Welcome to
The Church of St. Paul and Incarnation!
Alleluia! Christ is risen!
The Lord is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Dear Friends,
What a joy it was to participate in the diaconal ordination service last Saturday at the cathedral! Like all of you, I was delighted that the Church made official what we’ve all known for a long time: God has called Lorna Woodham to ordained ministry! I was also deeply honored (and more than a little nervous) that Bishop Hughes had invited me to preach at this sacred occasion. And, finally, it was just so good to gather in church with forty or fifty people – the biggest congregation I’ve experienced since last March!
And now, finally, at least some of you will have that same opportunity. This Sunday - for the first time in 14 months - we will gather in church for our 10:00 service. Of course, things will be a good bit different from the last time you were here. Although the CDC changed its recommendations yesterday, for now our numbers will be limited and masks are required. There will be no congregational singing and we’ll be spread throughout the church. And, there will be no coffee hour after the service. These are real losses, but all the essentials will remain. We will be together, hearing God’s Word, receiving the Body of Christ, and extending a (distant but friendly) hand of peace to our brothers and sisters.
We will make every effort to keep everyone safe, but attendance will be at your own risk, especially if you are still unvaccinated. If you are not comfortable with worshiping inside, please remember that we will also offer our outdoor service at 3:00.
Finally, as I hope you know by now, registration is required for both the 10:00 and 3:00 services. Email Susan Den Herder at office@stpaulsjc.org or call 201-433-4922.
Can't wait to see you.
With much love,
Tom
P.S. Next Sunday we will celebrate the great Feast of Pentecost. In addition to our services at 10:00 and 3:00, we will also have the first presentation of our church history project, “Lifting Our Voices.” Join us on Zoom at noon for the presentation and an opportunity for discussion. I’ll include the link in next week’s email.
Prayers and Thanksgivings:
We pray for:
All those on our parish prayer list, especially Gina, Jean A., Anaiayah, Julio, Marisol, Eddie, Kathleen W, Kevin, Jean G, Eric, and Mary.
The people of India and other parts of the world where Covid-19 continues to spread
The people of Israel and Palestine, for an end to hostilities and the creation of lasting peace
Doctors, nurses, and all healthcare workers
Students and teachers, as they try to learn and teach under very difficult circumstances
All members of the armed services, especially Chris Armbruster
All those in positions of leadership, especially Joe, our President; Kamala, our Vice President; Phil, our Governor; and Steve, our Mayor
Please also remember in your prayers those who have died, and those who grieve their loss, remembering especially:
The victims of the school bombing in Afghanistan
All of those who have died as a result of Covid -19
We give thanks for:
The ordination to the diaconate of The Rev. Deacon Lorna Woodham
The birthdays of Lawanda Eddy, Juliana Eddy, Susan Suarez, and Ansy Francois.
Calendar Highlights:
Sun., May 16 The Seventh Sunday of Easter
Holy Communion, 10:00AM (Church: Reservations required)
Holy Communion, 3:00PM (Churchyard: Reservations required)
Sun., May 23 Pentecost
Holy Communion & Baptisms, 10:00AM (Church: Reservations required)
Holy Communion, 3:00PM (Churchyard: Reservations required)
“Lifting Our Voices” presentation, noon (Zoom)
Sun., May 30 Trinity Sunday
(Tom & Sue’s last Sunday at St. Paul & Incarnation)
Holy Communion, 10:00AM (Church: Reservations required)
Holy Communion, 3:00PM (Churchyard: Reservations required)
Supporting Our Church:
We are aware that, unfortunately, some parishioners have been laid off or furloughed and others are in danger of losing their jobs. Please know that you are in our prayers and we are here to help any way we can. In these extremely challenging economic times, we are especially grateful to those of you who have been able to keep up with your pledges. You can still mail checks to the church or you can use online giving. Visit stpaulsjc.org and click on "Online Giving." We also have a Venmo account. Call the office or email me for more information.
You may complete and return the online pledge form here:
https://cutt.ly/Pledge_CSPI
Worship Schedule:
Monday through Friday: "Church By Phone"
Morning Prayer, 7:30
Noonday Prayer, 12:00
Evening Prayer, 5:30
Call: 201-433-4922 for more information.
Sunday at 10:00am
Join us at 10:00 AM for a live-streamed Service of Holy Communion on our church’s Facebook page: Facebook.com/StPaulsJC
In-person worship at the 10:00 service is scheduled to resume on Sunday, May 16. Masking and distancing required. Seating is limited, so reserve a spot by calling 201-433-4922 or emailing office@atpaulsjc.org
Sunday at 3:00pm (From MAY 16 to MAY 30, weather permitting)
A Service of Holy Communion in the churchyard. Masking and distancing required. Seating is limited, so reserve a spot by calling 201-433-4922 or emailing office@atpaulsjc.org
From the Diocese:
Read The Voice Online for all the latest news, including a message from Bishop Hughes on the freedom of vaccines, resurrection, and forgiveness.
https://myemail.constantcontact.com/The-VOICE-Online--Bishop-Hughes-on-the-freedom-of-vaccines--resurrection--and-forgiveness--News-on-Confirmations-and-Hegg-Awards.html?soid=1102692382496&aid=tjLqqGO3kHY
The Lighthouse
Thanks to Deacon Jill’s leadership and the generosity of our partners and volunteers, The Lighthouse has resumed operation in its new location!
On Monday evening, CBS2 broadcast an excellent report on the immigration crisis, featuring interviews with Deacon Jill and our friend Alain Mentha, the founder of Welcome Home, one of our ministry partners at the Lighthouse. Take a look:
https://newyork.cbslocal.com/2021/05/11/immigrants-southern-border-crisis-welcome-home/
You can learn more in this wonderful article published by nj.com and The Star Ledger:
https://www.nj.com/hudson/2021/04/in-union-city-a-beacon-for-asylees-who-need-a-home.html
Also, The Lighthouse still needs some items. Take a look at the list below and help out if you can:
Sacred People, Sacred Earth
Along with many other congregations, our church has declared that we are united by a fundamental belief that all people, all living things, and the Earth are sacred.
Thank you to Susan Den Herder, Lorna Woodham, Shari Gill, and all the participants, for putting together this powerful video, which can be found on our Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/StPaulsJC/videos/436582177625640
Small Faith Groups:
A message from Carol Harrison-Arnold:
Greetings All,
Many of you attended the Parish Assembly and learned of the great ministries going on with the church despite the pandemic. You also heard about the beginning of another ministry, Small Faith Groups, in response to the isolation and absence of in-person worship that many are missing.
As a church, we are challenged with helping members to engage in activity where God Shows Up as an extension of our congregational life. We think we have found a way to address this challenge and invite all to become a part of a small group.
We pray many of you will decide to participate in a small group to enrich the faith experience for all of us. A link for the sign-up form is below. Please let family and friends know of this faith opportunity because we all need God to Show Up!!!
Sign up here: https://forms.gle/RBYUpHFnufoFXn6C9
Lifting Our Voices: Uncovering the Story of the Episcopal Churches in Jersey City
The Episcopal Churches of Jersey City are beginning an effort to learn our history. We are eager to learn and document what life was like for Jersey City Episcopalians in the past, with a particular interest in how our churches were shaped by structural racism. Today, the Episcopal churches of Jersey City are almost as racially and ethnically diverse as the city we serve, but, unfortunately, this was not always the case.
For decades, the Episcopal churches in our city did not welcome people of color. This sinful lack of hospitality led to the founding in 1910 of the Church of the Incarnation as a spiritual home for Black Episcopalians. Later, by the end of the 20th Century, “white flight” emptied out most of our churches, diminishing our presence in the city. As recent events in our country have painfully reminded us, structural racism doesn’t disappear. It has to be faced, spoken about, confessed and acted upon. If there was ever a time to learn from the past and get to work dismantling racism in our churches, it is now!
That is why members of St. Paul & Incarnation and Grace Church Van Vorst will begin researching the histories of our churches to trace how they were shaped by white supremacy. At the same time, we will also interview some of our church elders to learn from people who have lived our story and know it best, preserving their memories for future generations.
Combating white supremacy is the work of a lifetime, but next Sunday, May 23 (Pentecost) we will share what we have learned from our research and interviews. You are invited to watch this presentation on Zoom at noon. From this presentation, our churches will begin to have conversations about what it means to learn the truth about the racism in our church and how knowing the truth can help us change our future.
DJ’s Free Market:
Subscribe to the DJ’s Newsletter to stay informed about this exciting new ministry led by Deacon Jill:
https://mailchi.mp/bba528aa62bb/subscribe-to-djs-newsletter
The Arts at St. Paul & Incarnation:
“Light in the Never-Ending Shade”
Our beautiful new art show can be viewed on our website: aspi-jc.org
ASPI Mugs and Tote Bags
It's here! Bring the work of local artists into your home this season with a curated mug or tote bag from ASPI!
https://aspi.threadless.com/
The Arts at St. Paul and Incarnation (ASPI) is delighted to introduce a line of mugs and tote bags featuring the works of some of our favorite local artists. Unlike many other fundraisers that call for donated work, all profit is split evenly between the artist and ASPI. Proceeds to ASPI will go towards supporting our programming and future improvements to Carr Hall. We hope you enjoy these works as much as we do.
Visit our brand new store on Threadless to order these beautiful items (which make great gifts!)
Visit the Arts at St. Paul & Incarnation website for more information:
http://www.aspi-jc.org
New Jersey Together:
Learn more about our community organizing effort, New Jersey Together, here: www.njtogether.org
FEMA Funeral Assistance:
The Disaster Recovery folks at Episcopal Relief and Development mentioned a benefit being provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to cover some of the costs of funerals caused by COVID-19 during this pandemic – up to $9000. This is not need based and is available regardless of the citizenship status of the deceased.
Applications begin today (possible delays this week). The application process begins with calling the FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Line and the phone number is: 844-684-6333 | TTY: 800-462-7585 (multi-lingual). Phones are answered Monday -Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Central Time. The application is processed on the phone followed by submitting records via web portal, fax or mail.
Additional information from FEMA can be found here: https://www.fema.gov/disasters/coronavirus/economic/funeral-assistance
Help for Renters and Homeowners:
There is help available for renters and homeowners suffering because of the pandemic. One is the website for the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency: www.njhousing.gov. You can also call 1-800-NJ-HOUSE (1-800-654-6873).
Helpful Resources:
Jersey City is vaccinating residents!
Call 201-547-5688 or 201-373-2316 between 9:00AM and 5:00PM, seven days a week, to schedule an appointment.
State of New Jersey Covid-19 Information Hub:
https://covid19.nj.gov
State of New Jersey Covid Vaccine Registration:
https://covidvaccine.nj.gov/
Hudson County Covid Vaccine Registration:
Hudson County residents who are eligible can register here https://www.hudsonregional.org
The Diocese of Newark posts Covid-19 resources here:
https://dioceseofnewark.org/covid-19
You can subscribe to diocesan newsletters here:
https://dioceseofnewark.org/subscribe
The Episcopal Church has collected Covid-19 resources here:
https://episcopalchurch.org/concerning-covid19
"Habits of Grace," weekly reflections from Presiding Bishop Michael Curry:
https://episcopalchurch.org/habits-of-grace
The Church of England has some wonderful prayers and other materials here:
https://www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/coronavirus-covid-19-liturgy-and-prayer-resources
Fr. Tom’s sermons can be found here:
http://tommurphe.blogspot.com