Weekly Postings news & events
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April 10 - April 19, 2020
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To the Community of Saint Paul’s Church,
One of the main focal points of the traditional Passover seder is the maggid, the telling of the story of the Exodus from Egypt. This story begins with the youngest person at the seder asking the Four Questions, the first being “Why is this night different than any other night?” This and the other questions provide the impetus for telling the story.
As we approach this Easter of 2020 we may ask much the same question, “Why is this Easter different than any other Easter?” On the surface the answers are simple. We are not gathering with family and friends for time honored traditions of egg hunts and family meals; of Easter Sunday with flowers and drums, trumpets and organ; of Easter bonnets and springtime best; of voices raised and hands uplifted to receive the bread of heaven and cup of salvation.
Why is this Easter different..? Maybe because we are given the opportunity to hear the story uncluttered by so much that often gets in the way. Matthew’s Gospel reminds us, the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see…”
Maybe, just maybe, this Easter will be that time when we can reflect in quietness and simplicity on the power of that simple message, “Do not be afraid.” The power of the risen Jesus is among us and within us. Wherever we greet this Easter morning it is our new day. For it is by the power of Jesus’ glorious resurrection that death has been destroyed; that and life and immortality have been brought to light; that our new life in him has begun.
Yes, we long for the time when we can be together. We look forward to hearing the shout of “Alleluia. Christ is Risen.” with its thunderous response, “The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia..”; to joining our voices “Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia!”; to tasting the bread and drinking from the cup. But until that time may we all rejoice that the power of the resurrection is not diminished because this Easter is different than others. It is given new life and meaning as we hear it in new and more powerful ways.
Let us pray:
God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ: help us in the midst of those things that jar the normality of our lives to see that in the resurrection of Jesus everything has changed; that even death itself no longer has power over us. As we celebrate with joy the day of Jesus’ resurrection, may we live lives of faith and hope empowered by God’s life giving Spirit. May we be the Body of Christ in ways that are transforming for ourselves and the world. All this and more we ask in the name of Jesus your risen Son.
Amen.
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Sunday, April 12
Sunday of the Resurrection: Easter Day
11 a.m., Facebook Live
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EVENTS THIS SUNDAY | APRIL 12
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GODLY PLAY- Children through 5th grade
Sundays, 9:30 AM
OR from Zoom App, Meeting ID:
366 090 592
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We take children and their relationship with God seriously and seek to provide both space to foster encounters with God and the language necessary to make meaning of those experiences. In our new digital environment, we are excited for families to gather with their children to experience the Biblical narrative lovingly presented, followed by a time for awe and wondering. See you Sunday!
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RECTOR’S FORUM
Sundays, 9:30 AM
OR from Zoom App, Meeting ID: 860 972 849
OR phone-in: (646) 876-9923
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The Rector's Forum offers a time and place for engaging conversation that is not anchored to a specific curriculum or topic. Always we consider how to honestly and faithfully live out our Baptismal vows, now more than ever!
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YOUTH FORMATION - Middle and High School
Sundays, 10:30 AM
OR Zoom App, Meeting ID:
795 073 836
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Youth gather for some theology, fellowship, and lively conversation before tuning into 11 a.m. worship. It’s everything you love about our Sunday morning experience, except the chicken biscuit.
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NO EYC - Middle and High School
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EYC (Episcopal Youth Community) with Ranie Neislar will NOT meet on Easter Sunday. Ranie will return online next Sunday, April 19, 1:30 p.m.
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Read the Book of Matthew in Easter
Beginning Sunday, April 12
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EVENTS NEXT WEEK | APRIL 13-19
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EASTER MONDAY ANNUAL MEETING
Monday, April 13, 12 Noon
OR from Zoom App, Meeting ID: 802 615 094
OR phone-in: (646) 876-9923
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Protecting the well-being of all of our congregation will always be our top priority. Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19), your Vestry has decided that the official Parish Annual Meeting, held on the Monday after Easter, will be held this year by
Zoom.
George, as chair, will convene the meeting from the church beginning at 12:00 noon. Normally, we would convene on the front steps of the Church for the election and investiture of the Vestry as we have for 270 years. However, Easter Monday is within the time that the Church facilities are closed to group gatherings. While the number of persons able to attend at one time via Zoom is somewhat limited, we believe that this method will allow us to convene as a body. Should you wish to participate or to nominate from the floor, please contact the current Senior Warden,
Billy Badger.
As a reminder, the slate this year is: Laura Robertson, Laurie Montgomery, Matt Gullette, and Ashley Wright as Senior Warden.
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Praying
Together
OR from Zoom App, Meeting ID: 595 177 454
OR phone-in: (646) 876-9923
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Praying Together is a teaching series to help individuals grow in their understanding and practice of praying the daily prayer services of our church, The Daily Office, either privately or gathered online at appointed times.
Our goals are to support everyone in deepening their daily prayer life and to grow a team of lay people who will lead services online on a rotation schedule. If you are interested in learning to lead prayer services, please
email Bill Ford for more information about the expectations and next steps.
THIS WEEK'S TUTORIALS:
Morning Prayer
Tuesday, April 14, 9 - 9:45 AM
Daily Devotions for Families and Individuals
Wednesday, April 15,11:45 AM -12:15 PM
Compline
Wednesday, April 15, 7:30 - 7:55 PM
A service of Compline follows the tutorial, 8 PM
Evening Prayer
Thursday, April 16, 5 - 5:45 PM
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CANTERBURY CHOIR - Just for Fun!
Wednesdays, 5 PM
OR from Zoom App, Meeting ID:
859 002 714
OR phone-in: (646) 876-9923
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Just for fun, the Canterbury choir is gathering online to catch up and connect with each at their regular rehearsal time, Wednesdays at 5 p.m.
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Easter Reflection, Prayer and Reading Group
Beginning April 19, *time depending on participants.
* Either Sunday 9:30 AM, or weekday evening.
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Our group will spend time together online to practice centering prayer and have structured conversations about the deep meaning and reality of Christ’s life. Our conversations will be based on the Study Guide developed by the author for his book. We also will incorporate (optional) podcast interviews with Fr. Rohr about each chapter of his book.
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OTHER RESOURCES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
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Stay connected with Saint Paul's Online
Visit our Church-ONLINE page on the Saint Paul's website to find out how you can stay connected through Facebook Live and Zoom meetings and events during this time.
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Parish Directories
A number of you have asked about getting an updated parish directory so that we can be in touch with one another. If you would like us to email you the most recent parish directory, please
email Hannah Gosney.
These directories are for our personal use only.
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“OFFICE HOURS” with Fr. Jenkins
By appointment, Tuesdays, 11 AM-12 PM; Thursdays 2-3 PM
By Zoom meeting or phone
Fr. Jenkins has reserved blocks of time to schedule meetings with parishioners by phone or zoom to discuss pastoral, prayer, or other spiritual concerns. Please
email Fr. Jenkins with your meeting preferences (including times other than listed), and he will follow-up to schedule an appointment.
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Are we missing your birthday?
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