St. Paul's Episcopal Church Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
 
MESSENGER
"Making friends while serving God"
The Week of May 11-16, 2021

Waiting is essential to the spiritual life. But waiting as a disciple of Jesus is not an empty waiting. It is a waiting with a promise in our hearts that makes already present what we are waiting for. We wait during Advent for the birth of Jesus. We wait after Easter for the coming of the Spirit, and after the ascension of Jesus we wait for his coming again in glory. We are always waiting, but it is a waiting in the conviction that we have already seen God’s footsteps.
Waiting for God is an active, alert – yes, joyful – waiting. As we wait we remember him for whom we are waiting, and as we remember him we create a community ready to welcome him when he comes.

--Shawn Prater-Lee
To be redirected to the Lectionary Page and get a digital copy of the readings 
 
Acts 1:15-17,21-26; Psalm 1; 1 John 5:9-13;
  John 17:6-19

The Sunday Sermon
        

John 15: 9-17
 
Is there a sacredness in the concept of and friendship? I was fifteen when my parents and I moved out of the South Bronx. I remember having to say goodbye to two friends that I had known for ten years, and it was difficult. After all, we met on tricycles. However, we agreed to stay in touch as best we could. And we did. As we got older and were able to travel on our own, we often agreed to plan reunions. I am reminded of one such reunion when we all showed up in uniform. I was in clericals, and they were in the uniform of the United States Air Force. Over the years our commitment and love has lasted. We have been there for one another whenever necessary. And we are thankful to God for the internet, and the telephone that allows us to maintain regular contact across the many miles that separate us.
 
I was reminded of Charles and Tommy or as we call ourselves, the Three Musketeers, as I studied this morning’s gospel. For me, it’s about love and friendship; not in a warm and fuzzy way, but in a deep and lasting way. Throughout the New Testament we are reminded of the inclusivity of God’s unconditional love. However, this message of inclusive love raises some questions. If God embraces all of us, then what behavior should we as Christians avoid? Where are the essential boundaries that we have to be careful of that will please or displease God?
Let me tell you what I think. I believe that Christian love starts with Jesus commanding us to be concerned about the feelings and experiences of others, to care about other human beings and what their needs are. In Christian love the me comes second to the needs of others. You remember the story of the Good Samaritan. In the 13th verse of this morning’s gospel, we read some very heavy words, “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friend.” And did you notice also in this gospel that Jesus wants us to be no longer his servants, but his friends. So, I ask you and I ask myself, are we prepared to lay down our lives for a friend?
 
A man who worked as a laborer was coming home from work on the New York City subway. It was a Friday afternoon, and he was exhausted after a long week. As the train pulled into a station, he breathed a sigh of relief realizing that he had only two more stops to go, two more stops before he could exit the subway and begin his weekend away from work and begin his two days with family. An elderly woman not too far from him let out with a scream. A man had snatched her purse from her shoulder and jumped off the train. The tired laborer instinctively tore out after him in hot pursuit, tackled him and brought him to the ground. He was immediately assisted in holding him down by other men, until the subway police arrived. When asked why he pursued the robber, he simply said she reminded him of his mother, and probably in that purse was her rent money. And he didn’t think Jesus would want her to lose that money. For those moments, she was that man’s friend, and he was prepared to endanger his own life on her behalf. We all hear stories like this from time to time. They often appear on the television news as human-interest stories. Or some of us perhaps have been present when such an event has occurred.
 
So Christian love is tenacious, and it produces good character and integrity. And you know what? Christian love so reminds me of that slogan that was so popular in the late sixties. Do you remember it? “He ain’t heavy, he’s my brother.”
Back in the seventeenth century in England a man named George Fox was horrified by the indifference, the aloofness that had begun to manifest itself in the Church. He decided to speak out against it as he felt driven by what he called the Inner Light. Many began to follow him as a spiritual leader and together they began to work for the cause of peace and for the welfare of those who were in need. As the group began to grow they were given the name Quakers, but the name they chose for themselves and which they are officially known as to this very day is “The Society of Friends.”
 
Think about it; the word friend becomes very important in the Christian life. A friend is one who knows the worst about you and still stands by you and loves you. A friend is one you can count on no matter what happens. Jesus said, “No longer do I call you servants…I have called you friends…You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide. You are my friends if you do what I command you. This I command you, to love one another.”
 
Talk about friendship, there is that wonderful 19th century hymn that regrettably is not in our hymnal. Maybe Maris can use his influence and get it into the Church’s next published hymnal. “What a friend we have in Jesus.” Let me share a couple of lines from that hymn with you. “Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share? Jesus knows our every weakness, Take it to the Lord in prayer.” Jesus said, “No longer do I call you servants…I have called you friends.”

--Fr. C. Allan Ford
PARISH NEWS
IN CHURCH WORSHIP SERVICES FIRST AND THIRD SUNDAYS OF THE MONTH 

After having done Zoom church for almost four months we will resume in person worship on the first and third Sundays of the month with a 10:00am Service and we will celebrate Communion, but it will be bread only. All other Sundays of the month will be on Zoom format for now.

We will have a single service on Sundays with no midweek healing service. All congregants will be required to wear masks. Pews will be marked off to easily facilitate social distancing between family groups. All music will be instrumental with no singing. The Peace will be a non contact event. We will not be observing communion. There will be no coffee hour.

Bathrooms will be open, but please use a paper towel to touch all common surfaces: doors and sink handles.

There are other tweaks that will be made to facilitate the reopening of the Church. Please know that these changes will be as small as possible and are done with the health and safety of our church family as top priority.

Please bring your mask and your patience to 161 Mansion Street on Sunday as we again get to worship together in the church. Thanks be to God.
 
 
--Shawn Prater-Lee
 
  



ZOOM CHURCH LINK FOR ALL SERVICES

We're going to again follow the in church services at 10:00am on the first and third Sundays, all other Sundays on Zoom format for now.
 
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)
 

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. 
A NOTE FROM THE TREASURY TEAM
 
Total deposits for the past week - $725 ($280 for the Food Pantry). Many thanks to all who have been generously supporting the Food Pantry. We're looking forward to seeing you on Zoom until further notice. 

A reminder - counting is always done on Mondays. 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
COMMUNITY NEWS
May 1, 2021
A Prayer for India
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
 
In the current surge of coronavirus infections and deaths in India, we are learning of family and friends of clergy and people of the Indian diaspora here in the Diocese of New York. The situation is dire, and the prayers of the diocese are being asked. I have composed the following prayer for use in our churches, and ask that you include this in the intercessions of your parish in your Sunday and daily worship:

Gracious God, helper of all who turn to you for strength and succor, we ask your presence and protection for the people of India, suffering so terribly in the immediate surge of coronavirus infection and in the unbearable loss of so many people in these unprecedented numbers. We ask healing and restoration for those made sick by this viral infection, and pray that you will move the hearts of the leaders of countries to provide vaccine and oxygen and resources to help India confront and battle this surge and bring comfort, relief and healing to the suffering. We pray you to surround the sick with the mantle of your loving protection, and to come to the dying with hope and peace. As we pray for the people of India, in this terrible surge, we continue to offer intercession for people across the world facing the peril of coronavirus, and the fear and grief which are the fruit of this disease. Make us brave and strong and faithful to live into our high calling in times of extraordinary uncertainty, that we may always and in every circumstance make our witness to your love for all people through our Lord Jesus Christ. And we ask all these things for the sake of your Name. Amen.

Yours,
The Right Reverend Andrew ML Dietsche
Bishop of New York

Housing with compassion...development with vision.
RSVP for An Evening with Hudson River Housing
 
 
The event is pay what you can with special add-on options. Everyone must RSVP to receive the event links. All proceeds support Hudson River Housing's work to strengthen and preserve affordable housing and create thriving communities.
 
Some event highlights include:
  • A special look at Hudson River Housing with DJ Boris of WPDH!
  • A silent auction with some amazing items (bidding now open: https://www.32auctions.com/HudsonRiverHousing)
  • The option to enjoy a delicious food box from our newly launched VetZero Heroes Making Heroes team!
 
 
We are also still seeking event sponsors! If you, your business, or employer is interested in sponsoring this event, please email kkortright@hudsonriverhousing for more details.




Apply for Rent Relief by May 17th!
 
The priority application deadline is May 17th to be included in the initial funding lottery for emergency rental or utility assistance! All applications should be submitted through our online portal.
 
If you need any assistance, our Housing Navigators are here to help. For assistance in English, contact (845) 337-4407. Para asistencia en español, llame a (845) 337-4407 x108.
 
Previous applicants that have an ongoing unmet need are encouraged to apply. Our Housing Navigators will assist in determining eligibility for any currently available emergency rent relief assistance funds.

Youth LEAP Employment Opportunities
 
Attention all youth! Apply for employment through our Youth LEAP program by next Monday, May 17th! 
 
Hudson River Housing's Youth LEAP Program pays young people to work in temporary jobs at small businesses in the Middle Main Main Poughkeepsie neighborhood. Selected Youth LEAP Workers are paid $15/hour and work up to 125 total hours. Youth LEAP Workers are matched with a Business Host who supervises most of the work hours. Some work hours include participation in job-skills training, resume coaching, and other forms of employment support with Hudson River Housing staff.
 
Youth LEAP prioritizes selecting youth who may face barriers to getting or maintaining jobs, including those who have little or no previous job experience. All applicants must be Dutchess County residents, ages 16-24, and eligible to work in the US.
 
Applications received by May 17th will be reviewed for positions that begin in early June. To apply:
 
This program is paid for in part by the Dutchess County Government.
Available 1-Bedroom Apartment Rental in Poughkeepsie
 
We have a 1 bedroom unit available for rent at FallKill Commons on Rose in Poughkeepsie for $684 per month. 
 
The income range for 1 person occupancy for this unit is minimum $23,550 - maximum $28,680. The maximum income for 2 people for this unit is $32,760. For more details about the building, click here to view the brochure.
 
If you or anyone you know is interested in renting this unit, please contact us at (845) 232-5947.
The Equitable Access Initiative: Closing the Race Gap in the Real Estate Development Industry
 
Historic systematic oppression and discrimination has created a significant gap in economic wealth, where many White people have benefited and many Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) have been excluded. In the housing industry, this includes a glaring disparity in land and home ownership, as well as opportunities to accrue wealth through the development, ownership, and management of those assets.
 
We're committed to using our extensive experience, network, and resources to close this gap and provide consistent access to opportunity for local BIPOC interested and invested in succeeding in their journeys as affordable housing real estate developers in the community.
 
Full program details will be announced soon! If you're interested in participating in this initiative, please contact Javier Gomez at jgomez@hudsonriverhousing.org or 845-454-5176 ext. 504.

The May Taste of PUF box is here! Order by May 19th!
 
Support local food entrepreneurs to sustain and grow their businesses while enjoying a variety of delicious treats! The last day to order the May box is May, 19th.Order pickup will be May 28th from 4-6pm.
 
The Taste of PUF box contains a mix of items every month from some of our Poughkeepsie Open Kitchen member businesses. The items will vary between fresh, frozen, bottled, sweet, and savory.
 
100% of profits will benefit local entrepreneurs in our Poughkeepsie Open Kitchen, and contribute to our fund for aspiring entrepreneurs that can't yet afford the cost of kitchen time to help get their food businesses up and running.
We’re Hiring!

Current opportunities include full-time and part-time positions all across the agency. An important part of community wealth building is ensuring our community members have access to stable means of economic growth. We are continually committed to hiring from within our community whenever possible, and highly encourage interested HRH and local residents to apply.
 
See the full list of openings at www.hudsonriverhousing.org/employment
Thank you to our 2021 Annual Sponsors
Stay Connected:
Look for timely updates on our website, Facebook page or Instagram
Hudson River Housing
313 Mill Street,
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
(845) 454-5176


VACCINE INFO AND SCHEDULING APPOINTMENTS

Please use the link below to look up and schedule appointments for vaccines, at all available sites in the area.


--Aleen Josephs Clarke
MAY BIRTHDAYS
_3 Aiden Curtis  
_7 Clifford Clarke   
__ Christiana Hope Prater-Lee
11 Mary Wethington
 Cary Curtis
15 Joanna Frang
17 Kataleya Anani Mayorga-Cash   
18 Claudette Tucker
20 George Santos Jr.
   Richlina Angel Hodge
22 Shiann Mayorga-Cash
27 Mark Goodwin
30 Deborah Pitcher
Please keep those on our parish prayer list in your minds and in your prayers, especially at this time of separation and isolation.


Intercessions
MAY 2021
 
Our prayers are asked for:
 
Chris; Sandra; George, Norm; Fr. Tyler & Molly; Janett; Kay, Katherine, Renate; Frank Burnett, Food Pantry Volunteers, victims of Human/Sex Trafficking; Burton family; Lillian, Matthew, Sasha; Paul & Donna, Margaret, 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; Liz, Martha; 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, The Laken family; All Parishioners; Kairos International, Catherine, Michelle, Yamily; Matthew, Lillian; Lynita, Perry, Melius family, Sasha; Stacey, Linda, Phil, Jody; 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
Please "Like" our page to stay up to date with all services and events.
St. Paul's Episcopal Church - Poughkeepsie
 
  

'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.
THIS WEEK'S CALENDAR
May 11-16, 2021
TUE____ 11

WED ___ 12

THU____ 13

SUN____ 16

10:00am

10:00am

10:00am

10:00am
Food Pantry & Thrift Shop

Food Pantry & Thrift Shop

Food Pantry & Thrift Shop

Zoom - Rite II, Ante Communion
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