St. Paul's Episcopal Church Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
MESSENGER
"Making friends while serving God"
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The Week of July 20-25, 2021
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When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward Him, He said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” He asked this only to test Him, for He already had in mind what He was going to do. Philip answered Him, “It would take more than half a year’s wages to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!” Another of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up, “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?” Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place, and they sat down (about five thousand men were there). Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish. John 6:5-11
“The world likes things to be large, big, impressive, and elaborate. God chooses the small things which are overlooked in the big world. Andrew’s remark, “five barley loaves and two fish are simply not enough.” But for Jesus they were enough….Jesus distributed the loaves and the fish “as much as they wanted”…There is enough plenty for everyone — there are even many leftovers. Here a great mystery becomes visible. What little we give away multiplies. This is the way of God. This is also the way we are called to live our lives. The little love we have, the little knowledge we have, the little advice we have, the little possessions we have, are given to us as gifts of God to be given away. The more we give them away, the more we discover how much there is to give away.”
Henri Nouwen (1932-1996) in The Road to Daybreak: A Spiritual Journey (New York: Doubleday, 1990) 170-171.
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To be redirected to the Lectionary Page and get a digital copy of the readings
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2 Samuel 11:1-15; Psalm 14;
Ephesians 3:14-21; John 6:1-21
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The Sunday Sermon
Mark 6:30-34
The importance of silence
There is a symphony of sounds that we continually hear through the long day. There are the sounds of the telephones or cell phones, door bells, dishwashers, CD players, babbling televisions, lawn mowers, snow blowers, children at play and occasion car horns. Even some of our places of business are loud. For all the noise heard where some of us work, we may as well be jackhammer operators or drummers for a rock band.
The sheer volume of noise does more to us than we realize. Noise keeps us focused on the superficial and the unimportant. We try to convince ourselves that quiet is just around the corner, that someday when the noise stops we will be able to do some deep thinking. But regrettably what happens is that when we experience just a tad of silence, we feel uncomfortable because the concept of silence is no longer a part of our lives.
Consequently, most of us have a hard time being quiet. At the end of the day, when the dishes are done, and we have time to be silent and meditate on things spiritual, what we usually do is turn on the television.
Silence becomes an option we usually ignore. We fill our days with activities. We idealize rustic, quiet settings. But when we finally go to that cabin in the woods, we are tempted to take out our portable radios with us which get us out of the silence. Silence is meant to help us live beneath the noise. Without periods of solitude it is virtually impossible to experience a life of faith. Someone once said that modern life can be described in three words, “hurry, worry, and bury.”
Jesus frequently left the crowds to be by himself. He spent forty days in the wilderness at the beginning of his ministry. During their days with Jesus, the disciples often woke up to find that Jesus wasn’t there because in the early morning quiet he would take long walks. Before going to the cross, Jesus went to the quiet of Gethsemane. The Quakers focus on silence as their primary means of worship. They firmly believe that solitude gives God space in which to work within us.
Magnificent things happen in silence: concerns are reevaluated, friendships are better understood, fears are examined, and frustrations are relieved. In silence the big picture is clarified, the trivial is pushed aside, memories take on new meaning, true directions are chosen, tensions are lessened, and our faith gets an opportunity to move to the center of our being and a remarkable holiness fills all of our insides.
Jesus was a mystic, a contemplative, who understood the need for silence. In this morning’s gospel, the disciples had returned from a mission trip. They were tired, but they needed to tell Jesus about everything that occurred. Jesus told them to find a quiet place where they might rest for a while. He wanted them to embrace the silence and the many gifts that come from spending times in solitude. The crowd followed them and regrettably there was no time for silence. But the disciples never forgot their Lord’s command, “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.”
There is an interesting ritual engaged in by prison inmates. It’s called “ceiling time.” Because they are relegated to their individual cells for so many of the day’s 24 hours, many of them spend this time of solitude lying on their beds and staring at the ceiling. It becomes a time of meditation. And let me share how an inmate described it to me. “It is a time to allow your mind to unravel, and deep thoughts that have been repressed for so long a time come to the surface. And one experiences what was, what is, and what can be.” He further explained that it is a time to feel remorse for his criminal behavior, and to envision what positive things he might be able to do when he was no longer behind bars. He was describing the gift of solitude, but called by another name, “ceiling time.”
The moments of silence that we might find during the day move us beyond our selfish concerns. In theory, we know that silence is essential because it yields insight, dreams, and possibilities. However in practice, we keep filling our lives with noise. Right now, in this sacred moment, join with me in turning away from the noise, listen to the quiet and hear what it has to say to you.
“O God of peace, who has taught us that in returning and rest we shall be saved, in quietness and in confidence shall be our strength: By the might of your Spirit lift us, we pray to your presence, where we may be still and know that you are God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”
--Fr. C. Allan Ford
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A PRAYER FOR ST. PAUL'S CHURCH
AND FAMILY
Almighty and everliving God, ruler of all things in heaven and earth, hear our prayers for this parish family. Strengthen the faithful, arouse the careless, and restore the penitent. Grant us all things necessary for our common life, and bring us all to be of one heart and mind within your holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
--The Rev. Dcn. Julett Butler
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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.
At our Vestry meeting we changed our church mask policy to be that vaccinated individuals are not required to wear masks.
For unvaccinated individuals, the mask rule remains that anytime you are moving from your pew that you have your mask on. When you are seated you may take off your mask if you choose to do so. If you are singing please put on your mask. Thank you for helping to keep our community safe.
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 will be reported on a monthly basis going forward. Please watch for it at the end of the month.
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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ONLINE PRAYER SERVICE MARKS ONE YEAR TO 80TH GENERAL CONVENTION IN BALTIMORE, MARYLAND
(please click below)
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PASTORAL WORD FROM PRESIDING BISHOP MICHAEL CURRY TO THE PEOPLE OF CUBA
Posted Jul 13, 2021
To Bishop Griselda Delgado Del Carpio, to my brothers and sisters in the Episcopal Diocese of Cuba, and to all of God’s children in your country, I greet you with the ancient words of the Apostles, “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
I stand in solidarity with you during this time of sickness, food insecurity, economic suffering, and civil unrest. I am praying for you, and I stand for the human rights of all peaceful protesters.
When I saw you early in March of 2020, I said then, and I mean now: “We love Cuba and all her people.” In 1 Corinthians, St. Paul reminds us that in the Body of Christ, “When one member suffers, all suffer together with it,” and we share in your pain with the loss of lives due to the pandemic.
Even in the face of despair, Jesus walks with us and gives us strength as we strive to serve others, preserve dialogue, and protect hope. We also encourage humanitarian agencies and the international community to be supportive of Cuba at this moment of suffering and need in order to help you move toward a society of justice, peace, and health.
To all people in The Episcopal Church, I beseech you to pray for our Cuban brothers and sisters and to hold them in your hearts and minds in the days to come.
Keep the faith,
The Most Rev. Michael Bruce Curry
Presiding Bishop and Primate
The Episcopal Church
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PRESIDING BISHOP OFFERS PASTORAL WORD TO ALL HAITIANS, EPISCOPALIANS IN THE DIOCESE OF HAITI FOLLOWING THE PRESIDENT’S ASSASSINATION
Posted Jul 7, 2021
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People pray against an epidemic of kidnappings sweeping Haiti amid deepening political unrest and economic misery during an April 15 Mass in Port-au-Prince. Photo: Valerie Baeriswyl/REUTERS
[Episcopal News Service] Presiding Bishop Michael Curry issued a pastoral word to all Haitians and Episcopalians in the Diocese of Haiti following the July 7 early morning assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in his home. The president’s wife, Martine, was wounded and survived the attack, according to news reports. Haiti has been undergoing a long period of violence and political unrest exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. In February, protesters took to the streets to dispute the legitimacy of Moïse’s presidency.
My brothers and sisters, I greet you in the ancient apostolic words: “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” As followers of Jesus, we stand fast and believe firmly in the power of prayer to help and to heal—to console and to strengthen—in this time of uncertainty.
As it says in the Epistle of James, “The prayers of the righteous are powerful and effective.” My brothers and sisters, we are praying for you. We are mindful of those simply trying to live their lives in peace and wholeness and to raise their children in safety. We are mindful of the needs of all the people in Haiti. My brothers and sisters, we are praying for you.
To all the people of The Episcopal Church, I beseech you, by the mercies of God, to continue to lift up the Haitian people in your prayers, both now and in the days to come.
I leave you with the words of the Psalmist:
“God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth be moved,
and though the mountains be toppled into the depths of the sea;
Though its waters rage and foam,
and though the mountains tremble at its tumult.”
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Keep the faith,
The Most Rev. Michael Bruce Curry
Presiding Bishop and Primate
The Episcopal Church
NOTE: The Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations and the Haiti Advocacy Working Group are hosting a webinar Monday, July 12, at 3 p.m. ET called “Haiti Below the Surface: Challenge and Opportunity.” Register today at this link.
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REAL RETREAT: CULTIVATING RESPECTFUL RELATIONSHIPS, EXCELLENCE, AUTHENTICITY, LOVE
Virtual Retreat (Trinity Church Wall Street)
July 23-25
Event Title REAL Retreat: Cultivating Respectful Relationships, Excellence, Authenticity, and Love When does it start? 07/23/2021 When does it end? 07/25/2021 What kind of event is it? Virtual
Retreat Event Details
Relationships, Excellence, Authenticity, and Love
with Dr. Sandra Montes, Union Theological Seminary
In these times marked by violence, uncertainty, fear, and solitude, let us take time to center ourselves around some of the best qualities Jesus taught us—respectful relationships, excellence, authenticity, and love. We will explore why these qualities are important for our spiritual growth and how they can help us live in community. Dr. Sandra Montes is Dean of Chapel at Union Theological Seminary and author of Becoming REAL and Thriving in Ministry.
This retreat will take place over five half-hour sessions throughout the weekend at these times, streamed on Facebook Live. All times are Eastern. Registration is not required.
- Friday 8–8:30pm
- Saturday 10–10:30am, 2–2:30pm, and 8–8:30pm
- Sunday 4–4:30pm
--The Rev. Dcn. Julett Butler
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SUMMER YOUTH CONFERENCE 2021
The 2021 Summer Youth Conference will be held August 15-21 at the Incarnation Center, Ivoryton CT. It is a spiritual retreat for those 12-18 years old.
The cost for the program is $325.00 and more information can be found on the flyer.
--Pete Bedrossian,
SpirItual Life Committee
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_4 Julett Butler
_7 Janet Quade
11 Ginny Gates
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13 Sharon Sherow
17 Oluinayemisi Roseline Oni
20 Kaylee Curtis
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22 Ruthie A. Hodge
27 Faith Mincy
28 Michael Babb
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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
JULY 2021
Our prayers are asked for:
Tish; Mary Ann; Tommy; Carol; Chris; Sandra; George, Norm; Janett; Kay, Katherine, Renate; Food Pantry Volunteers, victims of Human/Sex Trafficking; Burton family; Lillian, Matthew, Sasha; 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; Fr. Allan and family; St. Paul's Vestry; Darien 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; 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
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St. Paul's Episcopal Church - Poughkeepsie
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'In Service to God & You'
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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
JULY 20-25, 2021
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TUE__ 20
WED _ 21
THU__ 22
SUN___ 25
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10:00am
10:00am
10:00am
10:00am
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Food Pantry & Thrift Shop
Food Pantry & Thrift Shop;
Food Pantry & Thrift Shop;
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Church - Rite II
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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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