St. Paul's Episcopal Church Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
MESSENGER
"Making friends while serving God"
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The Week of October 26-November 1, 2021 |
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From the Priest-in-Charge
Greetings, St. Paul’s Community,
It’s great to be with you again this week, and next week. In months when there is a 5th Sunday, I will sometimes be at St. Paul’s, and this is one of those fortunate times where I have a longer stretch with you.
Last Sunday, the congregation had its first experience of Morning Prayer as the Sunday service, with Pete Bedrossian leading and Deacon Julett giving the sermon, and of course Maris providing the music St. Paul’s is so well-known for. The form of this liturgy is a little different than Holy Eucharist, but it is a beautiful service in its own right, with a tradition going back to monasteries in Early Church times.
Saying that Sunday was St. Paul’s first experience is really not correct! St. Paul’s vestry, and other committees, have been starting meetings with Morning/Evening Prayer or Compline for several years now. Going back a bit further, most Episcopal churches used to have Morning Prayer as their main Sunday worship service, until the mid-1800’s when this thing called the Liturgical Movement came along. Even well into the 20th century, many churches continued to worship mainly with Morning Prayer, having communion perhaps once a month (there’s at least one church in this area that still practices this way). So St. Paul’s is well within its own tradition, and the tradition of the wider Church, to lean into Morning Prayer a bit and experience this service. You can even read Morning Prayer on a daily basis at home, which will give you a rich amount of scripture readings to digest throughout your week. Here is one resource you can use to explore further.
We will soon be observing All Saints’ Day. This year for All Saints and All Faithful Departed, the Cathedral of St. John the Divine is offering a series of events marking the COVID pandemic, called Lamentation, Thanksgiving, Hope. There will be special services in-person. There will also be two days of showing slides of people who have died of COVID, and special Día de Muertos altars (ofrendas), that guests can add photos, names, and mementos to. The altars will stay up in the Cathedral until Advent. DÍa de Muertos is a Mexican and Mexican-American tradition, embraced by some other Latino cultures as well, that has its roots in Indigenous traditions of honoring ancestors.
You will find information and a schedule here. If you would like to send photos of loved ones lost to COVID for the slide memorial, you can email the photo(s) with names and dates of birth/death to info@stjohndivine.org.
Through rituals like these, we can help to mark the losses we have all experienced in the last nearly two years, and offer our feelings of collective lament to God. We can express our thanksgiving for all we have survived and all we have learned. And through this, we can start to move forward, in hope.
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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Ruth 1:1-18; Psalm 146; Hebrews 9:11-14; Mark 12:28-34
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The Sunday Sermon
St. Paul’s Episcopal
October 24, 2021
Morning Prayer
Psalm 34:1-8, 19-22. Jeremiah 31:7-9. Hebrews 7:23-28. Mark 10:46-52.
Opening prayer: Open our ears Lord, help us to hear your voice. Amen.
In our Gospel reading today. Jesus asked Bartimaeus, what do you want me to do for you? This seems like a normal question to ask someone who is stressed or worried. In my field of work, I would ask questions like; Are you okay? How can I help you? I am cautious now because there were times when I got more information than I expected.
Mark puts on the Jericho Road with Jesus, the itinerant preacher. He is teaching and healing. The crowd is following him as he leaves and there is also a man in the background who is unable to join the group. He is going to miss an opportunity to get his needs met if he does not act quickly or get someone to help him.
The problem is Bartimaeus is blind. He is invisible to the people in his community. However, he will soon be the recipient of a long awaited dream – a life changing miracle. Mark does not give us any information about his blindness. All we know is that, in those days, when someone was blind, it was thought that they or their parents sinned. Right now, it doesn’t matter who sinned or not.
We have a question than needs an answer. And Bartimaeus’ story has some lessons for us.
1. I believe physical blindness not only blocks our perception of the world but can dull our faith in what God can do in our lives.
2. Bartimaeus was a beggar, dependent on others for care, unable to work so he was willing to accept what was given to him by others. His ability to make choices were limited. The cloak or jacket he wore became his identity. Accepting life as it presents itself to us can sometimes be the jacket or cloak that restricts our willingness to look ahead and keeps us stuck in time and place.
3. He was easily overlooked by the crowd as someone of little value. Have you ever felt invisible? I know what it feels like – it’s awful. The only way he could claim his space was to use his voice, so he started calling out. And of course, some in the crowd ordered him to be quiet.
4. Bartimaeus recognized an opportunity and seized the moment. He was determined not to miss his chance for healing. He could not use his eyes, yet his heart was burning for God and his voice was strong. So, he cried out even more loudly, he refused to give up or to be silent. Staying quiet was not an option now. He had to speak up and use his God given voice. If that didn’t work, I am sure he would have found another way to get the attention he wanted. And so, we too must learn to be creative and not give up when one approach doesn’t work.
5. In all this Bartimaeus was a champion risktaker. He wanted to get Jesus’ attention, so he went even further, by dropped a name – King David - that only Jesus would recognize. He identified Jesus’ ancestor to leverage an audience by with Son of David. Do you remember the saying – ‘It’s not who you know, it’s who knows you.’ Right!
6. Bartimaeus knew exactly what he wanted. He asked for mercy and to see again. Our prayers are to be focused and specific.
I have a lot of respect for this blind man. I know I would have talked myself out of doing anything because there was a crowd. Not Bartimaeus. He put his best effort into getting his needs met. He was clear about what he wanted and used all his sense despite being told to be quiet. I have a wall hanging that says, “Let your faith be bigger than your fears.” This blind man took those words literally and they worked for him. They can work for us too. We may not be physically blind, yet we might as well be because we can block our blessings, by refusing to act. We miss our chance to meet Jesus and to meet the needs of others. Then we live with regrets and blame other for our missed opportunities. We failed to walk through the door that God opened for us. I know that Holy Spirit is always with me, even in my darkest moments. Romans 8:26 states – “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words.” Bartimaeus had been in a physically dark place and the Light came.
Of course, Jesus heard Bartimaeus calling out above the noise of the crowd. Mark said, “Jesus stood still and said call him here.” What a special and scary moment that was. His heart must have been racing with anticipation.
Come Bartimaeus, just as you are blind and oppressed!
Come and receive your blessing! Step into YOUR spotlight!
We are told to bring our cares to the ONE who really knows and loves us. Matthew 6:26 says, “Look at the birds of the air, they neither sow nor reap or gather into barns, and yet your heavenly father feed them. Are you of more value than they?” Yes, we are! We are not invisible even when we cloak ourselves with doubt and fear. Even when the world says we are useless. Yes, we are fearfully and wonderfully made. We are heirs to the kingdom, and we have a seat at the table.
Opportunities will come and we must be ready with God’s help to ask for what we need and want. If it’s God’s will, the Holy Spirit will help us get ready and bring the blessing to fruition.
You may know this song that I love very much. The words are – God will make a way where there seems to be no way. He works in ways we cannot see. He will make a way for me.” God will make a way for you too! Don’t forget though that we must be fully invested and be willing to do some work. God is not Santa making a once a year visit. This blind man did some work and was healed.
So, Jesus calls for Bartimaeus and he throws off his cloak that was soaked with negative self-talk, the doubts and the fears that kept him trapped. He had to change his self-image as the dependent beggar, and we need to do that too to receive what God has in store for us. The same people who saw him as just a beggar could not stop him when Jesus called for him.
The story continues, he sprang up and came to Jesus. He mustered up all his energy and came to Jesus.
Jesus asked him a simple question – What do you want me to do for you? He didn’t hesitate. He wasn’t wishy washy; he was specific about his needs. He said, “my teacher, let me see again.” Jesus restored his sight without physically touching him. Then, Jesus told him, “Go your faith has made you well.” His faith in what Jesus could and did do for him was a big part of his healing. This is an important lesson for all of us today.
Jesus did not invite Bartimaeus to join the group. He sent him off to tell the world what God has done for him. He was free from bondage and could now go and take his rightful place in community.
I know there were times in my life when I experienced spiritual restlessness that was difficult to explain. I wasn’t sure what was going on, where I was going, or what I wanted to ask God for. It was as if the Spirit was saying, what do you want me to do for you Julett? I had to go into my prayer space and clear my mind and heart of all the confusion that had me spinning in many directions. I am blessed that I can go the Monastery of Holy Cross for a quiet day retreat. I can join the monks for a day of prayer and reflection as needed. Just the act of stepping away from the daily demands and throwing off the cloak of self-doubt brings me peace so I can better be equipped for service to others. Like Bartimaeus, we must trust that God will hear us and make a way for us.
Now the question remains - If Jesus was to come this moment and ask you – What do you want me to do for you? What would your answer be?
Let’s always be ready in faith to speak clearly and move toward the Spirit’s call.
Let us pray: Open our eyes Lord and help us to see your face. Open our ears Lord, help us to hear your voice. Open our hearts Lord and help us to love like you. Amen.
--Rev. Deacon Julett Butler
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Our mask policy has changed due to new safety concerns that have developed. We ask that all people please wear masks while in church except when seated. If you are singing, please put on your mask. Thank you for helping to keep our community safe.
--Shawn Prater-Lee
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PLEASE HELP OUR NEIGHBORS IN NEED
If you have been collecting for the Episcopal Relief and Development Fund, now is the time to bring your collection to the church so that we can send it in from St. Paul's.
Let us pray.
Look with pity, O heavenly Father, upon the people in this land who live with injustice, terror, disease, and death as their constant companions. Have mercy upon us. Help us to eliminate our cruelty to these our neighbors. Strengthen those who spend their lives establishing equal protection of the law and equal opportunities for all. And grant that every one of us may enjoy a fair portion of the riches of this land; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
--The Rev. Dcn. Julett Butler
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ST. PAUL'S SMALL BLESSINGS THRIFT SHOP & FOOD PANTRY: 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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We thank everyone who has helped our missions stay open during these trying times. We kindly ask you all to help us to continue to serve our community with the safety it needs and deserves: Any food you donate should be unopened and within the sell by date. Shop items need to be clean and seasonal. We can only accept donations during shop hours. Leaving them at any other times or in the hallway can violate fire safety codes. Please DO NOT use black/opaque garbage bags to bring in your donations as the staff is unable to process the contents of it. Thank you again for your support.
--Jeanne Henderson
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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.
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 are reported on a monthly basis. Please watch for it at the end of this 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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OR CALL
Melissa Clarke
(Director of Community Impact)
845-471-1900 extension; 3128
United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region is partnering with Lyft to offer free rides to individuals needing transportation to and from COVID-19 vaccine appointments and COVID-19 booster vaccinations. The program covers up to $50 round trip. The individual must cover any expenses beyond $50.
The program is open to Dutchess and Orange residents in Newburgh and Poughkeepsie. It cannot be used for drive thru vaccination sites. Medicaid recipients are not eligible for this program. They can call their Medicaid provider to cover the cost of transportation.
Sign up to receive your unique code by clicking the "apply" button above. A person can apply the code to a round trip.
Rides can only be used as transportation to and from a vaccine clinic site. Users can apply for a second code to use for transportation to and from a second shot.
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La organizacion de United Way de la region de Dutches y Orange, en colaboracion con Lyft, estan ofreciendo transporte gratis a todos aquellos que necesitan vacunarse contra el Covid-19 y la vacuna del refuerzo. Este programa cubre hasta $50 de transporte- si el costo excede los $50, el cliente tendria que contribuir el balance del costo, de su propio bolsillo.
Este programa es ofrecido a todos los residents de Newburgh y Poughkeepsie y no puede ser utilizado para recibir las vacunas en centros de auto-servicio. Ademas, los residentes que reciben seguro medico por medio de “Medicaid” no son elegibles para participar. Sin embargo, los proveedores de Medicaid cubren el costo del transporte para vacunarse y los pacientes solo tienen que llamar a su proveedor de Medicaid para cuadrar su cita de vacunacion.
Inscribase para recibir su codigo unico haciendole clic al buton de arriba que dice “apply”. Este codigo se puede utilizer para el transporte de ida y vuelta.
El transporte ofrecido por medio de este programa solo puede ser utilizado para visitas clinicas que ofrecen las vacunas del Covid-19. Los usuarios de este transporte, pueden solicitar otro codigo para obtener la segunda vacuna, si es necesario.
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TRAINING FOR LAY PASTORAL CARE MINISTERS
The Episcopal Diocese of New York is sponsoring Community of Hope International (COHI)l training for lay pastoral care ministers beginning February 2022 from 7 to 8 pm on Tuesdays via Zoom.
The classes provide an opportunity for lay ministers to discern possible parish or parish sponsored "out of parish" ministries through an experience of Benedictine Spirituality and will equip participants with the skills needed to engage effectively as pastoral care ministers. The topics and dates are listed below:
(1) February 1 – Benedictine Spirituality
(2) 8 – Theology of Pastoral Care/Pastoral Identity
(3) 15 – Listening Skills
(4) 22 – Prayer, Meditation and Silence
(5) March 8 – Motivational Spiritual Gifts
(6) 15 – Pastoral Care Visits with Boundaries
(7) 22 – Grief, Coping with Loss
(8) 29 - Understanding Family Systems
(9) April 5 – Confidentiality, Debriefing and First Simulation
(10) 19 – Pastoral Care for Seniors
(11) 26– Second Simulation
(12) May 3 – Care for the Caregivers
(13) 10 – Prayer Service and Commissioning
The total cost of the program is $55.
Last year's COHI cohort consisted of deacon postulants, deacons, a priest and lay participants. We are open to the same registration with a cap of approximately 15 participants. If you or your parishioners are interested in this program, please contact Deacon Richard Limato via email at @rplimato@saintmichaelschurch.org
I am happy to answer any questions by phone or arrange a Zoom informational meeting for you and your parishioners.
Thank you,
Richard
"Take hold of the life that really is life"
1 Timothy 6:19
Have a great day!!
The Rev'd. Deacon Denise LaVetty
Director, Diaconal Formation and Transition Ministries
Episcopal Diocese of New York
Deacon, Church of the Incarnation
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New from the Trinity Retreat Center
In-person Retreats
In-person retreats are back at the Trinity Retreat Center. Join us on our 55 acres nestled between the Housatonic River and Trinity Forest in beautiful West Cornwall, Connecticut, a place apart for rest, quiet, prayer, discovery, connection, and reflection. We celebrate the restorative presence of God in nature and in community for spiritual renewal, stewardship of creation, and support for the ongoing work of love, service, and justice.
Core Values Faith Retreat: The Way of God in Wilderness Seasons
January 7–9, 2022
with Summerlee Staten and Dr. Kathy Bozzuti-Jones
We’ll explore how we can hear God’s voice even in times of “wilderness”: seasons of change, doubt, and uncertainty. Come for conversations by the fire, dynamic teaching, vibrant conversations, and prayerful meditation. Learn more and register here
Presidents Day Weekend Rest and Renewal Retreat
February 18–21, 2022
This weekend offers a lightly structured time to retreat from daily obligations and engage a deepening awareness of our relationships—with ourselves, those around us, the divine, and all of creation. Learn more and register here
“Love is the Meaning”: Julian of Norwich Lenten Retreat
March 4–6, 2022
with Robert Owens Scott
Set the tone for Lent during this weekend retreat focusing on the writings of Julian of Norwich, an ascetic from the Middle Ages who wrote Revelations of Divine Love, the earliest surviving book in English written by a woman. Learn more and register here
Inclusiveness Retreat: Womanist Midrash
March 25–27, 2022
with the Rev. Dr. Wil Gafney
We’ll explore the stories of women in the Hebrew Bible, in particular, and biblical interpretation in general, in ways that honor our histories and heritages and speak to the present moment and its concerns. Learn more and register here
Online Retreats
We’re offering weekend retreats online—times to pray, reflect, make space for grace, and listen to the voice of God. Check our website for detailed schedules and mark your calendar to tune in.
A Poet, A Priest
October 29–31, 2021 with the Rev. Spencer Reece
Reece will discuss his spiritual and literary journey. He will explore how poetry, AA, and Al-Anon led him into the church, how writing and prayer have become synonymous for him, and the ways God speaks to us through people.
Abundance in the Midst of Challenge
November 5–7, 2021 with the Rev. Canon Karen Montagno
In the 60s, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., asked, “Where do we go from here? Chaos or community?” Explore this question with the Rev. Canon Karen Montagno, who specializes in community development and gun violence prevention. We’ll ask where the Spirit is leading us and find our quiet places of inspiration and strength utilizing meditations, the wisdom of writers and Saints, and a little playfulness.
Bring Your Group
Online Services
Candlelight Compline
with the Rev. Dr. Mark Bozzuti-Jones and the Trinity Retreat Center staff
Monday–Friday at 8pm EST
Live-streamed from our stone chapel and other sacred spaces at the retreat center, our Candlelight Compline services offer a brief interval of respite and peace in the midst of whatever your life may hold. We generally follow the service “An Order for Compline” in the Book of Common Prayer of The Episcopal Church.
These Trees and Stones: Poems for Living
with the Rev. Dr. Mark Bozzuti-Jones
Mondays at 5:30pm ET through December 27, 2021
Join us for a time to meditate, journal, listen, read, mark, and inwardly digest the prophetic and challenging trees and stones of poems. Come with an open mind, heart, and soul. All are welcome.
Sacred Pause: Saturday Noonday Prayer and Guided Gospel Meditation
with the Rev. Dr. Mark Bozzuti-Jones and Joseph Rose
Saturdays at 12pm ET
Join Trinity Retreat Center for prayer time, based on The Book of Common Prayer’s “An Order of Service for Noonday,” live-streamed from the stone chapel and other sacred spaces on the retreat center campus.
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--The Rev. Dcn. Julett Butler
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_5 Charles Benjamin
_8 Norma Williams
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17 Alexis Plain Rose
31 Carol K. Rode
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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
OCTOBER 2021
Our prayers are asked for:
Lillian; Vincent Family; Richard & family, Alice; Donna, Rose Marie; Owen; Neil, Elyse; Stacey, Meghan; MaryAnn, Charlie; Cynthia; Claudette, Josephs-Clarke family, Pear; Bill; Whitman, Susie & family, Benjamin family; Bernice, Lourdes, Carol & Bill; Janelle; Anthiny; Kaye; Sue
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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
October 26-NOVEMBER 1, 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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