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NEWS AND EVENTS

BEVERAGE SELECTION FOR HAITI WINE AUCTION
:
  Join us at Mac & Carolin Dick’s home from 3 to 6 p.m. on August 12 to taste and select the wines that will be available for purchase in this fall's Haiti Wine Auction. Proceeds from this event and the wine auction benefit Haiti Outreach Mission. Nonalcoholic beverages, appetizers, and craft beers will also be available during this event. Tickets for the event ($40 per person, which includes a donation to Haiti Outreach Mission) can be purchased by clicking here or after church services. Contact Sue Evett (sevett@internet2.edu) or Mary Lu Barth (barthrm@comcast.net) for more details.

GENESIS FILM NIGHT: The Genesis Joint Events committee and Temple Beth Emeth's Social Action group invite you to attend a Movie Night on Monday, August 28, at 7 p.m., in the sanctuary. We will show the critically acclaimed documentary The Other Side of Immigration, a timely and thought provoking perspective on immigration issues. A discussion will follow the screening of the movie, along with snacks and refreshments in the Adult Lounge. There is no cost for the event, and more details will follow in the bulletins. Please contact Judie Avery at javery@umich.edu, Harriett Giles at rheg1985@yahoo.com, or Rachid Hatem at rachidh482@gmail.com with any questions.

SUMMER WORSHIP: Our summer worship schedule began on May 28 and continues through September 3. We have services at 8:30 and 10 a.m. Nursery care is available during the 10 a.m. service, and there is children's worship during the beginning portion of the 10 a.m. service.

THURSDAY BIBLE STUDY / EUCHARIST SCHEDULE: Our Thursday Bible Study and noon worship service continue their break through August. Both will resume on Thursday, September 7, with Bible Study at 10:45 a.m. in the Adult Lounge and Holy Communion at noon in St. Francis Chapel.

HEALING SESSION: In our continued work with the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center, we will hold our first Healing Session on Saturday, September 16. Please save the date on your calendar. The session will run from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. We ask that you continue to keep everyone involved in your prayers: our clergy and their families, the vestry, the Bishop, and the entire congregation of St. Clare's.
SAVE THE DATE 
Sunday, September 10 Three-Service Sunday Schedule Resumes (7:45, 9, 10:30 a.m.)
Sunday, September 10 First Day of Church School
Saturday, September 16 Healing Session (Lombard Mennonite Peace Center) 
October 20 & 22 Pulpit Switch
MINISTRY TO CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
A JAMMING BERRY PICKING ON AUGUST 3: Families with berry picking children, come join us at the Dexter Blueberry Farm on Thursday, August 3rd at 5:30 p.m. Buckets for picking and bags to take home are provided. Berries are $1.95/lb. Bring cash (no cards).
Dexter Blueberry Farm
11024 Beach Rd. Dexter, MI 48130
734.426.2900
RSVP by Facebook Event or contact Knut (knuthill@yahoo.com, 734-657-1498). 

Thank God for this day!

FALL PREPARATION FOR CHURCH SCHOOL TEACHERS: Please contact Karen Slagell (karen@saintclareschurch.org) if you are interested in being on a team of volunteer teachers to lead Church School. We teach to children ages 2 years through middle school. We are assembling teaching teams and will be in touch soon with more details. Thank you teachers!

SUMMER FELLOWSHIP: We had fun in June flying paper airplanes and making ice cream sundaes at County Farm Park. In July, we splashed around in our first ever summer pool party for families. Hopefully, we can do it again next summer! We will not run the Music Theater Church Camp at the end of this summer, but look forward to it in 2018.

CHILDREN & YOUTH COMMISSION: This commission works with staff and volunteers to oversee our ministries to children, youth, and their families. Our next meeting is Tuesday, August 15, at 7 p.m. in the Adult Lounge. We always welcome new members as well as folks interested in learning more about the ministries. Join us!

YOUTH MINISTRY

THE 2017-18 PROGRAM YEAR: 
We are getting ready for a great year of Youth Group activities at St Clare's. Larry Vandenbergen and Matt Ranville will return as leaders, along with other St Clarians who will join in the fun from week to week. Middle school youth group will meet on Sundays right after the 10:30 a.m. service (so about noon), and we will plan on having lunch together most weeks. High school youth will be invited to a few of the same activities, and will also be doing more one-time events at changing times to help work around everyone's busy schedules. See below for a variety of events coming up this year. In addition, we are planning other outings for learning, food, and fun, like a visit to the underground railroad site at Second Baptist Church in Detroit. There will be a number of opportunities to get involved with the Diocese as well. We hope all our St Clare's youth will join us for as many events as possible, because it's going to be a great year!
--Larry, matt, and the Children & Youth Commission

MISSION POSSIBLE, AUGUST 6-11: Mission Possible is a mission week designed to help some of our neighbors in Detroit, learn a little about the city, and to form relationships with other youth in our Diocese and the Diocese of Eastern Michigan. You can go for the whole week (cost $150) or for one day. If you want to go for one day, you need to be accompanied by an adult. The work for this year will be with a group called Rippling Hope. Folks that are interested should contact Eric Travis (etravis@edomi.org), or Larry Vandenbergen (734-476-4261 or dadpapple@gmail.com).

YOUTH GROUP STARTS! We will start the regular YG year on September 10, right after the 10:30 church service, with a scavenger hunt and lunch. Teams will compete to collect pictures of themselves finding items, doing tasks, and having fun, then we'll gather for some sharing of pics and food. This will also be the normal meeting time for middle school youth group.

HIKE AND PICNIC AT WATERLOO: On September 23, get ready for some fun and reflection out in nature. No one likes being stuck inside all the time, so we will head out to Waterloo recreation area for a hike and picnic. Both Middle and High school youth are invited, and if we have enough folks there, we will split up into a middle school and a high school hiking group.

HAPPENING: Happening, a weekend of fun and God put on by youth for youth, will be coming up on November 17-19. High school youth that have not attended may go as participants, and youth who have previously attended are encouraged to apply to be on team to help put on the event. Save the date, and we will send a reminder and more details when sign up opens up. Please see Matt and Larry if you have any questions!

ADVENT LOCK-IN: High school and middle school youth are invited to be locked in the building overnight on December 9-10 for fun and games to kick off the Advent season. After our night of fun, we will all head to the Sunday 9 a.m. service together on the 10th, some more awake than others!
FROM THE GENESIS BOARD
GENESIS BOARD UPDATE JUNE 2017: The Genesis board meets monthly, usually on the fourth Wednesday of each month. All meetings are open to members of both congregations. We invite you to join us!

The board met on May 24, 2017.  Key items of note from that meeting are that the new security measures for our building (keypad locks, door buzzers, cameras, and intercoms) are nearly complete; the May 7 Mitzvah Day/Sunday of Service was very successful, with a number of repair and maintenance projects completed; a roof contract for the sanctuary peaked and flat roofs was signed and work is to begin in late June; a new lease has been signed with AACH; and an ad hoc bylaws committee has been formed to discuss two articles of the bylaws.

The Genesis Annual Meeting was held on Sunday, June 11, 2017. About forty members from both congregations attended. Outgoing Genesis president Bill Parkus updated those attending on key Genesis activities for the year, including finalizing the Bridge Committee document and the Equity in Space and Cost Sharing Agreement. He also noted that the congregations have served the local community through Mitzvah Day/Sunday of Service and recognized the service of Bob Milstein and the Back Door Food Pantry through the Genesis Humanitarian Award. Various building issues have been attended to, including replacement of furnaces, replacement of windows, and drainage improvements.

Penny Griffith provided a grounds committee report, while Eric Slosberg updated attendees on opportunities for members of the Genesis community to come together in small groups for supper. Roger Palay, Genesis treasurer, confirmed the congregations’ approval of the Genesis operating budget. Christine Modey acknowledged the work of Ed Davidson (former Genesis president), Gail Jungbluth (STC vestry liaison, whose term ends in January), and Jim Downward (continuing on the board) for their service to Genesis this year. Three outgoing Genesis board members, Richard Friedman (TBE), Bill Parkus (TBE), and Phil Barr (TBE board liaison), were also recognized by the presentation of framed certificates, with calligraphy by Miriam Aaron.

Board officers were elected at the organizational meeting: Christine Modey (President, STC); Murray Rosenthal (Vice-President, TBE); Jim Downward (Secretary, STC); and Roger Palay (Treasurer, TBE). At-large members include Mark Davis-Craig (STC) and Lisa Perschke (TBE). Board liaisons are Susan Gitterman (TBE) and Gail Jungbluth (STC). Rabbi Josh Whinston and the Rev. James Rhodenhiser are ex officio members. The board welcomes your communication!

Christine Modey
734-223-4121
chrismodey@yahoo.com
Murray Rosenthal
734-864-6750
murray.rosenthal@terumomedical.com
OUTREACH
REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT OPPORTUNITY: Again this summer, members of St. Clare’s will join with those from Temple Beth Emeth and Blue Ocean Faith to support Jewish Family Services (JFS) in their effort to resettle refugee families in Washtenaw County. During the month of August, we will collect specific items that are most needed by the refugee families.

For more than 20 years, The Resettlement Program at JFS has been assisting refugees and their families with critical social services needed to ease their transition into a new way of living. Individuals become self-sufficient and create a stable living environment in the Ann Arbor area with the help of JFS, volunteers and the support of many area congregations and organizations. JFS has dedicated bilingual and bicultural professionals who promote and deliver individually focused social and vocational services through a variety of programs such as pre-arrival, reception, and placement services; case management; acculturation and ESL classes; employment services; document translation; and provision of donated furniture.

JFS resettles refugees of all faiths arriving from nations across the globe. JFS is one of 22 agencies in the US who does this resettlement work. There are strict federal guidelines for the first 3 months the families are in the United States to assure that refugees have their needs met. Additionally, JFS offers “wrap-around” support for the first few years until the families are well established and gain citizenship. Thus far in 2017, JFS has resettled 160 people from 58 families from the following countries: Syria, Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Iraq, Afghanistan, Iran, Moldova, and Burma. President Trump’s recent executive order restricting travel for citizens from six nations has had some impact on the rate of resettlement. Recently JFS has seen a decrease in the number of refugee arrivals. Those interested in receiving updated information on the flow of refugee families into the United State can visit HIAS.org.

During the month of August we are collecting specific household items needed by the refugee families (details at www.saintclareschurch.org/refugees). Donations should be placed in the marked collection bins at the doors to the sanctuary and in the church office. Donations of gift cards from Kroger, Meijer, Target, and Costco in any amount are very useful. Gift cards should be placed in the collection plate during Sunday service.

Several members of St. Clare’s volunteer with JFS for the benefit of the refugees. Tasks include furniture moving, apartment setup, English language conversation partner, citizenship exam preparation tutor, guidance for public transportation, and so on. If you would like to become part of this important outreach, complete the volunteer application form on the JFS website and contact them directly to join the September training session.

Kay Wilson and Dan Barry, St. Clare Refugee Resettlement Co-Chairs
wilsonbarry614@gmail.com

ALPHA HOUSE: St. Clare’s and Temple Beth Emeth will provide volunteers at Alpha House, the Interfaith Hospitality Network shelter for homeless families with children, during the week of September 4-10. Volunteers are needed for the following opportunities:
  • Bring a child-friendly dinner for about 25 people by 6 p.m. You can bring it earlier if necessary, and keep it warm in the oven. 
  • Serve dinner, eat with the families, clean up, and play with the kids during the early evening, about 5:30 to 8 p.m. Depending on the weather (and the ages of the kids) you might use the enormous basement playroom or the playground, bikes, and basketball hoop outside.
  • Extra volunteers are also welcome and needed from 7 to 8 p.m. each evening. (Two adults are enough for dinnertime, but at least 3 are needed for playtime; 4 are even better!) These are good opportunities to volunteer as a family.
  • Spend the night from 8:30 p.m. until 7 the next morning (you can arrive later or leave earlier if necessary, or stay a bit later and have coffee).
  • Fix, serve, eat, and clean up after breakfast at 8 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
There is at least one staff person on duty at Alpha House 24 hours each day. If you are volunteering for the first time, an experienced volunteer will be there to work with you. Signup sheets will be available after all Sunday morning services, or contact Jeanne Hernandez (jeannehernadez@gmail.com; 734-971-5357) to volunteer.
PARISH COMMUNITY
UPDATE ON PEG ROSS--SILVER LININGS DEPARTMENT:
 The cloud of the colostomy still weighs heavily on Peg as one might imagine. But that cloud has a silver lining. Peg was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease several years back, but was unable to tolerate the premier medication, Sinemet (carbidopa/levodopa), because it caused instant, severe diarrhea. Now, because of the colostomy, diarrhea isn't a problem, so she is able to take Sinemet! Peg spent most of the last two years wheelchair bound – with very limited mobility with a walker. Since starting the Sinemet, she has been able to walk, first with a walker, and, more recently, without any assistance. She is also able to drive on her own again (yay!). Peg has begun taking Humira (adalimumab), a bi-weekly injection, for her Crohn's disease--diagnosed following her December surgery. She will continue to take that for the rest of her life. Our hope is that the Humira will cause the Crohn's to go into remission and, eventually, allow for the colostomy to be reversed (admittedly a long shot)! Between now and that happy day, we are praying that her system will become accustomed to the Sinemet so she won't have diarrhea once the plumbing is restored. Indeed we do believe in the power of prayer. Thank you for yours. Keep up the good work.

Love, Pete & Peg

TRAVEL TO GREECE: Ann Munster went to Greece on a photography study abroad trip in May. A selection of 20 images can be found at space.wccnet.edu/~amunster/greece.

HEAR YE, YEAR YE!

The St. Clarian is published monthly (except July). 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 Gene Curry.  
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.
Use the St. Clare’s Mobile Ready Response Number! 
734-358-5141
This number will not be published to the public, but will allow any member or visitor to contact a member of the staff or office ministry team Monday – Friday 9am to 5pm. It rings the landlines in the office and the mobile phones of the Rev. Gene Curry, Karen Slagell, Judie Erb, and Ken Cook.
It will also allow you to leave a message if all of us are unavailable to speak.
ST. CLARE'S STAFF

James C. Rhodenhiser,
Rector

Jessie Gutgsell, Assistant Rector
John Goodell, Music and Technology Ministry
Karen Slagell, Parish Administrative Coordinator

e-mail contact:
firstname@saintclareschurch.org

Church Office:
office@saintclareschurch.org
ST. CLARE'S VESTRY
Judie Erb, Senior Warden
Ken Cook, Junior Warden
Thom Bales
Sue Evett
Barry Fuller
Joanne Heaton
Martin Heggestad
Knut Hill
Gail Jungbluth
Laurie Kantner
Matt Pinsky