Lent 2009 Newsletter

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In this issue:

  • Troubled Times: John Newton, Rector
  • Vestry Summary: Ann Schwarz, Administrator
  • Hanging Fruit on Dead Trees: Charlie Clauss, Senior Warden
  • Messiah's 2009 Newsletter Schedule
  • Worship and Music: Jeff Kidder, Worship Minister
  • Health Notes: Phyllis Bruce, RN, Parish Health Committee
  • Sustaining Healthy Youth Ministries at Messiah: David Langille, Priest Associate
  • Youth Calendar
  • Library News: Linda Eggleston
  • Have the Bishop Candidates heard from you?: Dick Guiton, Deputy Warden
  • Help Wanted: Kevin Hendricks
  • Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper

Troubled Times

John Newton, Rector

Since the beginning of the year, almost every week has brought the news that another Messiah member has been the victim of cutbacks in the marketplace. This has taken the form either of a reduction in salary or of the loss of a job altogether.

It is very tempting to lay the blame for what is happening to us on any of a number of groups of people: the rapacity of mortgage brokers, bank executives, futures traders, and other Wall Street high flyers, for example. I admit my blood boils at the thought that much of the current tragedy might have been avoided, and that those most hurt by the economic downturn are for the most part the most vulnerable members of our society.

At the same time I recognize that there is really nothing I can do that is going to make any difference on a national scale, and that just getting angry isn't going to help anyone either. James teaches us that "human anger does not produce the righteousness of God." Then a couple of sentences later he bids us to "be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves" (James 1:20,22). So how can we be "doers of the word" in the present situation?

First of all, I am grateful for the initiative of Kevin Hendricks, who has started a couple of Messiah job information sharing groups on the internet. Go to the Messiah website and check out "Sharing Job Opportunities". There is one on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=2234447538&topic=6386). The other is on LinkedIn (http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=1791163&trk=hb_side_g). Kevin has written a brief article about these, which you will find elsewhere in this issue of the newsletter.

Secondly, since the summer we have had in the plans for our Sunday morning Adult Education sessions a series entitled "Managing Our Finances God's Way". This DVD-based program is from Crown Financial Ministries, who have a long and excellent track record of helping people to move towards true financial freedom. While it is not going to find anyone a job, it will help us to discover what is involved in becoming wise stewards of the resources that the Lord has entrusted to us. It is scheduled to get under way on Sunday, March 22, and will continue into May.

Thirdly, I should inform you that as a parish we have a "Dire Need Fund". This fund, which is administered by myself and the wardens, is specifically set aside to help parishioners of Messiah who find themselves in a financial jam. It is certainly not a bottomless pit-far from it!-but it is there to be used whenever necessary. It is also an opportunity for those who are not so much affected by the recession to share what they have with others.

Fourthly, we have an opportunity to share in less formal ways as well. I know a good deal of that happens behind the scenes already at Messiah. Most of us maintain large inventories of practical items that are not in everyday use-everything from lawn mowers to power tools to camping equipment to children's clothes, to name a few examples. Many of things are objects that we could easily borrow, loan or pass along, rather than own ourselves. Karen and I, for instance, have often been the grateful beneficiaries of parishioners' cars when they have gone away, and have in turn lent out our own when we have gone out of town for a period.

Fifthly, and most importantly, our straitened circumstances are an invitation to get on our knees: to pray for protection and relief those who have been hit directly by the recession and for wisdom for our national leaders and their advisors, all the while trusting that, though the worst may not be behind us, the Lord will see us through.

Vestry Summary

Ann Schwarz, Administrator

At its January meeting Messiah's Vestry:

  • Affirmed Robin Morical as Deacon Associate.
  • Agreed to a 2009 Budget that assumed $351,000 in pledge income and assumed present staffing levels.
  • Agreed to dedicate 23 % of the Wolterstorff Bequest received this past June to infrastructure improvement and staff development.
  • Affirmed a communications proposal to use up to $3,000 of the infrastructure money for immediate staff computing needs.

Complete monthly minutes and financial statements are available in the work room located off the reception area or email a.schwarz@messiahepiscopal.org.

Vestry Members

  • John Newton
  • Charlie Clauss
  • Mary Lou Wiley
  • Dick Guiton
  • Bill Carr
  • Fred Jew
  • Kristen Kidder
  • Eric Everman
  • Adam Richardson
  • Samantha Tenuta
  • Sue Fair
  • Abby Hendricks
  • Jim Morical
  • Andy Pratt
  • Ann Schwarz (ex-officio)

Hanging Fruit on Dead Trees

Charlie Clauss, Senior Warden

While growing up in San Francisco, my family had a friend with apple orchards north of the city. Every fall we would travel up to the orchards to pick apples. I learned how to pluck them from ladders or while hanging onto a branch after shinnying up the tree. Those apples were often eaten right there in the field, but often found their way into apple sauce (what does one family do with that many apples?).

It was no surprise that one day (in the late sixties - I was 8 or 9) I tried my hand at planting. I took seeds from a store bought apple and placed them into a pot. Sure enough, those seeds sprouted and grew into small trees. Our apple orchard friend took them and planted them on his land. Over time I was able to watch those trees grow. Unfortunately, trees that grow from store bought apples usually do not produce fruit, but our friend again came to the rescue. It is common to graft one variety of apple onto a tree of a different kind, and so he was able to graft a producing limb onto my trees. When Nancy and I moved back to California in the mid eighties, we were able to go pick apples off my trees (now well over 25 feet tall, I might add).

Fruit comes from living trees. This is a very obvious thing to say. Our family friend could not have gotten apples from dead trees. He could not have grafted a producing limb onto a dead tree and expected to get apples from it. The living apple tree in our current back yard (how lucky could I get?) produces apples, but the dead limbs that have been pruned off of it do not produce anything. It takes a living tree to produce real, living fruit. And the only way to get a new apple tree is from seeds that come from fruit that came from a living apple tree.

This is all very obvious when talking about Red Delicious or Granny Smiths. But this is a truth that applies to our lives. Jesus tells his disciples in John 15, "Abide in me...for apart from me you can do nothing." And Jesus has grafted us into the Living Tree. That is the only way we can produce fruit. Without that life giving connection with Jesus himself, we wither and die. And certainly we produce no fruit. We know that that is what God seeks in our lives - fruit that is the result of his life in us. Fruit that nourishes us as individuals and as the Church; fruit that brings about new life as we share God's life with the world.

But we are tempted to fall into a trap. We desire fruit so much that we forget that the only place to get it is on living trees. We do a very silly thing: we hang fruit on dead trees.

We admonish and encourage one another to do good things, accomplish great works, live moral lives, share the good news of Jesus with the world. We spend a great deal of time and spend a great deal of money, and we do many good things. Don't get me wrong - these are things that do need to be done. But at the end of the day, we know that they were accomplished "by the sweat of our brow." We hang this fruit on lives that are lifeless and dead. God in his great mercy and love takes our work and uses it for his glory. But it is not how he would like it.

Fruit, and especially the Fruit of the Spirit, comes from living trees. God would have us to be alive in him and producing fruit that is the direct result of our being connected with him. He would have us tend to the trees - to our lives - so that living fruit would be produced from living trees.

So brothers and sister, I would urge you to seek the Master Gardener, and ask him to tend to your tree - your life - to dig up around the roots, spread fertilizer, and water, so that we as God's own orchard we might produce much fruit.

Messiah's 2009 Newsletter Schedule

As a cost saving measure, the Messiah will publish seven issues of the newsletter in2009 on the following schedule (subject to minor changes):

  • Lent (February 15)
  • Holy Week/Easter (March 29)
  • Pentecost (May 17)
  • Early Summer (June 28)
  • Late Summer (August 18)
  • Autumn (October 4)
  • Advent/Christmas (November 22)

Worship and Music

Jeff Kidder, Worship Minister

Thank you to all the artists & musicians who blessed our Advent and Christmas services with their gifts and talents. They include: the Youth Advent Drama group directed by Dwight Reynolds (& our own David Langille for writing the script); the school-age children and adult volunteers who helped lead the Interactive Christmas Nativity at 4:00 on Christmas Eve; the Festival Choir, the Worship band, volunteer organist Laura McKnight and all of the many individuals who offered special music; Ardell Nelson, who created our banner, and everyone who decorated the sanctuary; altar guild, acolytes and all who helped lead and support our worship for the season.

Thanks, also to all the musicians who performed for the Coffeehouse Cabaret on Feb. 6th, and to all those who helped set up and serve for this fun event.

The Season after the Epiphany, with gospel readings describing the calling of the disciples, various healing miracles and teachings of Jesus and culminating with the Transfiguration, continues through Sunday February 22nd.

Ash Wednesday is on February 25th and marks the beginning of Lent. "I invite you, therefore in the name of the Church, to the observance of a holy Lent, by self-examination and repentance, by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and meditating on God's holy Word." (BCP)

The word Lent comes from an Old English word for spring.

The celebration of Jesus' resurrection is the central event of the Christian year. A time of preparation is appropriate in its own right. However as the early church began to use Easter as a day to baptize new converts, the 40 days before Easter became the final stage of preparation for those about to be baptized. The rest of the Church prayed and fasted in solidarity with them. The 40 days of Lent begin with Ash Wednesday and go through Holy Saturday (the Saturday before Easter), not including Sundays.

Sundays in Lent

Though Sundays are always a celebration of the Resurrection (we continue to "celebrate" the Eucharist each week), our Sunday worship will also reflect the tone of this penitential season, since it is our main opportunity to observe Lent as a community. The following changes in our worship are meant to aid us in entering into this season.

The music during the service will be more sparse and contemplative than usual.

We will sing the Kyrie Eleison (Greek, "Lord have mercy") instead of the Songs/Hymns of praise (that usually follow the Processional hymn and collect).

We will chant or sing the appointed Psalm for each Sunday between the Old Testament and the Gospel readings, using a variety of settings.

We will sing the Agnus Dei /Lamb of God as a Fraction anthem (as the priest breaks the bread in preparation of serving the bread and wine)

Vestments will change to purple and the chancel banner will change as well.

The season of Lent continues through April 5th, The Sunday of the Passion / Palm Sunday, which also marks the beginning of Holy Week.

Reconciliation Service - Saturday March 7, 7-8:30 p.m. So whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come. And all this is from God, who has reconciled us to himself through Christ and given us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting their trespasses against them and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. So we are ambassadors for Christ, as if God were appealing through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. (2 Cor. 5:11b-12, NAB)

This evening service is a time for personal reflection, confession, repentance, forgiveness, and reconciliation. Come and pray in the peaceful, healing presence of God. The sanctuary will be aglow in candlelight with quiet, meditative music provided throughout the evening by Jeff Kidder, Paul Johnson and a music ministry team. The rite of "The Reconciliation of a Penitent" from the Book of Common Prayer is available with one of our priests (Dave or John) or deacon (Robin), and Healing team members will also be present and available to pray with those who wish to do so. There is a brief opening liturgy, and then it is much like a prayer vigil, you may come and go anytime.

Changes in Messiah's Music Program for '09

Due to budget cuts that reduced Music ministry staff time, Jeff Kidder, in consultation with the Music Ministry Council, decided he will not direct the Choir and Vocal Quartet programs in 09. This was a very difficult decision to make and Jeff hopes that these programs can still continue in some way. Discussions are taking place among participants and leaders regarding how to move forward with volunteers & other adaptive approaches to continue these ministries.

Worship Band continues its rehearsals are on Thursdays, 4:30-6:15 p.m. Instrumentalists & Vocalists are needed to accompany/lead music for the Sunday 9 & 11 worship services.

With the discontinuation of quartets/choir, Worship Band is an ongoing opportunity for vocalists to consider participating in.

Contact Jeff Kidder if you are interested in being part of this ministry.

Health Notes

Phyllis Bruce, RN, Parish Health Committee

The New Year is here and so is its list of resolutions. If focusing on your health and visiting your health care provider is on that list, consider the following to get the most out of that encounter:

Bring your medications with you or make a list of all medications and supplements you take, including dosage and how you take them. Also make a list of other doctors you see and their clinic phone number or address in case your provider needs to contact them.

Write a list of symptoms and details about when and how often they occur, what worsens them, and what you have tried to relieve them.

Prioritize questions and concerns and write them down. Be prepared to write down your doctor's answers and comments.

If dealing with complex or serious medical issues, bring along a trusted friend or relative to help absorb the information. If you are seeing a physician for the first time, bring copies of your medical records with you. Always keep a copy for yourself. If you do not have past records, take a few minutes before the appointment to write down current medical problems (eg. diabetes, hypertension), past medical problems (eg. hospitalized with pneumonia in 2002), and surgeries (eg. gallbladder removed in 1995). Make a similar list of medical problems that run in the family.

Dr. Davis Liu, a family physician with the Permanente Medical Group in northern California who has written "Stay Healthy, Live Longer, Spend Wisely: Making Intelligent Choices in America's Health Care System" (Stetho Publishing, 2008), has devised the acronym DATE to help patients derive the most from a doctor's visit:

D FOR DIAGNOSIS: Write down the medical terms, not lay lingo.

A FOR ADDITIONAL TESTS: Does the doctor require or recommend other tests, X-rays or procedures? Tell the doctor you would like to be informed of the results, good or bad.

T FOR TREATMENT PLAN: Is a new medication or dosage being prescribed? Understand what that medication is for and what it is supposed to do. Ask about side effects. Is surgery needed, and how urgently? Should you see a physical therapist or change your program?

E FOR FURTHER EXAMINATIONS OR EVALUATIONS: When should you return for a follow-up? What are the signs or symptoms to watch for and when should you call the doctor if the condition does or does not change?

May you find wholeness, healing, and health in 2009!

Submitted by Dr. Heidi Coplin, Chair of Health Ministry Committee, Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd

Sustaining Healthy Youth Ministries at Messiah

David Langille, Priest Associate

These are difficult financial times for our Church community, and for some of our families these times are more difficult than for others. Last May, before government leaders told us we were in an economic recession, we in the youth ministry saw troubles ahead. In many ways youth ministry in any church is like the proverbial canary in the mine, and the canary of Messiah's Youth has been struggling financially since May. How so? First, we came short in our fundraising goal for last summer. Second, Summer Ministry budgets were set in the winter, before fuel prices tripled. Third, we ran a deficit from the Summer Ministry. We have been in a difficult position since that time.

There are three ways that Youth Ministry in particular is funded. As with all ministries at Messiah, our weekly and ongoing ministry costs (curriculum and supplies, and the Priest Associate salary package) are covered by the pledges and offerings of faithful people. The Vestry allocates this pledge income through the operating budget. However, the operating budget does not fund two essential features of Messiah's Youth Ministry: Special Events and Scholarships for Special Events.

Our Youth Ministry, through its designated fund, actually goes through a substantial amount of money. Roughly $35,000 per year is spent on events, from Missions Trips to Camp Crosswoods, from the Monster Lock-In to the 30 Hr Famine, healthy ministry costs money. Registration fees, from students and their families, cover much of this total of $35,000. However, a large amount of it comes through fundraising (the Missions Dinner and Phat Tuesday Pancake Supper) and from special gifts from individuals. Most years we carry over a surplus from the summer; we did not this year. In fact we are in the hole.

Then, there are scholarships for our many Special Events. One of the graces of ordination is that we as clergy have Discretionary Funds. These are funds that individuals give to that allow us to fund off-budget items. For example, I can use it to give qualifying students partial scholarship for a camp, retreat or mission. I can also use it to help pay partial fees for adult chaperones. And I have used the fund to provide pastoral care for leaders, training and continuing education for them and for me, as well as books and liturgical vestments. Finally, I can also use the fund to help the several homeless and destitute that come to Messiah looking for help. Last fall, as we faced a deficit situation in Youth Ministry I decided to fund all of our Youth Ministry from my discretionary fund. It was either that or severely curtail what we do. So, it too is now in the hole.

I come into this new budget year with mixed emotions. I am grateful for the many who have pledged to Messiah, in many cases sacrificially, and for the budget provided the youth ministry. At the same time, I need to ask for your help to pay outstanding debt from the summer in our designated fund, and to build up my own discretionary fund. So, to sustain healthy youth ministry at Messiah we need to do two things: First, we simply must live within our means. That is my commitment to you all; I can't in good conscience fund ongoing ministry from my Discretionary Fund. We will also discern what you can and can't do this summer, so ministry may need to be scaled back. Second, even in these difficult times I do need to ask for specific assistance. If it helps, no money given to the Youth Designated Fund (or any designated fund at Messiah) or to my Discretionary Fund (or John's) is assessed by our Diocese. If you have further questions please feel free to ask, call, e-mail or Facebook me.

4th Monday Prayer

All are invited to prayer at Messiah the 4th Monday of every month at 7:00 p.m. These times of worship and prayer will concentrate on listening to God, asking him what we should pray for and seeking to receive from him the things we need. No prior experience necessary! Join us on February 23

Youth Calendar

Save Money to Support Messiah's Youth!

From now until February 28th, Messiah's Youth is partnering with Herberger's stores through the sale of coupon booklets, good toward store merchandise. With 100% of booklet sales benefiting Messiah's Youth, you can feel good going shopping and great about giving back! This valuable coupon booklet can be purchased for just $5 each, good toward great merchandise at Herberger's stores during the special One Day Community Day Sale on February 28th. On sale today at Messiah, or online at: http://www.communitydayevent.com/orglookup.php

Youth Alpha

Feb. 18th, 6:30pm, in theLoft
Youth Alpha is safe place to ask your questions about God, Jesus and the Christian faith. Each week we answer a different question, this week: Why Did Jesus Die?

Get Shriven at the Fat Tuesday Pancake Supper

Tuesday, Feb. 24th, 5:30-7:00pm, in the Undercroft

Come for the food (pancakes, sausage, fresh fruit salad and all the trimmings), the fellowship (with over 100 Messiah friends) and the fun (coffee, live music and even dancing in the Loft). Tickets are $5 per person or $4 per person for families or groups of 4 or more and are on sale in the Gathering Space or call or e-mail your reservation.

Ash Wednesday (No Youthnite)

Wednesday, Feb. 25th

New Confirmation Class Info Meeting

March 1st, 10:45am, theLoft

Come learn about Messiah's unique Confirmation Class. All mature 8th graders, as well as any Sr Hi who have not yet been confirmed and their parents are encouraged to attend.

Youth Alpha

March 4th, 6:30pm, in theLoft

Youth Alpha is safe place to ask your questions about God, Jesus and the Christian faith. Each week we answer a different question, this week: Why and How Should I Read the Bible?

Youth Alpha

March 11th, 6:30pm, in theLoft

Youth Alpha is safe place to ask your questions about God, Jesus and the Christian faith. Each week we answer a different question, this week: Why and How Should I Pray?

Youth Alpha

March 18th, 6:30pm, in theLoft

Youth Alpha is safe place to ask your questions about God, Jesus and the Christian faith. Each week we answer a different question, this week: How Does God Guide Us?

Youth Alpha Holy Spirit Weekend

March 20,7:00pm-March21, 6:00pm, @ Messiah, Cost: suggested donation of $20

For any and all youth who have attended Youth Alpha, come learn about and receive the power to live the Christian life. Come learn what God has in store for with your friends from Youth Alpha.

Youth Alpha

March 25th, 6:30pm, in theLoft

Youth Alpha is safe place to ask your questions about God, Jesus and the Christian faith. Each week we answer a different question, this week: Does God Heal Today?

World Vision 30 Hr Famine

April 10th, 6:30pm-April 11th, 7:00pm

Again this year we'll be fasting 30 Hr hours to raise support and awareness for World Vision's ministry to feed hungry children around the world. Details to come.

Library News

Linda Eggleston

As Lent and Easter approach, there are some books in our library you may wish to check out: The Pilgrims & the Passion; Messages for Lent and Easter by George M. Bass and four children's books: Christians Together by Marydel D. Frohne, The Very First EASTER by Paul L. Maier, Jesus is Risen - What the Bible Tells Us by Augsburg Publishing House, and Kiri and the First Easter by Carol Greene.

In addition we have been the recipients of some donations of books from church members including: Christ on Trial - How the Gospel Unsettles Our Judgement by Rowan Williams, Basic Christianity by John R.W. Stott, Our Greatest Gift - Meditations on Dying and Caring by Henri J.M. Nouwen, Seeking the Kingdom - Devotions for the Daily Journey of Faith by Richard J. Foster, What the Bible is All About - by Henrietta C. Mears, Cranmer's Church - Introducing the Episcopal Church and the Anglicanism in America ­- by Chuck Collins, Disordered Loves - Healing the Seven Deadly Sins - by William S. Stafford, Families of Faith - An Introduction to World Religions for Christians by Paul Varo Martinson, Soul Feast - An Invitation to the Christian Spiritual Life - by Marjorie J. Thompson, The Visitation by Frank Peretti, The Blood of Abraham - Insights into the Middle East by Jimmy Carter, The Bible Jesus Read - by Philip Yancey, The Ragamuffin Gospel - by Brennan Manning, Experiencing Prayer with Jesus - the Power of His Presence and Example - by Henry & Norman Blackaby, Wisdom of the Celtic Saints by Edward C. Sellner, and Coming Together - The Bible's Message in an Age of Diversity by Curtiss Paul DeYoung. Thank you for your generous donations!

Some additional books have been donated from other church libraries and include some books for children: Bible Atlas - A first reference book - by E. Wilson and S. Lloyd Jones, Bible Dictionary - A first reference book ­- by E. Wilson and S. Lloyd Jones, GRANDPA & ME - we learn about death - by Marlee and Ben Alex.

A software program was donated to the church for learning to type, "Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing" that may be checked out in the library. It can be used with Windows XP, Windows Vista, or a Macintosh computer. Audio tapes were also donated: A Reading of Holiness, Truth and the Presence of God by Francis Frangipane.

The National Church Library Association held its biennial conference in Bloomington, MN in early November. As part of a preconference tour, our library was visited by librarians from around the country who saw our library and heard about LibraryThing. I also co-led a workshop at the conference about using LibraryThing for church libraries. Last month, we were the grateful recipients of a monetary gift from a church librarian from Sacramento, CA who visited our church library on that tour. She specified that I purchase library materials and books for our library. I hope to purchase some book covers and I purchased the following books at the Twin Cities NCLA chapter meeting last month: This Side of Heaven by Karen Kingsbury and two children's books entitled: Adopted and Loved Forever by Annetta E. Dellinger and The Ten Commandments for Little Ones by Allia Z obel Nolan.

We have also been the recipients of an additional book cart and several boxes of books donated by Faith Lutheran Church in Coon Rapids, MN.

Please visit our library often and see what's new. There are also several donated magazines and periodicals available, including Books & Culture. You may also see our growing online catalog at: http://www.librarything.com/catalog/MessiahEpiscopal or our printed catalog in the three-ringed binder in the church library.

We will continue to catalog books and materials for our library and put them on the shelves as soon as possible. If you would like to volunteer to help, please contact me. If you have book suggestions or recommendations for future purchases, you may let me know or place your notes in the return box in the church library. Thank you for your interest in using and supporting our church library!

In Memoriam

Minnie Martha Harvey, a lifetime member of Messiah, passed away February 4, 2009. Minnie was born on October 4, 1914 and was baptized at Messiah on November 5, 1914. Her funeral was held at Messiah on February 9.

Have the Bishop Candidates heard from you?

Dick Guiton, Deputy Warden

Many of us were present when the Bishop's Commission on Mission Strategy came to Messiah to gather input before the 2007 report to the convention. The news at that time was not good. Every marker seemed to be headed in the wrong direction in relation to the "health" of this Episcopal Diocese. To address this problem the Convention named four goals. Also task teams were formed and an emphasis on a new vibrant, effective networking system was initiated. The four goals include as the number one goal, Spiritual Transformation and Fuller Participation in God's Mission. The major question asked was how can we participate more fully in God's mission in this world. One of the leaders of this team is our previous Rector, Ernie Ashcroft. The second task is centered around discipleship being a way of life for all God's people. I help as a team leader on this topic along with the Rev. Sandy Obarski and a Lay Leader from Nativity, Doug Maust. A key to this team's working plan is CONVERSATION from any and all about the ministries in their midst. Note this is where you come in!

Number three involves recreating the Diocese as a network. Easy you say, not so. Messiah is doing an excellent job with this as we incorporate more congregations into our long standing Haiti partnership. Are we a potential hub congregation? Obviously that depends on a lot of decisions made locally, nationally and in the World Wide Communion. Part of this also includes Lay Leadership Development and I see that closely connected with task number 2.

Finally, if the diocese is going to survive, the diocese needs to establish realistic fiscal strategies.

One way to have input is to attend regional meetings and participate in the breakout discussions. Another road is to access the website at http://missionstrategymn.org/

We want the new Bishop to have an accurate assessment of our goals and our needs. The candidates all need to be aware of our strengths, concerns and weaknesses. You can help by getting involved. Many of our number have sincere concerns about the relationship that we will have with the diocese in the future. It will be clearer to all of us how to proceed if we have a clear understanding and dialog with our leaders.

The above opinion is mine and I will gladly talk with anyone about it.

Help Wanted

Kevin Hendricks

We all hear the terrible news about the economy, but it really hits home when I start counting the number of friends and family who have lost jobs. I'm convinced the church needs to stand up and show some love to those who are struggling.

So let's do it.

Back in 2003 Messiah had a support group for people who were looking for work. I don't know if there is a need for a group like that today, but at the very least we should start connecting in order to share job leads, advice and encouragement. Most people find jobs through networking, and if you've been in the job market you know how important it is to have encouragement.

We have a couple online groups that can help make these connections happen, one on the professional networking site Linked In and the other on the social networking site Facebook. Check these groups out and share what you can. (Links to both groups are on the Messiah web site: http://www.messiahepiscopal.org).

If you're looking for work, let people know what you're looking for and how we can help. If you're not looking for work, share connections and job leads you come across (plus that steady job might not be so steady in this economy!).

Let's be the church and help one another through this recession.

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper

Tuesday, February 24
5:30 to 7:00 pm

Tickets are $5 per person or $4 per person for families or groups of 4 or more. Tickets will be on sale at coffee hour or call the church at 651-698-2590 for a reservation. The supper is a delicious "all you can eat" meal of pancakes, sausage and fresh fruit served by Messiah youth. There will be special fun for the kids and live music. Proceeds help fund the confirmation class annual retreat.