Welcome to
Alleluia! Christ is risen!
The Lord is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Dear Friends,
Despite our disappointment at still being stuck on Facebook and Zoom, we were still blessed by a powerful Holy Week and a joyous Easter.
Many thanks to Susan Den Herder for organizing and mailing the bulletins and other materials. Thank you as always to Gail Blache-Gill who, along with Shari Gill, Elizabeth Smith, and Ansy Francois, offered so much beautiful music. And, thank you of course to Susan Suarez who served as tech support, acolyte, lector, and intercessor. She also made time to singlehandedly strip the palms and polish the silver! As I mentioned on Sunday, you and I all owe her a huge debt of gratitude.
Out in the world, Easter ended sometime on Sunday afternoon. But, not for us! Our celebrating continues for a full fifty days. Sure enough, after a long near-drought, the alleluias resounded all week during our Church By Phone services. And, this Sunday it will still be Easter, both for us and for the first disciples. We will hear the story of the Risen Christ’s first appearance to his understandably frightened friends, who had been hiding behind locked doors. As you’ll probably remember, there was at least one notable absence that night: the Apostle Thomas. When he hears the news, he’ll doubt what the others tell him, insisting that he will not believe until he can see and touch.
The alleluias have continued at Triangle Park where, our already busy community center continues to develop new partnerships and expand its ministries. Our popular and much-needed food pantry is now open twice a month, and North Porch will soon offer help to young families twice a week!
The alleluias have been also ringing at The Lighthouse, which has just reopened at its new location in Union City. Below you’ll find a wonderful article from nj.com about this extraordinary ministry of hospitality to asylees and refugees. Deacon Jill has also put together a wish list. Take a look and help, if you can.
But wait, there’s more! Tomorrow (Saturday) morning on Zoom from 10:00 to noon, our ministry intern Lorna Woodham will offer a “quiet morning,” giving us guidance and space to reflect on God’s love. What could be more “alleluia” than that? I’ll be there and I hope you will, too. Register here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScSidpwtjT3BxbsFHU9l_dJRsRzbvML78cHvjR5-rVJAeOKdw/viewform
On Thursday (April 15), from 6:30PM to 8:30PM, Bishop Hughes will hold her next conversation with the people of our region of the diocese. Please join us for what will surely be an informative and inspiring session. I’ll send out the Zoom link once it is available.
Finally, on Sunday afternoons at 3:00 from April 25 to May 30, we will offer in-person outdoor worship in our churchyard (weather permitting). We will have Bible readings, prayers, and some music. Communion will be provided to those who wish to receive. Of course, masks and distancing will be required. Since space will be limited, please reserve a spot by calling 201-433-4922 or emailing office@stpaulsjc.org. It will be so very good to be together at last!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Your Brother in Christ,
Tom
Prayers and Thanksgivings:
We pray for:
All those on our parish prayer list, especially Gina, Jean A., Anaiayah, Linda M., Vicki B, Julio, Marisol, Marisa, Eddie, and Joe
We offer special prayers for the people of St. Vincent; and for Sonia and her family
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:
Tom Dwyer
Maria Vieira
All of those who have died as a result of Covid -19
We give thanks for:
The birthday of Melvin Concepcion
Calendar Highlights:
Sat., April 10 Quiet Morning with Lorna Woodham, 10:00AM-Noon (Zoom) (See attached flyer for details and registration)
Sun., April 18 Jersey City Together Listening Session (immediately following the 10:00 Service) (Zoom)
Sun., April 25 Afternoon Prayer, 3:00PM (Churchyard, weather permitting)
Sat., May 8 Ordination of Lorna Woodham to the Diaconate
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.
You may 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
Sunday at 3:00pm (From APRIL 25 to MAY 30, weather permitting)
Afternoon Prayer with Holy Communion in the churchyard. Masking and distancing required. Seating is limited, so reserve a spot by calling 201-433-4922 or emailing office@atpaulsjc.org
From the Diocese:
Read The Voice Online for all the latest news, including a note from Bishop Hughes asking, how are we to bring God’s love into this Holy Week?
https://myemail.constantcontact.com/The-VOICE-Online--Bishop-Hughes-on-bringing-God-s-love-into-this-Holy-Week.html?soid=1102692382496&aid=HAr3aULsjog
Upcoming Events:
Pop In with Pop Up Youth – Zoom Meeting, 4/11, 3PM. Find out more here:
https://dioceseofnewark.org/event/pop-pop-youth-zoom-meeting-2
Worship Leader Training, 4/12, 4/19, 4/26. Find out more and register here:
https://dioceseofnewark.org/event/worship-leader-training
Regional Conversation with Bishop Hughes, 4/15, 6:30PM-8:30PM (via Zoom)
Anti-Racism Dialogues via Zoom, 4/17, 4/24, 5/1. Register here: https://dioceseofnewark.org/event/namaste-anti-racism-dialogue-zoom-0
Quiet Time of Reflection: God’s Strange Work
Our ministry intern Lorna Woodham will lead a quiet time of reflection on God’s love. All are welcome on Saturday, April 10, from 10:00AM to Noon on Zoom. See the attached flyer for more information.
Register here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScSidpwtjT3BxbsFHU9l_dJRsRzbvML78cHvjR5-rVJAeOKdw/viewform
The Lighthouse:
Thanks to Deacon Jill’s leadership and the generosity of our partners and volunteers, The Lighthouse has resumed operation in its new location! Learn more in this wonderful article published by nj.com and The Star Ledger:
https://www.nj.com/hudson/2021/04/in-union-city-a-beacon-for-asylees-who-need-a-home.html
Also, The Lighthouse still needs some items. Take a look at the list below and help out if you can:
Sacred People, Sacred Earth:
Along with many other congregations, our church has declared that we are united by a fundamental belief that all people, all living things, and the Earth are sacred.
Thank you to Susan Den Herder, Lorna Woodham, Shari Gill, and all the participants, for putting together this powerful video, which can be found on our Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/StPaulsJC/videos/436582177625640
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”
Our beautiful new art show can be viewed on our website: aspi-jc.org
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:
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
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 residents!
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
Notice:
The Sunday Paper and Sunday Paper Junior, to which The Church of St. Paul & Incarnation has a paid subscription, is forwarded to you with permission of the author/ illustrator, Gretchen Wolff Pritchard. © Gretchen Wolff Pritchard, The Sunday Paper, 19 Colony Road, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, www.the-sunday-paper.com. All rights reserved. This is copyright material and should not be further forwarded or distributed.