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+

9.6.26

I hope you are all safe and sound after the storms of the last 18 hours. I lost my power from 3:00pm yesterday until earlier this morning. My back yard is flooded, and my dog is refusing to go outside to take care of business. Thunderstorms frighten her as she tries to escape to the garage and climb into my car. For some reason that is her safe space.

Watching Lucy scramble for the garage door, I wondered about safe spaces. Do you have one? A place you can go and take deep breaths? A place that allows you to leave everything behind if only for a moment or two? My children used to call it my happy place.

It has always been my hope that St. Paul’s is a safe place for all who enter it. Often times the church has not been that space. My experience is that St. Paul’s is a welcoming and friendly place. Historically, that has not always been true as the congregation was challenged with the issue of allowing homosexuals to be ordained two decades ago. We have changed significantly since then . . . but it took hard work and a willingness to learn from others’ experiences and be open to change.

We continue to learn how to deal with discomfort we might have toward those who are not like us . . . or even with having children seated in the front of the church. I remember those days when the children left at the gradual hymn and were not seen again until coffee hour. It was the church saying to us that we were not mature enough to deal with the mysteries surrounding the eucharist. Perhaps not, but I wonder how many adults understand the mysteries of the eucharist?

Beginning the first Sunday of October, the children will be joining us for the entire service offering their gifts as ushers, chalice bearers, readers, etc. once a month. They will have the opportunity to teach us something at the sermon time. We will have the opportunity to share with them how valued they are as a full member of St. Paul’s. It will be new, it will be different. It will not be as we have always done worship. What we are saying is that St. Paul’s is a safe place for all people, including the youngest ones.

I pray you will have an open mind and a willingness to join in the service as our children experience St. Paul’s as their safe space. Please feel free to let me know how it goes for you. You might be surprised.

Please travel safe. I hold you all in my prayers. Please pray for each other and for yourselves.

Blessings, Karen+