the sword of the spirit

The Sword of The Spirit
Saint Paul’s Church
April 2014
www.saintpaulsbrookfield.com
(203) 775-9587
Beholding
the
Story
of God's
Saving Power
in Jesus
Transforming
Lives
Through
Jesus
The Paschal Mystery
He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die
to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been
healed (1 Peter 2:24)
Vol. LXI-No. 4
Dear Friends in Christ,
The Sword of the
Spirit was started
in 1954 by the Rev.
A. Pierce Middleton
H
oly Week, from Palm Sunday to Easter Day, and each day in between,
centers the entire Christian year. It reveals those mighty acts through
which God has redeemed us through our Lord Jesus Christ.
These acts – Jesus’s Last Supper, Arrest, Trial, and Passion, his Death and Burial,
and his Resurrection on the Third Day – are called the Paschal Mystery. Paschal
means Passover and refers not only to the Exodus of God’s people from bondage
in Egypt, but also to the Lord’s Passover from Death to Resurrection and the
deliverance of believers from their deadly bondage to sin into freedom and
eternal life.
I invite you to participate fully in our Holy Week observance, beholding the
story of God's saving power in Jesus. Then, taking the love of Christ and his
cross to a world needing
Holy Week Schedule
hope and healing, may we
Sun, Apr 13 Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday
8:00 am - Traditional Eucharist
bear witness like never
10:30 am - Contemporary Eucharist
before to love divine, all
6:00 pm - Vespers
loves excelling. A blessed
Tue, Apr 15 Tuesday in Holy Week
Lent, and an even more
7:30 pm - Tenebrae
Wed, Apr 16 Wednesday in Holy Week
blessed Easter to come.
10:00 am - Holy Eucharist Rite II & Healing
Maundy Thursday
Thu, Apr 17 -
7:30 pm - Foot Washing, Stripping of Altar & Holy Eucharist
Fri, Apr 18
Good Friday
10:00 am
12:00 pm
6:30 pm
7:30 pm
Sat, Apr 19 -
-
Ecumenical Good Friday Walk
Liturgy & Ante-Communion
Stations of the Cross
Liturgy & Ante-Communion
Holy Saturday
10:00 am - Children’s Easter Celebration
7:30 pm - The Great Vigil of Easter
Sun, Apr 20 -
Sunday of the Resurrection: Easter Day
7:30 am - Traditional Eucharist
9:00 am - Traditional Eucharist
10:30 am - Contemporary Eucharist
2
Faithfully,
St. Paul’s Church
174 Whisconier Road
Brookfield, Connecticut 06804
(203) 775-9587
www.saintpaulsbrookfield.com
The Rev. Joseph Shepley, Rector
Beth Miller, Parish Office Coordinator
SCHOOL
3
† New Meeting Night for
Women’s Evening Ministry
A
s we discussed last Tuesday, we will be moving our meeting night to the first and third Monday nights - that makes
our next meeting night April 7th.
We have four more sessions this spring so we will finish up on
May 19th.
We will take the month of June off and then meet again in July
on the 7th and 21st and August 4th and 18th.
Thank you for being willing to change to accommodate the
other ministries in our church. God bless and I will see you all on
the 7th.
- Dori
W
atch your thoughts, they become words;
watch your words, they become actions;
watch your actions, they become habits;
watch your habits, they become character;
watch your character, it becomes your destiny. - Frank Outlaw
W
e can not stop the thoughts that come into our heads
but we do not have to serve them tea. - Rumi
† This Week at St. Paul’s
Thu, Mar 27
Sat, Mar 29
Sun, Mar 30
Tue, Apr 1
Wed, Apr 2
Thu, Apr 3
Sat, Apr 5
Sun, Apr 6
4
- 7:30 pm
- 7:30 am
10:00 am
8:00 am
9:15 am
9:30 am
10:30 am
10:30 am
4:30 pm
6:00 pm
- 9:15 am
7:00 pm
- 10:00 am
- 6:30 pm
7:30 pm
7:30 pm
- 7:30 am
10:00 am
4:00 pm
8:00 am
9:15 am
9:30 am
10:30 am
10:30 am
4:30 pm
6:00 pm
- Music Night, Sanctuary
- Men’s Prayer Breakfast, Parish Hall
- PraiseMoves, Parish Hall
Fourth Sunday in Lent
-
Traditional Eucharist
Young Adult Bible Study
Rector’s Forum, Guild Room
Sunday School
Contemporary Eucharist
Youth Group
Vespers
Ladies Bible Study, Guild Room
Stephen Ministry, Guild Room
Holy Eucharist Rite I
Mission Committee, Guild Room
Property Committee, Guild Room
Music Night, Sanctuary
Men’s Prayer Breakfast, Parish Hall
House of Prayer
Youth Group Blind Auction, Parish Hall
-
Traditional Eucharist
Young Adult Bible Study
Rector’s Forum, Guild Room
Sunday School
Contemporary Eucharist
Youth Group
Vespers
Fifth Sunday in Lent
Spring Women's Retreat with Anita Gutschick
All new Characters!
"Delight in The Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart."
Psalm 37:4
Dates: May 2-3, 2014, prompt RSVP is appreciated
Times: Friday 7 pm through Saturday 3:30 pm
Saturday public performance, "Truth of the Matter", 7 pm -8:15 pm
Location: St. Paul's Church, 174 Whisconier Rd. Brookfield, CT
www.saintpaulsbrookfield.com
Fees:
$80 Full Retreat - includes all performances from Friday through Saturday night
$60 Saturday only - includes all performances held on Saturday, starting at 9:30 am
$20, $50 max per family - Saturday night public performance only - 7 pm
Details: Kick off the retreat with dessert, worship, "Water Jars" performance, and devotion.
Continue Saturday with a light breakfast, "Principles and Passion", lunch, "Rahab",
devotions, Biblical teachings, and Anita's testimony. After a break with optional activities,
return for, "Truth of the Matter", a performance open to all.
NOTE: Overnight accommodations and dinner are not provided.
Scholarships are offered.
Contact: Tara Shepley 203-267-3231 or St. Paul's Church 203775-9587
5
O
W
N
utwardly
itnessing
the
ews
ews!
6
7
The Young David
1473-75
Bronze, height 125 cm
Museo Nazionale del Bargello, Florence
T
his statue was commissioned by the Medici family and
it was sold by them in 1476 to the Signoria, the ruling
body of Florence, and placed in the Palazzo Vecchio, thus
gaining a republican meaning similar to Donatello's David.
Here the similarity ends. There is no doubt that Verrocchio's
proud hero was capable of slaying the giant. The explicitness
and angularity contrast with the ambiguity and sensuousness
of Donatello's - nude and vulnerable while Verrocchio's is
elegantly clothed. He carries a small sword in one hand and,
with his other confidently poised on his hip, looks
triumphantly out at the viewer. The figure, to be viewed in
the round, lacks the anatomical exaggerations and the
psychological implications or complexity of Donatello's. It is,
rather, perfectly chased and was meant to be appreciated for
its exquisite patina.
Psalm 23 is surely one of the most widely known and
recited parts of the Psalter (we actually said it almost
everyday in elementary school.). God is the provider and
overseer par excellence - if we but ask, he will provide
everything we need (notice it says need, not want!). How
great our gratitude will have to be if we indeed trust Him
to be our shepherd and guide for all time!
† Announcement Deadlines
For Sword Points please submit it by Wednesday afternoon each week to
[email protected].
8
† Words of Hope
“Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope.” Psalm 119:49
T
he 18th Annual Hopeline
Fundraising Banquet held on
March 13th, once again, provided guests
with a powerful and inspirational
evening. Guest speaker Ryan Scott
Bomberger, founder of The Radiance
Foundation, offered his perspective as
both an adoptee and an adoptive father offering staggering statistics on the
number of people who want to adopt
(1.5 million), number of aborted babies
(1.2 million).
Pam Szen & Dori McManus at the Hopeline banquet
In addition, over the past 20 years or
with Ryan Bomberger.
so, the number of abortion clinics has
been reduced from 2,176 in 1991 to 581 in 2014. Alternatively, there were just 700
Pregnancy Health Centers in 1991 compared to 2,452 in 2014. In 2013 alone, 47 abortion
clinics closed. A new Pregnancy Health Center is starting up in Stamford, CT with
$150,000 needed and $55,000 already raised.
Our local Hopeline Pregnancy
Resource Center, supported by the
Jericho Partnership and St. Paul’s, is
extremely successful with a high
rate of women choosing life.
As Ryan said during his talk,
“Every human life has intrinsic
value.” His own birth mother made
the choice for LIFE. His adoptive
parents were a loving multi-racial
Christian family of 15 children, 10
of whom were adopted.
Click on the image above for a brief video of Ryan’s “Turn the unplanned into a Loving
talk, “Some of the best things in life are unplanned.” Plan.”
When you justify your bitterness, it burrows down further and further in your heart. And
it’s causing you more harm than anyone else.
† First Holy Communion
A
sign up sheet is located on the table in the back of the
church for any parent interested in having their child make
their First Holy Communion. First Holy Communion will be
held on Sunday, June 1st during the 10:30 am service. Fr. Joe
will hold four classes on the following dates: Sunday, April 27,
May 4, May 11 and May 18th from 9:45 until 10:15 in the level 4 classroom.
† Easter Memorials
T
here are envelopes on the back table for anyone wishing to have
flowers in the church for Easter Sunday in memory of loved
ones and friends. All names will be listed in the Easter bulletin and are
due by Sunday, April 6th. Any questions may be directed to Gail
Winkley at 203-775-3343 or [email protected]. Thank you!
9
† Scholarly Speaking
The Litany
T
his Column began with discussions of various aspects of our worship, and while we
have covered many other topics since, I like to get back to our roots from time to
time. I should like to look with you at the Litany as it is the oldest form of public worship
in English, having been set forth in 1544 (under Henry VIII) for use in processions.*
Processions in those days were formal acts of worship which would often precede the
Sunday Mass or could be held after some other service or by themselves, either in the
Church or out of doors. They served primarily as
occasions for prayer, with the additional features
of taking the prayers to appropriate places, and of
physically involving the congregation in this act.
Many forms of prayers were used in processions,
litanies (similar to our present Prayer Book form
but often beginning with requests for the prayers
of the saints - some of which remain in 1544),
series of anthems, and hymns were all common.
Stations (pauses for prayer) such as at the font
during Easter season, or at saints’ shrines on their
feasts were common. Processions were also
widely used to pray for peace, good weather, or
other public needs.
The introductory exhortation† calls for the
people to be able to understand and participate in
the prayers and thus explains the decision to use
the English language. There is no reason to
believe that Henry was contemplating putting the
regular services into the vernacular, perhaps because the structure and contents were fixed
and widely understood, especially with the help of the then widely available English Bible,
in a way that the more variable forms of the old processions were not.
That first litany survived (though never without some changes in each new edition)
through all the subsequent editions of the Book of Common Prayer. In the 1979 Book,
however, its use has for the first time officially become optional. Most previous editions
directed its use on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and while this disappeared in the
1928 BCP, it was there specified as one of ‘the regular Services appointed for Public
Worship in this Church.’ ‡ On the other hand, the 1979 Book made some rubrical and
textual changes that made its use more convenient, especially when used with the Eucharist.
In this case the Litany can end with the Kyrie eleison, and the Eucharist can begin
immediately with “The Lord be with you,” and the Collect of the Day. Similarly, in this
case the Prayers for the People can be omitted (since the Litany covers the same ground
even more thoroughly) as well as the Confession (since a prayer for forgiveness of sins has
been added to the Litany). §
Let us conclude with a quick look at the contents of the Litany. It begins with four
invocations to the Trinity (individually, then jointly), followed by seven deprecations
(prayers for deliverance from various evils), three obsecrations (also for deliverance but
linked to our Lord’s life), twenty-two intercessions (prayers for various kinds of help), and
another series of invocations concluding with Kyrie eleison. If the Eucharist is not to
follow, then the Lord’s Prayer is said, and one of two concluding forms is selected: either a
verse and response with one or more prayers and the
o you have a question you
Grace, or a form called the Supplication, comprising a
would like answered by our responsive anthem with a series of verses and responses
Scholar-in-Residence? Send your
and a closing prayer. The Supplication was originally
adapted from a separate devotion in time of war; in
ecclesiastical, liturgical, doctrinal,
1544 and until 1928 it was the fixed conclusion of the
historical or other inquiries to:
Litany, but can now be used either as an alternate
[email protected].
D
(Continued on page 11)
10
Rising Light
A weekly column during Lent
By Sarah Shepley
L
ately on the news there have been discussions of
invasions, potential wars, and bizarre weather patterns.
With all these warnings and regulations, it is common and
expected to react fearfully. It is normal to feel fearful or anxious
from time to time, but it depends on how a person handles their
fear. A phrase repeated in my family is, “fear does ugly things to
people.” Undoubtedly this proves to be true and stands as a
reminder to pray to God before I speak or act when I am fearful.
God does not want fear to consume his people, instead he desires
for us to lift our worries and concerns to him and he will provide
comfort. Whenever a worrisome thought creeps into your mind,
share it with God and he will certainly wipe away any concerns.
Matthew 6:25-34
herefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what
you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you
will wear…Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or
store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.
Are you not much more valuable than they? “And why do you
worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow.
They do not labor or spin. …So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall
we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’…But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness,
and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow,
for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
“T
(Continued from page
The Litany
10)
ending or as a separate devotion. It should be noted
that after the opening invocations the entire Litany up
to the Kyries and Lord’s Prayer is addressed directly
to Christ himself.
Under Eliazbeth I it became common to say the
Litany kneeling rather than in procession (though it
was still often called a procession - I remember once
seeing a reference ‘making a procession, all kneeling
on their knees’♦) which led to the creation of the
Litany desk, a large kneeler - usually placed in the
front of the nave, as part of standard Anglican Church
furniture.
Whether standing or kneeling or in procession,
whether said or sung, this is one of the most complete
forms of prayer in our tradition, and especially with the options for combining it with the
Eucharistic liturgy, it is worthy of far more frequent use than it usually seems to get.
- Fr. Bill Loring, Scholar in Residence
______________________________________________________________________________________
* The text (including facsimiles of some of the musical setting and the directions for its use can be found online at
justus.anglican.
† Ibid.
‡ “Concerning the Service of the Church” justus.anglican
§ The late Marion Hatchett, one of the revisers of the 1979 Book, was known for Hatchett’s Law: ‘The only way
to make a Prayer Book service special is to make it longer.” These, and other, shortcuts were specifically
designed to mitigate that law; in this case the length of the Litany and Eucharist combined, is very nearly the
same as the length of the (full) Eucharist alone.
♦ I quote from memory.
11
† Happy Birthday to You!
Push the Start Button for your special Happy Birthday video.
K
athleen McKenna celebrates today! Friday is the big day for Susan
Yurcisin. Douglas Brown will be blowing out candles on Saturday.
On Sunday, Barbara Davidson, Kirsten Peterson & Robin Powell will be
another year older and wiser. Christopher Goodman & Lauren Onorato will be
opening presents on Monday. Throw a party on Wednesday for Catherine Kast,
Noah DoBosh, Rory Palmer & Tyler Adams. Have a blessed day everyone!
12
† Choir Practice for Sword Points Readers
(click on the red links below to begin your personal practice)
Opening Hymn
Gradual Hymn
Offertory
Closing Hymn
The King of Love My Shepherd Is
I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light
O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing
Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty
The King of Love My Shepherd Is
H
enry W. Baker, who had a major responsibility for the creation of the earliest
edition of “Hymns Ancient and Modern,” was the first chairman of the committee, a
post he held for twenty years. In addition he edited and/or contributed to several other
hymnals. The oldest son of Admiral Henry Loraine Baker, Bart., he was
born on May 27, 1821, at Belmont House, Vauxhall, London. He
received a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1844 and a Master of Arts in
1847 from Trinity College, Cambridge. Ordained in 1844, he
became vicar of Monkland in Herefordshire in 1851, where he
remained for the rest of his life. The Hymnal he edited,
“Hymns Ancient and Modern” broke all
Want to listen in to what we’ll
existing sales records with over sixty
million copies sold.
be singing on Sunday at 10:30?
“The King of Love My Shepherd Is”
Or do you want to listen to a song
has been described as perhaps the most
from last week once more?
beautiful of all the countless versions
You can listen on Spotify by clicking
rd
of the 23 Psalm. The last words of
here: St. Paul's 10:30 Service
the author at his death were from the
This week’s set includes: This week’s
third stanza.
set includes:
The Tune St. Columba is named for the
Call Me
Irish saint who “carried the torch of Irish
Home, All
Christianity to Scotland” (and who has the
Heaven
dubious distinction of being the first to report
Declares,
a
sighting of the Loch Ness monster, in 546). The
King of
tune is one of the Irish melodies collected by George Petrie (1789Heaven,
1866) and given in Charles Villers Stanford’s “Complete Collection of
You Never
Irish Music as noted by George Petrie,” in 1902. There it is said to
Let Go, and
have been sung at the dedication of a chapel in the county of
Lifted High
Londonderry. The association of the tune with this text, and also its
harmonization, are from “The English Hymnal,” 1906.
† Amos House
R
ecently, I had the opportunity to attend the Amos House 20 th Annual Spring
Breakfast at the Amber Room in Danbury.
Amos House, one of the many ministry
partners of the Jericho Partnership, was
founded in 1986 through the joint efforts of
five area churches. Amos House is
dedicated to breaking the cycle of
homelessness by ensuring that individuals
and families have the opportunity to
achieve the competency and productivity
required for permanent, self-sufficient,
independent living. The opportunities offered to clients of Amos House provide them with
the basic foundation upon which they can build new lives and become valuable members of
society.
“Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may
have her young---a place near your altar, O Lord Almighty, my King and My God.” Psalm
84:3.
- Pam Szen
13
† Transforming Stewardship
“Not as man sees does God see, because man sees the
appearance but the Lord looks into the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7
H
ow often do we invest our time, talent and treasure in
creating an appearance that does not matter at all to
God? We strive to impress with our clothing, home, career,
possessions, car and other marks of distinction. But none of
these illusions of greatness will impress God. Instead, He will
look into our hearts to see how much we loved Him, how
much we loved others and how we showed that love by the
way we used our time, talents and treasure here on earth.
The story of Easter is the story of God's wonderful window of divine surprise.
Carl Knudsen
† Saints of God
March 27th
Charles Henry Brent,
Bishop of the Philippines, and of Western New York, 1929
C
harles Henry Brent was born in Canada in 1862 and was educated at Trinity
College, University of Toronto. Ordained in Canada, he came to the United States
where, in 1901, he was elected by the House of Bishops as Missionary Bishop of the
Philippines. In the Philippines, he began a crusade
against the opium traffic, a campaign he later expanded to
the continent of Asia. He became President of the Opium
Conference in Shanghai in 1909, and represented the
United States on the League of Nations Narcotics
Committee. He also established cordial relations with the
Philippine Independent Church, which led, ultimately, to
intercommunion with that Church.
Bishop Brent served as Senior Chaplain of the
American Expeditionary Forces in World War I, and in
1918 he accepted election as Bishop of Western New
York, having declined three previous elections in order to
remain at his post in the Philippines.
Brent was the outstanding figure of the Episcopal
Church on the world scene for two decades. The central
focus of his life and ministry was the cause of Christian
unity. After attending the World Missionary Conference
in Edinburgh in 1910, he led the Episcopal Church in the
movement that culminated in the first World Conference on Faith and Order, which was
held in Lausanne, Switzerland, in 1927, and over which he presided. He died in 1929.
James Thayer Addison, the historian, described Brent as “a saint of disciplined mental
vigor, one whom soldiers were proud to salute and whom children were happy to play with,
who could dominate a parliament and minister to an invalid, a priest and bishop who gloried
in the heritage of his Church, yet who stood among all Christian brothers as one who
served ... He was everywhere an ambassador of Christ.” Brent was also a man of prayer.
One of his prayers for the mission of the Church has been included in the Book of Common
Prayer:
“Lord Jesus Christ, you stretched out your arms of love on the hard wood of the cross
that everyone might come within the reach of your saving embrace: So clothe us with your
Spirit that we, reaching forth our hands in love, may bring those who do not know you to
the knowledge and love of you; for the honor of your Name.”
14
† Cheesecake
Directions:
Mix the cracker crumbs (minus 2 T) with sugar. Melt
butter and mix with crumbs and sugar mixture. For
the crust, butter
Ingredients:
a 10 ½” spring
Crust:
form pan. Take
1 ¼ c. finely crushed graham
the 2 T reserved
crackers
crumbs and put
¼ c. sugar
on sides of pan.
¼ c. butter or margarine
Pat crumb
mixture on the
Filling (at room temperature):
bottom of the
4 8 oz. pkgs. cream cheese
pan and press
1 qt. sour cream (2 16 oz. cups)
with a flat
6 eggs
bottom glass.
1 ¾ c. sugar
For the filling, whip cream cheese with electric
2 tsp. vanilla
mixer until fluffy. Add sugar gradually, beating
cheese and sugar well. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Fold
sour cream into mixture. When everything is thoroughly mixed, fold in vanilla.
Pour into prepared pan. Bake 1 hour at 375°. Turn off oven the cool in oven for 1 hour.
Cool to room temperature; refrigerate overnight. Serves 16-20. (Serve with sliced
strawberries with 1-2 tsp. sugar added).
Click here to submit your favorite recipe.
Genesis 1:29 - Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the
whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.
AM Bible Study will
The Ladies Tuesday
mothy on
Timothy, starting 2 Ti
continue it's study of
F
rom a Roman prison shortly before his execution, the Apostle Paul writes to
encourage a beloved disciple. Timothy, now guiding the church Paul founded
at Ephesus, faces persecution from pagans, strife among believers, and counterfeit
teachers. As his own labor ends, Paul urges Timothy to "fan into flame the gift of God
that is in you." Paul's last words of counsel continue to instruct and inspire all who
seek to serve God.
Come study with us and become more enlightened, Tuesdays from 9:15 - 11:00 am.
15
16
† This Sunday’s Readings
Spiritual Sight
1 Samuel 16:1-13
n this Hebrew scripture story the Lord sends Samuel to anoint
David to be the new king over Israel. God has rejected Saul as
“For the word of God is living
king but he remains in power and Samuel must go secretly on his
mission. As so often happens in the Bible, one who seems least likely
and active and sharper than any
in the eyes of others is chosen by God to carry out the divine will.
Psalm 23
two-edged sword, and piercing
The Lord is shepherd and guide. God is present in the time of
danger and is generous and merciful.
as far as the division of soul and
Ephesians 5:8-14
In this New Testament lesson disciples are called to be a people of
spirit, of both joints and marrow,
the light, forsaking all the works of darkness. Their present life is to be
in sharp contrast with their actions before they became Christians. All
and able to judge the thoughts
that is done to be exposed to the light. The passage closes with what
was probably part of an ancient hymn
and intentions of the heart.“
used at baptisms.
John 9:1-41
Our gospel is the story of Jesus’ healing of a man born
blind. Jesus brings light into a dark world. Many people
of the time regarded the man’s blindness to be a result of
sin, but Jesus helps him to see, at first physically, and then
spiritually as well. The man withstands the criticism of
the religious officials and worships Jesus as the Son of
Man and his Lord.
I
† Pick Up Your Copy Today!
Synthesis CE Study Guides for each weeks readings will
be available at the back of the church.
† Sermon Shorts
L
ast Sunday’s sermon emphasizes Jesus' ministry
to outcasts as the account of "the woman at the
well" is presented. The church's mission focuses the
application for the hearer.. To replay all our sermons,
audio and videos follow this link for The Sunday
Sermons.
17
† Vestry Meeting
March 10th
Opening: Bonnie Wanzer led the meeting
which was opened with prayer by Dave
Williams at 7:38. Bonnie led a devotional on
1 Cor 3:1-11, 21-23, that we are all servants
of Christ’s with a common purpose, to love
God, and we do not belong to any
denomination or parish, we belong to God.
Mary Perry gave her testimony of her walk
with the Lord, including how they came to
St. Paul’s. The February minutes were
approved as circulated.
Treasurer’s Report: Expenses
exceeded income through February 2014 by
$14,000. It was noted that this has been an
especially expensive heating season.
Franklin Funds increased $32,000 in
February to a total of $829,000. The Capital
fund has a balance of $230,000 at the end of
February with a total of $43,794 paid out to
date.
Ministry caregivers in
the fall. Stephen
Ministry would like the
Vestry to consider
sending two more
people to leaders
training in the near
future. Planning for the
Women’s Retreat to be
held May 1st through May 3rd is going well.
With meeting space restricted during
construction, there is an even more pressing
need for a posted schedule of all group’s
meeting times and where they are to be held.
Rector’s Report: Fr. Joe was pleased to
report that St. Paul’s has the most people in
the Chaplaincy Service of CT of any of the
churches involved in this program in this
area. The Parochial Report is completed and
signed. Bishop Curry will be here for a visit
on March 30th. He will be with us for lunch
and a discussion on material the Vestry
should read before his visit. This material
will be in our mail slots in the treasurer’s
office. There will be three services on Easter
this year: 7:30, 9:00 and 10:30. Alpha is
coming to a close and has been a powerful
time of fellowship and spiritual growth.
Committee Reports: Finance: Dave
There will be an ushers and greeters meeting
Williams reported that the Capital Campaign at 9:30 on Sunday March 16th. Fr. Joe will
expects $58,000 to come in the 1st Qtr of
be contributing to the Forum on Faith
2014 with a total of $134,000 pledged for
column in the News-Times on a regular
2014. We want to try to draw 2014
basis.
donations in early in the year to pay for
Old Business: None.
construction, thus avoiding the need to
borrow any money. The contract will be
New Business: The Vestry approved a
signed soon, the builder has our changes,
new sign for the front lawn at a cost of $800.
with construction scheduled to begin May 4. The Vestry approved $2,000 for changes to
The Vestry approved getting credit cards for the lower parking lot to create more parking.
employees to use for church purchases. The The Vestry approved $800.00 for a
Vestry will be working on writing a Policy & replacement soundboard for our sound
Procedures Manual. Outreach: Dot Crocker system in the sanctuary.
began a discussion on Coffee Hour during
CLOSING: The meeting was closed with
construction. Coffee Hour will continue
during construction with some modifications prayer at 9:12 pm by Pat Jennings.
still under discussion. Pat Jennings reported
Respectfully submitted,
that there will be training for new Stephen
Lois Hunt, Clerk of the Vestry
Name Tags - Many people have mentioned how helpful wearing nametags were
to them in assimilating into the congregation. Please continue to be courteous
to fellow parishioners, to newcomers and guests by extending a warm welcome to
them and by wearing your name tag. And remember to wear them to coffee hour
as well.
18
St. Paul’s
Stephen Ministry
contacts are:
Father Joe,
Pat Jennings,
Mary Perry & Ken Perry
19
Sunday School News:
St. Paul's Annual Easter Egg Hunt - will be held on
Saturday, April 19th at 10:00 am until 11:30. We will be
looking for donations of individually wrapped Easter candy.
Please place your contributions in the green buckets located in
the back of the church and in the church school upstairs
hallway. We are also looking for a few volunteers to help with
a snack for the children. If you are able to help with snack,
please email Heather Melody at:
[email protected] or Lori O'Hara at
[email protected].
We will not have Sunday School on Easter Sunday, April
20th. Classes will resume on Sunday, April 27th.
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Classes held at St. Paul’s Brookfield
Saturday’s , 10:00 a.m. in the Parish Hall with
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Email Mary to sign up at [email protected]
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Deep Stretching, Gentle Movement, and
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20
check again. Please also prayer for danny smith to find a pu
I
† Your Prayers Are Requested For…
t is such an intimate time when praying for the health and well being of others and
such a privilege. The people that we lift up to The Lord are part of our hearts for all
time. Please pray for…
…..Dot Blake, Cy Dennerlein, and other parishioners convalescing in extended care
facilities.
…..Trinity, Hartford; St. Peter’s, Hebron; St. James’, Higganum; All Saints’,
Ivoryton. Bishops, diocesan staff, and parish employees, and their families.
…..Peace in Israel, Jerusalem, and the Middle East.
…..Brenda Darling, recovering from a fall.
…..Christians in Crimea, that God will protect them, but also make them
witnesses of reconciliation and peace in the present situation.
…..Revival at St. Paul’s and the greater Danbury area.
…..Barbara Kast, continued healing of her back.
…..the people of Italy; the people of Palau; and our sister and brother
members of the Hawaii Pacific Baptist Convention.
…..A job for Mary Ellen.
…..Victims of the mudslide in Washington state.
.….Ginny Beck for general strength and good health.
…..Cuba, that Christians will remain bold and faithful despite government intimidation.
…..Pastor Jamie, recovering from a stroke.
…..Loaves & Fishes Hospitality in New Milford, which is the recipient of our food basket
collections for the month of April.
…..Sigi, healing of a leg cancer.
…..Bill Mayers’ daughter Kathleen, for recovery from a heart condition.
…..Eric Lewis, healing of a heart condition.
…..Sue, healing of her kidneys.
…..Michael for protection with the UN peacekeeping service.
…..Fr. George Hall, healing from cancer.
…..the passengers and crew of missing Malaysian Airlines Flight 370 and their families.
…..Veronica, that she recovers from her mastectomy and is cancer free- and for her
salvation.
…..Pastor Matt Yukon of Northville Baptist
Church, for healing of cancer of the kidney,
spine, and hips; his wife, Dee, healing of breast
cancer; and strength and protection for their
family.
…..Daniel Smith, healing; and for peace for
Asta Smith, 102, who is home bound; for Ann
Battista, a positive diagnosis; and for Danny
Smith, to find a purpose and ministry.
…..Patrick K., for healing.
Romans 12:12 - Be joyful in hope, patient in
affliction, faithful in prayer.
oly Father: We come to you with grateful
H
hearts and thank you that some of your
people will be visiting the land where your son
our Savior walked and taught. We ask that you
keep them safe from every danger and surround
them with your loving care. Lord, we ask that
they may spread peace and joy to all they meet,
give them understanding and new insights into
your plan for us and for the world. Strengthen
them with your Holy Spirit and bring them safely
home. In Christ’s most Holy Name we pray.
Amen
21
April Lay Schedule
Lectors and Intercessors, please remember to check in before the
service in the Vesting Room. Thank You!
April 6th
April 20th
Easter Sunday
8:00 AM
Welcoming: Pam Szen
Acolytes: Lauren & Rachel Melody
Lector: Ezekiel 37:1-14 Mary Perry
Intercessor: Mike Kirner
Lay Reader: Patricia Jennings
Lay Reader: Lois Hunt
Psalm 130 Romans 8:6-11
7:30 AM
Welcoming: Pam Szen
Acolytes: O’Hara Girls
Lector: Acts 10:34-43 Pam Szen
Intercessor: Linda Pendergast
Lay Reader: Lois Hunt
Lay Reader: Patricia Jennings
Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 Colossians 3:1-4
10:30 AM
Welcoming: Denise McCormack / Lisa Richardson
Acolyte: Stephanie Bernardo
Lector: Ezekiel 37:1-14 Phil Hannah
Intercessor: Betty Gardner
Lay Reader: Jay Trott
Lay Reader: Jim Castronova
Psalm 130 Romans 8:6-11
9:00 AM
Welcoming: Mike Kirner
Acolyte: Audrey Powell
Lector: Acts 10:34-43 Mike Kirner
Intercessor: Mary Perry
Lay Reader: Mike Chengeri
Lay Reader: Don Winkley
Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 Colossians 3:1-4
April 13th
Palm Sunday
8:00 AM
Welcoming: Mike Kirner
Acolyte: Sarah Shepley
Lector: Isaiah 50:4-9a Ingrid Pruss
Intercessor: Linda Pendergast
Lay Reader: Pam Szen
Lay Reader: Ray Ferro
Psalm 31:9-16 Philippians 2:5-11
10:30 AM
Welcoming: Sandra Visser-Sampson
Acolytes: Ryan Sampson
Lector: Isaiah 50:4-9a Rose Barrett
Intercessor: Mary Perry
Lay Reader: Jim Castronova
Lay Reader: Harlan Jessup
Psalm 31:9-16 Philippians 2:5-11
10:30 AM
Welcoming: Vito Barbieri / Denise McCormack
Acolyte: Nick Janofsky
Lector: Acts 10:34-43 Sandy Chaleski
Intercessor: Phil Hannah
Lay Reader: Joe Bernardo
Lay Reader: Jim Castronova
Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 Colossians 3:1-4
April 27, 2014
8:00 AM
Welcoming: John & Joyce Sarver
Acolytes: O’Hara Girls
Lector: Acts 2:14a,22-32 Ingrid Pruss
Intercessor: Linda Pendergast
Lay Reader: Patricia Jennings
Lay Reader: Harlan Jessup
Psalm 16 1 Peter 1:3-9
10:30 AM
Welcoming: Vito Barbieri / Denise McCormack
Acolyte: John Tuthill
Lector: Acts 2:14a,22-32 Betty Gardner
Intercessor: Phil Hannah
Lay Reader: Ray Ferro
Lay Reader: Mike Chengeri
Psalm 16 1 Peter 1:3-9
22
Holy Week Lay
Schedule 2014
April 17
Maundy Thursday
7:30 PM
Welcoming: John & Joyce Sarver
Acolytes: Audrey Powell
Lector: Exodus 12:1-4, 11-14 Sandy Chaleski
Intercessor: Mary Perry
Lay Reader: Don Winkley
Lay Reader: Pam Szen
1 Corinthians 11:23-26 Psalm 116:1, 10-17
W
e prayed for a woman
in stage 4 Kidney
Failure and she is now in stage 3.
We prayed for a young girl
who has been suffering for a very
long time with Potts Syndrome.
She is finally showing signs of
good improvement.
The Sacristans for April are:
Carol Gurski, Diane Loring,
Joyce Sarver & Gail Winkley.
April 18
Good Friday
12:00 PM
Welcoming: Doug Melody
Lector: Isaiah 52:13-53:12 Betty Gardner
Lay Reader: Harlan Jessup
Lay Reader: Don Winkley
Psalm 22 Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9
April 18, 2014
Good Friday
7:30 PM
Welcoming: Mike Kirner
Lector: Isaiah 52:13-53:12 Mary Perry
Lay Reader: Pam Szen
Lay Reader: Patricia Jennings
Psalm 22 Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9
A
s part of our outreach, St.
Paul’s donates gift cards
and non-perishable items to six
area food pantries. The nonperishable items are provided by
our generous
congregation and are
truly appreciated.
Donations for the food
pantry can be left in the
basket at the back of
the church. Delivery is made to
one food pantry each month.
Thank you.
April 19, 2014
The Great Vigil of Easter
7:30 PM
Welcoming: Joe Bernardo
Acolyte: Sarah Shepley
Lector: Pam Szen
Lay Reader: Mike Chengeri
Lay Reader: Mike Kirner
23
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
4
5
1
2
3
9:15 AM Ladies Bible
Study
10:00 AM Holy Eucharist
and Healing
6:30 PM Mission
Committee
7:30 AM Men’s
Prayer Breakfast
7:30 PM Property
Committee
10:00 AM PraiseMoves
7:00 PM Stephen Ministry
4:00 PM Youth Group
Blind Auction
7:30 PM Music Night
6
5 Lent
7
8
9
10
8:00 AM Traditional
Eucharist
9:15 AM Young Adult Bible
Study
9:30 AM. Rector’s Forum
10:30 AM Sunday School
10:30 AM Contemporary
Eucharist
4:30 PM Combined
Youth Group
6:00 PM Vespers
5:30 PM Christian Caring
9:15 AM Ladies Bible
Study
10:00 AM Holy Eucharist
and Healing
1:00 PM Dorothy Day
Ministry
7:00 PM Grief Group
7:00 PM Staff Meeting
13 Palm Sunday
14 Monday in
7:30 PM Women’s
Evening Ministry
7:30 PM Vestry Meeting
8:00 AM Traditional
Eucharist
9:15 AM Young Adult Bible
Study
9:30 AM. Rector’s Forum
10:30 AM Sunday School
10:30 AM Contemporary
Eucharist
4:30 PM Combined
Youth Group
6:00 PM Vespers
20 Easter
27 2 Easter
7:30 PM Tenebrae
7:30 PM Women’s
Evening Ministry
28
8:00 AM Traditional
Eucharist
9:15 AM Young Adult Bible
Study
9:30 AM. Rector’s Forum
9:45 AM First Holy
Communion Class
10:30 AM Sunday School
10:30 AM Contemporary
Eucharist
4:30 PM Combined
Youth Group
6:00 PM Vespers
24
Tuesday in
Holy Week
9:15 AM Ladies Bible
Study
21
7:30 AM Traditional
Eucharist
9:00 AM Traditional
Eucharist
10:30 AM Contemporary
Eucharist
15
Holy Week
16
12
7:30 AM Men’s
Prayer Breakfast
10:00 AM PraiseMoves
7:30 PM Music Night
Wednesday in
Holy Week
17 Maundy Thursday
10:00 AM Holy Eucharist
and Healing
5-7:00 PM Youth Group
Free Night
7:30 PM Music Night
11
10:00 AM St. Paul’s
Quilters
18 Good Friday
19 Holy
Saturday
10:00 AM Good Friday Walk
7:30 AM Men’s
Prayer Breakfast
(Parish Office Closed)
7 :30 PM
Maundy Thursday
Liturgy, Foot Washing,
Stripping of the Altar,
and Holy Communion
22
23
24
9:15 AM Ladies Bible
Study
10:00 AM Holy Eucharist
and Healing
7:30 PM Music Night
12:00 PM Good Friday
Liturgy and
Ante-Communion
6:30 PM Stations of the Cross
10:00 AM Children’s
Easter Celebration
7:30 PM Good Friday
Liturgy
7:30 PM The Great
Vigil of Easter
25
26
7:30 AM Men’s
Prayer Breakfast
10:00 AM PraiseMoves
7:00 PM Grief Group
29
30
9:15 AM Ladies Bible
Study
10:00 AM Holy Eucharist
and Healing
Just For Fun !
(And Christian Fellowship)
† Oey Vey
O
ur pilgrim’s sat on their
plane for six hours last
evening before their flight was
cancelled. But all was not lost as they
found a copy of the Sword at Newark
Airport and read about themselves.
Pray that their rescheduled Thursday
night departs on time.
† It Takes An Editorial
Board
Contributors to this
Weeks Sword Points:
Chris Barrett, Debbie
Delaventura, Lynne
Donnelly, Lois Hunt,
Carolyn Legg, Bill Loring,
Diane Loring, Dori
McManus,
Heather
Melody, Beth
Miller,
Patrick
O’Connors,
Lori O’Hara,
Linda
Pendergast,
Ken Perry,
Mary Perry, Kirsten
Peterson, Debbi
Pomeroy, Joe
Shepley, Sarah
Shepley,
Tara Shepley,
David Szen, Pam
Szen & Gail
Winkley.
The Gopsel According to St. Pal’s
PraiseMoves has become quite popular on Saturday mornings.
“For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” - Matt. 11:30
25