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The Ambassador
The Newsletter of
St. Matthias'
Episcopal Church
Minocqua, Wisconsin
Whoever you are, wherever you find yourself on the journey
of faith, we welcome you.
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JULY
2014
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Mark Your Calendars
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August 14 - 6:00 pm
Evensong & Potluck
(at St. Francis' Eagle River)
August 17
Bishop's Annual Visitation &
Transition Team Meeting
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Serving?
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Please remember to check the server list on the bulletin board at church (or click here to see the latest monthly schedule online).
Also, if you are going to switch dates with someone, please inform either Bill Kane or Michael Tautges at the church office. Thank you!
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Trig's Receipts
23 B
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 Total amount raised April-June: $233.91 Thank you for continuing to support our church by saving your Trig's receipts!
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Ambassador Archives
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Want to read a recent issue of the Ambassador? Just click on the links below. (older archives can be found on our website)
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The Clarion
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Curious to see what else is going on in the Diocese of Fond du Lac? Click the logo below to view the most recent Diocesan newsletter.
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From the Rector
Bishop Matt Gunter will make his first official visit to St. Matthias' parish on Sunday, August 17. Reviving the tradition of earlier Bishops of Fond du Lac, he will spend a week in the Northwoods, visiting St. Francis' in Eagle River on August 10, at which time he will consecrate the new Mission and the refurbished church and chapel. On Thursday, August 14, we will have our monthly Evensong and Potluck Supper (a week early) at St. Francis' along with their parishioners and our Bishop and his wife. This likewise is a renewal of gatherings that the Northwoods Missions used to have together years ago. When I first came to St. Matthias' we frequently had picnics and potlucks with the folks from St. Mary of the Snows (the previous Episcopal Church in Eagle River). We look forward to a renewed fellowship between Episcopalians in the two communities.
As a mentioned earlier, Bishop Gunter will then make his visitation to St. Matthias' on Sunday, August 17. He will Receive or Confirm into the Episcopal Church any who would like to be officially become Episcopalians. If you are interested in being confirmed or received, please contact me and we can discuss further what that means and what preparation it might entail. Bishop Matt will also meet with the congregation informally during the coffee hour that day, to get to know us better, and for us to get to know him and Leslie.
Summer is a busy time in the Northwoods with many musical, social, and family events. It always seems to go quickly, and I am certainly finding that true this year. It is, of course, somewhat bitter-sweet as I realize many of the summer events I look forward to each year are the last for me at St. Matthias'.
Last week I had the wonderful opportunity to sing again in the Northwoods Hymn Festival. At the two concerts, this year, to my great surprise, I was honored and one of the songs was dedicated to me. Many of you were there and were part of the kind applause. It was very humbling, and I was beyond words. But I do hope that everyone knows how grateful I am and how much I have loved being a part of that marvelous musical and ecumenical experience. I feel blessed for having had the privilege of being part of the planning and starting of the festival numerous years ago, along with others from St. Matthias' and Ascension Lutheran Church, and I have enjoyed being part of it each year. Ben Westphal, who has directed the festival since Jean Julseth-Heinrich left is leaving his position at Lakeland High School to pursue a graduate degree, but has promised to come back next year, so I am thrilled to know it will continue.
Next up in the summer music scene is the Festival Aurora Borealis Chorus, which although not a church event, has always drawn a significant involvement from St. Matthias'. In fact the first festival and concert was held at St. Matthias' in 2000. Our parishioners, David and Beverly Baar have led the festival for the last eleven years and many of our congregation have participated each year in singing, so I hope many of you reading this will also mark your calendars for that event. The singers will begin rehearsing on July 28 for the concert on August 5 at 7:00 pm at Campanile Center for the Arts. This year's festival is "Wonderful and Wicked" the music of Stephen Sondheim and Steven Schwartz.
Those are a few events making up my busy summer. I'm sure many of you have much planned as well. Enjoy these wonderful months, the outdoors, music, family, friends, our church community, food, drink, laughter, tears. They are all gifts of God.
Bless you all.
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Upcoming Events
Thursday, August 14
- Evensong & Potluck at St. Francis' Eagle River
In place of our traditional 3rd Thursday Evensong & Potluck, in August we will be joining our parish neighbors over at St. Francis' in Eagle River at 6:00pm, on August 14. Please join us for this truly beautiful service -- the food and fellowship are awesome!
Sunday, August 17
- Bishop's Visitation and Transition Team Meeting
On Sunday, August 17, Bishop Gunter and his wife Leslie will be joining us for worship, during their annual visitation. Following the 10:00am Eucharist, the Bishop will also plan to talk to the congregation during coffee hour. Afterward, the Transition Team is inviting everyone to attend a group meeting/exercise to give input into the transition process. This meeting should take approximately one hour and will allow us to reflect on St. Matthias' strengths, as well as look ahead to challenges for the coming years. This is the first of several planned congregational interactions for this transition process. Please plan to attend!
Sunday, September 7
- Retirement Party for Fr. Wallace
Please save the date -- Sunday, September 7 -- to commemorate Father's 25 amazing years at St. Matthias'. As difficult as it is to think of him leaving, we have 25 years of memories to celebrate, and no one celebrates quite like the people of St. Matthias'! More information will follow, but do mark your calendar for Reulands, 4:00 - 7:00 on September 7!
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From the Sr. Warden
Whether you are the type of person whose name appears on every sign-up sheet ... or you tend to participate in selective ministries/events ... or you prefer to attend only worship services, we are delighted you are a part of St. Matthias'... a place where every individual is welcome, cherished, and valued. If you are interested in becoming more involved in the church or in our many outreach ministries, following is a listing of some ways you may want to consider - this is also posted on the bulletin board in the Narthex. If something sparks your interest, talk with the contact person to obtain more information ... and please don't hesitate because you are gone part of the year or you travel a lot. All these contact people are accustomed to working around everyone's busy schedules - and would love to work with you!
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Teams at St. Matthias'
Want to Get More Involved at St. Matthias'? Ask the following contact people: Caritas - Judy Ozinga Mission/purpose: Provide assistance to community members in need. Finance Team - Kathy Knobel Mission/purpose: Reviews financial reports ahead of the Vestry meetings, draft budgets and evaluate any other financial issues in order to make recommendations to the Vestry. Pastoral Care Team - Betty Nilsson Mission/purpose: Coordinates the inclusion and support of the homebound and those with special needs in the parish life (homebound, health issues, funerals). Sunday School/Nursery - Nancy Coleman Mission/purpose: Provide education and care for children on Sundays. St. Francis Project - Laurie Glowac Mission/purpose: To direct the attention of the congregation outward through education, advocacy, and service in the community. Thrift Shop - Jan Degner Mission/purpose: Promote goodwill in the community, provide quality merchandise, assure affordable prices, and support community outreach activities. Other Opportunities - Adult Forums - Marcia Holt
- Altar Guild - Chris Clark
- Communications Team - Michael Tautges
- Community Table - Betsy Butler
- Flower Brigade - Barb Roxworthy
- Future Vestry Membership - Chris Clark, Barb Kane
- Gardening - Barb Kane
- Lay Ministry - Bill Kane
- Men of Matthias (MOM) - Ron Glowac
- Monday Morning Book Study - Ron Kroeger
- Women of Matthias (WOM) - Marcia Holt
- Prayer Shawls - Barb Guy
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Your Favorite Fr. Wallace Stories
I am still collecting your favorite stories about Edgar. This can be a favorite memory, an anecdote or anything you would like to share.
I was hoping to have these ready for his anniversary open house celebration in September but have moved the deadline to late this year. Your stories will be compiled and presented to him as a nice retirement gift.
Please email them to me at: [email protected] or mail them to me at: 7539 Timber Lake Road, Rhinelander 54501. If you have any questions, please call me or see me at church.
Thank you,
Randy Bates
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Know Your Vestry: Chris Clark
 Chris Clark was elected as senior warden in May of this year; her term expires in May of 2015, though re-election is possible each year until May of 2019.
Chris began attending St. Matthias' when she and Ken were married in 1990. It was Father Wallace's first wedding at the church. Ken is a 'cradle Episcopalian' and had been attending for a few years before their marriage. Chris was born and raised Catholic, attended Catholic schools all her life, and though her family was not involved in lots of church activities, they never, (and she stresses 'never') missed Mass! Chris admits to falling in love with St. Matthias' on her first visit.
After teaching French for 4 years, she decided to try something different and began working for a newly formed temporary help/staffing agency. This was a new concept in the Northwoods. To say business was slow is a huge understatement so she started a welcome service business, first in Eagle River, and then added cities over the years. In 1995 Nicolet Promotions, Inc. was established and it now services over 900 businesses in 22 Wisconsin and Michigan cities. "I am so very fortunate as I love what I do, work with wonderful ladies, and truly enjoy going to work each day!" She and her good friend, Judy, have an excellent working relationship and appreciate the flexibility and low stress levels they have built into their business environment.
Chris has been active in Welcome Services International for the past 25 years and has held every office in the organization, multiple times! Conferences are held annually in different states, so she has had the opportunity to travel to several locations, usually staying a couple extra days to spend time with friends and just enjoy being away. She is also active in Beta Sigma Phi, a friendship/service sorority here in the Northwoods.
Chris enjoys spending time with family, friends, and their little dog, Peppi. She and Ken also love feeding and watching all the birds and wildlife that find their way to their backyard. She collects vintage Fiestaware and looks forward to estate sales and visits to as many antique shops as possible.
All of Chris and Ken's family live in Florida. Though they have traveled there often in the past, they are now content to remain in Wisconsin. One reason is that they find so much comfort and love from their St. Matthias' family. Chris states, "Whether I'm praying alone in the sanctuary, setting tables for an event, or visiting with people at coffee hour, I always feel this tremendous peace and deep gratitude. I am so very thankful to be a part of this truly amazing place!"
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Caritas: Springs into Summer
Submitted by Jane Trotter
With the new renewal of Spring has come the growth of Summer. Caritas is beginning to expand in to the program we envisioned last Fall - an interfaith program to share the time, treasure, and talent of the Lakeland faith community.
In terms of time and talent, two new volunteers joined us in June - Barb Logan from Unitarian Universalist and Pat Trapp from Calvary Lutheran. Dennis Turner from Peace Lutheran plans to start training in September as does Dick Fischer from LDF Community Presbyterian.
In terms of treasure, Calvary Lutheran has become a supporting church, giving us both volunteers and money. Peace Lutheran and Eaglebrook, have told us of their intention to support us. They have given us volunteers already, both have said money will be forthcoming.
Judy Ozinga and Marilyn Walker continue their presentations to the community, and those efforts are beginning to bear fruit. The pastor from Ascension Lutheran and the Unitarian Universalist president are both visiting Caritas this month. Marilyn will also be giving a presentation to the Ascension service committee and the pastor and president both have plans to bring Caritas to their boards and ask for support for Caritas.
Judy visited LDF Community Presbyterian in early July to hear their plan. We have volunteers from them already. It's a work in progress and the mustard seeds have been planted.
June was a slow month in terms of the number of clients and disbursements, but a good month in terms of the number of referrals. It seems we are doing more problem solving and referring more often, and some of our clients are beginning to drop in to share fellowship and they bring gifts tasty treats to share -- a classic example of cake cast upon the waters.
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Music Ministry Team
Submitted by Le Ganschow
When Father Wallace established the Music Ministry Team in June of 2013, he and I discussed the idea of using the word "Ministry" in naming our team. His selection of members for the team was deliberate and fortuitous, as each member plays a critical role in enhancing the musical portion of the service. In what sense does the team serve as "ministers" and what, exactly, is the role of our music ministry team?
Ministry
Basically, we are ministers of music in the sense that we attempt to enhance the role of music in the congregation's faith life throughout the church service. The hymns and mass music are meant to be participatory and community building, with the intent of involving the congregation in bringing glory to God through voice and listening. Weekly anthems and instrumental music are meant to provide continuity, spiritual guidance, and choir leadership throughout the service as the congregation hears a message from the choir/ensembles/soloists. The words for choral music are provided in the church bulletin for the congregation to read as they listen. The choir provides their offering to God using music from a variety of religious choral genres, including spirituals, gospel, traditional Anglican, and contemporary music.
Team Approach
What, exactly, is the role of the Music Ministry Team? Collaboration, using the unique talents of each team member, is key to the success of our charge as music ministers. We select musical offerings within the service with two points in mind: (1) the liturgical year and (2) weekly scriptures. The liturgical year consists of a cycle of seasons in churches (e.g., Advent, Lent, Easter, Pentecost), which in turn determines the portions of scripture to be read. The church office provides our team members with an annual liturgical booklet to help us decide on the hymns, mass music, and anthems appropriate for each Sunday of the liturgical year. Each person on the team has a specific responsibility. Individual duties include selecting hymns, mass music, and choral musical offerings (anthems/ensembles/solos). One of our team members coordinates the selections monthly on a grid. We review the grid at our meetings and work collaboratively to provide an overall "seamless" service where sermon, readings, and the mass work together in harmony.
Not a small charge! Hopefully, our Team is providing the congregation with a positive spiritual musical experience. We welcome suggestions from the congregation.
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Touchstones: Triumphant Marriage ("The Finale")
Written by Diane Diederich
I've gotten some positive feedback about my thoughts in last months' Ambassador - "Triumphant Marriage" - it was a long time ago that Bob & I were working very hard on our marriage... and knowing that others have struggles are good to know. So as the title of this piece says, we'll be looking at some other facets of good communication.
- Even though we're working at "one flesh" as the Bible says: but we know that is almost impossible! We all know that we are unique individuals - and that is what drew us together. We went to many workshops to learn how to "own" our one and only unique thoughts and opinions. At my best... when I'm working from my perspectives on my issues I give all those around me permission to do the same. I'm the only person I can change!
- Communication tends to go well if we try to do it "right". Bob and I had to work hard at listening, negotiating, compromising, telling the complete truth, and being transparent with each other. Over the years we've become more skillful in these areas, which have greatly enhanced our marriage. As a spouse of 50 years and from the 14 years of experience as a Pastoral Associate in my working life, I can testify the key to satisfying relationships and a healthy life is learning how to communicate. It seems to me that the 60's and 70's were the decades that had the beginning of Marriage Encounter and talk programs like "Bradshaw On Communication" and maybe we all need a refresher!
- Learn to share negative and positive feelings without delay. Often conflict that is not noticed or acknowledged goes inward and comes up in inappropriate ways. As a society we seem less able to confront others well. It's critical to force feelings into words consistently. Share the positive more often than the negative. Say "thank you" and "I love you" all the time.
- Make play time a regular part of your marriage. It seems silly to have to be reminded to have fun - and many us retired folks have made fun a part of each day - but maybe we still put the "honey-do's" more important than kicking back. Now it's time for plenty of recreation - taking walks, playing games, seeing a movie... Looking back as we grow older, we often wish we'd have done more fun things earlier. It's been my experience that couples who have the most difficulty as the kids leave the house are those who have not cultivated activities and interests that they enjoy together. Begin now - it's not too late! I hope that some of these seeds have taken root in you.
TTFN, Diane
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