God loves a cheerful giver
For weeks we've been seeing the signs:
IT'S COMING
NOVEMBER 22
It took one or two of those weeks for most of the parish to register what it was that was coming. But Nov. 22 did come and our Consecration Sunday event and celebration lunch came off beautifully concluding with a catered lunch in the Scout Hall.
Special thanks go to the Stewardship Committee and its chair, Bobbie Gordon. Our Guest Leader, The Rev. Dr. Matt Calkins from Grace Episcopal Church in Millbrook brought new focus to the spiritual side of giving. And our generous parishioners filled out cards and placed them on the altar and pronounced an audible, "Amen," or "so be it."
The 2016 pledge drive is not over. Those who did not attend or did not submit cards will be asked in the coming weeks to engage spiritually to reflect on their giving and to turn in their pledges. But for now we are well under way for a successful and spirited -and spiritual-pledge drive.
The anticipation of Advent
Jeremiah 33:14-16; Psalm 25:1-9; 1Thessalonians 3:9-13; Luke 21:25-36
This week we begin a new season in the church as well as a new liturgical year. Year C as it is known, the last year of the three-year lectionary cycle, begins with the Advent lessons we will enjoy this Sunday.
Our Hebrew Bible reading reminds us of the promise of God of a Messiah. The psalm relates our reliance on God or at least our claims of reliance on God. In the epistle Paul writes to the Thessalonians that it is together that we do these things, of praying, anticipating, worshiping.
Our Gospel lesson is a shocking reminder of what a world-changing development the Messiah's birth was 2000 years ago, when Jesus came to live among humanity as one of us. Luke uses language that we can all understand in describing signals of this radical change. He describes how plants and nature inform us of what is to come. "Look at the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near."
Yet we experience the same realizations at times like these this very month, when radical change is all about us, undermining the confidence of many. Yet as Luke wrote, we "know the kingdom of God is near."
Bishop Andy Dietsche to preach about Advent
at St. Martin de Porres Church Nov. 30 at 7pm
Sunday, Nov. 29 marks the beginning of Advent, the season of preparation and expectation for our Lord's nativity. At the beginning of this Advent Poughkeepsie Episcopalians (and others attending) have a special treat:
Monday, Nov. 30 at 7 pm Bishop Andy Dietsche will participate in an ecumenical Advent service at St. Martin de Porres Roman Catholic Church. The Roman Catholic Archdiocese's Bishop Walsh will preside at the service. Bishop Dietsche
will preach. All are welcome.
Thanksgiving
Here we are again, getting ready for Thanksgiving. Our Thanksgivings are a far cry from the Plimoth residents' day of thanks. (Yes, they spelled it with an "I"). They ate a lot of shellfish and probably venison. Turkey, sweet potatoes, etc are more modern interpretations of the Thanksgiving feast.
modern Thanksgiving feasts are a real mix of foods and cultures. Turkey may be a centerpiece in many homes, but the hoer d'oeuvres, the side dishes and desserts are often reflective of the cultural history of the family.
Now I was not at the original Thanksgiving, but I doubt very much they had Armenian food! If you travel around our area you would see many variations on the Turkey-mashed potatoes-cranberry sauce-pumpkin pie stereotype. It is this variety that makes for such a great day in this country. We all may celebrate the day, but we celebrate it in our own ways. This I think is something for us all to be thankful for both in the country and in our Parish.
Let us think about that. Our Parish, for many years was a fairly typical Episcopal Church. We are not that anymore. Many parishioners come from different denominational backgrounds, as well different views of what it means to be an Episcopalian. We have many countries and languages represented too. Yet with all of the variety in St. Paul's, we get along and we make it work. We do not focus on being different (even though we are) but work as a parish family.
Not every house of worship can say that, sad to say. I think that is amazing, and that is something that I am very thankful for this Thanksgiving. --Warden Pete Bedrossian
Come one, come all!
St. Paul's "Something For Everybody"
Christmas Bazaar Dec. 5 10am-3pm
Don't be bashful about spreading the word about our Dec. 5 Christmas Bazaar and Indoor Yard Sale which is set for Saturday Dec. 5 from 10 am-3 pm. Everybody you know should be informed well in advance so they can make plans to attend and participate fully.
Tables for vendors are for rent for $15. There will be a bake sale and treasure tables with edible goodies and other delights, including crafts and a variety of refreshments.
