The E-pistle

October 19th, 2023

SPECIAL EVENT at St. Paul’s FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20

Family-friendly, Fun, Spiritual

Presented as part of ArtWeek Berkshires

Photos from our Creation Season Photo Challenge will be displayed

Updated Pantry Area in the Rectory

“Building our Future” Forum

THIS SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22^nd

After Both 8 and 10 a.m. Worship

The Fundraising Team and our Senior Warden are excited to speak briefly this Sunday morning about the Rectory Renovation Process and the current fundraising efforts. We’ll have “before” and “after” photos, a fact sheet, time for questions, and a pledge card. We also hope to tell you more about an upcoming Wine Tasting Event.  Best of all, we’ll be able to offer tours of the renovated Rectory, which will soon be deep cleaned and stand ready to welcome St. Paul’s new Rector. Those who attend after the 10 a.m. service, will have the added pleasure of sharing food and drink while participating in the Forum.   

From the Verger’s Corner

Darryl Lafferty (2^nd from the right in photo)

The 2023 annual conference of the Verger’s Guild of the Episcopal Church was a wonderful opportunity to join fellow vergers in worship, learning and fellowship. The theme of this year’s conference focused on social justice. Traditional topics specific to the verger’s role were also covered.

The session on Advanced Verger Topics opened with a S.W.O.T., (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis exercise. One challenge discussed is the growing trend in “regular” worship attendance. Historically, parishioners attended church services weekly – the current trend leans toward attendance one to three times per month, or quarter. This has been true of our own congregation. Worship planning, parish programing, and pastoral care are areas that require consideration given this growing trend. For additional exploration into this topic, I recommend Martha Tatarnic’s book, Why Gather? The Hope and Promise of the Church.

The Episcopal Church in Historical California session covered the impact of Christian Missions. These missions were established with the arrival of Spanish explorers. Missions were arguably harmful to local tribes throughout the state. The Diocese of San Diego and the cathedral specifically, have been working on reconciliation with their indigenous neighbors. The Cathedral Chapter approved the following statement in May of this year, “St. Paul’s Cathedral acknowledges that we gather on unceded Kumeyaay land. We value the knowledge, culture, and worldview of Indigenous people. We commit to the vital work of educating ourselves, increasing community awareness, and promoting reconciliation with our Indigenous neighbors. As we examine actions and practices that perpetuate harm against Indigenous communities, we pledge to work toward a meaningful and respectful relationship as we follow their example in honoring this sacred land.” This statement is included in their Sunday bulletin.

A session on Friendship Park located at the coastal border between the U.S. and Mexico focused on weekly ecumenical service challenges and inhumane conditions. In this session presented by The Reverend Seth David Clark, we learned that communion is now considered “contra-band.” Historically, the service allowed for the exchange of peace and communion between attendees on opposite sides of the border. A newer border fence merely allows for one’s pinky to fit through small holes. Therefore, the exchange of peace during the service is only possible by the touching of pinky to pinky. Exchange of bread and wine is not currently possible. Recently, raw sewage has been overflowing the park and preventing services. “Inhumane” border fencing was also explained. In the past, immigrants would climb the fence and often fall injured on the U.S. side. Newer, higher fencing has not prevented immigrants from entering the U.S. However, the higher fencing has caused more severe injuries, including traumatic brain injury.

The keynote address, Middle East Peace Process, was presented by The Rt. Rev. John Bryson Chane (ret.) Bishop of Washington. Ironically, we had no idea of the events that would transpire in the weeks following the presentation. What is clear to me is that the problem remains the same, politics. Bishop John discussed the bombing of the Anglican hospital in the previous conflict, the same hospital making headlines as I write this article. The bishop said that while politics is the problem, in conflict you take care of “the people.” He went on to say that “politics is the death trap.” He discussed his conversations with both Palestinian and Israeli leadership. He urged the Palestinian leadership, even Abbas personally, to lead. I am thankful that the keynote is available for playback. https://youtu.be/LRGUlUYm-wQ?si=8e45eB3a4JkINMOK Discussion on Gaza begins at about 18:00 and discussion including the Anglican hospital begins at 22:50. 

In closing, I am grateful for St. Paul’s support of the verger ministry and for enabling me to attend the annual conference. For more information regarding the conference and verger ministry please visit, www.vergers.org and VergerTV - YouTube.

Welcome the Newly Baptized

Bennett Edward Alphonse Littlefield

Lila Jean McCormick

Bennett is receiving the sign of the cross with oil after his baptism while Lila waits patiently for her baptism in her mother’s arms. It was a glorious morning with 82 people in attendance as these children were “sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked as Christ’s own forever.”   In this service, we also blessed the items donated for the Student Care Packages and prayed for the college students who will receive them. St. Paul’s felt like a multi-generational congregation on Sunday, October 15.

This Sunday, October 22^nd – 8 AM and 10 AM – Holy Eucharist

Collect for the 21^st Sunday after Pentecost

Almighty and everlasting God, in Christ you have revealed your glory among the nations: Preserve the works of your mercy, that your Church throughout the world may persevere with steadfast faith in the confession of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Scripture for October 22^nd

 Exodus 33:12-23, Psalm 99, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, Matthew 22:15-22

Worship Team for October 22^nd

Celebrant/Preacher (8 & 10)  The Rev. Libby Wade

Reader (8)    Rob Maloney

Reader (10)  Martha Bodine

Intercessor (8 & 10) Sharon Billetter

Usher/Greeter (10) Jean Rousseau

Fellowship Host      Patty Melville

Musician                   David Smith

Worship Team for October 29^th

Celebrant      The Rev. Jane Tillman

Preacher       Sharon Billetter

Reader/Intercessor (8)   Torey Winn

Reader (10)              Virgil Stucker

Intercessor (10)      Carl Sprague

Usher/Greeter (10) Carl Sprague

Fellowship Host      Ginny Willcox

Musician                   David Smith

Parish Prayer List

-People we pray for on Sundays: Bruce, Charles, Linda, Veronica, Jeff, Karen, Lisa, Rosalind, Estreeta, Kit, Jacob, Kathleen, Jimmy, Doug, Margie, Holly, Rick, and Presiding Bishop Michael Curry

- People on our Long-term prayer list: Allie, Irby, Ginger, Joan, Duncan, Bernadette, Ray, Piers, Katrina, Rich, Karen, Michael, Tom, Khali, George, Doug, Barbara, Christy, John, and Anthony

- Our partners at Grace Church, Great Barrington, and their priest Tina Rathbone; Christ Trinity Episcopal-Lutheran Church, Sheffield, and their priest Erik Karas; the residents and staff of the Austen Riggs community and the Riverbrook Residence

- For the Rev. Misty Kiwak-Jacobs and the Rev. Jimmy Pickett, ordained as priests this week

- For peace and an end to violence and oppression in the world

- For an Israeli family: Kate, Omri, Adina, Moshe, Zahava, Rivka, Yaakov, Chava, and Rich

- Outreach Ministry of the Week: Berkshire Community Diaper Project

- Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: Episcopal Church of the Atonement, Westfield

- For the Diocese of Western Massachusetts as Diocesan Convention meets on October 28

- Anglican Cycle of Prayer: Anglican Church of Korea

- Anniversaries: Tom & Michele Sirois

- Altar flowers are provided by Tom & Michele Sirois, in honor of their anniversary.

There seems to be an uptick in COVID cases right now. The Rev. Jane Tillman is recovering from a case, as is a vestry member, and someone in one of the baptismal groups last Sunday tested positive that afternoon. This might be a good time to wear a mask in gatherings again. We will have them out near each of the doors starting with this Friday’s concert.

A few copies of the November – January daily devotional booklet Forward Day by Day are still available in the church. Please pick yours up on Sunday. If you are unable to come to church, you can e-mail the parish office and request that one be mailed to you.

Vestry Interviews of Candidates for Rector Have Begun

Your vestry is enjoying getting to know the candidates for Rector of St. Paul’s. Please hold the vestry in prayer, as the interview process takes a great deal of time and energy. Please hold the candidates in prayer as they learn about St. Paul’s and consider whether this might be their next place of ministry. Pray for the whole congregation as we wait in expectant hope. Give thanks for the fine work done by the Profile and Search Committees.

Almighty God, giver of every good gift: Look graciously on your Church, and so guide the minds of those who shall choose a rector for this parish, that we may receive a faithful pastor, who will care for your people and equip us for our ministries; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

A LITANY FOR THE RESTORATION OF PEACE

IN THE HOLY LAND

God of peace, we pray for the people of Palestine and Israel in these perilous and dangerous times.

For all who are fearful for the safety of their loved ones and themselves, we pray that the assurance of unfailing love, even in the midst of danger, settles upon them. Shelter them from despair and protect them from harm.

For all who are wounded, we pray they find healing.

For all who have died, we pray they find rest.

For all who grieve, we pray they find comfort.

For leaders on all sides, we pray for a renewed will to lay down arms, for the strength to put the grievances and wrongs suffered by their people to rest, and for the conviction to embrace a path of reconciliation and peace that preserves the rights and dignity of all of your children.

God of mercy, help us to remember there is no border that can separate us from your great love and protection, no stone that can sound the well of your deep mercy.

God of justice, we pray with hopeful hearts that your beloved children of the Holy Land will be spared a future of sustained violence and unrest and that a recognition of the humanity of all people will prevail.

We ask all this in the name of your Son, Jesus. Amen.

American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem

Olive branch Israel

Credit: Aaron Ovadia @Unsplash.com

-      Every Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. – Morning Prayer on Zoom

-      Every Sunday at 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. – Holy Eucharist

-      Friday, October 20, 6:00 p.m. – Concert at St. Paul’s: “Call & Response: Co-Creating with the Divine”

-      Sunday, October 22, after 8 and 10 a.m. Eucharists – Forum on Rectory Renovation

-      Saturday, October 28 – Diocesan Convention at UMass Amherst Conference Center (St. Paul’s Delegates: Martha Bodine, Diane Dillon, Libby Wade)

-      Sunday, November 5 – All Saints Sunday – Daylight Savings Time Ends

-      Sunday, November 5, 4:00 p.m. – Jazz/Folk Piano Concert at St. Paul’s with Jacob Hiser and Ananya Ganesh

Gideon’s Garden volunteer work days end October 30 as the garden is “put to bed” for the winter. Thanks to volunteers Gale Page and Jim Wade for their involvement this year. Volunteer opportunities will resume in March 2024.

All Saints Sunday

November 5

Our 8 & 10 a.m. Worship Services will be extra-special on All Saints Sunday as we remember those who are now part of “that great cloud of witnesses.”  Jacob Hiser, a versatile pianist from the Boston area, will be our guest musician for the 10 a.m. Eucharist.  Jacob grew up playing bluegrass, country, blues, rock, and European classical music, eventually falling in love with jazz as a teen. He studied at Missouri State University and New England Conservatory and is currently collaborative piano staff at Phillips Exeter Academy and Boston Children’s Chorus. Maybe we’ll hear a bit of “When the Saints Go Marching In” at the end of worship!

In the afternoon (4:00 p.m.), Jacob will return to St. Paul’s with fellow pianist Ananya Ganesh for a concert. See the flyer below for basic info. Next week you’ll hear more about Jacob and Ananya and their unique approach to music.  For now, please mark your calendar and invite your friends. Help us get the word out. Let Libby or Kyra know if you want posters to put up in your neighborhood or town.