St.
Paul's Newsletter
March 2010
MARCH AT ST. PAUL’S
Sunday Worship - 8:00 & 10:00 AM
Church School & Adult Forum– Sundays at 9:00 AM
Weekday Worship – Wednesdays at 12:10 PM in the Chapel
Vestry – 2nd Tuesday at 7:00 PM
MORNING PRAYER
In the Chapel, Tuesdays in Lent and
Tuesday through Friday of Holy Week
7:30 AM
LENTEN HOME EUCHARISTS
Wednesdays, March 3, 10, 17, 24
7:00 PM
YOUTH GROUP
Sunday, March 7 and 21
11:45 AM
RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE
Wednesday, March 10
1:00 – 5:45 PM
ST. PAUL’S NURSERY SCHOOL
MAKE YOUR OWN SUNDAE FUNDRAISER
Saturday, March 13
4:00 PM and 6:00 PM
PALM CROSS MAKING
Friday, March 26
1:00 PM
HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE
Dear Companions in Christ,
With slush and rain and cold forecast for all this week, it's a good time for . . . ?
A trip to an exotic tropical island might be nice if you can afford it, but for those of us with less time or money . . . how about a quick vocabulary lesson?
First, one of my favorite words: LENT. Yes, believe it or not, Lent is one of my favorite words because it comes from the Latin meaning "lengthen" -- as in the lengthening of the days. In other words, the coming of Spring! In theological terms, it means that each day in Lent brings us closer to the light of the Risen Christ and all the signs of hope and new life that come with it.
Second, another fun word that often gets a bad rap: HOLY. No, this doesn't mean smug and self-righteous, but simply "set apart" -- as in set apart for a special purpose. Set apart for the work God has given us to do. This means Holy Week is a time to break our tired old routines and try something new by making it unlike any other week of the year.
Put these two words together and get a hopeful -- and do-able --message: We observe Lent in whatever way helps us clear out the cobwebs and dark corners of our lives to make room for the light of the Risen Christ Jesus. Having thus spent the "lengthening" of the days, we enter Holy Week ready to accompany Jesus on the journey through the last days of his earthly ministry.
So let's not despair these waning weeks of a tough winter. Instead, let's use the time of Lent to prepare to keep a truly “holy" week welcoming the Risen Christ into our lives! Use the facing Holy Week/Eastertide schedule to mark your calendar NOW and plan to participate fully and faithfully.
God's Peace,
The Reverend Dee Anne Dodd, Rector
HOLY WEEK & EASTER SCHEDULE
March 28 – April 4, 2010
Palm Sunday – 8:00 AM Blessing of the Palms, Dramatic Reading of the Passion & Holy Eucharist
9:00 AM Church School & Adult Forum
10:00 AM Palm Procession, Dramatic Reading of the Passion & Choral Holy Eucharist
Tuesday - 7:30 AM Morning Prayer in the Parish Chapel
Wednesday - 7:30 AM Morning Prayer in the Parish Chapel
12:10 PM Holy Eucharist
7:00 PM Service of Tenebrae
Thursday - 6:00 PM Celebration of the Lord’s Supper & Stripping of the Altar (begins with Potluck soup and bread)
8:00 PM – 7:30 AM Good Friday – Night Watch Prayer Vigil
Friday - 7:30 AM Morning Prayer
12:00 PM The Way of the Cross for Children of ALL Ages. Come to an experiential overview of the dramatic events of Holy Week for the young – and young at heart.
7:00 PM Good Friday Liturgy, Dramatic Reading of the Passion Story, Veneration of the Cross
Saturday - 7:00 PM Easter Vigil & Holy Eucharist with Baptism
Easter Sunday- 8:00 AM Festive Eucharist
with Hymns
10:00 AM Festive Choral Eucharist
11:15 AM Easter Egg Hunt
What are the MDGs?
Why Should We as Christians Care?
Lenten Home Communions
Wednesdays in Lent
Feed the hungry.
Teach the children.
Heal the sick.
Respect each other.
What do these things have in common?
All are teachings of Jesus, and all are Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).*
So why should we care? “Our faith in Jesus Christ and in God’s saving work in the world, God’s mission,” says our Bishop-Elect Ian Douglas, a passionate and internationally renowned advocate of the MDGs. Our Lenten Home Communions will include reflections inspired by his work, “Why Should We as Christians Care about the MDGs?” Come for five unique Wednesday evenings to explore the Biblical basis for pursuing these goals, discuss what we can do to help – and get a window into our new Bishop’s thinking!
[*adapted from “A World
Changing Journey” by Marnie Fisher-Ingram in Passport, summer 2008]
Lenten Home Communions . . .
What Are the MDGs?
Why Should We as Christians Care?
Five consecutive Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m.
hosted by the following parishioners --
March 3
Trudy Guth
2 Briarwood Lane, Wallingford
March 10
Helen & Larry Stowe
115 Rosemary Lane, Wallingford
March 17
Ranee & Ray Bibisi
9 Penny Lane, Wallingford
March 24
Carol & Tom Guartafierro
37 Oakdale Circle, Wallingford
Please contact each host directly to RSVP. Directions to each location will be posted on the easel near the baptismal font the week before the event.
Church School News
By the time you read this we will have completed our first rotation 101 Ways to Pray. With the support of many, it is a great success. The next rotation begins on March 7, 2010. During this unit, we will be exploring The Mystery of Easter. Our hope is that by exploring some of the emotions and events experienced by Christ, the children will be better able to understand the celebration of Easter. We will be traveling together the Lenten journey which leads to the cross and ends with the glorious impossible: the empty tomb. The unit is organized around a variation of the traditional Stations of the Cross. Most children will not experience the steps in order and we have broken it down into 7 stations over the 4 weeks versus the traditional 14 stations.
Station #1 Jesus Carries His Cross & Station #2 Jesus is Helped By His Friends
The children will learn about different styles of crosses and talk about carrying heavy burdens. They will talk about friendship and the interactions Jesus had with his friends on the way to the cross.
Station #3 Jesus Falls Down & Station #4 Jesus is Comforted
We will talk about falling and create a handprint hanging that will be a reminder of Lent. We will also talk about the ways in which Jesus was comforted.
Station #5 Jesus is Nailed to the Cross & Station #6 Jesus Dies
We will talk about nails and make a nail cross. The children will use music, motions and noises to describe some of the emotions of Holy Week.
Station # 7 Jesus is Laid in the Tomb
The Children will make “Resurrection Rolls” to talk about how Jesus’ body was prepared and glimpse into the empty tomb.
|
Date |
Bread of Heaven |
Desert Tales |
Creation Classroom |
St. Paul’s Productions |
|
March 7, 2010 |
Grade 1 |
Grades 4 & 5 |
Pre-k – K |
Grades 2 & 3 |
|
March 14, 2010 |
Grades 2 & 3 |
Grade 1 |
Grades 4 & 5 |
Pre-k – K |
|
March 21, 2010 |
Pre-k – K |
Grades 2 & 3 |
Grade 1 |
Grades 4 & 5 |
|
March 28, 2010 |
Grades 4 & 5 |
Pre-k – K |
Grades 2 & 3 |
Grade 1 |
The next rotation will be based on The Beatitudes. If you are interested in teaching, please join us at 9 am on March 7th to learn more
Rebecca Henry and Carissa Neubig
PARISH LIFE
Funerals
Eleanor Clack Kubeck
February 2, 2010
Janet Barnard Fry
March 1, 2010
Eagle Court of Honor
Parishioner Christopher Earley, and member of BSA Troop 4, will be formally recognized as an Eagle Scout on April 10, 2010 at 1:00 PM at St. Paul’s.
All are welcome to attend the Court of Honor and reception.
Please RSVP to the parish office by April 6th.
Chris’ Eagle project was making improvements to St. Paul’s Memorial Garden. Thank you, Chris!
CHOIR!
...from the Music Director:
"I know I speak for all of the members of the choir in saying a big THANK YOU to
everyone in the congregation for your kind words and thoughts about the music we
share with you every Sunday! It's wonderful to know what we do is so
appreciated. You know, it sometimes is not the most convenient thing to be a
member of the choir, schedule-wise. Those Thursday night rehearsals from 7-9pm
and coming to church an hour early Sunday mornings are often a little more than
a busy schedule will allow.
I know there are those of you would like to sing with us but don't feel you are
able to make a long term commitment and I understand. HOWEVER, if you would
like to be a part of this fun group, singing for the short term until Easter,
THIS IS YOUR CHANCE!!! If you've thought about singing with us, then all you
need to do is show up a few minutes early on a Thursday evening and we'll have
music ready for you. It's that easy! And no, you don't have to have the
world's greatest voice or a lot of experience in music to join. Just bring your
desire to glorify God through wonderful music and a willingness to learn. You
can always via email to
musicdirector@stpaulswallingford.org if you have any questions about being in the choir. I hope
to see some of you at choir on a Thursday night this Lenten season!
In music,
Todd Simmons
CHOIR REHEARSALS are from 7:00-9:00 pm Thursday evenings in the Church
Sanctuary. Warm-ups start at 9am Sunday mornings.
Morning Prayer During Lent
Morning Prayer will be led by Helen Stowe every Tuesday morning during Lent, at 7:30 AM in St. Luke’s Chapel. Please join us. If you are interested in leading a short service on another day during the week, please see Helen so that she can organize a rotation.
AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE
St. Paul’s Church will host a Red Cross Blood Mobile on Wednesday, March 10th from 1:00 to 5:45 PM in Wilkinson Hall. Donors are needed and a sign-up sheet is posted in the rear of the church. Also needed are people to bake cookies, brownies etc. as well as people to help at the canteen that day. If you are willing to help and/or bake, please sign up on the sheet posted on the easel near the font. Thank you for your help. Questions? Call the church office (203-269-5050).
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME
Just a reminder that Daylight Savings Time Begins on March 14th! Don’t forget to set your clocks ahead one hour before going to be on the 13th or you’ll miss worship and/or Church School on Sunday the 14th!
THURSDAY LUNCHEONS SUSPENDED
Thursday Luncheons will, sadly, be suspended until further notice. George Swenson is tending his aching knees and hopes to return to our kitchen in the fall. For now, let’s keep him in our prayers.
CONFIRMATION
We're offering a Confirmation class for ages 15 and up that will meet roughly every other Sunday beginning at noon on Sunday, March 14. We'll read, discuss, do a field trip or two, share meals together, pray, play dress up -- and more! All working toward a Confirmation Service to be held on the morning of Saturday, May 22 in a church in the Bridgeport Deanery. More details to follow, but for now save the date and tell friends and family!
Please let the Rector know if you're interested and to pick up a copy of our book, My Faith, My Life.
EASTER FLOWERS
If you wish to have Easter Flowers as a memorial for a loved one, please have names of those you wish remembered and contributions (checks made payable to St. Paul’s Memorial Flower Fund) in to the parish office by Sunday, March 28th.
Holy Baptism
The Sacrament of Holy Baptism will be celebrated on the following Feast Days: Easter Eve (April 3, 2010), Pentecost Sunday (May 23, 2010) and All Saints Sunday (November 14).
Please direct any inquiries to the Rector at 269-5050 or rector@stpaulswallingford.org.
PALM CROSSES will be made on Friday, March 26th at 1:00 PM in Wilkinson Hall. Many hands make light work, so come and lend a hand. No experience necessary – we will train!
From the Seminarian
This has been an exciting year for me and Debby, and as many of you have heard, next year promises to be more exciting still! We are thrilled that I will be returning for a second internship year at St. Paul's. This community has embraced us so warmly and I've learned so much already, I look forward to building on the foundation we have established and becoming more deeply involved. Debby and I have certainly appreciated all of your prayers and support. We especially covet those prayers as we look forward to early next August, when we expect to welcome a new member into our family. I cannot tell you how pleased we are that our first weeks and months as parents will be spent with our St. Paul's family. We promise to keep you all updated as we move into spring and summer, though we don't expect to know whether it's a boy or a girl until the big day arrives. In either case, we can't imagine a more wonderful place to welcome a child, with so many excellent role models, teachers, and friends.
With sincere gratitude,
Your seminarian,
Dane
The Saint Paul’s Public Relations Committee Needs New Members
Saint Paul’s had had a public relations committee “on the books” for many years, and now the committee needs new energy. Are you interested in telling the community about the wonderful things happening at Saint Paul’s? Please contact the church office to learn what the committee has done in the past and to share your new ideas for public relations.
FROM OUR NEW BISHOP
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
In 1835 The Episcopal Church proclaimed that every Episcopalian is a member of the church’s missionary society by virtue of one’s baptism (and not voluntary annual dues). The Episcopal Church has said for over 170 years that baptism gives us our vocation to serve God in the world. Baptism, not ordination, is our commission, “co-mission,” in God’s mission. The offices of deacon, presbyter, and bishop have been “ordered” by the Church to support the baptized in our service to God’s mission and as such they are secondary to the priesthood of all believers.
Because I believe that baptism is our commission in God’s mission, I have dedicated my life and ministry to helping the people of The Episcopal Church discover a deeper commitment to mission. In my writing, teaching, and preaching, I have challenged Episcopalians to expand their understanding of missions (with an “s”) to that of the missio Dei, the mission of God. It is God’s mission to restore all people and all creation to unity with God and each other in Christ.
Nothing excites me more than to work with sisters and brothers in Christ as together we ask: What is it that God is up to, right here, right now? How are we called, in the realities of our various vocations and daily lives, to join in God’s restorative, reconciling activity in the world? I am thrilled by the possibility of accompanying you in such missionary endeavors.
Faithfully yours,
Ian
Attend Ian Douglas' Consecration as Our New Bishop
Saturday, April 17 11:00 a.m.
Koeppel Center, Trinity College
175 New Britain Ave., Hartford CT
Consider attending this grand event which will have Presiding Bishop Katherine Jefferts Schori as celebrant and Archbishop Desmond Tutu as preacher! Renting a bus is strongly encouraged due to the magnitude of this event and the limited parking. Please let the Rector know ASAP is you are interested so we can begin the proper arrangements.
************************
St. Paul’s:
Web Site - www.STPAULSWALLINGFORD.org
Fax # - 203-269-3813
E-mail - stpaulsepiscopal@snet.net
BROADCAST TIMES FOR ST. PAUL’S SUNDAY SERVICE
CABLE CHANNEL 18
SUNDAY – 5:00
PM
MONDAY – 8:00 AM
TUESDAY – 8:30 PM
WEDNESDAY – 2:00 PM
USHERS, CRUCIFERS, ACOLYTES, CHALICE BEARERS
Please check your schedules for services and times. If you are unable to fulfill your obligation, please obtain a substitute for yourself. This is important to keep worship services running smoothly. If you would also inform the office of any changes it would be appreciated.
THANK YOU!
Congratulations to those elected at the Annual Meeting on January 31, 2010
Officers
Senior Warden: Jane Smith
Junior Warden: Andy Bravo
Treasurer: Tom Guartafierro
Clerk: Donna Regan
Vestry
Class of 2013 – 3-year terms
Karen Hlavac
Robin Hunter
Jennifer Lane
Class of 2011 – to fill final year of unexpired term
Marisa Esposito
Delegates to Diocesan Convention and Central Deanery:
Andy Bravo
Vivian Horvath
Alternates to Diocesan Convention and Central Deanery:
Susan Bravo
Donna Regan
St. Paul’s Sacred Trust:
Class of 2013 – 3 year terms
Wallis Bolton
Nancy Harrington
Nominating Committee:
Class of 2011 Vestry Members plus:
At-large - Ray Bibisi
Christopher Stone
Ron Hansen
Appointments to be Affirmed by the Parish Meeting:
St. Paul’s Memorial Garden and Columbarium Committee
Class of 2013 (two persons appointed):
Brian Johnson
Anne Leone
Thanks be to God for your service!
Summary of Vestry Minutes
Tuesday, February 9, 2009
Among other business at the February 9, 2010 meeting the vestry discussed the following:
 | The audit for 2008 has been completed and a copy of
the audit along with the audit for 2007 has been sent to the diocese. |
| Set the devotions and liaisons schedule. |
| A Publicity Committee is needed. |
| The new church school program has started. There will
be a meeting on 2/14/10 for people interested in teaching the next rotation. |
| With regards to stewardship, the projected amount of
$227,000 in pledges has been reached. There are still about a dozen names
that need follow up. |
| Quotes for the new office copier were discussed. |
| The music director’s office has been painted with
leftover paint and the desk was donated by the Rowe’s. A rug is to be
purchased through a previous donation. |
| There will be a free concert on 5/2/10 with our current music director and an English organist. |
The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 pm.
Book Review / Plan B
Further Thoughts on Faith
By Anne Lamott
A couple of years ago the Adult Forum at church read Anne Lamott’s Traveling Mercies. I fell in love with Anne’s style of writing at that time and so when I saw this new (to me) book of hers I had no hesitation buying it.
Annie has a way of saying the most profound things about spirituality in an utterly humorous fashion. Politically Annie is a diehard liberal. She hates all that George Bush did, especially getting us into Iraq. And that comes out pointedly in her book. But even if you are an extreme right wing Republican or, like me, and independent moderate, there is much to enjoy in Plan B.
Annie writes about her life as a mother of an only son, Sam; about her evolving relationship with Sam. She describes her rages, her guilt and her self-righteousness in battles with her son. As the mother of four sons I relate so much with her. And I certainly relate to her description of boredom with motherhood – something no one else talks about or describes in books I have read.
She talks about this friend of hers, Jack, who founded a meditation center. He taught her to slow down, breathe and take card of everyone – something Jesus taught. Breathing is our connection to the Holy Spirit, to our bodies, minds and souls. Jack taught Annie that if the devil can’t get you to sin, he’ll keep you busy. So slow down and breathe.
Annie seems to live life on the edge. She is stressed out all the time. One of her hilarious picture she paints is how she says she feels like a possum. “Possums are stressed out to the max”. They don’t live very long in the wild. Possums have two anatomical anomalies which I can’t mention here. You’ll just have to read the book. She says she supposes “that if I had two ***** and still fainted a lot I’d be stressed to the max too!”
Annie is witty, wonderful and everyone can find something to relate to in what she says. After I read this book again, I’m going to donate the book to the church library. By the way, if any of you have a book you think others would enjoy, consider donating it to the library.
Faithfully yours,
Kathy Swenson