It reminds me of something I recently came across about prayer. We can get as dry and crunchy, living without prayer. But when we do pray, we are able to open our minds and hearts to Christ’s steady rainfall of love. The Spirit’s constant guidance. God’s supply of breath for our living and hoping. I came across these wise words from Mother Teresa—in a book I recently pulled off my shelf: Everything Starts from Prayer: Mother Teresa’s Meditations on Spiritual Life for People of All Faiths. Reminders that prayer is never subtracting—it doesn’t take away energy. It can’t leave us “dry and crunchy.” Rather, it’s puts us within the sound of steady rainfall. Here are some of Mother Teresa’s thoughts on prayer:

The more you pray, the easier it becomes. The easier it becomes, the more you’ll pray.

Love to pray—feel the need to pray often during the day and take the trouble to pray. If you want to pray better, you must pray more.

The more I go around, the better I understand how very necessary it is for us to pray the work, to make the work our love for God in action.
Silence is the beautiful fruit of prayer. We must learn not only the silence of the mouth but also the silence of the heart,
of the eyes,
of the ears
and of the mind,
which I call the 5 silences.

We get so many visitors every day at Mother House in Calcutta. When I meet them I give each one my “business card.” On it is written:
The fruit of prayer is faith;
The fruit of faith is love;
The fruit of love is service;
The fruit of service is peace.
This is very good “business!”

How is your prayer these days? May you be blessed in your praying. Hope you’re having a great summer!
Peace, Betsy +

The Search and New Bishop’s transition Committee’s have been meeting regularly. the consecration of the new bishop will be held at St. Mark’s in January 2010 and those attending from St. Ed’s should plan to car pool as parking at the Cathedral is at a premium.

A task force is being established to look at St. Edward’s web site and determine how best to proceed with updates and possible redesign. There will be more on this during the month of May.

The Vestry will set a date in the fall for a New Members and Vestry get together at the Strong’s. Time and date TBD.

A special thanks to all parishioners of St. Edward’s for allowing me to be the Senior Warden and to work with the staff, volunteers and especially Betsy.

Pastor Cesar Ojeda Shuan first came to St. Edward’s one morning this past winter, when I was at a meeting, and Sarah told him to come back the next day. He returned and we had a visit while sitting on the comfy chairs in the Gathering Space. His request: Would St. Edward’s be willing to share their space with the small Spanish-speaking congregation he serves (about twelve people and a few children)? The arrangements they had with another congregation had changed, so he was exploring other options. He also said that he was praying about it and encouraged us to do the same.

Since that first “interruption” we’ve had other encounters with Cesar. At the end of February, he and two of his lay leaders worshiped with us — Solomon and angelica. I give thanks for those who warmly welcomed them. After that, I made contact with the rev. angel Montanez, who has mentored and worked with Pastor Cesar. at its March meeting, the vestry discussed Cesar’s request and moved to continue our exploration with Pastor Cesar and Rev. Angel. I checked with the Diocese, and visited with a couple of other congregations in the diocese who’ve offered their space to other faith groups — one to a Jewish congregation and another to a Spanish-speaking group.

On April 18, Jeff Dow, Carol Bendell, members of the vestry, and myself, met once again with Pastor Cesar, Rev. Angel, Solomon, and Angelica. We talked about specifics and arrangements and showed them the Parish hall. A monthly rental fee was discussed, which would be paid by Rev. Angel Montanez and his ministry. He would also continue to provide guidance and oversight to Pastor Cesar. They were overjoyed at the possibility of being able to use the wonderful gift of our building and worship space.

Pastor Cesar and the people of Rey de Gloria (King of Glory) would plan to worship on Sunday afternoons at 2 pm. On Thursday evenings, they would have a Bible Study at 7 pm. Some Saturdays, they would use the Parish hall. If ever there is any activity or event at St. Edward’s at those times, Rey de Gloria/King of Glory would gladly cancel and/or reschedule their activities. They would also make sure to clean up after any of their activities. Other details of this agreement and contract are still being worked out. We need the approval of the Bishop, and other matters will continue to be clarified during the month of May. The Vestry believes that such an arrangement is possible and is supportive of this venture. As we continue down this road, please do not hesitate to direct any questions you have to the vestry, or myself.

I hope that you will join me in hopeful prayer as we seek to open our building up to groups such as A.A. We are blessed to have such a wonderful facility and space, and it’s a joy to now consider how we might share it with other sisters and brothers in Christ. I understand that St. Edward’s at one time shared their space with a Chinese-speaking congregation. We never know how the holy Spirit might interrupt our days…. Easter Peace and resurrection to you!

We had our second Vestry meeting on Sunday March 22, 2009 in the form of a retreat from noon until 4:00 pm. during that retreat, your Vestry planned to address many issues, develop committee structures, assign Vestry liaisons to all active committees, and decide on goals and tasks for this coming year.

The Vestry meetings are now scheduled for the fourth Tuesday of every month. Meetings will start at 7:00 pm and end by 8:30 pm.

As Senior Warden, I am also meeting on a regular basis with Rev. Betsy. the executive Committee (I, Betsy, Miles, and Becky) are meeting once a month prior to the monthly Vestry meeting to ensure that we stay on track.

Please remember that all parish members of St. Edward’s are welcome to attend any Vestry meeting and share any views or helpful information for the “good of St. Ed’s.” More Vestry news and information will be published in future issues of the Lampstand.

– Meditation for March 22, from Henri J. M. Nouwen’s
Bread for the Journey: A Daybook of Wisdom & Faith
Harper Collins Publisher, 1997

One of the purposes of our Vestry retreat on Sunday, March 22, was to have some intentional time to look more closely at some short-term goals for the remainder of 2009. as we looked at the results of the Parish Survey done back in 2007, deb achenbach and Jennifer Slater, who were members of the discernment committee, wondered whether that information was ever fully shared with the congregation.

Many of you will remember the questionnaires that you filled out and the reflections that you offered. the reason you embarked on such an undertaking was to know yourselves better.
The top goals identified were to:
- Explore our spirituality
- Respond to those in need
- Participate more deeply in a Christian community
- Live lives of active discipleship

One of the traits that you identified as being important for your next rector to possess was in leadership — “to assist the vestry and congregation with developing and articulating a vision for the next few years; by challenging you to think broadly and to look deeper, inspire action, and to respond fluidly to issues and events as they arise.” another trait was to encourage you in your spiritual and prayer life — “who will lead and/or train and enable others to lead in the formation and development of a deeper spiritual life.” In this Lampstand, you will read about ministries that continue to evolve and others that are newly taking shape. We talked about all of these things at the Vestry retreat and a few more besides: how to keep tweaking our website; discussing a request we’ve had from a Spanish speaking congregation to use our space; wondering if it’s time to build that much-needed storage shed.

The possibilities are endless, and the challenge is to be realistic with our already existing time and resource commitments with family, work, and church.

With all of this hopeful planning and looking ahead in mind, filled with gratitude to be here, these introductory words from Nouwen must be part of the formula, part of the plan. to keep coming back — to prayer, to silence — to stop and be in the sacred presence of God.

Indeed, it’s a journey of grace, is it not?

We’ll keep on keepin’ on!

Over the next few weeks the new sign will call out to passers-by and shoots of grass will sprout. As funds become available, a garden will frame the sign and 40 to 50 new trees will begin to define a new landscape along Highway 6, shaping the view for decades to come.

It’s summer in Minnesota, and Minnesotans make plans for these few precious weeks of mild weather. As usual, July seems like a sleepy month for St. Edward’s and for many other local churches. The dirt, though, has been the most obvious outward sign that we’re not asleep.

The Search Committee continues to work toward defining our needs as a congregation and our needs for a new rector. Paul has spent a good portion of his first few weeks with us as interim getting to know the congregation personally. Anyone who’s been to church this summer realizes that he’s learned a lot about us already. Most importantly, he’s getting a very clear picture of who we are as a community, what we could become, and what he needs to do with us to help us on our way.

This fall, when everyone returns to a more regular schedule, the dirt and the sign and the grass will all be new. As a Christian community, though, our purpose is ongoing spiritual renewal. Our goal this year will be to transform lives as profoundly as we’re transforming the land. Spiritual transformation may not be as obvious or as fast as dumping dirt and planting trees, but we all should understand that it will make a greater difference in our lives and in our world.

We have set forth a flexible schedule meeting once or twice per month over a nine-month period. All classes will meet on Wednesdays at 7pm starting on February 11th. Each candidate is expected to attend the first class. We will be using a program called “Keeping the Promise” by Andrew D. Parker. This program is based on the Catechism of the Book of Common Prayer. There will be outside assignments wherein the candidate will work with an adult mentor.
(More details will be coming to St. Edward’s youth.) Talk to Rev. Betsy to know more.

We are especially blessed to be partnering with Episcopalians in our area, and give thanks to Fr. Paul Allick, priest-in-charge at St. George’s for spearheading this cooperation. On occasion we will travel to each other’s parishes for classes. We will announce locations as we go along.

Come meet new people, have some fun, and learn about our faith.

“We’re Eucharist centered. Worship is central.”
“I want to know more about Episcopal life and what it means.”
“I think we’re ready to move beyond being focused so much on ourselves and our survival…We need to keep bringing the outside in.”
“How can we help others know about our facility—to use the labyrinth and help make use of the kitchen?”
“I’m wondering how we can support one another with parenting…can we read a book together…have a parents night out, hosted by youth?”
“We can keep looking for the needs of those around us.”
“Help people share what they do well.”
“Yes, St. Edward’s is a close community and we still can be even more cohesive.”

These are thoughts and hopes people shared at our first St. Edward’s House gathering. (Many thanks to Jeff and Joan Dow who hosted a group in their home, on December 27th!) The intended purpose is for people to hear a little bit more about their Rector and my journey, but as you can see by some of the comments shared above, these gatherings will keep us talking. And listening. Not only to one another, but to what God is saying to us, through one another.

Our first 3 months together have been busy—beginning with the Blessing of the Sacred Garden and Pet blessing, a baptism and funeral, our Stewardship Emphasis, the search for a settled organist/choir director, the Seasons of Advent and Christmas, with special Holy Days, the upcoming Epiphany Play and now we are looking forward to the 2009 Annual Meeting. All throughout, we have been talking, planning, listening and getting to know one another. We’ve also been talking to God; we’ve been listening to God, in Christ. The Gospels keep shaping our discipleship. Even the Holy Spirit has been communicating. And we will keep talking. We must keep listening.

In their book “Holy Conversations: Strategic Planning as a Spiritual Practice for Congregations,” the authors Gil Rendel and Alice Mann offer some great wisdom regarding the power of conversation. “There is no power equal to a community discovering what it cares about.” Keep your eyes open for more details about when the next gatherings will be—thanks ahead of time, to those of you who are hosting.

“Almighty God, you have poured upon us the new light of your incarnate Word: Grant that this light, enkindled in our hearts, may shine forth in our lives…. (from the Collect Prayer for the First Sunday after Christmas Day, Book of Common Prayer)

Happy New Year and Peace to all,
Rev. Betsy

December and all of 2008 are over – and what a year it has been for St. Edward’s!
The highlight was the search and call of Rev. Betsy Lee to be our new full-time priest.

We are thrilled to have her with us – the Search Committee (Transition Committee to some) certainly did a wonderful job!

The entire Advent/Christmas season seemed wonderful – a lot of wonderful things happened – the tea, the Advent worship, the children playing bells, the gathering of gifts for those having hard times, bake sales, superb worship that reminded us of the reason for all of this activity – it all felt so “right” – I was thrilled and thankful to be a part of it all.

The Vestry finally did meet the last Tuesday of December – the regular meeting was canceled because of weather. The main topic at the meeting was the budget for 2009. You can read in Tom Boe’s article in this Lampstand more of the details. Let me just say that we have a deficit that we must deal with some how and some time. (Please know that we are not the only church or non-profit dealing with such a problem – this seems to be almost a universal problem for obvious reasons.) At any rate, the Vestry decided that the first thing they would do is not to panic – they will, however, be sending you a letter soon with the details of this budget and asking you all for suggestions for how to correct it. We ask your thoughts and your prayers as we, together, work to solve this problem. It is important to remember that this is not the first time that St. Edward’s has had this problem and probably not the last – it may just be a way of life!! And maybe it is a way to keep us focused on what is really important!

Please continue to play for St. Edward’s.

Peace,
Lynne Whitacre, Sr. Warden