Remembering our Angels
"Earth has not sorrow that Heaven cannot heal"
- Thomas Moore
"Earth has not sorrow that Heaven cannot heal"
- Thomas Moore
Once a quarter, a service is offered to our parishioners, family, friends and Canton community to remember and celebrate our dear departed angels who have anniversaries of death during those months.
The next service will be held today, Sunday, Sept. 22 at 3 p.m. and will cover dates from July to September.
The next service will be held today, Sunday, Sept. 22 at 3 p.m. and will cover dates from July to September.
This week (and beyond) with St. Paul's
Sunday, July 14
Eighth Sunday after Pentecost, Holy Eucharist, 10 a.m.
Daughters of the King meeting, 9 a.m. in the Guild Hall
Monday, July 15
Superheroes fun night, dress like your favorite, 6 p.m. in the Guild Hall
JULY PROJECT
The Daughters of the King is sponsoring a collection of men’s underwear to benefit Refuge of Hope. There is a need for briefs and t-shirts of various sizes to give to their clients after showering. The DOK will provide a collection box in the narthex from July 7th to July 28th . Thank you for your participation in meeting the needs of the Refuge of Hope.
Sunday, July 14
Eighth Sunday after Pentecost, Holy Eucharist, 10 a.m.
Daughters of the King meeting, 9 a.m. in the Guild Hall
Monday, July 15
Superheroes fun night, dress like your favorite, 6 p.m. in the Guild Hall
JULY PROJECT
The Daughters of the King is sponsoring a collection of men’s underwear to benefit Refuge of Hope. There is a need for briefs and t-shirts of various sizes to give to their clients after showering. The DOK will provide a collection box in the narthex from July 7th to July 28th . Thank you for your participation in meeting the needs of the Refuge of Hope.
A Prayer for 2024
As the dawn breaks on a new year, let us give thanks for all we hold dear: our health, our family and our friends.
Let us release our grudges, our anger and our pains, for these are nothing but binding chains.
Let us live each day in the most loving ways, the God-conscious way.
Let us serve all who are in need, regardless of race, color or creed.
Let us keep God of our own understanding in our hearts and to chant God's name each day.
Let us lead the world from darkness to light, from falsehood to truth and from wrong to right.
Let us remember that we are all one, embracing all, discriminating against none.
May your year be filled with peace, prosperity and love. May God's blessings shower upon you and bestow upon each of you a bright, healthy and peaceful new year.
- The Rev. Marcy Sheremetta
Let us release our grudges, our anger and our pains, for these are nothing but binding chains.
Let us live each day in the most loving ways, the God-conscious way.
Let us serve all who are in need, regardless of race, color or creed.
Let us keep God of our own understanding in our hearts and to chant God's name each day.
Let us lead the world from darkness to light, from falsehood to truth and from wrong to right.
Let us remember that we are all one, embracing all, discriminating against none.
May your year be filled with peace, prosperity and love. May God's blessings shower upon you and bestow upon each of you a bright, healthy and peaceful new year.
- The Rev. Marcy Sheremetta
Welcome new members
A New Members welcoming will take place during the Easter Sunday Service, March, 31 at 10:30a. If you desire to officially become a member of St. Paul's, you will need to attend a session with Rev. Robin. Please call or text her at (330) 506-6647 to set up your appointment.
Palm Sunday began our Holy Week services with a blessing of the palms and processional around the church, to the original entrance, which first welcomed parishioners in 1923. For a video of the service, please click on our Worship tab.
By Heather Melton, UTO Staff Officer
This year our theme for Lenten materials is “40 Days of Grateful Presence” and a call to giving thanks for the many things in our lives we take for granted. Our hope is that during the 40 days of Lent we can all use gratitude to help us be more present in our daily lives. In order to do this, we’ve got the following materials for individuals and congregations:
This year our theme for Lenten materials is “40 Days of Grateful Presence” and a call to giving thanks for the many things in our lives we take for granted. Our hope is that during the 40 days of Lent we can all use gratitude to help us be more present in our daily lives. In order to do this, we’ve got the following materials for individuals and congregations:
- Daily text message prompt to notice and give thanks for something in your life that you might take for granted.
- Printable calendar with the same prompts as the daily text message that you can print out and hang on your fridge to mark the days until Easter.
- Lenten materials for families – this year we have a special 40 days coloring sheet from Kristen Wheeler to help kids mark off each day until Easter and a weekly prayer (similar to what many of us use during Advent) that individuals or families can say along their Lenten journey.
- Zoom book group – this Lent we’ll be reading “Thanks a Thousand” by A.J. Jacobs; it’s the story of what happened when he tried to thank everyone who contributed to his daily cup of coffee.
The spirit of Christmas continues
Join St. Tim’s every Wednesday this December for four classic Christmas films.
Dec. 6 7 p.m.:’A Christmas Carol,' 1951. The quintessential version starring Alastair Sim.
Dec. 13 7 p.m.:The Bishop’s Wife,' 1947. David Niven stars as a stressed out Episcopal bishop trying to build a cathedral. Also starring Loretta Young and Cary Grant.
Dec. 20 7 p.m.: The Holly and the Ivy,' 1952. A strong but humble English vicar dealing with his wayward family at Christmas.
Dec. 29 7 p.m.: ‘Becket,' 1964. Peter ‘O Toole and Richard Burton star as Henry II and Archbishop Thomas Becket. Service of Holy Communion commemorating Becket preceding the film.
St. Timothy's Episcopal Church is at 226 Third st. SE in Massillon. Traditional English food and drinks will accompany the films.
Dec. 6 7 p.m.:’A Christmas Carol,' 1951. The quintessential version starring Alastair Sim.
Dec. 13 7 p.m.:The Bishop’s Wife,' 1947. David Niven stars as a stressed out Episcopal bishop trying to build a cathedral. Also starring Loretta Young and Cary Grant.
Dec. 20 7 p.m.: The Holly and the Ivy,' 1952. A strong but humble English vicar dealing with his wayward family at Christmas.
Dec. 29 7 p.m.: ‘Becket,' 1964. Peter ‘O Toole and Richard Burton star as Henry II and Archbishop Thomas Becket. Service of Holy Communion commemorating Becket preceding the film.
St. Timothy's Episcopal Church is at 226 Third st. SE in Massillon. Traditional English food and drinks will accompany the films.
In the season of Advent, we focus on our Lord who came but is yet to come again. It’s a time of expectation and hope that looks forward to a new creation and a new earth.
“Advent calls Christians to live lives with an eye on the future – and an eye on the fulfillment of the work that God started in the revelation of Jesus Christ. This is an important reminder during the Advent season: We are not only looking forward to the commemoration of the birth of Christ, but we are the church expectant, waiting for God’s reconciliatory work to be fulfilled.” https://www.episcopalchurch.org/bible-study/advent-1b/
As we move through this time of joy, hope, peace, and anticipation for our coming Christ, may we find ways to grow deeper in the knowledge of God and in carrying out the mission that God places before us all? One way to begin is to join in the Advent Bible Study Series that is being held on Wednesdays at 10 a.m. and repeated on Sundays at 9 a.m. Each week we will explore the assigned Advent readings and discuss ways to help make this season more meaningful. Won’t you come and join us? Hope to see you there!
Another way is to carry our Advent connection into the Christmas celebration. Since we are having a 7p.m. Christmas Eve service, which also happens to be a Sunday, we will not be coming back on Monday for a Christmas Day service.
However. below you will find an outline for a Christmas in the Home service in which you can still share in the true meaning of Christmas with your loved ones on Christmas Day. This service is meant to provide you with a resource that will make room for singing and reflection around the Lord’s birth. And you can do it wherever you are and with whomever you are able.
The purpose is to bring people together around the message of the greatest gift ever given and to celebrate that gift of Love in our lives. Hard copies will be made available at the church for you to take, and PLEASE take extra to share with other families. May you and your family have a meaningful and wonderful Advent and Christmas season. Peace and Blessings to you all!
“Advent calls Christians to live lives with an eye on the future – and an eye on the fulfillment of the work that God started in the revelation of Jesus Christ. This is an important reminder during the Advent season: We are not only looking forward to the commemoration of the birth of Christ, but we are the church expectant, waiting for God’s reconciliatory work to be fulfilled.” https://www.episcopalchurch.org/bible-study/advent-1b/
As we move through this time of joy, hope, peace, and anticipation for our coming Christ, may we find ways to grow deeper in the knowledge of God and in carrying out the mission that God places before us all? One way to begin is to join in the Advent Bible Study Series that is being held on Wednesdays at 10 a.m. and repeated on Sundays at 9 a.m. Each week we will explore the assigned Advent readings and discuss ways to help make this season more meaningful. Won’t you come and join us? Hope to see you there!
Another way is to carry our Advent connection into the Christmas celebration. Since we are having a 7p.m. Christmas Eve service, which also happens to be a Sunday, we will not be coming back on Monday for a Christmas Day service.
However. below you will find an outline for a Christmas in the Home service in which you can still share in the true meaning of Christmas with your loved ones on Christmas Day. This service is meant to provide you with a resource that will make room for singing and reflection around the Lord’s birth. And you can do it wherever you are and with whomever you are able.
The purpose is to bring people together around the message of the greatest gift ever given and to celebrate that gift of Love in our lives. Hard copies will be made available at the church for you to take, and PLEASE take extra to share with other families. May you and your family have a meaningful and wonderful Advent and Christmas season. Peace and Blessings to you all!
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St. Paul's holiday services
Festive Christmas Eve Service, Sumdau. Dec. 24, with carols beginning at 6:30 p.m. Monday, December 25th, Christmas in the Home |
Bringing the Joy of Christmas home
Seeing the face of God in each other
The Commission for Racial Justice will offer this two-day training on November 30 and December 1 at Trinity Commons. This anti-racism training is required for all individuals in elected and appointed Diocesan positions, and it is also open to all members of the Diocese.
Space is limited. The cost of the training materials and food is covered by the Diocese of Ohio. Registration is required. For questions or more information, please contact Antoinette Taylor.
Space is limited. The cost of the training materials and food is covered by the Diocese of Ohio. Registration is required. For questions or more information, please contact Antoinette Taylor.
From Mother Robin's desk...
The month of August always kicks off with the fun and exciting Hall of Fame parade. The people of St. Paul’s help to add to the festivities by being a real presence in the community for the parade through their service. Thank you everyone who helped in any way. In August we continued to offer the 8:30a Rite I service along with two healing services. In addition to regular meetings that I have attended, I also took part in a training in Rochester, NY. The College for Congregational Development (CCD) training was to introduce several of us from the Diocese to congregational development tools. Thank you Bishop Anne for allowing me the opportunity to be a part of this new and exciting direction of our Diocese.
As we embark upon the month of September, excitement is in the air. It’s the time of the year when many of the recessed activities begin to resume, and it gives us the opportunity to implement new vision. Some of the this vision includes the return of the Common Cup at Communion. Beginning September 10th, we will again offer drinking from the chalice in addition to intinction. We will also return to the High Altar for the distribution of the bread and wine. September 10th also welcomes back the choir. We are glad to have them returning. Christian Education will be provided through a series of Adult Forums and Bible Studies. The schedule follows: PLEASE COME AND JOIN US!!!!
10 a.m. Wednesday Study Group Series: The Ten Commandments: Are They Still Relevant?
Sept. 6 – Introduction
Sept. 13 – Relationship Before the Law
Sept. 20– The First Table: Tuned Into God
Sept. 27– The Second Table: Turned Toward the Neighbor
Oct. 4– The Desires of the Heart
9 a.m. Third Sunday Formation Series: “Did You Know?”
Sept. 17 – Who is the Episcopal Church?
Oct. 15 – Liturgical Planning: Music, Readings, Liturgy
Nov. 19 – Foundations of Anglican Tradition: Sacraments, Gestures, Vestments, Symbols, Rituals
The month of August always kicks off with the fun and exciting Hall of Fame parade. The people of St. Paul’s help to add to the festivities by being a real presence in the community for the parade through their service. Thank you everyone who helped in any way. In August we continued to offer the 8:30a Rite I service along with two healing services. In addition to regular meetings that I have attended, I also took part in a training in Rochester, NY. The College for Congregational Development (CCD) training was to introduce several of us from the Diocese to congregational development tools. Thank you Bishop Anne for allowing me the opportunity to be a part of this new and exciting direction of our Diocese.
As we embark upon the month of September, excitement is in the air. It’s the time of the year when many of the recessed activities begin to resume, and it gives us the opportunity to implement new vision. Some of the this vision includes the return of the Common Cup at Communion. Beginning September 10th, we will again offer drinking from the chalice in addition to intinction. We will also return to the High Altar for the distribution of the bread and wine. September 10th also welcomes back the choir. We are glad to have them returning. Christian Education will be provided through a series of Adult Forums and Bible Studies. The schedule follows: PLEASE COME AND JOIN US!!!!
10 a.m. Wednesday Study Group Series: The Ten Commandments: Are They Still Relevant?
Sept. 6 – Introduction
Sept. 13 – Relationship Before the Law
Sept. 20– The First Table: Tuned Into God
Sept. 27– The Second Table: Turned Toward the Neighbor
Oct. 4– The Desires of the Heart
9 a.m. Third Sunday Formation Series: “Did You Know?”
Sept. 17 – Who is the Episcopal Church?
Oct. 15 – Liturgical Planning: Music, Readings, Liturgy
Nov. 19 – Foundations of Anglican Tradition: Sacraments, Gestures, Vestments, Symbols, Rituals
Once again, Mother Robin -- helped by Nancy Suba -- will be blessing the animals (in person or in picture form) during First Friday, Oct. 6, on Court Avenue next to the Arcadia restaurant and during our 10:30 service pn Oct. 8.
St. Paul's to host Church Women United
in Ohio gathering Sept. 16
in Ohio gathering Sept. 16
Living a Legacy of Love: Doing God's Work
Micah 6:8, 1 Peter 4:10-11 & Ephesians 2:10
St. Paul's will host a gathering of the Church Women United in Ohio Area B meeting Sept. 16 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The Rev. Dr. Robin Woodberry will be presiding.
Speakers will include Jenny Dirkson and the Catholic Migrant Farm Workers and the day will include a service project: assembling hygiene kits. (Please bring items to share.)
The registration fee of $10 includes a light lunch. Please send a registration form and check to L.K. Williams, 143 Boardman-Canfield Rd., No. 198, Boardman, OH, 44512
Registration
Name:_____________________________________________________________
Denominational Title First Middle Last
Address_________________________ City______________ Zip__________
Phone number Home_______________________ Cell __________________
Email address___________________________________________________
Local Unit Name____________________ Office held ____________________
Make checks payable to Church Women United in Ohio; write Area B in the memo
Micah 6:8, 1 Peter 4:10-11 & Ephesians 2:10
St. Paul's will host a gathering of the Church Women United in Ohio Area B meeting Sept. 16 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The Rev. Dr. Robin Woodberry will be presiding.
Speakers will include Jenny Dirkson and the Catholic Migrant Farm Workers and the day will include a service project: assembling hygiene kits. (Please bring items to share.)
The registration fee of $10 includes a light lunch. Please send a registration form and check to L.K. Williams, 143 Boardman-Canfield Rd., No. 198, Boardman, OH, 44512
Registration
Name:_____________________________________________________________
Denominational Title First Middle Last
Address_________________________ City______________ Zip__________
Phone number Home_______________________ Cell __________________
Email address___________________________________________________
Local Unit Name____________________ Office held ____________________
Make checks payable to Church Women United in Ohio; write Area B in the memo
Highlights for this Sunday: The Choir, Common Cup and Alexander Crummell
Dear friends,
The season is full of energy as we resume many of our regular activities in the Fall season. This Sunday, we welcome back our wonderful choir under the leadership of Edward T. Grimes.
We also will re-institute using the common cup during communion. This practice was halted during the Covid pandemic, but we feel that it is a good time to begin offering it again for those who choose to receive it in this manner. We will continue to have intinction (dipping) as an option.
In addition to the common cup, we will return to receiving communion at the high altar railing for those who are able to join us there. Otherwise, you can remain in your seat or at the Chancel steps and we will serve you accordingly.
Lastly, this is the Feast of Alexander Crummell and UBE (Union of Black Episcopalians) Sunday. There will be amazing music, prayers, and readings to help us uplift the work that Rev. Crummell did and continues to be carried out through the UBE.
We welcome you to come join us!
Rev. Dr. Robin R. Woodberry
Priest-in-Charge
St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Canton, OH
The season is full of energy as we resume many of our regular activities in the Fall season. This Sunday, we welcome back our wonderful choir under the leadership of Edward T. Grimes.
We also will re-institute using the common cup during communion. This practice was halted during the Covid pandemic, but we feel that it is a good time to begin offering it again for those who choose to receive it in this manner. We will continue to have intinction (dipping) as an option.
In addition to the common cup, we will return to receiving communion at the high altar railing for those who are able to join us there. Otherwise, you can remain in your seat or at the Chancel steps and we will serve you accordingly.
Lastly, this is the Feast of Alexander Crummell and UBE (Union of Black Episcopalians) Sunday. There will be amazing music, prayers, and readings to help us uplift the work that Rev. Crummell did and continues to be carried out through the UBE.
We welcome you to come join us!
Rev. Dr. Robin R. Woodberry
Priest-in-Charge
St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Canton, OH
St. Paul's additional summer services Sundays at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m.
St. Paul's will be EXPANDING services for the months of July and August, including offering a second, earlier Sunday service in the garden and inviting you to healing services on four Wednesdays. Please join us at those services and at our 10:30 a.m. Sunday services.
Here's the complete schedule.
8:30 a.m. Rite I Service -- no music:
Here's the complete schedule.
8:30 a.m. Rite I Service -- no music:
- July 2nd
- July 9th in the Prayer Garden (weather permitting)
- July 16th
- July 23rd in the Prayer Garden
- July 30th
- Aug. 6th
- Aug. 13th in the Prayer Garden
- Aug. 20th
- Aug. 27th in the Prayer Garden
- July 2nd
- July 9th
- July 16th
- July 23rd
- July 30th
- Aug. 6th
- Aug. 13th
- Aug. 20th
- Aug. 27th
- July 19th
- Aug. 16th
You're invited to share in Deacon Robin's ordination to the priesthood
Courageous Conversations: What’s next?
Social Justice Book Group takes on the politics of racial resentment
The next book St. Paul’s Social Justice Book Group is sharing will be “Dying of Whiteness: How the Racial Resentment Is Killing America’s Heartland,” by Jonathan Metzl.
Metzl is a sociologist and psychiatrist who grew up in the Midwest and who, according to the Boston Globe, uses the book to examine how "segments of the American electorate support candidates and political ideas that run contrary to their own self-interest,” examining ways that “policies of right-wing backlash (pro-gun laws, cuts to education, social services, and health care) affect the lives and life expectancies of these people.”
Adds the Star Tribune, “Metzl has science and Heartland street cred on his side; as a public health instructor at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, his clinical approach doesn't overshadow his skill as a wordsmith. As a result, Dying of Whiteness is a weighty but smooth read, devoid of polemics or jargon."
David Swope, who leads the book group, notes that this book and the last, “The Sum of Us,” focus on solutions by sharing the effect of racism on all. The book group will begin reading “Dying of Whiteness” in January. The book will be free to participants and available at Stark Fresh.
Social Justice Book Group takes on the politics of racial resentment
The next book St. Paul’s Social Justice Book Group is sharing will be “Dying of Whiteness: How the Racial Resentment Is Killing America’s Heartland,” by Jonathan Metzl.
Metzl is a sociologist and psychiatrist who grew up in the Midwest and who, according to the Boston Globe, uses the book to examine how "segments of the American electorate support candidates and political ideas that run contrary to their own self-interest,” examining ways that “policies of right-wing backlash (pro-gun laws, cuts to education, social services, and health care) affect the lives and life expectancies of these people.”
Adds the Star Tribune, “Metzl has science and Heartland street cred on his side; as a public health instructor at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, his clinical approach doesn't overshadow his skill as a wordsmith. As a result, Dying of Whiteness is a weighty but smooth read, devoid of polemics or jargon."
David Swope, who leads the book group, notes that this book and the last, “The Sum of Us,” focus on solutions by sharing the effect of racism on all. The book group will begin reading “Dying of Whiteness” in January. The book will be free to participants and available at Stark Fresh.
Here are the current (Sept. 2022) Covid protocols for St. Paul's, effective April 25, 2022:
Overall guidance: Any person who is feeling ill, i.e. sneezing, coughing, body aches, fever or other symptoms of Covid, please do not attend services or other activities in St. Paul’s. We care about your health and that of the entire congregation.
Masks: Per CDC guidelines, masks are optional inside all parts of St. Paul’s. Vestry will continue to monitor the weekly community positivity rate and will revisit the masking policy if the level reaches 5 percent.
Choir-specific masking policies: Choir members will have the option to be unmasked per CDC recommendations, but the music director will monitor weekly Covid statistics; if the positivity rate jumps above 5 percent, he will re-institute a masking policy. Outbreaks of other illnesses will also be considered grounds to reinstitute masking; cold and flu numbers are expected to soar as people begin to unmask.
Congregational social distancing: Congregants are asked to space themselves safely.
Pew materials: The Book of Common Prayer, Hymnal, Lift Every Voice and Sing and pew cards are returned to the pews.
Sanitizing: The sexton will continue all sanitizing protocols, including those of the communal spaces of the church before each service. The use of Microban has been discontinued.
Contact tracing will continue for each activity within St. Paul’s. Temperature taking will be discontinued.
Communion: St. Paul's will continue to offer the body (consecrated bread), and Vestry endorses the reintroduction of the second kind of communion, the blood (consecrated wine), in consultation with the celebrant.
Coffee hour and other social events will continue in the Guild Hall with appropriate social distancing. Masks are optional. Windows will be open whenever weather permits.
Overall guidance: Any person who is feeling ill, i.e. sneezing, coughing, body aches, fever or other symptoms of Covid, please do not attend services or other activities in St. Paul’s. We care about your health and that of the entire congregation.
Masks: Per CDC guidelines, masks are optional inside all parts of St. Paul’s. Vestry will continue to monitor the weekly community positivity rate and will revisit the masking policy if the level reaches 5 percent.
Choir-specific masking policies: Choir members will have the option to be unmasked per CDC recommendations, but the music director will monitor weekly Covid statistics; if the positivity rate jumps above 5 percent, he will re-institute a masking policy. Outbreaks of other illnesses will also be considered grounds to reinstitute masking; cold and flu numbers are expected to soar as people begin to unmask.
Congregational social distancing: Congregants are asked to space themselves safely.
Pew materials: The Book of Common Prayer, Hymnal, Lift Every Voice and Sing and pew cards are returned to the pews.
Sanitizing: The sexton will continue all sanitizing protocols, including those of the communal spaces of the church before each service. The use of Microban has been discontinued.
Contact tracing will continue for each activity within St. Paul’s. Temperature taking will be discontinued.
Communion: St. Paul's will continue to offer the body (consecrated bread), and Vestry endorses the reintroduction of the second kind of communion, the blood (consecrated wine), in consultation with the celebrant.
Coffee hour and other social events will continue in the Guild Hall with appropriate social distancing. Masks are optional. Windows will be open whenever weather permits.
Social Justice Book Group's
moves next the words of Frederick Douglass
moves next the words of Frederick Douglass
The Social Justice Book Group has finished with "Read Until You Understand" -- though it's likely to remain a part of the context of the group for many discussions to come.
Up next is the "Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass," the dramatic autobiography of the formerly enslaved man who came to be the leading voice of the abolitionist movement.
Up next is the "Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass," the dramatic autobiography of the formerly enslaved man who came to be the leading voice of the abolitionist movement.
Senior Warden on ‘Christianity for the Rest of Us’
On Easter Sunday, I gave my Vestry Moment and presented to the Congregation a challenge. It was a challenge that Vestry voted on to have the Congregation read the book “Christianity for the Rest of Us.” On May 28th, I passed out copies to all who were present and urged them to read it. For the next few Sundays, I will be passing out copies to those who have not received one already. The books are paid for, and you do not have to pay for them.
Why are we doing this?
Several years ago, St. Paul’s was presented with an idea of the Doomsday Clock, that because of our aging Congregation that unless we changed some things that we would die. This image has been stuck in our heads ever since. Unfortunately, we have watched our Congregation continue to age with little change and dwindle away gradually.
This must stop!
This book, “Christianity for the Rest of Us,” is a study of mainline Protestant Churches (Episcopal, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Methodist, United Church of Christ, etc.) that were dying but were able to turn themselves around and THRIVE.
After reading this book, Vestry felt excited and energized! These Churches that were profiled in this book did not rely on rock music and the types of things that new non-denominational mega-churches rely on, but kept to what we, as Episcopalians, hold dear: our Liturgy, our values, our worship. However, while reading the book, the Churches that the author, Diana Butler Bass, held up to us did not do several things the way that we do. But I was energized several times while reading and thinking, “Yes, we do that, but maybe not as good as we can be.”
An example: Our Mission Statement that Vestry ratified at our February Retreat is that we should be “Radically Welcoming” (following the lead of Bishop Curry). Well, we do welcome new people to our Church, but do we extend that welcome to ALL people? How many are escorted to Coffee Hour? How many are addressed by name on the second time they come? How many are left out at Coffee Hour because every table has the same closed circle of friends that newcomers are uncomfortable to breach? How many are not welcomed because they have not been invited? How can we be better at our Welcoming?
In this book, there are many examples of Churches, just like us, that were dwindling that CHANGED something, that brought new members, that brought new LIFE, that brought a new VISION.
Starting in June, we will be having a series of Coffee Hour discussions about this book and what it might imply for the future of St. Paul’s. The Vestry and I ask for your efforts to read this book and to give us your input. Together, we will search and find the ways that St. Paul’s will grow into the future.
Thank you,
David Lewis
On Easter Sunday, I gave my Vestry Moment and presented to the Congregation a challenge. It was a challenge that Vestry voted on to have the Congregation read the book “Christianity for the Rest of Us.” On May 28th, I passed out copies to all who were present and urged them to read it. For the next few Sundays, I will be passing out copies to those who have not received one already. The books are paid for, and you do not have to pay for them.
Why are we doing this?
Several years ago, St. Paul’s was presented with an idea of the Doomsday Clock, that because of our aging Congregation that unless we changed some things that we would die. This image has been stuck in our heads ever since. Unfortunately, we have watched our Congregation continue to age with little change and dwindle away gradually.
This must stop!
This book, “Christianity for the Rest of Us,” is a study of mainline Protestant Churches (Episcopal, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Methodist, United Church of Christ, etc.) that were dying but were able to turn themselves around and THRIVE.
After reading this book, Vestry felt excited and energized! These Churches that were profiled in this book did not rely on rock music and the types of things that new non-denominational mega-churches rely on, but kept to what we, as Episcopalians, hold dear: our Liturgy, our values, our worship. However, while reading the book, the Churches that the author, Diana Butler Bass, held up to us did not do several things the way that we do. But I was energized several times while reading and thinking, “Yes, we do that, but maybe not as good as we can be.”
An example: Our Mission Statement that Vestry ratified at our February Retreat is that we should be “Radically Welcoming” (following the lead of Bishop Curry). Well, we do welcome new people to our Church, but do we extend that welcome to ALL people? How many are escorted to Coffee Hour? How many are addressed by name on the second time they come? How many are left out at Coffee Hour because every table has the same closed circle of friends that newcomers are uncomfortable to breach? How many are not welcomed because they have not been invited? How can we be better at our Welcoming?
In this book, there are many examples of Churches, just like us, that were dwindling that CHANGED something, that brought new members, that brought new LIFE, that brought a new VISION.
Starting in June, we will be having a series of Coffee Hour discussions about this book and what it might imply for the future of St. Paul’s. The Vestry and I ask for your efforts to read this book and to give us your input. Together, we will search and find the ways that St. Paul’s will grow into the future.
Thank you,
David Lewis
“I don’t want to work for God like some kind of nice boss. ... I want to live with God, now and forever. Evangelism is joining God in whatever God is doing in the world.”
The Rev. Dr. Tricia Lyons
The Rev. Dr. Tricia Lyons
Memories of St. Paul's Past
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