1. Art and Diseño

A Traditional Episcopal Community
With A Contemporary Mission of Sharing
PARISH STAFF
The People of the Parish
The Ministers
The Rt. Rev. Brian N. Prior
IX Bishop of Minnesota
The Rev. Mark W. Kelm
Rector
The Rev. Richard Todd
Deacon
The Rev. Debra Welch
Deacon
The Rev. Randy Johnson
Transitional Deacon
Maureen Vruno
Parish Administrator
Sheila Foster
Youth & Children’s Minister
Eric Bigalke
Music Minister
Carrie Thomas
Associate Music Minister
Richard Lee
Kids Hope USA Ministry
Lorna Cessna
Lead Child Care Provider
Jake Malark
Sexton
VESTRY
Otis Gardiner
Warden
Jeanne Thoemke
Warden
Angie Gordon
Treasurer
Barb Maloney
Clerk
Jeffrey Merrill
Youth
Acero
2016
SUNDAYS Elias
Linda Andreozzi
2016
2016
8, 9, & 11 am Worship Anne Herron
Lura Ann Jensen
2016
Carol Zinter
2016
Jim Berry
2017
Tom
Miller
2017
WEDNESDAYS Joanna Torgerson
2017
Church Night begins with supper at 5:30
Maxine Kobinski
2018
StJohnWilderness.org
651/429-5351
Becky Monson
2018
Mark Thorson
2018
The Voice is published as a monthly newsletter of The Episcopal Church of St. John in the Wilderness † Volume 57, Issue 2
God’s Amazing Love
February 2015
Return Service Requested
2175 1ST STREET • WHITE BEAR LAKE, MINNESOTA 55110-3462
OF ST. JOHN IN THE WILDERNESS EPISCOPAL CHURCH
Voice
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The Rector’s Page
February 1, 2015
On God’s Mission, Mark +
As we move into our Lenten journey, I am reminded of a coach I once
had who frequently commented to us kids that, “attitude is everything.”
Instead of dwelling on our problems, as Christians, we are called to have
an attitude like Jesus and focus on God. This is the true exercise of Lent.
May this journey change us to be a people of joy proclaiming what God is
doing in the world and in our lives.
Orville Kelly was informed two years ago that he had terminal cancer. He
and his wife went home to cry -- to die. Should they keep it a secret?
They prayed. The answer was that they should play about it. So they
decided to give a big party. They invited all their friends.
During the festivities, Orville held up his hand to make an announcement:
"You may have wondered why I called you all together. This is a cancer
party. I have been told I have terminal cancer. Then my wife and I
realized we are all terminal. We decided to start a new organization. It is
called the M.T.C. -- Make Today Count. You are all charter members."
Since that time the organization has grown across the country. Orville has
been too busy to die, pointing out the way we Christians are to play into
the jaws of death -- singing, loving, not losing a minute from "the joy the
world cannot give nor take away." – David Redding, “Jesus Makes Me
Laugh with Him”
LENT
AND
HOLY WEEK 2015
Wednesday, February 11
5:30 pm Mardi Gras Meal and 7 Cats Swing Dance / Concert (Parish Hall)
Wednesday, February 18
Noon & 6:15 pm Ash Wednesday Liturgy
Saturday, February 21
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Feed My Starving Children Intergenerational Event (Coon Rapids)
Wednesdays, February 25 - March 25
5:30 pm Supper (Parish Hall)
6:00 pm Worship (Parish Hall)
6:15 pm Bible Study (Emmaus Room); Worship Team Rehearsal (Chancel)
7:00 pm Youth Group (St. Angelico)
7:15 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal (St. Cecilia)
Sunday, March 1
10:00 am Intergenerational Lenten Pretzel Making (Parish Hall)
Friday-Sunday, March 13-15
Teens Encounter Christ Retreat (St. John in the Wilderness)
Sunday, March 29
8:00 am, 9:00 am, & 11:00 am Palm Sunday Liturgy
Wednesday, April 1
6:15 pm Stations of the Cross Dramatic Presentation
7:15 pm Labyrinth Walk (Parish Hall)
Thursday, April 2
6:15 pm Maundy Thursday Liturgy
7:15 pm Vigil in the Garden of Repose (Narthex) & Labyrinth Walk (Parish Hall)
Friday, April 3
Noon Good Friday Liturgy
1:00 pm Labyrinth Walk (Parish Hall)
Saturday, April 4
5:00 pm Easter Vigil Liturgy followed by Agape Meal & Easter Egg Hunt
Sunday, April 5
8:00 am, 9:00 am, & 11:00 am Easter Day Worship
Wherever you are on your faith journey… St. John’s welcomes you.
2 St. John in the Wilderness Episcopal Church
PASSAGES
New Members James J. DeMay, Channing Riggs, Claire DeMay, & George Riggs DeMay on January 15
New Member Lois Komarek on January 18
$400,000
ADULT CHRISTIAN FAITH FORMATION
$367,500
6:15 pm Wednesdays in the Emmaus Room
Please join us for a stirring journey through the
Acts of the Apostles. N.T. Wright asserts, “The
mysterious presence of Jesus haunts the whole
story of Acts. Jesus is announced as King and Lord,
not as an increasingly distant memory but as a
living and powerful reality, a person who can be
known and loved, obeyed and followed, a person
who continues to act within the real world. We call
the book "The Acts of the Apostles," but we should
think of it as "The Acts of Jesus (II)."” Join Rev.
Mark, the teaching team, and enjoyable
parishioners with some good camaraderie,
discussion, and study. All levels of Bible
knowledge are welcome to attend.
ST. JOHN IN THE WILDERNESS’
CHILDREN AND YOUTH
SHOW US THE
TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS
$335,000
How does the current dollar
value pledged for 2015
measure up to St. John in the
Wilderness’ pledge need for a
balanced 2015 Financial Plan?
We currently have $335,840
pledged but need a total of
$400,000 in pledges.
Your annual pledge helps
us forecast with confidence
the level of financial support
our congregation will receive
in the year ahead. It is
through the pledges and
contributions of our members
that we are able to carry on
our work here at St. John in
the Wilderness.
As you consider your pledge,
we remind you that we offer
Electronic Giving as a way to
automate your offerings. It is
convenient for you and
provides much-needed
consistency for the church.
Offertory plate collections
can fluctuate significantly
from week to week, but when
contributions are automated,
the church receives funds on
a steady, uninterrupted basis.
Please see Many Ways to
Give, Electronic Fund
Transfer on page 9 for further
information.
The Voice
3
WE THANK THESE HOUSEHOLDS
FOR THEIR RECENT 2015 FINANCIAL PLEDGES
James DeMay, Janet Dickinson, Steven Greer (increase), Chris Karp, John Korth, Glenn Monson, David Monyak
WARDENS’ CORNER
WE STAND WITH GOD
AND
ST. JOHN’S
Family and the Meaning of Life on Earth are things we all treasure and think about. Part of that meaning, I think,
comes from St. John’s and how as a family we support and help each other on our earthly journey.
Our Christian home, St. John’s, needs all of us to help our message grow so we can share God’s Amazing Love. To
do that it is necessary to have financial support for programs and the operation of St. John’s. I ask that all who are
a part of this wonderful community spread our word and our need for financial support.
Only approximately 60% of our members provide support through pledges. Thank you all of you who have
pledged. Talk about our need to increase the percentage of pledgers, because the 2015 Financial Plan currently
does reduce staff and programs. I know that some will say, “All you ever do is ask for money.” Yes, we do ask
that you contribute to the level you are able. It is necessary because, as we know with our personal finances, it is a
necessity. Please consider St. John’s as a necessity in your life as you continue your life’s journey.
I have been privileged to serve as your Warden for two years. I feel many are finding God’s meaning in their life. I
think St. John’s should be part of your faith journey. We do not bite, but do provide love and support. Please help
us to spread God’s Amazing Love with your support.
Jim Petersen, Retired Sr. Warden
I thank my God every time I remember you
Philippians 1:3
Altar arrangements were recently given to the Glory of God
2014 FINANCES
Income
Expense Income less Expense
Total Assets
Designated Gifts Solvency
Expenses
485,233
482,607
2,626
1,605,880
1,603,254
2,626
Payroll = 323,282
Outreach = 66,660
Property = 49,804
Liturgy = 14,221
Office =
13,844
Growth = 10,875
Formation = 3,921
Offerings
Endowment/Interest
Unrestricted Gifts / Bldg Use
= 415,054
= 48,296
= 21,883
Total =
$482,607
Income =
$485,233
in joyful anticipation of the Advent of Christ on December 14;
in celebration of our 50th wedding anniversary
on December 19th by Dixon & Jean Tews; by Jerilynn Ommen
in loving memory of her father, Joseph Zak;
and in loving memory of Elizabeth Uppgren &
all Uppgren loved ones by Sarah Doran on December 21;
and by Teena Fletcher, Sarah Doran;
in loving memory of James E. Cody by the Greer Family, our
parents by Pam & Tom Hove; my sister, Joann Smith, by Janet
Kelber; Allan Letourneau by Gere Letourneau; Margery
Brewster and Irene & Lander Jenkins by Susan McCarthy; and
in thanksgiving for our many blessings and the members of St.
John's by Harvey & Judy Caldwell; the blessing of family &
friends, especially St. John’s, by Pris Campbell; my family &
many wonderful friends by June Hochbrunn; children &
grandchildren by Pam & Tom Hove; our 55th anniversary and
our wonderful family by Jane & Sarge Kyle; my family by Gere
Letourneau; and the lives of Ruth & Carroll Mattlin from their
daughters Jane & Barb & families this recent Christmas Season.
4 St. John in the Wilderness Episcopal Church
MEN’S GROUP
11:30 AM WEDNESDAY,
FEBRUARY 18
Please join the men
for lunch at Perkins,
1045 E County Rd E,
Vadnais Heights, MN
55110-5162.
LIFT
YOUR VOICE IN SONG AND
PRAISE TO THE LORD THIS EASTER
The Chancel Choir seeks members of the St. John in the Wilderness
community who are interested in joining the choir for the celebration of
Easter in 2015. We realize that not everyone is able to make a full-time
commitment to the choir, but we also know that there are many beautiful
voices in this congregation, just waiting to be lifted in song and praise to
the Lord. Please join us for Easter rehearsals beginning Wednesday,
February 18, at 7:15 pm in the St. Cecilia room. We will rehearse Easter
music together for approximately 45 minutes to an hour, whereupon the
choir will revert to its regularly scheduled program. For more information
please contact Eric Bigalke, [email protected].
A ST. JOHN
LADIES WHO LUNCH
11:30 AM FRIDAY,
FEBRUARY 20
at Carol’s,
11888 Aberdeen St NE
Blaine, MN 55449-4786;
please call Janet Kelber,
651/484-7193,
for reservations
by Tuesday,
February 17.
Giving a patient his physical,
a doctor noticed several dark
bruises on the man’s shins.
He asked,
“Do you play hockey, rugby
or any physical sport?”
“No,” the man replied,
“I just play bridge with my wife.”
Arlene Glander
IN THE
WILDERNESS CRIBBAGE TOURNAMENT
Do you like Cribbage? Want to learn how to play? After 11 am worship
on Sunday, February 8 we'll teach those who want to learn how to play
and hold a tournament for those who want to test their skills (and luck) vs.
other players. It’s a game for all ages (if you can do simple addition, you
can play), and it’s a great way for family & friends to spend time together.
It’s an English game from the 1600’s, so it ties-in with the Episcopal
Church’s Anglican heritage. RSVP to Dennis Thoemke so he knows how
many players to expect: [email protected]. Feel free to
bring a friend!
RUMMAGE SALE
For those of you who have been asking, yes, the Rummage Sale is coming
again this year during the second week in June. Please start saving your
sellable items to be brought in only after Sunday, May 24. Place items
neatly behind the divider cabinets in the back left (northeast) corner of the
Parish Hall. Remember, no TVs, microwaves, computers, or large pieces
of furniture as their disposal must be paid for. For more information,
watch the upcoming issues of The Voice or call Lynn Gadbois, 651/4262302; Lorna Cessna, 651/429-6137; or Mary Wingfield, 651/653-9742.
OUR 3RD ANNUAL OVERNIGHT WOMEN’S RETREAT
Join us Friday evening - Saturday, April 17-18, 2015 at Mt. Olivet Retreat
Center, Farmington, MN. This is an opportunity for women of any age to
get away from everyday stresses, build relationships with each other, and
grow in relationship with God. This year's theme is Garden Getaway; we
will delight in God’s presence with us through all the times and seasons of
our lives with a variety of activities, worship, discussion, quiet reflection,
and Christian service. The $110 cost includes a room, Friday dinner,
Saturday breakfast and lunch, snacks, and your materials. We reserved 12
rooms, but more people are welcome to attend if you agree to double
occupancy. There will be time to enjoy the indoor pool, whirlpool, sauna,
and time outside. Sign up at the Activity Center. Write your
nonrefundable $50 deposit check to St. John in the Wilderness, memo
line: Women’s Retreat. Your check is due February 23. The $60 balance
is due March 20. Email Beth Kelm with questions, [email protected].
6 St. John in the Wilderness Episcopal Church
SAFEGUARDING GOD’S CHILDREN TRAINING
NOON - 3 PM SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7
Now is the time for training or re-training. Everyone must have this
important training before they are eligible to volunteer for ministries,
all of which require it, especially for positions in leadership or on the
Vestry. This training can be an important step in safeguarding the
children in our everyday lives. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, parents,
all who really care about the children in their lives, need to attend this
training. We have the power to protect our children, but it begins with
knowledge and you. We encourage youth to attend as they are
required to complete the training prior to our summer mission trip. We
ask parents to attend training with their youth who are under age 16.
FEED MY STARVING CHILDREN:
FAMILIES INC. INTERGENERATIONAL ACTIVITY
Join us 2-4 pm Saturday, February 21 at 401 93rd Ave NW, Coon
Rapids, 55433. We'll package meals specifically formulated for
malnourished children worldwide. Sign up at the Activity Center or
RSVP Beth Kelm via email: [email protected]. Spaces are
limited. Children age 5+ may help, but each must have an adult attend
with them. See the FMSC website, Volunteer tab, for specific adult/
child ratios, or ask Beth if you have questions.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES
OF PEOPLE WITH MEMORY LOSS
Please consider volunteering for The Gathering, offering fellowship
and fun activities for those with early-stage memory loss while
providing respite for their caregivers. Volunteers receive a
comprehensive training session on the second Monday of the month.
To register, call Betsy Hoffman at Lyngblomsten, 651/414-5291. For
further information about The Gathering Consortium of White Bear
Lake churches, call Helen Gehrenbeck, 651/429-9713.
THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN MINNESOTA'S
ACADEMY FOR DISCIPLESHIP & MISSION
Forming leaders for God’s mission.
The School for Formation Ordination Track in-person gathering Friday
-Saturdays: February 6-7, 2015 Anglican Approach to Theology;
February 7, 2015, 4-6 pm The Canons of the Church; March 6–7, 2015
Christian Spirituality and Practices; March 27–28, 2015 Liturgical
Practicum I | Introduction to the Internship Year; May 1–2, 2015
Bible: New Testament and Synoptic Gospels. Each course costs $200
including overnight accommodation for those on the ordination track,
and breakfast & lunch on Saturday.
The Outreach Committee is excited
to begin 2015! All are invited to our
meetings scheduled for the 3rd
Monday of March, May, July,
September, & November. We’ll
also communicate various hands-on
service opportunity events
throughout the year. All are
welcome. Questions? Call Kate
Prochnow, 651/357-5080.
DO YOU HAVE
A FEW HOURS EACH YEAR
TO FEED HOMELESS FAMILIES?
On the third Sunday monthly,
volunteers from St. John’s cook
dinner at the Ramsey County
Family Services Center in
Maplewood. This facility provides
temporary shelter for families in
crisis. Cooking and serving a meal
at the shelter is very rewarding. We
feed 50 to 60 people, primarily
children and single parents. What
can you do? A variety of jobs are
available from cooking to serving
and cleaning up. We need a lead
cook and three to five helpers for
each meal. Cooking starts around 3
pm, dinner is served at 5:30, and we
are cleaned up and out the door
around 7 pm. The shelter requires
cooks to be 18 or older and servers
to be at least 16 years old. If you
are interested in being a lead cook,
we will teach you how to use the
shelter’s commercial kitchen.
Please contact Susan or Victor Lee
to join in this important ministry:
[email protected]
or 651/429-8902
The Voice
7
St. John in the Wilderness Episcopal Church - February 2015
DATE
Sunday the 1st
Fourth Sunday
after the Epiphany
Presentation of Jesus in
the Temple at 9 am only
Sunday the 8th
Fifth Sunday
after the Epiphany
Sunday the 15th
Last Sunday
after the Epiphany
Sunday the 22nd
First Sunday
In Lent
LAY READER
LECTOR
8:00 J. Waller
9:00 K. Blake
11:00 A. McClaren
8:00 P. Campbell
9:00 Youth
11:00 W. Muscanto
8:00 T. Hove
9:00 R. Lee
11:00 J. Petersen
11:00 J. Todd
9:00 Youth
11:00 M. Thayer
11:00 R. Lee
11:00 R. Lee
9:00 S. Mahoney
11:00 A. McClaren
8:00 J. Kyle
9:00 Youth
11:00 M. Vruno
8:00 J. Waller
9:00 M. Thayer
9:00 Blakes
ACOLYTE(S)
9:00 R. Smith
N. Lee
S. McBride
E. Miller
11:00 Korths
8:00 M. Thorson
8:00 M. Thorson
9:00 A. Robinson
LEM
9:00 J. Caldwell
11:00 J. Vruno
8:00 T. Hove
9:00 Youth
11:00 H. Kissel
9:00 H. Caldwell
11:00 Chiltons
WELCOMING
MINISTRY
8:00 T. Napiwoski
9:00 Domins
9:00 D. Long
G. Carpenter
Kelms
11:00 McVays
O. Gardiner
9:00 Karps
A. Brunner
S. Krebsbach
11:00 P. Merrill
VERGER
P. Campbell
J. Caldwell
C. Domin
S. Holtz
D. Thoemke
K. DeSmet
P. Hove
A. Johnson
V. Koutek
A. Brunner / J. Knauss
B. Smeed
J. Berry
S. Holtz
J. Ommen
P. Pickering
J. Brunner
M. Thorson
J. Caldwell
C. Domin
V. Koutek
B. DeSmet
11:00 Johnsons
8:00 T. Napiwoski
9:00 A. Torgerson
P. McBride
K. Emerson
11:00 Tanttus
ALTAR GUILD
9:00 Torgersons
Emersons
11:00 M. Hosfield
J. Marier
8:00 T. Napiwoski
9:00 Lees
Canterburys
11:00 P. Stewart
K. Johnson
D. Pryor
8:00 T. Napiwoski
9:00 Millers
11:00 M. Gerlach
J. Hartmeister
A. Gordon to greet at parking lot entrance
Schedule conflict? Lay Readers, Lectors and LEM contact Candice Christensen; Acolytes contact your Verger.
Lay Readers and Lectors: Revised Common Lectionary can be found at http://www.lectionarypage.net.
MANY WAYS TO GIVE
Placing a check or envelope with cash in the offertory plate during worship
is familiar to us all, but thanks to continually advancing technology, you
can choose from a variety of methods for your tax-deductible financial
contributions to St. John’s:
Electronic Fund Transfer
You can arrange recurring transfers of a set amount from your financial
institution account directly into St. John’s general operating account, just as
over three dozen member households have already done. Simply pick up a
copy of the financial pledge card from any window sill in the nave of the
church, complete it with your information including your choice of monthly
transfer on the 1st or 15th and installment amount, and place it in the
offertory plate or mail it back to church.
Automatic Bill Pay
Many financial institutions offer free ‘bill pay’ service on their checking
accounts. Contact yours if you wish to set up automatic, scheduled giving
to
The Church of St. John in the Wilderness
2175 1st St
White Bear Lake, MN 55110-3462
Credit Card
Click on the DONATE NOW Razoo icon on our
website StJohnWilderness.org which you can also
access quickly and easily with your mobile device by
scanning the QR Code, right.
Stocks
Giving stock shares can be an excellent way to support St. John’s and may
save on capital gains taxes. Send your broker your written, signed, and
notarized request to DTC transfer your specified number of shares of stock(s)
[with each company name and stock symbol] from your brokerage account
number and title to
National Investor Services Corp.
DTC Clearing 0188, Code 40
F.B.O. TD Ameritrade account name St. John in the Wilderness Church
TD Ameritrade account 885406394
Please then advise Parish Administrator Maureen Vruno of your stock gift,
[email protected] or 651/429-5351 ext. 10,
so our Treasurer can order its sale and request the proceeds.
Estate Gifts
For an Estate Gift please contact Jean Tews of our own Heritage Society,
[email protected] or 651/426-1011.
Whatever method you choose to give financially to St. John’s, please
complete your pledge if you have not already. It is difficult to plan church
finances unless our faithful and generous contributors communicate when
and how much they intend to give throughout the year in this way. Please
place your completed pledge in the offertory plate during worship or mail it
back to the church. Thank you!
NEW YEAR - NEW ALTAR
FLOWER VENDOR
After many years, The Floral Trunk in
downtown White Bear Lake has closed.
We are grateful for the lovely floral
design service they have provided for
St. John’s. Now we are beginning a new
relationship with Hummingbird Floral &
Gift, 4001 Rice Street, Shoreview. They
will be providing the flower
arrangements to enhance our worship on
Sundays.
If you would like to contribute toward
altar flowers, please sign your name on
the flower chart posted on the bulletin
board in the parking lot entrance to the
church. Then complete an Altar Flower
form, attach a donation of $40, and
place it in the offering plate or the
Parish Administrator’s mail slot. Altar
flowers are an offering to the glory of
God in memory of loved ones or in
thanksgiving for blessings received.
Following Sunday worship, the flowers
are given to homebound parishioners or
those celebrating a special event.
ST. JOHN IN THE WILDERNESS
MEMORIAL AND GIFT
APPROVED GIVING LIST
Surplices and Cassocks
Cloth-covered Folding Chairs
for Parish Hall
Lightweight Round Tables
Altar Linens (paraments)
Remodel Main Floor Unisex Bathroom
New Prayer Books, Hymnals, and/or
Library Books
Parish Hall Bi-fold Doors
St. John’s Endowment Fund and/or
Children and Youth Endowment Fund
at the Saint Paul Foundation
Special Music Fund
Outreach Fund
Cemetery Fund at the Episcopal Church
of Minnesota Pooled Investment Fund
To make a gift, please speak with
Jim Petersen, 651/636-0667.
The Voice
9
GREETINGS AND BLESSING FROM WILDERNESS WONDERS
February Birthdays
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5
5
5
5
7
7
8
9
9
9
9
10
11
12
14
14
15
15
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24
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Gregory Kliner
Susan Robinson
Mairin Torgerson
Pamela Hove
Nancy Jagusch
Reeder Smith
Amanda Vickstrom
Olivia Hinrichs
Jeanie Long
Eric Gadbois
Chandler Domian
Jean Engle
Timothy Hadley
Jay Oswald
Channing Riggs
Ervin Hinrichs
Dorothy Dokmo
Elizabeth Ackerman
Janet Kraemer
Adam Derkey
Alexa Domin
Jeff Hislop
John Irvine
Tess McVay
Barbara Monson
Aimee Krebsbach
Benjamin Long
William McBride
Neil Vruno
Jill Todd
Kimberly Johnson
Emily Brown
Zoe Foster
Jean Tews
Britain Chitko
Lura Ann Jensen
If you have a birthday this month but are
not listed, please contact the church with
your date of birth. Records are not
always complete.
A new season is upon us. We had a wonderful read for 2014; some unexpected
and moving tomes as well as those reads that were a direct evocation of the
Christian Faith. This year we challenge you to explore genres that influence,
determine, or define our culture. Shall we explore how the written language has a
bearing on what moves us, what steels us, what makes us feel alive, or longing
for more constancy in the life of Christ? Many of you have read books that fit
this quest, and we would like for you to share. Join us for discussion and
continue to read and recommend works that you have experienced. Here is a
suggested list of genres, but do not be limited by it: Literature & Fiction
(including Contemporary); Mystery, Thriller & Suspense; Biographies, History,
Teen & Young Adult Books, and Spiritual. I am a fan of a good mystery because
of the good and evil component and always wonder how things might have been
different if a faith journey or at least a better commitment to good was involved.
Authors have traversed the genres of spiritual and mystery such as Dorothy L.
Sayers and PD James. You decide. When it comes to what we may read, we
consider all comers as long as there is some aspect of Christian culture we can
explore and discuss in the context of our faith journey.
Our February book is Peace Like a River by Leif Enger. Once in a great while,
we encounter a novel that begs to be read aloud. Leif Enger's debut, Peace Like a
River, is one such work. His richly evocative novel, narrated by an asthmatic 11year-old named Reuben Land, is the story of Reuben's unusual family and their
journey across the frozen Badlands of the Dakotas in search of his fugitive older
brother. Charged with the murder of two locals who terrorized their family, Davy
has fled, understanding that the scales of justice will not weigh in his favor. But
Reuben, his father, Jeremiah—a man of faith so deep he has been known to
produce miracles—and Reuben's little sister, Swede, follow closely behind the
fleeing Davy. Affecting and dynamic, Peace Like a River is at once a tragedy, a
romance, and an unflagging exploration into the spirituality and magic possible
in the everyday world, and in that of the world awaiting us on the other side of
life. In Enger's superb debut effort, we witness a wondrous celebration of family,
faith, and spirit, the likes of which we haven't seen in a long, long time—and the
birth of a classic work of literature.
Reading List Suggestions
1. The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce
2. Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent
3. The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis
4. The Healing by Jonathan Odell
5. The Shack by William P. Young
6. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
7. My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult
8. The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd
9. Crossing Oceans by Gina Holmes
10. The Lifeboat by Charlotte Rogan (Hold)
11. The Book Of The Dun Cow by Walter Wangerin, Jr.
12. The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver
13. The Covenant: One Nation Under God - America's Sacred & Immutable
Connection with Ancient Israel by Timothy Ballard
14. The Soul of Money by Lynn Twist
15. The Blue Sweater:
Bridging the Gap between Rich and Poor in an Interconnected world
16. Anything by C. S. Lewis
17. Anything by Kathleen Norris
18. Anything by Karen Armstrong
10 St. John in the Wilderness Episcopal Church
8th Grade Rite of Affirmation
9 am Sunday, February 1
Calling all 8th Grade youth & parents to
RSVP for this opportunity for our
congregation to recognize that our youth are
becoming young adults, growing spiritually,
physically, & emotionally, and require our
entire faith community’s support. They’re
finding their independence, including in
church. We provide this special liturgy to
recognize the changes they are
experiencing and the need in their lives for
many more adults beyond their parents.
Help us celebrate our 8th graders.
www.YouthMinistry Visioning Meeting
at noon on Sunday, February 8
in the Emmaus Room
Bring your 2nd Sunday Brunch and join us for
a conversation on what St. John’s has been
doing to lead the way in Youth Ministry.
Discuss what we’re doing now to engage
youth in faith and what we’ll commit to doing
in the future. We began in January. Those in
attendance asked that we continue
planning, possibly monthly until an official
board is formed. All are wanted as part of
this important conversation. You can help by
answering a couple survey questions; we’ve
had many responses and hope for more.
Even if you don’t have youth in St. John’s
programs, it will help us if you share your
experience: https://www.surveymonkey.com/
s/SJWyouthministry
Mardi Gras Fellowship Supper
with a Swing Band Concert & Dancing
5:30 pm Wednesday, February 11
Many churches have called the Tuesday
before Ash Wednesday Shrove Tuesday, a
time to use up certain food products, and
thus came pancakes. One week before Ash
Wednesday we’ll indulge in pancakes.
Anyone interested in flipping pancakes
please arrive before 5 pm. All are invited to
bring side dishes that complement
pancakes. A swing band concert and
dancing will follow supper, with dance
instruction provided.
Pretzel Making Event in the Parish Hall
10 am Sunday, March 1
We will share the history of the pretzel and
talk about prayer. If you can make dough in
advance or help cook pretzels please
contact Sheila Foster or Christine Karp to let
us know you can help.
Middle School (ECMN)
What is Holy Retreat for Grades 6-8
7 pm Friday-Saturday, March 6-7
The last in a series of six retreats on
belonging that began here in 2012, this
retreat at St. Matthew’s, St. Paul, will be
guided by our Baptismal Covenant and
focus on God’s unconditional love and what
that means in today’s world of youth. The
number of participants and involved
congregations continues to grow. This is an
awesome opportunity to bring friends and to
meet old & new friends from other Episcopal
Churches. Grade 6-8 youth who attend will
be invited to be leaders when they are in
high school. Watch the Small Voice weekly
bulletin insert and your e-mail for registration
and more details about the retreat.
Greater Minnesota Spring
Teens Encounter Christ (TEC)
March 13–15 at St. John’s
(Team meeting February 6–7 at St. John’s)
TEC is a spiritual renewal weekend for
grade 9-12 youth who attend once during
high school as a candidate. Candidates
arrive at 10:30 am on a Friday and
participate in a weekend that’s all about you.
We ask candidates to leave all the worries
about all the things that can weigh a young
person down and commit to a weekend that,
for some, will transform the rest of their
lives. Many youth remain involved in TEC as
a team member, providing all the
candidates’ care over the weekend. If you’re
in high school and haven’t yet been a
candidate, please consider making this the
time; I’d like to see every youth possible
participate. Team begins at 7 pm Thursday,
March 12 to set up the space. Team
Registration Forms have been sent to past
participants and include a Candidate Form
to share with a friend. Additional forms are
available outside Sheila’s office.
Grade 6-8 Episcopal Youth Quest Camp
Sunday-Saturday, July 12-18, 2015
ECMN is offering a new summer camp
experience! Fun, friendship, and formative
outdoor experiences will empower grade 6-8
students to discover their identity as God’s
beloved, develop leadership & confidence,
and grow their sense of ministry &
giftedness. Grade 9-12 students will have
separate cabins and their own Peer Ministry
Leadership track, including opportunities to
lead grade 6-8 activities. Both tracks have a
1-night hiking & camping excursion. Please
join us for a fantastic week at One Heartland
Center, 26001 Heinz Rd, Willow River, MN
55795. Online Registration: http://
episcopalmn.org/events/episcopal-youthquest-camp/#more-10983
Episcopal Youth Music Camp
Sunday-Saturday, August 2–8, 2015
Registration forms are available outside
Sheila’s office, or register on-line through
episcopalmn.org. Follow their events
calendar to August for more info. Music
camp is for all youth entering grades 3-12 in
the fall. Don’t miss the reduced price Early
Bird Registration with full payment of $495
due on or before April 1. The cost increases
to $545 from April 2 – June 1. Registration is
on a first come basis, and a waiting list
begins when the camp is full which
happened last year at the beginning of May.
Don’t Forget These Dates
February
Sunday, 2/1
9 am 8th Grade Rite of Affirmation
Friday-Saturday, 2/6-2/7
TEC Team overnight
Saturday, 2/7 Safeguarding God’s Children
Sunday, 2/8
Noon www.YouthMinistry Visioning
Wednesday, 2/11, 5 pm pancake makers,
5:30 pm Mardi Gras Supper &
Swing Band Concert with Dancing
Wednesday, 2/18 Lent begins
6:15 pm Ash Wednesday Worship
Saturday, 2/21 Feed My Starving Children
Friday-Saturday, 2/27-2/28
Faith After High School Retreat,
Shattuck - St. Mary’s
March
Sunday, 3/1, 10 am Pretzel-making
Friday-Saturday, 3/6-3/7, Grade 6-8 ECMN
Retreat, St. Matthew’s, St. Paul
Thursday, 3/12, 7 pm
Team begins Greater MN TEC weekend
Friday-Sunday, 3/13-3/15, Greater MN TEC
April
Wednesday, 4/1 EYMC Early Bird Deadline
The Voice
11
Your friends at
Culver’s of Vadnais Heights
invite you to stop in after
your worship service
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ST. JOHN IN WILDERNESS, WHITE BEAR LAKE
A 2C 02-0912
01-02-2015 08:59:42