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+

Augst 23, 2026

Dear St. Paul’s,

As we dig into our preparations for the return to the ‘church year’, we plan for our continued participation in the Diocesan Children’s Ministry Development Residency. We are preparing programming and ministry opportunities for our children. Starting in September we will have a monthly intergenerational service where our children will fill leadership roles during our Sunday worship.

In October, we will celebrate St. Francis and focus on his love and ministry to animals. St. Francis of Assisi lived in Italy in the 12th century. Having grown up in a wealthy family, he renounced his wealth and worldly possessions and lived very simply. When Francis spoke, everyone listened, including the animals. He told the animals that Jesus loved them too. There is a story of a wolf who lived in the town of Gubbio. The wolf came into town each evening, frightening the inhabitants or eating them. Francis went to speak to “Brother Wolf” and found out that the wolf was hungry. Francis explained that that was not reason enough to eat people and their pets or to frighten them. The wolf became very gentle, the people fed him and he gave the children in the town rides on his back.

Francis also brought us the Christmas crèche. In the town of Gubbio, he built a small outdoor stable and put people in the stable to portray Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and the angels. Then he added the animals – cows, donkeys, sheep, etc. When asked, Francis said, “Surely the animals praised the new Messiah just as the shepherds and angels did.”
Francis was somewhat of an odd duck (pardon the pun). It is said he used to roll around naked in the snow.

In November we will celebrate All Saints, and we will be tested by our children as to our knowledge of the saints. Dick Hamlin will be our preacher that day. And in December, the first Sunday of the month we will celebrates St. Nicholas.

The children will be responsible for reading the scripture, ushering, chalice bearing, and the sermon time, etc. They will be assisted by their parents and all of us. This is one way of incorporating our children into worship and letting them know their presence and gifts are valued.

Last year we made the deliberate move to invite the children to sit in the front instead of the rear. In front of the pews, they are better able to see and hear what is happening at the altar. Any change is difficult so it will take time for all of us to acclimate to this movement. I know this can be a bit of a challenge for the children also . . . they sit for 30 minutes in Sunday School and then must sit and be somewhat quiet for another 30 minutes in the church. Children are not programmed to sit for long periods of time (same is true for some adults!). So, movement is to be expected. It is our job as adults to help them learn what type of movement is appropriate for a church. As we try to remind them, “We walk more slowly, and talk more softly, because someone might be talking with God and we don’t want to disturb them.” Perhaps this is a good mantra for all of us in worship.

Blessings on you and your week to come, Karen+