The E-pistle

November 10th, 2023

St. Paul's calls the Rev. Samuel T. Vaught as Rector

The Wardens and Vestry of St. Paul’s Stockbridge are pleased to announce that we have called the Rev. Samuel T. Vaught to serve as our next Rector.

Father Sam is a native of central Indiana, but has deep family roots in the Berkshires. He is a graduate of Wabash College in Crawfordsville, Indiana, and obtained his MDiv from Berkeley Divinity School at Yale. After ordination, he served his curacy at All Saints, Indianapolis, and is currently serving as chaplain for an Episcopal/Lutheran campus ministry at Butler University.

We will welcome Father Sam and his fiancé, Brett Roberts, in early January. His first Sunday service will be January 14^th. More information to come, but we are joyously excited to move forward in our ministries together with Father Sam.

Only a few spots remain for this Sunday’s Wine Tasting Event. 

Call 413-298-4913 now and leave a message to reserve your spot!

This Sunday, November 12^th –

8 AM & 10 AM Holy Eucharist

Collect for the 24^th Sunday after Pentecost

O God, whose blessed Son came into the world that he might destroy the works of the devil and make us children of God and heirs of eternal life: Grant that, having this hope, we may purify ourselves as he is pure; that, when he comes again with power and great glory, we may be made like him in his eternal and glorious kingdom; where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Scripture for November 12^th: Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25; Psalm 78:1-7; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Matthew 25:1-13

Worship Team for November 12^th

8:00 a.m. & 10:00 a.m.

Celebrant/Preacher The Rev. Libby Wade

Reader (8)                David Pearson

Intercessor (8)         Jorja Marsden

Reader (10)             Sharon Billetter

Intercessor (10)       Kim Savery

Usher/Greeter         Jim Wade

Fellowship Host      Carl Sprague

Musician                   David Smith

Worship Team for November 19^th

8:00 a.m. & 10:00 a.m.

Celebrant/Preacher The Rev. Jane Tillman

Reader (8)                Sharon Billetter

Intercessor (8)         Sebastian Bonner

Reader (10)              Genet Jeanjean

Intercessor (10)       Jean Rousseau

Usher/Greeter         Martha Bodine

Fellowship Host      Ginny Willcox

Musician                   Nancy King

Parish Prayer List

-People we pray for on Sundays: Bruce, Charles, Linda, Veronica, Jeff, Karen, Lisa, Rosalind, Estreeta, Kit, Jacob, Kathleen, Doug, Margie, Holly, Rick, and Keith

-People on our Long-term prayer list: Allie, Irby, Ginger, Joan, Duncan, Bernadette, Ray, Piers, Katrina, Rich, Karen, Michael, Tom, Khali, George, Barbara, Christy, John, and Anthony

- Our partners at Grace Church, Great Barrington, and their priest Tina Rathbone; Christ Trinity Episcopal-Lutheran Church, Sheffield, and their priest Erik Karas; the residents and staff of the Austen Riggs community and the Riverbrook Residence

- Outreach Ministry of the Week: St. Paul’s Children’s Center

- For peace and an end to violence and oppression in the world

- Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: St. Johns, Williamstown

- Anglican Cycle of Prayer: Ingreja Anglicana de Mocambique e Angola

- May they rest in peace: Jimmy Salise, Danielle Fillio’s father, and John Breeze, Darryl Lafferty and Peter Wright’s friend

-Today’s altar flowers are provided by Bernadette Brusco, in memory of John, Mary, and Johnny Yagura, Anita Santini Stewart, R. Michael Stevens, and Brenda Haynor and in memory of Ukrainian friends & former colleagues

         Sunday, November 26 will be

            Celebration of Abundance Sunday

     Please return your Commitment Card to St. Paul’s

           on or before November 26.

We’ll bless our commitments of time, talent, and treasures that day during worship.

Commitment cards were mailed this week

along with a stewardship letter from chair Martha Bodine.

Extras are available on the credenza at the rear of the church.

They shall be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream. It shall not fear when heat comes, and its leaves shall stay green; in the year of drought it is not anxious, and it does not cease to bear fruit. (Jeremiah 17:8)

St. Paul’s Children’s Center Holiday Fundraiser

Deadline for Orders is November 13

All greenery is from Monument Mountain Regional High School Green House

Wreaths – 24” : $40     Wreaths – 30” : $50

Wreaths come with evergreen fillers, pinecones, berries, and choice of bow:

Option 1 – Red Bow            Option 2 – Burlap Bow      Option 3 – Plaid Bow

Kissing Ball with red bow and berries -- $50

Boxwood Tree (small) with cones and berries -- $30

ORDER FORM

(due by November 13)

Name: ____________________       Phone Number: _____________________

ITEM                                     OPTION                    QUANTITY                          COST

1)___________________________________________________________

2)___________________________________________________________

3)___________________________________________________________

4)___________________________________________________________

5)___________________________________________________________

**PAYMENT DUE WITH ORDER**

Payments made to MMRHS Greenhouse; all proceeds go to the benefit of St. Paul’s Children’s Center.

Turn order form in by November 13 to the St. Paul’s Office and they will be given to the Children’s Center staff.

A LITANY FOR THE RESTORATION OF PEACE

IN THE HOLY LAND

God of peace, we pray for the people of Palestine and Israel in these perilous and dangerous times.

For all who are fearful for the safety of their loved ones and themselves, we pray that the assurance of unfailing love, even in the midst of danger, settles upon them. Shelter them from despair and protect them from harm.

For all who are wounded, we pray they find healing.

For all who have died, we pray they find rest.

For all who grieve, we pray they find comfort.

For leaders on all sides, we pray for a renewed will to lay down arms, for the strength to put the grievances and wrongs suffered by their people to rest, and for the conviction to embrace a path of reconciliation and peace that preserves the rights and dignity of all of your children.

God of mercy, help us to remember there is no border that can separate us from your great love and protection, no stone that can sound the well of your deep mercy.

God of justice, we pray with hopeful hearts that your beloved children of the Holy Land will be spared a future of sustained violence and unrest and that a recognition of the humanity of all people will prevail.

We ask all this in the name of your Son, Jesus. Amen.

American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem

Please pray for peace in the Holy Land and consider making a contribution to the Episcopal Relief & Development Middle East Fund to help meet the growing needs of all people in the region.

“Waiting in Prayer”

Advent Study on Zoom

Tuesdays 11/28, 12/5, 12/12, and 12/19 at 7:00 p.m.

Led by Ministry Intern Sharon Billetter

Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service

At Stockbridge Congregational Church

With St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

And St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church

Thanksgiving Day

November 23 at 10:30 A.M.

Optional meal after worship

Turkey and beverages provided

Guests invited to bring a side dish or dessert and/or help clean up

Thank You for Your Generosity

On a Saturday afternoon, Jane Tillman and I received notification that a group of 13 migrant families had very recently arrived in Great Barrington and were being sheltered in a hotel. Freezing weather was expected by the next week, and these recently arrived families had no warm clothing. Grace Church and Hevreh were on board to help. “Could St. Paul’s help with 3 of the families?” “Of course,” Jane and I said. The next day during worship, St. Paul’s congregation responded with over $400 to purchase needed items, and by Tuesday people had brought in a lot of shoes and warm clothing for adults. Kyra shopped for the 3 children in our families, and I delivered everything to Great Barrington by noon that day. Thanks to your generosity and the work of a whole community of South Berkshire organizations, these families and another larger group that arrived in Pittsfield shortly after are finding help. Multicultural Bridge is one of the lead organizations, so we’re providing money for gift cards they will distribute, and the vestry has designated our Christmas offering to go to Multicultural Bridge. In the meantime, if you have items (clothing or child care items, in particular), the drop off place is Family Resource Center, 141 West Ave., Great Barrington. They’re open from 10-2 on weekdays, but call first: 413-528-0298.

Libby+

Help Needed

+++ Lee Kiwanis Club invites you to “Stuff the Truck” with food for the Lee Food Pantry from 9 am – Noon on November 17 or 18 in the Lee Bank Parking Lot in Lee.

+++ If you can host Fellowship Time after the 10 a.m. worship service at St. Paul’s in December or January, please sign the clipboard on Sunday or give Martha Bodine an e-mail or phone call. Coffee is provided, but hosts are responsible for light refreshments of your choice and set up/clean up.

+++ Concert Hosts are needed for the Oakes and Smith Concert on Saturday, December 9 and for the Crescendo Concert on Saturday, December 16. Thanks to a Host Checklist put together last year, it’s an easy and fun job of making performers and guests comfortable while enjoying beautiful music.

     St. Paul’s Creates!

Sunday, December 10, 11:45-2:00

Christmas Card Collage Session in Parish House

Create one or more unique Christmas cards using collage materials and rubber stamps:

o  All collage materials provided. If you have some special things you’d like to collage with, bring them along.

o  Bring lunch and beverage – We’ll have coffee and cookies ready!

o  We’ll start with an intro to discover some fun ways to rubber stamp, color with pencils, and cut out from magazines – then you’re on your own to experiment

RSVP Patty Melville (pattylmelville@gmail.com) if you plan to attend.

Upcoming Events

-      Every Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. – Morning Prayer on Zoom

-      Every Sunday at 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. – Holy Eucharist

-      Sunday, November 12, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. – Wine Tasting in Rectory and at Red Lion (Fundraiser for Rectory Renovation). Please make a reservation.

-      Sunday, November 19, 2:30 p.m. – CITV Concert in Kinderhook, NY (Our organist, David Smith, is the Artistic Director and Conductor)

-      Thursday, November 23, 10:30 a.m., Ecumenical Community Thanksgiving Service at Stockbridge Congregation Church

-      Sunday, November 26 – Stewardship Ingathering

-      Tuesday, November 28, 7:00 p.m. – Waiting in Prayer Advent Study on Zoom

-      Sunday, December 3 (1^st Sunday of Advent) – Christmas on Main Concert at St. Paul’s, 12-2 p.m.

-      Tuesday, December 5 – 7:00 p.m. – Waiting in Prayer Advent Study on Zoom

-      Saturday, December 9, 9:30 a.m. – St. Paul’s team serves at Lee Food Pantry

-      Saturday, December 9, Time TBD – Oakes and Smith Concert at St. Paul’s

-      Sunday, December 10, 11:45 a.m. – St. Paul’s Creates Collage Workshop in Parish House

-      Tuesday, December 12, 7:00 p.m. – Waiting in Prayer Advent Study on Zoom

-      Wednesday, December 13, 5:30 p.m. – Vestry Meeting

-      Saturday, December 16, 4:00 p.m. – Crescendo Concert at St. Paul’s

-      Sunday, December 17 – One Service Only – 10:00 a.m.

-      Sunday, December 17 – Rectory Open House (Details Soon)

-      Tuesday, December 19 – Waiting in Prayer Advent Study on Zoom