We welcome all into our facilities (whether you have been here before or are seeking a worship home) for in-person worship, meetings and gatherings.
As Episcopalians, we are members of the world-wide Anglican Communion. At times we are referred to as’ that church started by Henry VIII so he could get a divorce’. Come visit and you’ll find out there is much more to us than a cranky old ancestor. Theologically some suggest we are progressive – instead we think of ourselves as keen on social justice issues, fairness, justice and equality for all folks. Worship-wise, or liturgically as we refer to it, we have a well-defined service that includes scripture readings, hymn singing, praying, preaching and sharing holy communion.
The only way to know if we are a good fit for you, is to try us out. We welcome all and pressure none. The most important thing is your relationship with God and we encourage you to find the place where it will grow most fruitfully. For more information about St. Paul’s, its ministries or anything else, feel free to email the rector, Karen Lewis at rector@stpaulslansing.org or contact our parish office at 517-482-9454.
Blessings to you and yours,
Karen+
January 12, 2025
Dear All,
A new year has begun! How many of you made New Year’s resolutions? I have come to a decision to no longer make resolutions as I disappoint myself every year by not succeeding. I tend to lay expectations on myself that are either unrealistic or disrupted due to some unexpected uncontrollable event. Like last year with my emergency gall bladder surgery, and then pancreatitis, and so on and so on.
So, instead, I’m hoping to wake each day with a commitment to pray a few minutes longer in the morning and greet the day with hope and optimism. I’m going to try to look for the good in all and in everything. It seems there is so much in our world that erect barriers against hopefulness. As Christians we are simply in one word, people of hope. If we are not or cannot be hopeful, we might as well give up being Christian. And I’m just not ready to do that.
This Sunday is the feast of The Baptism of our Lord. Our first Scripture reading is Isaiah 43:1-7 which is one of my favorite passages in the entire Bible.
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers,
they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
and the flame shall not consume you.” Isaiah 43:1b-2
God’s promise of comfort . . . of love . . . of redemption . . . simply because we are God’s children. God claims us and loves us. No matter what the situation, no matter the struggle, the suffering, the sorrow, you and I will not be forgotten or left alone. And that alone gives me hope. These are words to embroider on a pillow or carry in your wallet. Leave them on your bedside table so that they may be the last words you see before you fall asleep and the first you see when you open your eyes in the morning. I hope these words will be a blessing to you and yours.
Now, how is your prayer life doing? Perhaps you might consider trying a new way of praying this new year. Journaling, perhaps? Anglican prayer beads might be something to consider. Praying while coloring? There is an old story about a monk and his abbot. The monk went to the abbot and asked, “Is it okay if I smoke while I pray?” The abbot’s quick response was “Absolutely not. But it is okay to pray while you smoke.” Perhaps you can pray while performing some of your daily tasks such as brushing teeth, showering, doing laundry or dishes. Something to consider.
With the new year comes the opportunity to remind you to consider what ministry you might consider God is calling you to. A liturgical ministry – lector, chalice bearer, acolyte, usher, altar guild? Or perhaps helping to plan the church’s mission and outreach activities? How about hospitality – greeter or coffee hour?
May your new year be full of hope and love and comfort. Blessings to you and yours, Karen+
Advent I: – December 1 – 10:00am – Worship & Holy Communion
Advent II/St. Nicholas Sunday – December 8 – 10:00am – Worship & Holy Communion
Advent III – December 15 – 10:00am – Worship & Holy Communion
Advent IV – December 22 – 10:00am – Worship & Holy Communion
Christmas Eve – December 24 – 7:00pm – Christmas Music and Service
Christmas Day – December 25 – 10:00am – Worship & Holy Communion (In-person only)
Baptism & Holy Communion – December 29 – 10:00am
Epiphany Lessons & Carols & Ante communion – January 5 – 10:00am
ST. PAUL’S UPCOMING EVENTS JANUARY 12, 2025
TODAY we celebrate The Baptism of Our Lord Jesus Christ. We also will be celebrating the baptism of Eric Monaghan which means CAKE for coffee hour. After this Sunday the church moves into our ‘post-Epiphany’ season until Lent begins on March 5th.
Wednesday Noon Zoom Book Study will be January 15th. We continue discussion of Faith Bass Darling’s Last Garage Sale by Lynda Rutledge.
Wednesday evening Zoom Bible Study next on January 15th at 7:00pm. We will be studying Isaiah 62:1-5.
Compline on Wednesday evenings will return in 2025. The Very Rev. Gail Shafer, our priest associate, will offer Compline on Wednesdays evenings at 9:00pm via zoom.
We still need folks to sign up to be greeters and host coffee hour, help taking the recycling and filling the blessing box. There are sign up sheets on the red table in the Merrifield Room.
Looking ahead . . .
January 12th – The Feast of the Baptism of Jesus Christ.
January 12th – Pack Lunches for Punks with Lunch following 10:00am service
January 14th – 6:15pm Two Sacred Ground circles meet for dinner and conversation.
January 19th – Drumming Session in Sanctuary following Coffee Hour at Noon
January 20th – Office closed for Martin Luther King Jr. holiday
January 24th – Faith and Film – The Princess Bride
January 26th – Annual Meeting immediately following the 10:00am service – sign up to let us know you are coming and also if you can bring a dish to pass. If you have a ministry report for the Annual Report, it is due electronically to Theresa Milne by January 13th.
February 2nd – Winterlude – Lansing Symphony Orchestra returns for its annual Winterlude concert. This year it will feature woodwind instruments.
We also need folks to sign up to be greeters, coffee hour hosts, ushers, etc. As we return to in-person activities our need for volunteers has returned. Don’t be shy!
St. Paul’s is pleased to offer electronic giving options for your regular pledge payments or other contributions to the church.
You may still contribute by check but now you may give securely by clicking: ONLINE GIVING.
You may also contribute on your phone by texting stpaulsegive to 73256 followed by your gift amount. For example; stpaulsegive $25.
You can also select the option to help us cover the processing costs. For example, a $100 gift with an optional processing fee of 3% will be $3. You will receive full credit of $103 on your gift.
Here is a video to explain the process (unmute for audio instructions):
Sunday Services at 10 am.
Our Sunday worship services are conducted both in-person and virtually. Virtual services may be found on our Facebook page, this website, and YouTube.
218 West Ottawa
Lansing, MI 48933
Sunday parking in Roosevelt Ramp off Seymour
© St. Paul's Episcopal Church of Lansing, MI
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