GRAINS OF SAND MAY 2010
GRAINS OF SAND
MAY 2010
VICAR’S MESSAGE
While I was away for several weeks in April, a visioning meeting happened with Bishop Prior and regional Episcopal Churches. I was disappointed to miss this particular meeting – but not disappointed enough to cancel my trip. So instead, I read the book our Bishop recommended: The Present Future: Six Tough Questions for the Church by Reggie McNeal. First, it is an outstanding book. Secondly, I recommend it to your reading if you care about what the Church will be like in the remainder of our lifetimes, and in the future for your children and grandchildren. It won’t be the same. Here is the opening paragraph of the book:
“The current church culture in North America is on life support. It is living off the work, money, and energy of previous generations from a previous world order. The plug will be pulled either when the money runs out (80 percent of money given to congregations comes from people aged fifty-five and older) or when the remaining three-fourths of a generation who are institutional loyalists die off or both. Please don’t hear what I am not saying. The death of the church culture as we know it will not be the death of the church.”
The author goes on to suggest that we (as the church) have been asking the wrong questions. For example, the first contrast question he offers is:
Wrong Question: How Do We Do Church Better?
Tough Question: How Do We Deconvert from Churchianity to Christianity.
McNeal suggests that in North America the invitation to become a Christian has become largely an invitation to convert to the church. Church activity is a poor substitute for genuine spiritual vitality. The church culture has become confused with biblical Christianity. As a whole, the church in North American has become part “civil religion and part club – where religious people can hang out with other people whose politics, worldview, and lifestyle match theirs.” And then he goes on to write, ‘As he hung on the cross Jesus probably never thought the impact of his sacrifice would be reduced to an invitation for people to join and to support an institution.”
To jump ahead to McNeal’s main point: “The church needs a mission fix. We need to recapture the mission of the church. The North American church is suffering from severe mission amnesia. It has forgotten why it exists.”
So where does this place us at St. Andrew’s? We’re a church in North America. Do we need a ‘mission fix’? As I read this book, my heart was on a continual roller coaster ride – up with excitement, down with dread. One thing I have learned when faced with challenging ideas – don’t try to fix everything all at once. Turn to God in prayer and trust that the Spirit will lead us in a direction that is life-giving.
One short phrase that really stuck with me was: Who is this for? This simple question leads us from a ‘member’ mentality, to a ‘missionary’ mentality. Think about your life, your money, your time, your talent, and your commitments. Who is this for? Is the answer ‘club members’ (eg: I’m doing this for the church), or people who do not yet know Jesus? I began to get excited as I thought about some of the recent activities we’ve had at St. Andrew’s and who they were for:
5K Run/Walk – for the children in villages of Pakistan and Afghanistan (education)
Norway, My Norway – for the people who use CHUM services
Visual Art’s Committee – for the community at large to enjoy local art offerings
Blessing of the Animals – for the community at large to celebrate our animal friends
Bag Lunches – for the people who use CHUM services
Taco Soup (Friday Prayer Group) – for the Twin Ports Seafarers Ministry
Sleep Out for the Homeless – for the people who use CHUM services
Christmas Gift Tree – for families at Safe Haven Shelter
Pennies for Peace – school supplies for children in Pakistan/Afghanistan
Duluth Community Gardens – financial help for Hmong to rent community gardens
Bayshore Worship and Lunch – for residents of Bayshore Health Center
Monthly Cards of encouragement to those with limited mobility
Knit Hats – proceeds for people who use CHUM services
Dining Out for Life – Contributions to Aliveness Project (people with HIV or AIDS
Green Team – working to find ways to be a sustainable community
Food Shelf – providing food through CHUM
Some of these missional endeavors have been by small groups, others by many involved, and some by individuals. No matter – they are all ‘for others’. Some of these others already know Jesus in their lives – but are in need of a helping hand, which we can offer. Others perhaps have not ever been touched by the love of Jesus – through the lives of Jesus’ disciples. That’s who we are – disciples of Jesus. Our mission – get out and live that discipleship in our every day lives (outside of the church walls).
Warning! To offer service and say, ‘Oh, we just want to help’, doesn’t cut it in terms of helping people in Jesus’ name. A reply like that doesn’t distinguish our efforts from that of other civic relief organization. McNeal shares a story about a pastor in South Korea who instructs the people of that church what to say when they are asked about the intentional acts of kindness they perform. They are told to say: “I am a disciple of Jesus. I am serving him by serving you, because that’s what he came to do.” This response is excellent. It signals to people that God is for them, not against them – and it also gives content to what it means to be a follower of Jesus – who gave his life in service to others and invites his disciples do the same. (p 38, The Present Future)
Be careful. This is only a snippet from the book and some of my reflections. Again, I would invite you to read this book with me – and join in discussion and action. More will come, but that is all for now. Look what happens when I miss a meeting and take a trip!
Peace, Cindy P-W
BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS
Here are some of the latest books I’ve read that I’ve found particularly challenging to my thinking – and inspiring to action:
Manna and Mercy: A Brief History of God’s Unfolding Promise to Mend the Entire Universe by Daniel Erlander (93 pages)
Read this, THEN, read the Bible. It makes much more sense!
The Present Future: Six Tough Questions for the CHURCH by Reggie McNeal (148 pages)
See ‘Vicar’s Message’ for a tiny taste of the content.
Rediscovering Values On Wall Street, Main Street, and Your Street: A Moral Compass for the New
Economy by Jim Wallis His latest book. He has the President’s ear, I think.(245 pages)The Soul of Adolescence: In Their Own Words by Patricia Lyons (167 pages)
I’m in the middle of it. Great for parents, youth ministers and anyone who works with youth.
EVENTS IN THE MISSION FIELD
Places where our presence as disciples of Jesus can make a difference in the world.
SILENT MARCH to take a stand against RACISM – Monday, May 3rd
March begins at the Washington Center (Rally at 9:30, March at 10:00). March ends at UMD Kirby Plaza. Wear a black t-shirt to signify a communal rally against racism. For those who cannot march the entire length (3.5 miles), join up at Burrito Union (1332 East 4th Street). Bottled water will be given at both sites. Dress for the weather.
“Why silence? Being silent is a non-violent approach and is a metaphor for our voices that have been swept beneath the rugs of the institutions that we individually represent. Many times over, as high school and college /university students; affiliates, employees and constituents, voices are silenced when addressing issues of race. A question which is proposed, “Can we talk about Race?” The long walk while being silent is significant to how we have been silent and to reflect upon the impact our silence has had upon our community.” (excerpt from promotional materials by David Comer)
GABRIEL FUND – Calling all Runners!
The Gabriel Fund is holding their 10th annual marathon fundraiser, “Running to help keep people on their feet”. The Gabriel Fund is a small discretionary fund available to help low income people in our community make ends meet. It helps with things like; medication co-pays, transportation to and from work, utility bills, etc. This is the fundraising event of the year to ensure that assistance is available to those who need it most in our community. If you are running Grandma’s Marathon (or the Half), sign up to help promote this fundraiser. Runners are asked to collect monetary donations from members of their congregation, as well as spread the excitement about this event. Use your energy and passion to help others in your community.
Not running? Volunteers are needed at the CHUM water stop at mile marker 24 in front of Fitgers. Two time slots: 6:15 am – 10:00 am or 10 am to 1:30 pm. Look for sign up sheets in the Mission Hall.
THREE ALTOS CD RELEASE – May 8, 7:30 pm at Marshall School Auditorium
This will be the last performance of the Three Altos before Rabbi Amy leaves for a new ministry in California. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 the day of the performance. Tickets can be purchased at: Northern Lights Bookstore, Sarah’s Table, Temple Israel or www.brownpapertickets.com
There are so many needs in the world. We can’t do everything, but what ignites your passion? Focus. Go in the name of Jesus – and do it!
EVENTS IN THE CHURCH
In the church, there is a mission field as well – US. It is important to continually evangelize ourselves to be ministers in the world. These are ways we can grow deeper in our faith life and relationships with God and each other.
The Visual Arts Committee is sponsoring a SUNDAY FORUM led by Rosemary Guttormsson. Rosemary is the artist of the Psalm Collection that is now gracing the walls of our Mission Hall. She will show the original collages of her work, along with a children’s book she has recently illustrated on the subject of cats. All the prints on the walls are for sale. You are asked to vote on your favorite illustrated psalm, and at the church picnic on May 23, the winning psalm will be announced and purchased for the church collection. The forum begins at 9 am on Sunday, May 23, in the Library.
Contact person is Arlene Renken.
CHURCH PICNIC, May 23rd, (Pentecost Sunday)
Sign up in the Mission Hall to bring potluck items. The church will provide hamburgers. Also, please bring in your old Easter baskets before then for the Youth Basket Auction – to be held the same day. Contact Ginny Berger for more information.
RUMMAGE SALE – June 11th/12th
You may now bring your rummage items to the church and put them in the MEMORIAL ROOM (end of the hallway in the education wing). Items needed are:
toys, sporting goods, tools, kitchen items, clothes (especially children’s), books, and other items that are useful or interesting. Please do not bring electronics or old, worn furniture. Contact person is Kathy Jacobs.
FRIDAY PRAYER GROUP
In May, the group will offer Worship and Lunch to residents of Bayshore Health Center. Date: May27th. The morning will consist of a hymn sing and Eucharist, followed by lunch. Contact the Rev. Alice Olsen if you’d like to help.
In June, the prayer group will visit the Twin Ports Seafarers Ministry. Recently, they donated $130 from their Taco Soup sales. The Seafarers Ministry is a great cause with an international scope, right in our back yard (Mary Lemke’s description). As a result of this visit, it is hoped a ministry will develop. There are many things that can be offered: cleaning up the garden/entry, planting flowers, knitting watch caps and mittens for the seamen, collecting clothing items that are specifically needed, etc. If you’d like to join this visit, mark your calendar for June 11th. It is the intent to make this visit on the normal Friday Prayer Group meeting day (second Friday of the month) – but this will be verified.
INSTRUCTED EUCHARISTS – May 9th and May 16th
On occasion, it is helpful to reflect on why we worship the way we do, and what is the intent, meaning and symbolism behind our order of worship. On May 9th we’ll offer commentary on the The Word of God. On May 16th, we’ll offer commentary on the The Holy Communion. Each Sunday, the commentary will serve as the homily (sermon).
PENTECOST SUNDAY – May 23rd
Lot’s happening this day! Adult Forum on the Psalms Art Exhibit (see previous article), Holy Eucharist with Baptism (Ava Yeaton, daughter of Anna Yeaton), and
the Parish Picnic (along with voting on which piece of Psalm artwork to purchase).
The Youth will be having a Basket Sale, to help with proceeds toward their pilgrimage.
Pentecost – wear RED (flames of the Holy Spirit)!
HEALING PRAYER – May 9th
Prayers for healing will be offered the second Sunday of each month. This means that after worship, someone is available to pray with you if you have a concern, need, intention or thanksgiving for yourself or someone else. This is a simple, yet profound way of offering what is on your heart and mind to God – with someone else who travels the Way with you.
If you would like healing prayers, remain in the church after worship. You will be met by the person offering prayers (either Joanne Blyler, JoAnne Axtell, Steve Wlosinski or Sally Maxwell) - and be escorted into the sacristy behind the altar (for privacy). If you are waiting, then please be seated in the one of the front rows of the sanctuary. Please be mindful that this is a time for prayer, but not counseling – as others might be waiting. If you have need of counseling, then please make an appointment with any of the clergy: Cindy P-W, Sally Maxwell, or Steve Wlosinski.
SENIOR GRAD SUNDAY – June 6th
This is the Sunday we celebrate the high school graduations of this years seniors. If time and events permit, the seniors will be helping to plan the liturgy and offering the homily. Those who are graduating this year are: Hannah Anderson (Cloquet), Rachel Cheslak (East), Willie Brakke (Marshall), Lydia Jacobs (Marshall), Libby Bolen (Marshall), Haley Little (Marshall). After worship, we will have a reception to continue our celebration.
YOUTH EVENTS
Brian Lundberg will send out notification by email and mail of upcoming events.
Today - 4 pm - 8:30 pm Senior High Youth Group (May 1st)
Dinner, Spirituality and Sports, Dinner, Roller Derby
NOTE: Due to several funerals I (Cindy) have this week, the CnC scheduled for Wednesday,
May 5th, has been postponed to a later date - to be determined.
Families and Teens will be notified by Brian.
