Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost Proper 21

 O God, you declare your almighty power chiefly in showing mercy and pity: Grant us the fullness of your grace, that we, running to obtain your promises, may become partakers of your heavenly treasure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost Proper 20

 Grant us, Lord, not to be anxious about earthly things, but to love things heavenly; and even now, while we are placed among things that are passing away, to hold fast to those that shall endure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Holy Cross Day

Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ was lifted high upon the cross that he might draw the whole world to himself: Mercifully grant that we, who glory in the mystery of our redemption, may have grace to take up our cross and follow him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen. 

Appreciation and Gratitude Sunday Gathering

Following our service on Sunday September 11th we met in the Parish Hall for a joyful gathering that is wonderfully captured in the many photos and two emails here.

To All

I would like to express my thanks for a wonderful day of fellowship, food, fun and for just an all around great day of gratitude and appreciation. The enthusiasm, generosity and overwhelming support made this all worthwhile. Our entertainment Lou Couto was absolutely thrilled to be with us and remarked several times how much he loved the people of St. Paul’s and looks forward to coming back again. Thank you to all who help in any way and it was indeed my pleasure to put this together for such a fine group of dedicated servants. I have been approached about doing this again for Christmas by Lou and he would be more than happy to return. Again, many thanks to all for keeping the spirit alive. May God Bless each and every one of you and his continued blessings on this wonderful St. Paul’s Church family. 

Scott 

Dear Scott 

Your idea and follow through for today's cookout turned out to be a spectacular and fun event! I am still smiling at how much fun we had and all the delicious food. We are so blessed and grateful to have you at St Paul's! Yes, I would look forward to doing this again.
With a grateful heart,
Colleen

September 11th Opening Prayer

 At the beginning of our Sunday service this September 11th we were led in prayer by The Reverend Canon Elizabeth Habecker in response to today being the 21st anniversary of the events of that tragic day and the difficult days that followed.

We pray for our nation as a whole this September 11th.

September 12th (back then) was met with unity and grief that we all shared. It is still something we share as a people. It is a reminder of how fragile and precious life truly is.

Lord we pray for peace and unity in our nation today.

We pray that your spirit will be poured out among us and that through and by you there would be a common heart, a common goal, and a common desire for peace and kindness towards one another.

Let us not lose sight of what is important in this life.and help us to love one another as you truly love us.

Lord we pray for our leaders today. We pray that you would give them wisdom and discernment as they tackle events and dilemmas as they unfold.

We pray that you would inspire this nation to be a nation under God, one that seeks to glorify, honor and praise you. This is our heart’s desire Lord. We desire to be your people and we strive to have peace.

This nation has so much to offer. And Lord we pray for our nation to truly be a city on the hill

In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost Proper 19

O God, because without you we are not able to please you mercifully grant that your Holy Spirit may in all things direct and rule our hearts; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost Proper 18

 Grant us, O Lord, to trust in you with all our hearts; for, as you always resist the proud who confide in their own strength, so you never forsake those who make their boast of your mercy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost Proper 17

Lord of all power and might, the author and giver of all good things: Graft in our hearts the love of your Name; increase in us true religion; nourish us with all goodness; and bring forth in us the fruit of good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen. 

Saint Bartholomew the Apostle

 Almighty and everlasting God, who gave to your apostle Bartholomew grace truly to believe and to preach your Word: Grant that your Church may love what he believed and preach what he taught; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost Proper 16

Grant, O merciful God, that your Church, being gathered together in unity by your Holy Spirit, may show forth your power among all peoples, to the glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. 

Saint Mary the Virgin

O God, you have taken to yourself the blessed Virgin Mary, mother of your incarnate Son: Grant that we, who have been redeemed by his blood, may share with her the glory of your eternal kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. 

Tenth Sunday after Pentecost Proper 15

 Almighty God, you have given your only Son to be for us a sacrifice for sin, and also an example of godly life: Give us grace to receive thankfully the fruits of his redeeming work, and to follow daily in the blessed steps of his most holy life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Summer Church at Saint Paul's

It’s summer time and the Parish House is cooler than the Church at 10:00!
We are also on Zoom! If you are not on St. Paul’s email list and want the Zoom invite let Rev. Marilyn know at marilynsmithmason@yahoo.com.  

And of course after our service there is always time for one-on-one chat and general fellowship. And this week - lemonade and delicious cookies!

Ninth Sunday after Pentecost Proper 14

 Grant to us, Lord, we pray, the spirit to think and do always those things that are right, that we, who cannot exist without you, may by you be enabled to live according to your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Transfiguration

 O God, who on the holy mount revealed to chosen witnesses your well-beloved Son, wonderfully transfigured, in raiment white and glistening: Mercifully grant that we, being delivered from the disquietude of this world, may by faith behold the King in his beauty; who with you, O Father, and you, O Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Eighth Sunday after Pentecost Proper 13

 Let your continual mercy, O Lord, cleanse and defend your Church; and, because it cannot continue in safety without your help, protect and govern it always by your goodness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Truth

 

Little children, let us love not in word or speech but in deed and truth. 1John 3:18 In truth, without the support of the agencies and ministries Episcopal Charities serves, some RI children and teens would not have enough to eat. They rely on school meal programs which aren’t available during the summer months. Episcopal Charities Annual Grants provides sustaining support for nonprofit agencies who work with our congregations to meet needs in their local communities. Charities NOW provides small emergency grants that go out the door quickly to support feeding ministries in our churches and nonprofit agencies.  Use the button to give online or send your check to Episcopal Charities, 275 North Main Street, Providence 02903 indicating which fund you wish to support.   And remember, Episcopal Charities does not apply any administrative fees, so 100% of your gift goes to help our neighbors in need. Thank you for partnering with us. Your gift. Their truth.   Donate

Saint James the Apostle

 O gracious God, we remember before you today your servant and apostle James, first among the Twelve to suffer martyrdom for the Name of Jesus Christ; and we pray that you will pour out upon the leaders of your Church that spirit of self-denying service by which alone they may have true authority among your people; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Seventh Sunday after Pentecost Proper 12

 O God, the protector of all who trust in you, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy: Increase and multiply upon us your mercy; that, with you as our ruler and guide, we may so pass through things temporal, that we lose not the things eternal; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Saint Mary Magdalene

 Almighty God, whose blessed Son restored Mary Magdalene to health of body and of mind, and called her to be a witness of his resurrection: Mercifully grant that by your grace we may be healed from all our infirmities and know you in the power of his unending life; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Sixth Sunday after Pentecost Proper 11

 Almighty God, the fountain of all wisdom, you know our necessities before we ask and our ignorance in asking: Have compassion on our weakness, and mercifully give us those things which for our unworthiness we dare not, and for our blindness we cannot ask; through the worthiness of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Fifth Sunday after Pentecost Proper 10

 O Lord, mercifully receive the prayers of your people who call upon you, and grant that they may know and understand what things they ought to do, and also may have grace and power faithfully to accomplish them; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Independence Day

 Lord God Almighty, in whose Name the founders of this country won liberty for themselves and for us, and lit the torch of freedom for nations then unborn: Grant that we and all the people of this land may have grace to maintain our liberties in righteousness and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Saint Peter and Saint Paul

 Almighty God, whose blessed apostles Peter and Paul glorified you by their martyrdom: Grant that your Church, instructed by their teaching and example, and knit together in unity by your Spirit, may ever stand firm upon the one foundation, which is Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Third Sunday after Pentecost Proper 8

Almighty God, you have built your Church upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone: Grant us so to be joined together in unity of spirit by their teaching, that we may be made a holy temple acceptable to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Nativity of Saint John the Baptist

Almighty God, by whose providence your servant John the Baptist was wonderfully born, and sent to prepare the way of your Son our Savior by preaching repentance: Make us so to follow his teaching and holy life, that we may truly repent according to his preaching; and, following his example, constantly speak the truth, boldly rebuke vice, and patiently suffer for the truth's sake; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Second Sunday after Pentecost Proper 7

O Lord, make us have perpetual love and reverence for your holy Name, for you never fail to help and govern those whom you have set upon the sure foundation of your loving-­kindness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

First Sunday after Pentecost -Trinity Sunday

 Almighty and everlasting God, you have given to us your servants grace, by the confession of a true faith, to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity, and in the power of your divine Majesty to worship the Unity: Keep us steadfast in this faith and worship, and bring us at last to see you in your one and eternal glory, O Father; who with the Son and the Holy Spirit live and reign, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Saint Barnabas

 Grant, O God, that we may follow the example of your faithful servant Barnabas, who, seeking not his own renown but the well­being of your Church, gave generously of his life and substance for the relief of the poor and the spread of the Gospel; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Difficult Decisions

 

”For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat..." Matthew 25:35 Have you ever wondered where your next meal is coming from? Have you ever had to decide between feeding your children or paying the electric bill? Some Rhode Islanders are forced into making these decisions every day. Whether it be the working poor or the homeless, it's a difficult way to live. Episcopal Charities Annual Grants provide sustaining support for nonprofit agencies that partner with our congregations to meet needs in their local communities. Charities NOW provides small emergency grants that go out the door quickly to support feeding ministries in our churches and nonprofit agencies.  With your help, Episcopal Charities is changing the lives of our neighbors in crisis and need, and in so doing, bringing hope, comfort and healing. Your gift to Episcopal Charities Annual Grants or Charities NOW assists the most vulnerable in our state. Use the button to give online or send your check to Episcopal Charities, 275 North Main Street, Providence 02903 indicating which fund you wish to support.   And remember, Episcopal Charities does not apply any administrative fees, so 100% of your gift goes to help our neighbors in need. Donate

The Diocese of Rhode Island 275 North Main Street Providence, RI 02903