Weekly Newsletter
May 18, 2022
The Sixth Sunday in Eastertide
May 22, 2022
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8:00 am Rite I
10:30 am Rite II
Livestreamed Service: 10:30 am
There will be no Fellowship Time this week.
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Zoom Centering Prayer: Monday - Wednesday - Friday 9:00 am
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Dear Saints of St. Paul's,
I never cease to be amazed at how much goes on at St. Paul’s!
Of note in this week’s newsletter:
- Sue Cook offers a report from yesterday’s Vestry meeting that is followed by an invitation to a congregational conversation about the Sacred Space Project.
- In its May focus on Creation Care, the Stewardship Ministry Team offers a Creation Care prayer for this week as well as an invitation to join a “Car Free Day” that is planned for June 1.
- In the section “Deepening Our Faith,” you will find an announcement for a Mezzanine session entitled “Peace-making: Love + Justice = Peace” that is scheduled for May 26.
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In “Parish Library News,” Tracy Garret spotlights the book ninety-nine stories of God.
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In Diocesan News you will find statements from both Presiding Bishop Michael Curry and Bishop Rickel about the recent shootings in Buffalo. You will also find an invitation, from the diocesan “Meaningful Movies” project, to view the film Transhood.
- In “Parish Life and Announcements” you will find a “Thank You” for donations to the Little Free Pantry.
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In “St. Paul’s Prayer Ministries” Kathy Couch offers a reflection entitled “RENOVARĖ: Exploring the Spirit-Empowered Life.
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Finally, I would like to offer a note of gratitude to Pat and Doug McMinds for refreshing our sign board with new cork. Thank you!
Blessings on your week,
Dianne+
The Rev. Dianne Andrews, Rector
360.344.2728
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COVID requirements for worship May 22
- Masks during both services.
- Lectors and preachers may remove their masks while speaking.
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Eucharistic bread may be eaten before returning to your seat as the chalice will be offered, also. If you do not wish to drink from the chalice, cross your arms over your chest. The words "'The blood of Christ, the cup of salvation" will be said and are sufficient. There will be no intinction, i.e., dipping of bread in the wine.
- There will be no fellowship time this week.
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A highlight of yesterday’s Vestry meeting was a unanimous vote to appoint Margaret McGee as St. Paul’s Historian. In conversation about the Sacred Space Project, the Vestry decided to convene another all-congregation meeting for a discussion about the direction of the project. That meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, June 7th, 4:30-6:30 pm in the parish hall. Attendees may also participate via Zoom. Members of Vestry and of the congregation are being encouraged to read Richard Giles’ book Re-Pitching the Tent. This illuminating book explores the topic of “Re-ordering the Church Building for Worship and Mission,” is available online for as little as $8. There are several copies being circulated in the congregation and some more that will be coming from the Diocesan Resource Center library. To check on the book’s availability, contact the office during office. Hours (Tu-Wed-Thur 9 am – noon). Sometime in June, Dale Nienow will lead a discussion about the book. The three parish representatives who attended last week’s Bishop’s Leadership Conference shared highlights of their workshop experiences. Rev. Dianne, Norma VanValkenburg, and I are happy to share more about our conference experience with you. Please ask!
Sue Cook
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Sacred Space Congregational Conversation
Tuesday June 7, 4:30 pm
Hybrid: Parish Hall & Zoom
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The Vestry is inviting the congregation to a congregational conversation about the proposed sanctuary renovation. The congregation has been involved in this process for over a year. When we set out on this project, the pandemic interruption was framed as an “opportunity” to discern how God is calling us into the next chapter of our life of worship, learning and service. At present, the sanctuary is not serving us well. Our needs are to have flexible seating, enhanced lighting and audio, and more stable technical capability for a future that will continue to include livestreaming participation in worship. Our small space offers unique challenges.
Initial design concepts were presented by RMC architect Brad Cornwell on April 5. Since that time, the Vestry has received varieties of feedback about the concepts. The focus of this project has not been on what should stay and what should be changed, but on how our small worship space can best facilitate the worship experience, especially for those who will be coming to St. Paul’s for the first time and in years to come. Concepts of accessibility, hospitality, and radical welcome have guided the process.
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The vestry is also encouraging the congregation to read Richard Gile's book Re-Pitching the Tent. This book about worship spaces has been an important resource for the project. The author has helped many congregations re-envision their cherished worship spaces geared toward simplified, meaningful, and flexible designs. There will be a book discussion (date TBD) about the book, to be facilitated by Dale Nienow.
To learn more about The Very Rev. Richard Giles, you can view the video, below. Please note that, though Giles is discussing a cathedral worship space, the concepts are relevant to worship spaces in general.
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A Stewardship Focus on Creation Care
A Prayer for the Week
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O God, at creation your Spirit hovered over the ancient deep in which all life was born. In the waters of baptism we are recreated as your children. Bless all oceans and waters; Let your Spirit come and renew the face of the earth. Save us from selfish use of what you have given so that men and women everywhere may give you thanks, through the Eternal Word spoken eternally by God, whose Spirit fills all things and makes us whole. Amen. |
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Caring for God's Creation
Participate in Car Free Day on June 1
June 1st is a community-wide Car Free Day on June 1st. All are encouraged to consider how they might get to their destinations that day in a less car dependent way. And all who participate and fill out a participation form will be entered into prize drawings. Local businesses have kindly donated a range of amazing prizes including gift certificates for a dinner out or for purchases from local stores, movie tickets, gift baskets/goodie bags, free bike tune-ups, and more! The goal is for those across our community to try a less car-dependent way to commute for a day, as a way to reduce our community’s greenhouse gas emissions as well as other pollutants in our air and waters.
Some of the options for travel include taking the bus (which would could be on a zero-fare Jefferson Transit bus, or a school bus), carpooling, or biking or walking to work. Or perhaps you can work from home that day. You may find other benefits when trying an alternative, like getting exercise and getting to work or school at the same time, enjoying the carpool conversations, etc. And of course, it reduces the gasoline you burn, saving you money!
Participating is easy – on Wednesday, June 1st, reduce your driving commute in some way (some driving, like to a Park and Ride, is ok, as is carpooling), and keep track of how many miles you saved. Then, when you get home, fill out the participation form at l2020.org/carfreeday. The form will also gather information to help the organizers determine how much our community reduced our carbon footprint by that day, and will help them plan future opportunities to reduce transportation emissions.
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Easter Has Arrived! Time to Return Your Mite Boxes |
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Now that Easter has arrived, it is time to return your Lenten Mite Boxes. You may leave your boxes in the Narthex or return them to the Church office. Your checks may be made out to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church with the words “Mite Box” written in the “memo” space. Our collected funds this Lenten season support Bayside Housing & Services. We thank our Joanne Rittmueller for providing us a comprehensive look at how our donations help provide safe, suitable, sustainable, and regenerative housing and optional support services; where housing is valued as a basic human right. |
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Easter Offering Envelopes Will Be Available
Throughout Eastertide
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Easter Gift to go to
Episcopal Relief & Development
to Aid the People of Ukraine
Envelopes will be available at church on Easter Sunday.
Checks may be sent to the office with memo: ERD Aid for Ukraine
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Sunday's Service and Sermon |
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Than you Deacon Lani!
The Rev. Lani Hubbard, CFC
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Thursday Mezzanine
May 26, 4 pm
Peace-Making
(Love + Justice = Peace)
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Mark your calendars for Thursday, May 19th, 4:00 P.M. How does one respond to racial jokes and slurs by standing up for what is right while being loving? The issue often comes up when one least expects it and leaves a person feeling unprepared and uncomfortable. We would like to explore this issue with you so you can have some tools at your disposal. Please join us as we move towards becoming Beloved Community. This will be a hybrid event in the Parish Hall and on Zoom.
“Wherever and whenever hatred or bigotry rises up and is directed at any child of God, we who follow Jesus of Nazareth and therefore stand for love, must act. We must stand up, speak up and show up.” This is another step towards all of us becoming Beloved Community. The Most Reverend Michael Curry
If you plan to attend on Zoom, please contact Joanne Rittmueller rittmuellerjoanne@gmail.com or Ann Raymond araymond56@gmail.com to receive event materials and a Zoom link.
If you plan to attend in-person, please RSVP below.
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Do you plan on attending the May 26 Mezzanine session in-person or on zoom?
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LOCATION
Parish Hall and Zoom
DATE AND TIME
05/26/22 4:00pm
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05/26/22 5:30pm
Peace-Making
(Love+Justice=Peace)
May 16, 4 pm
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On display is Ninety-Nine Stories of God by author Joy Williams which is a New York Times Notable Book and a Best Book of the Year at Esquire, Seattle Times, Minnesota Star Tribune, Huffington Post, and Publishers Weekly. From “quite possibly America’s best living writer of short stories” (NPR), Ninety-Nine Stories of God finds Joy Williams reeling between the sublime and the surreal, knocking down the barriers between the workaday and the divine. Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award finalist Joy Williams has a one-of-a-kind gift for capturing both the absurdity and the darkness of everyday life. In Ninety-Nine Stories of God, she takes on one of mankind’s most confounding preoccupations: the Supreme Being.
This series of short, fictional vignettes explores our day-to-day interactions with an ever-elusive and arbitrary God. It’s the Book of Common Prayer as seen through a looking glass―a powerfully vivid collection of seemingly random life moments. The figures that haunt these stories range from Kafka (talking to a fish) to the Aztecs, Tolstoy to Abraham and Sarah, O. J. Simpson to a pack of wolves. Most of Williams’s characters, however, are like the rest of us: anonymous strivers and bumblers who brush up against God in the least expected places or go searching for Him when He’s standing right there. The Lord shows up at a hot-dog-eating contest, a demolition derby, a formal gala, and a drugstore, where he’s in line to get a shingles vaccination. At turns comic and yearning, lyric and aphoristic, Ninety-Nine Stories of God serves as a pure distillation of one of our great artists. (review from Amazon)
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The Women's Spiritual Growth Group
is currently meeting on Zoom.
Mondays 3-4:30 pm
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The WSGG is currently meeting on Zoom only. We hope to return to hybrid meetings sometime later in April.
All women are invited to attend.
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Becoming Beloved Community |
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Diocesan and Greater Episcopal Church News |
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My heart is heavy with the news that a white supremacist gunman took the lives of 10 children of God in Buffalo on Saturday. I grew up walking distance from the scene of this hateful crime, and my friends and I used to ride our bikes around the neighborhood. Buffalo’s Black community raised and formed me. I grieve with the city and people I love.
The loss of any human life is tragic, but there was deep racial hatred driving this shooting, and we have got to turn from the deadly path our nation has walked for much too long. Bigotry-based violence—any bigotry at all—against our siblings who are people of color, Jewish, Sikh, Asian, trans, or any other group, is fundamentally wrong. As baptized followers of Jesus of Nazareth, we are called to uphold and protect the dignity of every human child of God, and to actively uproot the white supremacy and racism deep in the heart of our shared life.
Please join me in prayer for the shattered families in Buffalo. Please also join me in expressing profound gratitude for the intervention by Buffalo police that likely saved many other lives. Even amid tragedy, even when manifestations of evil threaten to overwhelm, let us hold fast to the good. It is the only way that leads to life.
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Bishop Rickel's Statement on the Shootings in Buffalo
Like you, I was horrified to learn of the racist act of terror and violence that claimed the lives of 10 innocent people on Saturday in Buffalo, NY, injuring three more. White supremacy - in all its forms - continues to perpetuate violence and trauma in Black communities, and we must continually work to dismantle racism in our communities, in our churches, and in our own lives.
I grieve with those families who have lost someone this weekend, and I ask you to join my in prayer for the victims and their families. I also urge you to consider visiting Bishops United Against Gun Violence for resources to help you take action in advocating for sensible gun reform.
Blessing,
+Greg
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Meaningful Movies offered by
The Episcopal Church of Western Washington
You are invited to Transhood
Online Screening and Panel Discussion
May 20, 2022 6:00 PM
Donations will benefit
Rural Youth Alliance of Lewis County
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Meaningful Movies offered by the Episcopal Diocese of Olympia and St. Timothy Episcopal Church, Chehalis are proud to offer an online screening of Transhood. Filmed over five years in Kansas City, Transhood chronicles the lives of four young people (aged 4, 7, 12, and 15 at the start of filming) and their families as they navigate growing up transgender in America’s heartland. By sharing personal realities of how gender expression is reshaping their lives, the film explores how these families struggle and stumble through parenting, and how the kids are challenged and transformed as they experience the complexity of their identities.
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Starting Over in Prayer (with Fr Martin L. Smith)
Wednesday, June 1, 9:30am – 2:30pm
Saint Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral and Online via zoom
Free, Registration Required
(lunch provided for those attending in-person)
These difficult Covid years have left many of us in need of a “reboot” in our prayer. Join us for a time of reflection, prayer, and discussion, about being emotionally honest with God just now, and open again to more real intimacy with God. Fr Martin L Smith, is well known throughout the Episcopal Church and beyond for his roving ministry of spiritual formation in retreats and workshops, and as the author of widely read books exploring contemporary spirituality including The Word is Very Near You, A Season for the Spirit, Reconciliation, Compass and Stars, Love Set Free. He is based in Washington DC.
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Since 1967, The Episcopal Church has maintained its “unequivocal opposition to any legislation on the part of the national or state governments which would abridge or deny the right of individuals to reach informed decisions [about the termination of pregnancy] and to act upon them.” In light of the recent report about a pending decision in the Supreme Court case Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health, The Episcopal Church reaffirms our commitment to “equitable access to women’s health care, including women’s reproductive health care,” which we view as “an integral part of a woman’s struggle to assert her dignity and worth as a human being.” The Office of Government Relations will continue to advocate at the federal level to protect reproductive rights.
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Bishop Rickel's Invitation to
Cathedral Day May 7
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Episcopal Relief & Development supports ACT Alliance response to
crisis in Ukraine
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Episcopal Relief & Development is supporting Action by Churches Together (ACT Alliance) as it provides critical assistance to support people affected by violence in Ukraine. Working through ACT member Hungarian Interchurch Aid (HIA) and other local organizations, ACT Alliance is providing emergency assistance such as food, shelter, water and basic supplies to refugees and people displaced within Ukraine.
The UN Refugee Agency estimates that as of March 8, more than two million people have left Ukraine since Russian forces invaded the country, making this the fastest-growing refugee crisis since World War II. Damage to civilian infrastructure has left thousands without electricity or water. Homes have been damaged and destroyed, displacing hundreds of thousands within the country. People are fleeing to neighboring countries such as Poland, Hungary and Romania and their long-term destination is unclear.
On February 27, HIA set up a refugee support point on the Ukrainian side of the border at Beregsurány where volunteers are providing hot tea, sandwiches, refreshments, blankets and basic hygiene items for refugees, who often wait long hours to cross the border into Hungary. These refugees include many children and older adults. HIA is in contact with its network of churches and organizations, as well as local governments in Hungary, to coordinate cash assistance, shelter, food and medicine for people who have been displaced.
ACT Alliance is setting up similar support points at other border towns to assist people as they leave Ukraine. It is working through local partners to provide aid for refugees in Hungary, Romania, Slovakia and Poland.
Episcopal Relief & Development is also working with The Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe, the Diocese of Europe, the Anglican Alliance and United Society Partners in the Gospel as the churches prepare to mobilize on potential immediate and long-term responses to assist Ukrainian refugees in Poland, Romania, Hungary and other parts of Europe.
“Episcopal Relief & Development was founded by The Episcopal Church to help people fleeing violence in World War II,” said Nagulan Nesiah, Senior Program Officer, Disaster Response and Risk Reduction, Episcopal Relief & Development. “We remain committed to supporting our partners on the ground as they meet both immediate and long-term needs created by this crisis.”
Donations to Episcopal Relief & Development’s Ukraine Crisis Response Fund will help the organization and its partners continue to provide assistance to people displaced by the crisis in Ukraine.
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Parish Life and Announcements |
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The Little Free Pantry has been resupplied by very generous donors in the last few days. We now have cans of chicken, beef, pork, sardines and tuna. Cases of chili with beans, refried beans and canned vegetables. Soups in boxes, cans and microwaveable containers. Almond milk, bottled water and honey. Peanut butter in two sizes. Your generosity means that there will be less food insecurity in our area among our friends and neighbors. Thank you!
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The 11th Annual Concert to Benefit
Ugandan AIDS Orphans
May 22, 2022, 4:00 PM
doors open at 3:30 PM
First Presbyterian Church
1111 Franklin Street, Port Townsend, WA
Co-Sponsors: Grace Lutheran Church and
First Presbyterian Church
$15 - 20 Suggested Donation at the Door
Proof of vaccinations and masks are required.
Pianist Lisa Lanza brings together the cream of Port Townsend’s young musicians and some of their equally talented elders to perform for the benefit of Ugandan AIDs orphans. This year Grace Lutheran Church is joined by First Presbyterian Church in sponsoring this historically sold-out event. The concert will take place on Sunday, May 22, 2022, at 4 PM at the First Presbyterian Church, 1111 Franklin Street, Port Townsend.
The concert offers a variety of instrumental music which will include the Grand Tango for Cello and Piano by Astor Piazzolla performed by Pamela Roberts and Lisa Lanza; Fantasy on Themes from the Wizard of Oz for Piano - Four Hands, by William Hirtz performed by Michael Carroll and Lisa Lanza; Cello Duet performed by Gwen Franz and Pamela Roberts; A Haydn Piano Trio performed by Kristin Smith, Gwen Franz and Lisa Lanza; Jazz Suite by Stephan Jackman performed by Otto Smith on English Concertina.
Student performers include Tusker Behrenfeld, viola; Maria Powell, saxophone; Cora Brinton, violin; Annabelle Moore, violin; Elijah Hill, piano; Akeyla Behrenfeld, cello; and William Heigel, cello.
The concert supports 28 AIDs orphans sponsored by Grace Lutheran Church, who are totally dependent on the generosity of Port Townsend area residents to support their education. A $15 - $20 donation, cash or check, is suggested. Doors open at 3:30 PM. First Presbyterian Church is located at 1111 Franklin Street, Port Townsend, WA. For more concert information visit www.gracelutheranpt.org.
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Next Concert: Sunday May 29
2 pm
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Masks and vaccination required • thank you
$15 or $20 or $25 suggested donation (a free will offering) •
18 and under always free
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Sunday, May 29, 2022 at 2:00 PM
Jonathan Oddie ~ harpsichord
Jeffrey Cohan ~ baroque flute
Carrie Krause~ baroque violin
Elizabeth Phelps ~ baroque violin
Courtney Kuroda ~ baroque violin
Lindsey Strand-Polyak ~ baroque viola
Martin Bonham ~ baroque cello
Bach: Fifth Brandenburg Concerto and Triple Concerto
Two of Johann Sebastian Bach’s most profound orchestral works will be offered in "Bach: Fifth Brandenburg Concerto and Triple Concerto", our final program in this year's 2022 Salish Sea Early Music Festival.
Jonathan Oddie, newly named professor of harpsichord at the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana, returns to perform two of the most moving and difficult works by Johann Sebastian Bach for harpsichord and orchestra with soloists baroque violinist Carrie Krause and baroque flutist Jeffrey Cohan, along with baroque string orchestra..
Carrie Krause will perform Antonio Vivaldi’s Violin Concerto “La Stravaganza” No 3 in G and Jeffrey Cohan will perform Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach’s Flute Concerto in D Major alongside the two fabulous concerti by Bach, both for solo harpsichord, flute and violin with orchestra.
St. Paul's Episcopal Church
• at 1020 Jefferson Street in Port Townsend • · (360) 385-0770 •
~ Masks and vaccination required - thank you! ~
Suggested Donation: $15, $20 or $25 • 18 and under FREE
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St. Paul's Prayer Ministries |
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RENOVARĖ:
Exploring the Spirit-Empowered Life
“I have said these things while I am still with you; but the Paraclete, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all I have said to you.” John 14: 25, 26
The Spirit-Empowered Life focuses on using the gifts of the Spirit to do the work of God. At the same time, this tradition emphasizes nurturing the fruits of the Spirit. Both the gifts and the fruits are essential to building up the Body of Christ. Without balancing the two, we may trivialize the signs and wonders of the Spirit or divorce the gifts from the fruits, leaving our spiritual growth stunted
Jesus reassured his disciples that the Paraclete would be there for them after he was no longer with them, to guide them, teach them, witness to them, defend them, reveal the truth to them, and to speak the mind of God to them. The Paraclete comes alongside us today, filling the gap between us and God. I find that incredibly reassuring, especially in these days of many changes, unrest, and unexpected crises and catastrophes.
I think of the many people in my life who do the work of Christ in this world. Like my Sunday School teacher who made the stories of Jesus come alive. Or Bishop Baine who welcomed me to church with open arms. Our Rector Dianne who patiently works with us. The members of Just Soup who tirelessly make food for the community. Our wonderful choir and worship leaders. Those who offer rides to appointments or listen patiently to someone in need. The many people who pray and offer prayer on behalf of others. Their gifts are laced with the fruits of love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and self-control.
St. Paul often urged the people to earnestly seek the gifts of the Holy Spirit. He explained, “There are different kinds of gifts. But it is the same Holy Spirit who gives them. There are different kinds of work to be done for Him. But the work is for the same Lord.” (I Corinthians 12: 5). The gifts target three main areas: leadership, ecstatic empowerment, and community building. It is important to resist the restriction of the gifts in any one area and embrace the flow of the Holy Spirit.
Sadly, some people are hesitant to explore the Charismatic life, thinking it too far outside their comfort zone. The good news is that the Spirit is so vast and offers so many ways to work that there is something for everyone. Just ask how you can serve the Kingdom, listen for guidance, and then follow the Spirit’s lead.
The work of the Holy Spirit is at the center of the Christian life: moving us to pray, to seek a virtuous life, to exercise mercy and compassion for others, to study and understand, to witness to the truth of the scriptures, and to open us to the energizing work of the living God..
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and enkindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And you shall renew the face of the earth.
For more information on the Charismatic Tradition, see Richard Foster’s book Streams of Living Water.
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Kathy Couch
If you feel inspired to share any of your own experiences or comment on what I have written, please let me know by contacting me at kack@9knots.com
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Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church
Intercessory Prayer Ministries
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A Ministry of Care and Prayer
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We offer our prayers for these ministries and concerns, please include these people in your prayers today and throughout the week. |
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O Gracious God, incline our hearts to your will for this parish;
Allow Your Holy Spirit to move over us; Open our minds to Your grace, giving us grateful hearts and generous minds; And Bless our labors for the spread of your Kingdom. Amen
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At St. Paul's, in thanksgiving for the ministry of:
Bishop Greg, Reverend Dianne, Deacon Lani, and the faithful members of St Paul's.
At St. Paul's, in thanksgiving for the ministry of:
Women’s Spiritual Growth Group
In the Diocese of Olympia, for:
St. David's, Friday Harbor
Grace Church, Lopez Island
In the Anglican Communion, pray for:
The Scottish Episcopal Church
Parish Cycle of Prayer, for:
Dinese Cardinell Christopher
Steve Clemons
Helen Cleveland
Susan Cook & Lani Hubbard
Kathy & Sterling Couc
Almighty and ever living God, ruler of all things in heaven and earth, hear our prayers for this parish family. Strengthen the faithful, arouse the careless, and restore the penitent. Grant us all things necessary for our common life, and bring us all to be of one heart and one mind within your holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Parish Birthdays
We wish blessings to the saints of St. Paul's with May birthdays:
May
1 Sakura Davis
8 Cameron Andrews
9 Jeff Stoch, Robert Risley
11 Linda Nolan
12 Susan Cronshaw
19 Mahala Henry, Norma VanValkenburg
21 Barbara Mesas
22 Sydney Keegan
30 Cajsa DeGregorio, Jim Phinney
(Those who are not listed in the office registry, and want to be, contact Kathy Couch at kack@9knots.com to update our records.)
Watch over your children, O Lord, as their days increase; bless and guide them wherever they may be. Strengthen them when they stand; comfort them when discouraged or sorrowful; raise them up if they fall; and in their hearts may thy peace which passeth understanding abide all the days of their lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
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Our pantry will be part of a network of outlets in Port Townsend and Jefferson County. All of the pantries are independent and there isn’t an organization to “belong to.” We are joining lots of good people across the country who, since 2016, have tried to address food insecurity in their communities. Click here for more.
You can support our pantry by donating food. The pantry is managed around this motto:
"Give what you can. Take what you need."
Click here for a list of suggestions of what food donations would most useful . A list will also be posted in the pantry cupboard. in the pantry will be posted in the cupboard. In every case, the food must be shelf-stable (non-perishable), sealed and not expired. If the pantry is full and the church is open, you can leave your donation in the basket outside of the office labeled “little free pantry.”
If you would like to make a donation of funds to the pantry, please leave your check made out to “St Paul’s Episcopal Church” with a note that you intend it for the pantry in the church office.
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Become a Just Soup Volunteer |
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Just Soup needs volunteers to help staff its“To Go” service on Tuesdays. We are offering the same delicious, hot soup as always, on a drive-through, carry-out basis. We will prepare lunch bags with soup, fruit, bread, a snack item, and a spoon and napkin to provide to recipients.
This ministry is more important now than ever before. Many other community food programs have had to close, while the need has increased with so many people out of work.
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Our new procedure allows us to maintain 6 feet of social distance at all times, both from each other and from recipients. For each soup day, we need 2 people to work inside the parish hall packing the bags, and 2 or 3 people outside distributing them and directing traffic.
Everyone will wear masks and gloves. If you do not have a mask, we will give you one. We believe those working outside will have no more exposure than if they made a trip to the grocery, and those working inside even less.
Soup will be distributed from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Volunteers are asked to arrive by 10:30 to set up, and should be finished by 2:00-ish.
If you would like to learn more, or you want to volunteer, contact Karen Bezanson: 360.316.1192, karene.bezanson@gmail.com, Becky Brown-Nienow: 425-233-9981, bbnienow@hotmail.com, or the church office during office hours: (Tue-Th 9 a.m. - noon) 360.385.0770.
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The Men’s Bible Study
For at least 20 years the Saint Paul Men’s Bible Study has met once a week at 7 AM for breakfast, fellowship and a discussion. The meeting lasts till about 8:30, but sometimes continues on for another half hour….. No preparation has been required…We have alternated between the Old and New Testaments. Each man brings a bible (any edition will do) and we take turns reading two verses until we complete one or two chapters. Men are welcome regardless of their level of faith or commitment. We have been blessed in attendance by Jews, Catholics, Orthodox, Presbyterians, and members of St. Paul’s. The discussion is open to all points of view. Perhaps our only “rule” is to be kind to each other.
The plague has created a challenge which has been neatly addressed. Since our restaurant venue is closed, we now meet by Zoom. This has allowed our Summer attendees as well as those who have moved away to attend our virtual meetings…..Texas, California, Oregon, Arizona, as well as our Port Townsend locals are all represented in our weekly meeting….. Are you interested in checking us out ? Call me, John Austin 360 301 0833 or Joe Nuber 360 302 1212.
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Spiritual Direction Opportunities in the Port Townsend Area
With deep roots in the contemplative Christian tradition, spiritual direction provides attentive companionship for people on their spiritual journey. It is open to anyone seeking to become more aware of and responsive to the presence and call of the Holy in their lives. A trained guide listens and accompanies the directee, asking reflective questions, witnessing moments of spiritual awareness, and encouraging healing and growth. Direction typically takes place in monthly one-with-one settings but can also happen in a group setting. Directors may also be available for leading contemplative retreats. For more information click here.
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Though we encourage shopping locally, if you must order from Amazon, you can turn your Amazon shopping into a contribution for St. Paul's. The Amazon Smile program has been generating donations for non-profit organizations for
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many years. It is easy to use and can help deliver somesignificant funds for St. Paul's ministries. It's easy to start giving through shopping at Amazon Smile, while you do your holiday shopping now, and as you purchase items throughout the year. There's no fee, no extra cost, no time limit.
First, go to smile.amazon.com, and log in with your usual email and password. Then you will be asked to select the charity you want to support - enter St. Paul's Port Townsend. Then confirm your selection, and you're all set to shop and give.
When you shop online, go to smile.amazon.com and order your items through that site, instead of amazon.com. They often have specials just for Amazon Smile patrons.
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Diocesan Calendar:
Safeguarding God's Children
& Safeguarding God's People
Trainings
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Compline is on hiatus
until further notice
Solemn Chanted Compline
Every Thursday Evening - 8:30 pm
20 minutes of prayer
to complete and bless your day
St. Paul's Sanctuary
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Community Service Opportunities |
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St. Paul's is a wonderful congregation with a heart for reaching out to those who are in need of God's love, care and grace. Through a variety of efforts, many hands have given service in many ways. A full listing St. Paul's outreach activities may be found by clicking the link below, |
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If you are interested in getting more involved, or have questions, contact Deacon Lani Hubbard: deaconlani@me.com.
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Prayer Shawl Knitters
are Meeting In-person
Second Thursday of each month
11 am
Pollard Room
All forms of needle work welcome!
Bring your project!
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7:30 am Men's Bible Study via Zoom
9:30 am Lay Weeders
7:00 pm Choir Rehearsal
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9:00 am Centering Prayer via Zoom
5:00 pm Fridays at Five
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8:00 am National Cathedral streaming HE click here
8:00 Worship Service, Rite I
8:00 Sacred Ground Closing
no fellowship time today
10:30 am Holy Eucharist, Rite II
no fellowship time today
7:00 pm Women's AA (in-person)
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Monday May 23
Office open Tue-Wed-Thurs
9 am - noon
call or email
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9:00 am Centering Prayer via Zoom
3:00 pm Women's Spiritual Growth Group via Zoom
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Office open Tue-Wed-Thurs
9 am - noon
11:30 am Just Soup To Go
2:30 pm History Task Force
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9:00 am Centering Prayer via Zoom
10:30 am Healing Eucharist
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7:30 am Men's Bible Study via Zoom
4:30 Peace-making Mezzanine
7:00 pm Choir Rehearsal
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9:00 am Centering Prayer via Zoom
5:00 pm Fridays at Five
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8:00 am National Cathedral streaming HE click here
8:00 am Sacred Ground Closing
8:00 Holy Eucharist, Rite I
10:30 am Holy Eucharist, Rite II
in-person & livestreamed
2:00 pm Salish Sea Music Concert
7:00 pm Women's AA (in-person)
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9:00 am Centering Prayer via Zoom
2:00 pm Bookkeeper in office
3:00 pm Women's Spiritual Growth Group via Zoom
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Tuesday May 31
Office open Tue-Wed-Thurs
9 am - noon
call or email
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11:30 am Just Soup To Go
2:30 pm History Task Force
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9:00 am Centering Prayer via Zoom
10:30 am Service of Healing & HE
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7:30 am Men's Bible Study via Zoom
9:30 am Lay weeders
7:00 pm Choir Rehearsal
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9:00 am Centering Prayer via Zoom
5:00 pm Fridays at Five
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The Collect
Almighty God, whom truly to know is everlasting life: Grant us so perfectly to know your Son Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth, and the life, that we may steadfastly follow his steps in the way that leads to eternal life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Savior, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
The First Lesson
Acts 16:9-15
During the night Paul had a vision: there stood a man of Macedonia pleading with him and saying, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." When he had seen the vision, we immediately tried to cross over to Macedonia, being convinced that God had called us to proclaim the good news to them.
We set sail from Troas and took a straight course to Samothrace, the following day to Neapolis, and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. We remained in this city for some days. On the sabbath day we went outside the gate by the river, where we supposed there was a place of prayer; and we sat down and spoke to the women who had gathered there. A certain woman named Lydia, a worshiper of God, was listening to us; she was from the city of Thyatira and a dealer in purple cloth. The Lord opened her heart to listen eagerly to what was said by Paul. When she and her household were baptized, she urged us, saying, "If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come and stay at my home." And she prevailed upon us.
The Response
Psalm 67
1 May God be merciful to us and bless us, * show us the light of his countenance and come to us.
2 Let your ways be known upon earth, * your saving health among all nations.
3 Let the peoples praise you, O God; * let all the peoples praise you.
4 Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, * for you judge the peoples with equity and guide all the nations upon earth.
5 Let the peoples praise you, O God; * let all the peoples praise you.
6 The earth has brought forth her increase; * may God, our own God, give us his blessing.
7 May God give us his blessing, * and may all the ends of the earth stand in awe of him.
The Second Lesson
Revelation 21:10, 22-22:5
In the spirit the angel carried me away to a great, high mountain and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God.
I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God is its light, and its lamp is the Lamb. The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it. Its gates will never be shut by day-- and there will be no night there. People will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations. But nothing unclean will enter it, nor anyone who practices abomination or falsehood, but only those who are written in the Lamb's book of life.
Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city. On either side of the river is the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, producing its fruit each month; and the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. Nothing accursed will be found there any more. But the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him; they will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And there will be no more night; they need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.
The Gospel
John 14:23-29
Jesus said to Judas (not Iscariot), "Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; and the word that you hear is not mine, but is from the Father who sent me.
"I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. You heard me say to you, `I am going away, and I am coming to you.' If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it occurs, so that when it does occur, you may believe."
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