January 2008

From the Rector

Dear Friends,

Merry Christmas and many blessings in the New Year to all of you and all you hold dear!

The first Christmas in our new church was indeed a beautiful celebration of the wonderful news of Christ's coming. As always, I am grateful to all who did their part to make it happen: secretary, altar guild, musicians, ushers, acolytes, readers, all those who helped clean and decorate the church (even though the snow storm forced us to postpone the greening until Christmas Eve morning); and most of all, everyone who came and worshipped. We had the largest attendance we've ever had between the three services on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. It really was wonderful to see all the children at the 5:00 p.m.. Their excitement and joy is always infectious and I'm never able to get through the late mass without a tear as the lights are dimmed and we sing "Silent Night". The quiet Christmas Day Eucharist has its beauty also. With the fresh snow and the beautifully decorated church, and the wonderful music, it was truly a joyous Christmas. Thanks to all for your cards, gifts and Christmas greetings.

On Christmas Day, I turned 50. When I got home from the morning Mass, I turned on the television just in time to see Queen Elizabeth II give her annual Christmas televised message. It began with a clip from her first televised Christmas message in 1957. "Hey, that was the same day I was born", I thought, and so I watched. (This year for the first time her message was also available on YouTube.) She went on to say how much has changed since she gave that first telecast 50 years ago, which made me feel a little old. Her overall message though, was wonderful. This is a part of it:

Now today, of course, marks the birth of Jesus Christ. Among other things, it is a reminder that it is the story of a family; but of a family in very distressed circumstances. Mary and Joseph found no room at the inn; they had to make do in a stable, and the new-born Jesus had to be laid in a manger. This was a family which had been shut out.

Perhaps it was because of this early experience that, throughout his ministry, Jesus of Nazareth reached out and made friends with people whom others ignored or despised. It was in this way that he proclaimed his belief that, in the end, we are all brothers and sisters in one human family.

The Christmas story also draws attention to all those people who are on the edge of society - people who feel cut off and disadvantaged; people who, for one reason or another, are not able to enjoy the full benefits of living in a civilized and law-abiding community. For these people the modern world can seem a distant and hostile place. It is all too easy to 'turn a blind eye', 'to pass by on the other side', and leave it to experts and professionals. All the great religious teachings of the world press home the message that everyone has a responsibility to care for the vulnerable.

At a time in which many of our Anglican leaders spend so much time wrangling over Church politics, how refreshing it was to hear the Queen fulfilling her role as Supreme Governor of the Church of England with a true Gospel message.

Beginning January 1, I will be on Sabbatical until April 15. As the time approaches, I find myself with mixed emotions. I certainly look forward to the opportunity for rest, study, travel and spiritual renewal, but I will miss all of you very much. I plan to spend time with family in Iowa. I plan to spend the month of February in Spain. I am also planning to spend Holy Week and Easter in retreat at the Merton Institute for Contemplative Living near Gethsemani Abbey in Kentucky. I am grateful for all the good wishes many of you have expressed to send me on my way. You will often be in my thoughts and prayers, and I promise to send updates from time to time. I look forward to seeing you all again in the spring.

As the new year begins, may we find ourselves grateful for the year just past: its blessings and challenges; and may we have trust and hope to meet the many possibilities of the year that lies ahead. I close with the now famous Merton Prayer, which I have quoted before, but which seems appropriate as we begin I new year:

MY LORD GOD, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. Therefore I will trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.
- Thomas Merton, "Thoughts in Solitude" © Abbey of Gethsemani

Yours in Christ,
Fr. Edgar Wallace

Sr. Warden's Report - Roger Ganschow

Bon Voyage Fr. Wallace, and Welcome Fr. Whenal As the New Year begins, so does Fr. Wallace's sabbatical leave. Please remember that Fr. Wallace will have no responsibilities toward St. Matthias' during his sabbatical.

Until mid April, tbe priestly duties at St. Matthias' are being ably served by Fr. Barry Whenal. Fr. Whenal is a friend to many of us and served as vicar at St. Matthias' during the '80s. He and his wife Barb live in Lake Tomahawk. Please welcome them as Fr. Whenal generously provides shepherding to the St. Matthias' community during the next few months.

2008 Pledges Based upon pledges received through December 27, we anticipate a balanced budget for the 2008 fiscal year. Clearly, the St. Matthias' community has responded enthusiastically to our increased budgetary needs for 2008 with a 21 percent increase over the total amount pledged for 2007. What an encouraging response!

Here are the numbers:

• Total number & amount of 2008 pledges to date (48) $108,418
Compare with total number & amount of 2007 pledges (47) 89,732

• Total number & amount of 2008 pledges received to date:

1. from those who pledged for 2007 (44) 102,370

a. total increase over their 2007 pledges 12,638
b. percent increase over their 2007 pledges 14.1% 2. from new pledgers ( 4) 6,048

• Median 2008 pledge amount is

$1,820 vs $1,040 for 2007

Note: The median pledge is defined as that pledge above which and below which half of the pledges fall

2007 Operating Budget Also very encouraging is the state of the operating budget for the current fiscal year. As you will recall, a number of unanticipated expenses related to the construction of the new building, particularly utilities, resulted in operating expenses being approximately $8,000 over budget.

As we approach the end of the year, it appears that income will exceed that which was budgeted such that we will have an operating deficit of approximately $5,000. The Vestry and its Finance Team felt that since the expense overage was directly related to the construction of the new building, any deficit for the current operating budget should be charged to the building fund.

The income aspect of the 2007 operating budget represents another amazing response by the St. Matthias' community to the needs of operating a new and larger facility.

Building Fund and Construction Loan Payments on building fund pledges as well as Thrift Shop repayments to the building fund have allowed us to reduce the balance owed on our construction loan from $557,072 in early November to $517,786 as of December 28, 2007. We anticipate that with continued pledge payments and Thrift Shop repayments, we can reduce the balance owed to between $300,000 and $350,000 within 2008.

While the outstanding loan is sizeable, it is well within that which we anticipated at this point. A final pledge campaign to pay down or possibly pay off the construction loan will commence at the time of our annual meeting. Any unpaid balance would be converted to a mortgage in June of 2009.

Vestry Highlights for December

Supply during Fr. Wallace's absence (Jan 1-April 15, 2008) Fr. Barry Whenal will serve as supply priest for most church services and for emergency calls during Father Wallace's sabbatical leave. The Pastoral Care Team and the Lay Eucharistic Ministers will increase their efforts to ensure that routine pastoral needs, including visits, are covered. These needs will be coordinated through the church office. It is anticipated that our normal schedule of Sunday, weekday and holy week services will continue.

Vestry Retreat The semiannual vestry retreat was held at the Ganschows on Saturday, December 8, under the leadership of Barb Kane.

Projected Use of St. Matthias' Facilities for 2008 The Sr. Warden compiled a report listing the projected hours of church facility use by various community groups and compared them with that for worship and other church related activities. Church related activities totaled approximately 40% of total hours of use while community groups accounted for the other 60%.

Annual Meeting for 2008 The Annual Meeting of St. Matthias' Church will be held on Sunday, May 18, 2008, at which time annual reports will be presented and wardens and new vestry will be elected. Outgoing vestry persons Beth Jacobson and Leo Kalmerton, and former Sr. Warden Chris Clark, will serve as the nominating committee.

Lay Ministers The following St. Matthias' lay ministers were approved for licensing in January:

1. Lay Eucharistic Ministers: Chris Clark, Mike Sabin and Jane Wierschem

2. Chalicists: Betty Nilsson, Al Ames, Jane Wierschem, Bill Kane, Nancy Neff, Diane Diederich, Kathy Knobel, Bob Holt, and Chris Clark

3. Lay Preacher: Diane Diederich

New Copier for Church Office After considerable research by Gordon Hermanson, it was recommended that the old office copier by replaced. Since color copying has become less expensive and we have occasional need for color copying, it was decided that the least expensive solution to our needs was to purchase a black and white copy machine and a color laser printer. This will cost about $4,500 which represents a savings of approximately $2500 over the cost of a color copier.

Tales from St. Matthias' Thrift Shop
By Le Ganschow

Every day, it seems, a volunteer to two mentions yet another unusual, often heartwarming and sometimes humorous, story, about something that happened at the thrift shop. In the spirit of the holidays as a time of sharing and giving and receiving of gifts and talents, here are a few of these special moments at the thrift shop. 

This past year several families have had fires in their homes. In situations like this, the thrift shop "opens its doors" and lets families take what they need. Recently, friends/neighbors of such a family came to the shop for kids' clothing and expressed their thanks that we are there for families in need.

Customers regularly comment on the uniqueness of the entryway, thanks to the efforts of several of our especially "creative" volunteers. We're especially received comments on the holiday arrangements. According to one volunteers, some Christmas decorations never make it to the floor, as customers see them on their way and buy them on the spot.

Many volunteers and shoppers purchase their Christmas gifts at the shop. Three stories were brought to our attention. (1) One volunteer has a brother whose nickname is "Nick." She discovered a small wooden frame with the name Nick carved on it, so she bought it for him for Christmas for a quarter. (2) A man who works in Minocqua and whose family lives in Wausau saw skis and boots, at the shop and immediately called his family and got them all ski equipment for Christmas. He said he was "extremely grateful! (3) A man came into the furniture store with what he called a "nostalgic" but strange request. He asked whether we by any chance we happened to have an electric color wheel that one can shine on a Christmas tree to make it turn colors and shimmer. Low and behold, we did!

At the shop volunteers often hear special stories that prompt special responses. Here are a few: (1) A woman told a volunteer that her daughter-in-law had recently delivered a baby who as born with a severe physical problem. We gave the woman a cute stuffed animal for the baby. (2) A woman phoned and asked if the shop had a hospital-style, roll-under-the-bed tray table for her mother. The cashier at the desk told the woman that she had one at home which her mother-in-law had used for years and our cashier had kept it for "sentimental" reasons. The cashier then loaned it to her for 'as long as she needs it!' (3) A woman called the shop asking if the shop still had an antique glass coffee pot she had donated the week before. She explained that her grandmother had owned two of them and that she had broken one on the plane on the way home after her grandmother's death. Our cashier that day looked out on the floor, saw a man picking up the pot, and quickly ran over to him and told him the story. She then mailed it to the woman, who responded with a donation to the shop.  (4) Three freezing junior high school ice sculptors appeared at the shop recently looking for warm scarves as they did their ice sculpting for the Minocqua holiday sculptures in the park in front of the post office. Much to their delight the floor manager passed them through the line and told them simply to "take and stay warm."

Sometimes we find money in unusual places. Recently, a volunteer found $5 in loose change in one of the donation boxes. A while back a woman mistakenly left a small purse with $95 in her cart; when she discovered it, she called the shop and we saved it for her. A customer checked the pocket of a coat she wanted to buy and found a check dated 2004 made out to a local business; we returned the old check to its rightful owner.

Every day brings surprises at the thrift shop. Stories from our volunteers and customers could "fill a book

Christmas Day Dinner Fun!

Many many thanks to Ken and Judy Ozinga for organizing, preparing and hosting the 6th annual Christmas Dinner at St. Matthias'! We had a record turn-out this year and everyone enjoyed the dinner, game, prizes and fellowship. What a beautiful way to spend Christmas Day with our St. Matthias' family! Thanks again to Ken and Judy and to all who attended this wonderful celebration!

Departed this Life

Carroll Benton Huntress, Jr, born 21 June 1919, departed this life 28 November 2007. We pray for the repose of his soul and extend our sympathy to his wife Betsy and his children.

Adult Forum:

The Adult Forum will continue Jan. 6th with Diane Diederich presenting a background of history, social issues, and customs surrounding the doctrines and canon of the church. Her information gives us a closer look at the meaning of all the things that have become tradition for us. Her presentations will continue through the month of January.

Women of Matthias:

WOM will meet at 8:00 a.m. in the Parish Hall on Jan. 3rd with a look at a chapter from Jeannette Clancy's book "God is not Three Guys in the Sky". Please join us for prayer, fellowship, and discussion leading to a deeper understanding of our faith. We are enjoying getting to know one another in a way that is difficult on our busy Sunday mornings. We all look forward this time together and hope that you will be able to join us.

Survivors' Party

The annual winter survivor's party at St. Matthias' will be Saturday, February 2, 2008. (It's early this year, because Lent begins on February 6.) There will be steaks and chicken on the grill, baked potatoes, salad, beer, wine, and plenty of good times. The cost is $12 per person. Sign up in the parish hall. Everyone is invited.

February Ambassador Newsletter Deadline

All articles need to be in the church office by Monday AM, January 21. Please have your articles copy ready and you may e-mail the articles to the office at secretary@stmatthaisminocqua.org.

2008 Altar Flower and Coffee Hour

A sign-up sheet for the 2008 Coffee Hour and Altar flowers is on the bulletin board in the parish hall.

Please note a change on the Altar Flowers sign-up sheet. With the addition of a second bouquet and cost of flowers the we encourage families to share the gift of flower for the Sunday Eucharist.

Health Notes: - Faith LaLande

Water, we all know, is a very basic element for our human life, as well as all life as we know it. And in the Bible, we can see that water is mentioned in the beginning and at the end. Mentioned in the beginning are rivers flowing near the garden of God. And in the end there is a call and an invitation for all the thirsty ones to drink of the river of the water of life.

But in between these two ends, we can see that God did very much to prepare the water for us to drink. And I would say that God thought about all these things very carefully before he ever began to take action directly on the water itself. In other words, not only did God intend something for us, but at the appropriate time, He himself prepared water for us to drink.

Let me give two examples. Let us say that we dwell by a waterfall. This waterfall is much to mighty for us to drink from it directly. Thus we need a cup in order to dip a small portion of the water that we may sip from it in order to be satisfied and not overwhelmed by it.

And when parents prepare water for their young children to sip, they see to it that the water is neither too hot nor too cold for the youngsters to be able to receive it.

Likewise God as the eternal life was much too mighty and great for us to "drink," so God Himself became like a little cup in the man of Jesus Christ that God could prepare the water for us to drink. Today the water of life in Jesus Christ is apportioned in a small and gentle way; neither is it too cold or too hot for us to drink. Today the water of life in Jesus Christ is the perfect temperature for us to drink easily!. So let us come forward in our hearts to partake of this wonderful gift of eternal life in Jesus Christ.

May we be as little children to receive this water of life with joy and rejoicing!

January Anniversaries

Birthdays

7 Pete Knobel
10 Ron Sill
15 Leslie Bruns
16 Al Ames; LaVergne Joern
23 Fr. Barry Whenal
24 Stefanie Holt
25 Zachary Knobel
26 Jim Roxworthy; Kay Tait
27 Nanette Teodoro

Weddings

29 Bill and LaVergne Joern