St. Paul's Episcopal Church Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
MESSENGER
"Making friends while serving God"
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The Week of December 7-13, 2021 |
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Charles Benjamin
1941 - 2021
Dear St. Paul’s Community,
We are very sad about the death of Charlie Benjamin last Sunday, December 5th. He left us surrounded by family and friends at his home. Charlie's funeral will be held Saturday, December 18th, at 11:00 am, at St. Paul's. We'll share further details as we know them.
Let us pray.
Father of all, we pray to you for those we love, but see no longer: Grant them your peace; let light perpetual shine upon them; and, in your loving wisdom and almighty power, work in them the good purpose of your perfect will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
--Mary+
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Advent Quiet Day
Time for Praying/Playing
Saturday Dec 11, 9:00am - 12 noon
NY Diocese Mid-Hudson Regional Office
Huntington Lane, West Park, next to Holy Cross Monastery
(GPS: 1605 Rte 9W, Esopus, NY 12429)
For members of St. Paul’s and St. George’s, led by Rev. Mary
We will get together to explore different ways to pray during this Advent season. There will be some lecture, discussion, and time to try things out for yourself. There will also be free time to walk on the Holy Cross monastery grounds or read quietly.
Spend some time with each other and with God! For a few hours, get out of the busy-ness of the season and recenter and refresh yourself.
Breakfast and all materials provided. Please bring a journal/notebook and pen. Dress comfortably and warmly if you think you’ll want to walk outside.
--The Rev. Dr. Mary E. Barber
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We claim that God is a God of life
even when we see death and destruction and agony all around us.
We say it together. We affirm it in one another.
Waiting together, nurturing what has already begun,
expecting its fulfillment—that is the meaning of community and the Christian life.
Henri Nouwen
--Shawn Prater Lee
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To be redirected to the Lectionary Page and get a digital copy of the readings
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Zephaniah 3:14-20; Canticle 9; Philippians 4:4-7; Luke 3:7-18
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The Sunday Sermon
21-12-5 St P Advent II Luke 3:1-6
The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make God’s paths straight.
Many of us have heard this call from the prophet Isaiah year after year during Advent. We may have heard it sung as part of Handel’s Messiah, or even sung it ourselves. It is the cry of a people exiled to Babylon by a tyrannical empire, the cry of a people longing to go home again. John the Baptist repeats this cry from his wilderness, the cry of his people oppressed by another empire, Rome. The cry is a call to turn to God in times of great suffering.
We have heard this message so many times, we could easily gloss over it, just let it become nice background to this holiday time. Except that we too are in the wilderness right now, in this long COVID pandemic that we don’t seem to be able to get to the end of. We are in a wilderness of political division and senseless gun violence. And we are crying out to God. We too want to see some signs of valleys and hills being smoothed out in our times. We too need a John the Baptist to wash us clean and give us, all of us, a new start.
This is what the season of Advent is all about. A longing, in cloudy, confusing, scary times, in this season where daylight is short, a longing for something new to be born. That confusion, fear, and longing are so real for many of us this year, this Advent. We can feel it all deeply in our bodies.
We cry out for another reason this week as well. Longtime St. Paul’s member Owen, Scotty, who had just moved to South Carolina in May, died last week. And our friend and brother Charlie is in the final phase of his struggles against cancer. And we cry out to God, why does this have to happen? Why must we suffer these losses in these times? Why can’t Charlie be celebrating with us here, today, playing drums for the service, or working with the rest of the finance team as he was doing when he first began showing symptoms?
We don’t want to lose our loved ones. We don’t want them to suffer. Why did Owen, why does Charlie, have to go down into this valley, to climb this hill? Why do we?
As I visited Charlie and Cynthia this weekend, I could feel the struggle and suffering. I looked at Charlie in bed and I could sense that I was looking at Christ on the cross. And yet, there was something else to sense and see as well. It was Jesus, in a manger, just around the corner, in the distance. Jesus, waiting to be born in Charlie.
You see, Charlie has done his work, over many years, over many acts of service and love, for his family, for his community, for his church. He has done the work to make his paths straight, to have all his actions and focus point him right into the arms of God at this time. And now God is preparing Charlie’s way, acting as midwife, drawing Charlie into new birth, into new life in Christ.
You, the St. Paul’s community, have been walking with Charlie on this path for many years. You have enjoyed his musical talents. You have seen his children and grandchildren get bigger. You have seen him and Cynthia through some very difficult times. You have seen them show up for you in your difficult times. You have helped him build the path he is on now. He has helped you with your path.
This is what life is about. This is what love is about. This is what God is about. And this is the Advent story we tell to help understand it all. Death and new life. New life coming in the midst of death. It is incredibly painful, because love is painful at times. It is incredibly painful and hard, because new birth is painful and hard.
But this love, that also causes us pain, is what gets us through. Love is what allowed John the Baptist to leave his comfortable home with his father Zechariah the priest and his mother Elizabeth, to go out into the wilderness, to the unknown, to hear the word of God. The love present among the people of St. Paul’s has gotten the community through many challenges, through many hills and valleys. A fire. A pandemic. And many other losses and changes. With a lot of group texts and group emails, meetings at the Palace Diner, visits, meals delivered, hugs given and received. This is what will carry this community through our current times, and help us to be open to whatever new things, whatever new people, we will welcome in. We make the way smooth, straight, we make this path together.
So now we make our own cry, in our own wilderness. In this twenty-fifth year of the reign of the emperor Jeff Bezos, when Joe Biden is president of the United States, in the dawn of the third year of the COVID pandemic, with over 5 million people dead and many more sick, in a time of young people, especially Black men, being shot dead, in a time when our planet is struggling to breathe, we cry out to God.
We cry out to God, and we pray. We pray to make a path in our own hearts that leads directly to God. We pray to see signs of new life about to be born. We pray to stay hopeful, to not let our grief make us afraid to love. We pray for the strength to do the work we need to do to help birth this new thing that is to come. We pray for the wisdom and will to do the work to fill in the valleys, to lower the mountains and hills, for ourselves, for our community, and for the world. We pray for Christ to come. We pray to prepare for his coming. Amen.
--The Rev. Dr. Mary E. Barber
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ITEMS ARE:
A WINE BASKET
A GINGERBREAD HOUSE
$25 GIFT CARD FOR ADAMS
$25 GIFT CARD FOR KOHL’S
$25 GIFT CARD FOR TEXAS ROADHOUSE
TICKETS: $1 EACH, 6 FOR $5 OR 12 FOR $10
All items will be displayed beginning Sunday, December 5.
You buy your tickets, put your name & phone number on them and place them in the cup next to the item or items you wish to win.
GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE and THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
DRAWING HELD SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19
FOLLOWING THE 10:00 A.M. SERVICE OF LESSONS AND CAROLS
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CHURCH DIRECTORY UPDATE
We are updating our directory so we are requesting that you complete the directory form even if you think we have all of the correct information. Please let us know of any changes in the future. Forms will be either distributed in church or mailed to you.
--Bobbie Gordon
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Our mask policy has changed due to new safety concerns that have developed. We ask that all people please wear masks while in church except when seated. If you are singing, please put on your mask. Thank you for helping to keep our community safe.
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IN-PERSON SUNDAY SERVICES
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 all services (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.
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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A NOTE FROM THE TREASURY TEAM
The total deposits are reported on a monthly basis. Please watch for it at the end of the month.
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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Lessons and Carols with Bethlehem
Simulcast between Philadelphia and Bethlehem
Dec. 18 @ 10 a.m. ET
Event Title Lessons and Carols with Bethlehem When does it start? 12/18/2021 @ 10 a.m. ET Event Host and/or Location Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania What kind of event is it? Worship Service Event Details Simulcast live between the Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral in the United States and the Christmas Lutheran Church in Bethlehem, Palestine.Dec. 18th at 10am, via www.bethlehemsimulcast.org.
Join us online for the 15th annual Christmas Lessons and Carols simulcast live between the Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral in the United States and the Christmas Lutheran Church in Bethlehem, Palestine, on Saturday, December 18th at 10 a.m. EST and 5 p.m. Bethlehem time. Hear familiar carols and readings in Arabic and English, and a word of hope preached this year by Bishop Sani Azar of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land.
The Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania is delighted to host this event as part of its growing covenant partnership with the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem. This event serves as a fundraiser for the vital work of Christians in the Holy Land, so please consider donating as you livestream.
Finally, hold the Palestinian Christian community in your prayers this Advent. They continue to bear witness to the love of Christ through their congregations and vital service institutions. In so doing, they keep burning the light that was lit by Jesus through his birth, life, death, and resurrection, and through the litany of the saints who have ministered in that land ever since.
For questions, please contact the Rev. Canon Matthew Dayton-Welch, Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania Canon for the Holy Land, at rector@stalbansnewtownsquare.org.
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Hello Friends of Kairos Prison Ministry,
We are asking for your help to provide Christmas gifts for young men incarcerated in one of our facilities operated by the New York Office of Children and Family Services.
This opportunity comes at the request of several Chaplains that serve the youth in this facility whom we’re getting to know through discussions about starting the Kairos Torch program in them.
Giving us a beautiful way to demonstrate to the Chaplains, staff, and young men our Kairos heart.
The facility is Highland Residential Center, which is nine miles from Poughkeepsie. The Highland Center houses 35 boys.
If you’d like to contribute, please go on the New York state Kairos website -https://kairosofnewyork.org/ click on the 3 horizontal bars at the top left side of the page, click on donate and, click on the big red button or send a check to: Kairos of New York, PO Box 825, Potsdam, NY 13676
These are the items approved for Highland.
- Lotion Body wash
- Deodorant Toothbrush
- Toothbrush holder Toothpaste
- Socks Kleenex
- Chapstick Candy
Please bring your donations to Church and give them to Deacon Julett. May God bless us in this effort.
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TRAINING FOR LAY PASTORAL CARE MINISTERS
The Episcopal Diocese of New York is sponsoring Community of Hope International (COHI)l training for lay pastoral care ministers beginning February 2022 from 7 to 8 pm on Tuesdays via Zoom.
The classes provide an opportunity for lay ministers to discern possible parish or parish sponsored "out of parish" ministries through an experience of Benedictine Spirituality and will equip participants with the skills needed to engage effectively as pastoral care ministers. The topics and dates are listed below:
(1) February 1 – Benedictine Spirituality
(2) 8 – Theology of Pastoral Care/Pastoral Identity
(3) 15 – Listening Skills
(4) 22 – Prayer, Meditation and Silence
(5) March 8 – Motivational Spiritual Gifts
(6) 15 – Pastoral Care Visits with Boundaries
(7) 22 – Grief, Coping with Loss
(8) 29 - Understanding Family Systems
(9) April 5 – Confidentiality, Debriefing and First Simulation
(10) 19 – Pastoral Care for Seniors
(11) 26 – Second Simulation
(12) May 3 – Care for the Caregivers
(13) 10 – Prayer Service and Commissioning
The total cost of the program is $55.
Last year's COHI cohort consisted of deacon postulants, deacons, a priest and lay participants. We are open to the same registration with a cap of approximately 15 participants. If you or your parishioners are interested in this program, please contact Deacon Richard Limato via email at @rplimato@saintmichaelschurch.org
I am happy to answer any questions by phone or arrange a Zoom informational meeting for you and your parishioners.
Thank you,
Richard
"Take hold of the life that really is life"
1 Timothy 6:19
Have a great day!!
The Rev'd. Deacon Denise LaVetty
Director, Diaconal Formation and Transition Ministries
Episcopal Diocese of New York
Deacon, Church of the Incarnation
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--The Rev. Dcn. Julett Butler
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OR CALL
Melissa Clarke
(Director of Community Impact)
845-471-1900 extension; 3128
United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region is partnering with Lyft to offer free rides to individuals needing transportation to and from COVID-19 vaccine appointments and COVID-19 booster vaccinations. The program covers up to $50 round trip. The individual must cover any expenses beyond $50.
The program is open to Dutchess and Orange residents in Newburgh and Poughkeepsie. It cannot be used for drive thru vaccination sites. Medicaid recipients are not eligible for this program. They can call their Medicaid provider to cover the cost of transportation.
Sign up to receive your unique code by clicking the "apply" button above. A person can apply the code to a round trip.
Rides can only be used as transportation to and from a vaccine clinic site. Users can apply for a second code to use for transportation to and from a second shot.
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La organizacion de United Way de la region de Dutches y Orange, en colaboracion con Lyft, estan ofreciendo transporte gratis a todos aquellos que necesitan vacunarse contra el Covid-19 y la vacuna del refuerzo. Este programa cubre hasta $50 de transporte- si el costo excede los $50, el cliente tendria que contribuir el balance del costo, de su propio bolsillo.
Este programa es ofrecido a todos los residents de Newburgh y Poughkeepsie y no puede ser utilizado para recibir las vacunas en centros de auto-servicio. Ademas, los residentes que reciben seguro medico por medio de “Medicaid” no son elegibles para participar. Sin embargo, los proveedores de Medicaid cubren el costo del transporte para vacunarse y los pacientes solo tienen que llamar a su proveedor de Medicaid para cuadrar su cita de vacunacion.
Inscribase para recibir su codigo unico haciendole clic al buton de arriba que dice “apply”. Este codigo se puede utilizer para el transporte de ida y vuelta.
El transporte ofrecido por medio de este programa solo puede ser utilizado para visitas clinicas que ofrecen las vacunas del Covid-19. Los usuarios de este transporte, pueden solicitar otro codigo para obtener la segunda vacuna, si es necesario.
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_3 Andre Josephs-Clarke
_7 Jeanne Henderson
_8 Brendan Foley
_9 Lillian Goldson
13 Lloyd Waldemar
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15 Jasmin Bryant
17 Felicia M. Santos-Patterson
20 Ruby Smith
23 Carol Anderson
__ Bruce Petito
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26 Maria Bell
29 Imina Sade Santos-Thompson
30 George Thomas
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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
DECEMBER 2021
Our prayers are asked for:
Episcopal Futures; Gary, Marianne; Stacey, Meghan, Peggy K.; Cynthia, Carol, Mary Ann, Jim, Seth, Lori, Neil; Whitman, Deb; Lillian, Adrienne; Chloe; Christine, Lucas, Santos family, Bramble Anna, Sterling, Avonel, Leigh family, Ron, Stewart, Tucker family, Hosier family, Darien family
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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
December 7-13, 2021
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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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