Randy 24 years ago. I have two daughters and two sons. I also have three grandsons and four granddaughters. My two daughters and their families live in Duluth and Cloquet, Minnesota, and I don't get to see them as much as I would like. My older son lives in Idaho and our son, Ben, lives in St.Cloud.

I am employed as a pharmacy technician at Coborn's Long Term Care Pharmacy in St.Cloud. I have worked as a technician for 4 years and before that I worked at the Cashwise (Coborn Owned) Grocery Store for 5 years doing all kinds of jobs.

I joined Holy Apostles Episcopal Church in Duluth in 1978 and was very active in the ECW as treasurer and on the Bishop's Committee. I taught Confirmation classes for 2 years and helped get the food shelf donations and food baskets started in the community. I helped on many outreach projects there. One year we helped wrap toiletries for the seafarers and one year we gave them hats and mittens.

When Randy's job moved us to Ishpeming, Michigan we joined the church there. I was in the choir, taught Sunday school and was part of their ECW also. I belonged to a group called "GOOD SAM". It was part of the outreach program to help people in the church and community when they were out of work or had a major crisis and needed help with utilities or food.

Since coming to St. John's St. Cloud 9 years ago. I have been in the choir, ECW and on the vestry. I helped with the Outreach committee here also. We made lap robes for the shut ins and made up cookie boxes at Christmas time for them. We also help with the food shelf and the holiday baskets.

I enjoy helping others and especially our own in our communities and churches. I went through Cursillo in 1991-WOW!! what a spiritual weekend.(I recommend it to everyone). I will start my 4th year in EFM (Education For Ministry) and am glad to be part of the Spirit of the Heartland Total Ministry Team.

I love to sew and work on crafts. Lately I have gotten involved in putting memory scrapbooks together. I also like camping and visiting with family and friends. Randy and I are involved with Rendezvous (Primitive Camping as they lived back in the 1800-1840 era). It has become a source of relaxation for us. It is so nice and peaceful to be outdoors at night and all you see is the stars, moon, campfires and candlelight. Very pretty and peaceful. We have met a lot of nice people during our camping trips.

Since I have been part of the Total Ministry Team I get a lot more out of other peoples gifts than I give with my gifts. It has been very satisfying. All of us are a real gift of God.

• Cedar Morrigan, Our Saviour's
• Cynthia Evans, Good Samaritan
• Doris Dodds, St. Stephen's
• Harriette Burkhalter, St. Stephen's
• Jan (Zippy) Zeman, Our Saviour's
• Johanna Morrigan, Our Saviour's
• Lu Tax, Our Saviour's
• Maren Kay Welsand, St. John's
• Randy Welsand, St. John's
• Rob Cavanna, St. John's
• Roger Phillips, Good Samaritan

WHERE'S OUR TEAM?
The Rev. Cedar Morrigan

Our team met on July 13th at Pat's house for our monthly meeting. The Rev. Canon Sandi Holmberg joined us for the morning portion of our meeting where she shared some of the information she brought back from the June Total Ministry Summit that was held in International Falls. The information was "The Bible & Conflict" accompanied by questions and discussion. We also spent time with some of the History of the Diocese of MN - and had fun doing it! Our team has been busy over the past month as noted by the various activities and opportunities that have been in the newsletter. Many team members have taken much needed vacations over the past month and we have hopefully returned refreshed and ready to carry on in our time of field education, spiritual direction, mentoring, and preparation for team commissioning and ordination of our canon 9 members. As we begin to function more independently, yet under the watchful eye of our mentor, we are preparing for the time when Pat will be less available to the churches and the team. We hold each of you in our hearts and prayers and ask that you do the same for us.

An Invitation: Come and Spend Some Time With Your Ministry Team

Every second Saturday of each month, your ministry team meets for a full day of learning, worshiping, growing, and dealing with a variety of parish and cluster concerns. Most months there is time set aside which is open to any members of our parishes. It is usually scheduled form 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. with closing Eucharist held at 4:00.

Usually this time is designated for some kind of learning opportunity and discussion. The team would be delighted to have more folks joining them for this shared time of learning and worship. Why not put it on your calendar and plan to spend some time with your team on Saturday, August 10, at Church of Our Saviour, Little Falls

MEET OUR PARISH MINISTERS

Oops....Gone fishin'

BISHOP TO VISIT GOOD SAM

The Right Reverend James L. Jelinek will visit Good Samaritan Church for the July 28th service. Later in the day he will meet with the SOH team at 2 p.m.

SUNDAY WORSHIP TIMES

9:00 am St. Stephen's in Paynesville
(320)243-2012
320 Wendell Street, Paynesville, MN 56362

10:00 am Our Saviour's in Little Falls
(320)-632-5731)
113 NE 4th Street (PO Box 344) Little Falls, MN 56345

11:00 am Good Samaritan in Sauk Centre
(320)-352-6882
529 Main Street (PO Box 205) Sauk Centre, MN 56378

WEDNESDAY NOON PRAYER

12:00 pm Our Saviour's in Little Falls

TRANSFIGURATION ?
Pat Gillespie

The Book of Revelation asks, "Who are these dressed in white?" August 6 is the Feast of the Transfiguration and things are certainly brightening up in our churches. Thanks to a Diocesan Grant, the ministry team is dressed in white, with their new matching albs – white vestments – as they prepare for their October Commissioning. The parish lay ministers at Good Sam will have new vestments as well, in memory of Gertrude Hird.

And it's not just the people that look bright and fresh. St. Stephen's has spruced up landscaping and a newly decorated entryway, thanks to Rose and Gene, and office cleanup thanks to Mary Ann and Doris. Good Sam is getting new carpet in the parish hall compliments of fundraising events and the Memorial Fund. And very soon a major transformation will begin at Our Saviour's as the Diocesan Trustees have approved the New Addition and made a loan available to get started. Thanks to everyone who is helping brighten our parishes with new life!

GERTRUDE SHINES
Pat Gillespie

For those of you who know that my monastic name is "Sister Gertrude, "and suspect that I'm referring to myself, this Gertrude is not my transfiguration. Gertrude is a bundle of high-tech ministry support now associated with my other ministry companions "Amma Flash" and "Gyrovague," who happen to be two of my computers. Named after Gertrude Hird, with thanks to her family, this Toshiba-version Gertrude, too, knows how to light up the world – she's a computer projector.

With Gertrude's help, folks won't need to crowd around the computer screen for computer basics training for ministers or for pictures of the Holy Land. Gertrude and I can offer illustrated Christian education sessions and our next movie discussion group can watch videos on the big screen rather than a television screen. Watch for Gertrude to visit your parish soon! (And, No, I have no plans to project the hymns over the altar during worship.)

NEW CHURCH DIRECTORIES
Pat Gillespie

New Church Directories are available at all three of our churches. Look for the ones with the yellow covers. If you want a copy and can't get by the church to pick it up, leave a message on a church answering machine and we'll send you one.

If you got your first-edition copy already from St. Stephen's or Our Saviour's, please add to the Good Samaritan section the team minister that got gobbled up by the computer on the first run. Sorry Cynthia! at least the computer had the good taste to choose the sweetest among us!

Cynthia Evans 859-5162
410 Main St. West Apt #104, Osakis, MN 56360
caevans@midwestinfo.com

Or you can pick up a the addition on a self-sticking label at church. If you got your directory at Good Sam, no update is needed – you have the special Cynthia Evans edition already! Directory Information changes frequently. For the most recent updates, check our online directory. This directory is available for our community and our friends only. You may share it with anyone with whom you'd share your printed copy of the directory. The directory is password protected. It will not be available through internet searches.

The URL (address) for the Church Directory is: http://www.motherflash.com/directory/ Call any team minister to find out the username and password to access the directory.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Pat Gillespie

* Good Samaritan continues a Bible Study on the Psalms, Tuesday, August 27 at noon at the church.
* St. Stephen's regular Book Study on Christian Denominations, Thursday, August 1 at 11:00 am at Joan McMillan's.
* Our Saviour's World Religions Study Group, Wednesday, August 28 at 7 pm at the Black and White Hamburger Shop.

CELEBRATIONS

• Baptisms: Carrie Cox in June and Maway Quillo in July.
• Confirmed: Emily Hedin in July.
• Inquirers considering Confirmation or Reception: John Carlson, Robin Wood, Melissa Woidyla, Sandy Coe, Marge Campbell, & Noreen Mitzel.
• Upcoming Weddings: Carrie Cox & Stephanie Shaw in August; Jennifer Richards & Wade Lunders in September; Nancy McCrudden & John Carlson in November.
• Buried and Raised to New Life in Christ: Gertrude Hird and Edie Hedahl.
• Upcoming Ordinations and Commissionings: Our Team Ministers in October.

BISHOP HULTSTRAND TO VISIT OUR SAVIOUR'S

The Right Reverend Donald M. Hultstrand will be making a pastoral visit to Our Saviour's parish on Wednesday, September 11 for an evening service. The service will be preceded by a meeting with the Vestry. Coffee will be served following the service. Please mark your calendar now.

VESTRY MEETINGS FOR AUGUST

August 14, 7:00 pm -- Our Saviour's
August 18 , 12:10 pm -- Good Samaritan

SPIRIT OF THE HEARTLAND COUNCIL

The quarterly meeting of the council will be held at St. Stephen's Church in Paynesville August 6th at 2:00 pm..

DISCRETIONARY FUND

Discretionary Fund: What Is It?

The easiest explanation is that it is just what it says it is: a fund which is used by clergy at their discretion for immediate needs both inside and outside the church. The kinds of needs which are supported are often of an emergency nature. The identity of those who receive a gift or loan from the fund are kept completely confidential, as is the nature of their needs which may be addressed, can include a wide variety of situations. Someone might need a small sum to tide them over until a new job starts, or someone else might need groceries or help with an electric bill.

The fund enables us as a Christian community to be responsive to those that Jesus calls us to serve when he said, "...for I was hungry and you gave me food; I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink; I was a stranger and you welcomed me; I was naked and you gave me clothing; I was sick and you took care of me; I was in prison and you visited me...Truly I tell you, just as you did to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me." (Matt. 25:35-36,40b).

Traditionally this kind of fund is supported by donations from members of the parishes. Contributions can be made at any time by writing a check to the church and designating it for the Discretionary Fund. Gifts are frequently made in thanksgiving for kindnesses and blessings, and in recognition of the work done by our clergy. Some parishes also designate the loose offering of a certain Sunday for the fund. In order to ensure that the fund is being used in the way it was intended, a confidential audit is done annually.

CELEBRATING CHILDREN

To parents of young children, may we suggest:

1. Relax! God put the wiggle in children - don't feel you must suppress it here.
2. Sit toward the front - children will be more attentive when they can see what's going on.
3. Explain the parts of the service; help your child find the printed parts of the service and the hymns.
4. Sing, pray and respond; your child will learn by copying you.
5. If your child needs to leave, do so, but please come back.
6. If all else fails, you may take your child to the parish hall.

"Nothing you ever do for a child is ever wasted." - Garrison Keillor.

SUNDAY BULLETINS
Please direct announcements to Marge Campbell for Our Saviour's Sunday bulletins. News items should be put in her mailbox, or e-mailed to her by 8 AM Thursday at MAC1TOBE@ aol.com. mmodation are most welcome. BUILDING UPDATE
Harriette Burkhalter and Jan Zeman went before the Diocesan Loan Committee at the Episcopal Center in Minneapolis July 15. The Committee recommended approval of our loan application to the Board of Trustees later that day. The full Board of Trustees approved our application for a building loan of $97,000 at 6% interest for a period of five years. The support and enthusiasm shown by the Diocese for out Parish Hall addition is very exciting.

And the big moment is just around the corner....

THE GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY
Yes, this time we're ready! Groundbreaking will be celebrated as part of the regular service on August 25th. Please plan to help us officially kick off our new Parish Hall building addition project.

VESTRY HIGHLIGHTS

Our Saviour's
July 10

• In preparation for the Annual meeting the names of John Carlson and Charlene Starin were proposed as Vestry Members.
• Jon Lovdahl has agreed to serve as Jr. Warden for one more year.
• Thanks were expressed to those who have served and whose terms have expired- Bunny Zehren andVirginia Berguson.
• Jan Zeman and Harriette Burkhalter presented our building plans to the Diocesan Property Committee on June 17 and received unanimous approval. The committee sent its recommendation to the Loan Committee which scheduled a meeting for July 15.
• The Vestry approved and accepted the gift of hand fans that Marge Campbell and Noreen Mitzel made for our use in church during the hot weather. Thank you!

Our Saviour's
July 14 Annual Meeting
Report in September news.

Good Samaritan
July 21 Vestry and Annual Meeting
Report in September news.

• Approved a tentative budget for 2003.
• Approved election of Doris Dodds as interim clerk.
• Rose Ekegren and Gene Huber were elected as Diocesan Convention delegates.
• Discussed "Magnetic Church" suggestions: A brass quartet; lessons and carols for Advent.
• Decided that future vestry meetings would follow church, with possibly a pot luck lunch to follow.
• The ECW is still an active group with 6 members. Meetings are the second Wed of the month, April thru November.
• Received Jr. Warden's report of maintenance work done or needed to be done.

JULY BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES

Church of the Good Samaritan, Sauk Centre
August 9th Dorothe Lane
August 23rd Rosemary Phillips
August 27th Monica Schulzetenberg

St. Stephen'sr, Paynesville
August 28th Lloyd McMillan

Church of Our Saviour, Little Falls
August 2nd Jack & Jean Lemme
August 8th Heather Kretsch
August 10th Judi Welle
August 24th Dick & Debbie McCrudden

St. Johns, St. Cloud
August 4th Rob & Gina Cavanna

SUBMITTED ARTISTRY

MINISTRY SCHEDULES

Good Samaritan
Our Saviour's
St. Stephen's

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