The St. Paul's Epistle
April 16-30, 2006
Contents
From Stillness to Song
David Craighead Honored
Christian Dialog
Lenten Cookies for Trinity
Prayer Books for Trinity Church
When to call your Clergy
Ongoing SEM Needs
New Parish Directory Needs Help!!
RAIHN Volunteer Training
Darfur Rally
May 7 Spring Concert
Stewardship Learning Series
Family Conflict and the End of Life
SPY Corner
SPY Spring Note Card Sale
Chris Snelling Honored
Spring Breakfast, May 14
Support Water for Sudan
A Special Thank You
Pre-sale Tickets
Silent Auction
Decorator Fabrics and Trims Shop
The Linen Shop
Ironing Party
Baptism
From Stillness to Song
One of the saddest and loudest sounds one can ever hear is the silence that shrouds everything the morning after a loved one dies. This is the silence we experience on Holy Saturday; that day of silent waiting before the revelry of Easter. It is as if, as Christ descended from the cross to the depths below, every sound is sucked with him to that deep, deep place, and there it is held waiting, hoping, praying, for the resounding resurrection yet to come.
I suspect that you will be reading this message on either Good Friday or perhaps on Holy Saturday. As the community of St. Paul's, indeed as the community of Christians, we sit in that precarious space on Good Friday where, amidst the halted Hosannas and broken Alleluias, we wait as breath by jagged breath our Lord dies. We move to the stillness of Saturday. We strain to hear the Alleluias and wait for that burst of life and light that only resurrection can bring.
These three days, Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter, proclaim the cycle of Christian life, from life to death to life. In fact, they impart the cycle of life that we all experience, from life to the stillness of death and "how will I go on," to rebirth and new life. In our tradition there is a gap between Christ's descent from the cross and his wondrous resurrection. But in the Jewish Midrash, or folklore, there is a story of the time between. It is said that when the Messiah dies and descends to the world beneath, he walks for three days in a place known as "Sheol." Now Sheol is a place where all those who have died are held waiting for the coming of the Messiah. It is a frightening place where there are tears and wails. The first people to go to Sheol were Adam and Eve. It is said that towards the end of his stay in Sheol, Christ was walking about praying and singing to himself. As he went, Adam heard the voice of his Lord.
Upon hearing this, Adam said to those around him who were crying and wailing, "peace, be still, do not fear, the Lord is with you." At this, Christ went to Adam and said, "And also with you." And at that, he took Adam in one hand and Eve in the other and the glorious ascent began. I am convinced that the first Alleluias of Easter, so many years ago, came from the lips of Adam and Eve as they burst into the light of resurrected life. There, behind them and ringing through out creation, the chorus rang, Alleluia, Alleluia!! He is Risen! He is Risen! The Lord is Risen indeed! Alleluia, Alleluia!
We are in that place of waiting for the resurrection. A self imposed Sheol, I suppose; waiting to hear the prayers and the songs of the One who comes. And come Christ will; to each of us and say "the Lord is with you." Listen for that voice during these great three days. You will hear it. Take hold of that hand. It will carry you from life to death to life. Alleluia, Alleluia!
The Rev. Leslie M. St. Louis
David Craighead Honored
The American Guild of Organists will be honoring David Craighead at a benefit recital and gala reception on May 22, 2006. Hosted by AGO President Frederick Swann, the festivities will take place at The Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Both David and his wife Marian have been ardent supporters of The American Guild of Organists. David has played recitals at seven AGO National Conventions, and Marian was President of the local chapter of the AGO during the 1960's. As one of America's greatest organ artists, both as a concert organist and a church organist and accompanist, it is not surprising that the American Guild of Organists has chosen to again honor David, who will be receiving the honor from his peers, many of whom are his former students. We have been blessed to have his talent and loving, humble example of God's grace in our midst for half a century.
Christian Dialogue
How Do You Love Your Neighbor
When He (or She) is Mentally Ill?
April 23rd at 11:30 AM
Jody Manly, Ph.D, Clinical Psychologist
Each year in America about one in four adults suffers from a mental disorder, and children can experience mental health problems as well. With so many people affected, everyone is likely to have encountered someone with mental health problems, either themselves, a family member, or a friend. People with mental health problems often experience a stigma and are reluctant to tell others about their condition. If mental illness is so common, why is it so difficult to talk about? A recent news story featured the fatal shooting by police of a women with a history of mental illness. Although we are told to love our neighbors, many people feel uncomfortable interacting with people who have mental health problems. In the next Christian Dialogue on Contemporary Issues, we will look at the question: "How Do You Love Your Neighbor When He (or She) is Mentally Ill?" Join with us on Sunday, April 23 at 11:30 as we explore the myths and realities of mental illness and how to formulate our own Christian responses for connecting with people who struggle with mental health issues. Jody Manly, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Director of Mt. Hope Family Center will facilitate the discussion.
Lenten Cookies for Trinity
Progress Report: Our first parcel of cookies for Trinity arrived on Thursday, March 9. The baked goods, as well as the notes with your prayers and good wishes, were very happily received. On Sundays after services please stop by the "Trinity Table" and take a look at the album that I am assembling and allow me take your photograph for the album. Many thanks to our youngsters who have contributed artwork; everyone is encouraged to contribute their letters, prayers, poems, artwork, etc. to the album, anything that will bring comfort or smiles.
Ayanna Hofmann
Prayer Books for Trinity Church
Thanks to all who supported the Church School Lenten Outreach Project - Prayer Books for Trinity Church, Pass Christian, Mississippi. Prayer books loaned by Nancy Henion and New York Times articles given by Brad Smith, whose daughter lives in Pass Christian, added to the Parish Hall display. Our large Book of Common Prayer has 765 pages!
These pages are to be used for the Maundy Thursday Service at St. Paul's. The dollars will purchase prayer books for Trinity Church. Ayanna Hofmann, coordinator of the Trinity Church partnership, will take bookplates for these books when she visits Pass Christian the first week in May
When to call your Clergy
Pastoral care is important to us, and we need your help to know when you need us. Here are some tips…
- When someone in your family is near death. Call immediately. We want to provide spiritual support as your loved one approaches death. We want to be with you and your family, day or night, in the midst of your grief.
- When someone in your family is ill and has been hospitalized. Call one of the clergy or the parish office. We will visit you in the hospital as soon as possible. Remember - with the new privacy laws, the hospitals no longer contact churches.
- When you or someone in your family is going to have surgery. Call in advance. We'd like to visit you before, share in healing prayers, and bring communion if you wish.
- When you are having a crisis of faith. Call and make an appointment to come and sit down for a conversation.
- When you lose a job, or experience the death of a friend, or any significant loss… call.
- When a child is born. We'd like the opportunity to make a visit to bless both parents and child.
- When something wonderful is happening in your life. We know it is important to share your saddest times, but we want to be with you in the best of times, too.
- When you'd like to include your name on our prayer list. Call the parish office or the clergy.
Although we are the primary care givers at St. Paul's, don't forget our well-trained Stephen Ministers, who are available to provide care on a one-to-one, confidential basis. For more information about this ministry, please contact Tom McCart, Anne Refermat or Judy Carpenter.
Also, the clergy or one of our trained Eucharistic Visitors are always ready to bring communion to you following an illness or surgery, when you are not able to attend Sunday worship. Please call one of the clergy to arrange for a visit.
And last, if you are sharing information with us concerning another person (not in your family), please confirm that doing so is the desire of the person in need. We want to be respectful of individual's needs.
Remember, the clergy's home phone numbers are in the Parish Directory, and the clergy "On Call" pager number is 320-5644.
Thomas McCart
Ongoing SEM Needs
High-protein food items, as well as paper and personal hygiene products are always in short supply. Peanut butter, tuna, stew and some canned goods with meat in them are examples of high-protein foodstuffs. Also needed are hand soap, toothpaste, tooth brushes, deodorant, chapsticks, facial and bathroom tissue and paper towels. Please keep this in mind when shopping and purchase these items for the people in our community who are served by SEM.
Gail Bush
New Parish Directory Needs Help!!
In a few short weeks, we will begin to put together a new Parish Directory for 2006, and we need your help. If there has been any change in your mailing address, telephone number (both home and work - which is not included in the directory itself, but which we like to have in our computer data base system), e-mail address, etc., please call the Parish Office or e-mail the corrections to Wayne.
RAIHN Volunteer Training
Training will be held on Wednesday, April 19 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Third Presbyterian Church (corner of Meigs & East). Anyone interested in finding out more about volunteering for Paul's Place is encouraged to attend. Just show up and check in at the door. Call Hank or Kathy Kingston at 385-3187 with any questions. Future RAIHN Training sessions are scheduled for April 19, June 20 and October 23.
Darfur Rally
Rochester Interfaith Darfur Rally: Thursday, April 27, 7:00 p.m., Temple B'rith Kodesh, 2131 Elmwood Ave., Brighton will host special guest Mohamed Yahya (Darfur survivor), a children's interfaith chorus and candle light vigil. The program is free and open to the public. There is also a post card campaign where post cards to George W. Bush can be filled out in the Parish Hall after 10:00 service or at the rally. Ayanna Hofmann, 328.5895.
May 7 Spring Concert
In observance of the 250th year of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, St. Paul's Choir, soloists and orchestra will be joined by the choir of St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Brockport, in a festive presentation of Mozart's well-known "Coronation Mass." Next to his "Requiem," the Coronation Mass is one of Mozart's most beloved sacred choral works.
The concert will also feature our organist, Tim Pyper, as soloist in the Organ Concerto No. 2 by the French classical composer Michel Corrette. Come and bring your family and friends to this fine musical event.
David Fetler
Stewardship Learning Series
A four-part Learning Series entitled "Living with Money" is being planned for April 23, April 30, May 7 and May 21 after Sunday ten o'clock services in the Cadigan Room from 11:30-12:30. Each learning session will include a short video followed by a discussion program. Please mark your calendars for this exciting learning event.
Family Conflict and the End of Life
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SAVE THE DATE!!!Thursday, May 11, 20067:00 - 9:00 PM |
Strategies for Exploring, Understanding and
Sometimes Moving Through with…
Dr. Timothy Quill
Professor of Medicine, Psychiatry and Medical Humanities &
Director, Palliative Care Program,
University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry
Hosted by St. Paul's Stephen Ministers
St. Paul's Episcopal Church
East Avenue and Westminster Road
Across from George Eastman House
SPY Corner
April 30 - Tea with Seniors in Parish Hall
On Sunday, April 30 we will gather in the Parish Hall at 3:00 p.m. where we will host a tea for some of the senior members of the parish. We hope that those of you who are musically inclined will consider offering a piece, either vocal or instrumental, to share with our guests. Pick up time will be at 5:00 p.m.
Please RSVP to Laura Hayden by
Thursday, April 27
(383-8808 or email)
Save the date: Sunday, May 14
Orienteering at Mendon Ponds Park
SPY Spring Note Card Sale
St. Paul's Youth (SPY) is offering two new collections of note cards for sale after the Sunday services in the Parish Hall or by contacting Laura Hayden at 383-8808 or by email. These beautiful cards feature designs from our St. Paul's kneelers. One collection depicts birds and flowers, the other crosses and flowers. All proceeds from the sale of note cards will support future SPY mission trips.
Samples of the cards are featured throughout this newsletter.
Chris Snelling Honored
Congratulations to Chris Snelling who is one of four people in Haloid/Xerox history to be honored by the current CEO of Xerox, Anne Mulcahy, for 100 technology patents. The event was teleconferenced world wide to acclaim his life accomplishments and contributions to the technologies we all enjoy today.
Spring Breakfast, May 14
Everyone is invited to a Spring Breakfast in the Parish Hall, on Mothers' Day, May 14, from 8:45 to 9:30. Students in the Church School will be providing invitations, favors, and service for this happy event to honor mothers and others!
Support Water for Sudan
Slake two thirsts with one drop! Wine glasses make a wonderful end-of-year teacher gift and supports Water for Sudan at the same time. Order yours today. Contact Louise Moore at 377-8239 or by email.
A Special Thank You
A special thank you goes to Robert Richards for his expertise on the use of the new dish washing system in our recently renovated kitchen. Robert has provided his washing services support at many church functions. Thank you Robert!
Pre-sale Tickets
Antiques Show pre-sale tickets are available in the Church Office and will also be on sale Sunday morning April 23. Pre-sale price: $3.00 each; 4 tickets for $10.00; $4.00 at the door.
Return to contents...Silent Auction
For the second year, the Antiques Show will feature a Silent Auction. We already have a number of things donated for this cause including antiques, spring handbags, decorating services, singing lessons, calligraphy envelopes, Geva tickets and more! In addition to these items, there will be several items which have been created by the Church School students and some services donated by SPY youth!
We would greatly appreciate any donated items or services. Are you an expert gardener? Perhaps you could help someone start a garden or plant bulbs. Do you own or have access to a summer home or vacation cottage? Can you donate a weekend or week? If you have anything you would like to donate for this year's Silent Auction, please contact Mary Ellen West (442-9631) or Stephanie Booth (473-0666).
Decorator Fabrics and Trims Shop
Attention all sewers, quilters and amateur decorators! Please visit the new Decorator Fabrics and Trims shop at the Antiques Show located on the second floor across from Jewelry. We have a huge selection of beautiful decorator fabric samples (brocades, velvets, silks, toiles, children's prints, vintage and retro), many large enough to make pillows, vests, quilts, window valances, or to cover seat cushions and foot stools. There are also larger bolts of fabrics with enough yardage to maybe make drapes, a bedspread or upholster a chair. In addition there are many really lovely and unusual trims to choose from. All of the fabrics and trims are from the estate of Elizabeth Holahan who was a prestigious interior decorator and notable local preservationist in the Rochester area. She decorated many prominent homes in and around Rochester. We look forward to seeing you at the show.
The Linen Shop
The Linen Shop needs your donation. Please look in the bottom of your drawers and pull out the old vintage clothing and household linens that you never use. We can put them to good use. We will take anything - hats, gloves, scarves, sheets, pillows, buttons and ties, placemats and tablecloths. (There are sheets of suggestions around church if you need any more ideas.) But we need you. Call us if you can't deliver to the church. We will pick up. Thank you. Jane Reynolds 473-7811 and Chris Fitzstevens 473-6679.
Ironing Party
Baptism
The next date for Baptism is Easter III, April 30. If you or your child would like to be baptized please call The Rev. Leslie M. St. Louis.