March 2008 Revelations

Rector’s Reflections “God is the same today, yesterday, and forever.”

"So we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?” Remember your leaders, those who spoke the word of God to you; consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." Hebrews 13:6-8

We are Christians of the Community of St. John (that's another way of saying St.John's Episcopal Church). But, nomatter how we call ourselves, we have witnessed some changes here at 110 S. Clay Street, which is the primary reason why Revelations hasn't hit the press for a couple of months.

First, God has blessed us with Marcia Ringler, a friendly and competent, new office secretary from Wolcottville, Indiana. In December, Laura Kurella, our secretary for six years, left to take a fulltime position at Trinity Lutheran Church. This was a positive move for her, so even though we have lost someone with a lot of skills and personality, we wish her the very best. During the interim time, we were not able to get the news out as usual, but here we are again with this latest issue of Revelations.

Our second change is both delightful and gratifying: Betty Jackson funded two beautiful glass doors at the entrance to the Great Hall in memory of her husband, Peter. They still frame the grand view as one comes up the stairs, but they very effectively keep sound in the Great Hall from going downstairs and vice versa. In addition, they keep little
children off the stairs during the coffee hour, and they have greatly improved the accoustics in the room!

Our third recent change is the installation of the wainscoting by Gene Short and Verlin Miller, to finish the front wall of the Sanctuary Altar Area. Gene was the designer who oversaw the Church renovation in 1998 and 1999, and the work is seamless and beautiful. He has now begun work on the wood Altar Table which will model the same design as the altar rail gates (which is why they have been temporarily removed).

Another change is a change to yet come. Ruth Lahmeyer, the Church Organist and Choir Director since 1990, has accepted a position as Organist at the First Presbyterian Church of Sturgis. This is a positive step for her, since her mother is a member of that church, and this job change will give Ruth the opportunity to worship in the same
location as her mother. It is an understatement to say that we are terribly sad, even as we bless Ruth on this new adventure. Although it is not entirely new; Ruth was the organist at the First Presbyterian Church for three years in High School. That means that Ruth has been my organist for three years while I have served as Rector here, but she was also my organist for three of my High School years, since we were both members of the First Presbyterian Church. We plan to have a farewell brunch for Ruth on April 13.

It is also change when our loved and longtime members finally leave us to be with the Lord. This past month we have had to say "Goodby to Betty Freeman, Milton Burg, and Betty Peckham." May God receive them into the kingdom of light.

Finally, the progress on the Annex Apartment Project for Hope House women is becoming exciting as the building transforms into two beautiful places for women in recovery to live; all this made possible through the very hard work
of our members.

Meredith+