St. Paul's Episcopal Church |
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From the Rector
By the Rev. Donna S. Mote, PhD
Dear People of St Paul’s,
Grace and peace.
Please read over our senior warden’s shoulder…
Dear Ray,
I write with a full and grateful heart to thank you for your service as senior warden of St Paul’s.
You were literally the first St Paul’s member that Becky and I met in person. You came to let us into the historic rectory when we arrived for our April 13-15 visit.
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When Shabbat and I arrived to stay on May 21, you and Tom were among those who first greeted us. That very evening you presented me with the rector’s keys.
Starting even before my arrival in May, I began to understand how much responsibility you have carried on behalf of St Paul’s for some two years.
After arriving to stay, I experienced new dimensions of your work as senior warden throughout a worldwide pandemic and the period between rectors.
I have seen first-hand how many different types of ministries you have been involved in and how many tasks you have expertly, reliably, and graciously carried out on behalf of the congregation week after week.
Your collegiality, availability, willingness, wisdom, institutional knowledge, and commitment have been critical components in the successful beginning of my tenure as the thirty-fourth rector.
This season of your extensive and extended service and your suitability for it puts me in the mind of Esther. Surely, you were rightly placed “for such a time as this.”
Your love for God and the expression of Christ’s one holy catholic and apostolic Church that is St Paul’s is palpable, and your steadfastness and dedication are breathtaking.
I look forward to our continued life together in community in this place, and I pray that God will continue to bless you and Tom richly.
In faith and hope and love, I remain
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With you on the journey,
Donna+.
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This Week's News Highlights
Wednesday Healing Service
The weekday Eucharist with Healing service is on Wednesdays at 10:00AM in the Lady Chapel. Please join us if you are able.
Training and Educational Opportunities!
The "Come Learn How" series began Monday, November 15, with "Come Learn How to Be a Crucifer and/or Thurifer, or, Carrying the Cross and Throwing Holy Smoke." Five members learned about these roles - we hope to see them serving soon.
Padre Donna and folks currently serving will demonstrate the work of these worship ministries, teach you to do it, and answer questions. If you want to be trained for a particular ministry, please join us in the sanctuary (near the altar) at 5:45 PM (until 7:00 PM). If you are just curious about how to do these things, come join us. If you've always wondered why we do these things, come join us.
This week:
"Come Learn How to Serve the Altar (November 22)
Future opportunities:
"Come Learn How to Be a Eucharistic Visitor" (November 29),
(no class on December 6),
"Come Learn How to Be a Lay Reader" (December 13).
Other topics to follow after Christmas. If you are interested in serving in one of these ministries and can't join the scheduled session, please email Padre Donna (rector@stpaulskeywest.org).
Docents Needed
We are searching for St. Paul’s Docents to extend our ministry of hospitality to visitors throughout the week. Docents greet guests and provide some St. Paul’s history when asked. How often and how many hours docents serve is up to them, but of course, the more of us serving, the better. You bring a smile, and we’ll provide you with an outline and history materials. We can provide training sessions as requested. If this sounds like good news to you, please join us in the back of the Nave immediately after the 10:00 AM Eucharist on November 21.
Brass Polishers Needed!
Attention all brass polishers! The Order of St. Brasso is soliciting acolytes to prepare for Advent. We have 2 Saturdays to shine brass and make ready for the Advent season, which begins November 28th. If you'd like to be part of this marvelous working Order, please come to the Sacristy on Saturday, at 9AM. Altar guild leader Wendy Niven hopes to see you then!
Join the Choir
We have a full choir again! Rehearsals are weekly on Saturday mornings from 10AM - 11:15AM in the choir room. (Use the door on the cloister side of the church that leads directly to the choir room.) Members also meet Sunday mornings at 9:15AM for a short warmup and to review material for the 10:00AM service.
Reminders About the Service
For those who have been away, welcome back! A few reminders.
Masks are optional. If you are more comfortable wearing a mask, please do.
Communion is currently offered under one kind (bread) and is distributed at the altar. If you need to have communion brought to you in your pew, please let an usher know.
Please remember that during The Peace we are maintaining social distancing protocols by remaining in place. Waves, smiles, and peace signs welcome!
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Join Us After the 10:00AM Service
Please join us after the 10AM service in the Parish Hall for tea, snacks, and fellowship.
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Brick Project Ongoing
Purchase a brick! This is an ongoing way to support the restoration and preservation of St. Paul's. You can order your brick(s) here.
Proceeds help preserve our iconic church and grounds for future generations.
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Weekly Services
Holy Eucharist will be celebrated at 7:30AM and 10:00AM on Sunday. The 10:00AM service will also be streamed on Facebook. There is also a weekday Eucharist with Healing service on Wednesdays, at 10:00AM in the Lady Chapel. Please join us if you can.
To join via Facebook (at 10:00AM), go to the church Facebook page at the appropriate time and look for the window showing that "St. Paul's Key West is now live". Click on the window. (You may need to refresh the page a few times if the "live" window does not appear promptly at the appointed time.)
You can open or download the bulletin for the 10:00AM Sunday service here.
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Junior Warden's Report
By Greta Philips-Ford
Hanging of the Greens
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Sunday after the service, we hope that you will be able to meet in the back of the nave (after refreshments in the Parish Hall) and assist with The Hanging of the Greens.
If you are interested in donating flowers in memory of your loved one; please contact the office via email.
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Senior Warden's Report
By Ray Warren
Parking and Cameras
As I write this, I'm on my way to Miami to assist with the Smart Ride this weekend. The Smart Ride is a two day bicycle ride from Miami to Key West to raise money for local charities, including AH Monroe. AH Monroe does so much to create affordable housing and provide medical case management services in Key West.
With a brand new knee I can't ride a bicycle. But I'll be directing traffic and providing logistical support. Being involved in the community is a long tradition at St Paul's. So many of our members volunteer at the library, the Women's Club, Impromptu Classical Concerts, Ft Taylor SP and other venues. I am following in well worn foot steps
A couple of notes for the week .
I know that we have a very small parking lot. I want to remind everyone that on street parking, even in paid spaces, is free before noon on Sundays in Key West. In the last few weeks this has been complicated because Eaton Street has been blocked off for construction. But, that will move on in due course. The street parking beside the church on Eaton Street, or on Eaton Street on the other side of Duval Street (around the Tropic Cinema) is extremely convenient.
The new cameras are installed in the church, but a few other things have to happen before we're ready to go live with the new broadcasting system. Huge kudos to music director Tim Peterson for spearheading this project. Those of you who have been concerned about sound quality are going to be pleased, as well everyone watching online - with the new angles and video quality.
Also a huge shout out to Becky England for editing and producing the newsletter this week.
Presuming I survived the trip up and down US 1 (always an adventure) I'll see you Sunday at 10AM.
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Contacts:
Church office phone:
305-296-5142
Church mailing address:
401 Duval Street, Key West FL 33040.
Pledges and offerings can be mailed here or made electronically at the church giving page.
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Reminder from Tim
By Tim Peterson
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Chancel Choir Rehearsals
Rehearsals for Chancel Choir are weekly on Saturday mornings from 10AM - 11:15AM in the choir room. We also meet Sunday mornings at 9:15AM for a short warmup and review of the anthem and hymns for the 10:00AM service. We are always looking for and needing new members to sing and lead the congregation. Please consider joining us in the choir loft. We have a choir robe which will fit you perfectly!
Special Events and Services during Advent
The December edition of “From the Organ” will be on Thursday, December 2, 2021 at noon. This monthly event will also be aired on our Facebook Channel. We hope that many of you will be there to hear music of the season.
The annual Eaton Street Christmas Stroll takes place on Sunday, December 5, 2021 beginning at 4PM at St Paul’s. The stroll will take you to other events at the Studios of Key West, the Key West Theater, the Tropic Cinema, First United Methodist Church, and Williams Hall (Fleming at Margaret streets). Tickets are free, but you must register for tickets at the box office at the Key West Theater (Eaton Street at Bahama Street). Seating is limited for this family-friendly event.
December 12, 2021 at 5PM will be a service of Advent Lessons and Carols, held in the Nave at St Paul's. This service will be familiar to many. It is truly beautiful with the singing of the choir, the congregation, and readings. We hope that you will consider attending.
Tuesday, December 14, 2021 at 7PM, the Keys Choral Arts will present their Seasonal choral concert, that this year they are calling, "A Very NORMAL Christmas Concert". This popular concert has 'sold out' in previous years. We encourage you to purchase tickets in advance on their website at keyschoralarts.org. $20 includes reception following the concert.
Recordings of many past concerts and musical offerings are on St Paul’s Facebook page, or on YouTube.
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We Pray Each Day
Morning and Evening Prayer is being offered daily on Facebook Live at 7:30AM and 5:30PM on weekdays.
Thanks to Bruce Hagemann, Lisa Laskow, Mary Simmons, Samantha Hall, and Tim Peterson for volunteering to officiate at these sacred moments.
To join in the prayers via Facebook, go to the church Facebook page at the appropriate time and look for the window showing that "St. Paul's Key West is now live." Then click on the window.
"Like" us and turn on live notifications to get a reminder whenever we are offering prayers.
Please pray this week for healing for
Brittany (Sherri Hodies’ daughter), Beth and Jon Peterson (sister-in-law and brother of Tim), Robbie and Cassandra Hogan, Betty Toppino, and Ray Warren
We pray for the departed and their loved ones
Joan Neinmen, Don Heim (friend of Brian Wagstaff and Tim Peterson)
"Into your hands, O merciful Savior, we commend your servants."
(Send your prayer requests to Tim@stpaulskeywest.org for future publication and to be included in the Sunday service. By default requests will be listed for four (4) weeks. But if the need continues, please let us know.)
We Celebrate these November Birthdays:
Cody Vildostegui 11/02
Jane Burchett 11/04
Susan Gilman 11/04
Mike Benfield 11/05
Ashley Cyrillien 11/06
Mark Murphy 11/09
Brian Howard 11/13
Michelle Garcia 11/15
Nathaniel Harris 11/16
India Hall 11/18
Lorilee McDaniel 11/18
Jeff Hillard 11/19
Wally Senney 11/21
Lilla Whiteside 11/23
Manuel Acevedo 11/26
Shirley Albury 11/26
Joan Sammy 11/26
Sandy Highsmith 11/27
Sheri Sampson 11/27
Kristy Smith Callaway 11/30
(If your name is missing from this month's birthday list please send a note to info@stpaulskeywest.org so we can add it.)
We celebrate November Anniversaries:
Ronald & Sabrina Acevedo 11/01
Harvey & PK Lynch 11/08
Tim Peterson & Brian Wagstaff 11/09
Billy & Pamela Albury 11/17
Kip & Tiffany Cooligan 11/22
Ashley & Cody Vildostegui Cook 11/27
Laurence, Sr. & Alona Marius 11/29
Lilla & Mark Whiteside 11/30
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Reminders
Back issues of The Epistle are available here.
Send questions and comments to the editors of this newsletter here.
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Tel. (305) 296-5142
Pastoral Emergencies (305) 735-1867
The nave of the church, the grounds and gardens are open for prayer and meditation daily.
The church office is located in Holy Innocents Hall
Rector's Drop In Office Hours: Tuesdays, 1 - 5PM
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