St. Paul's Episcopal Church Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
MESSENGER
"Making friends while serving God"
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The Week of August 2 - 8, 2022
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I will be away on vacation from July 31-August 14. While I'm away, please call the church office or the wardens for any pastoral needs. Our Priest Associate, Mother Gloria, will be the back-up clergy if needed (the wardens will contact her).
On August 7, The Rev. Nils Chittenden will serve as supply priest for the Sunday service. I'll be back at St. Paul's on August 15, and presiding at Sunday services on August 21.
I'll be praying for St. Paul's while I'm away!
Rev. Mary
--The Rev. Dr. Mary E. Barber
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Waiting For The Unexpected Hour – Luke 12:32-40
The collect and readings for today, Proper 14C, the Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost, may be found here. The appointed gospel is Luke 12:32-40.
Jesus said to his disciples, “Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions, and give alms. Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
“Be dressed for action and have your lamps lit; be like those who are waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet, so that they may open the door for him as soon as he comes and knocks. Blessed are those slaves whom the master finds alert when he comes; truly I tell you, he will fasten his belt and have them sit down to eat, and he will come and serve them. If he comes during the middle of the night, or near dawn, and finds them so, blessed are those slaves.
“But know this: if the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.”
“Be like those waiting for their master to return.”
One reality of life is waiting; waiting for someone to show up, for something to happen, for things to change. Another reality of life is that most of us do not like waiting. We look for the shortest line at the grocery store and the bank. We become impatient, even angry, waiting for the doctor or the waiter who is slow or inattentive. And just look how we behave when the coke machine is slow to deliver or the elevator is slow to begin moving. Lots of buttons are being pushed – the machine’s and ours.
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Sometimes it seems like life is nothing more than waiting. As children we wait for Christmas, summer vacation, and to grow up. As adults we wait for just the right job, that special someone who will make our life complete, a promotion, retirement. Some people wait for the diagnosis, others for a cure. Some wait for the day the pain will stop and the grief will end. Others wait for the answer to their prayers. Many of us wait for that day when we have enough time, enough money, enough freedom, and the day we will live happy ever after.
Many in the Anglican Communion wait for healing, reconciliation, and the resolution of conflict.
Sometimes it seems as if the world has waited from the beginning of creation for peace, and the end of war, hunger, and poverty.
At some level waiting takes place every day. Each of us could name the things or people for which we wait. Sometimes we live with the overwhelming feeling of waiting but with no clear idea of what we are waiting for.
When I look at my waiting I realize that I generally don’t wait in the present. I either move into the past or into the future. The great tragedy is that in doing so I lose the present moment. That’s part of what makes waiting so painful and difficult.
Waiting in the future most often brings fear and anxiety about what will happen. We are haunted by the unknown and lack of control. Waiting in the past brings sadness, anger, or guilt about things that have happened, or the things done and left undone. As difficult as our present circumstances may be, that’s the only place where we can ever be fully alive. It is the only place we can truly experience God.
When we move out of the present – either way, into the past or the future – we not only postpone life; we deny life. We deny our resurrection. We desecrate the sacrament of the present moment. We have refused the gift of God’s kingdom.
Everyone, everywhere, in every age waits. Jesus does not eliminate waiting. If anything, it sounds like just the opposite. He tells the crowd, “Be like those waiting for their master to return.”
Today’s gospel is not, however, simply about passing time. It is about presence and being present. Jesus sees waiting as an act of faithfulness; the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
So we are mistaken if we think today’s gospel describes an absent God, a God who left some time ago, for whom we wait. We are equally mistaken if we think we are waiting for a God who lives out in the future.
Jesus is teaching us how and where to wait. He’s inviting us to be present to the One who is always already present. He’s inviting us to listen for the knock, to watch, and to be alert. He’s inviting us to be present to the reality of God in each other, in the world, and in ourselves. This is the God who is present in the ordinary circumstances of our lives, even in our waiting.
We might be tempted to ask, “So where is God in all our waiting?” But maybe the better question is, “Where are we?”
Several years ago I served as chaplain at our diocesan summer camp for a whole bunch of 11 and 12-year-old campers. Each night before the kids went to sleep they would have some devotional time in their cabins. One of the counselors asked her campers, “Where did you see Jesus today?” A very surprised and excited camper cried out, “You mean He was here today?!”
Jesus responds to our surprise and excitement saying, “Yes, yes, yes. I was here. I am here. And I will be here.”
So he says, “Be dressed for action. Something is going on right now. Right here. And I want you to be a part of it. Come participate. For it is the Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. This is for you.”
“Have your lamps lit,” he says. “There is something to see. Move out of the darkness. Come into the light. See what is right in front of you, what is all around you, and what is in within you. For the Father wants you to have the kingdom.”
“Be alert,” he commands. But this isn’t a threat of punishment. It’s an invitation to be blessed. “Blessed are those whom he finds alert.” Jesus is not just inviting us to be awake, to be ready, and to be watchful. He is calling us to be fully alive and to remain alive. Blessing and life are synonymous in God’s kingdom. It is as if Jesus is saying to us, “Be alert, be blessed, and I will come and serve you. I will feed you the bread of life. I will serve you the cup of salvation.”
All of this, Jesus says, happens at an unexpected hour. Like a thief in the night the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.
So when is the unexpected hour? When will all this happen? Well, my guess is that for most of us, maybe all of us, the most unexpected hour is today, right here, right now.
The most unexpected hour is the hour spent in the hospital waiting room; the hour sitting next to the phone waiting for news of a loved one; the hour praying for a miracle; the hour in which we wait for clarity and a way forward; the hour waiting for the grief to end and life to return to normal; the hour in which it seems as if nothing is happening, life is not the way we want, and there is nowhere to go.
“You mean he was here today?!” Yeah, right here in the most unexpected hour of your life.
--Shawn Prater-Lee
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To be redirected to the Lectionary Page and get a digital copy of the readings
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Isaiah 1:1, 10-20; Psalm 50:1-8, 23-24; Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16;
Luke 12:32-40
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The Sunday Sermon
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
July 31, 2022
Hosea 11:1-11. Psalm 107:1-9, 43. Colossians 3:1-11. Luke 12:12-21.
Prayer: In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
The Gospel for today is often called the Parable of the Rich Fool. Somehow the description of being rich and being a fool doesn’t always seem to line up well for me. The general thinking of being rich is the result of one’s careful or wise management of ‘riches.’ However, there’s always room for the exception and today’s Gospel makes it clear that both descriptions can be used to describe the same person. This man had lots of possessions that he kept to himself. Now we see that his decision was unwise or foolish. This brings to my mind the words – ‘who knows what tomorrow brings and is evident in the words of James 4:15 “If it’s God’s will, we will live and do this or that.”
As I began to think more deeply about the reading many issues flooded my mind - the recent deaths and funerals we’ve had here at St. Paul’s; our nation continues to struggle with the COVID-19 virus; now we have a rise in Monkeypox; the recent sudden deaths of two men I knew; the talk about a recession and limiting our spending; and the ever-increasing cost living expenses. Maybe, you’ve been thinking about a lot too these days!
Come, let me set the scene for you. Jesus is in our town, and he is teaching his disciples. I invite you to join me in this large and curious crowd. Be careful though, because people are pushing and shoving so they can get close to hear what he’s saying. Earlier, I heard him talk about being a hypocrite - talking behind people’s backs, lying, and talking out both sides of our mouths. We all know what that’s about, and maybe we have done that in the past.
He also spoke with us about other everyday issues. He says, “I tell you friends (he called the people in crowd friends, that was nice) do not fear those who kill the body, and after that can do nothing more. He continued…fear the one who has authority to cast you into hell.” Well, we know that only God has the power to do that! He reminds us how important we to God and what we are expected to do to maintain a loving relationship with God and the Holy Spirit. Then he said that if our relationship is right with God, the Holy Spirit will be our guide and deliver us when we must defend our faith. I was totally blown away with that! Anyway, pay attention!
Someone in the crowd just asked for some guidance on a family matter concerning the distribution of inheritance. Well, did you notice how everyone got quiet? That’s a touchy subject! I know firsthand what can happen when someone dies, and all the long-lost family members swoop in to claim their share. Oh yes, things and relationships get nasty. Nevertheless, Jesus chose not to give any advice. He didn’t avoid the question either. He addressed the question with the parable we heard this morning. By the way, did you know that, the simple definition of a parable is, an earthly story with a heavenly meaning!
Jesus gave a stern warning then launched into the rich man’s life story including the man’s thinking. The man was focused totally on himself - and was not concerned about those who would be the beneficiaries of his property. It appears that he didn’t get a will or trust drawn up and sounds like he probably had a consultation with a financial planner. His savings portfolio and bank accounts were in good order, and he was happy with his efforts. Maybe he did some remolding of his house. For sure, he worked hard, saved his money, and made the decision to retire early, do some traveling before old age slowed him down and death comes. No doubt, he appeared to be a good steward. However, he forgot that he was able to gather his wealth because God was good to him!
The sad thing was that he never thought about the community that helped him up the ladder. His wealth was all about himself! He didn’t pray about how to use his wealth to leave a legacy, he didn’t think that his blessings and possessions were from God to be used to serve others. According to Luke writing, the rich man, ‘thought to himself, what should I do, I have no place to store my crops, . . I will do this: . . I will pull down …..I will store all . . I will say to my soul, soul . . You want to talk about self-centeredness? This rich man was the center of his own universe!
Another sad thing is that he forgot that what he had was temporary and that sickness, death could come calling without notice and all he had would be worth nothing. Did you notice that Jesus didn’t say the rich man shouldn’t save his money and he didn’t tell the inquirer that he shouldn’t ask about a portion of the family inheritance? No, Jesus left it open and leaves it open for us all to decide what’s our motivation is and where our spiritual and earthly treasures are.
Jesus continues, with the parable, “But God said to him, you fool! This very night your life is being demanded of you. And the things you have prepared, whose will they be? So, it is with those who store up treasures for themselves but are not rich toward God.” Jesus’ question is directed to us now. What should we do with the gifts we have received from God? Where are we investing our gifts from God?
The young people who are supported and nurtured by Rural and Migrant Ministry (ruralmigrantministry.org) need our help! They need school supplies to build a future in this land of ours. Let stand up and be an active part in the Community of Love. Let us invest in and nurture these young people. I have this basket that will be at the back of the church for two weeks. I am asking you to bring in school supplies that will be sent to the Rural and Migrant Ministry office in Cornwall-on-Hudson.
Corrie ten Boom, the Dutch watchmaker, Christian writer, and public speaker said, “I have learned to hold all things loosely so God will not have to pry them out of my hands.” My hope is that you will not feel like your donations are being pried out of your hands. Rather a cheerful gift to invest in the kingdom of God right here in our community. Let anyone with ears listen! Amen.
--The Rev. Deacon Julett Butler
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RURAL AND MIGRANT MINISTRY SCHOOL SUPPLIES DONATION LIST
For 2-weeks ONLY July 31 to August 17, 2022.
As part of the homily I asked the congregation that was present (and now to all our friends/family) to support a short 2-week donation drive for school supplies to support the Rural and Migrant Ministry. I have been in contact with Rev. Richard Witt who is a long time Episcopal priest and the executive director of this ministry. I have known Rev. Witt for over 20 years and the ministry has been pivotal in making the working/living conditions for migrant workers and their families legal and humane.
There’s a basket in the back of the church with a taped on sign for the Sunday donations. My thought is that some donors may bring in their gifts during the week. If that happens, please secure the donations in the office and let me know when they arrive.
Rural and Migrant Ministry school supplies list:
2-pocket folders, washable markers, glue sticks, highlighters, pencil erasers, 12” rulers, pencil sharpeners, composition notebooks, school scissors, colored pencils and 24 count pack crayons.
Church office is opened Tuesday to Thursday 10 am - 2 pm.
Thank you for your kindness!
Deacon Julett
The Rev. Deacon Julett Butler
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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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ZOOM CHURCH LINK FOR ALL SERVICES
All services except for the second Sunday (on Zoom) of the month, will be in person at 10:00am and will include singing.
Our Zoom connections remain the same and are
Meeting ID: 823 3911 5280
One tap mobile
+16465588656,,82339115280# US (New York)
+13017158592,,82339115280# US (Germantown)
Dial by your location
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
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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
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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--4 Owen Tucker
11 Adriana Babb
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23 Marlene Taylor
25 Dewy Clarke
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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
AUGUST 2022
Our prayers are asked for:
Hailey, Vickie; Marie; Maggie; G.J., Cynthia, Jeffrey, Linda, Marshall, Lillian, Michail I & II, Chandra (Plain), Evans; Paul; Alexis, The Church family, Avonel; Carola, Violet, Warren; Nancy, Plain family, Sasha; Margaret; Mizell family; Jill; Donna; People of Ukraine, Russia, and Haiti, Joanne, Janice; Norma; Serene, Ruthann; Lauren; Andrew & family, Ian, James family, Pittman family; Nicholas, George; Gary, Marianne; Stacey, Meghan, Peggy K.; Carol, Jim, Seth, Lori, Neil; Whitman, Deb; Adrian; Chloe; Christine, Lucas, Santos family, Bramble, Anna, Sterling, Leigh family, 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'
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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
August 2 - 8, 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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