Parish Notes, October 2022

Clergy

Jeanne Leinbach, Rector jleinbach@stpauls-church.org

Jessie Dodson, Associate Rector jdodson@stpauls-church.org

Brandon Ashcraft, Assistant Rector bashcraft@stpauls-church.org

John Kennedy, Assistant Rector jkennedy@stpauls-church.org

Staff

Lois Bell

Handbell Choir Director

Brenda Burton, Controller

Lauren Dockery

Director of Children’s & Youth Min.

Kevin Jones, Director of Music

Kelsey Ferguson

Director of Children’s & Youth Choirs

Ethan Greenberg, Sexton

Steve Halasz, Sexton

Lysa Kenney

Administrative Assistant

Paul McCuen, Sexton

Pam O’Halloran

Director of Operations

David Osburn Carillonneur

Karel Paukert, Organist

Nathaniel Powell Director of Communications

Jenni Thomas

Administrative Coordinator

Fred Tucker, Sexton

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

2747 Fairmount Boulevard Cleveland Heights, OH 44106

(216) 932-5815

www.stpauls-church.org info@stpauls-church.org

Pastoral Care Line: (216) 238-4001

From Our Wardens

Sam Hartwell and Dave Banyard

Welcome to the beginning of a new program year and a return to the normal calendar! It is beginning to feel like a return to “old times” with increased participation in Sunday worship at all three services, full music offerings, communion offered in both kinds, and lots of ministries restarting. Jeanne mentioned how wonderful it felt to have children gathered around the altar at the Eucharist again the other day. We agree!

COVID remains with us, but we know that much of our congregation is fully vaccinated. We recommend the new booster shots, which, when combined with the annual flu shots, greatly reduce the probability of severe illness. We also continue to recommend masks for all. In caring for ourselves, we are caring for others too.

We want to extend a warm welcome to our new music director, Kevin Jones. We believe he will extend and enhance the long tradition of musical excellence our parish is justifiably proud of.

The many ministries of St. Paul’s continue. A couple of highlights: Rev. John Kennedy is organizing our adult formation series thematically around the sacraments; and the clergy are leading new weekly Bible studies on Thursday mornings. These are just a few of the many, many opportunities for worship and service.

Our parish is wonderfully enriched by your participation in worship, our many ministries, our engaged clergy, and our dedicated staff. As we enter Stewardship season, let us remember the blessings we receive from this place and give back generously.

“All things come of thee, oh Lord, and of thine own have we given thee.”

Cover Photos

This issue’s cover photos are some of our favorite moments from our ‘Oktoberfest’ Parish Picnic. Many thanks to our Parish Fellowship Committee for putting together such a fabulous event. If you, dear reader, have photos you’d like to share, send them to our Director of Communications, Nathaniel Powell: npowell@stpauls-church.org

Almost Too Good To Believe

The Rev. Brandon Ashcraft

The Parable of the Prodigal Son is among the most beloved of Jesus’ parables, and it’s not hard to understand why. Despite the younger son’s manifold transgressions, his father not only welcomes him home with open arms, he throws him a lavish party! The good news of this parable can be distilled down to one single word: grace.

“Grace” is a word that we, as people of faith, use all the time. But what does it really mean? The catechism of our Prayer Book tells us this: “Grace is God’s favor towards us, unearned and undeserved; by grace God forgives our sins, enlightens our minds, stirs our hearts, and strengthens our wills.”

Grace is what Jesus was all about. Over and over in the gospels, Jesus preaches about a kingdom where sinners are forgiven, the poor are made rich, and the oppressed are set free. He promises eternal life. A life of fullness beyond our imagining. This kingdom, this eternal life — all of it is ours to receive. Even though we do not deserve it, and even though we cannot earn it, Jesus gives it to us as a gift.

Like our ancestors in the gospels, we often fail to understand Jesus’ message of grace. Not because grace is complicated, but because it’s almost too good to believe. Because it’s so unbelievable, God has given us “sure and certain means of grace” called sacraments, and they reside at the very heart of our life of faith.

As you may have heard by now, the sacraments are the focus of our programming this formation year. With the help of some gifted teachers, we are immersing ourselves in the sacraments, allowing ourselves to be drawn deeper into the mystery of God’s profound love for us. Most of us know something about the two ‘sacraments of the Gospel,’ baptism and eucharist. But in the year ahead, we’ll also learn about the five additional ‘sacramental rites’ – confirmation, ordination, holy matrimony, reconciliation of a penitent, and unction.

In my ministry as a priest, I see all the time how the sacraments lead to profound encounters with God. In one example, I often wish more people knew about unction for the sick. In this sacramental rite, the person who is sick is anointed by a priest with holy oil, accompanied by special prayers, and, often, the laying on of hands. In moments of illness, when our bodies are broken and our spirits are fragile, the sacramental rite of unction gives us assurance of God’s love and a sign of Jesus’ ministry of healing. This sacramental rite is available to anyone at any time. All you have to do is ask the clergy. It would be our privilege to foster this encounter with God’s grace.

Grace: not because of anything we’ve done, or have not done, or could ever do, God loves us and gives himself to us wholly, unreservedly, and completely. Truly, it is almost too good to believe.

Welcome Jane and Bob Meyer

Submitted by Andy Wheaton

Jane and Bob Meyer may be new to St. Paul’s, but they aren’t strangers to Cleveland or to The Episcopal Church. Jane spent the first eight years of her life in University Heights before her family moved to Geauga County. Bob is originally from Avon Lake. Jane was baptized in The Episcopal Church at Christ Church in Shaker Heights and later attended St. Martin’s in Chagrin Falls. Like many of us, Bob has been a part of other Protestant faith traditions but eventually found his way to The Episcopal Church upon marrying Jane. Before moving from Canton to University Circle, they were active parishioners at St. Timothy’s in Massillon.

Even though the Meyers joined St. Paul’s during the pandemic, they felt “welcomed and included right away.” Jane and Bob were attracted to St. Paul’s due to its proximity (they can walk to church) and vibrant parish life – in which they have wasted no time getting involved. Jane helped with reading camp this summer and

works in the ACT II shop. Bob has already been put to work on the grill at the ice cream social, among other activities in the parish. They look forward to joining a foyer group this fall.

Before her retirement, Jane worked as a school administrator responsible for adult education, including G.E.D. and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) programs. Prior to Bob’s retirement, he and a

partner ran a law firm specializing in labor and employment law and workers’ compensation. Jane and Bob enjoy reading, music, travel, and entertaining guests. They love living in University Circle with its proximity to sports arenas, Severance Music Center, Playhouse Square, and many restaurants. But maybe most of all, they love being close to their grandchild, Kennedy (3), who lives in Shaker Heights.

Open Doors Academy Turns 30

Pam O’Halloran

In addition, the ODA middle school summer camp continued their cooking classes in the St. Paul’s kitchen. For four weeks, two dozen middle-schoolers learned the basics of healthy cooking and filled the church with beautiful aromas that had all of our mouths watering.

While much of church programming takes a break or slows down over the summer, the Open Doors Academy (ODA) presence at St. Paul’s hit high gear this past June and July.

For the first time, ODA expanded its successful summer internship program for high school students by adding an enrichment program at St. Paul’s. Two groups of students alternated their time between the St. Paul’s-based enrichment program and the internship-focused activities at other locations.

At St. Paul’s, ODA ran a curriculum that focused on everything from civic engagement and global awareness to cooking classes. It also partnered with two local organizations to provide an even wider range of offerings. Lake Erie Ink worked with high school scholars on writing and rhetoric and held two Explore and Express field trips to the Cleveland Art Museum. Youth Opportunities Unlimited had weekly lessons on career readiness and professionalism. As part of the summer program, each session of high schoolers participated in service learning through Cuyahoga Valley National Park and toured Kent State University to learn more about admissions, course offerings, and the campus.

At the end of the summer, when the school year resumed, we were excited to welcome back our Roxboro ODA scholars each afternoon along with their fabulous site leaders, Cece and Jordan. Many years ago, Jordan was an ODA scholar at St. Paul’s, and we are thrilled to have him return in this leadership role. We are off to another great year!

As you’ve heard, Open Doors Academy is celebrating its 30th anniversary this fall. It is important to remember that we are celebrating this same milestone at St. Paul’s! It was 30 years ago that an Associate Rector and a parishioner of St. Paul’s looked at what was perceived to be a problem and created an opportunity. That opportunity became the Open Doors Academy! We are grateful to those parish leaders who ensured the program could grow and thrive over the years, including former Rector, the Rev. Nicholson B. White.

Spotlight for Our Kids

Saturday, October 15, 5:30 p.m.

On October 15, ODA will hold its annual Spotlight for Our Kids clambake fundraiser at the Cleveland Rowing Foundation. St. Paul’s will be honored with the Open Doors Academy “Luminary Award.” If interested in attending, please look for information about ticket sales on the ODA website, www.opendoorsacademy.org

Stewardship

Pam O’Halloran

The 2023 Stewardship Campaign will kick off on October 9 and run through All Saints’ Sunday, November 6. Stewardship packets with a pledge card and campaign brochure will be mailed on October 21. This year we are exploring the question, How do we express our faith? We invite you to read our communications and listen to testimonials while considering your pledge to the church for the coming year.

As we approach the start of the campaign, we offer answers to several Frequently Asked Questions that we often hear, especially from newer members.

Why does the church ask us for a pledge versus a gift?

There are two answers to this question:

• First, the church is unusual in that most of the income required to run all programs, support the staff, and maintain the facilities comes from parish members. By offering a pledge in the fall, parish leaders are better equipped to budget responsibly for the year ahead.

• The act of pledging is an expression of our faith and our gratitude to God for gifting us with love, life, family, and community. By making a commitment of financial support, we communicate our priorities. We are giving of our “first fruits” rather than of what is left over.

How does the church use our gifts?

Just as personal budgets reflect our priorities, so do organizational budgets. None of St. Paul’s ministries could happen without the facilities to house them or the staff that make them run. Looking at a ministrybased budget, the church spends approximately 42% on Worship and Music, 19% on Outreach to the local and global community, 22% on Pastoral Care and fellowship, and 17% on Christian Formation.

Does the church have other income sources?

About 20% of annual operating revenue comes from invested funds or other income like space use. The rest comes from all of you!

How much should I give; what is an appropriate gift to the church?

The biblical tithe can be quite substantial for many people, whether before or after taxes. We suggest that you calculate what that number would be and strive toward that. For now, decide on a percentage that feels sacrificial but not burdensome.

We celebrate all gifts that support the life and work of the church.

Charting Our Ministries

The Rev. Jeanne Leinbach

The Rev. John Kennedy joined our staff in April of 2021. Over the past year, John and Lauren Dockery, Director of Children and Youth Ministries, have been working as a team carrying out children and youth ministries. After one year together of experiencing all of the children and youth ministries, John, Lauren, and I feel ready to delineate their responsibilities.

John, as Assistant Rector for Adult Formation and Chaplain to Children and Youth, is responsible for these ministries (in addition to his liturgical roles as preacher and presider, and broader pastoral responsibilities):

• Adult Formation

• Baptism Preparation and Coordination

• Confirmation

• Children and youth participation in liturgy (acolytes, lectors, intercessors)

• Baccalaureate Sunday (youth preachers)

• Pastoral Care to families with children and youth

Lauren, as Director of Children and Youth ministries, is responsible for these ministries:

• Sunday morning formation: Godly Play, Workshop Adventures, Rite 13 and J2A

• The Village (families with children infant through grade 3)

• TOTALCHAOS (grades 4-6)

• Junior Youth Group (grades 7-8)

• Senior Youth Group (grades 9-12)

• Baccalaureate Sunday (breakfast, grad bios, gifts)

• C.A.S.T.

• Special Events (St. Francis Blessing of the Animals, All Saints Day Celebration, All Things Advent, Christmas Pageants, Epiphany Celebration, Shrove Tuesday, Holy Week, Pentecost Celebration)

Update on Confirmation

From time to time, reevaluating the curriculum is helpful to assuring we continue to offer sound formation, structured in a way that meets the needs of our children and youth. Confirmation has been a 2-year program meeting once per month during the program year. This coming year will be a transition year. The current confirmands who have completed one year will continue and complete the second year. We will not bring in a new class of confirmands this fall. Beginning in the fall of 2023, Confirmation will be a one-year program for high school-aged youth. Confirmation will meet twice a month during the program year, outside of the Sunday morning formation hour, at a mutually agreed upon time. We believe this structure will be more effective for both content and schedule.

Update on Youth Groups

Both the Junior and Senior Youth Groups will meet weekly on Sunday evenings. Junior Youth Group will meet from 5 to 7 p.m., and the Senior Youth Group will meet from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The two youth groups will overlap from 6:30 to 7 p.m. to enjoy dinner together. Though John does not have oversight for Youth Group, he will participate in Youth Group. New this year is the formation of the Youth Group Council. All teens are invited to meet monthly with Lauren and John by Zoom for 30-45 minutes to plan the youth group activities for the coming month. They will pick the conversation topics, the meals, the games, and the outings.

Lauren and John will work together with both the Children’s Ministries Team and the Youth Ministries Team. These two teams of laypeople assist in the planning, organizing, and implementation of programming. Jenny Azouri is the Vestry liaison to Children and Youth Formation. If you have any questions about children and youth programming, please don’t hesitate to contact Jenny, Lauren, John, or me.

Around the Parish

Worship

Sponsor a Saint RSVP by Sunday, October 2

This year we need your help to create the annual Saints Hall of Fame! Take on this creative project with your family or friends. “Sponsor” a saint (traditional or nontraditional) and prepare a visual presentation on what makes them great! Please RSVP by Sunday, October 2. Participants must be available to show off their saint in the Saints Hall of Fame on Sunday, November 6, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. To sign up or for more details, please email Lauren at ldockery@stpauls-church.org. See below for a special note about All Saints’ Sunday.

Blessing of the Animals

Sunday, October 9, 4 p.m.

From kittens to chickens, guppies to puppies, our clergy will be blessing all pets, great and small. Join us for a brief service and blessing on the front lawn (or in Tucker Hall if the weather is inclement).

Annual Service of Remembrance Wednesday, November 2, 6 p.m.

Recognizing the loss and grief so many of us carry privately, St. Paul’s will hold its annual Service of Remembrance to honor those whose deaths have touched our parish family this past year. Through gentle music, prayer, readings, and a candle-lighting ritual, we will hold our loved ones and one another in God’s presence. The service will be held on Wednesday, November 2, at 6 p.m. All are welcome to attend. Contact Rev. Jessie with any questions: jdodson@stpauls-church.org

All Saints’ Combined Service

Sunday, November 6, 10 a.m.

Commitment Day Celebration and the annual Saints Hall of Fame to follow in Tucker Hall.

Outreach

Habitat for Humanity ‘Faith

Build’

October 20, November 10, and December 17

Mark your calendars! We are again partnering with local faith communities to make homeownership a reality for a family. To learn more or to volunteer, email Kathy Hogg: khogg75@ gmail.com

GMAG and CAMO Collection

Throughout October

During October, the Global Mission Action Group (GMAG) will collect gently used medical equipment for rural Honduran clinics supported by Central American Medical Outreach (CAMO). Items particularly needed include wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, canes, Chux disposable bed pads, adult-size absorbent underwear (open bags are OK), orthopedic boots and braces, CPAP machines, sheets, and towels of any size or color.

To schedule a drop-off or pick-up, please contact Sally Bosley at (216) 832-1817.

Christian Formation

For more information on Christian Formation, contact the Rev. John Kennedy: jkennedy@stpauls-church.org

Clergy Bible Study

Thursdays, 9 a.m., Sanders Room

Join the preacher-on-deck at 9 a.m. on Thursdays in the Sanders Room for a deep dive into the scriptures for the upcoming Sunday. Drop-in anytime; no RSVP required.

Archives Tours and Work Sessions

Beginning Saturday, October 1, 10:30 a.m.

Have you ever had a question about the past of St. Paul’s? Our archives probably have the answer. Come for a Brief Introduction and Tour of the Archives. These will start in the Brooks Room on Saturday, October 1, at 10:30 a.m., and Sunday, October 2, at 8:40 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. The archives team will conduct brief introductions and tours of the St. Paul’s Archives for interested parishioners. Learn about this facility and ministry that stewards our recorded history from 1846 to the present. The archives team will hold two volunteer opportunity working sessions to conduct archival record reviews on Tuesdays, October 11 and 25, at 10 a.m. Interested volunteers will take an hour or so to review archival boxes to sort and verify the contents. Contact David Sloan: (216) 408-5498, sloan.david@yahoo.com

Fall Forums

Sundays, 10:15 a.m.

Unless otherwise noted, all forums will take place in Tucker Hall and be livestreamed to our website: www.stpauls-church.org/live

October 2 | Exploring the Sacraments, Part 2

Natalie Kertes Weaver, Ph.D.

October 9 | Indigenous Peoples’ Day Ritual and Ceremony in Northeast Ohio

Brian G. Redmond, Ph.D.

October 16 | Exploring the Sacraments, Part 3

Natalie Kertes Weaver, Ph.D.

October 23 | Exploring the Sacraments, Part 4 Natalie Kertes Weaver, Ph.D.

October 30 | General Convention Report

William A. Powel III and Dianne Audrick Smith

November 13 | Life Is Changed, Not Ended Psychological Sciences and Life After Death

Kathleen Pait, Ph.D. Candidate at C.W.R.U.

November 20 | The Great Thanksgiving Eucharistic Prayers Past and Present

The Rev. John Kennedy

Forums on the sacraments will continue in January with guests the Very Rev. Andrew McGowan and Professor Alan Kolp.

Fall Book Group Sacraments and Justice

Starting Wednesday, October 5, 7 p.m.

Travel further into the sacramental way with this reading and discussion group based on the book Sacraments and Justice, edited by Doris K. Donnelly, Ph.D., professor of theology at John Carroll University, and featuring a chapter by our forum guest, Natalie Kertes Weaver, Ph.D. This small group will meet in the Brooks Room at 7 p.m. on Wednesdays in October and November.

From the publisher: Sacraments and Justice describes the social implications of worship, the history of each sacrament, and reveals how the seven sacraments — baptism, confirmation, Eucharist, penance, marriage, orders, and the anointing of the sick — link to social justice. It offers an integrated understanding of the transformation that is inextricably linked to each sacrament, as well as the active presence of Christ, who lives in expectation of our response to participate in the urgent response to unjust policies and systems that affect the most vulnerable in our global family.

Contemplative Prayer

Tuesdays, 5:30 p.m.

Contemplative Prayer returns in person! Join fellow seekers and spiritual pilgrims at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesdays in the Chapel of the Cross for a holy hour of Contemplative Prayer (also called Christian Meditation) and reflection. The virtual group will continue to meet on Friday mornings at 10 a.m. on Zoom. To express interest or learn more, reach out to Rev. John: jkennedy@stpauls-church.org.

Fellowship

Coffee Hour

A time of fellowship follows each service.

8:30 a.m. | Tucker Hall

10:00 a.m. | Reception Room (formerly the Bride’s Room)

12:15 p.m. | Tucker Hall

Snacks are available at the 10 o’clock hour, which volunteers provide. Sign up to take a turn on our website: www.stpauls-church.org/coffeehour.

Young Adult Gathering

Saturday, October 8, 1:15 p.m.

All St. Paul’s young adults (folks in their 20s/30s) are invited to join us to celebrate the beginning of fall with a visit to Eddy’s Fruit Farm (12079 Caves Rd, Chesterland) for apple picking and fellowship! If you’d like to meet us at Eddy’s, we plan to be there at about 1:15 p.m. RSVP to Allison at allison.paetz@gmail.com, and please let us know if you would like to join a carpool leaving from St. Paul’s around 12:30 p.m.

Shaker Lakes Outing

Tuesday, October 11, 5:30 p.m.

The Eliza Backus Guild invites nature lovers of all ages to meet at the Shaker Lakes Nature Center at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 11. Parishioner Julia Mitchell will show us how the Nature Center protects pollinators, and we can enjoy fall’s colors as we walk along the All People’s Trail. The trail is both stroller and wheelchair accessible. For more details, call or text Sally Bosley at (216) 832-1817.

Architectural Tours Offered

Sunday, October 23, 12:30 p.m.

Do you know where the four Diocesan seals are in St. Paul’s? How about the movie projection booth? Where can you find the image of a German World War II soldier? And just what did Dr. Albert Schweitzer have to say about our organ? William Vodrey will lead a free, hour-long tour of the church, beginning at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 23, in the Narthex (just behind the Nave or main worship space), so you can find out. Whether you’ve been at St. Paul’s for many years or just a few months, there’s always more to discover about the beautiful space we all gather. Learn more about the art and architecture of St. Paul’s!

Herb Harvest Sale Sunday, November 13

Mark your calendars for the annual Herb Harvest Sale coming to Tucker Hall on November 13, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. St. Paul’s Lay Weeders are busy harvesting and preparing products for you to purchase! Many items will make lovely hostess gifts for the upcoming holidays. All of your favorites will be back, including jams and jellies, homemade breads and bakery, chutneys, herb flavorings, soup mixes, moth chasers, lavender sachets, and other decorative and gift items. This sale provides funds to sustain the beauty of St. Paul’s gardens. How can you help? If you make a special jam or preserve, please consider preparing a few extra jars for our sale. To ensure quality, please keep all products in sterile 4- or 8- ounce Mason Jars with sealable lids. Do you love to bake? We need homemade breads and your favorite bakery items. Small pans, wraps, and recipes are available from Susan Blackwell (susanmblackwell@hotmail.com). All donations may be brought to the church Saturday morning, November 12, or the day of the sale. Our Mission is to beautify St. Paul’s Church by developing and maintaining the gardens and grounds to the honor and glory of God!

Music and Art

HCO’s Opening Concert

Sunday, October 9, 3:30 p.m.

Heights Chamber Orchestra will give a free concert at St. Paul’s on Sunday, October 9, at 4 p.m. The conductor is Carl Topilow, and the violin soloist is Emily Cornelius, who will be playing the Mozart Violin Concerto No.3. Other selections will be by Dudley Buck, Mendelssohn, Rossini, and Tchaikovsky.

Jazz Vespers

Saturday, October 29, 5 p.m.

Jazz Vespers will be offered, led by the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra and Paul Ferguson, a St. Paul’s parishioner. The music for this service of light, prayer, and meditation will include participation by the Youth Choir and soloists featuring original works by Ferguson and favorite hymns.

N. B. White Gallery Fall Show

The N. B. White Gallery’s Fall Show is up now through November. The creatively curated exhibition features unique works of watercolor, glass, photography, and mixed media by these talented artists: Lael Carter, Scott Goss, Jeneen Hobby, and Nancy Halbrooks.

Artists In Our Midst!

The Gallery Committee is designing a Parishioners Art Show to exhibit in the N.B. White Gallery. Our Parishioners Art Show is open to St. Paul’s members, ages 18 and over. We invite you to submit your original artwork, up to 3 pieces, on November 5th and 6th. The Committee will select at least one piece from each artist for display in the gallery. The Parishioner’s Art Show dates are from November 20, 2022, to March 5, 2023, with an artists’ reception on Wednesday, November 30. Please visit our website for more details.

In the Diocese

Bishop Candidate Meet and Greets

Beginning Sunday, October 23

The election of the next Bishop of Ohio is rapidly approaching on Saturday, November 19. The Bishop Transition Committee is inviting everyone to a series of in-person and virtual meetings, “Meet and Greets,” to get to know our slate of candidates. The Cleveland-area Meet and Greet will take place at Trinity Cathedral on Thursday, October 27, at 6 p.m. Check out the Diocese’s website for more information and the complete list of locations and times: www.dohio.org.

Parish Notes

Online Edition

Need a clickable link? Head on over to our website! stpauls-church.org/parishnotes/

Deadlines

For the November edition of Parish Notes, please notify Nathaniel Powell of any submissions as soon as possible. Submissions are due Monday, October 10: npowell@ stpauls-church.org

stpauls-church.org

2747 Fairmount Boulevard Cleveland Heights, Ohio 44106

@stpaulscle • (216) 932-5815