Writing Icons with Kati Ritchie
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V&B
su m m er 2 0 1 3
C H R I S T I N Y O U, T H E H O P E O F G L O R Y
Writing Icons with Kati Ritchie
Greenlawn Films: Man Ditches Plans for Robbery, The Story of the Bible
Open for Business Turns to God Now on Video
Joe Gleason films a crowd of students and faculty at Trinity School at Greenlawn for the “What’s in Store” music video. Elizabeth Grams
(left) conducts as the crowd sings a tune from the musical Les Miserables.
contents
news dispatches in depth
04 Going Viral with Greenlawn 10 Ron Seitz: Pastor at the Door 14 Kati Ritchie: Writing Icons,
Films Building Bridges
12 Perron Auve: Priest on Fire Elizabeth Grams
06 Action Needed to Solve Kati Ritchie has spent her life
Indy Housing Crunch helping others to see what she
sees—as an archeologist, a photo-
09 Video Series Tells the Story of
journalist and an art teacher. Now
the Bible
she’s an icon writer who helps
people see the new creation.
2 SUMMER 2013
letter from the editor
Shared Strengths
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
V&B
The Magazine of the People of Praise
During a three-week span in 1962, E d itor
Sean Connolly
two men were ordained to the clergy—one
in Ridgeway, North Carolina, the other Copy E d itor
in Yakima, Washington. One became Tom Noe
a Lutheran pastor. The other became a Design & L ayout
Roman Catholic priest. Their careers Margaret DeCelles
unfolded in opposite parts of the country, Jennifer Kenning
and they have never met. L e ad R eporter
But the lives of Lutheran pastor Ron Chris Meehan
Seitz (Shreveport) and Catholic priest
Contributors
Perron Auve (Vancouver-Portland) reveal Trish Brewer
a theme: the strengths that we all share Laura Brummer
because of Christ. Ron and Perron share Tess Cassady
baptism in the Spirit, covenant love in an Beth Couch
ecumenical community and, of course, a Patricia Ficker
Elizabeth Grams
living connection to the risen Christ. Mary Sue House
Kati Ritchie (Servant Branch) is relying Denise Hurley
on these same strengths as she learns the Dave Hrbacek
ancient art of creating icons—an attempt, Dawn Keaveny
as she puts it, “to provide a window into the Christina LaVergne
Evan Lent
kingdom where we all will be transfigured Jack Lynch
like Christ and united with him.” Therese McNichol
Finally, in the new video series The Marty Mertz
Story of the Bible, we see another area we Elizabeth Pease
have in common. We are all part of the Kati Ritchie
Roxanne Schick
larger story that stretches from before the Ruth Schmelzer
days of the biblical patriarchs until now, Phyllis Varevice
the story of God gathering a people willing Cathy Walters
to live for the praise of his glory. Bernarda Zenker
I hope you enjoy tracing a few of these
F ront Cover
threads through this issue of V&B. An icon of the Apostle Peter by Kati
Ritchie (Servant Branch).
In Christ,
SEAN CONNOLLY, Editor B ack cover
A fountain at the Art Institute of
Indianapolis, photographed by
Trish Brewer. Trish adjusted the lens
aperture of her camera to make the
water droplets appear to be frozen.
People of Praise Vine & Branches is
published by the People of Praise
community for its members. Reprint
departments permission must be obtained
before use.
22 Recipe 26 Tributes
photo : T ess C a ss a d y .
For subscription information or
Orange Ginger Chicken to purchase additional copies,
30Christ in You please contact Margaret DeCelles at
23 Excerpt Man Ditches Robbery Plans, mdecelles@peopleofpraise.org.
Thirteen Talks on Love and Turns to God
All contents © 2013 People of Praise.
Friendship
31 Photo Collage
24 LifeNotes High School Talent
VINEANDBRANCHES.ORG 3
news
Greenlawn students sing and raise their school flag during the filming of the “What’s in Store” music video. (View the video at Greenlawnfilms.com.)
Going Viral with Greenlawn Films
by evan lent
The People of Praise video department videos have led to an appearance on an listening to their music teacher play snip-
has a new name—Greenlawn Films— internationally broadcast TV program (The pets from Peter and the Wolf. “The people
and a newly expanded purpose: Harvest Show), and they have been publi- at Greenlawn Films understand how video
producing videos professionally for cized by bloggers and on social networks can convey the intangibles of a school’s
private schools and businesses. such as Facebook. culture—the joy on a student’s face or a
“Our main rationale for this change is squeal of delight in a moment of discovery,”
Greenlawn Films is a team of three: Joe
to help the community grow,” says Joe, the notes Wilberforce head of school Howe
Gleason, Elizabeth Grams and Sean
director of many Greenlawn Films projects. Whitman.
Connolly. You’ve probably seen their work.
“We want to expand our surface area and Howe sees persuasive power in small
Their YouTube video of the musical prayer
our network of friends. We hope to bring moments like these. “When you compare
“Revive this Land” has been played more
in more income to help with community this kind of video with an open house, the
than 14,000 times. Their most recent cre-
growth. We’re especially excited about power of the video is obvious—not only in
ation, “What’s in Store,” was viewed over
making videos for other Christians who the number of people who can see it, but
3,300 times during the first 24 hours. It
share our understanding of the importance also in the intimate glimpse of the school
features students from Trinity School at
of education and of building the kingdom that videography can provide.” He says the
Greenlawn singing new lyrics for a tune
of God.” school had their best-ever kindergarten
from the musical Les Miserables. They have
In May, 2012, Greenlawn Films pro- recruiting year after releasing the video.
created more than 40 marketing videos for
duced a video for The Wilberforce School Paul Kane, vice-president of finance for
Trinity Schools and they also produced The
in Princeton, New Jersey. The video shows Trinity Schools, agrees. He notes that in the
Roots of the People of Praise documentary
four- and five-year-olds chasing insects, last couple of years prospective students
for the community’s 40th anniversary. Their
chanting as they learn basic phonics, and and parents have begun going to Trinity’s
4 SUMMER 2013
news
web site and watching videos before coming to an
open house or requesting more information. “Almost
every new family says the web site was helpful in the
decision-making process,” he says.
Gina Busk, director of admissions for Trinity
School at Greenlawn, notes that in the week after the
release of “What’s in Store” the school received many
positive responses from students, parents and alumni.
“Everyone who sees our videos comments on their
quality,” she says. “Our message is clearer because of
the work Greenlawn Films has done for us, and more
people are listening to it.”
Every Greenlawn Films production is a team effort.
Joe is a cinematographer at heart. He not only has a
degree in film but also has a gift for capturing beauty
with his camera. He is well-versed in the language of
film: color, composition and camerawork. Elizabeth
is a trained actress with a knack for documentary and
reporting. In interviews and on-site filming, she finds
what is at the heart of her subject and brings it to light.
Sean is a story crafter and draws on his background
in reporting, writing and editing to help viewers see
the larger story.
“The team is kind, flexible, professional and
easy to work with,” says Howe. “The fact that they
are Christian believers was important to us, and
enabled them to understand and sympathize with our
mission.”
Elizabeth says, “When it comes down to it, we’re
trying to attract people to the Lord and his cause.
photos : left : tess c a ss a d y . right : courtesy of greenl a w n fil m s .
The disciples sang and shouted and waved palm
branches so people would know that Jesus was enter-
ing Jerusalem. We make catchy videos and we use
e-mail blasts, blogs and Facebook to send our message
out as widely as we can. If we don’t do it, then, as our
Lord said, the stones will have to do the shouting.”
Four ways you can help:
By Elizabeth Grams
1. View the videos and give us your feedback.
2. Spread the word about Greenlawn Films,
especially to anyone who might benefit from
our services. Send around the link to www.
Greenlawnfilms.com. Our work is displayed there.
3. When we produce something new, please share
it with your friends via e-mail, Facebook or Twitter
so more people can hear about us.
4. Please pray for us at this crucial time in our work.
From top: An image from The Roots of the People of Praise
documentary. A scene from a promotional video for The
Wilberforce School. Brothers and sisters sing and pray as part
of the “Revive This Land” music video. Nano Farabaugh’s
(South Bend) airplane appears in a scene filmed by Joe
Gleason. All videos can be seen at Greenlawnfilms.com.
VINEANDBRANCHES.ORG 5
news
1450
1430 1446 1442
Action Needed to Solve
Indianapolis Housing Crunch
by sean connolly
Four community members are ready to join the Christians in Mission team of 14 for her household of seven and for hosting
brothers and sisters on the South Side of Indianapolis. But a housing crunch has neighborhood women’s groups, dinners
to be solved first, says Mission Program coordinator Nick Holovaty. and guests.
In Allendale, the situation is much the
This summer, project manager Paul neighborhood. Michael Coney and Naomi same: the team is living in crowded condi-
Hommes will lead three crews of Action Caneff, who are to be married on August tions, with a need for more living space.
volunteers in completing the renovation 17, will also be moving into a house on Twenty-two people (plus one dog) cur-
of 1644 Union Street, a 2,500-square-foot Union Street. When all the trucks are rently reside in seven contiguous houses on
home that Action volunteers began work- unloaded, 18 community members will Yale Avenue. With the Action teams arriv-
ing on last summer. Crews will lay pipe, occupy six houses in the same section of ing this summer, their numbers will swell.
stuff in insulation, tack down trim and the neighborhood. Pat and Edna Malone will host anywhere
brush on paint, with professional con- Everyone on the CIM team is root- from five to nine guests in their home. As
tractors handling other pieces of the job. ing for the Action volunteers and contrac- many as six guests will be staying with Ron
August 3 is the target date for completion. tors to finish the job on 1644. “There’s no and Ruthanne Seitz. “Every house that has
Moving will begin in earnest once way we could meet our deadline without a bed is going to have that bed occupied,”
the work is done. Ellen Putzier (Servant Action’s help,” says Michael, who leads the says Ben Reinhardt, who is managing the
Branch) and Mary Dohrman (Oahu) will CIM team. Paul adds that they could still Allendale Action work this summer.
join five other single women living in the use more help, especially skilled labor- In June, Bridgette Mysliwiec will arrive
newly renovated home. J-T and Hannah ers and adult men. Jen Torma, head of the from Colorado Springs. And in October,
Kelly and their one-year-old daughter, single women’s household, says the newly Thomas Duddy and Jeanette Zimmel will
Esther, will move over from the Triangle renovated space will provide ample room be married, meaning one more house will
6 SUMMER 2013
news
1434
Allendale
1426 1422
Allendale Christians in Mission
Households (The numbers are their be needed. To ease the crunch in Allendale, with the planting and weeding, and then
house numbers on Yale Avenue.) Bud Rose (South Bend) is spearheading enjoy the produce: vegetables.
a plan to build the community’s seventh
LEFT (clockwise): • Fifteen high school students have signed
house on Yale Avenue. He hopes to break
on to spend the summer working as in-
1430: Gerry and Patti Deakin ground in early fall, but many details are
terns in either Allendale or Indianapo-
still to be worked out.
1450: Ron and Ruthanne Seitz lis. They will join the Action teams and
gradually take on the responsibilities of
1442: Pat and Edna Malone with Zoe, Also happening this summer in Action:
staff members, says Walt Seale (Campus
their Shih Tzu.
• The South Side CIM team is hosting a Division, Indianapolis), who is oversee-
1446: Women’s Household: Kathleen six-week-long summer camp for neigh- ing the effort.
Mehaffey, Joan Pingel, Laura Brummer, borhood children. Michael says he hopes
photos : L a ur a B ru m m er .
• In total, six Action trips are scheduled
Jeanette Zimmel, and Colleen Murray 25 to 40 local children will attend the this summer, involving about 100 vol-
RIGHT (clockwise): camp each day. unteers, 15 staff members (mostly col-
1434: Men’s Household: Ben Reinhardt, • In Allendale, Ed Konczeski (Tampa) is lege students) and 15 high school in-
Nick Raway, Thomas Duddy, John Bowar. turning an empty lot owned by a former terns. Also participating will be 34 CIM
neighbor into a community garden. Ed team members and the members of the
1422: Mary Claire and Josh Caneff Indianapolis and Shreveport branches,
has been working on a plan that involves
1426: Genevieve and Nathan Barrett with building raised beds and irrigating them who are helping with hospitality and in
their children. with a sprinkler system. Local children other ways.
in the Allendale summer camp will help
VINEANDBRANCHES.ORG 7
news
indy: cim
30
1629 1640 1641
Indy: triangle
Indianapolis Christians
in Mission Households
Top:
1629 Union: Ray and Robin
Gonzalez.
30 Karcher: Justin and Cathy
Walters.
1641 Union: Naomi Caneff, Rachel
Osterhouse, Angie Hass, Cathy
Feehly, Jen Torma, Bethy Brophy.
1640 Union: David Frank, Eric
Yost, Michael Coney, Charles 1117
Chow.
Summer Households in
the Indianapolis Triangle
Below:
1117 West 15th: Walt and Pam
Seale.
1434 Rembrandt: Back row, from
1434
left: Andrew Pingel, Mike Wacker,
Paul Hommes. Front Row: David
Gruber, Jared Gonzalez.
1450 Rembrandt: From left: Trish
Brewer, Annie Putzier, Jacqueline
Magill, Cathy Schwab. 1450
8 SUMMER 2013
news
Craig Lent (South Bend) delivers
a talk from The Story of the Bible
presented at the 2013 Leaders’
Conference for Women.
photos : left top : C a thy W a lters . left botto m : T rish B re w er . right : courtesy of greenl a w n fil m s .
New Video Series Tells the The men in Servant Branch are using
the talks in their men’s group meetings. “I
Story of the Bible knew most of the individual Bible stories,”
says Tom Bowar, “but the talks have done a
great deal to give me the flow of the story of
by elizabeth pease the Lord’s work over time.”
Picture a Hebrew father spreading lamb’s blood over his doorposts just hours “It’s really just one story,” adds Jim
before fleeing with his family from Egypt’s ruthless pharaoh. Imagine Saul, the Bulger, “from creation until now.”
soon-to-be-anointed king, looking for his father’s missing donkeys and finding Reactions like these are what Craig
the prophet Samuel instead. was hoping for as he prepared the talks.
“Particularly at the present moment in
Consider Simeon, an old man with achy Each talk looks for answers to the the life of the People of Praise, I think it’s
joints, waiting at the Temple to see the question, “What was God doing with his important that we have a solid grounding
promised messiah. These and many more people in this particular moment?” Over in the biblical story of what God’s doing in
scenes and characters come to life in a the course of the series, the various answers his rescue of our world,” he says. “Scripture
new series of videos called The Story of to that question build into a bigger view of has always been formative for the life of
the Bible. what God is doing with humanity in the the community. These talks are about the
The series was developed by Craig whole of history. Like a symphony, where overarching narrative of the Bible, a story
Lent (South Bend), Joel Kibler (Servant musical themes are introduced and then which reveals the character of God through
Branch), Bill Wacker (Servant Branch) and altered, only to appear again in a new form his relationship with the people of Israel.
Kerry Koller (South Bend). It is now avail- as the piece reaches its climax, the talks Our own story is embedded in that remark-
able in video and audio formats on the point out themes in the Old Testament able story.”
People of Praise web site. The talks from (God’s love for the people of Israel, God’s
the series made their debut at the Leaders’ judgment, God’s interest in specific people
Conference for Men in 2012. Then, in and in historical moments), and then point To watch or listen to the talks, go to www.
March of 2013, attendees at the Leaders’ them out again in the New Testament, as peopleofpraise.org, and select “LCW 2013”
Conference for Women heard an updated the story comes to its climax in Jesus. from the “Resources” dropdown menu
and somewhat expanded version. In April, Servant Branch women used located at the top right of the page. Log
The videos are each 20 to 30 minutes in the talks as part of their annual retreat. in using your People of Praise password.
length, and there are 18 videos in the series. They watched or listened to a few of the (This is the same password you use to log
Joe Gleason, who produced the videos for talks at home beforehand, then Joel deliv- in to the People of Praise online directory.)
Greenlawn Films (see p. 4), says his crew ered the remaining talks in person at the The video of each talk can be played right in
aimed to make the talks easy to hear and retreat center. “When I listened at home, I your browser window. You will also see
pleasant to watch at home. The videos could close my eyes and envision the story. three links: one that will let you down-
can be viewed on desktop computers, And because the recording was so clear and load the audio version of the talk you
laptops, smartphones and tablets like audible, it seemed like I was right there in have selected, one that will let you
the iPad. the room where Craig and Joel were speak- download the audio files for the entire
The talks are all about the Bible, but ing,” said Beth Boyle. “I was able to do other series of talks, and one that will take you to
they aren’t an academic study. Instead, the things as I watched,” added Jeanne Oberg, instructions about how to burn the audio
speakers—Craig, Joel and Kerry—present a “and if I missed something, I could just files to a CD. Links to the maps and visual
series of stories meant to draw the listener back up the video and see that part again. “ aids that go with some talks are on the
in to the times and places of the Bible. same page as the talk.
VINEANDBRANCHES.ORG 9
dispatches
Ron seitz
Pastor at the Door
by Sean Connolly
Editor’s Note: Pastors Ron Seitz (Shreveport)
and Perron Auve (Vancouver-Portland)
come from different denominations and
serve in opposite parts of the country.
They were ordained in 1962, just three
weeks apart, and both recently celebrated
the 50th anniversary of their ordination.
We hope you enjoy our twin biographical
articles on these tireless men of God—one
Lutheran (Ron), the other, Roman Catholic
(Perron), both full of the Holy Spirit.
Ron and Ruthanne Seitz were watching
Jeopardy! last summer when Ron glanced
out his window and spotted two young kids Ron Seitz around the time of his ordination in 1962.
in Ruthanne’s garden. They were pulling her
tomato plants straight out of the ground—
cages and all! Ron, a 79-year-old Lutheran pastor, has “May I tell you why I expect to go
“It had been going on all summer,” says retired two times . . . sort of. When he isn’t to heaven?”
Ruthanne. “Watering cans were missing, flying down the street after local kids, he is If the answer is yes—and it usually
two chairs off the back porch, dirty gar- out in Ruthanne’s garden, hauling around is—Ron describes his own experience of
dening gloves, little items from under the hoses. He rises for morning prayer with the God’s mercy. “I go to church on Sunday,
house.” Christians in Mission team members, visits but sometimes I sin, and sin separates me
Ron and Ruthanne hurried out their prisoners as a part of Kairos Ministry and from God. I am sorry for my sin, but I also
front door, and Ron kept up the pur- shares the gospel door to door. know that Jesus Christ suffered and died on
suit down one of the narrow streets of His approach to a stranger’s door is a cross and paid for my sin. . . . What do you
Shreveport’s Allendale neighborhood. direct but very friendly—definitely not think about that?”
“Ron was hollering at them,” Ruthanne threatening. In more than 30 years of door-
says, “but I couldn’t hear what he said.” knocking, Ron says he has only encoun- Ron was born in 1933 and grew up an only
Eventually, one of the kids stopped and tered one or two people who weren’t will- child in Maryland and North Carolina. He
threw a tomato plant back at Ron, then dis- ing to talk with him, at least a little bit. He served two years in the Army and was dis-
appeared around a corner. opens each conversation by asking about a charged in 1955. “I felt like the Lord wanted
Later Ruthanne found out what person’s background, work and family, and me to serve him somehow,” he remembers.
Ron had been shouting: “We forgive you! he listens closely to the answers. Then, art- “My mother said, ‘You’ve always thought
We forgive you! Just give us back our fully, he brings up his main subject, leaning that way. Why don’t you go over and talk
tomato plants!” into it with a question. to our pastor?’” He spent the summer
10 SUMMER 2013dispatches
studying a Lutheran catechism and later and other local pastors served on a commit-
enrolled in Concordia Seminary. He was tee that helped prepare for a Billy Graham
ordained a Lutheran pastor in 1962 in front crusade held at the Notre Dame stadium.
of his home congregation in Ridgeway, The crusade was a significant ecumenical
North Carolina. milestone—a renowned evangelical min-
“I thought about being a military chap- ister bringing his gospel message to one
lain, but I think the Lord told me not to do of the most hallowed fields of American
that, so I accepted a call to Wyoming and Catholic culture.
ministered to two congregations about 60 After the crusade, Ron remained
miles apart,” he says. Ron spent three and enthusiastic about bringing his congrega-
a half years at a church in Ellendale, North tion at Emmaus into a new level of direct
Dakota. Then he accepted the pastorate at evangelism and engagement with the
Emmaus Evangelical Lutheran Church in neighborhood. This evangelistic empha-
South Bend. sis was fine with some members, but
He arrived in South Bend in the mid- others wanted no part of it, and the congre-
1960s. Ruthanne’s sister Elinor Thompson gation split.
(South Bend, living in Florida), then a Elinor recalls, “About 30 or 40 of us left
member of Emmaus Lutheran, remembers and formed Alleluia Christian Lutheran
Church. We called Ron as our pastor.
Alleluia was a little storefront church on
4th Street in Mishawaka, Indiana. We
In more than 30 years didn’t have a ton of money to put into it, Ron in April, 2013, in front of his home in
of door-knocking, but we continued an evangelistic outreach. Shreveport.
Of course, Ron continued to canvass the
Ron says he has only neighborhood and share with people.
He drove a cab to make a little money. a reception that branch members and
encountered one Sometimes he would cook hot dogs in members of the CIM team attended.
or two people who front of the church and share Jesus with the
people who passed by.” Alleluia lasted until Gerry says his friendship and admiration
weren’t willing to talk 1998—Ron’s first retirement. for Ron have grown since they became
with him, at least a Ron and Ruthanne were married 21 neighbors. “Every Tuesday, I can see Ron
walking down the street arm and arm with
photos : left : courtesy of ruth a nne seitz . right : j a ck lynch .
little bit. years ago, when both were members of
the South Bend branch. Together they Miss Dorothy, one of our Allendale neigh-
have seven adult children from previ- bors, escorting her to Bible study. The other
ous marriages. The Seitzes settled in the day, he was over at First Lutheran, where
those days. “As soon as he arrived, he start- Allendale neighborhood in 2005 and are we have our community meetings. There’s
ed promoting the evangelism committee members of the Shreveport branch. Ron a way the chairs and tables are supposed to
and promoting evangelistic efforts, a very expected a retirement lifestyle, but, as be set up, and he was making sure things
new thing to this little congregation. We Ruthanne explains, “About six months were just that way. To me that’s very simple,
went out door to door, talking to people after we arrived, Ron was asked to minister but also very impressive. Here’s this retired
about the Lord.” as interim pastor at First Lutheran Church pastor who has gathered some credentials
Eventually, in the mid-1970s, Elinor in Shreveport. They asked him to fill in for over the course of his life, but he’s willing
invited Ron to go to prayer meetings two weeks, but it expanded into two and a to set up chairs, carry tables to a barbecue,
sponsored by the People of Praise in the half years.” whatever needs to be done. He focuses on
basement of Christ the King Church. Ron His preaching is straightforward and the simple presentation of the gospel and
will never forget his first prayer meeting. focused on the gospel, says Gerry Deakin on the overwhelming love of God.”
“Several hundred people were singing and (Mission Division, Shreveport), who has Ron feels that love. Sometimes he’ll be
praising God, and one man was dancing all gotten to know Ron well as his neighbor talking about God and he’s overcome with
the way around the outside of the circle. It living in Shreveport. “Ron will have a scrip- emotion. Gerry says, “Ron told me one
was my first exposure to what praising God tural text and a title and he doesn’t stray time, ‘It’s all good with God. It’s not always
is really like. I heard people talking openly from them,” Gerry says. easy, but it’s always good. No matter how
and frankly about loving Jesus and follow- Ron is currently a member at Faith tough it gets, the Lord is there.’”
ing the Lord.” Lutheran Church, a predominantly African “I’m not really a goody-goody type of
Ron’s ministry changed as he encoun- American congregation in the Missouri person,” Ron says. “But I want to be what it
tered more and more people at prayer Synod. Last year, First Lutheran celebrat- is that the Lord wants me to be.”
meetings and in his congregation willing ed his 50th anniversary with sharings and
to talk openly about the Lord. In 1977, Ron
VINEANDBRANCHES.ORG 11dispatches
perron auve
Priest on Fire
by Sean Connolly
“Surrender yourself again to whatever plan The neverending vari-
the Holy Spirit may have for you; pray for ety is just what Perron could
renewed zeal and obedience to the Lord. Ask have put behind him when,
yourself, ‘Am I doing the part of Christ’s work at age 70, a call came in from
assigned to me? What needs to change?’” his bishop with a request that
This was the message that Fr. Perron he take over as pastor of the
Auve (Vancouver/Portland), 76, left with Parish of the Holy Spirit in
the crowd of parishioners, friends, family, Kennewick, Washington. He
community members and fellow Catholic had been teaching for five
priests who traveled to Kennewick, years at Mt. Angel Seminary
Washington, to celebrate his 50 years of in Oregon, a job he loved and
thrived in. “Perron could have
work as a priest.
said, ‘I’m of retirement age,’” Fr. Perron Auve in 1962, around the time of his ordination.
Fifty years as a priest . . . that’s 50 years
says Peter. But he didn’t.
of piled-up phone messages and, lately, piled
“I’ve always thought that
up e-mails, 50 years of having hundreds of
I’d work as a priest until my health wasn’t Catholic high school in Yakima. When he
people’s names bouncing around in your
good enough anymore,” Perron says. “Since was the pastor of a small parish in Cowiche,
mind. It’s 50 years of sprinting through the
God is still blessing me with good health at Washington, a parishioner invited him to
weekends: funerals on Saturday mornings,
76, I’m happy to serve him in whatever way his first charismatic prayer meeting. Perron
weddings on Saturday afternoons, ordinary
I can. In fact, I think I’d be terribly bored kept going back. In 1975 he attended a Life
church services on Saturday evenings, then
otherwise.” in the Spirit Seminar and was baptized in
one or two more on Sundays. It’s 50 years
. . . Fifty years of surrendering to “what- the Spirit.
of living on call for brothers and sisters, 50
ever plan the Holy Spirit may have.” He remembers that day well. “Just
years of frequent emotional and mental
as the meeting was breaking up, a man
gear shifts.
Peter Smith, a member of the Perron was 25 when he was ordained at St. slipped an envelope into my hand, with
Brotherhood of the People of Praise and Paul’s Cathedral in Yakima, a few blocks a ticket to Rome for the 1975 worldwide
a priest in Portland, Oregon, looks up to from the house he grew up in. “I was Catholic charismatic conference. My hous-
Perron, but admits that this constant gear nervous beyond belief,” he remembers. It ing, meals—everything was paid for!” The
conference in Rome ended the Monday
shifting can take some getting used to. had taken him a whole year to learn the
after Pentecost with mass in St. Peter’s
“You never know what’s going to come up,” Latin prayers and the rubrics to celebrate
Basilica. “There were about 1,000 priests
he explains. “After mass, someone says, his first mass. (He had to learn the prayers present, and I got to concelebrate Mass at
‘Can I talk to you for a minute?’ The next again in English just a few years later.) the high altar. It was very moving, but what
thing you know you’re walking the person After ordination, he split time between really struck me—as we were processing
through a crisis—could be a faith crisis, a high school teaching and parish work. He out—was that I realized it was the anniver-
relational crisis, a family crisis. There is a taught for three years at a seminary high sary of my ordination!”
lot of variety.” school before becoming the principal of a
12 SUMMER 2013dispatches
After the conference, Perron grew
interested in community, reading arti-
cles about covenant communities in New
Covenant magazine. “I talked to people like
Fr. Charlie Harris and Paul DeCelles,” he
recalls. Eventually, he helped form a com-
munity in Yakima called Christ the King
Covenant Community, consciously mod-
eling it on the People of Praise. In 1986,
members of that community became the
Yakima mission branch of the People of
Praise. “Perron led the group in Yakima
into the People of Praise,” recalls Joel Kibler
(Servant Branch).
The Holy Spirit and community
brought changes to Perron’s life. “I had
been working very hard in the late ’60s Alicia and Randy Beaulaurier, long-time friends of Perron, traveled from Oregon to attend a
and ’70s, but I was neglecting prayer and 50th anniversary celebration in May, 2012.
the spiritual life. Then the Lord jolted me,
got my attention, put me into relationships
that really worked, held me to account and the seminarians.’ Now he’s a parish pastor
supported me in a better way of ministry. I again and he says, ‘I love parish work.’ He’s
might not be a priest today if it weren’t for “You come away grateful and happy, whatever he’s doing.”
baptism in the Holy Spirit and the People Jeanne describes Perron’s impact
of Praise.” from his sermons during retreats that he gave to community
His role in the Diocese of Yakima with a hunger to members in the Northwest and elsewhere.
grew. Over a period of almost 20 years, “He’s usually soft-spoken and kind of quiet,
he served as chancellor, chief of staff and embrace the gospel but he has a big booming voice when he
vicar general under three bishops, includ- and live it more preaches or gives a talk. You come away
ing Bishop Francis George, now Cardinal with a hunger to embrace the gospel and
George of Chicago. In the early 1990s, deeply. You’re live it more deeply. You’re hooked just like
when the Brotherhood was investigating hooked just like a a fish.”
the possibility of ordination for some of Perron is an avid reader and traveler.
their members, Perron put them in con- fish.” – Jeanne Dang For years he took vacations in a Winnebago
tact with Bishop George. Joel, who leads motor home, rolling across the American
the Brotherhood, worked with Perron West.
throughout a very long—and ultimately “Perron is simply one of the most
Kennewick is about a four-hour drive from
successful—process of consultation. As enthusiastic Christians I’ve ever met, says
photos : courtesy of perron a uve .
the Vancouver-Portland branch. Despite
a result, since 1996 four members of the Charlie Fraga (Vancouver-Portland). “He
Brotherhood have received ordination as the distance, Perron’s relationships with
exudes enthusiasm for the gospel, particu-
Catholic priests, and the Brotherhood has community brothers and sisters are deep larly when he’s preaching. He speaks with a
gained official status within the Catholic and remain strong, refreshed by the visits tremendous amount of passion.”
Church as a private association of the he makes to the Portland area a few times He told those gathered to celebrate his
faithful. each year. anniversary, “The body of Christ must not
In 1995, Perron got a request from a Fred Dang (Vancouver-Portland) has be weak and inactive. We have the work of
priest teaching at Mount Angel Seminary seen Perron in action for many years. Jesus to do! We must heal the brokenhearted,
to take over his classes for a year. He taught “When my wife Jeanne and I first met him, proclaim liberty to captives and release to
classes on preaching as well as ministry to he was chancellor for the diocese. He said, prisoners, comfort those who mourn, share
the sick and dying. He stayed on for five ‘I love my work. I love administration. I glad tidings with the lowly, and announce a
years, until his bishop called and asked love accounting.’ Then he was teaching at year of favor from the Lord.”
him to go to the Parish of the Holy Spirit Mount Angel and we visited him. He said,
in Kennewick. ‘I love teaching. I love young people. I love
VINEANDBRANCHES.ORG 13Kati Ritchie:
by Elizabeth Grams
Kati Ritchie (Servant Branch) has spent most of her life look- Above: Kati in her Burnsville,
ing attentively at the world, and then helping other people Minnesota, studio. She also
has a studio in Pagosa Springs,
to see what she sees. Hundreds of Trinity School at River Colorado, where she spends part
Ridge alumni know her as a masterful art teacher who taught of the winter.
them new ways of seeing. She’s still at it, but nowadays she’s
looking at the world of the new creation and—through her Right: Kati has produced dozens
of icons on commission, such as
icons—laboring to help other people see resurrected life.
14 SUMMER 2013Kati has worked as an archeologist, trans- the incarnation, God dwelling among us,
lator and photojournalist. She encoun- his people.” She also calls it “an embodied
tered the charismatic renewal on a report- prayer.”
ing assignment in 1971 and soon joined Icon painters are said to “write” an
the group that formed Servants of the icon rather than paint it because they do
Lord community. In 1987 she left graduate not view their work as art, but as a picto-
studies in art to answer the call to teach at graphic form of Christian teaching similar
the new Trinity School in the Twin Cities, to a sermon.
where she established the art program and Over the last 12 years, Kati has trav-
became the stuff of legend. (Her students eled across the US and to eastern Europe
remember her weeping at the beauty of and Russia in order to study icons and
a curved line and demanding that they learn from other iconographers. She
identify reds, blues and yellows in a clove found a mentor in world-renowned
of garlic.) As an artist, she has produced master iconographer Ksenia Pokrovsky.
hundreds of paintings and drawings, more Ksenia, a native of Russia who now lives
than 100 Polish paper cuttings and now in Massachusetts, taught herself iconog-
more than 100 icons. raphy in the 1960s when iconography
In 2001, when Kati’s allergies and the was banned in Russia. Kati has made sev-
symptoms of multiple sclerosis brought eral extended visits to Ksenia’s home and
photos : L eft : d a ve hrb a cek . R ight : courtesy of K a ti ritchie .
on the need for a new job, she went to Joel workshop in Massachusetts to continue to
Kibler (Servant Branch) to ask his advice study her craft.
about what to do next. “Would it give you The language of traditional iconogra-
joy to make icons?,” he asked. Kati real- phy takes years to learn and master, even
ized in a flash that it would, and she’s been for a trained artist like Kati. Anytime she
learning how to create them ever since. sets out to paint, Kati always begins with
The tradition of iconography dates research. “I look at a lot of pictures of sim-
back to the third and fourth centuries. An ilar icons—examining them as an arche-
icon is an image that owes its distinctive ologist does,” Kati explains. (She once
style to a unique use of light and perspec- worked as a field archeologist in Mexico
tive. Icons always contain the golden- and in Israel.) Kati looks past the varia-
haloed figures of one or more saints, angels tions she finds in traditional sources and
or the Lord himself. tries to identify the essential form or pro-
“An icon is not meant to be a pho- totype of the figure. She then copies stroke
tograph,” Kati explains. “It’s a window into for stroke what earlier iconographers did
heaven, a vision of a spiritual truth, the so she can figure out how they did it. (She
uncreated light of Christ shining through has a highly trained hand due to her grad-
a transfigured body. It’s visible proof of uate studies in the atelier method of fine
these icons created for a dual-rite
church in Denver, Colorado. The
parish holds both Roman rite and
Byzantine rite liturgies. Kati sees
hope for ecumenism in the use of
icons in Western as well as Eastern
churches.
VINEANDBRANCHES.ORG 15art.) Only then is she ready to ask herself,
“What can I do to make this more acces-
sible and still keep the form?”
Using an egg tempera paint that she
mixes herself, Kati begins creating an icon
by measuring and drawing the outlines
of the figure or figures, then painting the
background. Next she paints the bodies of
her subjects, and completes the faces and
hands last. As she paints, Kati continues
to consult traditional icons and she works
prayerfully throughout the process.
“For me,” Kati says, “I have to get more
serious when I’m working on the figure. If
there’s a conflict in my life I have to resolve
it to keep on working. If I can’t pray, I can’t
paint!”
From the start, Kati’s interest in icons
went hand in hand with her desire for
ecumenism. In the centuries after the
11th-century split between Eastern and
Western churches, iconography flourished
primarily in the East. Icons became and
have remained a central part of worship
for Orthodox Christians. But a modern
renaissance in iconography has spread to
Catholic and Protestant churches as well.
Ksenia, herself a member of the Russian
Orthodox Church, has played a significant
role in this movement. In all her years of
teaching, she never refused a student for
reasons of denomination.
Krsenia’s student and fellow teacher
Marek Czernecki shares Kati’s hope that
their work in iconography will build unity
among Christian churches. “One of the
reasons I love iconography,” he says, “is
that I see so much ecumenical potential in
(continued on page 21)
The following pages contain several heavenly one. To our eyes, trained in
examples of Kati’s work. Usually she realism, the figures seem somewhat
paints with the traditional medium distorted. This is due to the use of
of egg tempera (egg yolks mixed inverse perspective: the figures are
with ground natural pigments and painted as though seen from heaven,
vinegar). from the side of the figure opposite
the viewer. As Kati says, “An icon is
Since the figures are always either not meant to be a photograph. It is a
holy men and women or angels, vision of a spiritual truth.”
the uncreated light of Christ’s
transfiguration illuminates them. This Left: Saint Peter. Right: Saint Paul. Kati’s
light comes from within them, shining icons bear obvious resemblance to
out through their eyes and casting no the earliest images of Peter and Paul
shadows. The perspective is also a from the fourth century. They show
16 SUMMER 2013photos : m a rg a ret Decelles .
Peter with the same short, curly white hair and their Christian brothers and sisters knew
beard, and Paul with a long brown beard and them, but in any case these features have
balding head. It is possible that these features become part of traditional representations of
bear some resemblance to the two men as each one.
VINEANDBRANCHES.ORG 17Left: The Archangel Michael. Above: The
Immaculate Heart of Mary. Right: St. John the
Apostle. Far right: Pope John Paul II.
The four icons pictured here are a set
recently installed at Pope John Paul II Catholic
Church in Pagosa Springs, Colorado. They
are painted with acrylics on canvas.
In the sanctuary of the church, these four six-
foot icons hang under a crucifix. In addition
to the names added to the portraits, clues
from the visual language of iconography help
to identify the figures for the viewer.
18 SUMMER 2013Mary and John traditionally stand at the foot an orb, since he protects the entire earth. Here
of the cross, Mary on Jesus’ right and John on he holds a sword instead of a rod of authority;
his left. John is always beardless to signify his the sword became more traditional in Western
youth. art over time.
Here Mary’s heart is depicted—a specifically “The icon of Pope John Paul II was chosen
photos : R o x a nne S chick .
Western tradition. The small stars on Mary’s because he is the patron of the parish,” Kati
garments symbolize the indwelling of the explains. “It’s not a physical portrait of him. I
Trinity. “She’s wearing red shoes,” Kati says, first painted a portrait from photographs of
“because [in iconography] . . . she always him as a younger man, and some of my old
wears red shoes.” Polish friends who had known him approved
the portrait. Then I stylized the portrait. He
In Eastern traditions, the Archangel Michael carries the keys of Peter and wears his red
usually carries a rod, since he leads the traveling cape, white cassock, papal cape and
heavenly armies in battle against the devil, and cross.”
VINEANDBRANCHES.ORG 19photos : left : m a rg a ret d ecelles . right : courtesy of k a ti ritchie .
Left: Christ. Right: Madonna and Child. Jesus is always shown wearing a red robe
with a golden band on one arm and a
Kati’s icons have a clean and simple blue outer garment. The red symbolizes
appearance. She strives for “the his humanity, the blue his divinity, the
simplest way to convey truth.” gold his kingship. Kati painted this icon
20 SUMMER 2013(continued from p. 16)
it. It’s a job, occupation, vocation and min-
istry, so it’s important to know what you’re
doing! I think that’s what’s important about
Kati and her work: she’s part of a larger
process of ecumenism. Kati and I are part
of the same process, and so are thousands
of other people of all denominations. It’s a
collective effort, and a lot of it is the work
of the Holy Spirit.”
Kati has received commissions from
a variety of churches and individuals,
including a dual-rite parish in Denver
which holds both Roman and Byzantine
liturgies. For her latest project, one of her
largest, she painted four six-foot icons
(pictured on pages 18–19) for Pope John
Paul II Catholic Church in Pagosa Springs,
Colorado, where Kati spends her winters.
It took her over a year. This April, the local
Catholic bishop presided over a ceremony
for the installation of the four icons.
The pastor of the church, Fr. Don
Malin, explains that his reason for asking
Kati to make the icons was to honor the
church’s namesake, Pope John Paul II, who
came from eastern Europe and worked
for ecumenical outreach to the Eastern
churches. In that same spirit, Fr. Malin
invited the Methodist and Episcopal pas-
tors in town to attend the installation cer-
emony. “We’re very happy with the icons,”
he says.
Kati sees more hope for ecumenism
in the use of icons in Western as well as
Eastern churches: “Icons can provide a
window into the kingdom where we all
will be transfigured like Christ and united
with him.”
on a small piece of cardboard that made with ground lapis lazuli, a very
now hangs in her car to remind her of precious and costly stone. It is a way to
the Lord. (She refers to this icon by the show her special honor.
name “Driving Jesus.”)
Kati offers this advice, once given to
Mary is always shown in blue or her, for someone new to icons: just
maroon. Kati says that the blue may sit quietly in front of one and let Jesus
have become the tradition for Mary’s love you.
garments because the pigment is
VINEANDBRANCHES.ORG 21dispatches RECIPE ORANGE GINGER CHICKEN Recipe from Dawn Keaveny (Kingston) Photo by Jennifer Kenning. Recipe column editor: Denise Hurley In Jamaica, Sunday night means fricasseed chicken with rice and beans. This tasty orange ginger chicken recipe builds on that tradition. It is mild enough that even children love it. 22 SUMMER 2013
excerpt
“My family is a little different in
that we don’t always have the
Love of God:
fricasseed chicken on Sundays—
we just cook whatever is easi-
Thirteen Talks on Love
est,” says Dawn, laughing. The and Friendship
Keavneys use this recipe for
special occasions and for visi- by Paul C. DeCelles
tors. Dawn also offers this tip for Editor’s note: This excerpt comes from the text of a retreat that Paul gave on the
those who enjoy spicier food: love of God. It’s hard to talk about God’s love for us and our love for God. First,
just sprinkle in some hot pep- there’s the problem of faith. Do we really believe in a God who loves us person-
per. (Jamaicans use a red pepper ally? Then there’s the problem of the words—all the sentimental and weak images
known as Scotch Bonnet.) that come to mind, reflecting the view of God and his love in pop culture. In this
retreat, Paul fights past these problems and leads us to the root of the experience
Orange Ginger Chicken of Christian love. His talks offer a glimpse at a reality that touches, as he says,“the
(serves 4 – 6) very core of our existence and God’s existence.” Most importantly, the talks offer
us the chance to grow in our love of God by coming to understand more deeply
ingredients his love for us.
W
1 chicken, cut up
1 teaspoon salt hat is actually happening You are unique, one of a kind, unre-
¼ teaspoon black pepper when God our Father loves peatable. There is no one like you. You can
3 cloves garlic, minced you? He’s moved by you. touch God as only you can. You can bring
1 medium onion, chopped You call forth a response in his love to life in a way that only you can.
¾ cup orange juice him. You call forth love in him. He’s cap- You add something to the fullness of his life
2 tablespoons honey tivated by you. He’s moved by you in all that no other person can. You make him
½ cup ginger root, peeled and your unique splendor. Does he love you feel more fully alive. He encounters you,
chopped because you have specific good qualities? his love flashes forth and he experiences an
2 tablespoons soy sauce increased fullness of being. There is a love
3 tablespoons sugar Our Father loves and in him that only you can fully bring out.
½ green pepper, chopped Our Father does not love you on
rejoices in the splendor of account of your good qualities, but they
directions your personal reality. are pleasing to him. He doesn’t love you
for your work, but your work is pleasing to
1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. him. God is not a Stoic. He is not indif-
2. Put the chicken in a shallow baking No. Does he love you because of what you ferent to the pleasures we bring him or the
dish and sprinkle the chicken with do? No. He loves you. You are not your benefits we bring him. He loves you. It’s
salt, pepper, garlic and onion. work or your service, your laughter or your unthinkable that he wouldn’t delight in,
fear. There’s a “you” there, in all your acts take pleasure in, enjoy all the things you do
3. Combine all the remaining ingredi-
and qualities. You act and you have quali- for him and are for him.”
ents in a bowl and mix well to make
ties, but You exist before those things. Our
a sauce. Pour the sauce over the
Father loves and rejoices in the fullness and
chicken.
splendor of your personal reality. You are Love of God: Thirteen Talks on Love and
4. Bake for one hour, basting regularly. the reason he loves you–your indefinable, Friendship by Paul DeCelles is available in
lovable, personal self, unique and unrepeat- PDF and as .mp3 audio files on the People of
Note: The Keavenys serve this dish with able, revealed–but never fully revealed–in Praise web site. To download the talks, go to
jasmine rice, which absorbs the juice all your thoughts, all your qualities and www.Peopleofpraise.org, hover over the
and brings out the flavors of the chicken. actions. You call forth love in him. “Resources” menu in the top right corner
White rice makes a fine substitute. Dawn He wants to know what you are expe- and select “File Library” from the dropdown
complements the dish with a vegetable riencing. He wants to experience your life, menu. Enter your user name and password
or green salad. as you experience it, in you. He wants to (the same one you use for the Directory). The
experience that from the inside of you. He PDFs and audio files can be found in the “Life
. knows how he experiences it, but he also Together” folder of the File Library.
wants to know how you experience it, so
tell him.
VINEANDBRANCHES.ORG 23lifenotes
Sisterhood members Annie Bulger (left) and Claire Mysliwiec (right) with Catherine Ficker (center) at Catherine’s college graduation. Elizabeth (Libby)
Grondin (Shreveport, right) made the covenant in April. Her parents Jim and Emilie Grondin (South Bend) and her uncle, Chris Small, traveled to
Shreveport for the celebration.
LIFENOTES Portland) are celebrating the birth of Wesley
David on April 22.
Michael Busk, Ph.D. in literature and
creative writing, University of Southern
California.
Correction Rachele (Saskatoon) and Clement Ng are
In our last issue, we spelled Bette Tychsen’s rejoicing at the birth of Isaiah Ming Yun Ng Natalie Clairmont, B.S. in nursing,
last name incorrectly. We sincerely apologize on April 13. Concordia University.
for the error. Sean and Gretchen Connolly (South Bend) Sean Couch, B.S. in management, Purdue
welcomed Peter James on April 6. University.
Making the Covenant
Congratulations to Elizabeth (Libby) Erik and Mary Clare Luckjohn (Servant Catherine Ficker, B.A. in communications,
Grondin, who made the covenant of the Branch) rejoiced at the birth of their daugh- Holy Cross College.
People of Praise in Shreveport on April 5, ter, Rebecca, on February 27.
Benjamin Fossen, B.S. in computer science,
2013. University of Minnesota.
Weddings and Anniversaries
Births Congratulations to Dan and Marylen Jonathan Frenz, B.S. in computer engineer-
Robinson (South Bend), who celebrated ing, University of Minnesota.
Pete and Christine Gaffney (South Bend)
are announcing the birth of Owen Thomas their 25th wedding anniversary on June 4.
Rachel Goodling, M.S.W. in social work,
on May 18. Congratulations to John Xenakis (South George Mason University.
Rob and Laura Brickweg (Servant Branch) Bend) and Karen Coleman (Servant
George Kane, B.A. in medical humani-
celebrated the birth of Robert James III on Branch), who were married at Holy Cross
ties, Indiana University-Purdue University
May 13. Church in Minneapolis on May 25.
Indianapolis.
Chris and Rose Marquis (Servant Branch) Congratulations to Francis and Betty
Katie Maslow, B.A. in math and history,
welcomed their daughter Briseis Phyllis on Johnson (Corvallis), who celebrated their
University of Minnesota (December).
April 26. 60th wedding anniversary on February 15!
Kevin McShane, B.S. in computer science,
Bob and Beth Mueller (Appleton) have Graduations University of Notre Dame.
announced the birth of their son Peter John Congratulations to these community
on March 1. Peter Putzier, B.S. in geology, University of
brothers and sisters, who recently received
Minnesota.
Congratulations to Jamey and Sandi degrees:
Ware (Rockford) on the birth of Martin David Bowar, B.A. in English, University of Work & Achievements
Christopher on April 24. Minnesota. Congratulations to Steve Walker (north-
Eric and April Boughton (Vancouver- ern Virginia), who received the Clarence L.
24 SUMMER 2013Natalie Clairmont (Vancouver-Portland) celebrates her nursing degree. George Kane (left) and Sean Couch graduated this spring with degrees in
medical humanities (George) and management (Sean).
photos : left : p a trici a ficker , l a ur a bru m m er . right : m a rty m ertz , beth couch .
“Kelly” Johnson Skunk Works Award from series sponsored by Christian Ministries of Gini Chaput, Tampa branch, died February
the Engineers’ Council on February 28. The Delaware County. 18, 2013.
award recognizes “a top reputation for engi-
Fr. Peter Smith (Vancouver-Portland), Kay Keller, Appleton branch, died March 7,
neering accomplishments and leadership.”
a member of the Brotherhood of the 2013.
Dave Hazelton (northern Virginia) has writ- People of Praise, has been appointed vicar Bill Sweeney, northern Virginia branch, died
ten The Simplified Guide: Paul’s Letters to the general and moderator of the curia for March 26, 2013.
Churches, published by Deep River Books. the Catholic Archdiocese of Portland in
The book draws on his 30 years of experience Oregon. Beginning July 1 he will become Kay Amenda, Rockford branch, died June 9,
leading Bible studies in his home and in his executive officer of the archdiocese, assisting 2013.
church’s Sunday school classes. Archbishop Alexander Sample.
Executive Office Announcements:
Congratulations to Joan Pingel (Mission Congratulations to James Goman, son of Buffalo:
Division, Shreveport), who was voted Kandace Goman (Servant Branch), who took Robin Hammer has been appointed to a
teacher of the year by the faculty and staff at fifth place in Class A of the Minnesota state three-year term of office as an area coordina-
Sun City Elementary School in Bossier City, wrestling tournament, in the 120-pound tor, effective March 10, 2013.
Louisiana. weight class.
Muncie:
Sam Clairmont, 17, son of Toby and Susie Bernie Schwab (Servant Branch) and his Larry Spangler has been appointed to a
Clairmont (Oahu), achieved the rank of small business Spruce Valley Payroll and second three-year term of office as an area
Eagle Scout on March 25. For his Eagle proj- Services were featured in an article in the coordinator, effective March 1, 2013.
ect, Sam designed and installed a photovol- business section of the St. Paul Pioneer Press
taic power system on a disaster relief trailer. on May 4. Northern Virginia:
Joe Maguire has been appointed to a three-
Kevin Weilbacher (Tampa), an information year term of office as an area coordinator,
Deaths
technology consultant, has been honored as effective May 11, 2013.
a Most Valuable Professional by Microsoft Since our last issue, in addition to the
for the 10th consecutive year. members to whom we pay tribute in this Rick Ridenour has been appointed to a
issue, we’ve received word of the deaths of second three-year term of office as an area
Nadia Busekrus (Oahu) was one of 12 these members of the People of Praise. We coordinator, effective June 19, 2013.
students nationwide to win the National pray for their families and friends in this
Spanish Exam Junior Travel Award. She time of loss. Tribute articles will follow in an Servant Branch:
received a travel scholarship to Costa Rica. upcoming issue. Claire Holovaty was released from the
covenant of the People of Praise on May 31,
Peter Walters (Muncie) gave a talk on the Ann Wheat, Shreveport branch, died 2013.
parable of the Prodigal Son at the Northside January 30, 2013.
Church of God on March 13 as part of a
VINEANDBRANCHES.ORG 25You can also read
