Welcome to
Inauguration Prayers
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
I’m sure many of you watched all or part of the Presidential Inauguration on Wednesday. After an insurrection just two weeks earlier, and during a raging pandemic, it was especially encouraging to see most of our nation’s leaders set aside their political differences at least for a little while, and celebrate that, as President Biden said, “democracy has prevailed.”
One of the highlights of the ceremony was “The Hill We Climb,” the stunning poem written and recited by the extraordinary young poet, Amanda Gorman. I have no doubt that her words will long be remembered, studied, and passed on to future generations.
Although understandably overshadowed by the phenomenal Ms. Gorman, the clergy offered thoughtful prayers, asking God’s blessing on our leaders and our country, and reminding us of our responsibility to love one another and to care for the most vulnerable.
So, this week, instead of a message from me, here are two brief excerpts from these beautiful prayers. (By the way, the photo above was taken on Thursday in our churchyard. If you look closely, you can see new life beginning to break through the hard winter soil.)
With prayers for continued renewal,
Tom
“Today, we confess our past failures to live according to our vision of equality, inclusion and freedom for all. Yet we resolutely commit still more now to renewing the vision, to caring for one another in word and deed, especially the least fortunate among us, and so becoming a light the world can look to.
There is a power in each and every one of us that lives by turning to every other one of us, a thrust of the spirit to cherish and care and stand by others, and above all those most in need. It is called love, and its path is to give ever more of itself.”
- Fr. Leo O’Donovan, SJ (Former President of Georgetown University)
"We petition you once more to extend your divine favor on our president, Joe Biden, and our first lady, Dr. Jill Biden. More than ever, they and our nation need you. We need you, because in you we discover our common humanity. And in discovering our humanity, we will seek the good in and for all our neighbors. We will love the unlovable, remove the stigma of the so-called untouchables."
- The Rev. Silvester S. Beaman (Pastor, Bethel AME Church, Wilmington, Delaware)
Prayers and Thanksgivings:
We pray for:
All those on our parish prayer list, especially Jean A., Kit, Anaiayah, Michael N., Linda M., Blessing and Moses and family, Rita, Frances, Vicki B, Faith, and Palma.
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:
Louis Solari, grandfather of Dino Hall
All of those who have died as a result of Covid -19
We give thanks for:
The birthdays of Alton Avaloy, Craig Dudley, Kirk Lambert, and Linda LaBate Dynes.
Calendar Highlights:
Friday, January 22: Temple Beth-El MLK Sabbath Service, 7:00PM (Zoom, see attached flyer)
Thursday, February 11: Stone Soup Community Supper – To Go, 6:00-6:30 PM
Saturday, February 13: Holy Communion Distribution, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Sunday, February 14: Parish Assembly & Celebration, (following 10:00 AM Service)
Wednesday, February 17: Ash Wednesday Service, 7:00PM
Wednesday, February 24: Lenten Book Study, Session 1, 7:00 PM (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.
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 opening our eyes:
https://myemail.constantcontact.com/The-VOICE-Online--Bishop-Hughes-on--Opening-our-eyes-.html?soid=1102692382496&aid=oI5vjILKbWo
Upcoming Events:
Bishop’s Study Group: Pursuing Racial Reconciliation through Scripture, Film, Word, and Prayer (Tuesdays until 2/9, 6:30 PM)
More information and registration form here:
https://dioceseofnewark.org/event/bishops-study-group-2021
Faith Groups: Sharing Our Lives, Growing in Faith (Friday, 1/29, 7:00 PM & Saturday, 1/30, 9:00 AM to noon)
The disruptions of the pandemic have encouraged us to find new ways of being in relationship with one another. While the technology we use to connect may be new, Church tradition offers a model for relationships that is still relevant today: intentional small groups.
At our January gathering, held during our traditional Convention weekend, our focus will be on “Faith Groups: Sharing Our Lives, Growing in Faith,” which will offer a pattern for gathering intentionally in small groups to share times of prayer, reflection, and to grow together in faith. Find out more and register here:
https://dioceseofnewark.org/event/faith-groups
Lenten Book Study:
Join us on Wednesday evenings at 7:00, starting on February 24, when we will discuss (on Zoom) The Good Book: Reading the Bible with Mind and Heart, by Peter Gomes. You can order a copy through your local bookseller or B&N or Amazon.
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:
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!)
"UpRooted"
Visit our virtual gallery to see our latest exhibit:
http://www.aspi-jc.org
New Jersey Together:
JERSEY CITY TOGETHER IN 2021:
As we enter 2021, we are still in the midst of a pandemic and facing elections at the local and state level.
On Monday, February 8, from 7:30PM-8:30PM, each member congregation or organization should plan to bring 3 to 8 leaders as we lay the groundwork for the year.
Register here: https://www.njtogether.org/jct2021?fbclid=IwAR1rU2p6I5JB2ZVGFkXUdySOQQJ1ESsFH9WdaK2Ydwe18cyJY3dp-0hauAY
JERSEY CITY PARENTS: Since the start of the pandemic, Jersey City Together’s Education Team has heard repeated concerns about social and emotional learning and special education. After raising concerns, we were asked by district leadership to see if others were experiencing similar issues.
Share your experience and help us ensure our students’ needs in Jersey City are being met. All survey results will be made anonymous.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSedIZ9Zt-EGwNp0kodXeHdnWNHy13XC6OAqEzqI-xLHb9YVkw/viewform
Learn more about New Jersey Together here: www.njtogether.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
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