Welcome to
“Keeping the Faith”
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
More than two years ago, we had our first dinner-dance fundraiser, celebrating the unification of St. Paul’s Church in Bergen and the Church of the Incarnation. That first party and the one that followed a year later were such good times, filled with good food, music and dancing, much laughter, and some pretty nifty prizes, too. We had expected to continue this new tradition in June, but, as with so much else, the pandemic got in the way, forcing us to postpone our event until the danger passes.
At this year’s event, we were planning to celebrate two significant milestones in the long history of the two congregations that God has woven into our one church. This year marks both the 160th anniversary of St. Paul’s and the 110th anniversary of Incarnation! Unfortunately, we won’t get to party together anytime soon. However, we can still reflect on our long history, giving thanks for our spiritual forebears, and drawing inspiration and courage from them as we face our troubled times and an uncertain future.
As with any long-standing institutions, there is plenty of good and not so good in our history. I often think of the split that happened at St. Paul’s, not long after its founding, when many people left to start St. John’s over on Summit Avenue. That exodus left St. Paul’s in a somewhat fragile state for decades (though it probably also saved our beautiful wooden church from the wrecking ball). There is also the deeply shameful and profoundly disturbing story of how all of the Episcopal churches in Jersey City made Black people feel unwelcome, encouraging them to start a church of their own. It was a grave sin that necessitated the creation of Incarnation – a profound example of what God does all the time: transforming death into abundant new life.
There have been times when our pews were packed with young and old alike, and the church calendar was full of social and spiritual events. And there have been days when people became scarce, and money and hope seemed to be running out, leading some to wonder just how much of a future we had left. Finally, there has been the miracle of the last few years. The people of Incarnation took the bold step of leaving their longtime spiritual home, making a journey that may have seemed like just a few city blocks but actually required overcoming the great distance caused by bad history. By God’s grace, we have experienced a union that somehow feels to me like a reunion, a restoration of the way we were always meant to be.
Often, when I need to make an entry into our parish register, I take a little time to flip through the pages, trying to imagine all of those baptisms, weddings, and funerals from years gone by. I think of how each of those entries is a slowly fading remembrance of joy or sadness. Most of all, each entry is a memorial of faith. Our spiritual forebears knew hard times, made plenty of mistakes, and were no better than we are at seeing the future. Yet, through good times and not so good, our church mothers and fathers kept the faith.
Since I have been associated with St. Paul’s for so long now, I don’t have to turn through too many pages of the register before I start recognizing a few family names, people I’ve heard of, and whose legacies are still alive. As I move deeper into the book, I start seeing the names of those I’ve had the privilege of knowing and people I get to pray with to this day. I always love to see the signatures of Frank Carr and Dave Hamilton, two of my predecessors and great friends, who both helped to shape and nurture my vocation. And then, even after more than seven years as rector, it still amazes me and touches my heart when I get to the last few pages in our big, old book and see my signature over and over, just the latest in a long line of clergy who’ve had the privilege of serving in this holy place.
Together, all of us are part of this story, a combined 270 years of prayer and ministry in Jersey City! Just like those who went before us, our life together has been and will be a mix of joy and sorrow, with a fair number of mistakes and failures. The future is uncertain and often frightening, but I take courage knowing that our spiritual forebears have walked ahead of us. With God’s help, those imperfect people kept the faith. And so will we.
Your brother in Christ,
Tom
Prayers and Thanksgivings:
We pray for:
All those on our parish prayer list, especially Jean, Andy, Kit, Dana, Elaine, Kathleen D.,, and Walter M.
Students and teachers, as they try to learn and teach under very difficult circumstances.
Please also remember in your prayers those who have died, and those who grieve their loss:
Teyan Grant, who was shot in Lafayette Park
All of those who have died as a result of Covid -19
We give thanks for:
The birthday on Sunday of The Rev. Lauren Ackland
Calendar Highlights:
Saturday, October 17: Quiet Day with Lorna Woodham, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Saturday, October 17: Afternoon in Lincoln Park, 1:00 PM (Meet by fountain)
Thursday, October 22: Deadline to submit names for inclusion in the All Saints memorial video
Tuesday, November 3: Election Day Prayer Service, 7:00 PM (On Zoom)
Thursday, November 12: Stone Soup Community Supper (To Go!), 6:00 PM
Thursday, November 26 Thanksgiving Service, 10:00 AM (On Zoom)
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.
Pledge cards have been mailed to you. Please take some time to prayerfully reflect on what our church means to you, and return your completed card as soon as possible. Thank you!
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
From the Diocese:
Read The Voice Online for all the latest news, including a message from Bishop Hughes on Communion, Convention, and Confirmation during Covid-19:
https://myemail.constantcontact.com/The-VOICE-Online--Living-with-COVID--Communion--Convention--and-Confirmation.html?soid=1102692382496&aid=VSrYpgp1W5Q
Upcoming Events:
Pop-Up Youth Ministry (“A Spook-tacular Pop-Up”), Sunday 10/18, 3:00 PM
A Speaker Series on Race, Mondays 11/2, 11/.9, 11/16, 6:30-8:00 PM
Praying for Our Country
Bishop Hughes has called on our diocese to pray the following prayers in the days leading to the election:
Almighty God, who hast given us this good land for our
heritage: We humbly beseech thee that we may always prove
ourselves a people mindful of thy favor and glad to do thy will.
Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and
pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion;
from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend
our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes
brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue
with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in thy Name we entrust
the authority of government, that there may be justice and
peace at home, and that, through obedience to thy law, we
may show forth thy praise among the nations of the earth.
In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness,
and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in thee to fail;
all which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Almighty God, to whom we must account for all our powers
and privileges: Guide the people of the United States (or of
this community) in the election of officials and representatives;
that, by faithful administration and wise laws, the rights of
all may be protected and our nation be enabled to fulfill your
purposes; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
New Jersey Together:
After NJT’s recent statewide event, learn more about next steps here: https://www.njtogether.org/fall2020
North Porch at Triangle Park Community Center:
As many of you know, North Porch offers diapers, formula, and other assistance to families with infants and young children. Since the need continues to grow, North Porch is asking for financial donations through a GoFundMe campaign. Please consider supporting this beautiful ministry:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/north-porch-mom-amp-infant-program?utm_source=customer&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link-tip&fbclid=IwAR2tibm9cDTU2k9BqFh-dtWMCn77qrsNaNBpNeMh7gcaW_M_reC03IdJpi4
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
DJ’s has also launched a Winter Coat Drive!
The Lighthouse:
The Arts at St. Paul & Incarnation:
"UpRooted"
Visit our virtual gallery to see our latest exhibit:
http://www.aspi-jc.org
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:
State of New Jersey Covid-19 Information Hub:
https://covid19.nj.gov
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