Welcome to
Alleluia! Christ is risen!
The Lord is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Dear Friends,
Before getting into what’s coming up, I want to give a big thank you to the team that worked so hard to put together last Sunday’s worship. Many thanks to Susan Den Herder, Carol Harrison-Arnold, Jamila Matthews, Deacon Jill Singleton, Antwanette Stokes, Belinda Stokes, Susan Suarez, and Lorna Woodham. It required a whole lot of planning, learning, patience, and technical skill! Thank you also to our guest preacher, Canon Margo Clark.
Tech Team
This is a good time to mention that we hope to assemble a team to handle the technical side of our Sunday services after Sue (“Tech Support”) and I conclude our time here at the end of May. Please let me know if you are interested in serving our church in this increasingly important way.
Listening Session:
This Sunday we return to our normal live-streamed Service of Holy Communion at 10:00AM with Gail, Sue, and me. Later, at noon, we will have a Jersey City Together parish listening session.
Here’s a description from parishioner and longtime community organizer Diane Maxon:
What is a listening session?
Jersey City Together has been working for the past 4 years on Housing, Education and Criminal Justice.
We like to hold periodic "Listening Sessions" to make sure we are still focused on the matters that are the most important to our members.
This Sunday afternoon, we have scheduled a Listening Session for St. Paul & Incarnation at noon on Zoom.
We are asking you to attend to share what your community concerns are. The meeting will be only one hour. Contact Fr. Tom for the Zoom link.
We look forward to seeing you on Sunday!
Rain Out!
We had hoped to offer our first in-person outdoor worship in the churchyard this Sunday afternoon at 3:00 but the rainy weather has forced us to cancel. (Even if it stops raining by 3:00 the ground will be saturated). So, we will try again next week. Remember, this simple service will include Bible readings, prayers, and some music. Communion will be provided to those who wish to receive. Of course, masks and distancing will be required. We’ll provide some seating but you’re welcome to bring your own chair. Since space will be limited, you must reserve a spot by calling 201-433-4922 or emailing office@stpaulsjc.org. It will be so very good to be together at last! (Our 10:00 service will continue to be live-streamed only.)
Lorna’s Ordination
God willing and the people consenting, Bishop Hughes will ordain Lorna Woodham to the Sacred Order of Deacons on Sunday, May 8, at 10:00AM at Trinity and St. Philip’s Cathedral. Over the past two years, through her quiet presence and faithful service, Lorna has become a much-loved member of our community. I know you will rejoice with her as the Church formalizes a call that we have all long recognized. Due to the pandemic, in-person attendance will be limited to just a few people, but the service will be live-streamed. More details to follow.
Attention Longtime Parishioners: Photos From Our Past
Finally, on Pentecost (May 23) our church history project, “Lifting Our Voices,” will release its first report on some of what has been learned about our Episcopal past in Jersey City. We would very much like to include as many photos as possible of our parishioners from days gone by. I have a few, but I hope that you longtime members will share some photos. Let me know if you need help getting them to us.
With much love,
Tom
Prayers and Thanksgivings:
We pray for:
All those on our parish prayer list, especially Gina, Jean A., Anaiayah, Julio, Marisol, Eddie, Kathleen W, Kevin, and Jean G.
Sonia and her family
The people of St. Vincent
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:
All of those who have died as a result of Covid -19
We give thanks for:
The birthdays of Abigail Kwaasi, Melanie Lavender, Paulette Medina, Gloria Manderville, and Obi Okere.
Calendar Highlights:
Sun., April 25 Jersey City Together Listening Session, Noon (Zoom)
Sun., May 2 Afternoon Prayer with Holy Communion, 3:00PM (Churchyard; Reservations required)
Sat., May 8 Ordination of Lorna Woodham to the Diaconate, 10:00AM (live-streamed)
Sun., May 23 Pentecost & “Lifting Our Voices” presentation
Sun., May 30 Trinity Sunday (Tom & Sue’s last Sunday at St. Paul & Incarnation)
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 MAY 2 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 on Easter resurrection and transformation in a time of pandemic.
https://myemail.constantcontact.com/The-VOICE-Online--Bishop-Hughes-on-Easter-resurrection-and-transformation-in-a-time-of-pandemic.html?soid=1102692382496&aid=WnwtW5wETf8
Bishop Hughes has written a powerful message in the aftermath of the Chauvin verdict:
https://dioceseofnewark.org/bishops-vlog/taste-justice-message-after-chauvin-verdict?fbclid=IwAR2yd5AuFIsnhmDMS8IBEyJrKNlet5XaxQTt0NEIAYLNsQYdPR0NZMZumP8
Upcoming Event:
Jane Austen Tea: St. Elizabeth’s Ridgewood invites you to enjoy an English box tea and Zoom program with Jane Austen scholar Kim Wilson. All proceeds benefit outreach programs for women and children. More information can be found here:
https://dioceseofnewark.org/community-events/jane-austen-tea
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 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:
Learn more about New Jersey Together here: www.njtogether.org
FEMA Funeral Assistance:
The Disaster Recovery folks at Episcopal Relief and Development mentioned a benefit being provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to cover some of the costs of funerals caused by COVID-19 during this pandemic – up to $9000. This is not need based and is available regardless of the citizenship status of the deceased.
Applications begin today (possible delays this week). The application process begins with calling the FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Line and the phone number is: 844-684-6333 | TTY: 800-462-7585 (multi-lingual). Phones are answered Monday -Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Central Time. The application is processed on the phone followed by submitting records via web portal, fax or mail.
Additional information from FEMA can be found here: https://www.fema.gov/disasters/coronavirus/economic/funeral-assistance
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