INVITING JESUS INTO THE BOAT
INVITING JESUS INTO THE BOAT
Dear Friends on the Way,
Today we had a wonderful Confirmation/Reception liturgy at St. Andrew’s by the Lake. Those who were there would all have their stories to tell — and impressions to share of a very powerful worship experience.
We began last night with a Confirmitzvah Dinner that recognized and honored those who have been on the Confirm not Conform journey for the past three years. Ginny Berger put together a wonderful meal for about 65 people who attended, and Brian Lundberg outdid himself with decorating the undercroft. We were joined by Bishop Daniel Swenson, who is an assisting bishop to our diocesan bishop, James Jelinek.
As part of the program, each of the young persons who have been on this journey, shared a scripture passage they had chosen and talked about why they had chosen that particular one, what it means to them now, and how it might give them strength for the continued journey of their life. Needless to say, their responses were excellent. Afterwards, we were treated to a DVD put together by Brian Lundberg that included pictures from events of the past three years (Madeline Island Camping Trip, Urban Adventure, Pilgrimage, and a few other times of gathering).
Those teens who chose to be confirmed this morning are: Hannah Anderson, Libby Bolen, Willie Brakke, Rachel Cheslak, John Hunn, Lydia Jacobs, Sarah Johnson, Haley Little and Rachael Olson, I also want to affirm, honor and recognize John Brakke and Nate Stauber who chose not to be confirmed. All along the way, we told all of them that this was their choice — not the peer group, not their parents, not anyone but theirs. Even though a person chooses not to be confirmed, we still honor the spiritual journey they continue to be on. Each of us lives that out in our own way — and it takes strength to know when the time is right and when it is not. John and Nate are both spiritually strong individuals — as are those who chose to come forward to affirm their baptismal vows.
Confirmation does not happen without a lot of people involved. In a way, it’s a microcosm of the fact that a lot of people have been involved in these young people’s lives for a long time now. Deep thanks go to their parents: Tim and Mary Anderson, Michael and Debbie Bolen, Peg LaForge and Keith Brakke, Mike and Karen Cheslak, Joan and John Hunn, Kathy and Chip Jacobs, Dave and Liz Johnson, Dan and Cindi Little, Alissa and Aaron Larsen, Kinnan and Keith Stauber. We also express great appreciation to those who have been mentors (and continue to be mentors): Cameron Hubley (Hannah), Lori Thompson (Libby), Deb Johnson and Scott Wolff (Willie), Olivia Williams (Rachel), Sandy Carlson (John H.), Laura Jacobs (Lydia), Kris Rauschenfels, Brad Little (Haley), Alice Olson and Janice Pietala (Rachael), Jack Price (John B.) and John Hunn (Nate).
In addition to the confirmation, we are also blessed with Susan (Sue) Slattery who made a decision to be received into the Episcopal Church. Sometimes in our lives we find different spiritual homes to live out our faith, and in this instance, Sue has chosen us (and the larger Episcopal Church). Sue was baptized and confirmed in the Roman Catholic church and brings a wonderful spirituality of her own with her as she continues her journey with us. She was presented by two friends, BJ Wiesen and Lori Thompson.
I’d also like to mention Jaina Thompson. Jaina was confirmed in 2004 when she was 14. She knew many of the young people in that group — and is also closely connected to many who were just confirmed. She has been a faithful member of our youth group these past four years and a wonderful example of how one stays connected to the faith community after confirmation and grows into a deeper adult faith life. Jaina is a powerful witness of one who has invited Jesus into her boat. Jaina’s mentor is Peg LaForge.
You may be wondering about ‘inviting Jesus into your boat’. Bishop Dan shared a scripture passage that was one of his favorites — Luke 8 - the story of Jesus getting into the boat with the disciples and a storm came along. He remained with them through the storm. Dan talked about his journey — of inviting Jesus into his ‘life boat’ when he was 23 — getting baptized and confirmed then. He talked about people in the Episcopal Church who had introduced him to Jesus — saying that if he wanted to get to know God, then get to know Jesus and you’ll meet God. Then he talked about people who had shown him what Jesus is like - people who actively lived with Jesus in their boat. Jesus never leaves the boat once invited in - and weathers all the storms of life with us, as well as the calm days — or choppy days - whatever life brings.
So I am feeling very grateful this afternoon as I think of all the many people at St. Andrew’s by the Lake who live with Jesus in their boat — each of us as we go about our daily lives, and all of us as we gather together in community to nourish, strengthen and love each other on the Way.
Again, many thanks to Ginny Berger for planning the meals and reception, and to Mark Berger, Donna Elsbury, Ian Gifford (Donna’s nephew), Kris Rauschenfels, Liz Benson Johnson and Lori Thompson for helping Ginny with preparation and clean up. Thanks to Stacy and Bob Anderson for the lovely decorations they added this morning — which we’ll keep up for this later part of the summer — and to Brian
Lundberg who decorated for the Confirmitzvah and put together the DVD’s — and who has spent hours nurturing and loving our kids. Thank you to our musicians this morning: Elena Knezevich, Carrie Thomas, Drew Truckey, Laura Jacobs, Stacy Anderson, Bob Anderson, Peg LaForge, Maggie Brakke, Willie Brakke and John Brakke. And thank you to our Altar Guild who helped to create such a wonderful worship environment: Laura Jacobs, Bette Jacobs, Adelaide Cline and Bette Swanson. Last, but not least, our acolytes — who keep us moving in the right direction: Peter Wlosinski, Mitch Autio and Emily Autio.
And thank you God! You have richly blessed us with wonderful people to share our boats with — and to walk through this life together.
Peace to all of you. Cindy Peterson-Wlosinski
A few more tidbits:
BUILDING NEWS
We are hoping to close on our loan this Friday (July 25) and plan to see construction begin the week of July 28th. Yes!!!! Thank you to Michael Bolen who has walked us through the loan process and really kept this moving for us. Thank you to J Laundergan, who has kept this process on track for the past year.
JUNIOR HIGH CAMPING TRIP
Those planning to go on the camping trip — please get your money ($50) to Cindy P-W before Friday (July 25th). Make your check payable to: St. Andrew’s by the Lake. We will be leaving shortly after worship on Sunday, July 27th. It’s not too late to sign up if you want to go!
DJEMBE DRUMMING
Those interested in learning how to play a djembe drum — come join us Wednesday, August 20th at 7 p.m. at our Lakeside location. Drums will be provided. We have an instructor: Jeremy Craycraft. Jeremy is a very gifted drummer who teaches a variety of groups around town. A second time is planned for Wednesday, August 27th — at which time the group will decide the best times to meet from then on - and how often.
SUMMER PICNIC MOVED TO SEPTEMBER 7th
It still is summer on September 7th, you know. It’s a challenge to get the word out during the summer and responses back as to interest — so the picnic planned for August 3rd is being postponed until September 7th. There were not a lot of sign-ups for Aug. 3rd. On September 7th we’ll have our in-gathering for the 100 Gifts Projects during worship — then head up the hill to Bob and Mary Ellen Owens for a parish picnic. They live just above the church on Skyline Parkway (Hawk Ridge). This one is a go — rain or shine! It’s also the same day Sunday School begins again.
100 GIFTS
If you would like to participate in our 100th Year Anniversary Outreach Project, you are invited to join in the giving of 100 gifts. There is a ‘house’ located in the undercroft with many gifts tags on it. These gift tags represent things women (and their families) can use as they establish themselves in their new homes after spending a bit of time in the Women’s Transitional Housing shelter. Speak to Sue Deetz if you’d like more information. There are a variety of gifts to be given. We’d like to give 100 gifts away to celebrate the 100 year presence of the St. Andrews community in Duluth.
