Spreading God's Word, Not the Virus |
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Drive-In Back-To-School Blessing
By Tim Kilpatrick, Interim Youth Minister
On Sunday, August 30th, 2020, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church hosted a Drive-In Back-To-School blessing event for Students, Backpacks, Families, and Teachers in the north parking lot on the church’s campus. A total of (35) people gathered at a safe social distance and heard prayers read by Liz Ryan, Day School Director & Children Faith Formation; Irene Kane, Church School Teacher; Taylor Kilpatrick, Director of Paul’s Place; Father Paul Kane, and myself. Caren Kilpatrick, our Parish Administrator was filming, and Roscoe Campbell, our Sexton helped with the set-up and traffic control. [...]
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Daily Reflection from Bishop Peter Eaton
The Feast of Saint Aidan of Lindisfarne
August 31th, 2020
Stay Home. Stop the Spread. Save Lives.
If you have to go out, wear a mask.
Your mask is not a chin guard.
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Saint Aidan is rightly surrounded by a certain aura of holiness. He was a deeply sensitive, responsive, learned, generous, and rigorous monk, who found himself a bishop by accident. His predecessor in the job, Corman, did not get on so well, and returned to the monastery dispirited, where the monks had a conversation in which, basically, Aidan said that, had Corman been nicer, things might have gone differently. No good deeds goes unpunished, and for that bit of reflection, Aidan was ordained a bishop and sent off to do the work in Corman’s place. Which he did so well in fact that he rivals Saint Augustine of Canterbury in significance in securing Britain for the Christian faith. [...]
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SACRED GROUND
A FILM-BASED DIALOGUE SERIES ON RACE AND FAITH
The registration deadline has passed. At 14 registered participants, this dialogue circle is at capacity!
Dialogue circle orientation: Monday, August 31st, 7:00pm
Our Sacred Ground study circle will meet on-line via Zoom on Monday evenings from 7:00-8:30 pm. The first meeting will be an Orientation on August 31, which will include a general introduction to the expectations of the series and technical assistance to maximize the Zoom experience. 10 sessions will follow, each session separated from the next by two to three weeks. The last session will be February 22, 2021. The curriculum for this study is rich and demanding. Preparation for each session includes time spent viewing films (an average of 60+ minutes) and reading about 35 pages of articles and excerpts from books. Most of the film and reading materials are available free on-line, but there are two core books which must be purchased. Participants will be asked to create a covenant together that will express their understanding of the importance of active commitment to the success of the circle.
A full description of the Sacred Ground dialogue series is available at www.episcopalchurch.org/sacred-ground. For more information, please contact Ellen Kentner (ellenjanekentner@gmail.com) or Kristen Murtaugh (MURTAUGH@fau.edu).
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Speaking Life
The Rev. Daniel R. Heischman, D.D., Executive Director of the National Association of Episcopal Schools
Recently, I was reading through (as I do with all of the school bulletins I receive) the spring issue of Highlights, the quarterly bulletin of Christ Church Episcopal School in Greenville, SC. This issue focused on the retiring head of school, Leonard Kupersmith, who served the school for fourteen years, the culmination of a distinguished career as an educator. [...]
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An Appeal for Disaster Relief Donations
Dear St. Paul’s Family,
Like you, I woke up this morning to the heartbreaking news that Hurricane Laura had devastated Louisiana and southeast Texas. We in south Florida know all too well the hardship that comes with the impact of a large hurricane. Having already seen the devastating impact this storm had on the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Cuba, we know that the relief and recovery effort will be significant. [...]
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As people of faith, we first turn to prayer, commending the deceased to the mercy and goodness of God and asking God’s healing grace on the survivors. For many of us, these days of pandemic have allowed us to see ever more clearly that while we might be physically distanced, we are very much connected spiritually. And so, we feel the pain and grief of those impacted by Hurricane Laura, as well as those in California dealing with the wildfires. [...]
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Be Prepared for Hurricane Season!
While we were spared the full brunt of Hurricane (now Tropical Storm) Isaias this past weekend, we are reminded that we need to be prepared for hurricane season. Read more on how to protect yourself and others from the coronavirus while preparing for a storm from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) HERE and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) HERE. For complete disaster preparedness plans, visit the Florida Division of Emergency Management at:
For more preparedness info visit:
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Faithful Giving
Please help us to keep our mission and ministry strong. St. Paul's staff, operations, community outreach, and our missions to help the most vulnerable are dependent on Sunday offerings to keep afloat. When Sunday offerings decrease, our missions become at risk. Please support St. Paul's now by one of the options below:
Safe and secure online giving on our website - St. Paul's has a safe and secure electronic donation service available allowing you to make single donations or set up recurring donations. Click the button below to visit our donation page:
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Mail - If you prefer to send your pledge or other donation by check, please send your contribution to: St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 188 S. Swinton Avenue, Delray Beach, FL 33444.
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Zoom Coffee Hour
Sunday, September 6th, at 11:30am
Please join us for this Sunday morning coffee hour after our 10:00am virtual service!
No Zoom account needed to join:
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A snapshot of St. Paul's virtual coffee hour for August 30th |
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Prayer-by-Phone Ministry
“For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.”
Mt. 18:20
Several of our Lay Healing Ministers are available for prayer-by-phone. Please feel free to call if you would like to have someone pray with you and/or for you. Of course, all prayer conversations are sacred and they are kept confidential. We believe in the power of prayer, and we know that Jesus is present in a special way when two or more people gather together in His name (Mt. 18:20).
Here is the schedule for our Prayer-by-Phone ministry:
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Helen - Sunday, 4-6pm...............(561) 398-7259
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Elizabeth - Monday, 10-11am....(410) 463-8825
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Patricia - Monday 5-6pm...........(561) 703-0800
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Barta - Tuesday, 1-2pm...............(603) 781-1630
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Claudette - Wednesday, 5-6pm..(561) 541-7361
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Faith - Friday, 7-9pm..................(561) 512-4056
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Faith and Citizenship Guide for Advocacy
An updated version of our Faith and Citizenship Guide for Advocacy is now available in English! This resource seeks to help you fulfill your baptismal covenant to strive for justice and peace. While it is focused on the federal level, the advocacy tips and tactics we recommend throughout the guide are applicable to state and local advocacy as well. Use this for your personal development or take on advocacy strategies in your congregation with more confidence.
National Poll Worker Recruitment Day is tomorrow, September 1st!
Become a poll worker! Hundreds of thousands of people are needed as poll workers to help make this election run. Many poll workers are older, and thus in a demographic at higher-risk to COVID-19. Because of this, states are concerned about a shortage of poll workers. If you are in a low-risk category for COVID-19, consider being a poll worker for this year’s election. And in many places, poll workers are compensated for their time – sign up today!
#VoteFaithfully Toolkit
Finally, in case you missed it, our election engagement toolkit has prayers, scripture, tips for advocacy, and action steps for casting your vote and helping others vote as well. Check it out in English and Spanish.
Remember to create a #MyVoterPlan laying out the steps you need to take and when in order to successfully vote in the 2020 election.
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When your loved one is struggling, you want to do everything you can to help them. And sometimes, you don’t know what that is.
As a family member or friend, it can be hard to know what to do, how to act or what to say. But your support can have a positive impact on your loved one’s long-term mental health and well-being.
In fact, according to the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) curriculum, there is evidence that support from individuals or mutual support groups may be helpful for people with depression and anxiety problems. It can also help people get the professional support they may need, as research shows people with mental illnesses are more likely to seek help if someone close to them suggests it. [...]
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Getting tired of contemplating your navel?
Even though ILIR is taking a break between summer session and fall session, we do have a few happenings in the interim. You will receive the link for each week's event in the weekly email. And, fall schedule is close to ready to be disseminated.
Here are some upcoming events:
September 9th at 5:30 pm - The first ILIR Happy Hour with the Quarantine Music Busters, a group of young musicians who have formed a non-profit with the goal of adding music to our lives during COVID.
September 14th at 10:00 am-11:15 am - Current Events with Joel Ivers - if there is any news of note!
September 23rd at 11:00 am - 11:15 am - the first ILIR Book Club. First book is News of the World. START reading!
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August, 2020
Share & Connect Quarterly Newsletter
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AUGUST 7, 2020
First Virtual Event Huge Success!
What an experience with eight voices from our partnership sharing all the initiatives in action through video, pictures, and music! THANK YOU to all who participated helping to raise over $26,000 to fund the initiatives of education, healthcare, food, and economic sustainability! Keep reading to see how your support is making a difference. Did you miss the livestream? It's not too late to see it.... Learn More
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Emergency Food Shipment Arrives in Bondeau!
One of the most devastating effects of 2020 for Haiti has been the dramatic escalation of food scarcity. The people of Bondeau were already facing hunger before the Covid-19 crisis. The continued depreciation of the gourde [Haitian currency], the steady rise in food prices, and new restrictions on movements and disruptions of economic activities, has brought hunger to even higher life-threathening levels. Pere Jean Phanord, Bondeau's Priest-in-Charge, identified hunger as the greatest priority for the community.
In response, Bethseda-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church funded 200 bags of rice and 100 bags of beans for Bondeau processed through Food For The Poor. Delivered to Bondeau this essential food was distributed on August 22 to 150 families feeding over 450 people. The people of Bondeau are beyond grateful for our partnership and for the food. See More Pictures
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JUNE 2020 UPDATE
Chicken Broiler Project
This project chosen by the Bondeau leaders... organized with the help of Food For The Poor and financially seeded by Bethseda-by-the-Sea... it is run totally by local Haitian leaders bringing not just economic sustainability but HOPE. Listen to Wilcaire in the video above describe what this simple project of raising chickens brings for the community of Bondeau. Their choice to use proceeds to help fund further education for graduates of the school.... Learn More
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Palm Beach County Department of Housing and Economic Sustainability CARES Mortgage Assistance Program
100 Australian Avenue, 5th Floor, West Palm Beach, FL 33406
(561) 233‐3606 or (561) 233‐3600
NOTICE OF FUNDING AVAILABILITY
Palm Beach County Department of Housing and Economic Sustainability hereby announce the availability of $20,000,000 in CARES Act funding for temporary relief to homeowners for the following:
Mortgage Assistance: CARES Act funding will provide assistance to income eligible households who are delinquent in their first mortgage and escrow payments (PITI). Additionally, funding may assist with late fees, attorney’s fees, condominium and homeowners’ association payments, special assessments, and other mortgage associated costs related to COVID‐19. Maximum Award: $10,000 (Up to four‐months mortgage payments, but not to exceed $10,000) [...]
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MONDAY, August 31: Aidan
Psalm 9:1
I will give thanks to you, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will tell of all your marvelous works.
I have been reading Forward Day by Day since I was in high school, as has my mother. Reflections from these pages have shown up for me in big ways on crucial days. I often marvel at the synchronicity this publication supports in my life and in so many others. The words of authors who wrote before me touched me in ways they could not have designed, as will, I’m sure, the words of authors who follow.
I write nearly a year before you read this. My words are inspired by ripples in the pond of my life. They meet you where you are and move you as God wills. I do not know your final destination, nor do I know mine. I have given you what I know today, and while it is not much, it is everything.
Thank you, God, for a safe space to tell your marvelous works. Thank you for changing ears and eyes and hearts. Thank you for growing understanding and infinite humility. Thank you for simple prayers. Please fill me with grace. Amen.
MOVING FORWARD: Who will you invite to join you in reading Forward Day by Day next month?
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Volunteering Sign Up for Food Box Offloading
Below you will find a sign-up link for any volunteer willing to help with the offloading of food boxes for distribution on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8:30 am at Cason United Methodist Church ( 342 N Swinton Ave, Delray Beach, FL 33444 ).
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Interfaith Committee:
Shower Truck Donations Needed
In this midst of this COVID-19 pandemic, the Interfaith Committee of Delray Beach has partnered with the Delray Beach Police Department to keep their shower truck operations available to those enduring homelessness in our area.
A major aspect of this shower truck program is the distribution of clean clothing to participants afterwards, if you would like to help by way of donating these much needed pieces of clothing, please contact Caren Kilpatrick, Parish Administrator, at (561) 319-7947.
"Specifically, the shower truck needs men’s shorts or jeans sizes 32-34 desperately. We have larger sizes!"
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The Volen Center has instituted a program using their fleet of buses to deliver free lunches to seniors 60+ in Boca, Delray and Boynton. Outlined below is the program and who can be contacted. If you have any people who might benefit, please send us the names and numbers or pass along this information to them. Anyone we can help is a plus.
Lunches delivered to residences daily and 3 meals on Friday to cover the weekend.
To enroll, e-mail or call the following staff:
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Volunteering Opportunities
Dear Volunteers,
Please see the included link for a list of volunteer opportunities and agency needs. You will need to connect with the agencies directly to volunteer and/or make an item donation. If you have not completed the waiver and you do plan on volunteering, please use the link to complete the waiver https://secure.unitedwaypbc.net/inetwork/VolunteerForm
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Many local meetings have established their own Zoom meetings which can be found at the intergroup website for the particular county.
For example, here's the link for South Palm Beach County intergroup information on meeting closures and online meetings:
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VIRTUAL SERVICES DURING THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
In response to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, we at St. Paul's Delray Beach, together with all churches in the Episcopal Diocese of Southeast Florida, have closed for public worship and all other public gatherings until further notice, per our requirement of a sustained double digit reduction in COVID-19 test positivity. This includes St. Paul's Day School until August 10th, Paul's Place after-school program, and all other ministries and scheduled events. If you have a pastoral emergency and need the services of our clergy, please contact Fr. Paul Kane (revpaul@stpaulsdelray.org or 561-921-7667)
We at St. Paul's Delray will offer a virtual morning prayer at 8:00am and a virtual evening prayer at 5:00pm (both through Facebook Live streams), Monday through Friday, and a virtual celebration of the Holy Eucharist every weekend until further notice.
Click below to view our Virtual Service for the 13th Sunday After Pentecost:
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As a church family, we will stay connected through social media, email, text messaging, our website, and other platforms. We will continue to spread the Good News of God's love while doing our part to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
I hope that you find peace and inspiration from the many resources for prayer and worship at home offered by Forward Movement (forwardmovement.org) , the Episcopal publishing house that brings us Forward Day by Day.
May God bring healing to the sick, comfort to the lonely, blessed assurance to the anxious, and hope to those in despair,
Fr. Paul+
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St. Paul's Episcopal Church
561-276-4541
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