Exerpt from Marlene's column in Saint Paul's monthly newsletter:
(At Saint Paul's) our Sunday School program is small in comparison to some churches. But we are building it. And the children who attend Sunday School are their own little community of love where each child is known by name, and greeted warmly at the door. The little group of children are building lasting friendships at church. They are growing up together in this blessed community of love. In addition, Heather, our coordinator, is one of the most creative and capable Christian Educators I have known – (and I used to be one! – for 9 years I worked in a position like hers.) I have hired coordinators and recruited volunteers and Heather is the best I’ve seen. We also have exceptionally dedicated parents – in particular Katie Miller, who have helped to build this program. The Sunday School rooms have been re-decorated and the children appear to absolutely love Sunday School! Many programs that boast of more children cannot make these wonderful observations.
Sometimes when I feel a little low or a little less than energized, I have only to hear the opening hymn sung by our gloriously gifted choir, accompanied by the best organ in the land, brought to life by the nimble gifted hands and feet of Scott, and I am completely transported! I feel so fortunate to be in a church that has such a tremendous music program! Music is the language of the spirit and has a powerful effect on our worship. As John Harrer is fond of saying, “those who sing, pray twice.” Again, I would point out that the dedication of those serving in the choir is extraordinary. It is quite evident that the choir members are also their own community of love, support, and friendship in addition to be fantastic musicians. They were supposed to take the summer off from choir, but most of them did not, and instead, led the music for our outdoor services.
On our monthly committee night, I see that most of the people in this parish are serving the church in some capacity beyond Sunday worship. In addition to committee work, there are those who year after year, and in many cases decade after decade, have tended the gardens swept the floors, washed the windows, cleaned the kitchen, made coffee, served at Loaves and Fishes, collected bread for the hungry, week after week, with a devotion that is surely more pleasing to God than pews that are fully occupied.
In recent months we have flung the doors of Saint Paul’s open to all kinds of groups and events. So much so that Kelly and I often have a good laugh and have to help each other keep track of it all. Did you know that a group called Project Legos has been meeting regularly at Saint Paul’s for over a year? This group trains college age mentors to do tutoring in area schools and to work with young people as mentors in a variety of settings throughout the Twin Cities. Recently two consultant/life coach women conducted a retreat at Saint Paul’s based on the work of Parker Palmer. The calendar and church building are full of fun events, variety, and energy. This is a joy to behold.
There is so much that is wonderful about Saint Paul’s. I know that those of you who have seen her through the hard years already know this, and perhaps you have stayed through thick and thin because of this. These days we are happy together and know the blessedness of being able to enjoy one another’s company and support one another in personal triumph and in tragedy. We are a community of love speaking volumes to those who are searching for community and love in a culture and society that can be very difficult to navigate. This is our mission for now: to love one another and together become a living sign of Christ’s love in a broken world. This is what made that newcomer smile at my invitation to “help us build this” for it is a far greater joy to be called into the mission and ministry of Christ, than to be asked to fill a pew.
As I am installed as your rector officially on October 22 at 7:00pm, and we celebrate at that ceremony our future ministry together, I want you to know how grateful and privileged I feel to be a part of this time, in the life of this community; how honored I am to be called as your leader, and how happy I am to call you friends.
Marlene+
Waiting for Easter Services to begin
Saint Paul's Episcopal Church 1917 Logan Avenue South ♦ Minneapolis, MN 55403 612.377.1273 At the northeast corner of Lake of the Isles in the historic Lowry HIll neighborhood of Minneapolis
