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+

October 25, 2026

Dear St. Paul’s,

I know it is fall when the elections, pledge drive, All Saints and church yard clean-up all coincide. I’ll bet many of you will be as happy as I am when the elections are over so we can stop the never-ending advertisements on the television and radio. They seem to have become nastier as the days go on and now, I cannot believe what any of the candidates say. But please make sure you vote!

Our pledge drive for 2027 has kicked off. I know we are asking again for money. What is interesting is Jesus spoke a lot more about money than he did about so many other things that we get our shorts in a knot about. We are living in challenging financial times; there is no doubt about it. And it is easy to cut back on the pledge when funds for the next month are tight. The challenge is the bills at the church keep coming no matter what. For example, we just turned on the heat (I know many of you complained about the lack of heat last week.). The reason we delay turning on the heat as long as possible is because once it is on, it is on. When you have a steam heat system like we do at St. Paul’s, it is either on or off. And when it is on, our heat bills range from $6,000 — $8,500 a month. Thus, delaying turning it on is a way of saving some money.

Another example is I just signed our plowing contract for this winter. For every plow of our parking lot and driveway, it is $73.00 if it is four inches or less. For every salting of the parking lot, it is $125.00! Salt is expensive. Imagine the cost of toilet paper and paper towels for our bathrooms. Or coffee, coffee cups, paper plates and plastic utensils! How about the cost of communion wafers and wine? I’ll bet that’s one we don’t think about. The small things tend to add up very quickly. It is just darn expensive to live – whether at home or at church!

And of course, we are battling the culture where we are told over and over again, that if we want to be valued, or cool, or manly, or pretty then we need to spend money on beer or make-up or the most up-to-date cell phone or wear what is in-fashion. Thank goodness our faith says something different! Our value, identity and worth are found in that we are created in the image of God, claimed by God and loved by God. Everything else follows.

I invite you to offer a prayer of thanksgiving to God for God’s love and care. Give thanks for St. Paul’s, its building and community. Pray for the candidates that the most just and wise are elected. Pray for the homeless as the weather gets colder. Pray for yourselves and your loved ones. And pray for our Diocesan Convention which is this weekend.

Blessings to you and yours,

Karen+