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St. Paul's Episcopal Church
April 29, 2015
Parish E-Newsletter
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Easter Season
Sunday Morning Schedule
- 8:00 am Holy Eucharist Rite I
- 9:00 am Fellowship Time
- 9:30 - 10:15 Mezzanine
- 9:45 am Choir Rehearsal
- 10:30 Holy Eucharist Rite II
- 11:45 Fellowship Time
- 12 noon Sermon reflection
"I tell you, charity to our neighbors for God's sake is the fire that cleanses the soul."
-St. Catherine of Siena
Dear Saints of St. Paul's,
Last evening during our vestry worship. and today during our Wednesday service of healing and Holy Eucharist, we celebrated the feast day of St. Catherine of Siena (b. 1347, d. 1380). She, along with St. Francis, are the patron saints of Italy. Catherine was the youngest of 25 children born into the family of a wool dyer. She had her first mystical experience at age 5 when Jesus appeared to her and blessed her... a profound experience that set her life on a path of prayer and service. Catharine is credited with helping to return the papacy to Rome, from Avignon, France, during a time of political and ecclesial strife. A reflection on St. Catherine by Joan Chittister speaks, I believe, to our time:
When everything in the world around her was in chaos, in both church and state, Catherine refused to buy for herself an easy reprieve. She would not call the unhuman natural. She would not call what was wrong right, what was intolerable acceptable, what was bad good, what was oppressive God's will. Not even when it came from the highest ranks in the political order; not even when it came from the very center of the papacy. No, Catherine of Siena called the terrible terrible and the ungodly ungodly and in that act calls every century after her yet, sill, and always, to do the same. Today, still, Catherine of Siena pours fire and ice into the human soul.
-Joan Chittister from A Passion for God: Fragments of
the face of God, 1996
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| Icon by Robert Lentz |
We are all, every one of us, being called to explore our inner landscapes in order to shine light on our own biases and prejudices for the sake of healing the brokenness in our ourselves, in our communities and in our social and political systems. I am thinking particularly of Baltimore and the issues of power and racism that are alive and well in us, whether we are aware of them or not. Be it ignorance or sin, our objectification of others... whether by race, nationality, socioeconomic class, political party, sexual orientation, or religion... deepens divide. Our task is to grow in knowledge and compassion, seeking to come ever closer to God's vision of love and care for all of the beloved made in God's image. We are called, also, to stand up against forces that seek to tear down and destroy. There is a better way. Holy ones from a plentitude of religious traditions have told us so, some by giving their lives.
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As Christians we know the source of life by the name "Jesus the Christ," "Jesus the Anointed One." Last Sunday we had a lively Mezzanine session on the topic of Buddhism. I have included my notes below as well as a video link about two great friends who speak the same language across religious traditions. Archbishop Desmond Tutu and the Dalai Lama are teaming up to write a book on "Joy." Watch here to experience their infectious delight. Together these brothers in spirit swim in waters of common understanding while, at the same time, remaining firmly rooted in their respective traditions. May it be so for us as we navigate issues of faith, friendship, justice and service in changing and tumultuous times.
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In the blessed name of Christ,
Dianne+
The Rev. Dianne Andrews, Rector
[email protected]
206-817-6530 (cell)
360-344-2728 (home)
From your Senior Warden:
Judy House Update
Virtually all of the material associated with the Children and Youth ministry has now been moved from the Judy House, and the Work Crew is undertaking a thorough clean up to prepare the house for the rental market. This will include cleaning the carpets, some spot repairs (switch plate covers, stove burner handles, etc.), cleaning out cupboards and countertops, and arranging for the remaining furniture that hasn't already found a new home to be picked up by one of the thrift organizations here in Port Townsend. We are currently hoping to have the property rental ready by the first week in May.
I want to thank all who have been a part of this effort thus far - from framing the data to discussing the way ahead to all of the hard work in getting the house ready for renters. It's been a great team effort !
If you have any questions or suggestions about the Judy House project, please don't hesitate to contact me, Pat Garrett, at 571-215-5134 or [email protected]
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Sermon
Easter IV
Sue Cook
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Easter III
(video with bird music)
| Creation Care Sermon, Karen Barrows |
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From Your Director of Ministries
With Children, Youth, & Families
Dear St. Paul's Sisters & Brothers,
Here are some photos of our wonderful time enjoying and caring for God's creation with the children/youth of Quimper Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (QUUF) this past Sunday:
What a joy it was to be with new and familiar friends! First, we met at QUUF to share our respective UU and Episcopal perspectives on caring for creation. Because we come from a Christ-centered, sacramental tradition, I shared with them the "gist" and importance of this quote: "Christ wears 'two shoes' in the world: Scripture and nature. Both are necessary to understand the Lord, and at no stage can creation be seen as a separation of things from God." (John Scotus Eriugena) After some more sharing we walked to Kah Tai Lagoon and picked up lots of garbage along the way. At Kah Tai, we enjoyed snacks, a time of reflection, and each other for a while longer. Thank you to all of our friends who joined this event and to Elaine Grimm for transporting us back to St. Paul's in time for communion. James deserves the award for most interesting garbage, as his finds include a perfectly good arrow and part of a vacuum cleaner hose. People in several cars passing on the road gave us cheers, waves, and thanks for our good work; thank you all for being such excellent witnesses of Christ's creation-healing power!
This coming Sunday, May 3, will be pretty interesting. While the Judy House is being deconstructed by our faithful work crew, we're going to sneak back in for one last Sunday in this special place to explore the day's Gospel reading and other stories. So, please be prepared for Art & Soul (starting at 9:30 a.m.), Godly Play (10:30), and our Youth Time (10:30) taking place in somewhat of a construction zone.
Why are we doing this? Well, as a staff we decided to give the Judy House a proper "see you later" in the form of a ritual that will take place in part during our time there and also after the 10:30 a.m. service. We are so grateful for this sacred, safe place and we look forward to finding "home" in the Fenn House. I hope that all of you will join in the post-church ritual of transition.
With Love and Joy,
Tanya
Rev. Tanya Barnett (Disciples of Christ)
Director of Ministries with Children, Youth, & Families
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News from the Mezzanine
"Deepening Our Faith"
A Brief Survey of Major Faith Traditions
April 26: Introduction to Buddhism
Notes: Introduction to Buddhism
Bonus Material:
Desmond Tutu and the Dalai Lama
(click here to view article and video)
During Sunday's Mezzanine class we were blessed with the presence of Joanne Kumekawa, a student of Khenpo Choga Rinpoche of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Joann is now a certified teacher and is offering instruction in Buddhist Basics.
May 3: Zen Buddhism: Guest speaker Silas Hoadley
Silas is a long-time practitioner of Zen Buddhism. He was a student
of Shunryu Suzuki (1964-1971), was a cofounder of the the Tassajara
Zen Monastery in the mountains of Big Sur, and is a member of
our own "Just Soup" community.
May 10: "The Torah Path"
Guest speaker: Perry Spring of Congregation Bet Shira
May 17: "The Five Pillars of Islam"
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Diocesan & National Church News
Episcopal Relief & Development (ERD) is working with the ecumenical ACT Alliance in Nepal and local partners in northern India and southwest China regarding urgent needs and assessment efforts followin g the 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck near Kathmandu on the morning of April 25. An April 27 Press Release provides more information. We urge prayers (sample prayers) for all those impacted by the quake, and for those who are bringing relief, support and encouragement to people in need. If you wish to support relief efforts financially, you may donate to the Nepal Earthquake Response Fund. Thank you for your prayers and support.
Compassionate God... Draw near to us in this time of sorrow and anguish, comfort those who mourn, strengthen those who are weary, encourage those in despair, and lead us all to fullness of life; through the same Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen
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Be a Champion with
The Seattle Foundation's
giveBig Event
multiplying our ECA gifts on
Tuesday, May 5
Wouldn't you like to have your contributions to ministries multiplied like the loaves and fishes? Tuesday, May 5, you have a chance to have that happen!
On May 5 watch your gift grow because the donations you make to our Episcopal Community Action (ECA) ministries through our page on The Seattle Foundation's website on May 5 will be stretched further thanks to The Seattle Foundation and GiveBIG sponsors, who will match a share of every contribution! The Seattle Foundation's GiveBIG is a one-day online charitable giving event to benefit nonprofits in our communities.
Support our Episcopal Community Action ministries by rallying your friends to give early and give often online at the GiveBIG event. Your gifts will grow bigger, thanks to funds from generous Seattle Foundation GiveBIG Sponsors!
Gifts will be designated to ECA automatically, however if you want to specify a specific ECA ministry make sure you put that ministry in the "comment" box located below the "employer" box on your donor information page and we'll make sure they get the funds and the multiplier for the contributions.
On May 5 click here to give on our giveBIG page
Remember to give early and give often on May 5. giveBIG!
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Recovery Ministries of the Episcopal Church Event
St. Mark's Cathedral, Seattle
Speakers include Anne Lamott and Rev. Becca Stevens
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Upcoming Events
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Solemn, Chanted Compline
Thursdays
8:30 p.m., in the Sanctuary
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Evensong, Evening Prayer
Sunday, May 3 at 5 p.m.
A sacred start to the new week.
All are welcome to this quiet, contemplative service
with music from Taize and Iona communities.
For more information, please call 385-0770.
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St. Paul's Vestry has endorsed the following event.
In addition to her appearance at Grace Episcopal Church, Banbridge Island, she will be speaking this Friday, May 1, at Quimper Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
at 7:00 pm.
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Julian of Norwich (c. 8 November 1342 - c. 1416) was an English anchoress who is
regarded as an important Christian mystic but has never been canonized or
beatified. Her work, Revelations of Divine Love, is the first book in the English
language know to have been written by a woman.
In our retreat, we will study her optimistic theology which spoke of God's love and
compassion during a time of turmoil, and her emphasis on the Motherhood of God.
There will be time for contemplation and creativity.
Saturday, May 9th, 2015
9:30 am to 11:30 am
Retreat leader: Val Johnstone
St. Paul's Parish Hall
Refreshments appropriate to Julian's era will be provided
Please call the church office by May 5th if you plan to attend: 360-385-0770
Suggested donation: $10.00
Click here to view full event flier
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2nd Saturday Potluck
May 9th
6:30 - 8:00 pm
Spring is upon us
Our 2nd Sat. potluck will be here before our pastel tulips
have been topped by our wandering deer!
We meet and greet at St Paul's Parish Hall
All friends and families or simply hungry souls
in and out of the LGBT community are so very welcome!
These potlucks are our life line to new and unusual basic food combinations...
Laughter: the low calorie gift that just bubbles when two or more of us are gathered together...
Not so much a chef ? There are places to pick the perfect items up -
from Co-op, Safeway, or Penney Saver...
Bring a bottle of something - Just bring yourself...We look forward to seeing you all there.
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Please Save the Dates: July 20-24, 2015 Art & Soul With Children and Youth (ages 3-15) We're starting to plan for our 2015 summer, faith-enrichment program and hope that MANY of our talented, St. Paul's friends will volunteer to help inspire, delight, and direct children and youth from throughout our broader community. If you have an art, craft, talent, joy that you'd like to share with children/youth, please contact Tanya at 385-0770 or [email protected].
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Parish Life and Announcements
Clothing Ministry Discontinued
Due to our recent reallocation of space, to allow for rental of the Judy House, it has been necessary to discontinue our clothing ministry. St. Paul's will continue to distribute socks and toiletries. Please donate your used clothing to the charity of your choice.
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St. Paul's Library News
Our parish library, located in the foyer of Fenn House near the stairs leading to the upstairs offices, is available to all those with inquiring minds. Come one! Come all! Featured in the staff picks section are some books that complement our Sunday morning Mezzanine offering on the study of various faith practices. We have two books by Pema Chodron, an American Buddhist nun and resident teacher at Gampo Abbey in Nova Scotia, the first Tibetan monastery in North America established for Westerners - one of which is titled Comfortable with Uncertainty. Chodron herself is featured in another of our picks Meetings with Remarkable Women. Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh in The Miracle of Mindfulness offers gentle anecdotes and practical exercises as the means of learning the skills of mindfulness - being awake and fully aware. From washing the dishes to answering the phone to peeling an orange, he reminds us that each moment holds within it an opportunity to work toward greater self-understanding and peacefulness.
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A Raffle for St. Paul's Children's Program!
The Episcopal Church Women (ECW) of St. Paul's are delighted to announce a raffle to benefit our summer children's program, "Art and Soul." With generous seed money from ECW's Dorothy Schramek--along with a wonderful donation from Puget Sound Express--we are offering:
A prize of four all-day whale watching tickets on the P.S. Express.
Raffle tickets will be $5 each, and the drawing will be on Pentecost, May 24th. The prize is redeemable anytime this season or next. We are asking ALL church members, who are able, to pick up a packet of five raffle tickets (at coffee hour following each service) to sell to your family and friend! All proceeds will go towards the cost of art supplies, snacks, and an honorarium for the Pipia daughters, who will be helping us all that week!
Questions? Call Beth Cahape at 554-0545
Please return checks & stubs to Beth, Pat McMinds or, if necessary, the church office.
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Women's Spiritual Growth Group
3:00 pm Mondays
The Women's Spiritual Growth Group has started reading The Rebirthing of God: Christianity's Struggle for New Beginnings. The author, John Philip Newell, a former warden of Iona Abbey in the Western Isles of Scotland, has divided this most recent of his books into chapters on reconnecting. Reconnecting with - the Earth, Compassion, the Light, the Journey, Spiritual Practice, Nonviolence, the Unconscious, and Love.
We welcome all women at our meetings. It is not necessary to commit to a whole book reading. We meet every Monday in the Pollard Room 3:00-4:30 p.m. For more information, contact Katie Fleming 379-2516; [email protected]
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a note from Katie Fleming
- Sweats
- Zip hoodies
- Long-sleeved tee-shirts
- tote bags
- tampons
- deodorant
- footies and socks
First Sunday of the month: last names A-G
Second Sunday of the month: last names H-Mc
Third Sunday of the month: last names Me-R
Fourth Sunday of the month: last names S-Z
Fifth Sunday's: shared by various church groups
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When there's a fifth Sunday, different committees/groups will be invited to sign up on the bulletin board in the Parish Hall.
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Each group will be responsible for setting up, making coffee and cleaning up. If you don't know how to do this, ask an old-timer!
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This applies to the 8 o'clock AND 10:30 coffee hours.
Highly recommended that there is some organizational conversation within each alpha group in advance of the day itself to better manage the logistics of who is setting and cleaning up. The new schedule is posted on the bulletin board in the Parish Hall. See you at coffee hour
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Weekly Prayer List
This is a new section in our weekly newsletter. The names of individuals and families will not be printed in this widely distributed publication. You can find them in your Sunday worship bulletin.
IN THE Diocesan CYCLE OF PRAYER, WE PRAY FOR:
St. Mary's, Lakewood; Christ Church, Puyallup
IN OUR COMPANION DIOCESE OF JERUSALEM WE PRAY FOR:
Nablus Kindergarden, Nabulus, West Bank
IN OUR COMPANION PARISHES,WE PRAY FOR: St. Paul's Montrouis, Haiti
AT ST. PAUL'S, WE PRAY FOR: Office staff and volunteers
We pray for all who work to find a way of peace in the Middle East and in all areas of conflict throught the word. We pray for the ministry of the Episcopal peace Fellowship. We pray for peace in all corners of the world. We pray for all who are suffering from the earthquake in Nepal.
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Thursday,
April 30
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7-8:30 am
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Men's Bible Study (Hwy Roadhouse)
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6:30 pm
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Choir Rehearsal
| 8:30 pm |
| Compline |
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Friday,
May 1
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Saturday,
May 2
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Sunday,
May 3
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Easter V
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8 am
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Holy Eucharist - Rite I
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9 am
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Fellowship (PH)
| 9:30 am |
| Mezzanine - Margaret McGee (PH) |
9:45 am
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Choir Rehearsal
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10:30 am
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Holy Eucharist - Rite II
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11:45 am
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Fellowship
| 12 noon |
| Sermon Reflection (PR) |
5 pm
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Evensong
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Monday
May 4
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3 - 4:30 pm
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Women's Spiritual Growth Group
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Tuesday
May 5
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10:00 am
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Just Soup Prep (K)
| 2 - 3:30 pm |
| Spiritual Directors Meeting (PR) |
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Wednesday
May 6
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| 9:30 am |
| Staff Meeting | 10:30 am |
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Service of Healing & Holy Eucharist
| 11 am - 1:00 pm |
| Prayer Shawl Knitters | 11:30 am - 2:00 pm |
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Just Soup (K/PH)
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JH = Judy House
K = Kitchen
PH = Parish Hall
PR = Pollard Room
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Thursday,
May 7
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7-8:30 am
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Men's Bible Study (Hwy Roadhouse)
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6:30 pm
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Choir Rehearsal
| 9 - 11:00 am |
| Work Crew | 10 - noon |
| Lay Weeders | 6:30 pm |
| Choir Rehearsal | 8:30 pm |
| Compline |
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Friday,
May 8
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| 6:30 - 8:00 pm |
| Bet Shira (PH) |
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Saturday,
May 9
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| 6:30 - 8:00 pm |
| Second Saturday Potluck (PH) |
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Sunday,
May 10
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Easter VI
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8 am
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Holy Eucharist - Rite I
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9 am
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Fellowship (PH)
| 9:30 am |
| Mezzanine - Margaret McGee (PH) |
9:45 am
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Choir Rehearsal
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10:30 am
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Holy Eucharist - Rite II
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11:45 am
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Fellowship
| 12 noon |
| Sermon Reflection (PR) |
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Monday
May 11
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3 - 4:30 pm
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Women's Spiritual Growth Group
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Tuesday
May 12
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10:00 am
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Just Soup Prep
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Wednesday
May 13
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| 9:30 am |
| Staff Meeting | 10:30 am |
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Service of Healing & Holy Eucharist
| 11:30 am - 2:00 pm |
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Just Soup
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JH = Judy House
K = Kitchen
PH = Parish Hall
PR = Pollard Room
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Sunday & Holy Week Servers
SUNDAY
May 3, 2015
Easter V
| 8:00 am |
| Presider |
| The Rev. Dianne P. Andrews | Preacher |
| The Rev. Dianne P. Andrews | Eucharistic Minister |
| Sue Maxwell | Lector |
| Jean Kaldahl | Usher |
| Richard McGuffin | Coffee Hosts |
| A-G |
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| 10:30 am |
| Presider |
| The Rev. Dianne P. Andrews | Preacher |
| The Rev. Dianne P. Andrews | Acolyte |
| Sherri Reed | Eucharistic Minister |
| Linda Nolan | Music Director |
| Jennifer Pipia | Lectors |
| Mary Munford & Christine Hemp | Eucharistic Visitor(s) |
| Patrick Raymond | Usher |
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| Greeter |
| Helen Cleveland | Bread Baker |
| Pat Hale | Church School & Childcare |
| Tanya Barnettt, Peggy St. Clair, Joan Jonland
| Coffee Hosts |
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Last names A-G
| Altar Guild |
| Team 4 | Flowers |
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Sally & Al Scholz
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Sunday's Lessons
May 3, 2015
Easter V
Year B
Collect
Almighty God, whom truly to know is everlasting life: Grant us so perfectly to know your Son Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth, and the life, that we may steadfastly follow his steps in the way that leads to eternal life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
First Lesson
Acts 8:26-40
An angel of the Lord said to Philip, "Get up and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." (This is a wilderness road.) So he got up and went. Now there was an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official of the Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, in charge of her entire treasury. He had come to Jerusalem to worship and was returning home; seated in his chariot, he was reading the prophet Isaiah. Then the Spirit said to Philip, "Go over to this chariot and join it." So Philip ran up to it and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah. He asked, "Do you understand what you are reading?" He replied, "How can I, unless someone guides me?" And he invited Philip to get in and sit beside him. Now the passage of the scripture that he was reading was this:
"Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter,
and like a lamb silent before its shearer,
so he does not open his mouth.
In his humiliation justice was denied him.
Who can describe his generation?
For his life is taken away from the earth."
The eunuch asked Philip, "About whom, may I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?" Then Philip began to speak, and starting with this scripture, he proclaimed to him the good news about Jesus. As they were going along the road, they came to some water; and the eunuch said, "Look, here is water! What is to prevent me from being baptized?" He commanded the chariot to stop, and both of them, Philip and the eunuch, went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away; the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing. But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he was passing through the region, he proclaimed the good news to all the towns until he came to Caesarea.
Psalm
Psalm 22:24-30 Page 612, BCP
Deus, Deus meus
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My praise is of him in the great assembly; * I will perform my vows in the presence of those who worship him.
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The poor shall eat and be satisfied, and those who seek the LORD shall praise him: * "May your heart live for ever!"
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All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the LORD, * and all the families of the nations shall bow before him.
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For kingship belongs to the LORD; * he rules over the nations.
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To him alone all who sleep in the earth bow down in worship; * all who go down to the dust fall before him.
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My soul shall live for him; my descendants shall serve him; * they shall be known as the LORD'S for ever.
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They shall come and make known to a people yet unborn * the saving deeds that he has done.
Second Lesson
1 John 4:7-21
Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. God's love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us.
By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and do testify that the Father has sent his Son as the Savior of the world. God abides in those who confess that Jesus is the Son of God, and they abide in God. So we have known and believe the love that God has for us.
God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them. Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness on the day of judgment, because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; for fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not reached perfection in love. We love because he first loved us. Those who say, "I love God," and hate their brothers or sisters, are liars; for those who do not love a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen. The commandment we have from him is this: those who love God must love their brothers and sisters also.
Gospel
John 15:1-8
Jesus said to his disciples, "I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples."
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St. Paul's Episcopal Church 1020 Jefferson St.
Port Townsend, WA 98368
(360) 385-0770
We are an open and inclusive community and welcome people of all ages and of every denomination and faith.
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