Welcome to
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Each year every Episcopal congregation is required to compile and submit a Parochial Report, providing an update on key statistics, including the number of services, attendance, pledging, and more. It is tedious to compile all of this data, but it does provide some sense of our church’s health and prospects for the future. Of course, 2020 was a year like no other, and this year’s report is quite different, with questions about online worship and how we have managed during the pandemic.
We certainly have some concerns. A significant number of you have still not pledged for 2021. But, don’t worry, it’s still not too late! In fact, you can complete and submit your online pledge right here https://cutt.ly/Pledge_CSPI
The truth is that we don’t know how many of you will eventually pledge or how many people will return when in-person worship finally resumes. But, so far, on the whole, our church has weathered the storm pretty well. And, in some ways, we’ve even thrived. For example, thanks to the Parochial Report, I can tell you that we offered 627 services of Church By Phone in 2020! Our Sunday services usually receive about 300 “views” each week. Many of you have made donations of money, food, or other goods to the Triangle Park Community Center. Sonia Staine continues to offer monthly lunches at the homeless drop-in center. And, maybe you didn’t notice, but we have also continued to feed people through the arts.
I’m so grateful that our small but dedicated committee (Amy Neufeld, Sarah Ibrahim, Gail Blache-Gill, Karen Carattini, Olivia Wilber, and Colleen McElhearn) has stuck with the Arts at St. Paul and Incarnation. They have used their formidable talents and creativity to come up with new ways to present art during this time when we can’t gather in the Carr Hall “gallery.”
Last year, ASPI offered its first virtual show, “UpRooted,” inviting artists to reflect on the disorientation we all feel during the pandemic. And, at tonight’s JC Friday event, you will get a sneak preview of our next show, “Light in the Never-Ending Shade.” I hope many of you will “attend” via Zoom JC Friday (which starts at 6:00, and our program should begin around 7:00). You can register here: www.jcfridays.com.
The show will officially open next Sunday, March 14, at 4:00, also on Zoom. (I’ll send the info in next week’s email.) You’ll get to see all of the art and hear some of the artists discuss their work. Having already been given a super-sneak preview, I can tell you it will be very much worth your time.
I also want to make sure you know about Jersey City Together’s Education Action on Thursday evening at 7:30. The proper funding of our schools should matter to all of us, so I hope you’ll register for this important event. You can find more information below, under “New Jersey Together.”
Finally, I want to draw your attention to two upcoming diocesan events. On Saturday, March 13, at 10:00 AM, the diocese will offer a special service to commemorate one year of living with pandemic, remembering all of those who have died since June. And, Bishop Hughes will have a meeting with laypeople and clergy from our part of the diocese on April 15 at 6:30 PM. Please mark both of these meaningful events in your calendar and join us!
Peace,
Tom
Prayers and Thanksgivings:
We pray for:
All those on our parish prayer list, especially Jean A., Kit, Anaiayah, Linda M., Vicki B, Julio, Marisol, Marisa, and Robert.
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:
Frances John, the mother of Catherine Marcial
Christine Perry, a friend of Abigail & Dino Hall
Christian Parra, who was shot at Marin Blvd. and Second St.
All of those who have died as a result of Covid -19
We give thanks for:
The birthdays of Louise Hodge, Mike Bransky, Andrea Flores, and Nanette Reynolds
All of those celebrating birthdays and anniversaries in March
Calendar Highlights:
Friday, March 6: JC Friday, 6:00PM
Wednesday, March 10: NO LENTEN BOOK STUDY THIS WEEK
Sunday, March 14: “Light in the Never-Ending Shade” Opening, 4:00PM
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 call from Bishop Hughes to pray for our nation:
https://myemail.constantcontact.com/The-VOICE-Online--Bishop-Hughes-on-why-you-should-pray-for-the-nation--Spring-Regional-meetings-begin-tomorrow.html?soid=1102692382496&aid=fo9ytW4Vng0
Upcoming Events:
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)
Regional Conversation with Bishop Hughes, 4/15, 6:30PM-8:30PM (via Zoom)
Lenten Book Study:
Join us on Wednesday evenings at 7:00, when we 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. For our third session (on March 17), please read Part Two: The Use and Abuse of the Bible, pgs. 69-119
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
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:
“Light in the Never-Ending Shade”
We will be previewing our virtual group show at JC Friday (today, starting at 6:00PM). Our segment should be running at approximately 7:00PM but there will be tons of great Jersey City art being highlighted throughout the evening so you should stay for as long as you can! Here is a link to the JC Fridays event page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/732737070978544
The show will officially open on Sunday, March 14, at 4:00PM on Zoom.
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!)
Visit the Arts at St. Paul & Incarnation website for more information:
http://www.aspi-jc.org
New Jersey Together:
JERSEY CITY TOGETHER EDUCATION ACTION: Thursday, March 11, 7:30PM
Join parents and faith leaders from across Jersey City on Thursday, March 11, at 7:30PM as we press for action again for our schools. We’ll be sharing feedback from 1,000+ parents about learning during the pandemic and pressing for the full funding our children deeply deserve. Join us!
Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEkdeGoqz4vGNCoxVHpl0lNhF818_eL0Rk0
SPRING LEADERSHIP & ORGANIZING TRAINING: April 13-15, 12:30PM-2:00PM, or April 23 (7:30PM-9:00PM & April 24 (10:00AM-11:30AM, 2:00Pm-3:30PM)
If you’re new to Jersey City Together – or want to get more involved, please consider joining us for training planned later in the spring. This will be critical as we prepare for next steps. Learn more and register here:
http://www.njtogether.org/training
Learn more about New Jersey Together here: www.njtogether.org
“Antiphonal Life: The Returns of Paul Robeson”
Join us on Thursday, March 18 at 4:00PM on Zoom for “Antiphonal Life: The Returns of Paul Robeson,” a virtual lecture by Shana L. Redmond, PhD.
Drawn from her recent book, Everything Man, this talk announces “antiphonal life” as a uniquely conceived strategy of the polymath movement artist Paul Robeson. His ascension in scale, from raw element to mountain peak, reveals the failures of the suppressive state and the achievements of The People in their demand to hear and be heard.
Suggested donation: $5
Registration required to receive the Zoom link:
https://ci.ovationtix.com/35606/production/1040010?performanceId=10643774
This program is presented by ArtHouse Productions in partnership with the Triangle Park Community Center.
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!
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