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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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FEBRUARY 2014
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Mark Your Calendars
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March 1 - 5:00 pm
Winter Survivor's Party
March 9 - 10:00 am
Caritas Sunday
April 13 - 2:00 pm
Palm Sunday
Community Messiah
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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 October-December: $195.25 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
Lent begins this year on March 5. That is later than usual, since Easter falls on April 20. Perhaps that will mean that Easter will be more spring-like than usual, which will certainly be welcome after what is turning out to be a cold, hard winter.
Ash Wednesday
On Wednesday, March 5, we will celebrate the Holy Eucharist at St Matthias' with the Imposition of Ashes at noon. That day will also be the opening of the new Episcopal mission in Eagle River. The Eucharist with Imposition of Ashes will be celebrated at St. Francis Mission, at 5 pm. I will be assisting Fr. Geoff Ward with that service also. Everyone is invited to either of these services, as we begin our Lenten journey.
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Lenten Study / Discussion Opportunities
Soup Supper / Compline /
Living the Questions Video and Discussion
Mondays during Lent at 6:00 pm at St. Francis' Mission, Eagle River. I hope many from St. Matthias' will join us during these Lenten evenings as we begin this new venture in Eagle River. We can car pool from St. Matthias'. Feel free to watch the video below to get a feel for the series we'll be discussing.
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Living the Questions:
Introducing Progressive Christianity
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Eucharist / Unction /
"Tales of a Jewish Mystic" Discussion
During Lent we will continue to have a mid-week Eucharist at noon on Wednesdays at St. Matthias', this will also include the sacrament of Unction, or anointing for healing. It will be a brief contemplative service without music or sermon. Following the service I will be conducting a study of the Gospel of John, using Bishop Spong's new book "Tales of a Jewish Mystic." I invite any who are interested, to bring a bag lunch and join me. If you are interested in getting the book, please let me know and I will order copies. ($19.95 from Amazon)
Daily Lenten Online Series
Also, in keeping with a focus on John's Gospel, I would like to recommend the online Lenten Series from the Society of St. John the Evangelist: Love Life, Living the Gospel of Love. You may subscribe for free to these 2 minute daily videos from the Brothers of St. John the Evangelist (also known as Cowley Fathers).
www.ssje.org/ssje/lovelife
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Anthology of Quotes
Currently, I am compiling an anthology of quotes, poems, and prayers that have been meaningful and important to me. Many of them are ones you may have heard numerous times in my sermons over the years. I hope to have this together sometime during Lent. I don't plan to publish it in any formal way, but will simply put it together in a duplicated booklet for those who wish to have it.
Holiday
As I write this, I am preparing to go away for a couple weeks of holiday before Lent begins. I will be going with Fr. Bippus to New Orleans for a few days of sight-seeing. I have never been to the "Big Easy", so am looking forward to seeing what the city has to offer. After that we will be going to Iowa to celebrate my mother's 89th birthday. Fr. Geoff will supply at St. Matthias until I return.
God bless you all. Stay warm and safe.
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Parish Updates
Providence St. MelBecause of the dedication and enthusiasm of so many of you, the choir from Providence St. Mel had a wonderful time! Many thanks to Jane Trotter for coordinating the housing and the dinner, to Lisa Phillips-Hernandez for making ALL the lasagna, to Betty and Tom Nilsson for all their work in planning and coordinating two days of fun at Winter Park, to all those who housed/transported/fed the kids, to those who brought food and helped with the dinner ... and to all who attended their amazing concert! Many thanks to our incredible congregation!! Bus from St. Matthias' to the Bishop's Consecration The time of the service of Ordination and Consecration of Matthew Alan Gunter as bishop of the Church serving as Eighth Bishop of Fond du Lac has been set for 11:00am on Saturday, April 26th at Appleton Alliance Church. The time was determined in consultation with the office of the Presiding Bishop following receipt of the majority of consents of bishops with jurisdiction and Standing Committees of the Dioceses of the Episcopal Church. Are you interested in going with a group from St. Matthias' to the Consecration of our new bishop? If so, sign up on the board in the narthex, or call the church office, so we can determine if it is feasible to rent a bus for the day.
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Sr. Warden's Report: Transition Team
Our Transition Team is now in place. Our Vestry is grateful that so many St. Matthias'-ites wanted to serve on the team. Thank you!
Vestry went through an exercise at our January meeting where we identified as many groups of members as possible. For example: new members versus long-time members, members of the various teams (Music Ministry, Thrift Shop, St. Francis Project, Pastoral Care, etc.), younger members versus retired members, etc. From this exercise, we selected candidates that we felt would represent all the constituents of our congregation.
Our Diocesan Director for Transition (Father Ed Smith) asked that we have 7 members, of which only 1 is on Vestry (the Senior Warden and Junior Warden are ineligible). Our new Bishop may have some criteria that he wants the Transition Team to address as well. This may include the necessity to have (or not have) an interim priest. For those of you who have gone through the process at another church, you can understand the complexity of the task.
It's important to note that the Transition Team has NO authority to select the new rector - only to recommend. Vestry has the responsibility to select and call the new rector.
The members of the Transition Team are:
- Chris Clark
- Roger Ganschow
- Emily Umentum
- Marilyn Walker
- Isaiah Brokenleg - will also serve as Vestry liaison
- Ken Ozinga
- Gordon Hermanson
The team had their first meeting on February 17th with a video-conference with Fr. Ed. You will be receiving regular updates from the Transition Team and from me; we all realize the importance of seeking your input and in return keeping everyone updated. We would all agree that this is probably the single most important decision that we have faced at St. Matthias'.
If you have any questions or wish to simply share a concern that you may have, please contact me at any time.
Randy Bates
Senior Warden
Email: [email protected]
Cell: (715) 490-2479
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Jr. Warden's Report: Getting the Lay of the Land and Noticing the Treasures Within
Sometimes when I enter church, I'm in a hurry and don't take time to look around and appreciate my surroundings. Since being Junior Warden, however, I've learned to see our building and grounds in a new way and have learned that there is a lot to be found in the details.
Because of this, in the next several issues of the Ambassador, I will point out different aspects of our church and grounds so that you notice things in a new way as well. We have a beautiful organ and stained glass windows, but St. Matthias' also includes other important physical objects that you may not fully appreciate or be aware of.
For instance, we have bulletin boards that offer information, opportunities, and inspiration. Many people walk by without giving them a glance, not realizing what the boards have to offer.
I hope you pause and check them out. You might just discover some real treasures!
Bulletin Board
(on the tripod outside of the Parish Hall)
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Sign-up area for church events and church volunteer needs
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Community Bulletin Board
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Information about:
Caritas
Workshops,
Local Concerts/Plays,
Sales Events
Health Offerings
Support Services
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St. Matthias' Board
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St. Matthias':
Vestry information
Financial information
Serving schedule
Classes
Appreciation notes
Trig's Receipts Box
Calendar
Event Notices
News articles and pictures regarding members
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Sunday School Board
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Children's Artwork and Projects
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In Other News...
Saturday, March 1, 5:00pm - Winter Survivor's Party
Hope everyone can join us for our traditional Winter Survivor's Party on Saturday, March 1 in the Parish Hall. Wine, beer, soda and hors d'oeuvres will be available at 5:00 and a dinner of your choice of steak or chicken (grilled outside!), salad, baked potato, mushrooms, French bread, coffee and dessert will be served at 6:00. Ron Kroeger and his Dixieland Band will provide the evening's entertainment. The cost is $15 per person and there is a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board. This is always a great evening ... terrific food, fabulous entertainment and the best fellowship you'll ever find! Bring your friends as this is a wonderful way to introduce them to St. Matthias'!
Sunday, September 7, 4:00pm - 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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Pastoral Care Team
Submitted by Barb Kane
It's all about Teamwork.
St. Matthias' is very fortunate to have a number of teams that help keep our parish functioning well. In the next several issues of the Ambassador, each of the teams will be highlighted.
In the spotlight this month:
Pastoral Care Team
Left to right: Nancy Coleman, Judy Ozinga, Betty Nilsson, Barb Roxworthy, Barb Kane, and Chris Clark. (Not present: Joellen Bennett, Barb Guy, and Barb Schroeder)
The Pastoral Care Team of St. Matthias' Church is a small group that meets the third Monday of every month in order to coordinate the inclusion and support of the home-bound as well as to attend to those with special needs in the parish. Their work is done behind the scenes, honoring confidentiality.
The team members divide tasks and make sure the following are accomplished:
- Bread Ministry/Newcomers: Delivering loaves of bread, information about St. Matthias', and notes of welcome to visitors and newcomers.
- Card Ministry: Sending birthday, anniversary, get well, thinking of you, and sympathy cards to all St. Matthias' parishioners.
- Flower Brigade: Delivering the altar flowers after Sunday service to home-bound parishioners, nursing homes, someone recovering from an illness, or to anyone who would enjoy a short visit and a lovely bouquet.
- Health Coordinator: Identifying congregational health needs and health education interests to promote whole person health within the church community.
- Holiday Baskets: Assembling and delivering Christmas baskets and poinsettias to elderly and home-bound parishioners.
- Lay Eucharistic Ministry: Bringing Holy Communion or visiting parishioners who are home-bound, in hospitals or nursing homes.
- Prayer Shawl Ministry: Knitting, praying for those receiving shawls and enjoying the fellowship with other knitters.
The team agrees that the work is very rewarding. As one team member says, "The work makes me feel warm and fuzzy." The team is dedicated to ensuring that all members of the congregation feel a sense of belonging and caring. They know that 'little things mean a lot'.
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Caritas Outreach Ministry
Submitted by Jane Trotter
January was a month of learning and growing for the Caritas Team and our clients. The word continues to spread, and we are seeing more new clients every day! We are also building new and stronger relationships with area vendors and professionals, willing to help with time, treasure and talent. Our Caritas Angel for February is Jeff's Auto in Woodruff. Jeff and his business partner Dave started the Used Tire Project and were recipients in 2013 of St. Francis Project money to pay for tires for those of his clients that needed, but could not afford, to replace worn tires. Now Jeff is passing it forward, big time, with Caritas. If a Caritas client comes to us with auto needs, Jeff as agreed to estimate the need and contact Caritas with the costs involved. If we can stay within our financial guidelines for that client and meet their auto repair need, Jeff will take our checks for referred clients.
How can you help? Support Jeff & Dave's Used Tire Project - if you need new tires, please consider purchasing them from Jeff and donating your used tires to Jeff's Auto. That way, we can pass it forward again and keep the Virtuous Cycle of loving our neighbor spinning!
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Lent Madness 2014
Submitted by Michael Tautges
Have you ever wondered if Alfred the Great or Johann Sebastian Bach was the most 'holy'? ..Do you even know who Alfred the Great was?
Welcome to Lent Madness, where each weekday during Lent, we are given two saints of the church -- some ancient, some modern -- and asked to compare them and (of all things) vote as to which we feel led a holier life. Not only do we learn a great deal about these holy men and women, but what makes this Lenten devotion even more engaging is the fact that all these saints have been placed into a single-elimination bracket (yes, like March Madness) -- and we here at St. Matthias' try our best to predict which saint (by merit of having the most votes from churchgoers everywhere) will win the 'Golden Halo', the theoretical prize of this competition.
If you would like to try your hand at filling out a bracket, they are readily available from the Church Office. Like the past two years, St. Matthias' will have an inter-congregational competition, for which we ask a $5 donation to participate. The parishioner who comes closest to correctly guessing the perfect bracket will not only win a prize, but also win the right to decide which charity we support receives the collected donations.
Competition begins on Thursday, March 6th, so be sure to get your completed bracket turned in quickly!
All voting, snarky commentary, and saintly competition can be found at:
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Know Your Vestry: Rita Green
Rita and Jerry Green began going to St. Matthias' 40 years ago, a place where they have always found the people friendly and welcoming.
Rita came onto the Vestry in May 2011, and will depart May 2014. Rita currently works at the Gas Light Mall at the Fresher stores full time.
Rita and her husband, Jerry, have one son who lives in Fort Wayne, Indiana with his wife and three children. (Rita finds her grandchildren a delight.) She also loves her dog, Molly, who was rescued from the animal shelter.
Rita loves reading, movies, and just being with people. Rita is passionate about church and helping people in need.
On her days off she volunteers at the St. Matthias' Thrift Shop where she is a board member. (She worked at the original tiny Thrift Store.) She loves being part of the Thrift Shop because they donate to so many charities. In the past, Rita was on the Altar Guild for 4 different churches for 49 years. She was also a church secretary for ten years as well as being a helper with Meals on Wheels, a nursing home volunteer, and soup kitchen volunteer.
As for being on the vestry, Rita says, "I like being able to see how the church uses its money and what the church does in the community. I still hope we find ways to attract young people."
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Music Ministry Team News
Submitted by Le Ganschow
Responsibility for the "music of the church" is the mission of your Music Ministry Team. In preparing for this daunting task, the team is reading and discussing a guide book for church musicians.
Just what is the role of music in the Anglican tradition? The book's author, provides four principles for church musicians, based on past traditions. They are:
- Music, including selection, practice, and performance, should always be directed toward God, to honor the creator or our song in all ways good and possible. Music should bring the worshiper into a sense of the presence of the Divine.
- Music in the liturgy should be chosen primarily from scriptural passages, authorized texts, and with an understanding of its theology.
- Music should have integrity within the service, chosen to engage the congregation in participation, not for entertainment.
- Musical excellence is a worthy goal, one which can and should be obtained. Musicians are a people who practice, whether as instrument, voice, conducting, or in a group.*
The book also describes the changing nature of Anglican church music, beginning with its creation for the liturgy of the Church of England in the 16th century, from which our Episcopalian heritage derives. Today's church music repertoire is diverse and largely dependent on the musical "taste" of the rector, its musicians, and the congregation.
Our team seeks a diversity of musical styles and genres, drawing upon the old masters as well as newer musical forms. We select music appropriate for a given season/occasion in the liturgical year. We utilize existing talents within our church and community.
Overall, our goal is create a seamless interface of music and liturgy that adheres to the principles outlined above. Not an easy task! We appreciate congregational input as we plan the music of this "liturgical year."
*M. Rideout (2012), All Things Necessary: A practical guide for Episcopal church musicians (p. 9).
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Touchstones: Involvement & Productivity
Written by Diane Diederich
The two commitments I'd like to touch upon this month are involvement and productivity. These two go hand and hand and are vital for a thriving relationship.
You cannot create unless you relate. Love always implies action and energy. Even if the loved one is not near, you can transmit powerful messages of love by thinking of them. Love implies connection. When you are busy with separate activities, how often does your mind turn to the thoughts of the other? Our coming back together can be better when we have anticipated and prepared for the reunion! Any interpersonal relationship requires investment. It means the expenditure of time, energy, and concentration. Without effort, a relation can wither and even die...Living in love makes demands on us, but we may get back what we get back what we give in love.
It seems to me that productivity might be an off-shoot of involvement. The question is, "Are we working together on the plan God has for our lives?" God invites us to develop our God-given gifts to the fullest. If one partner is unproductive or unmotivated, they draw down the resources of the other. In other words, by being equally yoked we pull together in the same direction like a team of horses. If one of the horses is not pulling its weight, the other one must pull twice as much and the load can easily get off the track. Similarly, inequality will destroy the balance of the relationship and could eventually kill it.
Two serious conditions present in many relationships guarantee an inequality will be present. They are addiction and abuse. They generate fear, destroy love and keep both partners from developing their potential. In a relationship with such hindrances, it is difficult to stay focused enough to grow. The delicate balance is to communicate, be involved, and have time to develop your relationship with God and your partner.
With understanding comes empowerment of each other. It means supporting partners in being their best, and in finding and using their talents. It means meeting partners on the same level. Relationships do not just provide us with compassion, attention, sex, material goods and support; they also empower us to enable us to give love to others and to be happy within ourselves.
More on "commitment tools" in next month.
TTFN, Diane
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