The Fourth Sunday after The Epiphany
Yesterday was the Feast of the Conversion of Paul, our Cathedral namesake, who is remembered for his 180-degree turn, so to speak, on the Road to Damascus. Struck by lightening (and I’m condensing the story a lot here), Paul turns around from his past, persecuting ways, and converts to the Christ-centered faith he once maligned. Over the years, as I have listened to people share their faith stories, such a sudden, clear moment seems rare. Sometimes people lament that they have missed out on a magnificent conversion like Paul’s. Yet isn’t it extraordinary that conversion of life can be, well, an ordinary, everyday occurrence? Monastics often refer to a life-long process of conversatio, an on-going conversation with God. This is God continually converting us, shaping us, making us more and more into the people we are meant to be. In present moments, in prayerful conversations, God is at work where we are – turning our lives toward good, toward others, toward the blessings intended for us.
Twila+
Funeral for Henry Baxter
2 p.m. Friday, January 27 – A memorial service for long-time Cathedral member Henry Baxter. Per his wishes, it will take place in the Richmond Chapel, where he and his late wife Gloria were married and where her funeral was held. 
Sunday, January 29: Holy Eucharist at 8 and 10:15 a.m.
All are invited for in-person worship, at 8 and 10:15 a.m. Sundays. 
Download a copy of the bulletin here, or you may read the lessons here. Watch the livestream at SPCBuffalo.org/livestream and see videos posted on YouTube.
• Between worship services: 9 a.m. “Caring Cafe,” in the Walker Room – details below.
Annual Meeting: This Sunday, January 29
The Annual Meeting and election of new vestry, wardens, and convention delegates, will take place following the 10:15 a.m. worship service, beginning at approximately 11:30, this Sunday, January 29. There will be a potluck brunch (bring something to share if you have not already signed up).

For the election at the annual meeting, the nominees are: Warden, Michael Bonilla (2-year term); Vestry members (all for 3-year terms), Evelyn Smigelsky, Judy Elliott, Su Hadden, and Kim Goodman O’Connell. Read about the nominees here. For delegates to the convention, Reid and Elenora Heffner; alternate delegate, Kathy Reiss. The following persons are leaving Vestry: Jeremy Kinney, Anne Simet, Ellie Hefner, and Peter Snodgrass. Su Hadden is presently completing an unexpired term and is therefore eligible to be elected for a full, 3-year term. 
Serving in Worship
Have you ever thought about how many roles there are for people in the church, every time we gather for worship? There are behind-the-scenes needs to prepare worship materials and the space, along with getting the vessels and linens and candles ready. There are roles for readers and intercessors (those who lead the prayers), greeters, ushers, singers, acolytes (lighting candles), Eucharistic Ministers (serving at the chalice), crucifers (carrying the cross), coffee hosts, and more. If you feel called to serve or to serve in a new way, contact Dean Twila to sign up and receive training.
For the Feast of the Presentation, on Thursday, February 2, we will celebrate Holy Eucharist at 6 p.m. and the service will include a blessing of candles. This is traditionally a time to bless candles for use in the upcoming year, for homes and the church. You are invited to bring candles of any kind. We will also have a few candles that have been used in the church, which will be “sent forth” at this service for you to use at home – so doubly-blessed! The worship service will last under an hour and conclude with sweet treats. If you are unable to come to this service but would like to have candles blessed, please bring them Sunday, January 29, and mark them with your name, to pick up the following Sunday, February 5.  
Choir opportunity: February 5
If you have missed having a choir at Sunday morning worship, you now have an opportunity to do something to revive the choral tradition that has long been a part of worship at St. Paul’s Cathedral. On February 5, after the 10:15 service, members of the Music Ministry Task Force and ANYONE who would like to sing in this church, will meet with Jaman Dunn, whom the task force has asked to act as our interim choirmaster, until such a time as a permanent choirmaster can be hired. You do not need to be a professional, nor do you need previous experience. All you need is a love of singing and a desire to “praise God in His holiness” in his holy temple. Come and see what it is all about. There is no obligation on your part. Hopefully you will see how you can be a part of this endeavor. If you have any questions before the meeting, talk to any of the members of the task force: Wendy Darling, Patricia Hills, Bill and Estelle Siener, Su Hadden and
Michael Bonilla. We are looking forward to seeing YOU there.
Tuba Transformation!
Save the date for a “Tuba Transformation” organ concert, celebrating the return of the 1908 Hope-Jones Tuba in the Cathedral Gallery. The wind system that operates these magnificent pipes is being repaired and the pipes readied for their return. Come and hear this “signature sound” of St. Paul’s at 4 p.m. Sunday, February 19.
Shrove Tuesday: Chicken and Waffles with St. Philip’s
We are collaborating with St. Philip’s for a Shrove Tuesday Chicken and Waffles event you won’t want to miss, the evening of Tuesday, February 21 (which means Lent starts February 22). Watch for details coming soon on how you can be involved! St. Philip’s is at 22 Sussex Street, near Grider, by ECMC.  
From the Social Justice Action Team
The horrendous terrorist attack at Tops Market on Jefferson Avenue last May reminded us all of the East Side food desert, and of general food insecurity in poor neighborhoods in Buffalo. The Erma Jaeckle Fund at St. Paul’s has challenged us to aid Buffalo’s hungry people. The Providence Farm Collective in Orchard Park is a refugee-organized initiative to provide access to land for farmers forced from their own countries who now live in Western New York. Farmers from 9 different ethnic communities grow culturally relevant, healthy foods that they donate to regional food pantries, and sell at local farmer’s markets and retail outlets. The farm offers employment to displaced farmers, addresses food insecurity in multiple ways, encourages healthy eating, and encourages young people to participate in ancestral traditions. Learn more about this inspiring initiative at WBFO’s “Buffalo, What’s Next?”
Caring Cafe
Join our 9 a.m., between-worship time for connecting in community and learning together, meeting downstairs in the Walker Room. Come for coffee and conversation!
Epiphany Season: Being Disciples – We continue a series on “The Essentials of the Christian Life,” with discussion around a book by the Archbishop of Canterbury (2002-2012) Rowan Williams. Copies are still available and you are welcome to join the conversation anytime.
Prayer and Pastoral Care
• If you have requests to add to the weekly Prayers of the People or a name to add for the prayers of clergy and the Pastoral Care Team, please email prayerrequests.
• If you know someone in need of pastoral care, please contact Judy Elliott or Canon Barbara Price.
If you are with a group meeting on Zoom,
use the following link, unless specified otherwise:
Meeting ID: 716 855 0900 Password: 4cathedral
By Phone: 929-205-6099 Access code: 716 855 0900 Password: 535 007 8352
Diocesan Partnership and Church News
• See the Diocesan Partnership newsletter here.
• A report on the Partnership offers updates on the work of our two dioceses.
• For more news about the Dioceses of WNY and NWPA and to sign up for emailed newsletters, go here.
• The Episcopal Church website offers resources for individuals, congregations, and various ministries.