St. Paul's Episcopal Church 301 E. Stuart Street, Fort Collins, CO 80525 Phone: 970-482-2668 Email: [email protected] - Website: www.stpauls-fc.org

A Message from Our Senior Warden Dear Friends, As our search for a Priest-in-Charge moves forward we are called, at this time, to wait as patiently as possible. As we continue to wait and pray let’s consider how God has answered prayers in the past: God of Surprises They expected the first-born to lead, to guide and to take care of the rest. God sent the eleventh son to save his family and an entire country in the bargain. They expected to die out because the Pharaoh had ordered all male children to be killed, And God had the Pharaoh’s daughter discover a baby in a floating basket — too adorable to kill. They expected a man and woman with a large and prosperous family would be needed to populate a nation. Instead our God chose an old man and woman to be parents of one little boy named Isaac. . . . for the entire poem, go HERE

Travel Plans - Rev. Lyn On Sunday evening, I am heading off to Scotland, where I will visit Iona, which many of you know is a small island on the west coast. There, Columba, a monk exiled from Ireland, and 12 companions founded what turned out to be an extremely successful monastery that played a crucial role in the conversion to Christianity in Scotland. Afterwards I will spend a few days in London with a cousin, before flying to Italy for a week with my daughter and her partner. I will be back in the office on October 25, just in time for the Bishop election. Speaking of which, I hope as many of you as possible will attend one of the “Walk-Abouts” in order to meet and learn more about the candidates. I plan to attend part of the first “Walk-About” at the Cathedral on Sunday afternoon on my way to the airport. While I am away, The Rev. Sathi Bunyan will supply. The Rev. Rex Chambers, currently Interim Rector of St. Luke’s will be your emergency contact – his cell phone number is 970-406-8282. Centering Prayer (noon on Mondays) will be on hold until my return; Morning Prayer (instead of our usual Eucharist service) will be offered on Tuesday mornings at 8:00 am in the Parish Administrator’s office. Many blessings to you all.

The Choir Needs YOU! Have you considered singing with the St. Paul’s choir? Rumor has it that there are some folks who are interested but they are concerned that they will not be able to come to every rehearsal and/or every service. Guess what… That is perfectly fine! We would love to have you any time you can make it! Rumor has it that there are also some folks who are interested but they are concerned that they don’t read music. Guess what… That is perfectly fine! There are singers in every section who will help you learn your part. Choir meets on Wednesdays at 6:50 pm. If you can’t get there right at 6:50, guess what… that’s ok! We understand that you are busy and have a lot going on. We are so happy when new people come so if you have even a little interest, please, try it out!

Adult Ed This Sunday,October 7 , Erika Nossokoff, from Habitat for Humanity will tell us about the Habitat program. Please join us! Adult Ed is after the 9:00 am service in the Sun Room on the first and third Sundays of the month

Habitat for Humanity Opportunities Do you like to work with your hands, learn new skills, and make new friends? Would you enjoy rubbing elbows with other friendly, faithful folks from area Lutheran churches, St Paul's Episcopal, and Mary of Magdala Ecumenical Catholic Community? Do you want to help put God's love into action? The next Habitat for Humanity local Build Day is October 27, 7:45 am - 4 pm. For more information please go HERE . To sign up, please email Gray Currier .

Celebration of the Life of Margaret Solomon This service will be held this Saturday, October 6, at 10:00 am at St. Luke's Episcopal Church A reception follows.

Save the Date Food Bank Volunteers- Friday, November 9, 1 to 3 pm. For more information, contact Jo Baietti

TLC Book Group Monday, November 5 Thewill focus on native American writers. Choose one of two novels: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie , or There, There by Tommy Orange . Join us at 9:30 a.m. in the Fireside Room. Questions? Call Nadine Hunt at 825-3730.

Sound Healing, Singing Bowls Saturday, October 6 - 3:30-5:00 pm Saturday, October 20 - 10:30 am-12:00 pm in the Sun Room Experience the soothing sound vibrations in a beautiful venue as Betsy Perna plays her Himalayan Bowls. Certified by Atma Buti Sound Healing School in Boulder, Betsy has been practicing ancient Tibetan methods for inducing balanced body rhythms, relaxation and meditation since 2008. Please bring a mat, small blanket and a pillow for under your knees, as needed. If you like, enjoy tea and “Joe’s Cookies,” as we process your experience afterward. It’s great if you can come 15 minutes early to get situated, so that we can start on time! Suggested donation: $7

Pilgrimage in Jewish and Christian Tradition Hillel Katzir, Emeritus Rabbi, and George Bannoura, Palestinian Christian, Will Describe Personal Holy Land Pilgrimage Experiences Thursday, October 11, 6:30-8:30 pm, in Trinity's Sanctuary The World Wisdoms Project of Fort Collins is offering a unique opportunity to share in the personal pilgrimage stories of two leaders in faith traditions that treasure one “holy” land. Rabbi Hillel Katzir's passion is bringing people together across religious and other lines of tension. George Bannoura lives in Denver, and, in the summer, Bethlehem, where he contributes to his family's 300-year-old business, creating handicrafts from olive wood. Where does the spiritual journey lead? Is it just an outward journey or is there also an inward exploration? How does one prepare, what occurs during the journey, and what resources and guideposts do these traditions offer? Hear how these two men understand their sacred travel. Childcare provided. A $10 donation is suggested; students free.

Fellowship Hall Remodel The Kitchen and Parkside Room adjoining the Fellowship Hall at Trinity will be remodeled this fall. The remodel is expected to take 2-3 months. Sunday mornings coffee time will be in a smaller space and we St. Paulites will be sharing the Trinity coffee bar with the Trinity Lutheran folks. We still need coffee hosts so don’t hesitate to sign up. Trinity will continue to provide donuts and bagels and we can focus on things like fruit, cheese, nuts….

Important Community Events The Social Justice Team Bond Fund for Detained Immigrants  –  October 4 The meeting will begin at 7:00 pm. Immigrants detained in Aurora, who are separated from their families and communities, often have trouble raising money for bond if it is granted. Please come to Namaqua Unitarian Universalist Church at 745 East 5th Street in Loveland to brainstorm about creating an immigration bond. Contact Francey Liefert for more information .   The Rockin’ Grannies Rally  –  October 6 at 5:00 pm in Old Town Square, Fort Collins. Do not underestimate the power of grandmothers uniting to fight for the health and well-being of their grandchildren! Please join grandmothers and abuelitas as they gather in Old Town Square to call for sane policies on immigration, gun control, access to healthcare, environmental protections and more. The call to action? VOTE.  All family members are welcome!  The League of Women voters will have a booth with information on registering, pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds and upcoming candidate and issues forums.

Remember These Opportunities: The Rev. Peter Munson's fundraiser for his walk across the country: Sunday, October 7, 6-8:30 pm, Wolverine Farm Publick House, 316 Willow Street, Fort Collins More information is HERE . Tickets are available HERE . Save the FOCO Cafe : As they approach their four year anniversary, The FoCo Cafe, Northern Colorado’s only non-profit, pay what you can cafe, is facing a financial crisis that may force it to close its doors temporarily or even permanently. The Cafe is kicking off a sustaining membership campaign in an effort to continue serving meals to the community. Become a member or donate to the Cafe. CWS CROP Hunger Walk: Sunday, October 7, 1:00 pm, Starting at First Presbyterian Church Contribute to the Colorado Haiti Project. This year so far we have raised $4,975. HURRICANE RELIEF FUND: Episcopal Relief & Development is now supporting dioceses along the coast as they respond to the aftermath of Hurricane Florence. Contributions HERE will help Episcopal Relief & Development support Church and other local partners as they provide critical emergency assistance to those most in need.

Bishop Search Walkabout meetings Sunday, October 7, 2-6 pm, St. John's Cathedral, Denver; and Monday, October 8, 5-8 pm, All Saints', Loveland. Please continue to keep the nominees for the new Bishop of Colorado in your prayers. They are: The Rev. Kimberly (Kym) Lucas and The Rev. Canon Ruth Woodliff-Stanley. The election will take place during an abbreviated Diocesan Convention at St. John's Cathedral on Saturday, October 27.

"A Confession on the Feast Day of St. Francis" " Holy God, spark of Creation and fire of Love, you who created the cosmos, who shaped every living thing uniquely in your image, we have sinned most grievously against you. " Laurie Gudim at Speaking to the Soul . See full reflection HERE .