July/August/September 2015 - St. Stephens Episcopal Church

The
St. Stephen’s Senior Newsletter
JULY, AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER 2015
St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church — Edina, Minnesota
Dear beloved senior members of St. Stephen’s! This is a season of change, of “hellos” and “goodbyes”. After months of searching, St. Stephen’s welcomes its new rector, Fr. Tom Cook. His first weeks here were filled to the brim, but we caught up with him to ask the questions inquiring minds want to know. In addition Fr. Tom Gehlsen and our deacon, Rena Turnham, bid farewell as they move on to new assignments. Another “hello” is our Welcome Back Picnic on Wednesday, September 9. Hope to see you there. As this issue of the newsletter covers the summer months, we thought it appropriate to feature the St. Francis Memorial Garden where the ashes of many members are laid to rest and where the garden committee has created another beautiful, peaceful setting. The area was recently enhanced with the addition of a beautiful Celtic cross donated by Marjory Dietz, in memory of her parents. In spite of rain, dozens turned out for the dedication. Questions or comments about the newsletter? Connie Brekken, Editor
952-893-0512
IN THIS ISSUE:
Dates to Remember ............................. p. 8-9
Farewell from Fr. Tom .......................... p. 10
Farewell from Rena .............................. p. 10
In Remembrance .................................. p. 2
Memorial Garden .................................. p. 6-7
New Rector, Fr. Tom Cook ................... p. 4-5
Outreach ............................................... p. 11
Sr. Fellowship Luncheon ...................... p. 3
Who Do I Call? ..................................... p. 2
Jane Parry
Co-Editor
You are cordially invited to the Senior
Fellowship Luncheon
Thursday, September 24, 2015, at noon.
Mark your calendar now so you won’t miss this event.
Dr. Tod Worner returns to speak about Joseph Stalin.
(See page three for details.)
WHO DO I CALL IF.......
I need pastoral care………………………….………. Fr. Tom Cook……….. 952-920-0595…. Ext. 103
Befrienders ………… 952-920-0595
I wish to plan a funeral or memorial service………. Fr. Tom Cook……..... 952-920-0595…. Ext. 103
I want prayers for a friend or family member……… Fr. Tom Cook …….…..952-920-0595…. Ext. 103
Deen Hubin ………… 952-920-0595…. Ext. 102
I wish to give flowers on the Sunday altar…………. Deen Hubin ………… 952-920-0595…. Ext. 102
I have questions about my pledge…………………. Nancy Wood ……….. 952-920-0595…. Ext. 111
I have a new address, phone number or email…… Deen Hubin ………… 952-920-0595…. Ext. 102
I have a question about Community Dinners……… John Sullivan……….. 952-941-4153
IN REMEMB RANCE
OF CURRENT MEMBERS…
Elaine Hanson Meisch, age 96, died April 6, 2015. Service June 14 at Cremation
Society of Minnesota. Burial service at St. Stephen’s June 11, burial at Resurrection
Cemetery.
Helen C. Roberts, Age 90, died April 14, 2015. Private service at Lakewood Cemetery
Frances Flint Boelter, age 98, service April 17, 2015, at Lakewood Cemetery.
David W. Stubbs, age 78, died April 18, 2015. Service Friday, May 8, a St. Stephen’s.
Burial at Ft. Snelling.
John Douglas Gould, age 88, died May 13, 2015. Service Thursday, May 28, at St. Stephen’s. Burial in St.
Francis Memorial Garden.
Dr. Leena Devaraj, age 78, died July 17, 2015. Service Saturday, July 25, at St. Stephen’s.
AND OF THOSE WE KNE W AND LOVED…
Terry Klas, long time St. Stephen’s member, age 81, died April 19, 2015. Service at Trinity Episcopal Church
April 27, 2015.
Keith Millett, M.D., Phoenix, AZ, age 93, long time St. Stephen’s member. Died April 21, 2015.
The Rev. Edwin Eilertson, Rector at St. Martin’s By the Lake, age 90, died May 16, 2015. Service on May 22
at St. Mark’s Cathedral.
Janet Benz, St. Croix Falls, WI, age 84, long time St. Stephen’s member. Died May 23, 2015.
Barbara Bissell Morison, age 92, long time member of St. Stephen’s, died June 21, 2015. Service July 5 at
Becketwood Chapel.
2
SENIOR FELLOWSHIP LUNCHEON
Thursday, September 24, 2015
12:00 Noon
In the Gathering Space
Speaker: Dr. Tod Worner
Back by popular demand, Dr.
Tod Worner will speak on the
topic:
“JOSEPH STALIN:
A TYRANT IN AN AGE OF
TITANS”
At three previous Senior Luncheons
Dr. Worner has enlightened us on key
figures of the twentieth century:
Winston Churchill, Adolph Hitler and
Harry S. Truman. Dr. Worner is a
local internist and amateur historian
who is passionate about the interplay
of history, theology, philosophy and
politics. We are delighted he can join
us again to talk about Joseph Stalin.
“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” Edmund Burke
Make your reservation now! Cost is $12.00 Luncheon will be fried chicken, broccoli salad, assorted rolls and New York Cheesecake! To make a reservation send a check to St. Stephen’s Church, 4439 W. 50th Street, Edina, MN 55424 or drop it in the collection plate on Sunday. Please write “Senior Fellowship Luncheon” on the memo line. Last day to make a reservation is Wednesday, September 23. 3
WE HAVE A NEW RECTOR! Reverend Thomas R. Cook On the Fourth of July, 2015 St. Stephen’s unofficially welcomed Tom Cook as our new rector on the lawn of the church while the Edina Fourth of July parade went by. We tried to convince him that the big parade was in his honor, but he didn’t bite. He was there with his wife, Britton, which is pronounced as in “Great Britain”. When you meet her, you will agree, we have our own “great Britton”. So who is this man chosen to lead our church? Here are his responses to some of the questions we posed. Tom and Britton Cook on their first Sunday,
July 5, 2015, at St. Stephen’s.
Tell us about your background.
I grew up with four brothers in Tavares, Florida, on the shore of Lake Eustis, when it was all orange groves, canals, mosquitoes, snakes and alligators. After a time in the local elementary school, I entered private education with Christian Home and Bible School. Bible was a daily class subject, chapel a daily event. At home we were a mix of music and sports, band and choir. I was the sports and choir guy. I attended and graduated from the University of Florida where I majored in history. It is also where I met Britton, who was an Episcopalian, while I was raised in the Presbyterian Church. What did you do before you became a priest?
I worked for my alma mater in the Foundation and as Director of Government Relations, I was a registered lobbyist with the State University System representing the University of Florida and then shaped the Government Relations program for the University of West Florida. During those nine years I continued to have conversations with Episcopal priests and finally concluded I wanted to attend seminary. My mother always said I would either be a lawyer or a preacher because I liked to talk a lot! We understand you were not seeking a new position, so how did you learn about the
opening at St. Stephen’s?
A good friend of mine and an extraordinary colleague, who knows me and my ministry, suggested I take a look at ministry with St. Stephen’s Church. While my friend isn’t part of the Episcopal Church in Minnesota, he is familiar with some of the people in ECMN. He had seen the position posting, noted the church size and Youth ministry component, so he called me and said: “You should take a look.” I trust him, so I did. Once you began interviewing with the search committee, what were the deciding factors
that led to your accepting the offer to become our rector?
It seemed clear to me that what St. Stephen’s needed was an enthusiastic engagement from the clergy in the broadest aspects of church life, from liturgy to pastoral care, from parish management to Christian education. That’s what I do. I’m in parish ministry because I like the variety of demands and opportunities presented by active parish life. And the search committee said you all enjoy lots of good food together. (That’s a good sign.) 4
(We Have a New Rector! continued) Where else have you served as a priest:
I began as Assistant to the Rector with All Saints Church in Mobile, Alabama where I was well mentored and learned the basics, plus I did lots of Youth Ministry there. I was also called to rebuild a declining parish in Medford, Massachusetts. At Trinity church in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, I helped a church explore size changes and restructuring for growth and more external ministries. Seven moves later it all led to St. Stephen’s. There is a guitar prominently displayed in your office. Tell us about that.
At my first ordained ministry in Mobile, I was told I would have responsibility for youth ministry. The parish had a great music program, but it was very classical and the youth wanted to do more guitar music such as they learned at summer camp. So when I interviewed with the vestry in March, I said we would do some youth music with guitar in the fall. They said, “Oh, you play the guitar?” I said, “I will by September.” And I did! It’s fun and great way to interact with a congregation of all ages and stages. Tell us about your family today.
Britton and I have three children. Christian is grown and works in the restaurant industry in Pittsburgh, William is an Army Ranger stationed in Washington State, and Candy, our daughter will begin ninth grade at Valley View Middle School this fall. They are all hockey players. The sixth member of the family is George, our eleven-­‐year-­‐old labradoodle. What do you do in your spare time (when you have spare time)?
I like to walk and hike, especially in the woods. I also like to listen to music, mostly anything from the early days of the Windham Hill label, Mozart, Palestrina, ELO, and the Alan Parsons Project. I like to watch my daughter and her friends play hockey and I sometimes get to work on family genealogy. I also like to read. I usually keep one book more religious in nature in the works and one not so overtly religious but maybe just as formative in faith. Recent examples include Teilhard de Chardin's "The Phenomenon of Man" and Wendell Berry's Port William novels and short stories. Throw in Tolkien, the Harry Potter series, James Carroll's fine works on the Church. It's a pretty good mix. What are your guilty pleasures?
Mac computers and gadgets since 1982, chocolate malts homemade with Haagen-­‐Dazs Vanilla Ice Cream, a good pint of ale, and a good steak. I don’t consider chocolate a guilty pleasure because my parents operated a candy factory for a decade when I was a boy. Chocolate was just plain good food. 5
THE ST. FRANCIS MEMORIAL GARDEN
The St. Francis Garden is consecrated ground behind St.
Stephen’s altar adjacent to Minnehaha Creek, designated for
interment of the ashes of loved ones. Individual or family
arrangements are available. The names of those interred are on
a plaque in the cloister area at the top of the steps.
The idea of a memorial garden was floated around for a long
time, but after member, Gloria Cushing, died in 1987, her
husband Dick and their friends Paul and Martha Rhodes actively
promoted the idea that we make a Memorial Garden out of the
“mess” that was between the church and office buildings.
Camber Construction was hired as general contractor to
oversee the construction and Moriarty/Condon Landscape
Architects were selected to design the space. Money was
raised from gifts, memorials and site purchases. Gloria Cushing
was the first person whose ashes were interred in the garden.
The design and plantings have changed a little over the years
plus structural repairs made as necessary. A tree originally planted grew too large for the space,
eventually developed a fungus and was cut down. Some yews and hydrangeas grew too large for
the space and were removed. Impatiens were planted for many years by the garden committee until
a fungus wiped them out three years ago. Recently the slope was terraced to prevent erosion and
pavers were installed for easier maintenance and better footing.
Despite minor changes to the area, the Garden remains a gem of St. Stephen’s and we are
incredibly fortunate to have this beautiful area.
ABOUT INTERMENT IN THE ST. FRANCIS MEMORIAL GARDEN
Because we have differing symbols and needs when dealing with cremation and interment, there are three
options available.
1. Ashes may be interred in the scattering area. The ashes are placed in a trench at least three inches
underground and rather quickly mingle with the surrounding soil symbolizing the return of our earthly
body to the dust from which we were formed. The cost of this option is $700 for each use.
2. Ashes may be interred in a ground niche fifteen inches square, in essence, a family plot that can
accommodate multiple interments. These sites are covered by garden plantings. Here, too, the symbol
of return to the earth is observed. This option costs $1,050. The cost of opening, closing and replanting
over the site for interment after the first one is $200.
3. For those who prefer preservation of ashes in an urn, there is the option of selecting a vault. This is a
concrete vault large enough to accommodate four urns and covered with a granite top at ground level.
The top to the vault is sealed to protect the urns. A vault costs $2,600 with an opening and resealing
charge of $200 for each interment after the first.
The only additional cost is for a bronze nameplate for the memorial plaque in the cloister walk. The cost for
each nameplate is subject to change, so please check with the church office for current information.
For information on arranging interment of ashes, call the church office at 952-920-0595.
6
Dedication of Cross in Memorial
Garden
On Sunday, May 24, 2015, friends and family of those interred in the garden and of long time members Marjory and Gary Dietz gathered in the Memorial Garden after the ten a.m. service to dedicate a beautiful Celtic cross given by Marjory in memory of her parents. We raised our voices (and our umbrellas) in celebration on this wonderful day. Marjory’s Remarks:
“This cross was created with funds from the John and Wandalee Allen Charitable Trust — the balance of which remains with the St. Stephen’s Fund to be used toward programs in youth, music and hospitality ministries. John and Lee were the parents of Marjory Dietz (1920-­‐2012, 2009). While they lived in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and were lifelong Presbyterians, they became part of the St. Stephen’s community on their many visits to Edina. Their own faith grew as they witnessed and participated with Gary and Marjory in their ministries. Their son, David, and daughter-­‐in-­‐law, Rhonda, were m arried here in 1985, grandson Tyler baptized here in 1986, and Gary and Marjory married here in 1988. “Big John” worked with Gary setting up and lighting luminaries on numerous Christmas eves. Lee got up early and cleaned up many prayer breakfasts for teens at the Dietz home, and both loved singing and worshiping in your midst. It is appropriate to be dedicating this cross and Memorial Garden on Memorial Day weekend. To REMEMBER is the opposite of DISMEMBER. It brings back into the present the people, acts and spirit of those for whom we gather. When we do so, it reminds us that they are still very much a part of our community. As in our Eucharist, when Jesus says, “Do this in remembrance of me.”, we know that He is with us in the present, feeding us with spiritual food, a foretaste of the heavenly banquet — nourishing us to be in community with each other. This cross is a reminder that all those we remember in this garden and elsewhere, are still part of the community of St. Stephens and the Living Christ. Lee Allen loved to garden and was known to be able to make a stick bloom. John loved taking young people in boats and canoes and would appreciate overlooking this creek in its many personae. Gary and I requested that this remembrance be part of their contribution, to honor them. I hope that when you linger here and remember, that it draws you into community with all your saints and angels, past and present.” The Garden Committee
For many years members of the Memorial Garden Committee gather each
spring with rakes and trowels to clean up the Memorial Garden and plant
new flowers on either side of the steps. They also take turns coming every
week to pull weeds to keep the garden beautiful to enhance the visual and
spiritual aspects of the garden. This year they planted masses of red and
pink wax begonias. In the garden pots at the top of the steps Maren
Christopher planted Angelonia, Lantana, Calibrachoa, Torenia and
Marguerite Daisies.
If you usually leave the church by the front door, take a moment next time to
visit the Memorial Garden and St. Francis, seen in the picture at right.
The gardeners, led by Catherine Niewoehner, include Maren Christopher, Lisa Flint, Andy Otness, Susan Burnett, Cammy Carteng,
Darlene and Bob Hayes and Connie Brekken. If you are interested in joining the garden committee, call Catherine at 952-922-3795.
7
PLAN AHEAD…..DATES TO REMEMBER
Sunday, August 23 ............. Baptisms in Minnehaha Creek Wednesday, Sept. 9 ……..… Welcome Back Picnic on the Lawn at 5:30 p .m. Tuesday, Sept. 8 ................ Book Club Sunday, Sept. 13 ................ Return to winter worship hours. Reception between services at approximately 10 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 13 ................ Ministry Fair between services approx. 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 24 …………. Senior Fellowship Luncheon at noon Sunday, Sept.27 ................. Community Unity Sunday Tuesday, Sept. 29 .............. Loaves & Fishes – St. Stephen serves Saturday, October 10 ........ Bash After Dark Tuesday, October 13 ......... Book Club Saturday, October 17 ........ Women in Fellowship at 8:30 a.m. Sunday, October 25 ........... Community Unity Sunday Saturday, October 31 ........ Daylight Saving Time Ends (set clocks back) Saturday, November 7 ...... Community Dinners Friday, December 4 ........... Senior Fellowship Luncheon Edina Country Club For additional information a detailed calendar of St. Stephen’s Community Events is available every Sunday in the Narthex.
Welcome Back Picnic on the Lawn
Wednesday, Sept. 9 (Note – the date of this event has been changed from
earlier announcements.)
Plan to attend this church wide gathering to kick off our programs
for the new year. Join us as we gather on the front lawn at 5:30
p.m. (in the Gathering Space if it rains). St. Stephen's will roast a
pig for pulled pork sandwiches. Please bring a side dish to
share.
This is a great time to gather as a community after the summer
break and catch up with old and new friends. Tables and chairs
are provided, but if you would like to bring a blanket or comfy lawn
chair, that is up to you. Hope to see you there!
BASH AFTER DARK – Saturday, October 10
This is the primary fundraising opportunity for our Outreach ministries, so your involvement is key! You can contribute by volunteering your time to help organize the event, donating an item for the auction and, of course, attending the event. This year, we are offering $15 tickets for seniors, as well as making it easier for you to attend by reserving parking spots close to the church, plus we will have friendly people to greet you as you arrive. If you have questions or want to volunteer, call co-­‐chairs, Jeff and Kristi Helms at 952-­‐322-­‐2698 or email them at [email protected]. Look for tickets to go on sale soon. It’s going to be a lot of fun, with great food and a wide variety of auction items, so please come join us! 8
Sunday Worship Time Change
On Sunday, September 13 we will return to the winter worship schedule: 9:00 a.m. traditional worship service in the church 11:00 a.m. contemporary worship service in the church Women in Fellowship — SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 8:30 a.m.
Women in Fellowship meets quarterly and is intended to be an intergenerational gathering of women of
all ages and interests, sharing for one morning their spiritual journeys, greeting old friends and making
new ones, praying together, and generally refreshing both their spirits and bodies (with continental
breakfast). Breakfast begins at 8:30 a.m. in the Commons Room and the program begins at 9:00 a.m.
We are usually through around 10:00 a.m. Everyone is invited to bring something to share — it always
turns out to be a delicious buffet spread.
Our speaker on Saturday, October 17, will be Julie Bolton, who owns that lovely voice that reads the
Good Friday Gospel and other lessons. All women are invited to come and share in this morning of
fellowship and friendship.
Community Dinners — SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7
Mark your calendar for the next Community Dinners. Information about
how to sign up as a host or as a guest will be announced in late
October. This is always a great opportunity to get to know others in
small groups in a member’s home.
Sunday Coffee Hour
If you usually attend the 11:00 a.m. service, plan to come early and
join us in the Gathering Space for donuts, coffee and conversation
beginning at about 10 a.m after the nine o’clock service.
St. Stephen’s Book Club
Our book club meets every month on the second Tuesday at 1:30 PM in the library. Every book lover is invited to come and discuss the current selection. Members choose a month and a book and lead the discussion. Please join us! August 11 “Yes, Chef” by Marcus Samuelson September 8 “All the Light We Cannot See” by Anthony Doerr October 13 “Boston Girl” by Anita Diamant November 10 “Wicked Autumn” by G. M. Malliet 9
GREETINGS FROM FR. TOM GEHLSEN
To All the Seniors:
I just want to first let you know how much I appreciated walking in
ministry with you. When I leave a place, I always ask myself: What
did I learn? Well, leaving St. Stephen’s was difficult for me. I
learned so much from the parish that will enhance my ministry in the
future. From you, the Seniors, I take away a new appreciation for
life and the wisdom with experience each of you brought to me!
You will always have a special place in my heart, and prayers!
Be in God’s speed & Peace upon you always!!
Tom
PS: You may already have heard that I am the Transition Priest at
Christ Church in Woodbury!! I begin August 16th. I am very excited!!
FAREWELL LETTER FROM RENA TURNHAM
June 15, 2015
To the Good People of St. Stephen’s and Staff:
I want to thank you for being part of my faith journey and for playing a role in my
formation as a newly ordained deacon in the Episcopal Church in Minnesota. Being
with you these last three years — through my internship, ordination, and first diaconal
placement — has been a real joy and a gift of experience, learning, and spiritual
growth. While I had discerned being with you in what I had senses was to be a time of
transition for the congregation, I couldn’t have scripted it any differently than how it has unfolded, with the
departure of fellow clergy to new calls. My gifts for ministry are now being beckoned elsewhere, just as new
people and new gifts are being called into the life and witness of this congregation.
Under the direction of our bishop, The Rt. Rev. Brian N. Prior, I am pleased to begin a new diaconal ministry in
downtown Minneapolis. I have been given a one-year appointment as part of a new concept and trial in
diaconal ministry. Later this summer, I will begin working with the Very Reverend Paul Lebens-Englund, Dean
of St. Mark’s Cathedral, as well as the Rev. Phil Boelter, Vicar of Gethsemane, to co-craft a vision for this new
and exciting position.
So it is with gratitude that I say goodbye to you, as you await the coming of a new rector. As I have mentioned
before in my sermons, I have been in my own transition with aging parents and children “leaving the nest”, as
well as my new role as a deacon. I have often felt my own spiritual ebb and flow and its accompanied wisdom
in tandem with the movement of our time of transition as a faith community. This has been a welcomed and
unexpected gift, and is clearly the work of the Holy Spirit.
It has been a pleasure serving with the staff and lay leadership at St. Stephen’s. They have all been patient
and knowledgeable teachers, experienced sounding boards, and willing mentors for a new deacon such as
myself…yet another gift bestowed upon me in our time together! I wish the congregation and staff well on this
new leg of the journey and I will keep you in prayer.
In Christ,
The Rev. Rena Turnham, Deacon
10
INSIDE OUTREACH
Each quarter we highlight one Outreach program in depth
describing its history, current activities and future hopes and
plans.
The subject in this issue is:
First Nations’ Kitchen
First Nations’ Kitchen is a ministry of All Saints’ Episcopal Indian Mission in Minneapolis and has been
serving healthy, organic, traditional indigenous food in a welcoming, family environment every Sunday since
November 2008.
While all are welcome at the table, First Nations’ Kitchen serves primarily indigenous people in the Twin
Cities, particularly residents of nearby Little Earth of the United Tribes, the largest indigenous urban housing
community in the United States. Guests at First Nations’ Kitchen are also served as
though they were dining at a restaurant. There is no buffet line or paper plates.
Guests dine on real plates and are served respectfully by volunteer waiters.
First Nations’ Kitchen models environmentally sustainable practices in all aspects of
the program (composting, recycling) and serve fare based on an ancestral diet of
First Nations people (buffalo, wild rice, elk, fish, deer, and turkey). Every week,
First Nations’ Kitchen also rescues and distributes fresh, organic produce both to
dinner guests and to underserved people throughout the Twin Cities.
First Nations’ Kitchen has been an outreach partner of St. Stephen’s since 2012.
This amazing organization, which has not missed a Sunday evening meal since
November 2, 2008, also provides its diners with fresh produce to take home.
Additionally, many guests are provided a small container of leftovers to take home
or to a friend who might be home bound.
On June 28, 2015, fifteen volunteers from St. Stephen’s, alongside volunteers from St. Luke’s, helped
prepare and serve a meal at First Nations’ Kitchen. Approximately sixty people enjoyed a dinner of buffalo,
wild rice, fruit salad and homemade bread. The buffalo served was donated through a grant by St. Stephen’s.
This buffalo has been the foundation of several meals served at First Nations’ Kitchen.
First Nations’ Kitchen is in need of future volunteers for Sunday dinner service but also disposable plastic
containers to send leftovers home with dinner guests. Used and washed plastic containers that have lids are
welcome, like yogurt or cottage cheese containers. The Outreach Committee is planning a fall Day of Service
to address this and other needs of First Nations’ Kitchen. Look for details of that in
future church announcements.
Congratulations to
St. Stephen’s will next serve dinner on Sunday, November 29, 2015, when we will be
the only church providing volunteers. Please consider volunteering at this incredible
organization.
Call Lisa Netzer at 952-830-9907 (or email her at
[email protected]) to sign up. First Nations’ Kitchen is located at 3044
Longfellow Avenue in Minneapolis.
11
the Reverend
Susan Daughtry
and her husband,
Brian Dowdy, who
are the proud new
parents of son,
Luca Robin Dowdy.
SPRING SENIOR LUNCHEON
TUESDAY, MAY 5, 2015
St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church 4439 West 50th Street Edina, MN 55424 12