St. Paul's Episcopal Church Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
MESSENGER
"Making friends while serving God"
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The Week of August 24-30, 2021
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'It is from the human heart
that evil intensions come.'
While Jesus was not advocating an abolishment of the law (Matthew 5:17-20) he wasn't fooled either by its supposed safeguards. Megan McKenna writes, “Mark wants to emphasize exactly what Jesus is teaching - inward devotion is much holier than any outward appearance of obedience to rules.” (p. 98, On Your Mark: Reading Mark in the Shadow of the Cross.)
“In this encounter between Jesus and the Pharisees, Jesus acts as teacher, trying to explain what is important and why the laws existed in the first place. Rigid adherence to a law can ignore a crucial call for the conversion of heart and practice. Jesus was very clear: no law was to be used to exclude another person, and no law was to override compassion, forgiveness, and a welcoming inclusion into the community.” (p.97)
Meditation Three echos this last thought. But to get there, an appreciation of law is helpful (meditation one) tempered with the powerful image of spring thaw and waking to truth (meditation two).
From my heart to yours,
Suzanne Guthrie from At the Edge of the Enclosure
Meditation Two (Insight)
The Human Heart Can Go the Lengths of God
The human heart can go the lengths of God.
Cold and dark we may be, but this
Is no winter now. The frozen misery
Of centuries breaks, cracks, begins to move;
The thunder is the thunder of the floes.
The thaw, the flood, the upstart Spring.
Thank God, our time is now when wrong
Comes up to face us everywhere,
Never to leave till we take
The longest stride of soul men ever took.
Affairs are now soul-size.
The enterprise
Is exploration into God.
What are you making for? It takes
So many thousand years to wake,
But will you wake for pity's sake?
– Christopher Fry 1907-2005
(excerpt from the play, A Sleep of Prisoners)
Meditation Three (Integration)
Shattering Boundaries
I've found it humbling to ask what "outcasts" do I sanctimoniously spurn as impure, unclean, dirty, contaminated, and, in my mind, far from God. The mentally ill, people who have married three or four times, wealthy executives, welfare recipients, people who hold conservative political opinions, or maybe people with AIDS? How have I distorted the self-sacrificing, egalitarian love of God into self-serving, exclusionary elitism? What boundaries do I wrongly build or might I bravely shatter? I pray to experience what (Marcus) Borg calls a "community shaped not by the ethos and politics of purity, but by the ethos and politics of compassion."
-Dan Clendenin
The Journey with Jesus: Notes to Myself
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To be redirected to the Lectionary Page and get a digital copy of the readings
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Song of Solomon 2:8-13; Psalm 45-1-2, 7-10;
James 1:17-27; Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23
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The Sunday Sermon
Ephesians 6:10-20
Listen my children, and you shall hear
Of the midnight ride of Paul Revere,
On the eighteenth of April, in Seventy-five
Hardly a man is now alive
Who remembers that famous day and year.
He said to his friend, “If the British march
By land or by sea from the town tonight,
Hang a lantern aloft in the belfry arch
Of the North Church tower as a signal light,
One if by land and two if by sea,
And I on the opposite shore will be,
Ready to ride and to spread the alarm
Through every Middlesex village and farm,
For the country folk to be up and to arm.”
Isn’t that a great and celebrated poem? I wonder, how many of us remember being introduced to it in junior high or high school? Can you imagine what it would be like if Paul Revere came riding his horse through our neighborhoods, at one of two in the morning calling out with a loud voice that the British are coming? I think rather than picking up our guns, we would probably pick up our phones and let the police know that there was a crazy man hollering outside our houses.
Actually, what Paul Revere did would be a very inadequate guide to action in our complex society. True, it was more than adequate during the days of the birth of our country. Paul got the signal of the approaching danger. He alerted the folks with a loud voice as he rode swiftly through the countryside, and the people took up arms. In our big, busy society the modern Paul Revere might be persistent in hollering warnings to the people in the neighborhood, but I think all he would get is a stay in jail.
Talking about a stay in jail, in Biblical times there was another Paul who was in his way sounding an alarm. He was attempting to prepare the people to get ready to fight the evil in their midst. And he too found himself in jail. However, his situation was quite different from that experienced by the Paul that rode through the countryside announcing the approach of the British military. Paul the Apostle wrote to the people about keeping faith and he strongly encouraged them to put down evil wherever they might find it.
And when we read more deeply into this portion of Holy Scripture, I think Paul we see that Paul receives a message from the Holy Spirit. Let me explain what I mean. Here is Paul of Tarsus in prison, chained to a Roman soldier day and night so that he cannot escape; certainly, a painful situation that would break most people. And yet he uses this opportunity, this time to write to the believers. “Be strong in the Lord! And in the strength of his power,” he says.
And then he sees before him, in the uniform of the Roman soldier to which he is connected, tools if you will, to help him articulate the qualities of God. He turns the soldier’s armor, a negative icon of violence into positive imagery of peace. “Put on the amor of God,” he writes, “so that you may be able to stand against the devices of the devil.” “Put on the belt of truth. Wear the breastplate of righteousness. On your feet, put on the shoes of readiness to preach the gospel of peace. Take with you a shield of faith. And place on your head the helmet of salvation. And finally, with all of these, take also the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
It reminds me so much of Martin Luther King’s Letter from a Birmingham Jail. There he was incarcerated with only scraps of paper upon which he could write. And like Paul, he took this negative setting in which he found himself and wrote absolutely magnificent prose that sharply exposed the sin of segregation and that greatly touched people not only in the United States, but world-wide as well.
And again, it reminds me of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German, Lutheran theologian who was jailed in 1943 and executed in 1945 by the Nazis. His powerful book entitled Letters and Papers from Prison, exposed the horrors of the Third Reich. And it reinforced Germany’s decision not to allow itself to be seduced to go in that demonic direction again.
The message for us to grasp is that God can take the most negative things, the most negative settings and empower them to manifest God’s love. I’ve got to remind us there was nothing more negative than the cross, the Roman execution device, and today it is our symbol of salvation and is present in our churches and hangs around our necks.
We must remember these beautiful words from Romans, chapter 8: “For I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
--Fr. C. Allan Ford
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The Vestry is THRILLED to announce that St. Paul’s has called The Rev. Dr. Mary E. Barber to be our halftime Priest-in-Charge. We will share her with St. George’s in Newburgh. She is currently a transitional deacon and will be ordained priest on Saturday, September 18. She will celebrate her first Holy Eucharist at St. George’s (her sponsoring parish) Sunday, September 19 at 4:00. We all are invited to attend. At this time we don’t have a definite day for her to begin her work at St. Paul’s, but expect to soon. You’ll be hearing and reading more about Mary in the weeks to come but we wanted you to know that our search is finally over and we are excited to begin St. Paul’s next adventure with God’s help.
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HELP NEEDED!!
We’re thinking of having a Chicken BBQ Take-out on September 18th as a fund raiser. WE NEED A GRILL, A PICKUP TRUCK TO GET IT HERE, AND WORKERS in order for this to take place. If you are willing to help us out and can commit to one of those days, PLEASE SPEAK TO JANET, DEBBIE P., ROSE MARIE OR BOBBIE BY SEPT. 5.
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ST. PAUL'S SMALL BLESSINGS THRIFT SHOP: PLEASE HELP US TO SERVE OUR COMMUNITY SAFELY
DONATIONS TO THE THRIFT SHOP MUST BE IN CLEAR PLASTIC BAGS OR CONTAINERS OR ON HANGERS WHEN YOU BRING THEM IN. PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE THE DONATIONS ON THE PORCH, BUT BRING THEM IN DURING THRIFT SHOP HOURS (TUESDAYS, WEDNESDAYS, THURSDAYS 10AM – 2PM).
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IN-PERSON SUNDAY SERVICES
As more and more people are getting vaccinated against COVID 19 the Bishop has eased some of the restrictions that have affected our worship. Given this the Vestry has decided that all services (10:00am), except for the second Sunday of the month, will be in person and will include singing. We also hope to be able to broadcast the in person service live on our YouTube channel.
At our Vestry meeting we changed our church mask policy to be that vaccinated individuals are not required to wear masks.
For unvaccinated individuals, the mask rule remains that anytime you are moving from your pew that you have your mask on. When you are seated you may take off your mask if you choose to do so. If you are singing please put on your mask. Thank you for helping to keep our community safe.
The second Sunday of the month will be on Zoom (see below for Zoom link). This allows us to have the coffee hour discussions and to retain those parishioners who are able to only be with us remotely.
We hope to see you on Zoom on Sunday and in person whenever you can make it in.
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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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A NOTE FROM THE TREASURY TEAM
The total deposits will be reported on a monthly basis going forward. Please watch for it at the end of the month.
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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My dear Brothers and sisters,
The first time I visited Haiti the earthquake of 2010 was a recent memory, and everywhere we
could see the signs of rebuilding and recovery from that horrific tragic catastrophe. The ruin that
was visited upon the country, and upon its cities and villages, was extreme. And it was clear to all
who had eyes, or who listened to the accounts and stories of the Haitian people, that what would
have been a great hardship under any circumstances was made horribly worse, and the suffering
of people more terrible, by the endemic poverty which is written into the lives of the Haitian
people. It felt like a wakeup call. At every construction site or rebuilt clinic or school were large
signs, which identified the charitable organizations, religious organizations, governments of
foreign countries, and international NGOs which had contributed to the work and its costs. One
could imagine that Haiti was at a tipping point, when the eyes of the world were opened to the
long years of International disinterest or geopolitical forces which had kept the country in a state
of perpetual struggle, and there was now some measure of global repentance. And that repentance
was bearing fruit in a renewed life and opportunity for growth.
Good things have happened in Haiti. Churches across our diocese, as well as across America and
the world, have long-standing mission partnerships with villages, churches, schools and hospitals
in Haiti, and our diocese has many ordained a lay missioners and friends of that wonderful
country which has struggled so long. The Episcopal Diocese of Haiti is the largest diocese in the
Episcopal Church, and is a member of Province II, of which the Diocese of New York also
belongs. The people of the Diocese of Haiti are our brothers and sisters, and partners in
ministry. Once one has been to Haiti one will never again forget the beauty of the island and the
people.
Now in the weeks which have followed the assassination of President Moïse, and the political
instability arising from an attempted coup d’etat, another powerful earthquake has visited death
and suffering, destruction and ruin, again upon Haiti. Some two thousand people have lost their
lives in the last week. Countless numbers of people are sleeping outdoors or under tarpaulins
because their homes have been destroyed or are no longer safe. Many churches, the first
responders to Haitian people in need, are destroyed, and in some communities that are no
churches left at all. Every Christian heart must break in observing such suffering, and as we have
done before, I ask this diocese - our churches and our people - to respond in constant prayer, and
with generosity and godly love.
Sometimes money is pastoral care, and I ask your most generous giving for Haiti at this
time. Episcopal Relief and Development is inviting donations to support the work they are doing
in Haiti and will expand now to respond to the earthquake, and I commend ERD to you as a
venue for your giving. However, in the Diocese of New York we also stand ready to receive your
gifts on behalf of the people of Haiti, with particular attention to our already existing relationships
with communities and people in that country. Donations may be sent to the Diocese of New York,
designated for Haiti relief, and we will make provision for getting that help to the places most
needed.
In addition to your charitable giving for Haiti, I strongly ask your prayers for these: the Reverend
Pierre André Duvert, Rector of Saint Luke’s Church in the Bronx; the Reverend Nathanael Saint-
Pierre, Priest-in-Charge of Saint Augustine’s Church in Manhattan; the Reverend Sam Owen,
Priest in Charge, and Deacons Adeline Smith and Wilson Estil, all of the Haitian Congregation of
the Good Samaritan in the Bronx; and the Reverend Promise Atelon of Trinity Parish. May they,
and the great number of Haitian people who worship and minister in this diocese, be living icons
for us of the strength and vitality of the Haitian Diaspora in our midst. Let us give thanks for
them, and join them in their ministry to the Haitian community of this diocese. With every good
wish, I remain
Yours,
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The Right Reverend Andrew ML Dietsche
Bishop of New York
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GRACE CHURCH MILLBROOK GOLF TOURNAMENT & GALA DINNER FUNDRAISER
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--Valentina K. Stelcen
Executive Assistant to the Bishop
for the Mid-Hudson Region
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_4 Owen Tucker
_5 Owen Scarlett
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15 Adrianna Babb
23 Marlene Taylor
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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 2021
Our prayers are asked for:
Rose; Donna; Steven; Salvator; Barbara; Tish; Mary Ann; Tommy; Carol; Chris; Sandra; George, Norm; Janett; Kay, Katherine, Renate; Food Pantry Volunteers, victims of Human/Sex Trafficking; Burton family; Lillian, Matthew, Sasha; Joe, G.J., Aleta, Plain family, Melius family; Ibadan Diocese, All Saints' Church, Oni family; Gary, Legend; Rhonda, Joe, Ann, all Teachers, Parents, Students, Theodore, John, Paul, Kathy; Sharon Greene, Owen, Agnes, Norma; McLauren family; Graham family; Wood family; Braxton family; Lori, Steven, Jim, Seth; Phil; All essential workers; Beryl & Glen, Vincent family; George; Daniel Mizell and family; Fr. Allan and family; St. Paul's Vestry; Darien family; Sherow family; Edna Clarke, Michelle, Kathy B.; Carola and Violet; Whitman, Medical Reserve Corp. of Dutchess County, The Laken family; All Parishioners; Kairos International, Catherine, Michelle, Yamily; Matthew, Lillian; Lynita, Perry, Melius family, Sasha; Stacey; Tucker family, Branch family, Atkinson family; Alison, McGhan, Sterling, Unah, Avonel, Kim, Santos family, Madeline, Bramble, Charlie, Cynthia, Gencia, Val, Joanne, Janet, Corkey, Pelaez, Josephs-Clarke family, Dixon family, Paulette, Jarah, Mertlyn; Adam, Paul, Andrew & family, Douglas family, Ron, Dave, Liz; Jill, Lana, Andrew, Susan; Schneider family, all in need; Susie; Sherry, Claudia
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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 24-30, 2021
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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!
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St. Paul's Episcopal Church 161 Mansion Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
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