St. Paul's Episcopal Church Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
MESSENGER
"Making friends while serving God"
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The Week of November 1-8, 2021 |
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From the Priest-in-Charge
From the Priest-in-Charge
Dear St. Paul’s Community,
This is an active time for St. Paul’s and for our diocese. We are observing All Saints and All Souls/All Faithful Departed this week. If you haven’t seen the beautiful Dia de Muertos altars at the Cathedral, take a look at the Cathedral Facebook and Instagram pages.
We are also getting ready for diocesan convention. Mark Goodwin, Deacon Julett, and I will be the St. Paul’s representatives to convention on November 13. It will be the first in-person meeting of all the churches since 2019. We will be sure to bring back news from that day, but in the meantime, if you would like to catch up on any of the pre-convention meetings they are available here.
Here at St. Paul’s, things are happening as well. We have collected all the donations Deacon Julett asked us to save during the month of October, for Episcopal Relief and Development, and sent them on for our neighbors near and far. We will be helping First Lutheran collect food for Thanksgiving, to help make the holiday a good one for our neighbors. And we are being good caretakers of our own property and good landlords, by attending to issues with the roof over the church office and CTC.
We continue to hope and pray for the upcoming completion and delivery of the boiler to bring heat to our sanctuary. Soon, Lord, please soon! In the meantime, this Sunday we will worship in warmer space, downstairs in Scout Hall. Although not as fancy as our regular worship space, we can be certain that Christ will be there!
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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Isaiah 25:6-9; Psalm 24; Revelation 21:1-6a; John 11:32-44
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The Sunday Sermon
10-31-2021 B Mk 12:28-34
What does it mean to love God with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our mind and strength? This kind of love is more than just a warm feeling or even a hot rush. This kind of love, that demands all of us, our whole being, is not just feeling but action. This kind of love affects every decision we make, every day. As Pedro Arrupe has put it,
It will decide
what will get you out of bed in the morning,
what you do with your evenings,
how you spend your weekends,
what you read, whom you know,
what breaks your heart,
and what amazes you with joy and gratitude.
Fall in Love, stay in love,
and it will decide everything.
What does it mean to love God like that, with your whole being, as an everyday kind of thing? How does someone actually do that?
I mean, it’s easy to think about God, to have love for God, when we are together in a place like this. The beautiful windows, the soaring ceiling, the music, the incense, they all remind us that God is here with us. Even looking at each other, all of us here for the same reason, is a reminder.
Maybe you have other places where it’s easy to find God. Out in nature, taking a walk in the woods, or sitting on a beautiful beach. Maybe you have a place you visit to be on retreat, and you connect with God there. Maybe getting a visit from your grandchildren, or listening to music, or cuddling with your dog or cat, reminds you of God’s presence.
But what about other times? What happens if you wake up with aches and pains? When you wish you just had five more minutes to sleep? When you have kids you need to get up and get out to school? What about when you go to work, and get hit with a million things you need to do, or a co-worker you find hard to like? How then do you love God -- how do you even notice God -- in the middle of your weekday busyness and work and problems and chaos?
This past Wednesday in the St. Paul’s office was one of those busy days. The usual volunteer didn’t come in for Food Pantry, and wasn’t answering her phone. The director of the program that rents from the church came in to report problems with a group that meets in their space, and a loud jackhammer noise heard coming from the Scout Hall kitchen downstairs. No one seemed to know where the key to that kitchen was. A broken window was found in the sanctuary. And the alarm company was doing their annual inspection, so alarms were going off periodically while these other things were happening.
All this is not unheard of for a place with a large physical plant like St. Paul’s, and it’s a lot. As I went through that day, somehow, something about all this activity felt very relevant to today’s gospel. I think just like Jesus cut through all the debate and discussion among the Sadducees in Mark’s story, he was cutting through everything, even the alarm sounds, to tell me I should pay attention to something.
Today’s gospel story opens to a scene of Jesus and the Sadducees “disputing” one another. Jesus and the others are engaging in the Jewish tradition of debating about scripture and Torah, Jewish law. What does scripture mean in their daily lives? How exactly should they follow the law? These debates are lively and adversarial at times, but both sides know that they are debating strongly because each side really cares about getting it right. Mark’s gospel telling of this story does not have the Sadducees or the scribe “testing” Jesus to try to trick or trap him, as happens in some of the other gospels. Instead, here they are simply doing what Jews did in ancient times and continue to do today -- discussing and arguing and discerning how to be faithful to God.
The scribe comes upon this discussion between the Sadducees and Jesus, and sees that Jesus seems to have a lot of good ideas, that he “answered them well” as the text says. So he jumps in with his own burning question -- which commandment is first of all?
Jesus answers the scribe by quoting Deuteronomy and Leviticus. Deuteronomy 6:4-5, known as the shema, meaning hear in Hebrew, for the first word of this commandment -- Hear, O Israel, The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. And Leviticus 19:18, Love your neighbor as yourself.
These two commandments, Love God, and Love your Neighbor, are quoted by Jesus all over the gospels, but they are not original sayings by Jesus. They are the absolute core and heart of Torah, Jewish law.
Jews in Jesus’ time and now recite this Deuteronomy scripture, the shema, in their daily prayers. They keep this commandment written on a little scroll and attached to the frame of their front door, in a little box called a mezuzah. It is a reminder to them, to keep loving God, with their whole being, all the time. It’s a reminder, just like our reminders in this room, the windows, the music, the incense, the prayers.
We humans need these reminders, lots of reminders, because loving God with our whole selves all the time is not easy. It’s easy to get distracted by our busy lives. It’s easy to get caught up in small frustrations that can feel like big frustrations. And when the challenges are not just frustrations but real, serious challenges, we can wonder if God is even there. It’s easy to forget about God when we are facing such serious issues as we have faced for the past nearly two years. It is easy to wonder if God is really here when we are sick, or a loved one is sick, when we are lonely and suffering, when we are facing serious challenges at school or work.
This command to love God in such an absolute way feels huge. It feels like a lot, it is a lot, it is both a big ask and a big privilege. And it probably felt that way to the religious leaders in today’s gospel too. Jesus answers the scribe’s question by quoting these two core scriptures, and the scribe affirms how true Jesus’ answer is. It’s a mic-drop kind of moment, where Jesus has said something so right and so true and so profound and so profoundly hard to actually do. No wonder no one else dared to ask Jesus another question after that.
Yes, loving God with our whole selves is not easy. And yet, the only way to do it, is to just do it. To just start, to practice loving God, noticing God, whenever we can. To cultivate what those who practice Islam call “God consciousness,” or what those who practice Buddism call mindfulness. To use these times of high awareness of God, the times we are together in worship, or times walking that path in the woods or on retreat, to tank up, to fill up with God awareness and God love. And to carry that fullness out to our daily lives, so that we can notice God when we are taking out the trash or cleaning the bathroom or answering emails.
And I think this was what I couldn’t help but notice on Wednesday, that day in the church office. Yes, a lot of problems came up that day, but there was God, right in the middle of all of it.
There was Ben with his face full of concern for the no-show volunteer asking me to pray for her health and safety. There was Carola and me, struggling to communicate with a Spanish-speaking food pantry guest, and the guest giving us so much grace and patience. There was Bobbie, cheerfully running up and down the stairs to Scout Hall with me, and going out to get copies made when we finally found the kitchen key, and there were the CTC folks thanking us over and over for working on the problems, even though we hadn’t yet figured any of the solutions. There was Rose, who of course had the key in question on her extremely large key ring, and who spotted the broken window and let folks know. Later that day, there was Jeanne, calling me to say she had heard from the volunteer who was on vacation but somehow her message to say she would be away had crossed paths. Jeanne didn’t want me to worry, so she called to close the loop. Later that day, Adrian and Maria came in and taped plastic to the window.
There was Ben again, calling up to the CTC offices while the alarm kept ringing, to make sure they knew it was just testing and not an emergency.
This is probably not even all of it, I have most likely forgotten some of the hands and feet and hearts at work at St. Paul’s that day.
This is the Body of Christ in evidence, the hands and feet and mouth and heart of Christ present and at work on that busy, ordinary, messy, noisy day, and present when bigger crises happen too. This Body, loving God and loving each other, shows up for each other on a daily basis in these simple and profound ways. This Body is so evident that it got my attention even as I tried to talk to Maria and Bobbie over the ringing alarms.
If you think back on your week, you may have seen evidence of God at work in your life. It may have been through signs in nature, through random lucky happenings, or through the kindness of other people. Looking for those signs of God is one powerful way to practice loving God, to grow your love for God. Once you start looking, you’ll find signs of God in all kinds of places outside these walls, from the most ordinary to the most unlikely places.
But even if it’s hard sometimes to focus on God that much, to love God with your whole being, take heart from the gospel. Just wanting to love God that way, just knowing that the love commandment is what is most important, was what made Jesus tell the scribe he was not far from the kingdom of God. And so let us all sit in that knowledge now, and have an intention and desire to love God, with all of our messy, noisy, everyday selves. We too, do not have much farther to go. Amen.
--The Rev. Dr. Mary E. Barber
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THANKSGIVING BASKETS 2021 |
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Last year the Vestry helped First Lutheran with their Thanksgiving Baskets. They are sponsoring baskets again this year and the vestry thought we’d open it up to the congregation. First Lutheran generously supports our Food Pantry. If you would like to participate, please make a bag containing the ingredients listed below along with $10 for the turkey. Bags of food should be brought to St. Paul’s by Sunday, Nov. 21. We will deliver them to First Lutheran. Please let someone on the Vestry know that you are participating. Many thanks. Bobbie Gordon
Thanksgiving Baskets
First Lutheran Church Thanksgiving Baskets 2021
We will be donating Thanksgiving dinners to Grace Smith House.
We are asking for you to donate all the following:
1 box of instant potatoes
1 box of stuffing mix
4 cans of vegetables
1 can of yams
1 can of cranberry sauce
2 packages of gravy mix
$10 to cover the cost of the turkey and dessert
This will provide one “Thanksgiving Basket” for a family of four. To be fair to all recipients, please donate only those items on the list. The food will need to be at church by Sunday November 21 but can be dropped off any Sunday before. If you have any questions, please let me know.
Thank you so much for your support of this ministry.
Nancy Compton, Social Action Committee
--Bobbie Gordon
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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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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
Total deposits for the month - $8,361 (includes $231 for the Food Pantry). Many thanks to all who have been generously supporting the Food Pantry.
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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JOIN US NOV 8 FOR DEACONS TALKING ABOUT "PATH TO SHINE" WITH LESLEY-ANN DRAKE
When
Monday, November 8, 2021 from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM EST
Where
This is an online event.
Dear Julett,
LeslieLeslie-Ann Drake started her ministry as a hospice chaplain but an encounter at the homeless center with Susan, a single mom with four children (a 4 year old, an 18 month old, and 5 month old twins), called her back into discernment. She soon found herself creating and replicating a successful mentoring program for elementary school children called Path to Hope. Now there are 17 locations offering children a place to gather in small groups, once a week, to gain academic and social support, encouragement to thrive in school, and opportunities to build self-confidence so that they can achieve their dreams.
Join us to learn how she recognized God's voice, created something without any of the "right" tools in the Diocese of Atlanta, and her hopes that it can grow churchwide.
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Lesley-Ann was born in England. While working for American Express Travel, she was asked to go to Atlanta for a two week work assignment. That was in 1980, and she is still here! Ordained a permanent deacon in the Episcopal Church in 2011, Lesley-Ann is currently assigned to St. Patrick's in Dunwoody. She is an Associate at Green Bough House of Prayer. She is married to Bob and has 2 daughters. Lesley-Ann looks forward to sharing this effective and adaptable model for Path To Shine® with others, thus spreading the opportunities of inspiring more children to achieve hope-filled dreams.
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Originated by the New England Deacons Network as a way to stay connected between biennial conferences, Deacons Talking now attracts deacons from across the country and enables us to share our stories in hope of inspiring, supporting and renewing diaconal ministries.
To join us, click on the link below to learn more and register or RSVP. Instructions and the web link will be sent to those who register.
Thank you for all you do to serve God's Mission.
Sincerely,
Julie Lytle
Pathways for Baptismal Living at Bexley Seabury Seminary and the Association for Episcopal Deacons
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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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_1 Mary Ann Oughton
_5 Melody Ware
__ Mark Debald
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_6 Judy Lovelace-Donaldson
19 Cora Keith
21 Rhonda Lynn Melius
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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
NOVEMBER 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; Anthony; 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
NOVEMBER 2-8, 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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