The Episcopal Church of St. Paul

Chatham Interfaith Church Women's luncheon

2009-09-08T10:11:00.002-04:00

Chatham Interfaith Church Women's annual salad luncheon will be held at 11:30 on Friday, October 2nd at St.Patrick's Roman Catholic Church. See Ann Bennett for reservations.

The Clothing of a Novice

2009-08-11T09:03:00.004-04:00

On Saturday, August 08, 2009, Bill Shatzabel, a member of St. Paul's, was clothed as a novice in the Anamchara Fellowship.

Read all about it

Learning Through "EfM"

2009-07-21T09:14:00.003-04:00

By Rosemary Wright

For the last several years I've been participating in an amazing program called Education for Ministry or "EfM." Every fall there's an opportunity for new people to join this life-changing program, and we would love to you join our adventure into deeper faith.

Wait. MINISTRY? Is Rosemary looking to be ordained? Put your mind at ease, and let me tell you about the program. It's NOT what the name suggests to some: preparation for becoming an ordained deacon or priest. EfM is, rather, a lay seminar of 6-12 people in which participants study, discuss, and examine the essential questions of life and religion in order to better understand and live out our faith.

EfM was developed by Sewanee University's seminary faculty. It covers "the basics of a theological education" in four one-year segments on, respectively, the Old Testament, New Testament, Church History, and Theological Issues and Philosophy in today's world.

How much time and how much money are required? We sign up for one year at a time. Excluding the summer months, we meet once a week for 3 hours, for which we prepare an additional 2-4 hours. The fee is $340 per year, which pays for our study materials.

What do we get out of it? Once a week we have the privilege of meeting with a small group of people, with whom we have formed a community in the most profound sense of the word.

We read (over two years) a large part of the Bible, which we take seriously, but in historical and social context. We compare notes from our particular year's readings, because all four years meet together. It's one thing to "learn" something, but we really "get it" when we help others understand a passage or an issue.

We also take turns bringing in topics on which we "theologically reflect." We discuss just about anything, from personal experience to current social norms to particular scripture to medieval art to current movies, drawing out what the topic at hand means to us as Christians.

We're always open to all points of view-faith and doubt, traditional and unconventional thought and feelings. We worship. We talk. We laugh. We cry. We eat. We meet in a beautiful setting. We miss our gatherings only for dire reasons, because the group has become so important to us.

The group to which I belong meets on Thursday mornings at the Convent of St. John the Baptist in Mendham. Our excellent and thought-provoking leader is Mark Waldon, rector of Christ Church, Totowa. Mark also guides another group which meets on Monday evenings in Totowa. Both seminars welcome a few new members every fall, as the fourth-year participants graduate.

If this sounds like something you'd like to explore, please check out the website (http://www.sewanee.edu/EFM/index.htm) and contact Mark Waldon (mark.efm@verizon.net ; 973/595-0349). If you call before August, you can sit in on an Aug. 6 sample session before signing up. Please consider joining us in this great adventure!

General Convention

2009-06-29T11:45:00.003-04:00

Some of you will want to know where to get information about General Convention as it meets in Anaheim, July 8-18.

The following will give you a balance of perspectives:

Episcopal LIfe Online - The 'official' source for news http://ecusa.anglican.org/episcopal_life.htm (Check out the series of bulletin inserts)
Anglicans Online - http://anglicansonline.org/ a good place for balanced news from around the communion
Episcopal Cafe - http://episcopalcafe.com/ -- Progressive (with liberal tendencies)
The Living Church http://www.livingchurch.org/ - Conservative (with 'orthodox' tendencies)
Center Aisle - from the Diocese of Virginia http://www.centeraisle.net/ Moderate voices in the church (Although they can sound pretty conservative. It's all relative, isn't it?)
Issues - from The Consultation, a social justice coalition http://www.theconsultation.org/, progressive to unapologetically feisty liberal. (AKA "What's left of the Left.")
Titus One Nine -- conservative to unapologetically uber orthodox http://www.kendallharmon.net/t19/

There are many, many other sites and blogs to visit, including that of our own Bishop (http://forgatesofhope.blogspot.com/ ), as well as FaceBook sites, but this will keep you busy enough. You'll find links on many of these sites to other blogs on various places on the political spectrum.

Please keep our deputation and bishop and all who are attending General Convention in various capacities in your prayers.

St. Paul's 2009 Mission Trip

2009-06-26T13:01:00.006-04:00

We ask for your prayers this week for all the participants in our 2009 Mission Trip to Oak Hill, WV (June 28-July 4, 2009).

Also, you can send notes of encouragement & support to our youth when they're on the mission trip. I'm sure they will love to get these little notes from you when they get back from a long hard day of work. Its simple, here's how it works:

1) Click on the link: http://www.groupworkcamps.com/Workcamps/Pages/EmailaCamper.aspx
2) Select a camp...Oak Hill, WV
3) Fill in the camper's name
4) Fill in who its from
5) Type your message
6) Hit the SUBMIT button

Messages will be posted on the bulletin board daily after they return from the worksite.

Mark Your Calendars

2009-06-26T12:47:00.002-04:00

Sunday, August 2 will be Tim’s last Sunday with us before he leaves for a year to teach Conversational English at the University of Bejing. Plan to join us for his commissioning and a festive farewell.

Ordination to the Deaconate

2009-06-10T08:54:00.002-04:00

Ordination to the Deaconate - June 6, 2009. Click on the link below to see photos of Jon Richardson and Sr Shane's ordination.
http://www.sharonsheridan.com/deacons.htm

Education for Ministry

2009-06-10T08:29:00.002-04:00

At coffee hour on Sunday, June 14, Rosemary Wright and Barbara Conroy are going to give a short presentation about Education for Ministry or “EfM.” EfM is a small-group, weekly seminar in which lay people learn about the Bible, church history, and theology in a hands-on, applied way. Rosemary just graduated, Barbara graduated some years ago, and together they’re looking to start and mentor a new group this fall at St. Paul’s. If you can’t stay today, check out the program at http://www.sewanee.edu/EFM/index.htm, or catch one of several past or current participants (Rosemary, Barbara, Linda Coogan, Bill Schatzabel, Ann Bennett, or Elizabeth Kaeton) over the summer, to learn more. We hope you'll join us, today if not in September!

Garden Weeders, Waterers and Planters

2009-05-26T10:50:00.002-04:00

This summer we will be meeting on Tuesday starting on June 2nd at 7 pm. On the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month we will be meeting at St. Paul’s - on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays we will meet at the Diversity Garden (at the Chatham train station). No experience necessary. See Ann Bennett if you have any questions.

Transportation help?

2009-05-20T15:24:00.002-04:00

From time to time, we get calls from our parishioners with a “last minute” request for travel to and from hospital or doctor’s appointments. You may know that the Morris county chapter of the Red Cross has lost its funding for this service. If you are able and willing to be on a “call list” to provide this service and kindness, please call the office and let Randy know. Thank you.

Picnic

2009-05-12T09:00:00.001-04:00

The end of the year Sunday School picnic will be held on May 31st after the 10 am service. Hot dogs and beverages will be provided, but please bring a salad or dessert to share. All are invited!

Green Tip of the Week

2009-04-21T09:20:00.002-04:00

Water Conservation Tip #1: Don't Flush it all away. Toilets are responsible for about 40 % of total indoor water use. If you have an older toilet, use a water displacement device to reduce the amount of flow per flush. A plastic bottle (or a glass one) filled with sand makes an easy DIY toilet modification . If you are upgrading a bathroom, invest in a high efficiency toilet. Read Sierra Club Green Home's toilets tips to determine which water-saving model works best for you at http://action.sierraclub.org/. Or keep a bucket in the shower to collect the water while it gets warm and flush the toilet with it.

Volunteer opportunities

2009-04-21T08:54:00.001-04:00

Volunteer opportunities: Sun 5/3 - Tues 5/4 - Help out with the Interfaith Hospitality Network for Homeless Families at the Chatham United Methodist Church. A great chance for families to volunteer together. Contact Mary Jo Oakley or Kathy James for more information.

June 6 ordination - Jon Richardson

2009-04-20T09:19:00.001-04:00

May 3 - Sister Kristin

2009-04-09T09:01:00.003-04:00

On May 3 Sister Kristin Funari, Executive Director of the York Street Project in Jersey City will be our guest speaker at the 10 am service. Sister Kristin has dedicated her life to helping women and children break the cycle of poverty. She will describe for us how the York Street Project is responding to homelessness and the needs of Jersey City's poor.

For more information, visit www.yorkstreetproject.org

Help clean up!

2009-04-08T15:48:00.001-04:00

April 19th, we need rakers and pick-upers to help clean up the Diversity Garden at the RR station. Please join us at 2 PM.

Foreclosure Prevention Event at NJIT

2009-04-02T10:12:00.001-04:00

On Friday April 3 HOPE NOW is holding a Foreclosure Prevention Event at NJIT in Newark.

The event will run from 2pm until 8pm.

It is open to anyone who is either delinquent on their mortgage payments or in foreclosure.

Follow either link for more information : ECD Foreclosure Help Blog
or
HOPE NOW Events

Spring Bargain Bonanza

2009-03-31T11:47:00.002-04:00

Morris Habitat for Humanity will be holding a Craft/Garage Sale on Saturday, May 2. [read more]

Volunteers needed!

2009-03-04T14:58:00.001-05:00

Hosting the guests of the Interfaith Hospitality Network at Chatham United Methodist Church. Two and one half hour shifts starting Sunday, March 29 at 7:00 pm through Tuesday, March 31 at 5:00 pm. Duties can include cooking, eating, chatting, holding babies, playing with toddlers, helping with homework, sleeping on a comfortable cot. Mary Jo Oakley or Kathy James can take names and provide details....

Earth Day

2009-03-03T14:57:00.002-05:00

April 22, 2009 (Wednesday) - 6:30 PM The Chatham Interfaith Alliance will gather at the Diversity Garden at the Fairmount Street entrance of the NJ Train Station to rededicate the garden and recommit ourselves to creating an environment - culturally and organically - that fully embraces all of the diversity of God's creation. Join us for a 30 minute service of song and prayer.

Attention Crafters!

2009-02-27T12:37:00.004-05:00

Attention crafters, artists, cooks & creative people. Bella Luna Catering will be running a craft fair & bazaar on Saturday March 28th in St. Paul's Parish Hall and St. Paul's has secured a table. 100% of the proceeds from our sales will go to St. Paul's. so, please donate your homemade goodies, pottery, crafts, jewelry, etc. the more we sell, the more St. Paul's makes! See Biz Halliday for details.

The Season of Lent

2009-02-24T13:01:00.006-05:00

“Everything you ever wanted to know about Lent, but were afraid to ask.”

There are forty days and forty nights of the Season of Lent, beginning with Ash Wednesday and ending on Easter Day. If you count up the number of days in that period of time, however, you will note that the total is 48. That’s because Sundays are always considered a celebration of the Resurrection of our Lord and are, therefore, not counted.

Even so, we suspend the use of the “Alleluia’s” in Lent. The children “buried” them under the carpet by the baptismal font on the Last Sunday of Epiphany, and they will be “resurrected” on Easter morning. (Watch out! The children will be listening. If they catch you saying ‘Alleluia’ in church, you will be “fined” and they win a prize!)

We will celebrate Eucharist “Facing Liturgical East”. This is a way to accentuate the transcendence (rather than the immanence) of God, and underscore our time in the wilderness of Lent.

We begin Sunday observations of Lent with the Great Litany, which is chanted in procession, emphasizing the pilgrim nature of our faith. We will process again on Palm Sunday and Good Friday.

There are no shiny Eucharistic vessels or ornaments during Lent. Even the cross and Gospel book are veiled. The liturgical color for the season is purple, which points us to the Sovereignty of Jesus – a symbol of the supremacy of His sacrificial love for us.

The Exchange of Peace is moved to its historic place in the Eucharistic Prayer and the Announcements are made at the end of the Service. This is to underscore the solemnity of the Lenten Season.

The fourth Sunday in Lent is “Refreshment” or “Rose Sunday”. We will use rose colored vestments for that day.

Palm Sunday – the Sunday of Passion – is marked by our modern re-enactment of the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. We do this with Distribution of Palms which begins at 9:45 and a procession up Main Street, following a Jazz Band. The liturgical color for this day and all of Holy Week is a deep red. The mood suddenly changes when we return to the church and participate in a reading of the Passion of our Lord.

The most sacred part of Holy Week is the Triduum – the Three Holy Days – which begins with Maundy Thursday, with the traditional service of Foot Washing and the Agape Meal, a “Love Feast” that is a reflection of the Passover Meal observed by Jesus and his disciples. The altar is stripped and the church is left bare. A Night Watch is kept in the church.

Good Friday is the most solemn day in the Christian calendar, the day when we remember the crucifixion of Jesus. The children gather at noon to walk the Stations of the Cross, while the adults gather with other Christians in Chatham for a retelling of the Passion of Jesus. The evening provides a powerful opportunity to venerate the cross and process it into the darkness of the night, hopeful of the promise of resurrection.

The Great Vigil of Easter is our most ancient liturgy which we observe on Saturday evening. Our salvation story is told in the midst of the drama of the lighting of the new fire, the paschal candle, baptism and the first Eucharist. The liturgical color is white. It is high liturgical drama of the first order, and not to be missed! A champagne and chocolate covered strawberry reception caps the evening.

Easter Day is a glorious celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus. The Special music and vocal offerings deepen the spiritual experience of this day. The children love to “unbury” the “Alleluia’s” and hunt for hidden Easter eggs.

In preparation for the ‘Easter Experience,” it is a long-standing Christian tradition to practice some form of Lenten discipline as we deepen our understanding of our “discipleship.” This can take the form of regular fasting (usually on Friday) of meals (imbibing only liquids) from sun up to sun down. Some prefer to eliminate meat from their diet one day per week. Others may “give up” chocolate, alcohol, nicotine or other favorite substances.

Fasting and other forms of sacrifice are not simply “what we do” in Lent. These are intentional acts which bring us into solidarity with those who suffer. In so doing, we open our minds and expand our hearts to greater compassion – a mark of a follower of Jesus.

Lenten Discipline also includes regular times of prayer and meditation, physical exercise, and devotional reading. It may also include challenging yourself to take on a new task, learn a new skill, or improve an old one. Lent is also a time for private confession. Please call to schedule an appointment

The point is that these “forty days and nights” are a time to discipline one’s self to be a better disciple. It’s a time which draws attention in a purposeful way to the things we do and helps us to examine why it is we do them. It is an opportunity to deepen your spirituality and strengthen your faith.

Hawaiian Treasures

2009-02-20T11:51:00.002-05:00

Grammy Award-Winning Artists From Hawaii to Perform, March 14, 7:30 pm

George Kahumoku, Jr. is bringing his Grammy Award-winning show, "Masters of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar" to the mainland in March. The Hawaiian Treasures CelebrationTour, also featuring Grammy award-winning artists Dennis Kamakahi and Richard Ho‘opi‘i, has added the Episcopal Church of St. Paul, Chatham, NJ to its 20–city tour. [read more]

Lenten Study Group

2009-02-20T11:41:00.003-05:00

March 3 - 31

View a 10 minute video and then join the conversation.

Evening Prayer at 6:30, Soup at 7:00, program 7:30-9 pm.

Pancake Supper

2009-02-09T14:23:00.004-05:00

February 24, 6pm

Tickets $5.00 per person of $15.00 per family.

Proceeds benefit St. Paul's Youth Group and Episcopal Relief and Development

Blood Clots and Strokes

2009-02-04T09:42:00.005-05:00

Here is some useful information sent our way from our Junior Warden, Steve San Filippo

Blood Clots/Stroke - They Now Have a Fourth Indicator, the Tongue

STROKE: Remember the 1st Three Letters.... STR

If everyone can remember this, we might save some lives.

Please read:

STROKE IDENTIFICATION:

During a BBQ, a friend stumbled and took a little fall - she assured everyone that she was fine (they offered to call paramedics) .she said she had just tripped over a brick because of her new shoes.

They got her cleaned up and got her a new plate of food. While she appeared a bit shaken up, Ingrid went about enjoying herself the rest of the evening.

Ingrid's husband called later telling everyone that his wife had been taken to the hospital - (at 6:00 pm Ingrid passed away.) She had suffered a stroke at the BBQ. Had they known how to identify the signs of a stroke, perhaps Ingrid would be with us today. Some don't die. they end up in a helpless, hopeless condition instead.

It only takes a minute to read this...

A neurologist says that if he can get to a stroke victim within 3 hours he can totally reverse the effects of a stroke, totally. He said the trick was getting a stroke recognized, diagnosed, and then getting the patient medically cared for within 3 hours, which is tough.

RECOGNIZING A STROKE:

Thank God for the sense to remember the '3' steps, STR . Read and Learn!

Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke.

Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:

S * Ask the individual to SMILE.

T * Ask the person to TALK and SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently) (i.e. It is sunny out today)
R * Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.

If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call emergency number immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

New Sign of a Stroke

---- Stick out Your Tongue

NOTE: Another 'sign' of a stroke is this: Ask the person to 'stick' out his tongue. If the tongue is 'crooked', if it goes to one side or the other, that is also an indication of a stroke.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

2009-01-29T15:29:00.004-05:00

Tickets are on sale for St. George's, Maplewood's production of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat." Performances of this family-friendly show are: Friday, Feb. 20 and Sat., Feb. 21 at 7:30 for wine and hors d'oeuvres, 8:00 show, $20; Sunday, Feb. 22 matinee at 2:00 for $10/adult, $5/child, $20/family. Cindy Kane is taking names (and checks) to get together a group from St. Paul's to go together to the Sunday matinee. If you enjoyed the revue shows in the past, come support our St. George's friends in their first full production! Contact information: for Sun. Feb. 22 matinee, Cindy Kane, kanehat@msn.com, or for other performances, Christie Harrington, 201-207-6286. St. George's is at 550 Ridgewood Rd. in Maplewood.
Please contact Cindy by Monday, Feb. 16, to guarantee your ticket to the Sunday matinee.

Community Resources

2009-01-22T11:53:00.003-05:00

NJ HELPLINE

NJ Foreclosure Mediation Hotline * 1-888-989-5277 (Mon.-Fri., 8am-6pm) * Program that provides information to qualified homeowners facing foreclosure with free help from housing counselors, attorneys and a neutral mediator to help resolve their home loan delinquency. Homeowners must meet program criteria for assistance.

UNION COUNTY

Economic Downturn Support Groups (Professional-run) Support for those struggling with issues related to paying their bills and surviving during these difficult times. Each group examines ways to cope and learn from each other.

Meets Wed., 7-8pm, Family Resource Center, 300 North Ave. East, Cranford. Call 908-276-2244.
Meets Mon., 11am-noon, Trinitas Hospital, 654 E. Jersey St., Plaza Building, Elizabeth. Call Monica 908-994-7559.

News from St. George’s, Maplewood

2009-01-22T10:29:00.002-05:00

The Bible Tells Me So?
The Real Life Struggles of Gays, Lesbians and Their Families

Interweave Center for Wholistic Living in Summit, NJ, and St. George’s Episcopal Church, 550 Ridgewood Road, Maplewood, NJ, will be co-hosting an exciting session with filmmaker Dan Karslake on Sunday, February 1st, from 4-6 p.m., in the Parish Hall, St. George’s.

Is the Bible an excuse to hate? Can true love between two people ever be an “abomination”? Is the chasm separating gays and lesbians and Christianity too wide to cross? See the film “For the Bible Tells Me So”, Winner of the Audience Award for Best Documentary at the Seattle International Film Festival, and talk to the filmmaker himself! Through the experiences of five very normal, very Christian, very American families – including those of former House Majority Leader Richard Gephardt and Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson – we discover how insightful people of faith handle the realization of having a gay child. Informed by such respected voices as Bishop Desmond Tutu, Harvard’s Peter Gomes, Orthodox Rabbi Steve Greenberg and Reverend Jimmy Creech,

“For the Bible Tells Me So” offers healing, clarity and understanding to any caught in the crosshairs of scripture and sexual identity. Come screen this moving documentary and talk with producer and director, Dan Karslake. Please bring a friend. Price $10 per person. For directions to St. George’s, please consult www.stgeorges-maplewood.org. Note that the entrance is on the parking lot side of the building. For further information about this or other Interweave offerings, please refer to www.interweave.org or call (908) 277-2120.

Sunday School

2009-01-08T09:07:00.003-05:00

If you are interested in teaching Sunday School during the Spring Term (Feb. 1 - May 31), please contact Melissa Brandes (mabrandes@gmail.com). Many thanks!!

North Porch

2008-12-30T08:42:00.006-05:00

Thank you for your very generous gifts for North Porch’s infants and toddlers. St. Paul’s is the only parish in the diocese that donates new clothing—it is so very welcomed. The very day we delivered your gifts North Porch had a call from a hospital for warm newborn clothing. Dot Wilis.

North Porch is a ministry of the Diocese of Newark that provides emergency service for women with children between the ages of newborn and 4 years.

Hearing and Blood Pressure Screening

2008-12-09T08:55:00.008-05:00

We will be doing a free hearing and blood pressure screening on Jan 10, 2009 from 9am to 1pm. Laurie Romei will be performing the hearing tests and the Parish Nurses will be there to take blood pressure and to answer questions.

Volunteer of the Week

2008-12-03T15:33:00.004-05:00

St. Paul's parishioner Bill Schatzabel teaches everything from first aid to CPR as a volunteer for the American Red Cross. Read the article about him at MadisonChathamThisWeek.com.

Mail Ministry

2008-11-26T08:30:00.002-05:00

(Linda Coogan sends out a weekly letter to the homebound of our parish)

Happy Thanksgiving. Last Sunday’s gospel reading was very appropriate for a thankful time of year. WHAT?, you are asking? The reading is totally about giving to others so one can give to God. Well, think of this: who has fed you, given you something to drink, welcomed you, clothed you, taken care of you when you were sick, been with you in the prison of your own problems? Virtually everyone has been the recipient of God’s loving care through the hands of others.

And not just friends and family: doctors, nurses, lawyers, social workers, aides, therapists, pastors. . .well, the point has been made. How did it feel to have the support of family, friends and professionals when needed? Grace around the Thanksgiving table could include the remembrances of hard times and appreciation to those who have served Jesus by serving you.

Oh, and by the way, how can you give the same feeling of blessing to someone else? Be grateful for the opportunity to do so.

The Greening of the Church

2008-11-25T08:54:00.002-05:00

December 14th after the 10 o’clock service. Wear jeans and bring your gloves. Soup will be served!

Blue Christmas

2008-11-24T13:27:00.003-05:00

5pm on Saturday, December 20.

Come and join in sharing and hearing prayers, Scripture and music that acknowledge that God's presence is for those who mourn, for those who struggle - and that God's Word comes to shine light into our darkness. You need not be an Episcopalian to attend this service.

The brief service will be followed by a time for light refreshments and fellowship. Please accept this invitation to be with us - a time to move from feeling 'blue' to experiencing the wonder and hope of Christmas. No need to RSVP - our doors will be open to all who come so please feel free to invite others to come with you, as your support, or if you know that they too, are finding that Christmas hurts.

“Our Fathers”

2008-11-12T11:25:00.002-05:00

A 3-part Advent series exploring the role of fathers in scripture, begins Tuesday, December 2 at 7pm with a simple supper and ends at 9pm.

Vespers

2008-11-12T11:21:00.002-05:00

A 30 minute service of prayer for young families, beginning December 3 at 6:30 pm. Everyone is invited.

Bakers needed!

2008-11-03T08:17:00.002-05:00

Dig out that favorite Christmas recipe; it's time to start baking for the Cookie Walk on Saturday, December 6. We're asking for a triple batch of your yummiest, most tempting cookie; small, attractive cookies work best. Need ideas? Google "Christmas cookies" and take your pick of the many sites that come up, or ask Mary Jo Oakley (mjoakley1@mac.com) or Ann Lowe (loweann@comcast.net) for ideas. Sign up in the Narthex. THANK YOU!

Mail Ministry

2008-10-27T08:44:00.000-04:00

(Linda Coogan sends out a weekly letter to the homebound of our parish)

Last Sunday’s gospel is very interesting. The Pharisees try to trap Jesus by asking a question that he seemingly cannot answer without compromising himself. His first response? “Why are you putting me to the test . . .?” Well, why does it seem necessary to test God again and again? You know the attitude: “If you do this, if you answer that, if you do a trick, then I can believe”. And (more importantly) to God: “But if you don’t perform to my standards, then I am justified in dismissing you.”

Watching my granddaughter (two years old and really cute) is a lesson in testing. She needs to believe in her mom and dad’s love for her. She wants to believe. So she experiments by pushing their limits further and further. Will they love me if I do this? Will they love me if I am naughty? What will they actually do to me? But that little girl will eventually grow into a new understanding of her parent’s love for her, and she will not need to test because she has matured in her trust.

Where is your faith? Is it still really necessary to experiment with God? By the way, Jesus passed the test.

2009 Mission Trip

2008-10-22T14:29:00.001-04:00

On June 28-July 4, 2009, the youth of St. Paul will embark on our annual mission trip. This year we will head to Oak Hill, WV to do some much needed home repairs for the elderly and families who are less fortunate. Cost is $750 per person and is open to all high school youth including those entering 9th grade in fall 2009. The sign up sheet is located on the narthex table. Registration & a $200 NON-REFUNDABLE deposit are due on Sunday, November 16th. Please see Tim if you have any questions.

North Porch

2008-10-21T15:30:00.004-04:00

We have just received an urgent request from North Porch (a Diocesan Ministry for Woman and Children) for Stage 3 baby food, Size 4, 5, 6 diapers, Small sizes of baby toiletries (lotion, diaper cream, shampoo, powder, q-tips) and new children’s underwear sizes 2-6. Please leave all donations in the North Porch box outside the church office. Thank you. Dot Willis.

Parish Clean Up Day

2008-10-17T08:59:00.003-04:00

Sunday, October 26 right after church. Crews are needed to clean up the garden, two closets and the Memorial Close. Please come! Wear your work clothes to church!

A New Addition to our Parish Family!

2008-10-15T08:33:00.001-04:00

We welcome Garrett Gumm Fitzpatrick, newborn son of Meredith (daughter of Suzy Gumm) and Sean Fitzpatrick, who arrived October 5 at 2:18 PM and weighed in at 8 pounds 12 ounces.

The Fitzpatrick family arrived home on October 8 and everyone is adjusting to Garrett's schedule. They are very happy (if not somewhat sleep-deprived).

Shield the joyous, Lord.

Mail Ministry

2008-10-09T14:24:00.000-04:00

(Linda Coogan sends out a weekly letter to the homebound of our parish)

This is a melancholy time of year. The fall equinox has come and gone, and the hours of light are fewer every day. Summer is over and the excitement of the holidays is not yet in the air. The feel of the moment can be summed up in a favorite word of the Peanut’s character, Snoopy: “Bleagghh”. My heart aches from all the losses in our St. Paul’s community. It’s hard to find hope, courage or comfort right now. Death seems to be crawling around everywhere. (Isn’t it all depressing?)

There is a reason my sadness is being poured out to you, my friends. It’s been on my mind the last couple of days that sometimes it’s good to just accept sadness and grief. They’re a real part of a real life. Right now fighting honest emotions with “sweetness and light” seems false and uncomfortable to me; maybe it’s simply time to touch bases with reality without trying to make sense of it, or overcome it, or run away from it. Sitting with it for a few days may . . . I don’t know what. Faith tells me that God is in misery as well as in joy, so God will be there to hold hands with. Hmmm. Maybe that’s the point of this reflection.

Meanwhile, I send my love to you all.

Parish Confirmation Sponsors

2008-10-09T10:58:00.000-04:00

This year's Confirmation Class will be participating even more closely with our congregation. In addition to their Confirmation Sponsors/Godparents, our children will be selecting a Church Sponsor - someone who will be available to them to share faith stories, have conversations about how and where you see God working in the world and in your lives, and represent St. Paul's at their Confirmation (April 26 - at the diocesan Cathedral in Newark). There will be a brief orientation with Rev'd Elizabeth and a Saturday morning retreat (9-11) scheduled in late March/early April. If you are interested, please sign up on the sheet in the Narthex.

Food Drive, Sunday, October 19

2008-10-09T10:10:00.002-04:00

The Food Pantry urgently needs food. They are at the lowest they have ever been for all items. Please bring your contributions to church on Sunday, October 19th. We will get them up to the Pantry and into hungry people's homes.

URGENT CALL FOR ALL ITEMS:

** Whole Grain Cereals(such as Raisin Bran, Cheerios, Wheat Chex, Shredded Wheat)
** Meats & Meals (Canned Pasta, Spam, Chili, Stew, etc.)
** Soup -- All Kinds
** Side Dishes: Mac and Cheese
** All Canned Fruit & Low/No Sugar Fruit
** White Rice (1 or 2 lb. bags)
** Tuna

** Peanut Butter
** Boost and Ensure and Protein Drinks

** Baby Formula and Baby Food
** Baby wipes, DIAPERS all sizes
** Laundry Detergent

When shopping, if possible, please consider selecting

Low Salt/Low Sugar items
Low Salt Vegetables

Low Salt & Low Sugar Foods

Low Sodium Tomato Products

Please do not include any clothes, toys, furniture, books or other such items in your food collections.

THANK YOU!

A Death in our Parish Family

2008-10-08T14:46:00.002-04:00

We have just received the very sad news that Linda Gauthier died on Tuesday morning, October 7, of respiratory failure. She was 49 years old. She was a member of the Altar Guild, the Usher Guild and was on the faculty of the Church School.

She was a registered nurse and was a May, 2008 graduate of The Theological School at Drew University.

She leaves two sons Steven, 25 and Brian, age 23.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11 AM, Saturday, October 11 at All Saints Episcopal Church, Millington, NJ, where she had been married and where her sons had been baptized.

May her soul and the souls of all the faithfully departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Altar Flowers

2008-10-08T08:21:00.003-04:00

Please note: Altar flowers can be in memory of a loved one who has died or to celebrate a special occasion: anniversary, birthday or a new birth, graduation, recovery, etc.

Please send your requests to Randy Johnson no later than Wednesday before the Sunday you wish to contribute flowers. Thank you to Jo Ann Bradley for coordinating this ministry.

Attention All Knitters!

2008-10-06T11:39:00.003-04:00

Attention all knitters, crocheters, and crafters: St. Paul's has been given a generous donation of new and gently used yarn and knitting needles. Please take some and use it for your next prayer shawl or project. The yarn is located in bags downstairs, by Randy's office, under the table. Questions? See Biz Halliday.

Blessing of the Animals

2008-10-03T12:15:00.003-04:00

Creation Season begins October 5.

We will have the Annual Blessing of the Animals on the front lawn at 5pm.

Flu Clinic

2008-10-03T12:07:00.003-04:00

A flu clinic will be held in the Moore Conference Room on Saturday, October 18, 2008, from 9am to 1pm.

Flu shots will be administered by our parish nurse, Barbara Conroy.

Cost: $30 for flu shot, $45 for pneumonia. (Shots are free for those who have Medicare, HIP NY or Aetna insurance). Make checks payable to “Maxim Health Care”

The 2008 pictorial directories have arrived!

2008-10-03T09:23:00.002-04:00

We have a copy for every family, officially pictured or not. They’re available from Randy Johnson in the church office.

Interfaith Hospitality Network

2008-09-30T10:07:00.000-04:00

For our next hosting of the homeless guests (women and children) of the Interfaith Hospitality Network, we still have the following shifts available Sunday , October 4 at Chatham United Methodist Church:

Sunday -- one adult host - 7:00-9:30 (you will have two great teens to help you!)

Monday -- one adult host - 7:00-9:30 . This is the winding-down part of the night where the guests are watching television, school-age children are doing homework, mothers are getting their toddlers and babies ready for bed

Monday - one overnight host - that is, coming in at 9:00 pm and spending the night on your sleeping bag on a comfortable cot in a vacant room in the church's first floor. The guests are usually quietly watching TV or in their rooms for the night. The guests are generally up and out by 6:30 or 7:00 am and your commitment is over!

Our church cannot participate in this nationally-renowned effort without your help! Thank you for your consideration!

Please email Kathy James at KJames973@aol.com or MJoakley1@mac.com if you can help or would like more information.

Mail Ministry

2008-09-25T13:10:00.000-04:00

(Linda Coogan sends out a weekly letter to the homebound of our parish)

Sadness and grief are hanging over St. Paul’s this week. We have lost so many of our community recently -- and now, our beloved Betty Williams. There will be an empty place in the pews on Sunday, just as there is an empty space Betty filled around the church. Her loving warmth, her quirky sense of humor, her knowledge of the inner workings of St. Paul’s will all be missed, yes, but Betty’s physical presence will be painfully obvious and deeply mourned.

Elizabeth recently said that times of loss and grief are times to look to your faith to comfort the dull, aching hurt that seems to take over. That has proved to be an important bit of wisdom. Faith informs our beliefs in how the dead live on. Assuredly, Betty is part of who each and every one of us is; she touched us all and in doing so became woven into the fabric of who we are as individuals and as community. Betty can be found in one another.

We will miss Betty’s presence. The space she leaves in our midst cannot be filled.

Chatham Interfaith Church Women

2008-09-24T11:43:00.002-04:00

The Chatham Interfaith Church Women fall luncheon will be held on Friday, October 24th at the Chatham United Methodist Church.

Amy Ball will be the speaker on "Houses of Hope in Rwanda"

Please call Ann Bennett for reservations.

Prayer Shawl Ministry

2008-09-24T11:41:00.002-04:00

The Prayer Shawl Ministry will meet on Friday, October 3rd and Friday, October 17th at the home of the Bennets.

Books For Belize!!

2008-09-24T08:42:00.002-04:00

Inspired by the 2007 Mission Trip, for her Girl Scout Gold Award project Grace Oakley is collecting children’s books to help establish a library in the small town in Belize where members of St. Paul’s built a playground. Please help her foster a love of learning and community by depositing new or gently used books (picture books through young adult) in the box by the office downstairs or in the narthex between Sept. 29 and Oct. 11. Thank you!

Looking For A Few Good Volunteers

2008-09-19T08:21:00.003-04:00

We are looking for a few good volunteers to help cook and host for the Interfaith Hospitality Network, which serves Morris County families who have found themselves temporarily homeless. We have shifts available on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday (October 5-7). Families are welcome. It is a great way to introduce your young children to the concept of helping others, and for older children it is a great opportunity for any needed service hours! For anyone else, it is just a nice thing to do!!! Email Kathy James at KJames973@aol.com or Mary Jo Oakley at MJOakley@mac.com.

End of Summer

2008-09-17T09:09:00.005-04:00

They grasp the last days of August
The diehards.
With nails lacquered
Hot pink, coral

The heels of last seasons Flip-flops
Dug in, with
Tanned backs braced
Against the calendars relentless march.

You’ve seen them, in
Short shorts and Mini-skirts
Hoodies turned up against the interloping chill
Hands retracted into copious sleeves

The sun is gone,
The evening sky forlorn
The temperature – has slowly begun
Its journey south

Conversations of
Beach parties and summer movies, have shifted.
Given way to the subdued anticipations
of school.

One season has ended and another begun.
Memories of youth, alive with power and passion -
Put away, like so many pressed flowers
To be re-opened and re-lived
On cold winter evenings.

Bill Schatzabel 09/15/2008

Sunday School!

2008-09-17T06:09:00.006-04:00

Hello All! I hope that you had wonderful summers! It's been good to reconnect with many of you at church the past two weeks. As we begin the program year and Sunday School will be starting, we are looking for those of you willing to teach this Fall. If we have enough volunteers to have two teachers per class, each one would only be responsible for 7 Sundays between now and January. Please consider if this is a way for you to be involved in the ministry of St. Paul's. Email or call me if you are interested in teaching!

Many thanks,

Melissa Brandes
Director of Christian Education

The Fall

2008-09-16T14:24:00.002-04:00

The "official" end of summer is Labor Day, but the actual end of summer isn't for a few more weeks. By my calendar, at least.

Some call this time "Indian summer" with its cool nights and chilly mornings and temperatures during the day that can soar to the mid to high 70s. Some of the leaves on the Oak Tree across the street are starting to "turn."

It's sometimes hard to figure out what to wear when you leave the house in the morning, so I tend to dress in layers. I love wearing a sleeveless summer shirt with a light sweater. Makes me feel like I've got the best of both seasons.

It's my favorite time of year.

The AC is off. The windows are open. There's an absolutely delicious breeze coming, causing the slats on the thin blinds on my window to make that occasional "rattle" sound, which immediately takes me back to the bedroom of my youth.

There were "venetian blinds" on my window. Remember them? Big, fat, wide tin slats, coated with white paint.

As a child, I loved to say the words, "Venetian Blind." It sounded mystical and magical to my ears. I used to dream of one day going to Venice to see the original blinds on the windows from my Gondola.

Sometimes, I would whisper it like a prayer, "Venetian Blind," hoping against hope that God would hear me and provide a way for me to visit that wonderful place.

I loved the twice-daily ritual of "pulling the blinds closed" every night, and "pulling them open" every morning. It gave an order to the day, punctuating the beginning and the end in a way that was unmistakable.

I find myself keeping that little ritual every day. I sometimes find that I can't sleep until I pull the blinds closed. The day won't get off to a good start unless I pull them open in the morning.

So, too, with the changing of the seasons. Don't get me wrong, I'm a summer kinda gal. I love the hot weather. I even love the humidity. Well, what I love most is to kvetch about the humidity.

But, there's something wonderful about being in the North East Corridor for the beginning of each change of the four seasons we enjoy.

It's odd but, for me, there's a wonderful sense of security in the change.

It's a little like God pulling the blinds closed or open four times a year.

Blessings,

(the Rev'd) Elizabeth Kaeton
The Episcopal Church of St. Paul
200 Main StreetChatham, NJ 07928

A star is born!

2008-09-16T08:29:00.002-04:00

On June 15th, The Episcopal Church of St. Paul baptized our 1,000th member, Sabrina Yu Shan.

We are blessed to have in our community a professional film maker, Vern Oakley, whose staff at TRIBE Pictures (in Chatham) edited down more than an hour of video to a two minute thirty second "taste" of the day.

We are excited and delighted to share that video with you now which you can see by clicking here.

Note: Some have noted a bit of a glitch. If you notice that the video is "off center", click on the "TRIBE" icon just below it which will take you to the TRIBE web page. Then, click back to the video and - voila! - centered. (I'm thinking it's a very suspicious glitch ;~>)

Blessings,

(the Rev'd Dr) Elizabeth Kaeton
St. Paul's Episcopal Church
200 Main Street
Chatham, NJ 07928

Attention Cowgirls & Cowboys!

2008-09-15T08:37:00.000-04:00

St. Paul's Evening in the Wild West Auction on Saturday, October 18th is right around the corner. Please mail your attendance checks and your donation items in today! Additional copies of brochures are in the back of the church. You can place them in the collection plate, mail them into the Church office or give them to Jim Mollo.

We have several wonderful items already pledged for the auction, including a pool table, prepared dinner parties, a fishing trip and the use of several (yes, several) homes for vacations. While these are all very exciting large donations, in order for the auction to be successful, we also need many smaller items. Any kinck-knacks, baskets, or themed items would be greatly appreciated. If you have any questions, please see Jim. You can email him at mollos@comcast.net

In addition to any donated items you will be making please consider asking any local businesses that you frequent to contribute an item or gift certificate to their establishment. We can provide you with a letter and tax ID to support their tax deductible contribution.

Funds raised will help support the Youth Programs here at St. Paul's. It is also a wonderful way for us to come together as a community and celebrate!

The Saint Paul’s Singers

2008-09-09T10:01:00.001-04:00

St. Paul’s will hold a recruitment open house for its Youth Choir, The Saint Paul’s Singers, on Saturday, September 20. Interested youth and their parents are invited to drop in anytime between 12:00 and 3:00 p.m. Hot dogs will be served and revolving information sessions will be held for parents. Membership in the choir is free and is open to all boys and girls between the ages of 7 and 14, regardless of religious affiliation. Young people do not need to sight-read or prepare an audition piece.

The primary mission of the Saint Paul’s Singers is music education. Meeting twice a week on Wednesdays (3:30–4:30) and Sunday mornings (11:15–12:15, and 9:30–12:15 twice a month), young people will learn the principles of music, vocal production and music theory. Carpooling to rehearsals will be available. Using the acclaimed Voice for Life program from the Royal School of Church Music, singers will learn at an individual pace within the context of a fun group setting to develop strong musical, interpersonal, and leadership skills. Singers will perform the finest choral music of every age, from medieval chant to works of living composers. Those enrolled in Church School will find participation in The Saint Paul’s Singers to greatly compliment and enhance their Christian Education experience.

In addition to singing for worship services at The Episcopal Church of Saint Paul at 10:00 a.m. Sunday morning services twice a month, the St. Paul’s Singers will have a number of fun extracurricular performance opportunities throughout the year. During the 2007–2008 season, the group sang the National Anthem at the Newark Bears Stadium.

For more information, please contact Brandon Dumas, Director of Music, by phone at (973) 635-8085, or by email at bldumas@stpaulschatham.org.

St. George's/St. Paul's Show

2008-09-08T15:43:00.001-04:00

We have additional details on auditions for the new St. George's/St. Paul's Show, a production of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" to be held Feb. 20, 21, and 22 in 2009. Since the performers in the show both sing and dance, everyone who wishes to audition should attend the audition on Sunday, September 28 at 12:15 p.m. at St. George's Church, 550 Ridgewood, Rd. People auditioning can also stay and do their vocal audition after the short "movement audition" on the 28th. However, if they prefer, they can do the vocal audition separately on Sunday, Sept. 21 beginning at 12:15 at St. George's.

For the vocal audition, people should be prepared to sing 16 bars of any song they know and are comfortable with. It could be a hymn, pop, Broadway, or opera song. For more information and directions, contact Cindy Kane.

Are you known for your homemade jam?

2008-09-04T12:48:00.001-04:00

Do you have a great receipe for homemade candy? Are you a whiz at crafting? If so, let us know! In advance of the Christmas Bazaar on Saturday, December 6th we would like to hold some "work" sessions where parishoners can get together and craft, cook, etc. goods to sell at the St. Paul's table. Don't worry, we will still be doing the cookie walk and soup sales. We just want to increase our revenues this year. If you have an idea, please contact Allison Pishko or Cathy Hackett.

Get Your Sunday Groove Back

2008-09-03T13:47:00.001-04:00

Sunday, September 7th:

NO 8 AM Service

9:11 AM: Dedication of the Chatham Borough 9/11 Monument at Chatham Library Memorial Field

9:30 AM: Church School Registration Begins

10:00 AM Holy Eucharist featuring the dynamic preaching of the Rt. Rev'd Barbara Harris, followed by a festive reception and a panel discussion on "Race, Religion and Politics."

We welcome the Rt. Rev'd Barbara Clementine Harris who was the first woman (and the first African-American woman) to be elected and ordained to the episcopacy in The Episcopal Church and World Wide Anglican Communion in October, 1998. Previous to that, she was President of the Episcopal Church Publishing Company and the editor of The Witness Magazine, a prophetic, progressive, feisty quarterly journal which closely matched her theology, politics and temperament. She is also fondly remembered as having been the torchbearer at the service of the 'Philadelphia Eleven' - the first women to be 'irregularly ordained' in The Episcopal Church at the Church of the Advocate, Philadelphia, in 1974.

Dr. Arthur L. Pressley is Associate Professor of Religion and Psychology at the Theological School at Drew University in Madison, NJ. He is the author of "The Story of Nimrod: The Struggle with Otherness and the Search for Identity" in the recently published book: African American Religious Life and the Story of Nimrod.

The Rev'd Winnie Varghese is Episcopal Chaplain at Columbia University in NYC. She serves the church at the national level on the Anti-Racism Task Force where she has helped to design and implement Anti-Racism Curricula. She is an elected member of The Executive Council, which acts as the national counterpart of The Standing Committee for the Diocese or Vestry of a local church.

Both Dr. Pressley and Rev'd Varghese will be with us as part of Sunday's panel discussion.

Dr. Pressley will discuss Black Anger / Black Identity on Tuesday, September 9 at 7:30 PM

Rev'd Varghese will discuss The Reality of Racism and the Dream of God, Tuesday, September 16 at 7:30 PM

Please plan to join us and invite a friend to church with you.

This is a great way to "Get Your Sunday Groove Back"

You won't be disappointed. Promise.

BEREAVEMENT GROUP BEGINS

2008-09-02T08:33:00.000-04:00

A bereavement group will begin Wednesday, September 10, and meet every other week, on September 24th October 8th, 22nd, November 5th , 19th and December 3rd. Sessions will be at 2 - 3:15 pm at Calvary Episcopal Church, 31 Woodland Avenue. Summit. All who are coping with the loss of a loved one are invited to meet with other bereaved persons in a warm, supportive atmosphere. The group is interfaith and there is no charge. . For information, contact Chris Carroll, 973-762-1319, or Sue Hirner 908-273-8509

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7th

2008-08-28T13:44:00.000-04:00

The Chatham 9/11 Memorial will be dedicated on the grounds of the library at 9:11am on Sunday, September 7th. The N. Passaic Street entrance to the library parking lot will be closed for the duration of the ceremony and the reception afterwards. Please enter the church parking lot via Main Street for our 10am service on September 7th. Additional parking is available at the Center Street and Post Office lots and on N. Hillside Avenue.

Mail Ministry

2008-08-26T12:29:00.001-04:00

(Linda Coogan sends out a weekly letter to the homebound of our parish)

In Sunday’s gospel, Jesus asks a question: “But who do you say that I am?” I once took a class with that question as a title, a class in Christology - the study of Jesus the Christ and what he means to Christians. The answer? There is no answer. “Who do you say that I am?” Some say a prophet, some a savior, some a redeemer, some … well you get the drift. Take the question to heart this week. Don’t slough it off with stock answers. Really think about the roles Jesus played in his humanity, and the roles Christ plays today. This is the real question: What do you believe Jesus is? Wouldn’t it be nice to just answer with faith as Peter did. He just opened his mouth and said the first thing that came to mind. But the question is much more complicated than that, deserving serious thought before making a commitment. The Episcopalian via media of both/and serves well.

Really . . . think about it!

Religion, Race and Politics

2008-08-26T09:05:00.003-04:00

The Episcopal Church of St. Paul is delighted to present a three part series on Religion, Race and Politics.

Sunday, September 7th - 10 AM
The Rt. Rev'd Barbara Harris, Bishop Suffragan of the Diocese of MA, retried, will preach and preside followed by a panel discussion of the challenges of the historic speech "A More Perfect Union" by Barack Obama, given on March 18, 2008. (Watch it at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrp-v2tHaDo)

Panelists will include Bishop Harris, the Rev'd Dr. Arthur Pressley and the Rev'd Winnie Varghese.

On Tuesday, September 9th at 7:30 PM, Dr. Pressley will present a lecture and lead and lead a discussion on the psychology of Black anger.

On Tuesday, September 16th, at 7:30 PM, Rev'd Varghese will present a lecture and lead a discussion on the reality of racism and the dream of God.

Dr. Pressley is Associate Professor of Religion and Psychology at The Theological School at Drew University. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the International Institute of NJ in Jersey City. His latest publications is "The Story of Nimrod: The Struggle with Otherness and the Search for Identity" In African American Religious Life and the Story of Nimrod, Anthony B. Pinn and Allen Dwight Callahan, editors (Palgrave Macmillan, 2007).

Rev'd Winnie Varghese is the Episcopal Chaplain at Columbia University and a member of the Executive Council of The Episcopal Church where she serves on the Committee on Anti Racism and National Concerns.

Absolutely everyone is welcome to attend these crucial conversations.

Please be sure to invite a friend to church!

New St. George's/St. Paul's Show!

2008-08-20T10:14:00.001-04:00

St. George's Church in Maplewood has once again invited us to participate in their next musical production, to be held Feb. 20, 21, and 22 in 2009. This time we will put on a complete musical: Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat," based on the Biblical story of Joseph. Parishioners of all ages are welcome to audition for singing parts on Sunday, Sept. 21 or Sunday, Sept. 28 at 12:15 p.m. at St. George's Church, 550 Ridgewood, Rd., Maplewood. For more information and directions, contact Cindy Kane at kanehat@msn.com

Auction

2008-08-12T14:25:00.001-04:00

You should have received a letter from Jim Mollo and the Auction Committee seeking your attendance at the Western Themed 2008 auction and requesting donated items for the auction. Please get your reservation and donation form in soon! See Jim for a brochure if you can't locate yours.

It isn't too late to join the planning committee. Upcoming meetings will be held after the service on:
Sunday August 17th (see Tom Osucha for information)
Sunday August 24th (see Dan Patrick for information)
Sunday September 7th (and each Sunday thereafter -see Jim Mollo for information)

Please join us and help make this very important fundraiser a huge success for St. Paul's.

The auction will be held on Saturday, October 18th.

GETTING REAL…..

2008-08-11T09:50:00.000-04:00

If you believe that our youth deserves honest, medically accurate, complete and age appropriate sex education …..

If you believe that it is our moral responsibility to provide our children and teens with ALL the information they need to make responsible and informed decisions about their health…..

If you believe that federal legislation is needed to provide money to states to ensure these programs are in place….

If you believe that public policy should NOT reflect the tenets of one religious viewpoint……

THEN YOU SHOULD JOIN US AND our coalition partner, the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice on Wednesday 17 September starting at 7:15 p.m. at St Paul’s Episcopal Church in Chatham for a panel discussion on Sexuality, Faith and Public Policy.

Dessert and coffee will be served.RSVP (and directions) Lesley Frost 973-898-0555 lesleyfrost@verizon.net

Mail Ministry

2008-08-05T14:56:00.001-04:00

(Linda Coogan sends out a weekly letter to the homebound of our parish)

August 5, 2008

Hi. We had Rev. Bob Kriesat subbing for Elizabeth last Sunday. He is always welcome, but leaves no written sermon. Bob talked about an interesting point of the feeding of the 5,000 according to Matthew. He didn’t dwell on the miracle, itself. Instead, he asked that we take a look at a simple detail. Jesus asked the disciples to bring the bread to him. And he blessed it and broke it. Sound familiar? It’s a foreshadowing of the last supper; and those blessed and broken pieces of bread fed everyone in the crowd. There was nourishment for all, with plenty left over.

It comes to me as I write that that huge crowd received spiritual food from the hands of the disciples, not from the hands of Jesus. Hands are symbolic for me as channels of the work of the Holy Spirit. God gives humans the gift of being part of the creative flow of God throughout the universe, and what better metaphor is there than the inspired work of hands? What each individual passes out impacts the whole of the world, for better or worse. Where are you getting what flows out of your hands?

Linda Coogan, Assistant for Pastoral Care

Holy Cross Anglican School Update - August 2008

2008-08-05T11:26:00.008-04:00

The following was received as an email from the Holy Cross Anglican School in San Pedro Town, Belize (the site of our youth group's mission trip in 2007)

Dear Friends, Warm (actually hot!) summer wishes coming your way from Holy Cross Anglican School in Belize!! This summer has certainly been a busy time at the School filled with many celebrations, some unexpected challenges and, unfortunately, a few crisis. As we prepare for almost 500 students (wow!) to begin a new school year on September 1st, please keep us in your prayers and take a moment or two to catch up on the latest happenings at YOUR school here in San Pedro - smile!

We haveCELEBRATED the arrival of hundreds of volunteers from churches all across the USA , including:

All Saint’s Episcopal, Fort Worth, TX
St. Andrew’s Episcopal, Fort Worth, TX
South Crest Baptist Church, Lubbock, TX
St. Mary’s Episcopal, El Dorado, Arkansas
St. Stephen’s Episcopal, Edina, MN (two teams!)
Good Shepherd Episcopal, Kingwood, TX
Ladoga Christian Church, Ladoga, IN
St. Andrew’s Episcopal, Newport News, VA (two teams!)
=2 0 Assembly of God Church, Dallas, TX
St. Philip’s Episcopal, Frisco, TX
Eastern Shore Chapel Episcopal, Virginia
Beach, VA

We have CELEBRATED the offering of Vacation Bible School to our neighborhood children courtesy of the above volunteer groups. The happy sounds of excited children have floated across the school compound and many little folks have been kept off the streets for several hours each morning, learned about God and received a healthy mid-morning snack.

We have CELEBRATED the arrivals of: Jonathan and Lindsey, students from Dallas Christian College, who will be volunteering at the School until December; teachers Miss Laura and Miss Alex from California who taught Language Arts for our three week Summer School program; another great teacher, Miss Melissa, from Virginia who conducted teacher training and brought tons of supplies; Ms. Kelly and her daughter, Julia, from Canada who will spend the month of August helping set up classrooms and do bulletin boards; and many wonderful folks who have dropped by to visit and/or work a while at Holy Cross!

We have CELEBRATED with our recent graduates as they completed mandatory summer school - part of the enrollment process for San Pedro High School . They all did well and said it as ‘easy’ – smile.

W e have CELEBRATED the arrival of forty new Dell computers, several printers, projector and all the pieces and parts necessary to put together a state of the art computer lab - all transported free of charge by Pastor Tim Tam with Word at Work Ministries, Amarillo, TX. Many thanks to several wonderful computer donors who wish to remain anonymous and the Parish of St. Matthew’s in Pacific Palisades, CA for making this incredible gift possible! Thirty two volunteers from St. Matthew’s will be here next week - including Mr. Eric who will oversee the instillation and set up of the computer lab.

We have CELEBRATED the arrival of a generous grant (already spent!) for the computer lab secured by St. Luke’s Episcopal, Durham, NC and Mr. John Willard – it saved us from bankruptcy!

We have CELEBRATED the arrival of precious school supplies, tennis shoes, BOOKS!, uniform shirts and pants, back packs, art supplies, polo shirts for our teachers, printer cartridges, kitchen equipment, sports equipment, office supplies, lice shampoo and essential financial contributions – thanks to everyone who shared their bounty with the children of Holy Cross!!

Celebrations seem to go hand in hand with challenges here at Holy Cross. Since we always try to focus on the good things that are happening, our list of challenges is shorter but none the less significant!

We were CHALLENGED when the School Office was broken20into during a torrential rain storm in June. Although Mr. Freddy was right at the School, it was night time, the electricity was down and the storm was raging. We were out about $500 as the school camera, a cd player and petty cash were taken. Lesson learned…we changed locks on both doors to dead bolts and install additional lighting. (Not of much use when the electricity is off!)

We were (and continue to be) CHALLENGED by the needs of our twenty two recent graduates as they struggle to finance their first year of high school. It is difficult if not impossible to raise the money they need while trying to make ends meet here at Holy Cross. However, we know that God speaks to different hearts in different ways so some of you may feel called to assist with a scholarship. If so, send your contribution to Holy Cross and specify: Scholarship, High School.

We were CHALLENGED with security issues in the computer lab. Schools nationwide have been robbed as soon as computers were installed and we ourselves had just experienced a break in. Figuring that 40 new computers would be too enticing for thieves to ignore, we decided to put steel rods (rebar) welded together, into the walls, ceiling and floor and installed 2 inch thick wood doors covered with metal sheeting. We also decided to build a small apartment adjacent to the computer lab for the school warden – extra security. All this led to several current crises (PLEASE read on!!).

We are in the throes of a terrible financial CRISIS as the School owes the local hardware store almost $41,000US and the lumber yard almost $16,000US – a total of $57,000US!!! The addition of rebar in the computer lab and the building of the school warden's room cost us almost $25,000 - a totally unplanned for expense. The materials for the library, two new classrooms and another bathroom facility make up the additional debt of $33,000. Calls come everyday asking for payment – PLEASE HELP!!

We are in the throes of a terrible time-crunch CRISIS as the additional construction on the computer lab took two weeks out of the summer work schedule. That means the two classrooms and bathroom are just getting started (see attached photos) and the library needs tons of additional work. School opens on September 1st, so we've had to hire additional workers and everyone is doing overtime. That is exacerbating our financial crisis as we have higher labor costs and less available money to pay off debt – PLEASE HELP!!

We are in CRISIS as School opens in 27 days. That means the Feeding Program starts ($1,500US per week), sararies for the School bookkeeper, nurse and warden have to be paid ($500US per week), purified water is consumed in every classroom ( $125US per week), lots of toilets flush ($125US per week), lights, fans and now ac for the computer lab run up electric costs (best estimate is ar ound $250US per week), telephone use increases ($50US per week), janitor services to clean classrooms twice a month ($50US per week). And then there are sick children needing medication, septic tanks to be pumped out, land fill to purchase, and a thousand other things. A total financial meltdown is upon us - PLEASE HELP!!

YOU are our indispensable partners in this ministry called Holy Cross Anglican School. We've come so far with your continuing support....you've built this school, fed disadvantaged children, provided a solid foundation for their dreams. As partners and friends, we want you to rejoice with us when we celebrate, help us rise to the challenges we encounter and assist in times of crisis. We’re in crisis – PLEASE HELP!!!

As always your PRAYERS are desperately needed and your financial donations keep the School moving forward. The Government of Belize only pays teacher salaries - everything else in your loving hands!!!

Please make your check payable to: Holy Cross Anglican School. And please, pray, pray, pray!!!

Holy Cross Anglican School
San Pedro Town
Ambergris Caye , Belize

Remember to check the school web site at: www.holycrossbelize.org and blog at holycrossbelize.blogspot.com. Many thanks and Blessings, Francis

A death in our parish family

2008-07-31T13:01:00.000-04:00

Elizabeth Kaeton’s mother, Lydia Souza, died Wednesday morning. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time.

May the soul of Lydia Souza and all the souls of the faithfully departed through the mercy of God rest in peace.

Save the Dates

2008-07-31T08:59:00.000-04:00

Sunday, September 7, 10am
Bishop Barbara Harris will preside and preach, followed by an adult forum "Race, Politics & Religion"

Tuesday, September 9, 7:00pm
Dr. Arthur Pressley - "The Psychology of Race, Religion and Politics"

Tuesday, September 16, 7:00pm
Dr. Winnie Varghese, - "The Reality of Racism and the Dream of God"

Tuesday, September 30, 7:30pm
Honor Moore will read passages from her book "The Bishop’s Daughter". Discussion and book signing follows.

Mail Ministry

2008-07-29T13:18:00.001-04:00

July 29, 2008

Good mornin’ to you. It is a gorgeous summer day, the sun shining, locusts buzzing; the perfect day to get out in the garden. Phyllis gave me some lily seeds to try, and I’m very excited about sowing something that is usually grown from root stock rather than seed. Next year there may be some new lilies to brighten a certain spot. Maybe I’ll slip a couple of pretty rocks around the new plants. I have a few elm tree seeds. They will be started in a teeny pot, and transplanted to a BIG pot to grow big enough to survive in the ground. Some of the elms will be donated to my town, but at least one of them will find a final home in my yard. To add to the delight of sowing, I have some lavender seeds to sprinkle around the garden. Who knows what will happen? The yard is bound to have some special scented places next year.

Oh, the joys of letting God create through my hands! If I let go and watch and wait, the planted seeds will germinate and grow and become creative in themselves. Can you imagine a huge elm tree growing from a seed about this big ( ) ? Can you imagine the heady aroma of lavender generated by a tiny black dot-thing? Can you imagine long living lilies growing from the contents of a pod? Here’s the miracle — I can’t make them grow, you can’t make them grow. Nothing can happen to our work of sowing without the creative resurrection power of God. Aren’t we lucky to have that creative force in the world?? WOW!

Linda Coogan, Assistant for Pastoral Care

A death in our parish family

2008-07-22T10:12:00.003-04:00

Helen Ort, long time member of St. Paul's, died in her home Saturday, July 19 at Heath Village where she had resided for the past 8 years. A Celebration the Life of Helen Ort will be held at Heath Village on Friday, August 8 at 3:30 PM. Rev'd Elizabeth will preside. All are welcome!

Baptismal Love Letter: Taylor Grace

2008-07-16T10:11:00.000-04:00

“Hear the parable of the sower . . .” Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
A Baptismal Love letter for Taylor Grace Boughton
July 13, 2008 – Pentecost IX

The Episcopal Church of St. Paul, Chatham
(the Rev’d Dr.) Elizabeth Kaeton, rector and pastor

Dear Taylor,

What a delight to have your baptism today! You hold the distinction of being the 1001 person on record to be baptized at St. Paul’s Church. That is significant on several levels, none the least of which is that this is your ‘family church.’

Your mother and your mother’s parents have a long history of membership in this church, back when it was affectionately known as “The little white church,” Indeed, your mother was baptized here on June 13, 1974 and, while you are #1001, she holds the distinction of being #582 in the parish register of baptisms.

So, even though you don’t live close enough to this church at this time to be a member of this church, we’re still baptizing you here today. This church has been important to your mother’s family for several generations. I hope, one day, it will be important to you.

The gospel lesson about the parable of the seed is a most appropriate one for me to explain the relationship a family can have with a church which, over the years and succeeding generations, can come to have deep meaning beyond mere nostalgia and romanticism.

Taylor, I want you to know that when your mother was still pregnant with you, she called me about your baptism. Soon after she explained the reason for her call, she began to talk about her time as a child here at St. Paul’s. She had very fond memories of Christmas Pageants and learning what it takes to serve as an acolyte and carrying the torch candles just so. She remembered running through the Parish Hall and having one of the parents scoop her up and sternly asking her to walk . . .walk . . .walk so she didn’t fall and hurt herself. She remembered learning about her faith in Confirmation Class and then the day the bishop came to the church for the Sacramental Rite of Confirmation.

At first, you could hear in her voice that she wanted to convince me that she was a bona fide member of St. Paul’s so wouldn’t deny her the opportunity to have you baptized here. And, yes, you could also hear her wax nostalgic for the good old days here at St. Paul’s. The more she spoke, however, the more you could hear in her voice that she knew this was the right thing to do. That it was, in fact, important to baptize you here – for you, for her, for your father and brother, for your grandmother and the rest of your family. Slowly, she came to realize that St. Paul’s was her spiritual home.

We often talk about “roots” – putting down roots somewhere to make a home, or having roots firmly planted in a place far from where we actually live that will always be home. I have a “church home” at St. John the Evangelist in Boston where worked for two and a half years, as well as The Cathedral of St. Luke in Portland, Maine, where I was received into the Episcopal Church and which sponsored me for ordination.

Churches are like that. They are the place where the seeds of faith, the words of Holy Scripture and our call to community in Christ are scattered. The community that is here, Taylor, and how we live the way of Christ as we know it in Holy Scripture are part of the roots that are invisible in your soul. These seeds were planted in your soul before you were even born, because a seed had already been planted in your mother’s soul and her mother’s soul before her. Those seeds grew and put down roots and they have borne much great fruit.

The seeds are not planted in soil but in the human soul. They are nourished by the waters of Baptism and fed by the sacrament of Eucharist. They are sustained by the experience of re-living and re-enacting the story of Christ – of his birth during the Christmas Pageant, his life and death during Holy Week and walking the Stations of the Cross, and his resurrection in the glorious celebration of Easter Day.

These are the things that bind you here, Taylor, you and your brother and your family. The seeds of Scripture and Christian community that your parents and godparents are responsible for tending over the years – to make certain that you learn about the stories of who God is and why Jesus was sent to live among us, and how the Holy Spirit works in our lives now, and constantly reveals God’s presence in us and in the world in the future.

Dawn and Robert are not just here for the one-day honor of being your godparent. They are here today to make a lifetime commitment of tending the seeds: the Word of God implanted you as a new member of the Community of Christ. They are responsible for nourishing the roots of your faith, so that you make grow, as the prayer in our Baptismal liturgy petitions, into” the full stature of Christ”.

The work of watering and tending your faith will be taken on by your parents and Godparents and your community of faith until you come to the day of your Confirmation, the day when you take these vows and promises as your own responsibility, and you take your own unique place in Christian community.

That place may be here, eventually, but it will probably be in another church, in another place, with another Christian community. Not to worry. We don’t just say, “We believe in one Lord, one hope, one faith, one baptism.” We really mean it. Your membership is not only here, but wherever you go. Indeed, your membership in the community of saints is not just about here and now, but also in the great by and by – with all your relatives who loved this church and now rest eternally with Jesus. That’s part of the mystery of planting the seeds of faith deep in the good soil of your human soul.

Just know, Taylor, that no matter where you go, no matter where you happen to find yourself, no matter where you’ve been or who you think you’ve become, this place will always be your spiritual home. Home has been described as the place where, when you go there, they have to let you in. And, rest assured, we always will. Amen.

Anglican Communion 101

2008-07-15T14:28:00.001-04:00

Note: I wrote this just before leaving for General Convention, 2006. It was, in fact, the first post to my blog, "Telling Secrets". It occurs to me that much of what I wrote two years ago is still applicable and may be helpful for you to read before I leave for Lambeth Conference, July 18 - August 4. I will be there from July 21 - August 4, representing the Episcopal Women's Caucus, which I am privileged to serve as national president.

Friday, June 09, 2006

Anglican Communion 101

To my surprise, many of you have asked me questions about the latest development in the Episcopal Church. This surprises me because - if I am to believe my adult child ren - only a tiny handful of people in the entire universe are interested in the church in general and the Episcopal Church in particular.

Some of you know that The Episcopal Church is a member of the Anglican Communion, but you don't know what that means, much less what it means to be suspended from it - 'effectively' or not. My staff has urged me to give you the basics - an "Anglican Communion 101" - so you'll have a better understanding. They also asked that I do this in 1,000 words or less. If the resurrection is counted as the first miracle of Easter, this would count as the second.

Primate

First, some terms: A Primate is the chief bishop of a national province in the Anglican Communion (http://www.anglicancommunion.org/tour/index.cfm ). The Episcopal Church USA calls our Primate the "Presiding Bishop."

Windsor Report

The Windsor Report (http://www.anglicancommunion.org/commission/index.cfm) was issued last October (2005), the product of a worldwide commission charged with writing a response to the actions taken by the Episcopal Church in affirming the election of the Rt. Rev'd V. Gene Robinson as bishop of New Hampshire. Bishop Robinson is the first openly gay bishop in the Anglican Communion - but not the only gay bishop. Not by a long shot.

The response to the Windsor Repo rt came from a gathering of 35 of the 38 Primates of the Anglican Communion who gathered together in Northern Ireland in February (never to accused of taking a 'junket') to discuss the recommendations of this Report. Their response has become known as the Primates Communiqué (http://www.anglicancommunion.org/acns/articles/39/00/acns3948.cfm ).

In March, the House of Bishops of The Episcopal Church responded to both the Windsor Report and the Primates Communiqué, which has become known as The Covenant Statement (http://www.episcopalchurch.org/3577_60016_ENG_HTM.htm )

I'll do a little explanation of the Anglican Communion and finish with a brief interpretation of what it means for us in the pew.

Anglican Communion

When founded in the 16th century, the essential nature of Anglicanism was forged in the crucible of the Reformation. Queen Elizabeth I and other architects of our church like Thomas Cranmer and Richard Hooker, sought the via media, the "middle way" between Protestantism and Roman Catholicism, maintaining its moderate and inclusive character in part by not making a lot of pronouncements about doctrine or setting many requirements for belief.

What we pray is what we believe

Rather, the guiding principle of Anglicanism is, and has been, "lex orandi, lex credendi," or "what we pray is what we believe." If, for exa mple, you want to know our theology of marriage, you simply have to look in the book of Common Prayer and read that liturgy. So, too, with baptism or penitence or ordination.

While this is frustrating for those who like their religion writ large and spelled out clearly, the genius of Anglicanism is this: So long as we can worship together, say the historic creeds together, receive the Body and Blood of Christ together, we don't have to agree on every single jot and tittle of doctrine or practice. The peace of Christ will reign with us and among us - well, at least in theory.

Independent Provinces & the ABC

Likewise, the Anglican Communion consists of independent provinces, each of whom has its origins in the Church of England and worships according to a book whose origins can be traced by to the original 1549 Book of Common Prayer, adapted to local custom and culture. We pride ourselves on having "common prayer." (See "The Myth of Common Prayer. http://www.thewitness.org/ ).

There is no central governing authority as in the Roman Catholic Church. The Archbishop of Canterbury is respected as "first among equals," but has no legislative power over any province but his own. Each province's governing structure is self-determined, and the structure of the Episcopal Church USA reflects the democratic principles that formed our nation. It is a representative government, in which the laity and the clergy have equal voices, and our bish ops are elected by the people from among the clergy, not appointed by a monarch, or prince of the Church - as is the case in England and other places.

The Lambeth meeting

How does one know whether one is a member of the Anglican Communion? It's a very simple, very British method. One - or, rather one's bishop or Primate - is invited (every ten years!) - by the Archbishop of Canterbury to his home, Lambeth Palace, for a conference that has become known, simply, as "Lambeth." (It's a tad more complicated that this, but this is the essence of it.)

During this two-week assembly, bishops and primates from around the world gather at Canterbury, England, worshipping at the altar of Canterbury Cathedral established by St. Augustine in 597 AD., and hearing reports of how Christians around the world are living out their faith.

They also study together controversial issues of the day and "seek the mind of Christ" to come to some resolution on the matter. These resolutions become the standard of teaching - but not the doctrine - of the church. And, of course, these resolutions have no binding authority in our lives of faith. (The next Lambeth is scheduled in 2008. We'll know if we're still part of the communion if the invitation is in the mail.)

So what, you ask? So what does any of this mean for us?

The first thing to know is that, while our actions in the summer of 2003 - after the triennial General Convention of the Ep iscopal Church had affirmed Bishop Robinson's election and permitted his consecration to go forward - have caused severe distress in parts of the Anglican Communion, we have, in no way, been "suspended" - effectively or not.

Authority

We need to remember that no matter how many recommendations or statements that are made by the primates, they do not have the authority to suspend a member church from the Anglican Communion. They may say, "We are not in communion with you," and that would be the case between those particular provinces. That has been effectively the situation regarding the ordination of women for the last 30 years.

Indeed, there remain three diocese in The Episcopal Church that continue to refuse to ordain women - in direct violation of our canons and, are effectively not in communion with provinces and diocese (our own and all around the world) that do welcome the ministry of ordained women as deacons, priests and bishops. (NB: England does not allow the consecration of women to the episcopate.)

I believe that, by our actions in the summer of 2003, we have, somewhat inadvertently and without malice of forethought, wandered into what Martin Smith calls "the crucifyingly obscure boundaries of our faith."

This makes those of us who want our faith writ plain - in rules one through ten - very anxious and most unhappy. These folks earnestly believe the Episcopal Church has sinned and nothing less than "true repentance and amendment of life" will appease them.

Throw out TEC?

In other words, they want the ordination of Bishop Robinson declared null and void, the church to cease of blessing of same sex relationships, and require that no person of homosexual orientation be ordained in any capacity. If this does not happen, then these same folks want the Episcopal Church tossed out of (or, at least, uninvited from) the Anglican Communion.

And, of course, this won't happen. Essentially, nothing will really change for most folk in the pew at our church, or in our diocese, or in most places in the Anglican Communion. This is not because the issues are unimportant but, rather, because most places around the world have been dealing with issues of human sexuality in general and homosexuality in particular for years.

It is my sincere hope that the recommendation of the Windsor Report, which was repeated in the Primates' Communique and the Bishops Covenant Statement, will be taken seriously and enacted: that conversation with God's LGBT people be encouraged, and that study and education about homosexuality be promoted.

What we need to do...

We need to be as gracious and as generous as we can possibly be, allowing time for our sister s and brothers in the so-called Developing Nations to have the opportunity to deal more deeply with these diverse (if not divisive) cultural issues which are relatively new and "foreign, Western" ideas and constructs to many of them.

As frustrating and difficult as it is, we need to extend that same generosity of spirit to those in the Episcopal Church who fan the flames of intolerance both here and abroad. Jesus taught us that his Way, his Truth and his Life are not well served by meeting intolerance with intolerance. Hate will not change hate. Only love can do that. And, the new commandment Jesus gave us is: "Love one another." This is the impossible vocation Jesus gave to us all in our baptism.

To say, "these are the times that try men's souls" is rather like creating a tempest in a teapot. It is not to say, however, that these are not seriously difficult times in our church. Most certainly, they are.

However, I do believe that, by God's grace, we will find a way to move forward. Together. Intact. But it will not be without struggle. Nothing of any importance ever is. I believe the Anglican Communion is a gift of God to the people of God. As such, it is our responsibility and deep joy, as good stewards, to do everything in our ability to care for this gift. I believe our Presiding Bishop is doing just that.

If this raises more questions than answers for you, please let me know. I am most pleased to organize an adult forum or teaching series for you. I love the church, the Body of Christ, and find Her endlessly fascinating. I'm deeply pleased to know that there are those of you who do, too.

Blessings,

(the Rev'd Dr) Elizabeth Kaeton
St. Paul's Episcopal Church
200 Main Street
Chatham, NJ 07928

Contentment

2008-07-15T08:54:00.001-04:00

(Saturday, July 12, 2008)

It's another beautiful day in the neighborhood. The fish are jumping and the sun is high and already so hot there's a haze all around its yellow-white orb.

The fishermen have been chugging out on their boats since about 5:30 this morning. You can almost feel their excitement about what they might catch today as they tend to their rods and reels and nets.

"Looks like a good day for fishin'" I called out to one of them.

"Don't get much better," he replied with a huge grin.

There aren't too many of us who get up in the morning to go to work and look forward with great anticipation and excitement for what the day will bring.

For many people, work is a means to an end. It puts food on the table and a roof over their heads, but not much more. It is back-breaking and soul-depleting, with no hope for respite until, perhaps, retirement when social security and a part time job at WalMart or as the night janitor at Papa Gino's gives you the means to take an occasional guided tour bus trip to Atlantic City or The Grand Ole Opry, or Washington, DC with other retirees.

For others, it goes beyond that to the kind and quality of food you put on your table and the opulence of the roof on the house in a particularly exclusive neighborhood where you park your special edition automobile after you've driven your kids to their excellent (if not private) school. It doesn't make your work any more meaningful, but it does make it more tolerable.

Well, most days, anyway.

I had a conversation the other day with one of the Baymen who was picking up a few supplies at "The Bait Shoppe" next to the little Mom and Pop place where I pick up my coffee and newspaper in the morning.

Can I just say that it is still more than a little disconcerting to know that the same guy who makes my coffee is also the one who runs The Bait Shoppe with the large sign out front that happily declares, "Worms! Fresh Worms!" right next to the sign on the Convenience Store in a similar style that says, "Coffee! Fresh, Hot Coffee."

Maybe that's why I always smell my coffee before I drink it.

I said to him, "You really love your work, don't you?"

"Yup," he said in that way that let me know that I'm not quite an idiot but politely enough to give me the very clear message that he wasn't about to get into a conversation about the obvious.

"It looks like hard work," I said.

"Yup," he smiled, probably thinking to himself, "Okay, she's really an idiot."

"What is it that you love about it," I asked, figuring at this point, what did I have to lose? I mean, he already thought I was a idiot.

"Well, I do okay," he said. "I'm not rich but my wife and my kids are okay." Then, he gave a sigh and, thinking that he'd put an end of the conversation said, "I'm content."

He obviously had no idea who he was talking to.

"Content?" I asked. I was intrigued by the word.

"Yup," he said, now no doubt thinking, "Hubboy! I gotta get me outta he-ya."

"You know," I pressed, "not too many people can say that about their work."

He turned and looked at me, resigned, perhaps, to set me straight. "Well, it's like this. The wife gets at me all the time cuz I don't go to church with her on Sunday. Says it's not a good example for the kids."

He spit out some liquid made brownish-yellow from the chewing tobacco under the front of his bottom lip before he continued.

"But, I look at it this way: I get to be with God every day. When I'm out there, fishing, making a living, I'm also real close to God. I pray everyday when I'm out there. And not just words. I talk with God. Tell 'im what I need. Ask 'im to be generous. And, he is. You know?"

"So, yeah. I'm content. I got the best job in the world. I'm not rich and I ain't never gonna be rich, but it's okay. It provides for my family and brings me close to God. It don't get much better than that."

"Yup," he said as he spit on the ground again, "Content. I'm content."

I smiled and thanked him as I offered a handshake. He seemed surprised and then pleased as he took my hand in his and then looked me in the eye and studied me for a few minutes.

"You're content too, ain't cha?"

"Yup," I said.

And we both laughed as he shook his head and got into his car and drove away.

Funny, isn't it? How we can recognize in others what we don't necessarily see in ourselves.

Contentment.

I wouldn't have used that word, but that, in fact, is what I am.

Content.

I've got the best job in the world. I work hard and often don't have a "daily catch" to show form my labor. I'm not rich, and never will be, but I do okay. It provides for my family and I get to talk with God every day.

And you know,it just doesn't get much better than that.

Except, perhaps, for a Bayman.

Blessings,

(the Rev'd Dr) Elizabeth Kaeton
St. Paul's Episcopal Church
200 Main Street
Chatham, NJ 07928

Chatham Emergency Squad-Blood Bank 7/26/08

2008-06-30T08:34:00.001-04:00

The Chatham Emergency Squad(CES) will host the North Jersey Blood Services with a Blood Bank on Saturday July 26th from 8AM to 1:30PM and the CES building at 31 North Passaic Avenue, Chatham. There is considerable parking behind the CES building in the Center Street lot; donors may enter the building from that rear lot or thru the Squad bay doors on Passaic Avenue.

Donors should be in good health, ages 17 to 76; proof of identity is required. Questions about eligibility on giving can be directed to 800-688-0900. Cholesterol screening will be provided by the Blood Center staff. Refreshments will be served.

Summer is a tough time on blood supplies-why not come down and donate; it will take about one hour.

Gail MacNeil’s undying spirit lives on

2008-06-26T11:05:00.000-04:00

Co-founder of the Kaleidoscope of Hope loses 10-year battle with ovarian cancer

By KATE BREX, Editor
Published: Thursday, June 26, 2008 9:12 AM EDT Chatham Courier

CHATHAM TWP. - Gail MacNeil’s experience, strength and hope is the spiritual legacy of a life lived to the full a life filled with grace and dignity and a life that will be sorely missed by a whole host of people.

Mrs. MacNeil, 65, died, Saturday, June 21, at her home in Chatham Township with her family by her side after a 10-year battle with ovarian cancer a battle that she ultimately lost, but a war that can be won due to her tireless efforts.

Her husband of 42 years, David, her daughters Jocelyn McCarthy and Karen Nordmeyer, three grandchildren Skyler, Alicia and Mia and sisters Jacky Wilkes and Pippa Cacciato and numerous in-laws survive her.

She died on the Summer Solstice, the longest day with the most light – a fitting tribute to a woman who brought the most light to people’s lives.

Her family, friends and colleagues who collectively shared the same sentiment said, “She was a wonderful, strong and brave woman.”

Co-founder of the Kaleidoscope of Hope (KOH), along with Lois Meyers and Patricia Stewart, both of Harding Township, Mrs. MacNeil was a hurricane of hope for those who suffered from the disease and a stalwart support for the family and friends of cancer survivors, whose lives she so profoundly touched.

A Foundation Of Hope

The foundation, founded in 2000, is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising funds and awareness of ovarian cancer.“

She has been an inspiration to all of us who have had the honor and pleasure of knowing and working with her, especially to all the cancer survivors and their families whose lives she’s so passionately touched over the past ten years,” said Lois Meyers in an email. “There is no one who comes close to Gail as the supreme role model of courage, strength and bravery in so brilliantly facing the challenges of living with ovarian cancer. We were blessed and honored to have had Gail in our lives."

Born in Derby, England, and raised in Canterbury, Mrs. MacNeil came to the United States in 1965 moving to Chatham in 1971 with her husband David MacNeil, whom she met in the fall of 1964 in Lugano, Switzerland. Mrs. MacNeil was the secretary to the director of the postgraduate program of the American School in Switzerland and her future husband was a teacher.

A top producing sales associate and broker for Coldwell Banker in Madison, Mrs. MacNeil won numerous professional awards including the 2003 “Realtor of the Year” and the 2004 “Humanitarian of the Year.”

But Mrs. Mrs. MacNeil’s real legacy is found in her efforts to find a cure for ovarian cancer and in the foundation she left behind that will continue her fight.Marc Boisclair, a Chatham resident and vice president of the Kaleidoscope of Hope Foundation, was Mrs. MacNeil’s desk mate at Schlott Realty 22 years ago before it merged with Coldwell Banker. They have been friends and colleagues ever since.

"Gail never went half-way on anything,” said Boisclair on Monday. “She gave everything absolutely all her energy. She enjoyed her family, friends and life in general to the max. That is her legacy. We will miss her. She went peacefully. Her spirit and work will stay with us well after she is gone.”

Boisclair noted that while ovarian cancer is technically a “women’s disease,” it is very important for men to be included in raising awareness, as well.

“We all have moms or wives, sisters or daughters. I had a cousin, Joann. She died of ovarian cancer last summer,” he said. “So I felt especially obligated to get more people involved and it has worked and will continue the work.”

Mrs. MacNeil was committed to the need to educate other women about the transitory early symptoms of ovarian cancer and the need for early detection of the disease when fighting this devastating disease.

Praise For Others

On Saturday, April 5, the Kaleidoscope of Hope Foundation honored Novartis Oncology in Florham Park, with a special recognition for registered nurse Mildred Ortu Kowalski, Novartis Oncology Patient Advocacy Relations, for the company’s pursuit of a cure for the deadly disease.

At the gala, Mrs. MacNeil said that Kowalski and Novartis had gone that extra mile for the foundation’s “Turn the Towns Teal” campaign a campaign blitz of teal ribbons plastered around Morris County and the state to raise awareness saying, “Under Milli’s leadership, Novartis Oncology ‘turned Novartis teal’ with ribbons throughout the campus and encouraged its employees to take the ribbons home to their own towns.”

In September, volunteers will tie teal-colored ribbons around Chatham Township trees, as well as trees throughout the county and state, in recognition of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

But now, not only will the teal-colored ribbons be ovarian cancer awareness-raising symbols, but also reminders of Mrs. MacNeil’s tireless work and her never-ending spirit.

In 2008 and under Mrs. MacNeil’s direction, Kaleidoscope of Hope (KOH) presented researchers with $200,000 in awards, bringing the total to more than $1 million granted for research.

“This is a remarkable achievement by Gail, Lois and Patty with support from the army of people who believed in them,” said friend and publicist Susan Youdovin “The research awards are substantive and meaningful. Gail spearheaded the “Turn the Towns Teal” program.”

Cancer survivor and “Turn the Towns Teal” blogger Dee Sparacio said she would miss her friend and colleague.

“I will miss her British accent and the wonderful way she had of asking people to support KOH. Who could refuse? No one will be able to fill those Teal Shoes,” said Sparacio. “ She was an inspiration to me and I will miss her at our monthly board meetings. She and her family are in my thoughts and prayers.”

The Cancer Institute of New Jersey (CINJ) in New Brunswick sees more than 2,000 patients each year in its gynecological oncology department. KOH, responding to the institute’s need for more board-certified gynecologic oncologists, began a four-year training program for post-doctoral students.

Touched Many Lives

Although, Paula Hunchar, executive director of the Cancer Institute, only knew Mrs. MacNeil for four years, she claimed her as a friend.“She was an accomplished, courageous woman,” said Hunchar.

“She was always a lady and very creative. Because of her vision the ‘Turn the Towns Teal’ program is going to take off.”

Dr. Lorna Rodriguez, director of the Gynecolgic Oncology Division of the CINJ’s ovarian cancer research program, pointed to Mrs. MacNeil as one of the institute’s biggest supporters.

“She will be missed by all the doctors, nurses and staff at CINJ and her work will last as results from the research flourish in the upcoming years,” said Rodriguez on Tuesday. “Gail’s drive to fight ovarian cancer was inspirational. She was determined to do something big and to get others to contribute big. After her passing, I hope that we, as well as others that helped her fight, continue her path of tenacity until we find the cure for ovarian cancer.”

Coldwell Banker Realtors Gerri Meer and Gail MacNeil were co-workers and friends for eight years and for seven years Meer volunteered at the foundation. As a member of the foundation’s executive board and chairwoman of the Morris Walkathon, Meer worked closely with Mrs. MacNeil on many projects.

“Gail was an inspiration. After being diagnosed with ovarian cancer she never said ‘why me,’” said Meer. “The positive, determined attitude continued for all the 10 years she struggled with ovarian cancer. She always had a can-do spirit and was willing to help anyone at any time. Her powerful drive was a force to be reckoned with. Once Gail had an idea for a project or any idea, nothing could deter her from that task. She dragged you along willing or not. After some time, you finally caught her enthusiasm and were glad for the ride.”

Meer said that Mrs. MacNeil was the true driving force behind KOH

“Her wisdom and guidance has helped make the foundation the premier ovarian cancer foundation in New Jersey,” she said. “One could not have a better friend...thoughtful and caring. When I lost my father a year ago, and Gail was going through chemo, she took the time to come to his wake and memorial service held in Bergen County.”

Mrs. MacNeil’s family was her life, she said.

“She will be greatly missed, but her fighting spirit will always live through KOH,” said Meer.

Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen, R-11, who was a friend to Mrs. MacNeil and supporter of her foundation, was deeply saddened by her passing.

“She was a dear friend, an incredibly brave woman and a dedicated advocate for ovarian cancer research,” said Frelinghuysen on Tuesday. “In the face of her own battle with ovarian cancer, Gail worked tirelessly at the Kaleidoscope of Hope so that others may survive and to hopefully prevent the disease from ever happening. I am honored to have called Gail a friend and the fitting way to remember her legacy is to continue the efforts she put in place.”

Mrs. MacNeil also served on the Chatham Township Environmental Commission and the Advisory Committee on Affordable Housing. She was a past director of the Chatham Area Chamber of Commerce and past director of the Chatham Township League of Women Voters and a member of the vestry of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on Main Street.

Former Chatham Township Mayor Abigail Fair, who was deeply saddened by Mrs. MacNeil’s passing, said on Monday, “She was an incredible woman.”

A funeral service celebrating her life was held on Wednesday, June 25, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 200 Main St.

The first Kaleidoscope of Hope Golf Classic will be held Monday, June 30, at the Brooklake Country Club in Florham Park. The event will help raise money for ovarian cancer research. The day’s events include a barbecue beginning at 11 a.m., with a 12:30 p.m. Shotgun Tee-Off and an end-of-day cocktail reception, dinner, awards and silent auction. The cost is $300 per player and $200 to sponsor a hole. The cocktail reception and dinner will cost $100. For information or to sign up for the golf classic, visit www.kohnj.org or contact Peggy Lee Peterson at plpeterson@optonline.net.

Copyright © 2008 - Recorder Community Newspapers

Save the Dates

2008-06-25T13:53:00.000-04:00

Sunday, September 7, 10am
Bishop Barbara Harris will preside and preach, followed by an adult forum "Race, Politics & Religion"

Tuesday, September 9, 7:00pm
Dr. Arthur Pressley - "The Psychology of Race, Religion and Politics"

Tuesday, September 16, 7:00pm
Dr. Winnie Varghese, - "The Reality of Racism and the Dream of God"

Tuesday, September 30, 7:30pm
Honor Moore will read passages from her book "The Bishop’s Daughter". Discussion and book signing follows.

1,000th Baptism

2008-06-18T15:15:00.000-04:00

Dear Friends,

On Sunday, June 15, 2008 Sabrina Yu Shan became the 1,000th person to be baptized in our household of faith.

Sabrina was born in Taiwan and was recently adopted by her parents who just returned from her home country where they formalized the adoption and then carried her with great rejoicing to her new home and family.

I preached a Baptismal Love Letter - the gospel appointed for the day through the lens of her baptism - as I have for the other 64 souls I have been privileged to baptize in my 6 years at St. Paul's.

I write these 'love letters' to underscore my strong belief in the primacy of this sacrament, along with the sacrament of Holy Eucharist, as the two that shape and form our lives together in Christ. The five sacramental rites also shower us with grace - 'unearned and undeserved' - at various times and at various milestones as we journey in our lives of faith.

I write them, too, in the hope that parents will save them in their children's baby book, so that they might use them, one day in the fast-approaching future, as a spiritual meditation as they prepare for Confirmation.

Two other people have written her beautiful, prayerful "love letters" which I wish to share with you, that you may be inspired to join us in prayer and that you may also rejoice in the gift of your own baptism:

Dear Sabrina,
Congratulations on becoming the 1,000th person baptized at St. Paul’s Church. I pray that you will build on the wisdom and faith of your parents, your family and friends and your spiritual ancestors – and the extraordinary giftedness of who you are – and become, in time, a fierce and bold bearer of hope in the name of the living Christ.

In peace,

+Mark(the Rt. Rev’d) Mark BeckwithBishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark.

Dear Sabrina Yu Shan,

Today marks your entry into the Body of Christ, and today many, many new sisters and brothers will welcome you. You are joining a family that has welcomed nearly 1,000 others in its 100+ years at St. Paul’s in Chatham, and many millions who have bound themselves to our elder Brother, Jesus. All of us – all of us - join in reminding you that you are much loved, and we promise to keep on reminding you. As you grow, we pray that you will come to know and believe that you are God’s beloved and begin to proclaim that good news to others. May God’s blessing be abundantly evident in your life.

Shalom,

+Katharine(the Most Rev’d) Katharine Jefferts SchoriPresiding Bishop and PrimateThe Episcopal Church

Blessings,

(the Rev'd Dr) Elizabeth Kaeton
St. Paul's Episcopal Church
200 Main StreetChatham, NJ

http://www.stpaulschatham.org/
Check out my blog: http://telling-secrets.blogspot.com/

Interfaith Food Pantry

2008-06-18T10:03:00.000-04:00

Help - The Interfaith Food Pantry needs help especially in the summer. On Saturday afternoon, August 16th, we plan to help by moving food and restocking shelves. We need at least 8 people and transportation. Please sign up in the Narthex if you can help. If you can't help that day, please consider donating food. Thank you. If you have questions please see Joan Hipp.

St. Paul's Vacation Bible School 2008

2008-06-11T08:36:00.000-04:00

This summer, join us once again for St. Paul's VBS 2008 on August 11-15 (9am-Noon). This year's theme is SonWorld Adventure Park: A Thrilling Ride with Jesus! Kathy Byers will once again be our featured children's musician. We welcome all children age 4 up to those entering 5th grade in the fall. Cost is $50 per child (Scholarship assistance available). Registration deadline is July 29th. Any questions, please contact Timothy Wong at the parish office (973.635.8085).

The Secret Gardens of the Chatham Area

2008-05-28T12:25:00.000-04:00

Tour six private gardens in Chatham, Madison and Harding Twp. Tuesday, June 17, 10am-3pm. Tickets at DJ Crater, Cachet Gifts and the Senior Center. Please see Ann Bennet if you have any questions. Proceeds to benefit the Senior Services of the Chathams.

Summer Weeding Season

2008-05-28T12:17:00.000-04:00

We need help! Please join us on Monday evenings at 7pm - 1st and 3rd Mondays at St Paul’s, 2nd and 4th at the Diversity Garden (at the train station).

Preparations for the Country Jamboree Auction —October

2008-05-23T10:36:00.000-04:00

Coming in October, there will be an evening of fun and food, fellowship and fundraising. Saint Paul’s will be holding a dinner and auction.

Jim Mollo and several wonderful volunteers are organizing this event. Please plan to attend.

To have some fun ahead of time, join a committee. OR Brainstorm—be creative and think of a unique item to donate for the auction. In the past there have been some wonderful and useful donations. These included babysitting, sailboat excursions, birthday party assistance, bulbs complete with planting, and gourmet feasts.

Watch for more information in ahead.

Questions — contact Jim. Mollo.

Feed My Sheep —Save the date, August 16 To Help at the Interfaith Food Pantry

2008-05-23T09:54:00.000-04:00

“I used to bring you donations, I never thought I’d come to you for food.” More and more words like these are heard at the Interfaith Food Pantry. Yes, they even provide food for Chatham families. In this economy they need our help more than ever, especially in the summer when donations of food, time and money fall off.

We are planning to help this summer. We need volunteers on Sat. Aug. 16th from 1 to 3 PM. Please put it on your calendars now. We will be restocking their shelves.

We need 8 bodies and a few cars to get the job done. If you can’t volunteer please help by dropping off food in the baskets in the narthex for the pantry.

If you can volunteer please let us know. Contact Joan Hipp (jebhipp@hotmail.com).

"An Attempt At Haiku"

2008-05-21T13:03:00.000-04:00

On a Cross of Pain,

Time and Space pause to witness.

The presence of Hope.

Bill, May 24, 2007

Rejoice with us!

2008-05-13T15:56:00.000-04:00

On Father's Day, June 15, Sabrina Yu Shan Wang will be baptized at the 10 AM Service at St. Paul's, Chatham. Her's will be the 1,000th baptism recorded in our community of faith.

We are planning a grand festive "homecoming" celebration. All those who have been baptized in this church will have nametags with the number of their baptism. We are encouraging everyone to call the church where they were baptized and write on their baptismal date and number on their nametags. We are also encouraging everyone to wear white. Letters from the Presiding Bishop and our own Diocesan Bishop will be read.

You are cordially invited to join us with your prayers and presence that day.

Episcopal Relief and Development needs your help

2008-05-13T08:20:00.000-04:00

Episcopal Relief and Development needs your help to provide emergency assistance to communities in Myanmar (Burma) devastated by Cyclone Nargis.

The situation in Myanmar is dire. At best, the country’s infrastructure is marginal and the storm has placed an unbearable strain on already limited services. Power outages and scattered debris continue to hamper recovery efforts. But the full extent of the damage remains unclear due to poor communications and roads made impassable by the storm.

Working with local Anglican and ecumenical partners, Episcopal Relief and Development is sending funds to secure desperately needed shelter, food, water and other critical supplies for people displaced by the cyclone.

Please contribute to these life-saving efforts today.

Because of our existing relationship with local partners on the ground, Episcopal Relief and Development is able to respond quickly within the country.

Batter up! St. Paul's Chatam at Newark Bears Stadium

2008-05-08T14:24:00.000-04:00

Friday night, May 30th is St. Paul's (Chatham) Night at Newark Bears Stadium.

Our choir will sing the National Anthem and the Rector will throw out the first pitch. (Yes, way!)

The game starts at 07:05 PM.

Tickets are only $10 and proceeds benefit the Music Program at St. Paul's, Chatham. This promises to be a fun night for everyone - young and old, sports enthusiast or coach potato.

To reserve your seat, please call the church office: 973 635 8085.

"Root, root, root for the Home Team! If they don't win it's a shame. For it's one, two, three strikes you're out at the old ball game."

LEARNING THROUGH “EfM” By Rosemary Wright

2008-05-07T09:31:00.000-04:00

For the last three years I’ve been participating in a program called Education for Ministry or “EfM.” Every fall, there is an opportunity for people to join the program, and both I and they would love to have more people from St. Paul’s participate.

Wait. Ministry? Is Rosemary looking to be ordained? To put your mind at rest that this is not the case, let me tell you about the program.

It’s not what the name suggests to some people, namely preparation for becoming an ordained minister at a seminary. EfM is, rather, a lay seminar of 6-12 people in which participants learn seminary-like material in a hands-on, applied way geared to people trying to live as Christians in today’s world.

EfM comes out of the School of Theology of the University of the South. It covers “the basics of a theological education” in four one-year segments on, respectively, the Old Testament, New Testament, Church History, and Theological Choices and Philosophy.

What time and money are required? We sign up for one year at a time. Excluding the summer months, we meet once a week for 3 hours, for which we prepare an additional 2-4 hours. The fee is $340 per year, which pays for all study materials.

What do we get out of it? Once a week we have the privilege of meeting with a small group of people, with whom we have formed a community in the best sense of the word.

We read (over two years) a large part of the Bible, which we take seriously, but in historical and social context. We compare notes from our particular year’s readings, because all four years meet together, learning and teaching each other from our particular year’s readings.

We take turns bringing in topics on which we “theologically reflect.” We discuss just about anything, from personal experience to current social norms to particular scripture to medieval art to current movies, reflecting on what the topic in question means to us as Christians.

In my particular group, we express more misgivings and doubts than certainty. We worship. We talk. We laugh. We cry. We eat. We meet in a beautiful setting. We miss Thursday mornings only for dire reasons, because the group has become really important to us.

The group to which I belong meets on Thursday mornings at the Convent of St. John the Baptist in Mendham. Our excellent and thought-provoking leader is Mark Waldon, rector of Christ Church, Totowa. Bill Schatzabel and Linda Coogan belong to another of Mark’s groups, one which meets on Monday evenings in Totowa. Both groups need new members every fall, as the fourth year people graduate.
If this sounds like something you’d like to do, please check out the web site (http://www.sewanee.edu/EFM/index.htm), then catch Linda, Bill, or myself at Coffee Hour, or call me on 973-635-7312 or e-mail me at rwright973@optonline.net. We’ll be having sample sessions over the summer, so you can try it out before you commit the time and money. Please consider joining us!

Welcome to The Epistle Online

2008-05-01T16:17:00.000-04:00

Welcome to The Epistle Online, an interactive publication of The Episcopal Church of St. Paul in Chatham, NJ

Here you will find sermons and reflective essays by the rector and staff, wardens and members of the Vestry as well as members of St. Paul’s. From time to time, we’ll also post notices of events which are anticipated and then post a report of how it went.

We’re also hoping to eventually post a pod cast and/or video link of some of the sermons and music which are the daily bread of our Sunday worship together.

This online version of The Epistle is meant to fill the void between the need to disseminate information about upcoming community events and the request for essays that get behind the facts and into the heart and soul and mind of those in our community.

We hope that you “talk back” to the rector about her sermon. We look forward to you sharing your thoughts and responses to the vision of the leaders of our congregation. It is our desire that this interactive feature of communication will fire your imagination and stir your own thoughts about how we live our life together as a Body of Christ.

The entry of The Epistle Online is a sermon preached by our Rector, the Rev’d Elizabeth Kaeton on the Sixth Sunday after Easter, March 27, 2009.

What do you think? Do some of the gospels confound or confuse you? Did Rev’d Elizabeth help you better understand this particular passage? How are you inspired by this Gospel to bring the Good News of Christ Jesus to others? What are you called to do because of this Gospel?

May God bless you and this new venture, using the tools of technology to edify the body of Christ and bring greater glory to God.

“ . . .and he will give you another Advocate . . .”
John 14:15-21
VI Easter – April 27, 2000
The Episcopal Church of St. PaulChatham, NJ
(the Rev’d) Elizabeth Kaeton, rector and pastor

I must confess that sometimes, when reading the Gospel of John, I can get myself so tangled up in his use of words and convoluted sentence structure that I either get frustrated and annoyed or, well, sometimes I just get downright silly. I mean, listen again to this: “On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you.”

I confess that as I tried to pray into these words, I was interrupted by the words of another John – Lennon, that is – which buzzed into the quiet of my meditation like a mosquito in the thick of summer: “I am he as you are he as you are me and we are all together." That of course, is from Lennon's "I am the Walrus."

Free association being what it is (and, of course, potentiated by a lovely glass of wine) it’s not a far jump from there, to Lewis Carroll’s poem of ‘The Walrus and the Carpenter’:

"The time has come/the Walrus said/“To talk of many things/ Of shoes and ships and sealing-wax / Of cabbages and kings /And why the sea is boiling hot/And whether pigs have wings”.

See what I mean? Reading the Gospel of John can lead you through quite a jumble of words and thoughts and lead you to take flights of fantasy. Take, for example, the idea of the Holy Spirit. This section of John’s Gospel is from the Farewell discourses of Jesus. We use them now because we are preparing for The Ascension of Jesus – which is this coming Thursday – and then Pentecost, which is May 11th.

Jesus is preparing his disciples for his eventual departure by consoling them with the idea of The Holy Spirit, whom he names “The Advocate” and “The spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him.”

One of the kids in Confirmation Class nailed me on the question of the Holy Spirit just last week. We were doing one of my favorite series of classes on The Creeds, after which, the kids get to write their own Creed. They were cool with the idea of God and they completely got Jesus, but they were stumped about the Holy Spirit. “Who is it?” they wanted to know. “How is the Holy Spirit part of the Trinity?”

My usual explanations didn’t seem to work. “Well,” I said, think of the Trinity as water. It can exist in three states, liquid, ice and vapor, yet it is a single element.” I saw a few light bulbs going on above the heads of some, so I pressed on.

“This is really very simplistic and doesn’t really convey the mystery of the Trinity and the uniqueness of each person, but think of the liquid state of water being God, the ice being Jesus, and vapor being The Holy Spirit. They are three different states of water, but they are, each in their own way, still water. See?”

There were a few sparks of insight in some of their faces. Others seemed nonplussed. Still others had that unmistakable look of teenage boredom. I might have been the Walrus talking about shoes and ships and sealing wax and whether pigs have wings, or John Lennon, sitting on a cornflake singing “Goo-goo-gachoo.”

One of the darling cherubs gave me “The Face.” You know. You’ve seen it on your teenaged kids. “Vapor?” she asked incredulously. “The Holy Spirit is a vapor?” “No,” I said, “The Holy Spirit is LIKE vapor. You can’t always see it, but you know it’s there.” She rolled her eyes up to heaven and I could tell she was silently praying for a merciful end to my explanation. Well, I thought, at least she’s praying something, even if it’s just for her priest to shut up and go away.

It’s difficult to believe in these concepts, isn’t it? The Trinity. The Resurrection. The Holy Spirit. The Ascension of Jesus. I suspect it was as difficult for the ancient mind as it is for the postmodern intellect to wrap itself around these great mysteries of our faith.

St. Paul told the people of Athens that “God . . .does not live in shrines made by human hands . . . and ‘in him we live and move and have our being’, adding ‘ . . .we ought not to think that the deity is like gold, or silver, or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of mortals.” (Acts 17:22-31) Jesus reassures us that the Holy Spirit lives in us, to guide us and lead us to believe impossible things and, in fact, do impossible things.

Let me give you an example: I don’t know much about either Bob Arnot or Ruth Pring. I met Bob once when he was in the advanced stages of Alzheimer’s Disease and a resident of the nursing home on Main Street. I never met Ruth, however, I know this to be true: They were once members of this church. They loved this church. Their bodies sat in these pews. The memory of their prayers may still lie hidden in the deep nooks of this sanctuary. The recollection of the distant sound of their voices lifted in song may still vibrate in the wood of the church ceiling.

They both died about five years ago and, while they left no living relative, and no great legacy, their love or and generosity to this church lives on in the garden we have planted in the front of the church. It may be difficult for you to remember what this church ever looked like without that garden in the front. I remember. Stark. It looked stark.

Shortly after the garden was planted and the fence went up, Ann Bennett remarked that they gave the church ‘definition.’ She’s right. We had to begin to define ourselves outwardly before we could describe ourselves inwardly.

The miracle is that it took the spirit of Bob Arnot and Ruth Pring, their generosity, their love for this place, to help us do that. Immediately after the service, we will bless the garden on this Rogation Sunday for having blessed us with a sense of our past, an understanding of our present, and hope for our future.

That, for me, is evidence of the Holy Spirit at work. That garden is living proof of the obedience of the commandment Jesus gave us to “love one another as I have loved you” - foolishly, lavishly, wastefully.

I am reminded of Alice’s conversation with the White Queen in ‘Through the Looking Glass’. The Queen said, “‘Now I’ll give you something to believe. I’m just one hundred and one, five months and a day.’

‘I can’t believe that!’ said Alice.

‘Can’t you?’ the Queen said in a pitying tone. ‘Try again: draw a long breath, and shut your eyes.’

Alice laughed. ‘There’s no use trying,’ she said. ‘One can’t believe impossible things.’

‘I daresay you haven’t had much practice,’ said the Queen. ‘When I was your age, I always did it for half-an-hour a day. Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.’

The White Queen is quite right. Believing takes practice. Belief in the Holy Spirit is not an easy thing. We might as well be talking about shoes and ships and cabbages and kings. When you try to understand the Holy Spirit or the Trinity, it is good to take the advice the White Queen’s gave to Alice . Draw a long breath and shut your eyes. Breathe in. Breathe out. And you will find yourself smack dab in the midst of an impossible thing – a paradox of sorts.

There it is: two very different actions and yet, one breath. Life cannot be sustained without breath and yet it takes two completely different actions to make a complete breath. One is incomplete without the other. We human beings are a living paradox, our lives are an impossible miracle, and we live into the paradox of life every time we take a breath.

That’s because love is a paradox. The Love that is the second person of the Trinity and the Love that resides within us, guiding us to know the Truth. The Love that inspires two people to leave their life’s legacy to the church, that we may continue Christ’s legacy of love and hope for the world. Just as Jesus did for us. Just as Jesus commands us to do.

Now, when you look at it that way, unpacking St. John’s words and unwinding St. John’s convoluted sentences, it’s really pretty simple, right? As simple as the sun knowing when to rise and set each day. As simple as the mysterious beauty of a flower in the Arnot-Pring Garden. As simple as the force that keeps the world revolving slowly on its axis.

If you find yourself having a hard time believing in the impossible thing such as a flower, just remember the advice of the White Queen – draw a deep breath and shut your eyes and before you know it, you’ll begin believing as many as six impossible things before breakfast.

Amen.