St. Paul's Episcopal Church Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
MESSENGER
"Making friends while serving God"
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The Week of June 15-20, 2021 |
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Jesus asked them, “Why are you terrified?
Do you not yet have faith?”—Mark 4:40
Were you afraid of the dark when you were a child? I certainly was. Although there was a nightlight in my room, I was still often afraid because that soft light — which was there for comfort — cast shadows and didn’t quite penetrate to every part of the room, including those corners where I knew something sinister was lurking.
Like countless children through the ages, I feared what I didn’t understand, and my young mind couldn’t penetrate the mystery of night’s darkness.
When we think of the experience of the disciples related in this Sunday’s account of Jesus calming the storm at sea, it’s easy to sympathize with their plight, even as we might be tempted to shake our heads at what we — who like to imagine ourselves to be more enlightened — dismiss as a limited vision and weak faith. After all, they had already seen Jesus demonstrate the divine power that was at work within him in acts of healing and heard his teachings. Why should they possibly feel frightened because of the storm that was raging around them?
Just like a child who still feels fear, even though she has been assured, again and again, that she is safe and secure and that the shadows that seem to be hiding places for monsters are really just tricks of the light, our faith and confidence can also fail us when we encounter frightening or uncertain realities in our lives. In our most human moments, we are not all that different from those frightened disciples. But as we reflect on the text of this Sunday’s Gospel, we also recognize that fear is not the end of the story.
In his Gospel, Saint Mark is again and again inviting us to join the disciples in asking, “Who is this?” Because, for Mark, Jesus is the embodiment of the saving work of God and each of the miracle stories he relates becomes an opportunity to come to a deeper understanding of Jesus as the one who brings God’s power and providence to human needs.
Although our Lectionary translation of this passage tells us that Jesus “woke up” (in verse 39) after the disciples called out to him, a more specific translation of the Greek word diegertheis (literally “getting up”) conveys the image of Jesus rising to his full height in the stern of the boat, directly confronting the nearly overwhelming power of the wind and the waves. Mark seems to be invoking Old Testament images of God’s power over raging waters (including those in Job and Psalm 107 that we hear in the First Reading and Responsorial Psalm assigned for this Sunday). The evangelist is proclaiming that Jesus possesses the same divine power that inspired the faith and hope of the people of Israel for generations.
In a sense, this passage is holding up a mirror for us, inviting us to look at our own lives and to consider how we respond when all hell seems to be breaking out around us. Do we revert to an unenlightened fear as we try to hold onto some illusion of control, or do we find hope and confidence in what has been revealed to us about God’s power and action, even if we might not be able to recognize it in the moment?
In The Road to Peace, Henri Nouwen reflected, “Fear is not of God,” going on to add that God is “the God of love, a God who invites you to receive — to receive the gifts of joy and peace and gratitude of the poor, and to let go of your fears so that you can start sharing what you are so afraid to let go of.”
The invitation for us in this Sunday’s liturgy is to allow Jesus’ questions to the disciples to lead us into a deeper reflection on the power of God that is at work both within himself and, through faith, in us. Rather than freeing the disciples from any experience of fear or suffering — or simply explaining away their fears — Jesus invites us to look with the eyes of faith so that fear may be replaced with wonder and awe at what God has done — and is continuing to do — in our lives and in the world.
Bro. Silas Henderson, SDS
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To be redirected to the Lectionary Page and get a digital copy of the readings
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1 Samuel 17:57-18:5, 10-16; Psalm 133;
2 Corinthians 6:1-13; Mark 4:35-41
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The Sunday Sermon
Mark 4:26-34
This, in my opinion, this gospel does not make for easy preaching. So, if ever there is a Sunday you choose to daydream during the sermon, or drift off into silent slumber, I won’t be offended if you do it this morning. Especially since with zoom I won’t know!
What we have this morning are two parables about seeds. The subject of seeds seems innocuous enough, but if we have learned anything about the gospels, we have come to understand that looks can be deceiving. The first parable is about a farmer. Farmers are usually known to be hard working laborers. They rise with the sun and work continually through the day until dusk. Yet in this parable we have a farmer who apparently goes out one morning with a sack over his shoulder like Johnny Appleseed tossing seeds left and right for about an hour. He then goes inside to enjoy, shall we say, a cappuccino, a cold beer and a good book as he slips into his Lazy-Boy recliner. And that’s it for the farmer. His job is done. He doesn’t fertilize; he doesn’t till, or water the seed. However, while he sleeps every night the crops grow.
I repeat, this gospel is difficult to preach, because it offers a strange message. What I mean is this is a perfect passage if you want to preach that God delivers an abundant harvest to farmers without the farmers having to do much in the way of work, simply sow a few seeds here and there. Surely this is not the message we want our young people just starting out in the work force to hear. It suggests that we don’t have to work very hard in order to receive great rewards. Are any of you sleeping yet?
The second parable of the mustard seed is just as strange. The smallest seed when planted grows into a huge tree that provides shade and shelter. This isn’t the passage to read to someone considering investing in the stock market because they may assume that with God on their side their tiny little investment will grow so large that it will provide for a new home, several fancy automobiles, and all the other luxuries one needs to relax and enjoy life.
What seems to be the case with these parables is that when it comes to the kingdom of God we assume that God does most of the work, and what he does will always exceed our expectations, giving us all that we need. But what if looks can be deceiving?
What if we are not the sowers, not the farmers in the parables? What if God is the sower in the parables and we are the seeds? What if God relies upon us once he tosses us into the soil; relies upon us to germinate, relies upon us to grow in grace and bring his gospel to the world? Everything gets turned upside down when we look at the parable in this way. We get thrown into the soil, and are nurtured and fertilized through prayer, by our reading the Sacred Scriptures, and when possible, gaining strength through meeting Christ in the Eucharist on Sunday mornings.
When we read this morning’s gospel in that fashion, we see ourselves called to emulate the behavior of the disciples after they were visited by the Holy Spirit on that day of Pentecost. We find that our baptismal vows begin to echo in our ears. But the question is, do we, do we as seeds tossed into this world in which God wants his kingdom realized as it is in heaven, do we feel adequate to the task? I believe it matters not if we are a Mother Theresa; it matters not if we are an automobile mechanic, or an inmate in a prison. If we love God, despite any imperfections we may have, trust me, God will use us.
I have to tell you a story. A young man was ordained deacon on a Saturday morning, much the same way Julett Butler was ordained not too long ago. The following Sunday he was invited to be deacon at the Eucharist and preach at his home parish. He was so excited that he forgot to invoke the Holy Trinity as he began his sermon. The rector immediately cut in on him and invoked the Trinity on his behalf. The poor guy wanted to unzip the floor, climb in and zip it closed. But he went ahead and preached. And later in the mass at the offertory, as he was still trying to forget the mistake he made at the genesis of his sermon, he tripped over his untied shoelaces as he was going up the stairs to the altar to set things up for the reception of the gifts of bread and wine. Flat on his face he fell, sacred vestments and all, his self-image falling on the floor with him. For a split second he wondered if there was some liturgical move he could make, to make people think he was supposed to fall at that point in the liturgy. There was none. At the end of the liturgy, at the church door, one after another the parishioners praised him, thanked him, and told him that his sermon and his presence at the altar was an inspiration to them all. In fact, as one person put it, “It taught us that God will use us despite our imperfections, despite the mistakes we make.
Listening to what the parishioners had to say, that young deacon learned an important lesson that day that has stayed with him through his years of ministry. And by the way, when he has made subsequent mistakes through the years, he simply says to himself or aloud, “God isn’t finished with me yet.” That young deacon was me 61 years ago on the 12th of June. And at the end of every day I thank God for loving me and using me despite my mistakes.
--Fr. C. Allan Ford
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CHURCH SERVICE AND PARISH PICNIC AT GERMANIA SUNDAY, JUNE 20TH!! |
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The summer St. Paul's Picnic and outdoor service
will be held Sunday at Germania on DeGarmo Road.
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ANNUAL OUTDOOR SERVICE & PICNIC - THIS SUNDAY, JUNE 20
GERMANIA RECREATION GROUNDS - Old DeGarmo Rd.
Directions - Take Rte. 44 - go past Adams - turn right at the Purple Parlor Car Wash. Turn onto the first road on the right - Old DeGarmo Rd. The shelter is the second driveway on the left - you’ll see the shelter right there!!
Picnic will follow the 10:00am service. Hope to see EVERYONE there. The church will provide paper supplies, utensils, hot dogs, burgers, rolls and condiments. Please bring some food to share.
Questions - email, text or call Bobbie Gordon or the church office
--Bobbie Gordon
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MOVING TO MORE IN PERSON SERVICE
As more and more people are getting vaccinated against COVID 19 the Bishop has eased some of the restrictions that have affected our worship. Given this the Vestry has decided that starting with the month of June all services (at 10:00am), except for the second Sunday of the month, will be in person and will include singing. We also hope to be able to broadcast the in person service live on our YouTube channel.
Our mask rule remains that anytime you are moving from your pew that you have your mask on. When you are seated you may take off your mask if you choose to do so. If you are singing please put on your mask. Thank you for helping to keep our community safe.
The second Sunday of the month will be on Zoom (see below for Zoom link). This allows us to have the coffee hour discussions and to retain those parishioners who are able to only be with us remotely.
We hope to see you on Zoom on Sunday and in person whenever you can make it in.
--Shawn Prater-Lee
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ZOOM CHURCH LINK FOR ALL SERVICES
All services except for the second Sunday (on Zoom) of the month, will be in person at 10:00am and will include singing.
Our Zoom connections remain the same and are
Meeting ID: 823 3911 5280
One tap mobile
+16465588656,,82339115280# US (New York)
+13017158592,,82339115280# US (Germantown)
Dial by your location
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
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ST. PAUL'S CHURCH YOUTUBE CHANNEL
We now have a YouTube channel.
To get there PLEASE CLICK THE LINK BELOW:
or search on YouTube for St. Paul's Poughkeepsie.
We hope to put copies of all of our online services there.
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ACCEPTING DONATIONS FOR RUMMAGE SALE & PENNY SOCIAL
Bring donations to the church door between 10 am & 2 pm - Wed., June 16, Thurs., June 17 and Fri., June 18. Acceptable items: women’s, men’s & children’s gently used clothing, shoes, handbags, housewares, knick knacks, pictures, small furniture, lamps.
NOT ACCEPTING : bedding, seasonal items, jewelry, electronics, appliances.
PLEASE BRING YOUR DONATIONS AT THESE TIMES!!! Someone will be there to accept them. Many thanks.
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Don’t forget to let either Bobbie or Janet know when and where you’d like to volunteer June 19. If you are able to - we could also use help sorting Friday, June 18 between 10 & 2. Please speak to either of us to volunteer. We will also need help from men early and late that day to set up and break down tables and chairs. Early- between 8-10 a.m. ; late - between 3 - 4 p.m. Many thanks for any help you can give. |
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A NOTE FROM THE TREASURY TEAM
Total deposits for the past week - $621 (no money for the Food Pantry). Many thanks to all who have been generously supporting the Food Pantry.
A reminder - Please remember to either mail in your pledge or drop it off through the mail slot any day during the week. The correct address is: 161 Mansion St., Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
ST. PAUL’S THANKS YOU!!!
--Bobbie Gordon
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2021 STRENGTHENING FAMILIES FORUM |
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--The Rev. Dcn. Julett Butler |
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_2 Donna Taylor
_ _Kevin James Kelly
_7 Molly Jones
__ Serena Mazzuto
10 Hyacinth Curtis
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11 Ira wethington
12 Garrett Martin Bell
13 Kimberli Williams
15 Bobbie Gordon
17 Benjamin Charles Rosborough
__ Jordan William Rosborough
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22 Michael Babb
25 Donna Hosier
30 Luke Goodwin
__ Amanda Rose Bell
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Please keep those on our parish prayer list in your minds and in your prayers, especially at this time of separation and isolation.
Intercessions
JUNE 2021
Our prayers are asked for:
Tish; Mary Ann; Tommy; Carol; Chris; Sandra; George, Norm; Janett; Kay, Katherine, Renate; Frank Burnett, Food Pantry Volunteers, victims of Human/Sex Trafficking; Burton family; Lillian, Matthew, Sasha; Joe, G.J., Aleta, Plain family, Melius family; Ibadan Diocese, All Saints' Church, Oni family; Gary, Legend; Rhonda, Joe, Ann, all Teachers, Parents, Students, Theodore, John, Paul, Kathy; Sharon Greene, Owen, Agnes, Norma; McLauren family; Graham family; Wood family; Braxton family; Lori, Steven, Jim, Seth; Phil; All essential workers; Beryl & Glen, Vincent family; George; Daniel Mizell and family; Liz, Martha; Eileen; the Butler, Richards and Barrett families; Fr. Allan and family; St. Paul's Vestry; Darien family; Sherow family; Edna Clarke, Michelle, Kathy B.; Carola and Violet; Whitman, Medical Reserve Corp. of Dutchess County, The Laken family; All Parishioners; Kairos International, Catherine, Michelle, Yamily; Matthew, Lillian; Lynita, Perry, Melius family, Sasha; Stacey; Tucker family, Branch family, Atkinson family; Alison, McGhan, Sterling, Unah, Avonel, Kim, Santos family, Madeline, Bramble, Charlie, Cynthia, Gencia, Val, Joanne, Janet, Corkey, Pelaez, Josephs-Clarke family, Dixon family, Paulette, Jarah, Mertlyn; Adam, Paul, Andrew & family, Douglas family, Ron, Dave, Liz; Jill, Lana, Andrew, Susan; Schneider family, all in need; Susie; Sherry, Claudia
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Please "Like" our page to stay up to date with all services and events.
St. Paul's Episcopal Church - Poughkeepsie
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'In Service to God & You' |
Our food pantry volunteers are in active service at St. Paul's these days. We give thanks to them and thanks to God for their willingness to help us by helping others. |
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THIS WEEK'S CALENDAR
JUNE 15-20, 2021
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TUE___ 15
WED___ 16
THU___ 17
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FRI____18
SAT___ 19
SUN___ 20
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10:00am
10:00am
10:00am
10:00am
10:00am
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10:00am
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Food Pantry & Thrift Shop
Food Pantry & Thrift Shop; Rummage collection
Food Pantry & Thrift Shop; Rummage collection
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Rummage collection
Spring Fling
Rite II - Outdoor Service and Church Picnic. Father's Day
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YOUR NEWS BELONGS IN ST. PAUL'S MESSENGER
Help us get the word out by submitting news of parish activities. Send submittals to stpaulpk@verizon.net or call 845 452 8440
Give us a call today!
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St. Paul's Episcopal Church 161 Mansion Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
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