Welcome to
The Church of St. Paul and Incarnation!
Alleluia! Christ is risen!
The Lord is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Dear Friends,
Pentecost is always a big day for us, but this year the great feast of the Holy Spirit will be extra-special.
Thanks to the continued decline of Covid infection rates, the diocese has loosened some restrictions on our worship. Masks and distancing will still be required. But, now we can accommodate even more parishioners at our 10:00 AM indoor service – and we will also get to sing (at least a little)!
On top of that, at the morning service we will have our first baptisms since the start of the pandemic. What a joy it will be to welcome Eleanor Leigh Pickens and Harris Patrick Pickens into the Christian community! (Lina Sofia Bustamante, daughter of Luis and Sima, will be baptized next Sunday at 3:00, during my final service as rector.)
That’s already quite a lot, but at noon on Sunday, you are also invited to a Zoom meeting where we will learn about the first fruits of “Lifting Our Voices,” our exciting and vital church history project. The link is below. We will have a follow-up conversation with our friends from Grace Van Vorst on Tuesday evening at 7:00. That Zoom link is also below.
I’m overjoyed and beyond grateful that at least some of us are getting to see each other during our last few Sundays together. We will continue to make every effort to keep everyone safe, though attendance is at your own risk, especially if you are not yet vaccinated. Don’t forget that reservations are required for both the 10:00AM (in the church) and the 3:00 (in the churchyard) services. Please email Susan Den Herder at office@stpaulsjc.org or call 201-433-4922.
With much love,
Tom
P.S. And don’t forget to wear RED!
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, Mary, Shakola, and Monica.
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:
Stebbin Drew, who was shot at Merseles Court and Bright Street
Jen Palmer
Peter Landis
Randolph Black, Jr. and Jason Crutcher, who were shot at Crescent Avenue and Brinkerhoff Street
All of those who have died as a result of Covid -19
We give thanks for:
The baptisms on Sunday of Eleanor Leigh Pickens and Harris Patrick Pickens
The birthdays of Carolyn Carattini, Marty French, and Mae Carbajosa.
Calendar Highlights
Sun., May 23 Pentecost
Holy Communion & Baptisms, 10:00AM (Church: Reservations required)
“Lifting Our Voices” presentation, noon (Zoom)
Holy Communion, 3:00PM (Churchyard: Reservations required)
Art Show Closing Party, 4:00PM-6:00PM (Churchyard)
Tues., May 28 “Lifting Our Voices” discussion, 7:00PM (Zoom)
Sun., May 30 Trinity Sunday
(Tom & Sue’s last Sunday at St. Paul & Incarnation)
Holy Communion, 10:00AM (Church: Reservations required)
Holy Communion & Baptism, 3:00PM (Churchyard: Reservations required)
Sun., June 13 David P. Hegg Lifetime Achievement Awards, 3:00PM
Diocesan YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/DioNewark/
Congratulations to our honorees: Bill Armbruster and Noreen Napolitano!
Fri., June 25 Dinner-Dance, 7:30PM (Chandelier, 1081 Broadway, Bayonne)
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 has resumed. 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 (May 23 and MAY 30)
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
Lifting Our Voices: Uncovering the Story of the Episcopal Churches in Jersey City
As you know, a group of Jersey City Episcopalians has been hard at work learning about our past, with a particular emphasis on how our churches were shaped by white supremacy and racism.
This Sunday we will get a small taste of what has been uncovered. Please join us for a presentation on Zoom at noon. The link was included in the weekly email to the parish.
Then on Tuesday evening at 7:00, we will gather with our friends from Grace Van Vorst to reflect on what we have learned and look to the future. That link was also emailed to the parish.
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!
Recently, 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
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. The closing party will be this Sunday from 4:00 to 6:00 in the churchyard.
ASPI Mugs and Tote Bags
They’re here! Bring the work of local artists into your home 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
As we approach the summer, please consider participating in New Jersey Together’s summer leadership and organizing training. The training will give you concrete tools to identify and act on issues that matter to your communities, to build relationships inside and outside our church, and to analyze why those issues are not currently being addressed. Register now at www.njtogether.org/training
Learn more about our community organizing effort, New Jersey Together, here: www.njtogether.org
FEMA Funeral Assistance
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is providing a benefit 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.
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