Welcome to
“Delivering God’s Love”
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
For several years now, each Thanksgiving Day, dozens of volunteers from God’s Love We Deliver have used Carr Hall as a staging area to distribute hundreds of meals to sick and shut-in people. I had wondered if they would manage to continue this good work in our time of pandemic and economic anxiety, but, once again, the dozens of volunteers were here first thing in the morning, as organized and cheerful as ever –and now also meticulous about distancing and disinfecting. On a Thanksgiving Day that was so different, it was reassuring that at least this beautiful effort had not changed, especially since the need is undoubtedly greater than ever.
Each year I take a picture of the God’s Love We Deliver van while it’s parked outside of our church. I post the photo on social media as a way to celebrate this generous ministry. And, honestly, I just like this image because it’s a reminder that this is the work that we Christians are called to do: delivering God’s love, not only on Thanksgiving but all the time.
We are on the cusp of a new church year, about to begin the holy season of Advent. Over the next four Sundays, we will prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus in simplicity and also look ahead to the return of Christ in glory. This brief season of waiting is also an opportunity for us to begin again, knowing that the world’s problems won’t magically disappear with the turn of a calendar page. So, today, on the edge of a new year, when people are desperate for light and hope, I invite you to spend some time looking at, and reflecting on, the picture of that van parked outside our church.
In the year ahead, how might we deliver God’s love?
Your brother in Christ,
Tom
Prayers and Thanksgivings:
We pray for:
All those on our parish prayer list, especially Jean, Andy, Kit, Walter M., Anaiayah, Robert, and Michael N.
Doctors, nurses, and all healthcare workers.
Students and teachers, as they try to learn and teach under very difficult circumstances.
All those in positions of leadership, especially Donald, our President; Joe, our President-elect; Phil, our Governor; and Steve, our Mayor.
Please also remember in your prayers those who have died, and those who grieve their loss:
All of those who have died as a result of Covid -19
We give thanks for:
The birthdays Virgil Madrinan, Hillary Madrinan, and Robert Marshall, and Karen Sullivan.
Calendar Highlights:
Sunday, November 29: Thanksgiving Basket Raffle
Friday, December 4: JC Friday – Yukiko Tanaka & Family, 7:00 PM (On Zoom)
Sunday, December 6: Monthly Parish Get-Together, 1:00 PM (On Zoom)
LAST CALL:
Thanksgiving Care Package Raffle:
We are raffling a special Thanksgiving care package, which will include multipurpose cleaners, masks, disinfectant sprays, hand gels, and personal care items! Many thanks to Patrice Maynard and Anise Thompson for assembling this wonderful and useful package!
Raffle tickets will be on sale until tomorrow, Saturday, November 28th
The winner will be announced during our 10:00 service on Sunday, November 29th.
One chance for $10 or 3 chances $25
50% will go to GSECDC and 50% to The Church of St. Paul and Incarnation
Payment options: Venmo (“Treasurer StPaulIncarnation”), Vanco, or drop off check to church office.
Order tickets: Call church office or email Susan@stpaulsjc.org
The care package will be delivered via curbside drop off.
Christmas Gifts for GSECDC’s Children in Need:
(COVID-era version of our Christmas giving tree)
If you would like to give a gift for a child in need:
Please send your phone or email request to Susan@StPaulsJC.org or (201)433-4922. We will contact you with the age and gender of the child(ren) you choose. Please call or email to arrange a time to drop off your gift. (Gift cards can be slipped under the back door.) OR DELIVER your gift to the church on a pop-up Sunday, noon-2:00 pm December 6 or 13. The gifts will be delivered to GSECDC for distribution.
PLEASE NOTE: DO NOT WRAP the gift. (The social worker must see the gift before preparing it for delivery.) DO NOT put your name on the gift. (It may be the only thing parents have to give their children.) DO include the child’s information with your gift. IF YOU CANNOT DELIVER YOUR GIFT TO THE CHURCH, please send a gift card or donate money so that the gift can be bought on your behalf.
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.
You may also 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
From the Diocese:
Read The Voice Online for all the latest news, including a message from Bishop Hughes on creating a sacred space in our homes:
https://myemail.constantcontact.com/The-VOICE-Online--Bishop-Hughes-on-making-a-sacred-space--2020-Confirmands-invited-to-meet-with-the-Bishop.html?soid=1102692382496&aid=tgvO8DP14n4
Upcoming Event:
A Speaker Series on Race, Monday, 12/7, 6:30-8:00 PM
Praying for Our Country:
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.
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:
"UpRooted"
Visit our virtual gallery to see our latest exhibit:
http://www.aspi-jc.org
New Jersey Together:
New Jersey Together is committed to training leaders from religious congregations and non-profits across the state in the basics of non-partisan organizing. The training will give you concrete tools to identify and act on issues that matter to your communities, to build relationships inside and outside your institution, and to analyze why those issues are not currently being addressed.
During this pandemic, our training will be conducted virtually over multiple, shorter sessions. There will be readings and discussions with diverse leaders in different parts of the state. Registration will be for a limited number. If there is enough interest, we will add additional dates. The first two sessions are below:
FIRST GROUP: December 8-10 (Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday), from 12:30 to 1:45 PM.
SECOND GROUP: December 12 (10-11-30 AM) and December 13 (5-6:45PM) (Saturday & Sunday)
Register now here: njtogether.org/training
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FREE COVID TESTING:
New Jersey Together is cosponsoring free testing at Mt. Pisgah AME Church (354 Forrest St.):
Saturday, November 28, 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM
Saturday, December 5, 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM
No registration necessary. For more information:
njtogether.org/testing
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).
Jersey City Master Plan:
Jersey City is developing a new master plan and it’s important to get maximum public participation. Find more information here:
https://ourjc-jerseycity.hub.arcgis.com/pages/surveys
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