Messages from Our Clergy
July 12, 2021
Welcome to Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church in Duluth, Minnesota
and our weekly Reflection and Announcements.
View Mother Debra's message at this link: https://fb.watch/v/35CXwOHvk/
Save the Dates!
July & August: Faith in Our Future Cottage Meetings
July 18: Lake Superior Day Celebration, 10:00 am on the church front lawn
August 21: Bishop’s Visitation & Confirmation, 2:00 pm.
(It’s a Saturday and 13 St. Paul’s youth will be confirmed; don’t miss it!)
August 29: Guest Priest, Ken Toven+
September 5: Guest Priest, Carolyn Schmidt+
September 12: Rally Day, Backpack Blessing & more!
September 25: Eucharistic Visitor training, 9:00 am
September 26: Guest Preacher, John Cole, the new Executive Director of CHUM
Lake Superior Day
It has been a long year. This year, more than ever, we need to get together and have a good time. So come celebrate our Great Lake Superior and enjoy each other’s company. Meet on the front church lawn on July 18th for 10:00 am worship. We can sing with full voice outside! Bring your own lawn chair or picnic blanket. And bring a picnic lunch and stay after. Lemonade will be provided. We’ll eat what we’ve brought, reconnect, and talk up a storm. Families bring your kids. There will be games for children, teens and adventurous adults! Unfortunately, local beaches are not available this year due to continuing pandemic related precautions.
Faith in Our Future: Preparing Our Way
St. Paul’s is moving forward toward the future! We need your input about what our faith community values and what we hope, for in our future. Opportunities for sharing and listening will be offered through small gatherings of 8-10 people hosted either at church or at our hosts’ homes. They will be scheduled during the months of July and August.
The information gathered will serve two purposes: to support our vestry’s work during our transition to calling a new rector and to tend to pressing needs at St. Paul’s. We invite you to participate in discussing “Faith In Our Future: Preparing Our Way” by attending on of the gatherings.
Several people have already stepped forward to host these Faith in Our Future gatherings, and there will be a number of dates and times from which you can select the session that works best for your schedule. Everyone is invited, so please watch for details on when and how you can select the Faith in Our Future session you wish to attend. Know that we will also be making accommodations for those who cannot attend any of the scheduled sessions.
Thank you,
Members of the Discernment Steering Committee
Ministry Opportunities a.k.a. “Help Wanted”
Office angels: Greet visitors and answer the phone during regular business hours, 9 am to 12 noon. Contact Rita at office@stpaulsduluth.org
Messenger mailers: Copy, staple, and prepare the Messenger and other mailings as needed. Contact Rita at office@stpaulsduluth.org
Live stream camera operators: we have the bugs worked out and are ready to train others to operate the live streaming cameras for Sunday morning worship. It’s not hard and it’s fun! Contact Jay at jaustin@d.umn.edu
Christian formation teachers: the new Sunday school year is around the corner. If you have the heart for our children and youth, this ministry is for you. Training and curriculum will be provided. Are creative crafts more your thing or leading our youth in Mission? Would you rather assist? We need you, too! Sign up for a one-time event, a month or two here and there, substitute, or the whole year. This ministry is rewarding and you’ll grow in spirit. Contact Joanne or Erspamer at joanneerspamer@gmail.com
Eucharistic Visitors (EVs): are lay persons authorized to take the Consecrated Elements in a timely manner following a Celebration of Holy Eucharist to members of the congregation who, by reason of illness or infirmity, we unable to be present at the Celebration. EVs serve under the direction of a member of the clergy. Training will occur this fall. If you feel called to engage in this holy ministry, please contact Mother Debra at interim.rector@stpaulsduluth.org
Faith Milestones and More
Please contact the Parish Office to request/ schedule a baptism, wedding, or funeral. In August of 2021, the Bishop will visit St. Paul’s for a service of Confirmation, Reception, and Reaffirmation. This is a perfect opportunity to be received as an Episcopalian! Participating in the “Inquirer’s Class” is required. Call Rita in the Parish Office 218-724- 3535, or office@stpaulsduluth.org
Inquirer’s Class (Episcopal 101)
Are you curious about Episcopal liturgy, beliefs, or tradition? Are you feeling called to create a deeper commitment with God? Maybe you are new to Christianity and curious about what makes this spiritual way of being in the world unique. If so, this series may be for you. Inquirer’s Class (aka Episcopal 101) is especially designed for newcomers, seekers, and those who want to buff up on what’s unique about being an Episcopalian.
It is also a way to make lasting connections within our community, share some of your own journey, and learn more about the faith and tradition of the Episcopal Church and the community life here at St. Paul’s.
No matter where you are on your journey, consider attending this multi-week series, facilitated by parishioner, Liza Anderson, as she explores the basics of the Christian faith through the Episcopal lens. Whether you are new to St. Paul’s, or just interested in sharing and learning, you are welcome!
The series will begin on Wednesday, July 7 and continues each Wednesday evening weekly through July 28 from 6:30–7:30 p.m. in the Parish Hall and via Zoom.
After completing the series, many people often decide to receive the sacrament of baptism or be confirmed or received into the Episcopal Church or renew their vows taken long ago. Others take the class just to learn and refresh. All are welcome, wherever you are on your journey! Interested? Contact Rita in the church office to register at 218-724-3535 or office@stpaulsduluth.org.
Format:
July 7: The Faith
July 14: The Sources of the Faith
July 21: The Order of the Faith
July 28: The Character of the Faith
About the instructor: Liza Anderson received her PhD in theology from Yale University in 2016 and has taught historical theology and spirituality at several seminaries and colleges. She has been an Episcopalian since her baptism as a college student, and now serves the Episcopal Church in a variety of lay leadership roles, including the Executive Council (board of directors), Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music, and General Board of Examining Chaplains. She has been at St. Paul’s since 2019, but will soon be moving to Collegeville, MN to be a resident scholar of the Collegeville Institute. You can reach Liza with any questions at liza.anderson@gmail.com
BeFrienders is coming to St. Paul’s! By becoming a BeFriender, you can share your gifts with the people of St. Paul’s. The opportunity to hear another’s story can enrich your spirituality and life experiences. The skills and concepts learned can benefit and strengthen other relationships in your life. BeFriender ministry emphasizes spiritual growth and ongoing learning for the Befriender. Is God calling you to be an active listening presence for others? Contact Deacon Pat to explore further.
Lemonade on the Lawn!
Join us for a glass of lemonade and enjoy each other’s company. Please remain at a safe distance. If you are willing to serve Lemonade on a Sunday, please contact Rita in the Parish Office, 218-724-3535, or office@stpaulsduluth.org
Attending Church in Person
We encourage you to come to Sunday service. If you can’t make it, we livestream the service on our website and YouTube. We encourage you to join us online. We are monitoring our zip code and the greater metro area. Check http://covidactnow.org for details. Per ECMN, if new cases reach 5% or more, we will live-stream the service, but we will not be open for the safety of everyone. We will also send you an email notifying you of a closure.
Masks and Vulnerable
As disciples of Jesus, we are grounding our discernment about mask wearing by what love looks like, what it means to be fully inclusive, and what it means to seek good for the other, particularly those who are marginalized or vulnerable in any way. We are being particularly mindful about times we are in intergenerational spaces, that include families with small children, who are not yet eligible to get vaccinated, where safety measures like masking and distancing are best to remain in place. We are striving to avoid creating a two-tier system, wherein some members of our community feel safe participating in services and activities and others do not.
Ways to Give
Thank you for your gifts of support. Together they make St. Paul’s ministries possible. There are four ways to give to St. Paul’s to support our ministries: Sign up to give through an automatic bank withdrawal or credit card at www.stpaulsduluth.org/give; Text GIVE to 218-394-3535 on your cell phone; Mail your check to the church office; or drop a check in our touchless offering basin on your way up to communion. Thank you for your gifts of treasure.
and our weekly Reflection and Announcements.
View Mother Debra's message at this link: https://fb.watch/v/35CXwOHvk/
Save the Dates!
July & August: Faith in Our Future Cottage Meetings
July 18: Lake Superior Day Celebration, 10:00 am on the church front lawn
August 21: Bishop’s Visitation & Confirmation, 2:00 pm.
(It’s a Saturday and 13 St. Paul’s youth will be confirmed; don’t miss it!)
August 29: Guest Priest, Ken Toven+
September 5: Guest Priest, Carolyn Schmidt+
September 12: Rally Day, Backpack Blessing & more!
September 25: Eucharistic Visitor training, 9:00 am
September 26: Guest Preacher, John Cole, the new Executive Director of CHUM
Lake Superior Day
It has been a long year. This year, more than ever, we need to get together and have a good time. So come celebrate our Great Lake Superior and enjoy each other’s company. Meet on the front church lawn on July 18th for 10:00 am worship. We can sing with full voice outside! Bring your own lawn chair or picnic blanket. And bring a picnic lunch and stay after. Lemonade will be provided. We’ll eat what we’ve brought, reconnect, and talk up a storm. Families bring your kids. There will be games for children, teens and adventurous adults! Unfortunately, local beaches are not available this year due to continuing pandemic related precautions.
Faith in Our Future: Preparing Our Way
St. Paul’s is moving forward toward the future! We need your input about what our faith community values and what we hope, for in our future. Opportunities for sharing and listening will be offered through small gatherings of 8-10 people hosted either at church or at our hosts’ homes. They will be scheduled during the months of July and August.
The information gathered will serve two purposes: to support our vestry’s work during our transition to calling a new rector and to tend to pressing needs at St. Paul’s. We invite you to participate in discussing “Faith In Our Future: Preparing Our Way” by attending on of the gatherings.
Several people have already stepped forward to host these Faith in Our Future gatherings, and there will be a number of dates and times from which you can select the session that works best for your schedule. Everyone is invited, so please watch for details on when and how you can select the Faith in Our Future session you wish to attend. Know that we will also be making accommodations for those who cannot attend any of the scheduled sessions.
Thank you,
Members of the Discernment Steering Committee
Ministry Opportunities a.k.a. “Help Wanted”
Office angels: Greet visitors and answer the phone during regular business hours, 9 am to 12 noon. Contact Rita at office@stpaulsduluth.org
Messenger mailers: Copy, staple, and prepare the Messenger and other mailings as needed. Contact Rita at office@stpaulsduluth.org
Live stream camera operators: we have the bugs worked out and are ready to train others to operate the live streaming cameras for Sunday morning worship. It’s not hard and it’s fun! Contact Jay at jaustin@d.umn.edu
Christian formation teachers: the new Sunday school year is around the corner. If you have the heart for our children and youth, this ministry is for you. Training and curriculum will be provided. Are creative crafts more your thing or leading our youth in Mission? Would you rather assist? We need you, too! Sign up for a one-time event, a month or two here and there, substitute, or the whole year. This ministry is rewarding and you’ll grow in spirit. Contact Joanne or Erspamer at joanneerspamer@gmail.com
Eucharistic Visitors (EVs): are lay persons authorized to take the Consecrated Elements in a timely manner following a Celebration of Holy Eucharist to members of the congregation who, by reason of illness or infirmity, we unable to be present at the Celebration. EVs serve under the direction of a member of the clergy. Training will occur this fall. If you feel called to engage in this holy ministry, please contact Mother Debra at interim.rector@stpaulsduluth.org
Faith Milestones and More
Please contact the Parish Office to request/ schedule a baptism, wedding, or funeral. In August of 2021, the Bishop will visit St. Paul’s for a service of Confirmation, Reception, and Reaffirmation. This is a perfect opportunity to be received as an Episcopalian! Participating in the “Inquirer’s Class” is required. Call Rita in the Parish Office 218-724- 3535, or office@stpaulsduluth.org
Inquirer’s Class (Episcopal 101)
Are you curious about Episcopal liturgy, beliefs, or tradition? Are you feeling called to create a deeper commitment with God? Maybe you are new to Christianity and curious about what makes this spiritual way of being in the world unique. If so, this series may be for you. Inquirer’s Class (aka Episcopal 101) is especially designed for newcomers, seekers, and those who want to buff up on what’s unique about being an Episcopalian.
It is also a way to make lasting connections within our community, share some of your own journey, and learn more about the faith and tradition of the Episcopal Church and the community life here at St. Paul’s.
No matter where you are on your journey, consider attending this multi-week series, facilitated by parishioner, Liza Anderson, as she explores the basics of the Christian faith through the Episcopal lens. Whether you are new to St. Paul’s, or just interested in sharing and learning, you are welcome!
The series will begin on Wednesday, July 7 and continues each Wednesday evening weekly through July 28 from 6:30–7:30 p.m. in the Parish Hall and via Zoom.
After completing the series, many people often decide to receive the sacrament of baptism or be confirmed or received into the Episcopal Church or renew their vows taken long ago. Others take the class just to learn and refresh. All are welcome, wherever you are on your journey! Interested? Contact Rita in the church office to register at 218-724-3535 or office@stpaulsduluth.org.
Format:
- Read: What Episcopalians Believe: An Introduction by Samuel Wells
- Watch: Short video lectures will be provided each week.
- Discuss: Group discussion on Wednesday nights from 6:30 – 7:30 pm. (Hybrid option available.)
July 7: The Faith
- What Episcopalians Believe: An Introduction by Samuel Wells chapter 1
- Topics: Believing and belonging, the Creed, the Trinity, Christ, the church
July 14: The Sources of the Faith
- What Episcopalians Believe: An Introduction by Samuel Wells chapter 2
- Topics: Anglican/Episcopal theology: Scripture, Tradition, Reason, (Experience?)
July 21: The Order of the Faith
- What Episcopalians Believe: An Introduction by Samuel Wells chapter 3
- Topics: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Ministry
July 28: The Character of the Faith
- What Episcopalians Believe: An Introduction by Samuel Wells chapter 4
- Topics: Anglican/Episcopal church history, the Book of Common Prayer
About the instructor: Liza Anderson received her PhD in theology from Yale University in 2016 and has taught historical theology and spirituality at several seminaries and colleges. She has been an Episcopalian since her baptism as a college student, and now serves the Episcopal Church in a variety of lay leadership roles, including the Executive Council (board of directors), Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music, and General Board of Examining Chaplains. She has been at St. Paul’s since 2019, but will soon be moving to Collegeville, MN to be a resident scholar of the Collegeville Institute. You can reach Liza with any questions at liza.anderson@gmail.com
BeFrienders is coming to St. Paul’s! By becoming a BeFriender, you can share your gifts with the people of St. Paul’s. The opportunity to hear another’s story can enrich your spirituality and life experiences. The skills and concepts learned can benefit and strengthen other relationships in your life. BeFriender ministry emphasizes spiritual growth and ongoing learning for the Befriender. Is God calling you to be an active listening presence for others? Contact Deacon Pat to explore further.
Lemonade on the Lawn!
Join us for a glass of lemonade and enjoy each other’s company. Please remain at a safe distance. If you are willing to serve Lemonade on a Sunday, please contact Rita in the Parish Office, 218-724-3535, or office@stpaulsduluth.org
Attending Church in Person
We encourage you to come to Sunday service. If you can’t make it, we livestream the service on our website and YouTube. We encourage you to join us online. We are monitoring our zip code and the greater metro area. Check http://covidactnow.org for details. Per ECMN, if new cases reach 5% or more, we will live-stream the service, but we will not be open for the safety of everyone. We will also send you an email notifying you of a closure.
Masks and Vulnerable
As disciples of Jesus, we are grounding our discernment about mask wearing by what love looks like, what it means to be fully inclusive, and what it means to seek good for the other, particularly those who are marginalized or vulnerable in any way. We are being particularly mindful about times we are in intergenerational spaces, that include families with small children, who are not yet eligible to get vaccinated, where safety measures like masking and distancing are best to remain in place. We are striving to avoid creating a two-tier system, wherein some members of our community feel safe participating in services and activities and others do not.
Ways to Give
Thank you for your gifts of support. Together they make St. Paul’s ministries possible. There are four ways to give to St. Paul’s to support our ministries: Sign up to give through an automatic bank withdrawal or credit card at www.stpaulsduluth.org/give; Text GIVE to 218-394-3535 on your cell phone; Mail your check to the church office; or drop a check in our touchless offering basin on your way up to communion. Thank you for your gifts of treasure.
