Support Our Youth in Three Counties
Sponsored by The Tri-County Youth Commission
See You at the Pole Youth Rally September 19
‘See You at the Pole’ at
Twenty years ago, a nation-wide effort to bring pupils and students to the schoolhouse flagpole before classes began one day a year was launched by church groups. Christian students were amazed that they were not alone in professing their faith, and the movement has expanded world-wide, involving millions of students and their teachers and administrators. This year we hope to involve college students who pioneered the “See You at the Pole” movement, through Protestant Campus Ministry, founded by
Volunteers are needed at the “See You at the Pole” Rally on Sunday, Sept. 19, from
Episcopal Diocese Sponsors Day Retreat
For College Students in Huntingdon Oct 2
Do you have a son, daughter, nephew, niece, grandchild or friend who is a college student in
Pre-registration fees of $5 per person due to Rev. Patrick Collins by September 27 at:
Schedule: 11 a.m. Meet & Greet, 11:30 -12:30: Ice Breakers, 12:30 Lunch & Fellowship, 1-3 p.m. Sharing and Guided Discussion (Rev. Detlef Huckfeldt to lead this, alternating 20 minutes of Small Groups [mentored by Campus Ministers and HEC personnel] and Large Groups on Growing your Faith on Campus. Issues we would talk about may very well be the same: food and fellowship, service, justice issues, care for creation, peace, advocacy, worship, bible study, prayer, or whatever the students may come up with to bring Christ to students on your campus), 3-3:30 p.m. Break (set up for Liturgy), 3:30 Evening (Taize’) Prayer, 4 p.m. Dismissal.
Possible Attendees: Dubois Business College, PSU, LHUP, Millersville, Penn College, Juniata College, Mansfield, Shippensburg U., Bucknell, Bloomsburg, Dickinson
Sponsored by The Higher Education Commission of The Episcopal Diocese of
HELP TO I
EPISCOPALIAN STUDENTS
Father Will likes to send copies of our Newsletter to college students related to members of St. Paul's. Canon Daniel Selvage, Episcopal Chaplain at
campus ministry groups with the names of incoming
or returning students ... even when students have self-identified
as members of a particular faith group. Accordingly,
he is asking that you contact him with the
name(s) of any students from your parish that will be
attending the main campus of PennState this fall.
Additional information including the student's
email address, phone number, home and/or campus
address, etc., would be greatly appreciated.
Cn. Selvage may be reached by email at:
dls87@psu.edu or by phone at: (814) 867-3397.
“SPEAK THE TRUTH”
ECW 15TH ANNUAL
FALL WEEKEND RETREAT
Led by The Rev. Jane Miron
Gather for a time of God’s truth as we seek, search and
explore the truths in our own lives.
Deadline to Register is
Conference Registration Form available at www.diocesecpa.org
Send form and check payable to
Diocese of
For more information contact Beth Runkle at
brunkle@state.pa.us
Lodging: Marquis de Lafayette Hotel
Deadline to receive group rate is
Call 800-257-0432, ext. 101 (ask for ECW rate)
Parish Health Commission Presents
Prayer and Healing Conference
With Special Speaker
The Rev. Nigel Mumford, Director of Christ the King
For Pastoral Care-givers, Nurses, Doctors, Clergy
St. Stephen’s Cathedral
Workshops include:
Parish Health, Parish Nursing, Pastoral Caregiving, Lay
Eucharisitic Visitors and Healing, Developing Healing in
the Congregation, Wellness
Fee: $20.00 per person (includes lunch)
Send check payable to The Diocese of Central PA
With “Prayer & Healing Conference” in memo line to:
Diocese of
Suggested reading to prepare for conference:
The Forgotten Touch
Heartfelt Prayers for Healing 31 Day Devotional
The Practice of Soaking Prayer
(all by Father Mumford)
If you have questions, please contact
The Rev. Robyn Szoke 717-243-4220
PCM News Update
A Few of Our Favorite Prayers for Back to School
The Lord's Prayer
Our Father who art in heaven;
Hallowed be Thy Name;
Thy kingdom come;
Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven;
Give us this day our daily bread;
And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us;
And lead us not into temptation;
But deliver us from evil;
For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever.
Amen.
Prayer of St. Francis
Lord, make us instruments of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let us sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is discord, union;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.
Grant that we may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.
St. Francis of
Serenity Prayer
God grant me the serenity
To accept the things I cannot change;
Courage to change the things I can;
And wisdom to know the difference.
Prayer of St. Patrick
For The Faithful
May the Strength of God guide us.
May the Power of God preserve us.
May the Wisdom of God instruct us.
May the Hand of God protect us.
May the Way of God direct us.
May the Shield of God defend us.
May the Angels of God guard us,
Against the snares of the evil one.
May Christ be with us!
May Christ be before us!
May Christ be in us,
Christ be over all!
May Thy Grace, Lord,
Always be ours,
This day, O Lord, and forevermore.
Amen.
Prayer of Jabez
“Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” --1 Chronicles 4:9-10
Prayer for Martin Luther King
Gracious God, you create us and love us; you make us to live together in a school community. We thank you for Martin Luther King, Jr. and all your teachers who have been filled with your vision for our lives and who have worked to make bring your vision into reality. Fill us with your vision. Guide us to live by your vision, working to build the school community where everyone is welcome, all are valued, power is shared, privilege is no more, and all your children know wholeness and well-being. Through Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.
Psalm 23 the 23rd Psalm
1. The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.
2. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside the still
waters.
3. He restoreth my soul; He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His
name's sake.
4. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no
evil; for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me.
5. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; Thou
anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will
dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Psalm 51: Have mercy on me O God
1 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy loving kindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. . . .
7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
8 Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.
9 Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.
10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.
12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.
13 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.
14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness.
15 O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.
16 For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering.
17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
School Prayer
God, our Father,
Creator of all good things
in the world and within our school community:
We thank you for the gift of this day,
for our families and friends
and for this safe place to learn and grow.
We ask You to bless all who teach and learn.
Through Your Holy Spirit,
guide us as we grow in faith and love
and give us the courage
to be more like Your Son.
We ask this, in Jesus' name. Amen.
We thank Thee, heav'nly Father,
For ev'ry earthly good,
For life, and health, and clothing,
And for our daily food.
O give us hearts to thank Thee,
For ev'ry blessing sent,
And whatsoe'er Thou sendest
Make us therewith content. Amen.
An Outreach Inventory at St. Paul’s, July 2010
Since Eileen Dooley moved to the Lancaster area, sadly we have been without an Outreach Committee chairperson. Fr. Will asked Scott Horner, as Junior Warden, to find someone to take on that role, and as we discussed it, it became clear it would be helpful for us to discuss outreach as a parish and to compile a list of our current outreach efforts.
Sunday, July 4, during our service of Morning Prayer, we took a moment to define “outreach.” First, it was noted how truly grateful we were for Eileen’s vision and hard work. Some definitions that were shared include:
· showing care to others;
· creating things such as prayer shawls and Anglican rosary beads for shut-ins, people who are ill or recovering, and those in need to use prayerfully;
· helping others;
· not necessarily evangelizing others but reaching out to them; and
· identifying ourselves as a welcoming faith community in Lock Haven.
Then, we compiled a surprisingly long list of wonderful ways that we reach outward as a faith community. These include (in no particular order):
· our donations to the United Thank Offering;
· the fall soup sales;
· newsletters for shut-ins;
· making the Cave available for Al-Anon meetings;
· the Strawberry Festival;
· all of the print materials available in the vestibule for anyone to take;
· the good works and donations made by the Women’s Guild;
· the Prison Ministry;
· line-item budget support of Fr. Will’s discretionary fund, often used for outreach;
· concerts;
· our long-term relationship with the Clinton County Women’s Center;
· Lay Eucharistic visiting;
· support of the Protestant Campus Ministry at Lock Haven, including the pizza parties at semester’s end;
· the food baskets at the back of the church;
· the Spring Festival;
· donations made through our offering to the Bishop’s Discretionary Fund when he visits;
· Prayer Shawls;
· Christmas gift bags for the residents of Fulmer’s;
· Sharing Spirit Time Together; and
· support for Episcopal Relief and Development during times of international disasters and other needs.
As this list was compiled, it became clear that the people of St. Paul’s are doing many, varied things to reach out beyond our church walls. We really put tremendous effort into good works that manifest our sense of God’s abundant love for his people, most especially those who are in need or hurting. We talked about the idea of taking on a new project, such as a Christmas concert and gift offering of toys and other items for those whose holidays might otherwise be bleak Lastly we briefly discussed how we can support and expand upon the outreach we are doing now.
After reading this, any and all comments are welcome. Please let me know if there is something we have omitted, as well as other ideas you would like to share.
The Hidden Power of the Gospels: Four Questions, Four Paths, One Journey, by Fr. Alexander J. Shaia, discussion will take place after church Sunday, using a study guide written for the book.
Copies of the Study Guide are available in The Lord Room. Order your copy now from D. Dashem's Book Shop across the street from St. Paul's.
St. Paul's Vestry in December canceled the Taize' Service tentatively scheduled for Wednesday evening, January 13.
One consideration for the decision is the cost of heating the Lord Room. Plans to convert from heating oil to natural gas fizzled, and now it looks like we may have to replace our 30-year-old furnace. Following diocesan guidelines, St. Paul's will accept at least three competitive bids and select the lowest best bid.
In other action, the Vestry decided to cut the cost of supply priests by having lay-led Morning Prayer once a month. The Diocese wants half-time Rectors to take off one Sunday a month to remind congregations that they do not have full-time Rectors.
The Rt. Rev. Nathan D. Baxter and his wife, Mary Ellen, were greeted enthusiastically by a congregation appreciative of the fact that they had to get up at 5 a.m. and drive here from Harrisburg.
Bishop Baxter arrived in time to meet with the Vestry at 9 a.m. in The Lord Room, asking about our greatest challenge and greatest accomplishment. Finances led the way for the former; Outreach to the poor and needy for the latter. Even though we have few children, the Bishop urged St. Paul’s to develop some kind of Sunday School, if for no other reason than to satisfy "shoppers" or seekers with children who may consider St. Paul’s for a spiritual home. He also liked the idea of a Childrens Choir but suggested a single performance commitment, such as a Christmas or Easter chorus. Father Will is to carry the idea to the Ministerium.
While the Bishop found St. Paul’s to be a generous and good congregation, he asked Vestry to consider a Growth Plan to offset some of the losses of elderly communicants and people moving away. Father Will is to come up with names and phone numbers of consultants, starting with Archdeacon Andy France and the new head of Congregational Development, David Pock of Williamsport, who can present St. Paul’s with a marketing plan. "Consider an unconventional approach to growth," he said.
Finally, the Bishop deplored our shotgun approach to drawing new people in and suggested instead a .22 rifle approach, such as finding out what they want to discuss, what would be meaningful to them? We tried "A Prayer for Owen Meany" and The Mitford series, for example, but maybe you want "The Shack."
Vestry members were urged to attend the leadership workshops on the Saturday before Palm Sunday and the September Parish Administration workshops. At least the Senior and Junior Wardens should receive the bi-weekly "Diocesan Digest."
It was evident that the Bishop has read our newsletter and cares deeply about St. Paul’s. Mary Ellen began her college career in our fair city, and so did diocese staffer Bill Graffius. The Bishop spent an hour with our candidates for Holy Baptism, Confirmation and Reception into the Church. The Guild sponsored a gala reception for the neophytes and the Bishop and Mary Ellen in the Upper Room. He left with compliments for the liturgical practices of St. Paul’s and our sacred but efficient distribution of Holy Eucharist.
We come to an exciting end of our Bible in One Year effort at St. Paul’s. We take these three Letters and The Book of Revelation because they complement one another. For example, did you know that the "Antichrist" is not really even mentioned in Revelation? It is in John’s Letters as the aged Evangelist warns us about those who may be "denying the Father, denying the Son" (1 John 2:22). And who exactly is the Antichrist? Scholars point to the false prophet of Matthew 24:24 who performs "great signs and wonders" in the end times; or Paul’s "man of lawlessness" in 2 Thessalonians 2: -4 who claims to be God and brings final destruction to the world; or one of two beasts in Rev. 13:7-8 who was to rule over God’s people at the end of time before being defeated at Armageddon.
1 John: written from Ephesus on Asia Minor or Turkey’s west coast to the seven churches mentioned in Rev. John warns against the heretical Gnostics who claim they have secret knowledge, denying Christ’s human nature and claiming that all physical is evil, all spiritual is good. Main point is found in 1 John 2:26-27.
2 John: Like a 13-verse condensation of all 5 chapters of John’s first letter, echoing the half-verse Fr. Will asked you to memorize: "God is Love, and those who abide in Love abide in God, and God abides in them" (1 John 4:16b).
3 John: written to Gaius about the false pastor Deotrephes who does not practice the O.T. super-virtue of chesed or hospitality to strangers (3 John 5).
John writes from the Roman penal colony of Patmos, a tiny island 40 miles off the west coast of Turkey "for preaching the word of God" (1:9). Apocalyptic literature began with Ezekiel and Daniel, both exiles in Iraq, to offer hope to us in hard times.
Seven Letters to the Churches of Asia Minor ordered by Christ, "the Son of Man."
1.Ephesus: "You don’t love me or each other like you did at first" (2:4).
2.Smyrna: Sinners who fire you and boycott you will be thrown into "the lake of fire" (20:14) on Judgment Day.
3.Pergamum: The Nicolaitan heretics urge Christians to eat the meat of animals sacrificed to idols, and to join in pagan sex rituals. Wrong.
4.Thyatira: a Jezebel in that church preaches the Nicolaitan heresy.
5.Sardis: "You are dead. Wake up!" (3:12).
6.Philadelphia: In 90 A.D. the Jewish Council agreed to excommunicate from the synagogue all those who claimed Jesus as the promised Messiah, but those shall be welcome in Heaven.
7.Laodicia: "Because you are neither hot nor cold, I have spat you out of my mouth" (3:16)
Seven Seals of Doom: "what must happen" (4:1). God holds the scroll as Jesus, Lion and Lamb, breaks each seal.
1-4: unleash the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, bringing famine and disease.
5. Martyrs in Heaven ask for vengeance.
6. Earth quakes, the Sun grows dark for Judgment Day.
7. Hail and fire destroy a third of plant life as angels of death kill a third of the world’s people.
Satan the Dragon teams up with the Beast from the Sea, the Whore of Babylon (the Roman Empire) in the city of seven hills (Rome), and the Beast of the Earth, the Antichrist (?) whose number is 666, Nero, who persecuted Christians in John’s time. As orthodox Jews wear Scripture on their foreheads and hands, the Antichrist (Nero) orders others to wear the Mark of the Beast.
Armageddon is the most famous of John’s visions, fought in the Jezreel Valley which Napoleon described as the most perfect battleground.
Day of Doom: Oddly enough, only sinners are judged, not saints, and sinners are tossed into the lake of fire, "tormented day and night forever and ever." Those saints in The Book of Life are happy forever in "the New Jerusalem" (21:2).
Having seen a vision of Heaven, John has only one request: Maranatha! "Come, Lord Jesus!" (22:20). Notice how there is no "Rapture" or "Left Behind" nonsense in The Apocalypse. They are myths invented in the 19th century by a preacher who read stuff into John’s Book of Revelation and popularized them.
The Vestry met on November 15, 2009. The treasurer’s report noted that we are $3100.00 behind for the previous month. However, monies from our investments have been used monthly to allow for our bills to be paid beyond what we are taking in on a monthly basis. We need more people so that we are not in deficit spending. Eileen Dooley reported to the vestry that outreach money will be given to the Women’s prison inmates for a McDonald’s gift certificate booklet for them to give to their families. Also, money will be given to Heifer International for an animal to help a village in need. Tom Smithgall resigned as Senior Warden. He will stay on as a vestry member. The vestry has asked our financial committee to give us a slide show or a power point showing our money situation as it has occurred over the last 10 years. This could be presented to the congregation at the annual meeting in late January. The Junior Warden gave his report concerning the Gas meter change. Mr. Bill Kitchen will be putting in a transformer. He will also inspect the boiler.
After voting unanimously in June in favor of The Cave Proposal to provide safe harbor for the teenagers who congregate outside St. Paul's, the Vestry, by a two-thirds vote among those present, voted to kill the project on September 20.
A straw poll open to the entire congregation on Sept. 13 showed two-thirds in favor of the project: 6 in favor, 4 opposed, 2 uncommited.
In other action, Vestry decided to clean up and professionally restore The Cave room in the basement for Al-Anon meetings which will take place at 7:30 on Tuesday evenings.
Vestry also voted to scrape and professionally repaint the ironwork in the front of the Church. Furnace conversion to natural gas will wait until all the oil is used up. Wood steps on the side will be replaced.
A Fall UTO Ingathering was proposed.
St. Paul's gathered at Pine Haven, across from the hospital, at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, August 26 for a Pancake Supper and fellowship with area residents.
Brad Black will be brought hot, steaming pancakes to the Common Room, Chip Foulsham hauled in some tasty sausage, Father Will fried up two pounds of crispy sodium-free bacon, and Eileen Dooley handled the applesauce dessert. She gladly assigned other needs, such as syrup, butter, paper products, tableware and utinsels.
Don Bittner saw to the transport of the residents of Whitetail Terrace for a joyous evening of food and fun!
Would you like your child to learn to sing in a choir?
St. Paul's Episcopal Church on downtown East Main Street now offers this opportunity. The commitment is for a one-hour rehearsal per week and one Sunday per month when the choir will sing during the 11 a.m. service.
Choir director Mary Lou Kyle-Bittner said she will use a new, comprehensive teaching curriculum, "Viva Voce," for childrens' choirs, kindergarten through second grade and third through sixth grade, developed by Carol McClure. The author is an alumna of the University of Louisville with a Master of Church Music from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.
The director is a retired elementary teacher with a minor in music.
To sign up for the choir, call her at 748-6868.
ECW was once to be active at St. Paul’s, but there is no one to lead it today. Is anyone interested in leading and rebuilding this fine organization? Following are excerpts from ECW’s latest flyer:
We are Episcopal Church Women of all ages, ethnic origins and socioeconomic backgrounds who hold a variety of views. However, the common denominator of our members is love of God and the wish to do His work.
Mission - Centered in congregations, the Episcopal Church Women (ECW) empowers women to do Christ's ministry in the world.
Vision - Our vision for all women of the Episcopal Church is that we become a vibrant blend of all ages, coming together as a peacemaking, healing part of the Church. We aspire to be a God-spark: shining and sharing the love of Christ.
For ECW news, read the Communiqué, available programs, resources, and leadership contact information is available on our website: www.nationalecw.org
Did you know that there’s a wealth of Anglican theology in John Irving’s book, “A Prayer for Owen Meany”? Father Will has a one-page worksheet that teases out the inherent theology of the novel. Buy or borrow the book and see for yourself. Then, when all readers are on board, we will discuss the novel and its theology.
Whatcha gonna do with that used cell phone? Consider donating it to Helt Funeral Chapel in Mill Hall.
Father Will was one of the first to drop off his old Nokia picture cell phone at 232 Hogan Blvd.
Parishioner Ben Blascovich at Helt will send it to “Cell Phones for Soldiers,” a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that will sell it to ReCellular which will reclaim the phones for gold, silver and platinum from circuit boards or recondition and resell them to wholesale companies.
CPforS has raised nearly a million dollars already and has distributed more than half a million prepaid phone cards to some of the 150,000 troops serving overseas. You can call Ben at (570) 748-2722 or visit www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com
On behalf of St. Paul's parish, Father Will has cut back on his volunteer hours at the county lockup, but by popular demand, the Sacrament of Eucharist is now established on the first Sunday of each month. Two other ordained ministers, a Methodist and a Wesleyan, alternate Sunday services for the remainder of each month.
Holy Communion is now offered to all baptized Christians once a month at the Clinton County Correctional Facility.
__________________________________
Flowers at St. Paul’s
Your Name___________________________
Date Desired__________________________
(check one):
In memory of___
In honor of__
Name(s)___________________________
Type of flowers: ____Real______ Silk
Make out check for $30 to St. Paul’s
(please note that the amount has changed!) notated “flowers”, and mail to: Phyllis Durost, 219 Kennedy, Mill Hall, PA 17751
Senior Warden: Don Bittner (2012)
341 Susquehanna Ave., Lock Haven PA 17745.
(h) 570-748-6868
Email: dbitt32214@aol.com
Junior Warden: Scott Horner (2013)
1252 Snydertown Road, Howard PA 16841
(h) 814-383-4496
Email: Schorner133@gmail.com
Dawn Snyder (2013)
338 Fairview Street, Lock Haven PA 17745
(h) 570-660-5080
Email: dawnatc@yahoo.com
Tom Smithgall (2011)
772 Plunket Run Road, Mill Hall PA 17751
(h) 570-726-4104
Email: tweetymb1940@yahoo.com
Jason Bittner (2011)
39 Linnet Lane, Lock Haven PA 17745
(h) 570-660-4866
Email: Jason@affinityconnection.com or judysmith58@yahoo.com
Father Will Lawbaugh
112 East Main Street, P.O. Box 206, Lock Haven PA 17745
(c) 410-456-5317
(o) 570-748-2440
Email: wlawbaugh@yahoo.com
Vestry Member & Clerk of the Vestry: Claudia Horner (2012)
1252 Snydertown Road, Howard PA 16841
(h) 814-383-4496
Email: claudiahorner@yahoo.com
Treasurer: Charles Conway
37 E. Bald Eagle St., Lock Haven PA 17745
(h) 570-748-4859
Email: cconway946@aol.com
Finance Committee Chair: Chip Foulsham
P.O. Box 117, Lock Haven PA 17745
(h) 570-748-7465
Email: foulsham@cub.kcnet.org
Protestant Campus Ministry at LHUP
Pizza for the Final Exams is now a line item and the tip for the Domino’s drivers will be placed on the bill automatically. A suggestion to make the investments more applicable to the house property was tabled for later action. $12,000.00 from the Episcopal Diocese was withheld because they need proof of the house’s long-term sustainability. The Diocese’s contribution will be reduced from $20,000.00 to 12,000.00. The UM Conference contribution will probably be cut by 50%. Father Will received the report.
Rev. Steve Shipman moved and new
Campus Minister’s Report – Rev. Jeff Seeley found the PCM Retreat at Krislund helpful and he hoped we could have another in the future. In Allison’s retreat report she included a “threat” or warning that we should be aware of Board complacency. Eleven students came to the PCM table during orientations. Jeff is communicating with them through e-mail and Facebook. He was proud to be able to point out the new PCM House to the students. The house is being transformed by the groups who have adopted rooms. They are St. Luke’s – living room, Great Island – dining room, Dunnstown
Old Business – Three issues emphasized were 1. House budget
2. Rules for usage of the house 3. Major house maintenance. (Students will do cleaning,) These issues should be addressed by the Property Committee. Those members are the new Chair, Lois, Jo, Cathy and Janis. Board needs to be clear about expectations. Rules prominently posted and all people coming to the house must understand rules. The committee should make recommendations and present to the Board without going to Jeff.
The application for non-profit status has been completed.
Blessing of Animals
Liturgy at
Call to Worship: Father Richard Cohoon
Animals and people gather at front steps. In case of rain, the back of the Nave near the Narthex
Opening Hymn 1982 Hymnal # 405
All things bright and beautiful
Father Will Lawbaugh: Let us pray.
Most high, omnipotent, good Lord, grant your people grace to renounce gladly the vanities of this world; that, following the way of blessed Francis, we may for love of you delight in Christ our Lord, who livesand reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen. (Lesser Feasts and Fasts)
First Reading Genesis 1:20-25
And God said, “Let the waters bring forth swarms of living creatures and let birds fly above the earth across the dome of the sky.” So God created the great sea monsters and every living creature that moves, of every kind, with which the waters swarm, and every winged bird of every kind. And God saw that it was good. God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.” And there was evening and morning, the fifth day. and God said, “Let the earth bring forth living creatures of every kind; cattle and
creeping things and wild animals of the earth of every kind.” and it was so. God made the wild animals of the
earth of every kind, and the cattle of every kind, and everything that creeps upon the ground of every kind. and God saw that it was good.
The Canticle
A Song of Creation Part II
Let the earth glorify the Lord,*
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
Glorify the Lord, O mountains and hills,
and all that grows upon the earth,*
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
Glorify the Lord, O springs of water, seas and streams, *
O whales and all that move in the waters.
All birds of the air, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
Glorify the Lord, O beasts of the wild, * and all you flocks and herds.
O men and women everywhere, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
The Homily
Hymn 1982 Hymnal # 400
All Creatures of our God and King
During the singing of the hymn, pets and people line for procession for the blessing
The Dismissal & Blessing
Father Will Lawbaugh:
Go as instruments of God’s peace. Where there is hatred, sow love; where there is injury, pardon;
where there is discord; union;
where there is doubt,faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.
Let us go forth into the world, rejoicing in the powerof the Spirit. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
Thanks be to God. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
Prayer for a Pet
Blessed are you Lord God of the universe. In your infinite
wisdom you created the universe and blessed us with all living creatures. I especially thank you for entrusting me with my pet, my friend who brings me so much happiness and whose presence very often helps me get through trying times.
Please bless my pet and make me a responsible steward of
your creature. May we continue to give each other joy and
remind us of your power.
As my pet trusts me to take care of it, help me remember to trust you to take care of us, for in so doing we share in your love for all your creatures. And especially, we remember all endangeredspecies and ask your help in taking care of them so that we may continue to appreciate all of your creation. Grant this through
Christ our Lord. Amen.
St. Francis
Why do we bless pets on this day at
St. Francis of
lived very simply. When Francis spoke, everyone listened, including the animals. He told the animals that Jesus loved them too.
There is a story of a wolf who lived in the town of
“Brother Wolf” and found out that the wolf was hungry. Francis explained that that was not reason enough to eat people and their pets or to terrorize them. The wolf became very gentle, the people
fed him and he gave the children in the town rides
on his back.
Francis brought us the Christmas creche. In the town of
the new Messiah just as the shepherds and angels
did.” And so in honor of this blessed saint of the church we gather today with our animals - our pets, and give thanks for
what they do for us and for what they mean to us.
After Easter join us for a new study group topic. We will be reading and discussing a newly published book, The Hidden Power of the Gospels: Four Questions, Four Paths, One Journey, by Alexander J. Shaia, PhD (available new for $17.81 on Amazon, with used prices beginning at $11.29). Avoid shipping and handling charges by ordering the book thru B. Dashem Book Shop across from St. Paul's. Our discussion will take place after church beginning Sunday, April 11, using a study guide written for the book. Everyone is welcome.
The book is based on a four-fold journey of spirit and transformation. We are invited to study each of the gospels with a great question of spiritual life. In other words, this is an opportunity to live into the gospels for ourselves, contemplating questions that affect all of us:
St. Paul's Vestry met October 18 and moved forward with a number of new initiatives.
To prevent the spread of germs, this flu season we shall dispense with handshakes during the Exchange of Peace. Simply turn to a neighbor and offer a verbal peace.
Father Will is to hand the Host to each communicant instead of taking the Host from the paten. Those who wish to intinct (the least sanitary) will use only the intinction cup.
A reminder: you need not take both the Host and the Cup, just one, to receive the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ validly.
The Children's Choir idea was endorsed enthusiastically and the Choir Director is encouraged to apply for an Operation Understanding grant by Oct. 31.
Vestry voter to donate $80 to the seminary expenses of Deacon Janis Iskamp of St. James of Mansfield, $10 per month.
Vestry voted to donate $50 to Dr. Gary Nelson to help cover his travel expenses for his two-day talk on Depression and Suicide at LHUP, cosponsored by PCM.
Vestry voted to suspend the limit for Fr. Will's professional, reimbursible expenses for one month and will take up the matter again next month. Last year's Vestry advised him to ask for more if needed.
Vestry delayed for one month their consideration of participation in the Gallon Challenge of the Ministerium. St. Paul's donated $500 last year to the charitable fuel assistance program and drew at least twice that from the fund to help parishioners from St. Paul's.
Vestry delayed for one month a decision to use less than half the $1,000 gift from Chris Trieres to buy new vestments.
Vestry did not take up a long term care insurance benefit for the Rector.
Vestry decided not to return the $3,000 grant money from The Cave Project right away. Fr. Will asked it be returned to the Diocese on Sept. 21.
The Treasurer agreed to inform the previous Rector of IRS audit action against St. Paul's for SS taxes.
The Tresurer asked Vestry to study the budget and come up with $20,000 in cuts for the next meeting.
Vestry was informed that Nov. 15 is the Stewardship Sunday. Fr. Will is to give the Biblical reasons for tithing 10% of gross.
The Senior Warden agreed to send out a Stewardship Letter to the congregation well in advance of Nov. 15 and budget meeting of the finance committee.
The computers donated by Krislund Camp for The Cave have been given away to the Methodist Churches of Mackeyville and Salona, and The Newman Center Catholic Community of LHUP.
The Ricoh Copier, which has been sitting in the Lord Room for over a year, is being given away by the Vestry. All it needs is a cleaning of the drum.
Good weather and a later Parade resulted in perhaps the best year yet for our major fundraiser, the annual Strawberry Festival.
A total of $2,942.50 was deposited into St. Paul’s account this year. While we do not have a complete breakdown, the Cake Wheel broke $200 for the first time, and sales were brisk at the food tent. Kids went wild at the Fish Pond, and Smoothies were better than ever. The Guild took in more than $400 at Treasures from the Attic, pushing the grand total well above $3,000.
A local Boy Scout Troop was given $100 for all their help with set up and break down.
Every known email address for St. Paul’s was notified of a new website presence for the parish, but only one parishioner responded. It was positive!
Fifty other friends and churches responded to the request to go to the website, www.saintpaulslh.org and the response was 100% favorable. The Executive Director of The Society for Collegiate Journalists picked up a spelling mistake (Can you find it?), and Rev. Dee Calhoun loved the pictures, selected by our dear friend Chuck Yorks. Chuck also did all the writing for the Home Page, About Us and Contact Us, but Father Will has spent countless hours in study and workshops since January trying to master the Byzantine art of website development. He says Hebrew was easy in comparison to HTML and PhotoShop.
One nearby parish spent $3,000 to build their website, and one in South Central PA spent $1,500 for just technical advice, but ours did not cost St. Paul’s a dime. Chuck Yorks set it up and paid for the first year out of pocket. All of Father Will’s expenses were out of pocket as well, including 2009 renewal of the domain and expansion through search engines. It is said that 70% of all new people coming to St. Paul’s will come through because of a decent web presence. It’s a necessity today, not a luxury.
You can help by sending news and digitized photos via email to Father Will or to anyone who wants to take over the job as webmaster. What a grand opportunity to enrich your resume.
Parish Library New Looks With Lots of New Books
Tiffany Allen began the task of sorting and cataloging dozens of fine books donated by the Rev. Steve Harris of Waynesboro, Ms. Jean Garbacik of Central Texas, Father Will and Father Richard Cahoon. Jason Bitner then finished the job of cataloging and arranging the many fine books on spirituality and Episcopal life.
Mike and Phyllis Durost donated and installed some permanent bookshelves, and Lynn Bruner donated a free-standing bookcase. By the end of this month, the computers, donated by Krislund Camp, will be set up and our multimedia parish library will be complete.
A simplified book check-out system is being developed so all you need to do to borrow a book for two weeks is to write your name and phone number and that day’s date on an index card and place it in a cigar box so others may call you if they want to borrow the book as well.
Rev. Jeff Seeley, who replaced Father Will as LHUP Campus Minister a year ago, has brought in four sustaining churches for the Protestant Campus Ministry association and submits a monthly column to our Newsletter, An Epistle from St. Paul's..
Chaplain Jeff has also signed on as organist for Great Island Presbyterian Church, leaving a similar position at Messiah Lutheran in South Williamsport. This places him in Lock Haven all week. Father Will continues as a Campus Minister representing St. Paul’s, and our Rector serves as Chairman of the Board of PCM at LHUP.
Two openings remain for members of St. Paul’s to serve on the PCM Board.
The big news for PCM is rent with an option to buy a home just adjacent to the LHUP campus, gaining much greater visibility.
Great Island Presbyterian just gave PCM $12,000 to pay the first year's rent on the house.
Covenant UMC has issued a special appeal to its members to help PCM fix up the old house.
Want to read Chaplain Jeff Seeley's monthly column? Just contact us for email delivery of "An Epistle from St. Paul's" newsletter.
The Spring 2009 Ingathering for the United Thank Offering collected $268.07, also the best in recent memory.
UTO is one of the best charities in The Episcopal Church, with the lowest overhead and administrative costs.
Thanks to organizer Claudia Horner, people of St. Paul’s gave generously this year. Another UTO Ingathering is planned for this autumn. Coin boxes and envelopes will be available in the Narthex.
Do we have your Date of Birth (month and day, not year)?
Do we have your cell phone number?
Email address?
Anniversary month and day?
The folks who are updating our Parish Directory need this information as soon as possible.