May 2008 Newsletter
In this issue:
- Growing together in Christ: John Newton, rector
- Reflections: Lori Goetz, Senior Warden
- Vestry Summary: Ann Schwarz, Administrator
- Capital Campaign Update: Imad Libbus, Chairman, Capital Campaign
- Haiti Mission Trip Update: Suzanne Wiebusch, Outreach Committee
- Greetings from Uganda: A letter from Reverend WIllington Kamukama
- Youth and Family Ministry Update: David Langille, Priest Associate
- Men, do you know your doctor?: Dick Guiton, MD, Parish Health Committee
- Youth Stuff
- Worship and Music Ministry news: Jeff Kidder, Music Minister
- Financial Summary January - March 2008: Ann Schwarz, Administrator
- Notices
Growing together in Christ
John Newton, Rector
As congregations go, Messiah is not a large church. Yet our much of our membership is drawn from a widespread geographical area. At our Vestry retreat in February Craig Van Gelder from Luther Seminary drew our attention to the fact that less than 20% of those who worship at Messiah actually live what might be called our natural "parish"-the area bounded by the Mississippi River, Interstate 35E and Interstate 94. In fact, each Sunday people travel from as far as Chaska, Hugo, Lakeville and Maple Grove, and almost every point in between.
This makes things quite different from the older (and now almost non-existent) pattern of the neighborhood church. In that scenario, members may have met formally on Sunday mornings, but they would also have met informally several times during the intervening six days-at the grocery store, in the park, or in the local school, for example.
Today life is not that simple. If we are going to enjoy meaningful fellowship (koinonía) in the church nowadays, we need to "manufacture" occasions where it will develop. Sunday morning coffee is an important element in this. It is a relatively recent tradition in the church. But for many of us it is indispensable, because it provides us a once-a-week opportunity to catch up (albeit very briefly) with one another.
In terms of real fellowship coffee hour has obvious limitations. For one thing, it does not offer enough time for significant conversation to take place. Add to that the general noise and activity levels in the room and the awkwardness of standing, and you can see how coffee hours can never offer a deep level of fellowship.
So it is that churches that want their members to enjoy the benefits of significant fellowship with other believers have placed small groups high on their priority lists. There we have the opportunity on a weekly basis to come alongside others and for them to come alongside us in a meaningful way in our walk with Christ. I remember one woman, a long-time member of the church, who said, after her first experience of being involved in a small group: "Now I finally know what people have been meaning all these years when they talked about the love in our church."
Small groups have always been an important and foundational part of my life in Christ. I cannot commend them enough. Yet they are not the whole answer either. So let me add a third layer: getting away together. If small groups provide regular opportunities for gradual growth our experience of Christian community, getaways provide a kind of kick-start, giving us a more extended (and often relaxed) time to get to know and appreciate one another.
All of this leads me to say that we will be offering an all-church weekend for Messiah parishioners June 13-15. It will be taking place at Camp Crosswoods in Wisconsin-a very attractive facility already familiar to many of our youth and their families. I have invited Grant LeMarquand, a member of the faculty of Trinity School for Ministry near Pittsburgh, to be our teacher for the weekend. Aside from being a scholar in New Testament studies, Grant is also a fine pastor and has had extensive experience with the church in Kenya. I have known him for many years, and am confident that he will offer us some challenging and practical teaching.
There is more information about the weekend in this issue of the newsletter. I hope that you will mark the time down in your calendar and plan to take part. I have no doubt that it will prove to be a rich time for us all as we seek to grow together in Christ.
Reflections
Lori Goetz, Senior Warden
"He doesn't look like a 'nice boy.'"
"He's not. He's one of the least of these my brethren."
So begins Mattie Rigsbee's description of Wesley Benfield, an escaped resident of the Young Men's Rehabilitation Center in Clyde Edgerton's novel, Walking Across Egypt. At seventy-six years, Mattie believes herself to be slowing down. Yet her spiritual vitality, born of a living relationship with God, supports a resolve to love Wesley despite his moral failings. He steals, he smokes, he cusses, he lies. He even has bad teeth. But when he shows up on Mattie's doorstep, Mattie recalls Jesus saying "As you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me." She promptly feeds him, offers him a clean bed and bath, invites him to church, and considers fixing his teeth:
Mattie saw before her a dry, dying plant which needed water up through the roots-a pale boy with rotten teeth who needed the cool nourishing water of hymns sung to God, of kind people speaking to him, asking him how things were going, the cool water of clean people, clean children, of old people being held by the arm and helped up a flight of stairs, old people who looked with thanks up into the eyes of their helpers, of young and old people sitting together for one purpose: to worship their Maker, to worship Jesus, to do all that together and to care for each other....That's what this young man needed. That would bring color to his cheeks...that would do it.
In one dramatic gesture, Mattie sums up an ideal response to "the least of these my brethren"-that we recognize God's claim on all people, serve others meticulously in his love, and welcome them into the community of God's people. Throughout the gospels, Jesus amplifies this response by inviting our reflection on ambition, egotism, humility, and servanthood. When a mother seeks a position of privilege for her sons, Jesus reminds us that greatness in the kingdom of God is bound to suffering and service. Followers of Jesus must renounce ambition, that desire for power sought for personal ends, in favor of servanthood. And servanthood demands that we be mindful of "the least of these my brethren."
How do we cultivate mindfulness in a culture which promotes self-assertion and self-aggrandizement? For Mattie it started with a pound cake, a visit to the detention center to meet Wesley, and the wry observation that "He don't look like Jesus." The practiced art of giving, of extending small kindnesses, coupled with the courage to reach out beyond our comfort, anchored by the realism that service is not always attractive, will help us be mindful.
And the more we practice mindful attention to "the least," the scriptures suggest, the more instinctive will be our response. The righteous servants in Jesus' teaching about "the least of these my brethren" ask "When did we see you hungry, or thirsty, or naked, or sick or in prison?" Theirs is a position of humble perplexity. "What have we really done?" they seem to say. Their service to others stems from a living faith which instinctively seeks to love. May this compelling picture of wholeness encourage us as we seek to integrate faith and action in the name of Him who came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.
Vestry Summary
Ann Schwarz, Administrator
At its April meeting Messiah's Vestry continued with its discussion, started in March and carried on via email since, about Messiah joining the organization Christians for Biblical Equality (www.cbeinternational.org/new/membership/member_web/authchurch.shtml). Mary Lou Wiley articulated six reasons for joining:
- Theological alignment between Messiah and CBE (see CBE's Statement of Faith).
- Connecting across denominational lines is a good thing.
- It is good to support Messiah members in their call (CBE president is Messiah member).
- It is good to empower women at a grass-roots level.
- Resolutions aren't as powerful as joining.
- It offers clarity to Messiah's identity.
Hesitance centered around a lack of a clear-cut process for considering joining any outside organization. Some questioned whether there had been sufficient input from congregants. Others wondered what perceived problem joining would solve. A counterproposal was offered: that Vestry would request that Christians for Biblical Equality would list Messiah as an egalitarian church on its website. This would address the goal of affirming women in ministry but would leave time for articulating a procedure for considering outside organizational memberships. Eleven Vestry members agreed with the counterproposal and two voted that they were not ready to decide. According to consensus-decision-making rules, since consensus was not reached, this subject will be first on next month's meeting agenda and a facilitator will be asked to help. A 2/3 majority will be needed for agreement. A draft of a new identity statement was circulated and Vestry members will continue an online discussion of content and wording.
Complete monthly minutes and financial statements are available in the work room next to the reception area or may be obtained electronically by request from a.schwarz@messiahepiscopal.org.
Capital Campaign Update
Imad Libbus, Chairman, Capital Campaign
Have you ever stood in the Gathering Space during coffee hour and wondered why there are stained glass windows between you and the Sanctuary? Depending on how long you've been part of Messiah, you may not remember when the Gathering Space was an outdoor grassy space. Three years ago, we broke ground on a major building project that was completed in 2006. As a result, we now have a lovely space for coffee hour, a dedicated 2nd-floor youth space, classroom space for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, staff offices, and an open, welcoming entrance.
The building project was financed with a combination of congregational giving, which covered approximately forty percent of the cost, and with a $1 million mortgage. We are now currently halfway through our second 3-year Capital Campaign. We have already raised $264,319 in this appeal to meet our mortgage obligation and to accelerate payment of principal. Accelerating our principal payments allows us to reduce our interest charges and free up funds that can be spent on ministries.
Feel free to contact me at 651-222-1947 if you'd like to know more about the Capital Campaign or the building project -- I would be happy to answer any questions that you have.
Deferred Giving
You may want to include Messiah's Building Fund in your will or list Messiah Episcopal Church as a first, second, or last beneficiary for part or all of the proceeds from existing life insurance policies. Contact your attorney or financial planner for any of these options.
Haiti Mission Trip Update
Suzanne Wiebusch, Outreach Committee
The prayers of the congregation are desired as we leave for Haiti. These are even more crucial in light of the recent unrest in Haiti. We have been assured by our CODEP hosts and Haitian friends that things have calmed down and are safe in the Leogane area where we will be.
This trip is a wonderful opportunity to further our partnership with St Croix parish and to forge a new relationship with CODEP. For more information go to: www.haitifundinc.org.
| Friday, May 9 | Arrive Port-au-Prince (PAP) in the afternoon and on to the L'Acul guesthouse where we will be hosted by Rick and Kathy Land, CODEP field directors |
| Saturday, May 10 | Market day in nearby Leogane with a possible visit to St. Croix Hospital. Visit nearby Siloe for a glimpse of the reforestation project there. Dinner with the Deravils |
| Sunday, May 11 | Worship at Epiphanie church with Pere Deravil and our Haitian brothers and sisters. |
| Monday - Thursday | Observe the CODEP work of the last 15 years as 70 Haitians have been trained as community development workers. We will be available to work alongside them, possibly putting in a cistern and building a CODEP house. |
- Our team members and their families:
- Suzanne Wiebusch (trip leader), Reverend John Newton, Mary Lou Wiley, Judy DesHarnais, Gayle Miels, Bill Poehler, Martha Olive, Linda O'Malley (from St Clement's)
- Our last week of packing and preparations
- Protection and safety
- Team unity
- Humble, grateful, servant hearts that are open to whatever our Lord would want to do in and through us
- Ability to communicate and connect with our Haitian brothers and sisters
- Wisdom for President Preval and other Haitian leaders in dealing with the economic crisis and political corruption that have plagued Haiti since its inception
- Continued hope for our Haitian brothers and sisters in their struggle for justice and peace
- That God's kingdom will prevail in Haiti.
Note: The Haiti team is meeting Sunday, April 27 (after publication date) to determine whether to go or not in light of the travel advisories issued by the U.S. Department of State. Updates will be available in the weekly bulletin.
Greetings from Uganda
A letter from Reverend Willington Kamukama
Dear Friends/Family,
Christian greetings from my family. It has been nice to be back with my family and to share with them the joys and challenges of living in a developing country again. I still cherish living memories of your love and support for me while I was still with you, which makes me miss you greatly. We praise God for David Langille's ordination.
We praise God for the prevailing peace in Uganda and particularly in the north, where life is beginning to return to normal. We were also blessed by the presence of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting last year in November. We hope that with peace prevailing throughout the country, the poverty situation will change for the better.
The whole family spent Christmas with my mum in the village about 200 miles from Kampala. The children had last seen her in 2000. It was a wonderful time of reunion not only with her but also with many relatives and friends. Many friends and relatives expected me to make a graduation party; although I wanted it too, I could not afford it because of my jobless situation. The bananas seen in the picture are in our front yard and the little girl is Deborah, our last-born.
Observe what is happening on a mission level in Haiti, see the CODEP work of the last 15 years as 700 Haitians have been trained as community development workers, see Haitian life and families up close and personal. We will probably put in a cistern and assist in building a CODEP house. Projects will be geared somewhat to the gifts and interests of team members.
It is almost nine months since I returned; I am sorry for not having been updating you with my progress as far as reentry, job hunting, and relocation are concerned. My family was happy to see me back. I spent the whole July with Rosemary and the last two kids who were in a school a few meters away from where we live, and visiting those that were in boarding schools many miles away. In the meantime, I was making follow-ups of the job applications I had made before I returned. In August, I got two part time teaching jobs at the two public universities- Makerere and Kyambogo, where I was time tabled for 12 and 8 hours a week respectively. Each of these institutions promised that it would take me on for full time employment. In the mean time, I also made an application to Bishop Stuart University and other places, where I had equally more hopes.
One prominent Management and Consultancy Institution in the county invited me for three consecutive interviews all of which I passed. However, as I write, I am jobless because none of these institutions has offered me a job yet. I am not even on the timetable at Makerere University for this semester. Kyambogo University where I have been timetabled for 6 hours a week has been closed indefinitely because of a violent students riot. I have been in touch with my home diocese and the new bishop but not much has been done yet either. It has been rather difficult to discern God's will for us in this situation.Rosemary (my wife) continues to teach in a rural school many miles away from where we live. She commutes every day. Phoebe, our first born is in her second year at Makerere University doing computer science; Charity, the second born, is in her first year at Uganda Christian University doing Mass communication; Nimusiima and Patience, the third and forth born respectively are in grade 12; Timothy, the only boy, is in grade 8, and Deborah, the last born is in grade 5. Given our unemployment situation, I have no clear vision of how we shall sustain them at their schools when they need $2485 this semester for their tuition. However, we believe that God is in control.
We worship at a small church near where we rent a house. Rosemary and I assist with sacraments and preaching when we are asked. I shall be preaching on Easter. I had hoped that I would get a job, settle soon, and then invite you to visit Uganda. I believe it will come at God's own timing. I am getting a bit of difficulty accessing my U of M email; please use wwkamuka@yahoo.com if you do not have it already. The diocese was very grateful to Brad & Laura, and the parish of St Luke's Poulton (UK) for a donation of six and three bicycles respectively, and to Books for Africa, for a 40 foot container of books and 10 computers for Bishop Stuart University and other schools. In the picture is the bishop receiving the bicycles. I thank them very much for responding to my appeals. I shall continue to pray for the Uganda team/project/spirit. I long to see you; pray that God opens the way for us to meet. Please keep me posted on the developments of your church, ECUSA, and the Anglican Communion. Finally, I need your prayers. You can reach me at 256 774 199 540. Love and Easter blessings to you all. Willington
EDITORS NOTE: Willington Kamukama worshipped at Messiah from March 2005 until June 2007 while at the University of Minnesota. He returned home to his family in Uganda in June 2007.
Youth and Family Ministry Update
David Langille, Priest Associate
Messiah's All Church Camp Weekend
June 13th-15th
This summer it's not just the youth that get to go to Camp Crosswoods! Yes, you read that correctly, this summer we are holding an all ages, all church camp at beautiful Camp Crosswoods. This will be a great weekend to build relationships with the whole Messiah community, to enjoy the beauty of Creation, swim in the lakes, hike or bike the trails and enjoy worship together.
Located in the heart of the Chequamegon National Forest of northwestern Wisconsin, Crosswoods' is a 220 acre wilderness camp. Facilities include: comfortable group cabins with a combined capacity of 108 persons; a dining hall with attached Worship space; a meeting lodge with table tennis, foosball, carpetball, air hockey and snack bar; a large craft and movie room; an outdoor chapel overlooking one of two private lakes; a swimming and canoe dock; and a huge RAVE raft trampoline in the lake. The camp also has miles of hiking and biking trails and a Disc Golf course and sports field.
For lodging there are family cabins and large cabin dorms for groups of friends. (Children and Youth will stay with their families.) Folks can also tent camp; sorry, no RV hookup. Costs: $50 per person, $10 per person for 12 and under. Fees include: accommodations; meals including a late night snack on Friday night, three meals on Saturday and Brunch on Sunday; and use of mountain bikes, canoes and kayaks on Crosswoods two lakes.
Our guest speaker is the Rev. Dr. Grant LeMarquand, Associate Professor of Biblical Studies and Mission and Academic Dean at Trinity Episcopal School for Ministry, Ambridge, PA. Look for three worship and teaching times on the weekend, as well as Baptisms in the lake on Saturday afternoon and an open-air Eucharist on Sunday morning.
Look for more info, and registration, in the All Church Camp Weekend brochure.
Men, do you know your doctor?
Dick Guiton, MD, Parish Health Committee
Men are very prone to have heart disease, vascular disease, lung disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and to be overweight. Unfortunately, they are also experts at denial and are much less apt to see their physician. If they do go to the doctor, it is usually for a very specific concern. The result is suboptimal care of life threatening conditions. It is so important to have baseline studies done to establish levels of blood sugar, cholesterol, kidney function and the physical baseline of prostate status, as mentioned last month, as well as lung function, heart function, weight and exercise program. It is also becoming more apparent that somewhere in the mid sixties, a bone density test should be performed.
So, think about having the above done around that 40th birthday and if all is well, repeat the baseline about 5 years after that. Then, of course, at age 50, it will be time to start on the colonoscopy routine unless either symptoms or family history require an earlier necessity. It is often in the same age range of the early 40's that the children are leaving home and the exercise program must be reevaluated. It is also very apparent that many of the numerical guidelines will change. Throughout my 45 years in medicine, the value of a normal blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure and weight have become more stringent.
As fewer companies require and/or pay for "complete physicals", it is a persistent problem for both men and women to schedule appointments for evaluations that are often not covered by insurance or health plans. They should be covered as preventing a problem is always better than trying to catch up with it. Do yourself and your family a very big favor and start on that program to better health today!
Youth Stuff
Summer Youth Brochure
Look for our Summer Youth Ministries Brochure. They will be available in the Gathering Space, and mailed to Messiah's Youth families.
Youthnite Mission's Dinner Prep
Wed, April 30th, 6:30
We'll be doing last minute prep for the Café Siloam Mission's Dinner. We'll have a blast as we transform all three floors of Messiah. Café Siloam needs you.
Summer Mission to Siloam: Apply for Passports NOW!
June 24th-30th, Deadline May 1st
Messiah's Youth Summer Mission will be to serve the poor of the inner-city in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. We will be working with the Siloam Mission. Due to new travel restrictions, we require passports for this trip. Students and interested adults should apply for their passport now, in time for the trip.
Café Siloam II: Summer Festival
Friday May 2nd, 5:30 & 7:30 Seatings
The Messiah social event of the year is back. In past years, people have raved about the gourmet meals, choice of wine, stellar entertainment and impeccable service. After a very long winter, this year we'll be celebrating summer, with a Summer Festival. And, we'll add a hors d'oeuvre course and a coffee bar as we expand to fill three floors with food, fellowship and entertainment. As always, childcare is provided at the early seating, and the auction of auctions will occur following the second. There is no cost for this event, a free-will offering will be taken to fund summer youth ministry at Messiah. Please call or e-mail the church today to reserve your seating.
Teen Mania Honor Academy Ministry Team
May 7th, 6:30, theLoft
The Ministry Team from the Minnesota Campus of the Teen Mania Honor Academy will be at Youthnite to minister to us with Worship, Drama and to share their stories. These are the interns you see at Acquire the Fire, including our own Laura Wiley. Do invite your friends.
Confirmation @ the Cathedral
May 10th, 11:00am, St. Mark's Cathedral
Join our two Confirmands from the class of '08, Andrew Carr and Adam Winter, their families and sponsors at the Regional Confirmation service at St. Mark's Cathedral, Minneapolis.
Small Group Closure
May 14th, 6:30, theLoft
A chance for our four small groups-Jr Hi Guys, Jr Hi Girls and our two Sr Hi groups-to wrap up the year. You can meet at the church and go wherever you can walk, our North Campus for Ultimate or our West Campus for Dairy Queen or just stay here, its up to you.
Last Day of Sunday School
May 18th
Youth Team @ Ministry Nite
May 19th, 6:30 in theLoft.
Grad Party Potluck & Volunteer Appreciation
May 21st, 6:30, theLoft
This is our Youthnite finale, as we welcome incoming 6th graders, honour our new High Schoolers and celebrate our Graduating Seniors. We'll also show some love to our many youth leaders for a wonderful year of ministry. (A-I: Main Course; J-R: Salad/Bread/Appetizer; S-Z Dessert)
Great Adventure Camp
JULY 29 TO AUGUST 4 9 am to noon
Messiah children ages 3 through 5th grade are invited to learn more about the fruits of the Spirit. We will need many adult and youth volunteers to make this a fun week for our children. Look for information in the gathering space.
Worship and Music Ministry News
Jeff Kidder, Music Minister
The Easter season -"The Great 50 Days," continues through April until Pentecost on May 11th.
We celebrate The Day of Pentecost on Sunday, May 11th commemorating the day the Holy Spirit birthed the church. Some folks like to wear red to church that Sunday in honor of the gift of the Holy Spirit & the birthday of the Church. Of course, our desire is that the Holy Spirit would live in us and bear fruit through our actions no matter what color we're wearing!
FESTIVAL CHOIR - We will have a brief Festival Choir session to prepare an anthem for Pentecost Sunday. We will have only one rehearsal on Wednesday, May 7 at 6:30-8:00 p.m. With this brief rehearsal schedule, it would be helpful if you could look at the music ahead of time. If possible, please pick up the music from Jeff prior to the rehearsal to do some preparation on your own (music will be available May 4th).Upcoming events:A group of Messiah musicians will be leading music at the regional confirmation service at St. Mark's Cathedral on Saturday May 10th at 11 a.m. All are welcome to come along to attend the worship service as well as support your Messiah musicians.
There will be an All-Music-Ministry Celebration on Friday, Jeff Kidder, Music MinisterMay 30st 6ish -9ish. This will be a time for giving thanks for the year past, sharing food and hanging out together, making music & praying for the next few months of Messiah Music Ministry. This is for folks currently involved in music at Messiah as well as anyone who would like to be.
@ Jeff & Kristen Kidder's home
529 Mackubin Street, Saint Paul, MN 55103(corner of Charles & Mackubin, 2 blocks west of Dale, 2 blocks north of University)
Kids and spouses/significant others welcome.
Please RSVP to Jeff or Kristen by Sunday, May 25 (to get a head count for food).
Jeff Kidder is going on Sabbatical
By now, many of you have probably heard that I am planning to be away on Sabbatical from June 1st through the end of September of this year. My last Sunday will be May 25th and my first Sunday back will be October 5th. I am very grateful to the Messiah vestry for approving this Sabbatical and for all of Messiah in supporting me in this endeavor. I am also very grateful to Paul Johnson who will step up to take on more leadership while I'm gone and to all the Messiah music volunteers who, along with Paul, will be leading music for Messiah worship services and events. Below, are some excerpts I've adapted from the Sabbatical proposal that I submitted to the vestry.
GOALS:
Refreshment. Seek refreshment and renewal by the Holy Spirit for the next chapter in my ministry/vocation (personal retreats, extra rest & exercise, family time, etc.)
New perspective. Step away from regular duties and ways of doing things to gain perspective and to open myself up to new possibilities/ideas/approaches/attitudes, etc. for leading worship & music ministry.
Reflection. Reflect on my Philosophy of Worship/Church music, my role at Messiah, and Messiah's development in the areas of worship and music.
Worship! Worship in a variety of Christian communities and church settings, especially within Episcopal/Anglican and other liturgical churches, where they have vibrant/meaningful/orthodox worship. Look for models of how these communities deepen their experience of worship and involve the laity in significant and creative ways.
Pursue some personal interests. Bicycling for fun rather than just commuting to work. Perhaps take a class. Do some composing, possibly record and some limited performing.
Read/Study. Take time to read and study in the areas of Biblical worship, emerging church worship and other developments in Christian worship. Possibly attend a conference or two.
WHAT'S IN IT FOR MESSIAH?
An opportunity to bless your Music Minister!
A music minister with renewed energy and vision/passion for ministry.
New ideas culled from experiences worshipping at other churches and from study and reflection. Possible models to use/adapt at Messiah to deepen our experience of worship and increase the involvement of the laity in significant and creative ways in worship and music.
Some kind of presentation (concert?) type of an event when I return, in which I will share what I've reflected on/experienced/learned during my time away.
Ongoing Opportunities for involvement:
WORSHIP BAND: Instrumentalists & Vocalists accompany/lead music at the Sunday 9 & 11 worship services. Rehearsals are on Thursdays, 4:30-6:00. Contact: Jeff Kidder03 (OUT OF ORDINARY -Youth worship band): Leads worship at selected Wednesday Youth nights. Contact Jeff Kidder, Berit Goetz or Jackson Kidder
Financial Summary January - March 2008
Ann Schwarz, Administrator
Notices
Messiah needs Project Home Coordinators and Evening and Overnight Volunteers!
Project Home, a St. Paul Area Council of Churches interfaith program, provides overnight housing for families experiencing homelessness in Ramsey County. Messiah hosts in June and helps St. John the Evangelist staff their host site in February. A coordinator or coordinating team is needed to help ensure evenings and nights are staffed with host volunteers. Project Home takes care of logistics and guest transportation. Other churches also help Messiah with volunteers. If you're interested, or just curious, contact Mary Kay Brinkmeyer (690-3130) or Mary Lou Wiley (636-6021) for more information.
To volunteer as an evening or overnight host, please sign up in the gathering space.
In Memoriam
Hugh Oestreich passed away April 11, 2008. Since 2001Hugh attended Messiah when he had the opportunity. In recent months his failing health kept him from being here. We will miss his warm and cheerful presence.
Café Siloam II: Summer Festival
Friday, May 2ndFirst Seating (Childcare): 5:30 pmSecond Seating (Live auction): 7:30 pm
CALL OR E-MAIL TODAY TO RESERVE YOUR SEATS for the Messiah social event of the year. In past years people have raved about the gourmet meals, choice of wine, stellar entertainment and impeccable service. And we'll add an hors d'oeuvre course and a coffee bar as all three floors will be filled with food, fellowship and entertainment. Childcare will be provided at the early seating (please let us know how many children you are bringing) and the auction of auctions will occur following the second. There is no cost for this event, a free-will offering will be taken to fund summer youth programs at Messiah. Call 651-698-2590 or email info@messiahepiscopal.org.
