Lay Ministry Schedule
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This
Week At St. Paul's
/ Suggested
Readings
The Face of the Poor in Duluth
At times, they seem almost invisible. They stay in their homes (if they’re fortunate enough to have a place to live) because to go out costs money: money for gas in the car or bus fare, money for a cup of coffee, and at this time of year money for warm clothes. When they are struggling more than usual, they look for help. In Duluth, that often means calling 2-1-1, a United Way 24-hour information and referral line. When there is no agency whose mission fits their needs, the United Way operators frequently refer people to St. Paul’s.
This morning the phone rang and it was the United Way operator, wanting to refer “Cheryl” to us for help. Cheryl was laid off from her job paying $11.32/hr at the holidays. Her husband works full-time, but his $30,000 annual income is insufficient for this family of six. It takes more than that to cover the rent, food, heat & electricity, gas to get to work, etc. Their four children range in age from 5-17.
Cheryl has marketable skills and has filled out 13 applications all over town. Very few places are hiring people with her skill set right now. The food shelf provides food, but they follow the government’s guidelines for how much food a person needs to survive… not how much a person needs to feel full. We were able to make a few connections for her… places where she can purchase food at below retail cost, other food shelves which may provide assistance occasionally, AEOA for help with her heating costs, etc. We also provided a fuel-only card so she could drive to some of the places who are accepting job applications. Before she left, I also asked her, “if you could have one thing right now – aside from a job – that would make your family more comfortable, what would it be?” She replied, “toilet paper. A family of six goes through a lot of toilet paper.”
Seems like such a simple thing… toilet paper. But buying it takes on more meaning when you realize there are people who can’t afford that most basic of necessities.
Many thanks to all of you who help provide the funds, fuel-only cards, food cards, shampoo, and toilet paper that people need. Many thanks also to those of you who surround St. Paul’s and the people who come here with your loving prayers. Know that you are making a difference!
Note: Since January 1, St. Paul’s has served 41 people who have needed help with transportation, rent assistance, prescription medication, personal care items (shampoo, deodorant, soap, toilet paper, diapers, wipes, etc.). Another 83 people have been referred to area food shelves, the energy assistance office, health care providers, Safe Haven Shelter, Bethany Crisis Shelter, HRA (section 8 housing applications), etc. Please call Barb Hauck if you’d like to learn how you can help with St. Paul’s Outreach Ministries.
LITTLE
TREASURES ANNIVERSARY PARTY
MARCH 10, 5-7 PM:
A family, staff and board anniversary party will celebrate the beginning of Little Treasures Child Care and Family Center. This unique center focuses on more than just day care. It offers educational and social opportunities for families to grow in community. Little Treasures fosters networks for stronger families and childhood learning. Eight years ago it was founded by the Neighborhood Partnership and assisted by many hours and grants from St. Paul’s parishioners. We need help in celebrating this anniversary as Little Treasures is ready to launch into some new visions. We need volunteers to help set up for the party, set up games, serve and clean up. Youth and adults may help. Sign up on the board outside the office on Level 1. Talk to Sue Van Oss or Margaret Thomas.
Teens Encounter
Christ (TEC) Youth Retreat
March
28-30, 2008
TEC is a three-day retreat for senior high youth. It offers a Christian spiritual journey for youth using contemporary music, talks by youth, adults and clergy. There is plenty of time for questions, meeting people from other churches and fun. Many youth, adults and clergy from St. Paul’s have been involved in TEC over the years. Folks come from all around the diocese, especially for the Great Northern regions for this event. It happens spring and fall in several other places in the diocese too. This spring TEC is here at St. Paul’s.
Any youth wishing to participate may speak to Barbara Elliott or Margaret Thomas for applications.
Any adults wishing to support TEC may speak to Margaret about how to aid us with food, special gifts of “WHEAT” or monetary support. Prayers are always good too. Gail Coon of St. Pau’s Episcopal Church in Virginia is the adult leader. Gail was honored by Sheltering Arms Foundation last fall for her years of mission and ministry work with youth.
Retreat on
Native American Spirituality and Culture
April 4-5
A retreat on Native American spirituality and culture will be held at the Mary Brown House with the Rev. Jaunita Palmerhall. As a grandmother, an innovative grade school teach, a wise college faculty member who taught drama and communications at New Mexico State University and as an Episcopal priest, Jaunita has ministered and done mission many places. She visited St. Paul’s and St. Enmegahbowh’s last spring, and she led some of us on a pilgrimage to Madeline Island last summer.
Jaunita now offers her
insights and faith for a retreat at Ely. Men and women are both welcome
to this one. Cost is $60 plus some sharing of food expenses which we
plan and cook there. We car pool as we are able. Talk to Margaret Thomas
for more information.
Sacred Poetry
Group
The Inter-Religious Forum of The College of St. Scholastica is sponsoring a Sacred Poetry group that will meet on Sunday afternoons from 3-5 pm on March 2, 9, 16, and 30 at the College in Tower Hall, Room T1115 (first floor, main hallway). Deborah Cooper and Gary Boelhower will lead the group in reading and exploring sacred poetry from various religious traditions and personal perspectives. Participants will be invited to write poetry or prose that connects with their experiences of the sacred. Each session will include some time for reading and reflecting on the writing of others and for writing and sharing in a meditative and accepting environment. The group is free and open to all. If you have questions, please call Gary Boelhower at 218-724-4985.
A Short Note
from Your Outgoing Senior Warden
Dear St. Paulites:
I want to thank
all of the parishioners, clergy and staff at St. Paul’s for your help
and guidance during the past two years. I hope to continue to serve you
as a member of the Episcopal Church’s Board of Trustees for the State of
Minnesota. Please continue to support Mark Danielson (Senior
Warden), Ken Buck (Junior Warden) and your Vestry during these exciting
times.
Prayerfully, Bob Harvey