St. Paul's Episcopal Church Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
MESSENGER
"Making friends while serving God"
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The Week of June 28-July 4, 2022 |
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Dear St. Paul’s Community,
A few weeks ago, I opened my office door one morning to find that a brick had been thrown through the window. There was broken glass all over the floor. Nothing had been taken, nothing but the window was broken. In the time between reporting the incident and getting the glass replaced, no one came back to try to break in or to do more damage.
Of course, we can’t really know why this happened, or what the person’s intentions were. A fellow clergy person thought it could be because of our witness -- “People know you are a liberal church, they know what you stand for,” they said. It could have also just been someone bored and disaffected, angry or intoxicated.
We of course took the steps to keep our building and community safe. We made a report to the police, we called the glass company, we informed our insurance carrier.
But we will not let something like this deter us from our work, from our purpose and mission. The pandemic did not scare this community into closing its doors to our feeding ministry, and neither can a little brick. This broken window is a reminder of how we are positioned, how both St. George’s and St. Paul’s are positioned, right in heart of a city, right where we are most needed and vital. We are right where we need to be.
The glass company was not able to come to the church to fix our temporary window patch right away, and of course they dropped in just as I was beginning a zoom meeting. It was a little too last-minute to move the meeting, so I sat through most of it muted, as the sounds of sawing went on right behind me, and little pieces of glass flew in and landed on the floor behind me.
It was really pretty funny, and seemed right. Ministry is messy, it is unpredictable, and you sometimes have to get up carefully from your chair!
As we all go about our various ministries with our church and out in the world, let us be comforted to know that it will be messy, and that is ok -- more than ok, it is right and just how Jesus would have it.
Mary+
--The Rev. Dr. Mary E. Barber
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To be redirected to the Lectionary Page and get a digital copy of the readings
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2 Kings 5:1-14; Psalm 30; Galatians 6:(1-6), 7-16;
Luke 10:1-11,16-20
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The Sunday Sermon
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
June 26, 2022
Gospel: Luke 9:51-62
In the name of Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen
Saying the daily prayers is part of my spiritual practice. This is my commitment to my Rule of Life as an Associate of the Order of the Holy Cross. I have a variety of spiritual practices and one is listening to different sermons and reflections on the day’s readings. A few weeks ago, I was listening to a monk from the Society of St. John the Evangelist, who said that before he prepares his sermons he reads the scriptures, he prays and asks himself where is the ‘good news’. Then he crafts his sermon around the ‘good news’. After all that’s why we are here. I know this is what keeps me coming back and going out into the world. There’s enough pain, and disappointment in our lives, and I would like to believe that if you or I can hear and share some good news about our Christian faith, people will want to come in and spend some time here with us at St. Paul’s.
So, I decided to try this suggestion. This Gospel reading has a lot going on and I want to find the ‘good news’ so I can share it.
Our reading narrates Jesus’ travel to Jerusalem. Why is he heading to Jerusalem?
This is where he will suffer, die, and redeem you and me. This is where he will be transformed from prophet to the crucified Messiah, God with us, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.
Jesus is preparing to travel through a Samaritan village but will not be welcomed there. His disciples were very upset and asks Jesus, “Lord do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?”
Come on now guys ..really!!!
Their request was a very strange and vindictive to me. Because when I think of Jesus, he not about punishing or hurting people – but love, joy and redemption. Jesus not only stops them; but he rebukes them. This is not what his ministry is about – leaving destruction in his path and burning people who exercise free will. The choice is always ours to accept or reject the invitation; follow or turn away. I believe our God respects and loves all his creation and allows us to make changes in our lives. The Holy Spirit never gives up on us but waits for the right time to manifest itself in us and through us.
As they journey on, he encounters three individuals. Two expressed a desire to join his group and one is invited to join. Jesus’ response to each is unique, on time and specific to each man.
The first man makes a bold statement, “I will follow you wherever you go.” This is commitment to a cause that has risks and should not be entered into lightly. Jesus didn’t confront or embarrass the man. His response was about an individual’s basic need - shelter. Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” We don’t know what the man decided to do, but it’s something any one of us would like to know if we are going to join a traveling group. When night comes, what’s the sleeping arrangement?
I am not prepared to sleep on the streets of Poughkeepsie or any town. It’s not a challenge I would engage in. I ask us all to think about those in Poughkeepsie right now who have no place to lay their heads. Housing is scarce and where there is a place, it is so expensive, the average person cannot afford it. What are we doing about this housing shortage? We have had heard about homeless people who have died on the streets especially in the harsh winter months. How can we ensure that this basic human need is available to all? Did you know that most places will not employ you if you have not home address? MHA runs Mel’s Place at 150 Hamilton Street. Mel’s Place offers the homeless a place to stay during the day and a place where they can receive mail (so called home address) while they search for a permanent home and find a job. We at St. Paul’s are connected to Habitat for Humanity and they need our support to build affordable homes. I encourage you to visit and support the ReStore in Wappingers Falls.
The second man is invited to join and does not outright reject the invitation but asks for some time to go home take care of family business. ‘But Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim the Kingdom of God.” This man may have been a little puzzled by the statement about “dead burying their own dead”. Society expects us to bury our dead. That is the last dignified and respectful obligation we can fulfill and give to the dead and our loved ones. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic many families were not able to provide or attend funerals for deceased family and friends and that was a great heartache.
However, the part about “proclaiming the kingdom of God” is what we are told to do and is expected to do as children of God and heirs to his kingdom (Romans 8:17). I hope we are you proclaiming the kingdom of God wherever you go, and not burying the ‘good news’ because we are fearful to share our faith and put our words into actions.
The third man also wants to join but he asks to go home and say goodbye. This seems like the right and proper thing to do. Many people have gone missing with their whereabouts unknown. We read the news and hear on television of missing children and family members and the pain the families endure because they were not able to say goodbye or see you later. “Jesus said to him, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.””
These three men had good intentions and I believe wanted to be a part of the Jesus Movement – to hear the good news and experience Jesus’s love firsthand. Two wanted to look back before going forward in faith and confidence that God knows what’s best for them and would direct their paths.
We are called daily to join the Jesus movement, and we may be saying, I don’t think I am ready. I need more time, or I need to know more before I make a commitment to this cause. Taking up our crosses daily is not for the faint of heart. Carrying our cross and following Jesus is a serious commitment with risks, losses, and joys unspeakable.
I would like to offer you the Sanskrit word Sankalpa for consideration. (Web definition) It’s a term used in yogic philosophy that refers to a heartfelt desire, a solemn vow, an intention, or a resolve to do something. It’s like the English concept of a resolution, except that it comes from even deeper within and tends to be an affirmation. This term comes from the Sanskrit roots san, meaning "a connection with the highest truth," and kalpa, meaning "vow." Thus, it translates to denote an affirming resolve to do something or achieve something spiritual.
What’s our commitment today?
I pray you will join me in making the decision or reaffirming the choice to follow Jesus to the cross.
And when we commit to that decision there will be no turning back because God’s got our backs and will make a way for us.
So, the Good New today is we don’t have to wait for a mailing or an email.
Jesus is here right now with you and me.
The Call to services is genuine and has no strings attached. There is no better time to join the Jesus movement. Now is the appointed time…Jesus is waiting for you and for me! Amen.
--The Rev. Dcn. Julett Butler
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Note: the following information is presented in English and Spanish
Aviso: La siguiente información se presenta en inglés y en español
Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Michael Curry invites Episcopalians everywhere to mark the season after Pentecost with 30 days of prayer leading up to and encompassing the 80th General Convention in Baltimore, Maryland.
“A Season of Prayer for Revival”—from June 12 through July 11—will feature daily prayers drawn from the Book of Common Prayer. Individuals can sign up online to receive the prayers and inspirational messages via email. The prayers will also be posted daily on social media accounts for The Episcopal Church and Forward Movement.
FOR MORE INFO CONTACT:Amanda Skofstad
Public Affairs Officer, The Episcopal Church
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PRAYERS FOR WEEK 3
Sunday, June 26 The Third Sunday after Pentecost
Almighty God, you sent your Son Jesus Christ to reconcile the
world to yourself: We praise and bless you for those whom you
have sent in the power of the Spirit to preach the Gospel to all
nations. We thank you that in all parts of the earth a community
of love has been gathered together by their prayers and labors,
and that in every place your servants call upon your Name; for the
kingdom and the power and the glory are yours for ever. Amen
Monday, June 27
O God, who created all peoples in your image, we thank you for
the wonderful diversity of races and cultures in this world. Enrich
our lives by ever-widening circles of fellowship, and show us your
presence in those who differ most from us, until our knowledge of
your love is made perfect in our love for all your children; through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Tuesday, June 28
Almighty Father, whose blessed Son before his passion prayed for
his disciples that they might be one, as you and he are one: Grant
that your Church, being bound together in love and obedience to
you, may be united in one body by the one Spirit, that the world
may believe in him whom you have sent, your Son Jesus Christ
our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy
Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Wednesday, June 29 Saint Peter and Paul, Apostles
Almighty God, you have surrounded us with a great cloud of
witnesses: Grant that we, encouraged by the good example of
your servants Peter and Paul, may persevere in running the race
that is set before us, until at last we may with them attain to your
eternal joy; through Jesus Christ, the pioneer and perfecter of our
faith, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God,
for ever and ever. Amen.
Thursday, June 30
O merciful Creator, your hand is open wide to satisfy the needs
of every living creature: Make us always thankful for your loving
providence; and grant that we, remembering the account that we
must one day give, may be faithful stewards of your good gifts;
through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit
lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Friday, July 1
Almighty God, you have built your Church upon the foundation of
the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief
cornerstone: Grant us so to be joined together in unity of spirit by
their teaching, that we may be made a holy temple acceptable to
you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Saturday, July 2
O God, you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth,
and sent your blessed Son to preach peace to those who are
far off and to those who are near: Grant that people everywhere
may seek after you and find you, bring the nations into your fold,
pour out your Spirit upon all flesh, and hasten the coming of your
kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with
you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen
O God of unchangeable power and eternal light: Look favorably
on your whole Church, that wonderful and sacred mystery; by the
effectual working of your providence, carry out in tranquility the plan
of salvation; let the whole world see and know that things which
were cast down are being raised up, and things which had grown old
are being made new, and that all things are being brought to their
perfection by him through whom all things were made, your Son
Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of
the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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FOOD PANTRY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Please call 845-452-8440 to speak to Ms. Daphne Barrett
PLEASE DONATE RE-USABLE BAGS FOR OUR FOOD PANTRY
--Daphne Barrett
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ST. PAUL’S
SMALL BLESSINGS THRIFT SHOP AND FOOD PANTRY
In addition to our regular Thrift shop and Food pantry hours (Tues. Weds. Thurs. 10am - 2pm)
WE ARE ALSO OPEN THE LAST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH - 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Clothing for men, women and children, housewares, knick-knacks, etc.
GREAT BARGAINS - CHECK IT OUT!!
St. Paul’s Church
161 Mansion St.
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
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It was decided and announced that we are dropping the mask mandate for services. People may continue to wear the mask if they choose, but they are not required to wear one.
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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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STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE
FROM THE STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE:
Remember - Chili is still for sale at reduced prices -
Pt. - $6 and Qt. - $10. Speak to Debbie, Rose or Janet if you want some.
Many thanks to all who have returned their pledge form for 2022. Your envelopes are available to be picked up in the Narthex. It’s not too late to return your pledge - just complete the form and put it in the collection plate. Your envelopes will then be available the following Sunday.
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A NOTE FROM THE TREASURY TEAM
Total deposits for the month of April - $4,482 (includes $75 for the Food Pantry). Many thanks to all who have been generously supporting the Food Pantry.
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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SUMMER OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH
For families with youth up through the first year of college, here are two opportunities you might consider for this summer. The first is led by the wonderful Christy Lent, from Christ Church, who some of you might know, and is at Incarnation Camp, a beautiful setting not too far away in Connecticut. It is great for building friendships and developing leadership skills. The second will be led by the anti-racism committee, led by Carla Burns of Holy Innocents Church in Highland Falls. Most likely many of you know Carla too, and she is a wonderful mentor of young people.
1. The Diocese has a Summer Youth Conference, at Incarnation Camp in Connecticut. It's a great campsite, and I have heard wonderful things about the program itself. The brochure is here.
2. The Diocese anti-racism committee is planning a youth pilgrimage:
Youth (New York State) Pilgrimage, Aug 27-28
Age Group: Teenagers ranging from entering high school to recent high school graduates
This year the Anti Racism Committee is hosting a two day pilgrimage within New York State
in lieu of the Jonathan Daniels Civil Rights Youth Pilgrimage. Limited to two participants per church.
(More detailed information to come)
Please get in touch with Rev. Mary if you have questions about either of these.
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NEW Regional EFM Group
We are planning a new Education for Ministry cohort for either the Fall of 2022 or January of 2023.
The intention is for this group to meet on-line as well as occasionally in-person.
Alison Quinn and Heather Sisk are currently in organizational discussions with Deacon Teri Jones.
We need at least six participants to start a new group.
Please contact Heather if you have interested parishioners.
Thanks and Peace,
Heather+
(Cell: 917-561-0141)
The Rev. Heather K. Sisk
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
PO Box 1449
Pleasant Valley, NY 12569
845-635-2854
--The Rev. Dr. Mary E. Barber
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Monday
June 20
Dear Friends,
Welcome to Day 9 of “A Season of Prayer for Revival.” We are so grateful to share this time with you. Over and over, the Gospels tell us about times when Jesus and the disciples prayed together. May we seek prayer partners in our homes, congregations, and communities as we continue to pray for revival in our church.
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Lunes
20 de junio
Queridos amigos,
Bienvenidos al día 9 de la " Temporada de Oración por el Avivamiento". Nos sentimos muy agradecidos por la oportunidad de compartir este momento con ustedes. Una y otra vez, los Evangelios nos hablan de momentos en los que Jesús y los discípulos oraron juntos. Que busquemos compañeros de oración en nuestros hogares, congregaciones y comunidades mientras seguimos orando por el avivamiento en nuestra iglesia.
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Copyright © 2022 The Domestic & Foreign Missionary Society, All rights reserved.
Want to change how you receive these emails?
--Shawn Prater-Lee
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CHRIST CHURCH SUMMER CAMP |
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2 Donna Taylor
7_ Molly Jones
__ Serena Mazzuto
10 Hyacinth Curtis
11 Ira Wethington
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12 Garrett Martin Bell
15 Bobbie Gordon
17 Benjamin Charles Rosborough
__ Jordan William Rosborough
22 Michael Babb Jr.
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25 Donna Hosier
30 Luke Goodwin
__Amanda Rose bell
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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
JUNE 2022
Our prayers are asked for:
Nancy, Plain family, Sasha; Margaret; Mizell family; Jill; Donna; People of Ukraine, Russia, and Haiti, Joanne, Janice; Norma; Serene, Ruthann; Lauren; Paul, Andrew & family, Ian, James family, Pittman family; Nicholas, George; Gary, Marianne; Stacey, Meghan, Peggy K.; Cynthia, Carol, Jim, Seth, Lori, Neil; Whitman, Deb; Adrian, Lillian; 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
June 28-July 4, 2022
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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!
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
161 Mansion Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
(845) 452-8440
The Rev. Dr. Mary E. Barber, Priest-in-Charge
The Rev. Gloria Payne-Carter, Priest Associate
The Rev. Deacon Julett Butler, Deacon
Maris Kristapsons, Music Director and Organist
Adam Mazzuto; Audio/PA System
Notoe Hodge, Custodian/Sexton
Ben Sundar, Parish Administration
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St. Paul's Episcopal Church 161 Mansion Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
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