The Week of October 6-11, 2020
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This week's readings
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We have a weird mix of readings this week. Both the Old Testament reading and the Gospel have some dark elements to them. Fortunately for me there's also an Epistle and it is BEAUTIFUL. Here's the last paragraph:
Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you. St. Paul tells us to focus on the true, the pure, the pleasing, the excellent. Isn't that wonderful to hear in this time of so much untruth, impurity, unpleasantness, and mediocrity? As we turn toward an election and a coming winter of uncertainty let's join together and focus on the positive, on things that are beautiful, and on being excellent in all that we do.
--Shawn Prater-Lee
To be redirected to the Lectionary Page and get a digital copy of the readings
Exodus 32:1-14; Psalm 106; Philippians 4:1-9; Matthew 22:1-14
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The Sunday sermon
Matthew 21: 33-46, the wicked tenants
Here we are in the beginning of October, but this morning's gospel takes us to Holy Week. Outside the leaves are changing into those rich autumn colors, but we are taken back in this gospel to the time just before the buds and the fragile green of spring; the time of Lent. Yes, it is October, but it has become Palm Sunday. The welcome is festive, but the disciples cannot fully celebrate because they cannot forget Jesus' stinging words, "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and scribes and they will condemn him to death." All the hosannas in the world cannot erase those words. And Jesus wastes no time. He moves into the heart of debate with the religious leaders in the temple. He tells parables that are pointed directly at them. He seems intent on confrontation. "John came to you in the way of righteousness," he said, and you did not believe him. But the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him." Such audacity on his part; who does he think he is?
Then from today's gospel he says, "Listen to another parable. A landowner planted a vineyard, put a fence around it, dug a wine-press and built a watchtower. Then he leased it to tenants and went to another country." It was not a new story. Those who were good Jews knew the Sacred Scriptures well and as they were listening they would have recognized it at once because Jesus borrowed it word for word from the Prophet Isaiah. The prophet talks about the vineyard of God on a fertile God. God dug it, cleared it of stones, and planted it with choice vines. But what happened to that vineyard? The grapes came up wild and the vineyard was ruined. And God wept at the sight of the destroyed vineyard and cried out, "What more was there to do for my vineyard that I have not done?"
--Fr. C. Allan Ford
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PARISH NEWS
Thanks to all who have attended church these past months whether it was in person at 161 Mansion Street or whether it was on Zoom. As announced we'll continue to have in person worship on the first and third Sundays of the month. Otherwise we'll be on Zoom. This plan will take us till the beginning of Advent when a decision will be made for that season.
We will be in church October 18 and November 1 and 15.
We will be on Zoom the other Sundays.
Our Zoom connection remains the same. Please note that we now have a "waiting room". After connecting the host will allow you into the service.
Our Zoom connections remain the same and are
Meeting ID: 823 3911 5280
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Hope to see you in church on Sunday and/or on Zoom.
A NOTE FROM THE TREASURY TEAM
Total deposit for the past week - $2713 (including $450 for the Food Pantry). Many thanks to all who are remembering their pledge and to those both within and outside of the church who are generously supporting the Food Pantry.
We're looking forward to seeing you in person the first and third Sundays of the month when we'll be in church with communion. The other Sundays will be on Zoom. Don't forget to wear your mask!!!
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COMMUNITY NEWS
VOTER REGISTRATION RESULTS
The Maria Knight Memorial Voter Registration Drive is winding up, since the last day to register to vote in the Presidential Election is October 9th. Our joint project resulted in 33 voters registered, 13 applications for absentee ballots and information distributed to many regarding early voting. Thanks for your help!
REGISTER TO VOTE
Are you registered to vote in the 2020 Presidential Election on November 3rd?
If you have recently changed your name or your address, you currently may not be eligible to vote. To check on your current registration, call the Dutchess County Board of Elections (845-486-2473). They are open 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday and after Labor Day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. They will check on your current registration and, if you are not registered, they will mail you a registration form. You can also get a form online at elections.dutchessny.gov
Or you can call the church at 845-452-8440, and we will get one to you. If you want to vote in the 2020 Presidential Election, you MUST register to vote by October 9th.
First Lutheran and St. Paul's Episcopal Church are cooperating on a joint voter registration project. First of all, we want to be sure that our congregations are registered to vote. We have received a number of forms from the Dutchess County Board of Elections. They are available for you, your family and friends by calling me at 845-454-8440. Second, we will also be registering folks through the thrift shop and food pantry. If you have questions or want to help, please call Shawn at 845-464-2007.
--Shawn Prater-Lee
Dutchess County Adult Protective Services
845-486-3300
Dutchess County Office for the Aging
845-486-2555
Federal Trade Commission -
BISHOP MICHAEL CURRY TALKS ABOUT POWER OF LOVE IN NEW BOOK
'LOVE IS THE WAY'
--The Rev. Gloria Payne-Carter
CROP WALK 2020
I have already collected $200.... Never fails I ask & with God's grace & the power of the Holy Spirit people just say Yes.
If I just said October 18, 2020, what would your answer be?? It's a Sunday??? It's St. Luke's Day??? It's my Alexis' 18th birthday?? All of these answers would be right. But the correct answer is the 44th Dutchess Interfaith Council's Crop Walk.
March, 2020 I was given a certificate from the Interfaith Council by Rev Taylor Holbrook. the Crop Walk committee Chairperson. It reads..."Rose Marie Proctor Crop Hunger Walker par excellence for FORTY years, she has made this a Family Priority. She has marvelously represented St. Paul's Church, Poughkeepsie. She has supported sisters and brothers world-wide who walk each day for food & water" Alexis, Adriana, Mr. Adrian, Father Tyler and Gail Burger (who was the director of the Interfaith Council) and many others that were in attendance I have walked with for these 40 years.
This year's walk hopes to step off as usual, but we all know that things are a little different. Walk the Walkway Bridge, walk around the block, walk along the river. Keep your own measure. Do your six miles in whatever way works for you. I will count my walks back and forth to St. Paul's. As I am joined again this year ( I hope) by Maria, Kevin, Julete, Madison, Adrian, Alexis (she walked on her 16th so..) please consider stepping out with us.. I hope that we are able to walk the pattern that has been done for the last 44 years.
I started walking because I heard a story about women my age and younger walking 6 miles - the length of the walk - twice a day to get water. There are now community wells in many villages. I still hope with God's grace to step out on October 18th and know that each step I take brings water, food, and hope to many around the world. I have been blessed to be able to continue this with your help, support and prayers. It is important that you are aware that 25% of the monies collected stay in our area.
So... CIRCLE OCTOBER 18TH, 2020 ON YOUR CALENDARS.
A DAY ON WHICH ALL OF US CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE...
Thanks for your continued support. I have never asked that everyone has not said yes.. I felt guilt because I couldn't walk the year I had the argument with the car. Aleen put her arm around my shoulder as I cried and said "God knows your heart. It's OK" Thanks my friend. Keep in mind the many that we can make a difference for by just saying YES.
Remain Blessed.. Your sister in Christ..
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OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS
4 Susan Saavedra
| 8 Ashley Lynn Dubois
| 20 Macy J. Marrero
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12 Tiffany Lynne Dubois
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30 Bella Winkler
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8 Norma Williams
| 18 Alexis Rose Plain
| 31 Carol K. Rohde
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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 2020
Our prayers are asked for:
Stephanie, Aaron; Sharon Greene, Owen, Agnes, Norma; McLauren family; Graham family;
Wood family; Braxton family; Lori, Steven, Elyse, Jim, Seth; Phil; All essential workers; Beryl
& Glen, Vincent family; George; Daniel Mizell and family; Liz, Martha; Lourdes;
Eileen; the Butler, Richards and Barrett families; Fr. Allan and family; St. Paul's Vestry; Darien
family; Richardson family; Sherow family; Edna Clarke,Michelle, Kathy B.; Carola and Violet;
Whitman, Medical Reserve Corp. of Dutchess County, Dept. of Behavioral and Community
health of Dutchess county; The Laken family; All Parishioners; Kairos International,
Catherine, Michelle, Yamily; G.J., Joe; Lois, Matthew, Lillian; Lynita, Perry, Melius family,
Sasha; Stacey, Linda, Phil, Jody; Tucker family, Branch family, Atkinson family; Ibadan
Diocese, All Saints Anglican Church,Oni family; Donna; 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, Annie, Ron, Dave, Liz; Jill, Lana,
Andrew, Susan; Schneider family, all in need; Susie; Sherry, Claudia
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
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| TUE 6
| 10:00am Food Pantry & Thrift Shop |
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| WED 7
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10:00am Food Pantry & Thrift Shop
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| THU 8
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10:00am Food Pantry & Thrift Shop
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| SUN 11
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