St. Paul's Episcopal Church Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
MESSENGER
"Making friends while serving God"
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The Week of May 18-24, 2021 |
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The Holy Spirit, whom Jesus promised to his followers, is the great gift of God. Without the Spirit of Jesus we can do nothing, but in and through his Spirit we can live free, joyful, and courageous lives. We cannot pray, but the Spirit of Christ can pray in us. We cannot create peace and joy, but the Spirit of Christ can fill us with a peace and joy that is not of this world. We cannot break through the many barriers that divide races, sexes, and nations, but the Spirit of Christ unites all people in the all-embracing love of God. The Spirit of Christ burns away our many fears and anxieties and sets us free to move wherever we are sent. That is the great liberation of Pentecost.
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To be redirected to the Lectionary Page and get a digital copy of the readings
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Acts 2:1-21; Psalm 104:25-35,37; Romans 8:22-27;
John 15:26-27, 16:4B-15;
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The Sunday Sermon
Acts 1: 1-11, the Ascension
Today we are celebrating the Feast of the Ascension of Jesus Christ. The actual feast day was last Thursday, but we are transferring it to today. In earlier years people came to church on Ascension Thursday; after all, it is a holy day of obligation. But for some reason, with the exception of Christmas, major feast days that occur during the week no longer draw any kind of attendance at church. Perhaps it is because we don’t get the day off from work or from school, as we do on Christmas. Consequently, we now tend to celebrate major weekday feasts on the nearest Sunday.
Let me tell you a story; it kind of suggests that the Ascension of Jesus to heaven represents the biggest mistake that Jesus could have ever made. What he did was leave us, or a stronger word might be, he deserted us. He left his gospel and the life of his infant Church in our hands. It feels like a huge mistake because as the story goes after Christ ascended into heaven, many of the angels gathered around to welcome him back, and to hear about his activities on earth. So, Jesus told them about his joyous birth, with shepherds and the wise men coming to adore him and bringing him gifts. He talked about his adventures, his teaching, preaching, and healing which he did throughout the Palestinian countryside. He shared the story of his death and resurrection, and how those powerful acts opened the gates of heaven to all of humankind.
As Jesus was talking, the angel Gabriel was not too far away getting trumpet lessons from Louie Armstrong. Gabriel noticed the crowd, excused himself from the celebrated musician, and went over and listened to what Jesus was saying. He then said, “Well, now that you’re back, how is your work on earth to be continued? What is your plan?” And Jesus kind of scratched his head and said, “I gathered a small group of people down there who believed in me and loved me, a group of decent folks, and they’re going to continue spreading the gospel and expanding the Church.” The angels were shocked by his words; they looked directly at him and Gabriel said, “What will you do if this small group fails? Do you have a backup plan?” And Jesus said, “I have no other plan.”
In other words, my friends, we’re it! The ball is in our court. The work of spreading the kingdom is in our hands. There are no other plans. We heard it read in this morning’s first lesson; we are called to be witnesses to Christ to the ends of the earth. And in the second reading St. Paul encourages us by saying, “May God enlighten the eyes of our hearts so that we may know the great hope to which we have been called.” “…to which you and I have been called.”
So, how are we doing? Well if I think about it a while, I am not too happy about the way the Church, the Church which Christ wanted to be one began to splinter during the reformation when we started to argue points of theology, and people were executed because they dared to have a different interpretation of Holy Scripture. And the more we split apart the less convincing we could be as witnesses of Christ. Lord knows I have had many people catch me when I happened to be in clericals at an airport, and ask me how the Church can present a united front when it is fragmented into so many denominations. I wonder what the ascended Christ is thinking as he sees not just the aforementioned events, but also the wars that keep occurring, the famine that keeps killing our children, and that ugly theme which keeps presenting itself called “man’s inhumanity to man?”
Perhaps Christ Jesus continues to have faith in us because of the ministries of people like Pope John XXIII; the man who it is said opened the windows of the Vatican in the sixties so that the Holy Spirit might be able to enter. He introduced the word “ecumenism” which quickly became part of the vocabulary of most of the Christian Church. Because of his work there is an Anglican-Roman Catholic commission whose goal is to strive for unity between the two Churches. Encouraged by his vision we, the Anglican Communion, are also in conversation with many Protestant denominations with the intent that someday we may all be in communion. And why are these goals so important? Because the greater we are in number, the more we are able to work together, the more effective we can be in doing the work Christ left for us to do when he ascended into heaven.
Again, the angels asked Jesus what will happen if those folks down there fail in their attempt to carry out your ministry. I have an answer for Michael, Gabriel and all those other angels that are questioning Christ. There are things we have done and are doing about which we are ashamed, but with people like Archbishop Desmond Tutu, with Pope John XXIII, Martin Luther King, Mother Theresa, Nelson Mandela, Archbishop Oscar Romero, with those whose good works are well documented; people like the many celebrities, athletes, and movie stars who have created foundations to help the poor, the hungry and the sick, and finally every single person in this church who is not only committed to, but acts on his or her commitment to love his or her neighbor.
Michael, Gabriel, you questioning angels and all the company of heaven hear this, “We shall overcome!
--Fr. C. Allan Ford
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50 YEARS AND COUNTING....
Believe it or not May 21, 1971 was a Friday just like May 21, 2021 will be. 50 years! It doesn't seem like that much time has gone by... I walked into an empty church that Friday afternoon after a job interview at Standard Gage. I knew no one here. Had no idea where I would spend the night... but I did know where I would work on Monday and where I would worship on Sunday.
The last 50 years has been a roller coaster ride of emotions, friendships, hardships, back up plans, no plans and all the emotions any family adventure can have... I have been supported, insulted ( you should leave... we have money missing... don't send letters (even when because of your own issues that's the easiest way for you to communicate) don't sing because you can't... don't volunteer or just do things because then others won't step forward, no one's in charge (you coughed yesterday please consider others safety) hugged, driven places, fed often, been told often if you want something done give it to Rose Marie it will then happen. The children I taught in Sunday School are now young adults. I have supported unpopular events (like the reopening of the Thrift Shop) just because I thought it was the right thing to do. There are very few jobs I have not done here at least once. I've lost my keys more here than ever at home... I volunteered to be a member of the Altar Guild 42 years ago... just try it for couple weeks see if it feels comfortable... Guess it must because I'm still at it...
Many have come... Many have left...either called 'home' or had an issue with a cleric or another member or the office personal, didn't agree with a vestry decision or issue with music... So why did I stay when leaving could have been easier? I have shed many tears of hurt, frustration, embarrassment but I would read Psalm 91 one more time and come back to do whatever was next... I have a few reasons for staying... this is my family.. you stick it out because that's what loves does... I love this tired old building... but mostly (what the ones who wanted me to leave didn't realize) was for whatever reason this is where God planted me; through His grace and the power of the Holy Spirit I will continue doing whatever part I can do to continue to run the race He has set out for me.
I love, respect and appreciate you all! I am grateful for all you all are and do...
Be very safe... Remain Blessed...
Just Me!!!!
--Rose Marie Proctor
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IN CHURCH WORSHIP SERVICES FIRST AND THIRD SUNDAYS OF THE MONTH
After having done Zoom church for almost four months we will resume in person worship on the first and third Sundays of the month with a 10:00am Service and we will celebrate Communion, but it will be bread only. All other Sundays of the month will be on Zoom format for now.
We will have a single service on Sundays with no midweek healing service. All congregants will be required to wear masks. Pews will be marked off to easily facilitate social distancing between family groups. All music will be instrumental with no singing. The Peace will be a non contact event. We will not be observing communion. There will be no coffee hour.
Bathrooms will be open, but please use a paper towel to touch all common surfaces: doors and sink handles.
There are other tweaks that will be made to facilitate the reopening of the Church. Please know that these changes will be as small as possible and are done with the health and safety of our church family as top priority.
Please bring your mask and your patience to 161 Mansion Street on Sunday as we again get to worship together in the church. Thanks be to God.
--Shawn Prater-Lee
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ZOOM CHURCH LINK FOR ALL SERVICES
We're going to again follow the in church services at 10:00am on the first and third Sundays, all other Sundays on Zoom format for now.
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
Total deposits for the past week - $1701 (no money for the Food Pantry). Many thanks to all who have been generously supporting the Food Pantry. We're looking forward to seeing you on Zoom until further notice.
A reminder - counting is always done on Mondays. 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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By Egan Millard
The service is intended to honor the memory of George Floyd as an individual, but also as one of many people of color who have been killed by police in the United States, and also to honor the national movement to end police brutality and systemic racism.
--The Rev. Dcn. Julett Butler
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VACCINE INFO AND SCHEDULING APPOINTMENTS
Please use the link below to look up and schedule appointments for vaccines, at all available sites in the area.
--Aleen Josephs Clarke
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_3 Aiden Curtis
_7 Clifford Clarke
__ Christiana Hope Prater-Lee
11 Mary Wethington
----Cary Curtis
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15 Joanna Frang
17 Kataleya Anani Mayorga-Cash
18 Claudette Tucker
20 George Santos Jr.
___Richlina Angel Hodge
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22 Shiann Mayorga-Cash
27 Mark Goodwin
30 Deborah Pitcher
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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
MAY 2021
Our prayers are asked for:
Carol; Chris; Sandra; George, Norm; Fr. Tyler & Molly; 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; Richardson 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, Linda, Phil, Jody; 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
May 18-24, 2021
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TUE____ 18
WED ___ 19
THU____ 20
SUN____ 23
MON____24
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10:00am
10:00am
10:00am
10:00am
_6:00pm
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Food Pantry & Thrift Shop
Food Pantry & Thrift Shop
Food Pantry & Thrift Shop
Zoom - Rite II, Ante Communion
Evening Prayer; Vestry
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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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