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

The Triduum

The Triduum is the name for the three holy days of prayer preceding Easter. It begins with the remembrance of Christ's last supper with his disciples, the occasion upon which he washed their feet and instructed them to remember him when they ate bread and drank wine at the Eucharist. He also gave them a new commandment that day: that they love one another even as he had loved them. So we call this day Maundy Thursday, because Maundy comes from an old Latin word meaning commandment.

On Good Friday we celebrate the betrayal, torture, and murder of Jesus, our Master. That seems like a very strange thing to do. And it would be weird indeed, were it not for the rest of the story: the resurrection.

Then there is the day of emptiness that we celebrate on Holy Saturday. This is a day to reflect upon loss and hopelessness, despair and anguish. These are seasons in a human life. As Christians we have a way of handling them: we wait in expectation for the transformative healing of Christ. This year we will have a Prayer Room that everyone can use between Maundy Thursday and the Great Easter Vigil on Saturday night. The Stations of the Cross from St. Paul's will be there. We will also have pamphlets on prayer and meditation and books of reflection starters. Bring your journal or come for a few minutes of quiet honoring of the suffering and death of our Lord.

Maundy Thursday, April 18 -
Mary of Magdala Footwashing and Holy Communion - 6 pm
Trinity and St. Paul's Holy Communion, Footwashing, and Stripping of the Altar - 8 pm

Prayer Room - across from St. Paul's office. This room will be open before and after all our Holy Week services so that you can reflect on what you have seen and heard, spend time in quiet, and prepare for what is next.

Good Friday, April 19 - Joint worship services:
Seven Last Words of Christ - 12 pm
Stations of the Cross and Solemn Collects - 7 pm

Holy Saturday, April 20 -
Prayer Room will be open from 7 to 9 am
Trinity Easter Folk Eucharist - 5 pm
Mary of Magdala Great Vigil of Easter - 7 pm
St. Paul's Great Vigil of Easter - 9:30 pm

Easter Sunday, April 21 -
Trinity Sunrise Easter Service - 7:00 am
St. Paul's Easter Service of Holy Communion - 8:30 am
Trinity Easter Service - 10:30 am

NOTE: By popular demand, The Saturday Great Easter Vigil is BACK, but at 9:30 pm. Come for the lighting of the first fire, readings and singing, candles, bells, and a joyous welcome to the resurrection
Hallelujah Anyhow

is the title of Presiding Bishop Michael Curry's Easter Message. Watch the video HERE
Habitat for Humanity Build Days

Our next 2019 Build Dates are Thursday April 25th, and Saturday May 18th. Please contact Gray soon and join our happy crew!
Learn about the Episcopal Church

Interested in learning about the Episcopal Church? We will have classes on Monday and Wednesday evenings in May. Learn about following the Way of Christ and the Episcopalian tradition. This series will prepare those interested for confirmation on June 1. Contact Laurie Gudim or Rhoda Robinson .
Who are our graduates this year?

Are you a graduate of high school, college or graduate school this year? Or are you a family member of a graduate? Please let Weltha in the church office (970-482-2668) or Laurie know, so that St. Paul's can celebrate the achievements of our people.
Remember and Renew

April 26-28, in and around Littleton

Commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Columbine High School mass shooting, The Episcopal Peace Fellowship is hosting weekend events in and around Littleton. The Remember and Renew Weekend intends to mobilize support for preventing gun violence by giving voice to survivors and families of gun violence, advocating for policy changes, becoming aware of contributing factors, and building a base of support among sponsoring organizations. For a calendar of events and more information, go HERE
Free Bike Tune Ups

  • On Saturday, April 27, The City of Fort Collins FC Bikes and partners are offering free tune-ups at convenient locations around the community. Plus, you can stay for fun activities and grab a snack while your bike is repaired! Trinity Lutheran Church is one location More info here or call (970) 221-6987 or email FC bikes.
Braiding Sweetgrass

St. Paul’s is sponsoring the reading of Braiding Sweetgrass, a book that is a gift of braided stories meant to heal our relationship with nature by weaving together three strands: indigenous ways of knowing, scientific knowledge and the story of an Anishinabekwe scientist. We are hoping people will read the book during April so that we can have meetings to discuss it on May 1, 8 and 15. Further details to be publicized soon. For more information, please contact Terry Birdsong . The book is available at Amazon.
A St. Luke's Believe Out Loud Presentation on Couple Therapy

Thursday, April 25, at 6:30 pm,
St. Luke's Episcopal Church parish hall

"New Ways to Understand and Improve Your Relationship: Insight From a Couple Therapist." You are invited to learn more about the neuroscience of love and how you can use it to create a better relationship with your partner that will enhance the quality of your life.  Guest speaker Dr. Beth O’Brien, PhD, is a licensed psychologist in Fort Collins with 25 years of counseling experience and special training in the Psychobiological Approach to the Couple. Dr. O’Brien will explain how understanding attachment styles and the science of the brain and emotions can help you deal with problem areas in a relationship and feel closer and more secure. There may be in-class exercises and discussion as well as an exercise to practice at home. This special event will include light refreshments. We would appreciate knowing that you plan to attend.  All are welcome, whether currently in a relationship or not. There is no fee. Email Gayle at St. Luke's for more information and to sign up.
Flowers for the Altar

T o dedicate altar flowers in memory of a loved one, in celebration of a birthday or anniversary, or just to express gratitude to God, sign up on the list located on the red bulletin board where we used to gather for coffee. The money for these flowers comes from donations. We ask for a $25 donation, but any amount is acceptable. Write the check to St. Paul’s, put “Flowers” in the memo line, and put it in the offering plate. Thanks!
"Vessels of Love"

“As I wipe off the chalice and drape it with a purificator I reflect that I am not a very shiny vessel. And yet God has chosen to abide in my heart."

-- Laurie Gudim writes for Speaking to the Soul at the Episcopal Cafe. Read the full reflection HERE .