Preview

Click here to see a web copy of this email

You are receiving this message because you are subscribed to OLD St. Clarian Newsletter.

 

Dear Ones, 

Where is the light of Christ? In the Epiphany season we are invited to look for ways that Christ is manifested, that the holy is manifest in our lives. The light shines in the darkness, and it is not overcome by darkness. It illuminates us and renews us. Jessie shares good things with me when she finds them, and it has this, wow, look at this quality often. And when we plan music together with John, we constantly have these moments when songs help us find and celebrate and reflect on the light. On another level, my wife and I find solace and humor from watching Saturday Night live skits. Even if there is an ouch, there is also often, an understanding or a feeling captured that lifts us and gives us perspective we may not quite have had before. Besides the seeing, there is as well, a kind of holy listening that helps us recognize the manifestation of God in our lives.

I am appreciative about the opportunity we will have in the new year to work together to gain understanding of how community emotional systems affect our relationships, our perceptions, and our roles with one another. When the vestry has selected a consultant with the bishop’s help, we will learn more specifics. This kind of work usually promotes healing and empowerment for good. In the process, I hope we can have genuine personal encounters with one another that go deep. I want to listen deeply, and encourage holy listening.

I have mentioned that Rabbi Whinston is a profound gift of God to our congregation for our future partnership with Temple Beth Emeth. His leadership is offering us two opportunities for Holy Listening worth mentioning now, first, a joint class that he and I will do on forgiveness in Judaism and Christianity, Monday, January 30, at 7:30 p.m. This class is described later in the newsletter, and will include a chance to listen to one another around issues of forgiving. Second, Rabbi Whinston and I share a life-dream, it turns out, to lead an interfaith pilgrimage to the Holy Land, where we know we can encounter God and “the other” with whom we want to be good neighbors and friends, and learn and experience something holy together. If we had sufficient interest, we would do it this year, August 27September 11, 2017
. If not, we would look at a similar time-window in 2018. If you are potentially interested, please tell me. In January Rabbi Whinston will provide us with more logistical details and we will plan a meeting to discuss if there is enough interest.

The most important thing now in our nation and congregation is looking among us, asking, “Where is God in all of this?”

In Christ’s love,

NEWS AND EVENTS 

SERVICE TIMES ON JANUARY 1:
 
Please note that we will have two worship services on Sunday, January 1: at 8:30 a.m. and at 10:30 a.m. There will be no Church School on January 1. We will return to our regular 3-service schedule the following Sunday, January 8, and Church School will also resume.

JANUARY 8 BAPTISMS: 
The next occasion for baptism will be Sunday, January 8. If you are interested in baptism for your child or yourself please speak to James or Jessie.

TASTY TUESDAY TOGETHER: January 17 is our next Tasty Tuesday Together! Once a month we gather for a community-wide meal on a Tuesday evening. We’ll have homecooked meals by Christine Modey and Adam Lowen some months, and other months the meal will be catered. Dinner is served from 5:30 to 7 p.m. There will be vegan and gluten-free options each month. The suggested donation to cover the cost of the dinner is $8/person and $5/child (12 and under). Mark your calendar for all the Tasty Tuesdays Together: February 28 (Shrove Tuesday pancakes), March 21 (with St. Clare's Variety Show), April 25, May 16, and June 20.

PARENTS' NIGHT OUT: 
Calling all parents! On January 21, St. Clare's youth will host a fundraising Parents' Night Out between 4 and 6 p.m. Bring your babies, your toddlers, your preschoolers, and your elementary-age children! The youth will supervise and entertain. The children will have fun playing with their friends, and/or watching a movie while you do whatever you want. Your generous donation will support youth ministry at St. Clare's. RSVP at www.saintclareschurch.org/pno

A WEST BANK LOVE STORY: 
The Genesis Joint Events committee invites you to a viewing of the award-winning West Bank Story, a short film based on West Side Story. The film uses the tale of two competing falafel stands to address conflict in the Middle East. Directed by Ari Sandel, a Jewish American with an Israeli father, the 20-minute film won an Academy Award for the Best Short Film in 2007. This will not be a political discussion but rather an exploration of the use of humor in approaching painful topics. A moderator will facilitate small group discussions following the film. Popcorn, snacks and refreshments will be served. This event takes place in the Social Hall on Saturday, January 21, at 7 p.m. No admission fee. Bring your friends. Come prepared to be amazed!

INTERFAITH PRAYER SERVICE FOR HOPE: At 7 p.m. on Wednesday, January 25, join area Muslims and members of both St. Clare's and Temple Beth Emeth in our sanctuary as we gather to pray together and care for one another as fellow citizens during a challenging time in our nation's story.

FORGIVENESS IN JUDAISM AND CHRISTIANITY | 
An Interfaith Learning and Sharing Time led by Rabbi Josh Whinston and The Rev. James Rhodenhiser, Monday, January 30
We'll gather at 7 p.m. for refreshments and informal conversation. The class will begin at 7:30 p.m. 
What does Judaism teach about forgiveness? What does Christianity? When do you struggle with forgiveness? When has it helped you? How would you like to improve your practice of forgiveness? Rabbi Whinston and Pastor Rhodenhiser will present on forgiveness in each tradition to help participants understand their own tradition better, and inhabit for a moment the shoes of the other tradition as a guest. In small groups we will look at comparative texts to participate as guests for the moment in the other tradition to see what we may learn. Finally, we will try to apply all that we have heard and discovered as we answer for ourselves, how have I struggled and how have I been helped by forgiveness? Why is forgiveness so central to being a spiritual person?

SERVING ON VESTRY: To nominate yourself or someone else to serve on vestry starting at the end of January, please speak with any of the Nominating Committee members: Laurie Kantner, Rachid Hatem, Gail Jungbluth, Victoria Walters, Joanne Heaton, Melissa Pinsky, or James Rhodenhiser. There are four seats available and we will have a contested election at the Annual Meeting on January 29.

 

ALTAR FLOWERS: 
With the start of a New Year, we have a bright, new, EMPTY Flower Chart on the ushers table. We are blessed with beautiful and unusual flowers at the altar each Sunday thanks to the contributions of members of the congregation to the Altar Guild Flower Fund. Donations in any amount may be given as memorials or thanksgivings. Our flowers are shared with Temple Beth Emeth and flowers they order are shared with us. More than one person or family may sign up on each week. Please sign up on the flower chart if you have a special person or occasion you would like to recognize and include your contribution in an offering envelope marked as Altar Guild or Flowers.

PARISH ANNUAL MEETING 2017

ANNUAL MEETING: 
On Sunday, January 29, worship will be at 9 a.m. (one service only), followed by our annual meeting in the sanctuary. At the meeting, we hold elections, receive reports, and conduct other necessary business. Church School will meet as usual at 10:15 a.m., and nursery care will be available for children 3 years and younger. Church School teachers and nursery hosts who wish to vote can sign in promptly at 10 a.m. and complete a ballot before working with our children. We’ll have finger food available between the end of the 9:00 service and the start of the annual meeting, which will begin promptly at 10:15 a.m.

ANNUAL REPORTS FOR 2016: Staff and Chairs of Commissions or Committees should submit a report to be included in St. Clare's Annual Report. Please send via email to karen@saintclareschurch.org no later than January 15.


SAVE THE DATES
Saturday, February 4 Chili Cook-Off and Youth Fundraiser
Tuesday, February 28 Shrove Tuesday / Tasty Tuesday Together
Wednesday, March 1 Ash Wednesday, services at noon, 5:30 p.m., 7 p.m. 
Tuesday, March 21 Tasty Tuesday Together with St. Clare's Variety Show   
Friday, March 31 & Sunday, April 2 Annual Pulpit Switch with Temple Beth Emeth

MINISTRY TO CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

PARENTS' NIGHT OUT: Calling all parents! On January 21, St. Clare's youth will host a fundraising Parents' Night Out between 4 and 6 p.m. Bring your babies, your toddlers, your preschoolers, and your elementary-age children! The youth will supervise and entertain. The children will have fun playing with their friends, and/or watching a movie while you do whatever you want. Your generous donation will support youth ministry at St. Clare's. RSVP to www.saintclareschurch.org/pno

SCHEDULE CHANGES
  • No Church School on Sunday, January 1 (worship services at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m.)
  • No StorySong or Children's Choir on Tuesday, January 3
  • StorySong and Children's Choir and Pizza Dinner resume their regular schedules on Tuesday, January 10.

STORYSONG: Join us in the Family Room every Tuesday, starting January 10, from 5 to 5:30 p.m. for a time of singing, storytelling, and basking in God's deep love for us and our children. We enjoy a pizza dinner together afterwards in the Social Hall. If you haven't been able to join us yet, we hope the new year allows you to! Questions? Connect with Jessie (jessie@saintclareschurch.org). 

UPCOMING MILESTONES OF FAITH: Mark your calendar for Milestones of Faith on the following dates.
  • Responding to Our Baptism (for 1st and 2nd graders): 4 to 5:30 p.m. on January 8
  • Exploring God's Word (for 2- and 3-year-olds): 4 to 6 p.m. on February 12
  • Made in God's Image (for 5th and 6th graders): noon to 2 p.m. on March 5, 12, 19, 26
  • Acting for Justice (for 3rd and 4th graders): 4 to 6:30 p.m. on April 30 

YOUTH MINISTRY

ANOTHER AWESOME YOUTH OVERNIGHT IN EPIPHANY
When: Saturday, January 21, starting at 6:30 p.m. 
Includes: Watching a brief comedy musical parody with teens from Temple Beth Emeth, and adults. After: Teens will have a brief discussion of the film, our first interfaith teen discussion!
After that: Other youth overnight activities, learning, and games that we love

Join Matt, James, Larry, and other youth ministry folk in January's awesome overnight!


YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY

All adults aged 18 to 40 are invited to participate in our St. Clare's Young Adult Fellowship. We'll gather on the 2nd Saturday of every month for food, devotions, and/or an activity. Please mark your calendar for the Winter-Spring 2017 gatherings.
  • January 14: Ice Skating at Buhr Park Ice Arena (2:30-4:30). Meet at the ice arena (2751 Packard Road)
  • February 11: Dinner and Devotions at Jessie and Joe's home, 5 to 7 p.m., 1549 Marlborough Dr, Ann Arbor
  • March 11: Service project together (time and project TBD)
  • April 8: Lunch & a Hike, noon to 2 p.m., Bird Hills Nature Area
  • May 13: Dinner and Devotions at Jessie and Joe's home, 5 to 7 p.m., 1549 Marlborough Dr, Ann Arbor
  • June 17: CedarPoint trip
Please contact Jessie if you have any questions about this ministry, or if you'd like to host a gathering or event at your home.

OUTREACH

CRAFTS FROM EAST AFRICA: 
In early February, we will hold a sale of handcrafted African gifts. The merchandise is provided by African Team Ministries, a charity that works as an intermediary between African and American churches. The proceeds from the sale will make it possible to provide Drip Irrigation Kits for the families in the drought and famine areas to whom the organization has provided emergency food relief. This will enable the people there to grow food all year round instead of only when it rains. More than 250,000 people died during this recent drought and famine. African Team Ministries has been serving the churches in East Africa for more than 20 years. They also resettle displaced people, support orphans, provide AIDS education and prevention and literacy training.

FELLOWSHIP AND GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES

FOOD FOR THE SOUL: 
January brings two opportunities on Thursdays (January 5 & 19) to join us for our mid-day worship in the sanctuary at noon, followed by a catered lunch in rooms 7/8. The long-standing Bible Study, which is open to all, continues to meet from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the Adult Lounge. RSVP to www.saintclareschurch.org/foodforthesoul by the Tuesday prior. Suggested donation is $7/person to cover the cost of the food.

PARISH COMMUNITY

PASTORAL CARE by Matt Pinsky
A core strength of any great congregation is providing support and care for members when they are in need. We feel the love of our community most profoundly during times of vulnerability, the loss of a loved one, when a family member falls ill or, in our family's case, the birth of a child… and a child... and a child… and a child… and a child. St. Clarians are a remarkably generous collection of people. Generous not only with their financial resources, but with their time and compassion. I did not realize, until I became the chair of the Care and Belonging Commission, that despite a robust response to most any stated need, there is not a formal process in place for the “initiation” of pastoral care. There is no dropbox or secret email to ask for help. Pastoral care grows out of intimate interactions with one another. In fact, pastoral care starts with that first conversation. Listening to each other at coffee hour, at an Un-Group meeting, during StorySong dinner or during a run with Soles on Fire. We interact with each other more than with staff or clergy. Listening is pastoral care. Offering kind advice is pastoral care. Providing a meal is pastoral care. Meeting with a congregant in the hospital is pastoral care. Providing child care is pastoral care. Whether we realize it or not, by being an active member of our community, we are all already providing pastoral care. And, we are pretty good at it. Thank you for all the amazing work. In addition to these informal ways we minister to each other, we also have more structured systems available to provide a coordinated effort in times of significant need such as Meal Trains and scheduling of hospital visits. If you are conversing with a fellow member and this more formal system might help them, ask them if it is okay to share this need with James or Jessie. Most of us are not great at asking for help, but would be willing to accept help when it is offered. Feel free to offer the help of St. Clare's to any member in need. Pass that need up to the staff and clergy. Our obligation to one another is to care.

DID YOU KNOW?
  • Congratulations to Victoria Walters, who graduated from Eastern Michigan University in December.
  • Congratulations to Sam Nuxoll, who graduated in December from University of Michigan Law School and was nominated by his classmates to be the student speaker at the graduation ceremony.
  • Farewell to the Fleming family (Mike & Jessica, James, Caroline, Evelyn) who moved to Florida in December.

HEAR YE, YEAR YE!

The St. Clarian is published monthly. Contributions are welcomed; send by e-mail (to the editor at editor@saintclareschurch.org), U.S. mail, or drop off at the church office. The deadline for inclusion is the 15th of the month.

Have you remembered St. Clare's in your will?

Visit the Church Calendar online at www.saintclareschurch.org/calendar.

In the event of a pastoral emergency, please contact James Rhodenhiser or Jessie Gutgsell.
If you would like us to share personal support requests with the parish, please tell us, and any “where,” “when,” and “how” information. If you are hospitalized or want prayer, please contact the church office.