Welcome to
Lifting Our Voices
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
Sidney King's death was an incalculable loss for his family and our church. Even after all these months, his absence still feels somehow unthinkable. Maybe the reality of his death will only sink in after we can gather again in person, only when we can properly mourn and comfort one another. Like many of you, I often think of him, drawing lessons from his life and death.
Of course, Sidney was a deeply faithful Christian disciple, always open to new ways of sharing the Gospel through loving service. He never said no to ministry. He also cherished the institutional church, loving it more than anyone I have ever met. He was willing to put in long hours at church meetings, usually after a full day at his "day job." (These days, when I start to feel irritated at tedious meetings, I try to remember Sidney's example of dedication and patience!) Because Sidney said "yes" to so much, he amassed a tremendous amount of knowledge. For us in leadership, running into all sorts of surprises and challenges at 68 Storms Avenue has been a regular reminder of just how many things only Sidney knew.
Yes, Sidney understood the peculiarities of that old building, but much more important, losing Sidney has meant losing a deep reservoir of memory about the Episcopal Church in Jersey City. Sidney knew all the many twists and turns of our history during the past forty years: the closing and consolidation of churches; the creation of the Jersey City Area Ministries (JCAM); the birth of what became Garden State Episcopal CDC; and, most of all, Incarnation's fight for respect and survival.
I remember being at many a meeting when Sidney would speak up, drawing on his vast knowledge and deep memory, lifting his voice in defense of his church and its future. Now, with him gone, I so wish I had paid closer attention or had even set up a time to talk about this precious history, taking detailed notes to pass on our story to the future. I'm determined not to make that mistake again! So, that's why I'm excited that we are launching an oral history project: "Lifting Our Voices: Uncovering the Story of the Episcopal Churches in Jersey City."
In the months ahead, some of us will be reading written historical records while others will be talking with some of you who have lived through our history. Although we are particularly interested in how racism has shaped our story, we want to get a sense of what life was like for Jersey City Episcopalians in the past. How did our parishioners celebrate together? What were especially important traditions and ministries? What were the blessings and challenges of those days? What were the hopes for the future? You can read more details in the announcement below. Although we will present initial findings on Pentecost (May 23), "Lifting Our Voices" will be an ongoing effort to understand our past and to be an even more faithful church in the present and future.
I know that Sidney would be pleased.
Your brother in Christ,
Tom
Prayers and Thanksgivings:
We pray for:
All those on our parish prayer list, especially Jean A., Kit, Anaiayah, Linda M., Frances, Vicki B, Christine, 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:
Anna Scanga, mother of Mia Scanga
All of those who have died as a result of Covid -19
We give thanks for:
The birthdays of Robert Quiery, Nicole Jackson, Iesha Crandon, Kim James, Lenny Thompson, Arthur Sullivan, Dave Miley.
Calendar Highlights:
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 (On Zoom)
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 the power of relationships:
https://myemail.constantcontact.com/The-VOICE-Online--Bishop-Hughes-on-the-power-of-relationships.html?soid=1102692382496&aid=I91n457e2kk
Upcoming Events:
Public Celebration of the Feast of Absalom Jones, Sunday, 2/14, 3:00PM (via Zoom)
Pop In with Pop Up Youth – Zoom Meeting, Sunday, 2/21, 3:00PM
Church Leader University, Saturday, 3/6, 9:00AM – 11:30AM (Via Zoom)
A Special Service Marking One Year of Living With Pandemic, Saturday, 3/13, 10:00AM
Pop Up Youth & Cross Roads Retreat, Saturday, 3/13, 10:00AM (via Zoom)
Lay Conversation with the Bishop, Thursday 3/18, 6:00PM (via Zoom)
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.
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 on the Day of Pentecost (May 23) we will share what we have learned from our research and interviews. 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:
Call for Art: Light in the Never-Ending Shade:
In her inaugural poem, Amanda Gorman asks: "When day comes we ask ourselves, where can we find light in this never-ending shade?" Throughout time, humans have studied the relationship between light and shadow, sometimes equated with good and evil, yin and yang, or mystery and enlightenment. In the end, most seem to agree that one cannot exist without the other. This past year has seemed to be made up of an inordinate amount of darkness. But is there light at the end of the tunnel? Or perhaps it's been there the whole time, obscured like an eclipse? For this virtual show, The Arts at St. Paul (ASPI) would like artists to submit work that explores the dynamic relationship between dark and light.
SUBMISSION DEADLINE:
Wednesday, February 24, 2021
KEY EXHIBITION DATES (subject to change):
JC Fridays: Friday, March 5
Virtual Gathering & Artist Talk: Sunday, March 14
SHOW SITE:
Our online virtual 3D gallery, accessible through our website www.ASPI-JC.org
SHOW CURATOR:
Amy Neufeld
SUBMISSIONS:
We will accept work that is both for sale and not for sale. You may submit up to 5 pieces for consideration.
Email address for submissions: arts@stpaulsjc.org
PLEASE INCLUDE your name, title, medium, dimensions, price, good quality jpegs and any other pertinent info about your work. If your work is for sale, please specify whether you are willing to ship it should a buyer be interested who is not local.
COMMISSION: Income from sales goes 60% to the artist; the remaining 40% will go to The Arts at St. Paul & Incarnation. PLEASE PRICE ACCORDINGLY!
A link to Gorman's poem "The Hill We Climb" can be found here: https://www.cnn.com/.../amanda-gorman.../index.html
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:
Jersey City is vaccinating senior citizens at the Bethune Center (140 MLK Drive).
Call 201-547-5750 and leave a message. Someone will return your call and 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