December St Clarian / monthly newsletter

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Dear Ones,

We were all blessed by the ministry of Xan Morgan for nine years, and we loved the whole Morgan family. We are all sad and grieving because of their departure. Everyone involved is trying to respond to God’s leading, motivated by and desiring what is good. Goodbyes can be hard, and when they don’t feel like they are connected to some happiness for someone, they are even harder. We would like to address three topics briefly in this letter. First, we would like to provide more context to Xan’s resignation. Second, we will address how we will best cope as a congregation in the short term until it becomes clear to us that we are emotionally and financially ready to begin the process of finding a worthy successor to our Children’s Minister. Third, we would like to layout the steps we will take to try to learn from this experience and other leadership experiences in order to build a positive and hopeful future for our congregation.

So here goes.

Since the first day she was hired as the Children's Minister at St. Clare's over nine years ago, Xan has blessed our congregation with her faithful work with our kids, their families and the rest of our congregation. We are grateful for Xan's wonderful ministry, and we will dearly miss her and her family. We are sorry that she decided to resign and move on in search of her next call, and we wish her all the best wherever the Spirit may lead her.
With the approval of the vestry, at James’s suggestion the personnel committee will review the work environment at St Clare’s and make suggestions. This is the first step in planning for a good future together.
In the short term, Jessie Gutgsell will be our lead staff for Children’s Ministry, and will also work as part of a team on Parish Care and Belonging ministries. Also, Matt Pinsky has agreed to become the Chair of the Parish Care and Belonging Commission. Jessie will relinquish Youth Ministry for at least sixty days (till we are ready to do something else staff-wise). Karen Slagell will work more hours, if we can afford for her to do so, in order to provide additional administrative and logistical support for all areas of ministries that Xan did so ably. James Rhodenhiser will assist with Youth Ministry and Parish Care and Belonging, and work with Jessie on Children’s Ministry. In mid-December we hope to hold a special Children and Youth Commission meeting and all parents are invited. If other processes fall into place, this meeting would happen between December 12-14.
We would like to think that sometime in January we could be ready and able to seek additional staff support. Meanwhile, if you are able to help us do well in the short term, please let one of us know!
We have emerged out of a prolonged period of important leadership intensity, and arrived at a new day in our relationship with Temple Beth Emeth. Within two years, we hope to conduct together a capital campaign for the future care, usefulness and beautification of our joint facility.
To prepare for such an undertaking, we should reflect on our experience together since 2013 as lay leaders, staff, and clergy at St. Clare's. The wonderful Jim Gettel, Canon for Congregational Development of the Diocese of Michigan, and Bishop Gibb’s representative, who was so helpful to us in the renewal process of the Genesis partnership, will help us reflect on what went well during that time, what could have gone better, and how might we learn from our recent experiences in order to promote the most effective and caring leadership culture possible in the future. Incidentally, Jim was many Temple members' first flesh and blood encounter with this somewhat foreign and perhaps scary entity known as “the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan,” and he was a big hit!
A number of months down the road, you will get an oral and written Mutual Ministry Review report from the vestry to see what we have learned from our recent experiences as leaders since 2013, and what we plan to work on in the future.

The light shines in the darkness, and its warmth beckons to us in hope.

In Christ’s love,

GENESIS HUMANITARIAN AWARD: This year, at the Erev Thanksgiving worship service with our friends at Temple Beth Emeth, the Genesis Humanitarian Award was presented by the Genesis Board to two worthy recipients from our community. The Genesis Humanitarian award is given to individuals or organizations who exemplify the Genesis vision: embracing mutual trust, respect, and appreciation of all people, and living the ideals of faith and inclusiveness. Congratulations to both recipients!

The individual recipient of this year’s award was Temple Beth Emeth member Bob Milstein. At Temple Beth Emeth, he has served on the board and for Genesis, he serves on the Green Committee, leads the Faith and Food garden, and volunteers at the Back Door Food Pantry. He volunteers for Food Gatherers and for the Ann Arbor Symphony and serves on the board of directors for the Interfaith Council for Peace and Justice. Bob also serves others on a national scale as a member of the Red Cross Disaster Action Team. Since 2005, he has served on 22 national deployments to help victims of hurricanes, wildfires and floods. The life of Bob Milstein exemplifies quiet, kind, generous attention to human needs, no matter how humble, and to a wide variety of volunteer tasks. In the words of his nominators: “His influence is not on a grand scale, but he goes about the business of caring for others, and of doing what he can to make a difference in their lives. . . . He works tirelessly – and, in a quiet, unassuming way, embodies the concept of “tikkun olam,” repairing a broken world.
The second recipient of this year’s award was the Back Door Food Pantry. Two founders of the BDFP, Susan Jones and Marjory Luther, were present to accept the award, along with current co-chairs Ellie Davidson (TBE) and Kathy Daly (STC) and board member Elizabeth Lindsey (Muslim Social Services). The very nature of the service provided by the Back Door Food Pantry speaks to the ideal of faith. Central to all three faiths in our holy texts – Torah, Christian Testament and the Qu’ran, is the commandment to provide help to the stranger. The food pantry now serves on average, 120 to 140 requests per week, representing nearly 500 people. Because it is a place where clients are welcomed, respected and given choice; where the ideals of inclusiveness are embodied in both the volunteers and clients; and where the very essence of the services that the Pantry provides has deep historical roots in all three Abrahamic religions, the Back Door Food Pantry was judged by the Genesis Board to be an ideal recipient of the 2016 Humanitarian Award.

ONE FAMILY UNDIVIDED—RECLAIMING THE BLESSING: St. Clare of Assisi Episcopal Church and Temple Beth Emeth are hosting our community’s 2016 Annual Interfaith Service of Affirmation for transgender, bisexual, lesbian, gay, queer, and intersex people, their families, friends, and allies on Tuesday, December 6, at 7:30 p.m. The theme for this year’s service is “One Family Undivided: Reclaiming the Blessing.” Featured speakers will be the Rev. Dr. Julie Nemecek, Transgender Activist and Stephanie Lange, LMSW, ACSW, “Stand with Trans” Facilitator and Ally Mom. There will be a free-will offering for Transgender Michigan to advance their advocacy, support, education, and coalition-building. A reception will follow.

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS: On Sunday, December 11, Jewish Family Services will hold a fundraiser for the refugee resettlement effort. Festival of Lights will be held in our building, 3 to 5:30 p.m., featuring a Refugee Photovoice Art Exhibit, an interfaith concert celebration with performances by local congregations and musical groups, and dessert by Amanda’s Kitchen. The concert begins at 4 p.m. Purchase tickets at www.jfsannarbor.org/festival-of-lights.

ST. CLARE'S OFFICE CLOSED: The church office will be closed December 26 through January 3 and church staff will be on vacation during that week. Mail will not be delivered to the St. Clare’s office during that time.

NEXT OPPORTUNITY FOR BAPTISM: 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.

ELECTION DAY THANK YOU: Thank you to all who gathered to hold a vigil of healing and hope on Election Day last month. We had more than 50 visitors come and stop by the St. Francis chapel as they came to cast their ballots. We had many St. Clare’s volunteers who led hours of the vigil, attended the vigil, and helped to make the day what it was. Thank you for taking part in this evangelism effort and for spreading healing and hope to our community.

ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS

ADVENT WORKSHOP: Thank you to all those folks who volunteered and participated in the Advent Workshop on November 27. We had a great turnout and a lot of fun making crafts, worshipping together, and sharing a meal. A special thank you to Danielle LaMoreaux who planned and led the craft workshop, and to Debra Stevens, Mary Margaret Hatt, Ilene Smith, and Mary Lu Barth for making us a great dinner.

ADVENT WORSHIP AT HOME: The season of Advent is a time of waiting and preparing. We are getting ready for the birth of Jesus. We have an Advent Booklet that provides a short liturgy for worship at home with your Advent wreath. Copies are available on the table by the front doors on Sundays or through the church office during the week. Or access it online at www.saintclareschurch.org/advent.

ADVENT MEDITATION AND THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION: Join Pastor James at 4 p.m. each Sunday afternoon in Advent for a period of advent readings, meditation, prayer, and theological reflection, concluding with dinner together. Childcare is available. We will gather at the Rhodenhiser home, 1530 Hanover Court, on December 4, 11, and 18. May we gather light together and celebrate a holy advent!

ALTAR GUILD ADVENT/CHRISTMAS SALE: The annual Altar Guild Advent/Christmas Sale takes place on December 4, 11, and 18. We will offer a variety of traditional and contemporary Advent and Christmas items, including our famous Bean Soup, Advent Calendars, and candles for your wreaths. Please stop, take a look, and help support our ministry here at St. Clare's.

PARISH CHRISTMAS PARTY: Join us for a festive Christmas celebration on Friday, December 9, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the home of Judie Erb and Jim Downward (2740 Lowell, Ann Arbor, MI 48103). We'll gather around the piano for carol singing while warming next to the fire. Dinner will be provided. Please bring a snack, side dish, drink, and/or dessert to share.

LESSONS AND CAROLS: Join us at the 10:30 service on December 11, the third Sunday of Advent, for our annual service of Lessons & Carols. Be moved by diverse music from across the ages, and sing hymns and carols sure to lift your spirits as we prepare for Christmas.

CHRISTMAS PAGEANT AND REHEARSALS: All kids in 5th grade and younger are invited to join us as we celebrate Jesus' birth through drama at the 4 p.m. service on Christmas Eve. We will have two rehearsals for kids who have requested speaking lines: on Saturday, December 17, from 2:30 to 4 p.m. and on Tuesday, December 20, from 5 to 6 p.m. Young children and children who have not requested a speaking line will join in at 3 p.m. on the day of the pageant. Please sign up your kid(s) online at www.saintclareschurch.org/pageant. We also need adults who can help in a variety of ways—costumes, snacks, and supervision. Please indicate your availability to help when registering your kid(s). Questions? Contact John Goodell (john@saintclareschurch.org).

ANN ARBOR COMMUNITY MESSIAH SING: At 2 p.m. on Sunday, December 18, St. Clare's will host this unrehearsed reading of Handel's Messiah played and sung for the pure holiday musical pleasure of the performers. There is no audience, only participants. Scores provided or bring your own. Suggested donation of $5/person to cover expenses. Please bring a holiday treat to share at our break time. More details at https://www.facebook.com/AnnArborCommunityMessiahSing/.

CHRISTMAS EVE COMMUNITY LUNCH AND WORSHIP: Noon lunch, 1 p.m. worship
This Christmas Eve, St. Clare's will again offer a Christmas Eve service and a festive holiday luncheon to reach out to those who have been or are experiencing homelessness or food challenges. The luncheon will be at noon in the social hall, with the worship service to follow in the sanctuary at 1 p.m. At the luncheon, we will present each of the guests with a small Christmas gift. To sponsor a gift package and the meal, please indicate "Homelessness Gift" on your check or envelope. A suggested donation of $20 will cover the cost of the meal and the gift for one guest. To volunteer (host, usher, drive, decorate, provide or prepare food, clean up), sign up at http://signup.com/go/SraPF9 OR contact Rachid Hatem (rachidh482@gmail.com), Wendy Hatem (wendylandes@hotmail.com), or Christine Modey (chrismodey@yahoo.com). Families are welcome to volunteer with their children!

CHRISTMAS EVE ENSEMBLES: If you play a musical instrument and would like to participate in either of the Christmas Eve services as part of our ensemble, contact John (john@saintclareschurch.org). St. Clare’s Orchestra plays at the 4 p.m. service and rehearses just before the service.

CHRISTMAS GLORY: The plants we call Poinsettias are also known as Flores de Noche Buena, or Flowers of the Holy Night, after the charming legend of a poor Mexican girl, who, having no gift to present to the Christ child at her church’s Christmas Eve service, picked and presented a bouquet of common weeds. Because she offered them in love, they were miraculously transformed into the brilliant red flowers that bloom each year during the Christmas season. At Christmas, the St. Clare Altar Guild decorates the Sanctuary with beautiful poinsettias (and greens) that are purchased from our Flower Fund, and sponsored by the congregation as thanksgivings or memorials. Please take the opportunity to sign up for Christmas flowers on the Flower Fund chart, set out in the lobby each Sunday, and designate your contribution as “Altar Guild” on your offertory envelope.

OUTREACH FOR ADVENT

At St. Clare’s, we have a large manger, made by a loving and dedicated parishioner, which we line with donations during Advent. This year, we’re collecting the following items in adult sizes: socks, gloves and mittens, scarves, and hats. These items will be donated to homeless people in our community.
St. Clare’s and Temple Beth Emeth will help out at Alpha House the week of December 19–25.
Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) provides emergency assistance in times of disaster and offers long-term program development solutions to fight poverty. Visit ERD’s website to make a donation (http://www.episcopalrelief.org/givenow) or shop their gift catalog (http://www.episcopalrelief.org/what-you-can-do/gifts-for-life). Your gift to Episcopal Relief and Development is tax-deductible.

MINISTRY TO CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

PARENTS NIGHT OUT: Calling all parents! On December 17, right after the Christmas pageant rehearsal, St. Clare’s youth will host a fundraising Parents’ Night Out. 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, making Christmas gifts, and/or watching a movie while you do whatever you want. Pick up your child(ren) no later than 8 p.m. Your generous donation will support youth ministry at St. Clare’s.

SCHEDULE CHANGES

No StorySong or Children's Choir on Tuesday, December 20
No Church School on Sunday, December 25 (worship service at 10:30 a.m.)
No StorySong or Children's Choir on Tuesday, December 27
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

UPCOMING MILESTONES OF FAITH: Mark your calendars for Milestones of Faith later this program year.

Exploring God's Word: 4 to 5:30 p.m. on January 8
Responding to Our Baptism: 4 to 6 p.m. on February 12
Made in God’s Image for 5th & 6th Graders: noon to 2 p.m. on March 5, 12, 19, 26
Acting for Justice: 4 to 6:30 p.m. on April 30

YOUTH MINISTRY

ADVENT OVERNIGHT—MILESTONES OF FAITH: All 6th to 12th graders are invited to an Advent Overnight on December 3, beginning at 6:45 p.m. and ending after the 9 a.m. service on December 4. We’ll have a night of games, worship, and fellowship. Our theme will focus on Serving and Leading with Hands and Hearts, completing this Milestone of Faith for both middle and high school students.

PILGRIMAGE UPDATE: Hear ye! Hear ye! Our 2017 pilgrimage location has finally been discerned. After multiple meetings and conversations, the St. Clare's youth group and leaders will be traveling to Rocky Mountain National Park this coming June–July. All 9th–12th graders are invited to participate. Please contact Jessie if you have questions, and be on the look-out for ways you can support our youth in this transformative experience!

YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY

We’ve had a great six months of our new young adult ministry at St. Clare’s. Stay tuned for our Winter-Spring 2017 schedule. We’ll continue to meet monthly to share a meal, do an activity together, and share in a time of devotion. Want to stay connected? Check out www.saintclareschurch.org/ministries/young-adults/ for more information, and feel free to sign-up for our email list through Church Post (“Younger Adults at St. Clare’s”). You can also email Jessie with any questions (Jessie@saintclareschurch.org).

OUTREACH

SERVE AT ALPHA HOUSE: St. Clare’s and Temple Beth Emeth will provide volunteers for Alpha House during the week of December 19–25. Volunteers are needed to:

Bring a child friendly dinner for about 25 delivered before 6 p.m.
Serve/eat/play with kids after dinner from 5:30(ish) to 8 p.m.
Extra volunteers are always welcome during playtime from 6:45 to 8 p.m.
Spend the night, from 8:30 p.m. until 7 a.m. A private bedroom is provided!

Sign up at coffee hour, or contact Jeanne Hernandez (jeannehernadez@gmail.com, 971-5357) to volunteer or with any questions.

YEAR END GIVING: As we reach the end of the calendar year, you may be thinking about ways to make a difference in the world during the Christmas Season. There are certainly countless causes deserving support and a number of different ways to offer it. Click the links below to learn about two such funds that provide a rich opportunity to make a gift that makes a difference.

The Rich Magee Outreach Fund
St. Clare's Endowment Fund

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.