Now the Work of Christmas Begins

In this new year as the Christmas season ends, we still face many challenges; homelessness, hunger, and pandemic to name a few.

A poem called “The Work of Christmas” by Howard Thurman, an African-American theologian, educator, and civil rights leader reminds of what we are called to do now.

When the song of the angels is stilled,

when the star in the sky is gone,

when the kings and princes are home,

when the shepherds are back with their flocks,

the work of Christmas begins:

to find the lost,

to heal the broken,

to feed the hungry,

to release the prisoner,

to rebuild the nations,

to bring peace among the people,

to make music in the heart.

You are invited to help by using the button below to give online or by sending your check to Episcopal Charities, 275 North Main Street, Providence 02903. Please indicate in the memo section of your check if you are giving to the Charities Annual Fund or Charities NOW.  And remember, Episcopal Charities does not apply any administrative fees. 

We thank you for your amazing support last year and in years past.

Wishing you a Happy and Blessed New Year. 

Donate

Zoom Only for Now

Dear St. Paul’s Family and Friends,

Due to the rise in Covid infections, we will Zoom only for the present with no in-person worship.

As part of our worship we will be using the Spiritual Communion Prayer:

My Jesus, I believe that you are truly present in the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar.

I desire to offer you praise and thanksgiving as I proclaim your resurrection.

I love you above all things, and long for you in my soul.

Since I cannot receive you in the Sacrament of your Body and Blood,

come spiritually into my heart.

Cleanse and strengthen me with your grace, Lord Jesus, 

and let me never be separated from you.

May I live in you, and you in me, in this life and in the life to come. Amen. 

May the New Year bring with it renewed HOPE, JOY, LOVE, and HEALING …

Peace and Happy New Year,

M+

Merry Christmas

Blessings to all wherever you may be and Merry Christmas! You are most welcome to join us at 5:00 this evening for our Christmas service. 

Sunday Service at 10:00

Beginning the weekend after Labor Day our Sunday Holy Eucharist Service will be at 10:00 AM. We are once again meeting in the church! We would be happy to have you join with us this week and every Sunday throughout the upcoming months as well. Blessings.

Easter Sunday

 Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that we, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord’s resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday

 Almighty and everliving God, in your tender love for the human race you sent your Son our Savior Jesus Christ to take upon him our nature, and to suffer death upon the cross, giving us the example of his great humility: Mercifully grant that we may walk in the way of his suffering, and also share in his resurrection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Spring Flowers

A delightful splash of Spring color adorns the Ken Brockway Memorial Garden in front of St Paul’s. These lovely photographs are by Elizabeth Follansbee.

 

Fifth Sunday of Lent

 Almighty and everliving God, in your tender love for the human race you sent your Son our Savior Jesus Christ to take upon him our nature, and to suffer death upon the cross, giving us the example of his great humility: Mercifully grant that we may walk in the way of his suffering, and also share in his resurrection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Fourth Sunday of Lent

Gracious Father, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ came down from heaven to be the true bread which gives life to the world: Evermore give us this bread, that he may live in us, and we in him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Third Sunday in Lent

Almighty God, you know that we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves: Keep us both outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls, that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. 

Second Sunday in Lent

 O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy: Be gracious to all who have gone astray from your ways, and bring them again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of your Word, Jesus Christ your Son; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

First Sunday in Lent

 Almighty God, whose blessed Son was led by the Spirit to be tempted by Satan: Come quickly to help us who are assaulted by many temptations; and, as you know the weaknesses of each of us, let each one find you mighty to save; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Ash Wednesday

Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. 

Episcopal Charities

 

Donate NOW! Be Enriched You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.              2 Corinthians 9:11, NRSV We are going to celebrate Thanksgiving differently this year with necessary COVID-19 restrictions. But remember that there are those among us who wonder how, or if, they’ll be able to meet the very basic of needs not just on Thanksgiving but every day.  They struggle day-by-day in the midst of incredible stress and, in some cases, loss. What can we do? Be generous on this and every occasion by giving to Episcopal Charities. Your gift goes a long way to provide food, shelter, and healthcare to those Rhode Islanders who need it most. Use the button below for online giving or send a check to Episcopal Charities, 275 North Main Street, Providence 02903.   We wish you a safe and blessed Thanksgiving. Thank you for your continued support.       Donate The Diocese of Rhode Island 275 North Main Street Providence, RI 02903

On Site Services Canceled Until Further Notice Due To COVID-19

A Message From Our +Bishop

March 16, 2020

To the people of the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island,

During this time of pandemic, we are faced with continually evolving circumstances. As people of faith, we have a sure and certain anchor in the love of God made known to us in Jesus Christ. God is summoning us here to a particular ministry in this time of crisis. We will do everything we can do as Christian people to serve and support our neighbors and our communities across the state.

As followers of Jesus, we are not always certain where to begin. We can promise to pray without ceasing for the wellbeing of our communities and the whole world. From there we can ask God to show us where we are needed and how we might best respond, as in this humble prayer:

This is another day, O Lord. I know not what it will bring forth, but make me ready, Lord, for whatever it may be. If I am to stand up, help me to stand bravely. If I am to sit still, help me to sit quietly. If I am to lie low, help me to do it patiently. And if I am to do nothing, let me do it gallantly. Make these words more than words, and give me the Spirit of Jesus. Amen. The Book of Common Prayer, p. 461.

Please feel free to share this message with your families, friends and fellow parishioners, and invite them to sign up for future messages and information.

+Nicholas
Bishop of Rhode Island Providence

Upcoming at St Paul's

Comfortable Words

Hear what comfortable words our Saviour Christ saith unto all who truly turn to him:

Come unto me, all ye that travail and are heavy laden, and I will refresh you. Matthew 11:28
God so loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son, to the end that all that believe in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

Hear also what Saint Paul saith:

This is a true saying, and worthy of all men to be received, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. 1 Timothy 1:15

Hear also what Saint John saith:

If any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and he is the Propitiation for our sins. 1 John 2:1-2

Holy Week and Easter Sunday

Join the St. Paul’s Family as we come together for worship:

• Maunday Thursday at 6:00 PM. Holy Communion and the stripping of the altar. 
• Good Friday at 6:00 PM. A simple and quiet service.....prayer and meditation. 
• Easter Sunday at 9:00 AM. Come one and come all....bring your family, friends, and even strangers! It is a time of CELEBRATION!

Holy Week is a good time to check on your knee-mail! In your prayers please remember all those who are ill or feeling poorly.

Palm Sunday

Palm Sunday is here! 

We will be celebrating this Sunday, the 14th, at St. Paul’s at 9:00 AM.
   
Come and share the journey as Jesus enters Jerusalem..... 

Easter Flowers

Upcoming

• Lent 4 on Sunday March 31 at 9:00 AM
• Lent 5 on Sunday April 7 at 9:00 AM followed by coffee hour and Bishop's Committee Meeting
• Palm Sunday on April 14 at 9:00 AM
• Maunday Thursday on April 18 at 6:00 PM
• Good Friday on April 19 at 6:00 PM
• Easter Day on Sunday April 21 at 9:00 AM

Looking forward to seeing you for these occasions and for services each and every Sunday throughout the upcoming months as well!

First Sunday in Lent

After waking an hour earlier with the shift to Daylight Savings, and then cautiously driving through the morning’s sleet, rain, snow, it was a great comfort to begin the First Sunday in Lent with the Great Litany. As we collectively read each petition, each response and each prayer a deeper sense of Lent emerged within the congregation.

In her sermon the Rev. Marilyn Mason cautioned us regarding temptations that might arise at "an opportune time" but assured us that we could always count on God’s promise of love and protection.

We are blessed.

Seventh Sunday after Epiphany

Sixth Sunday after Epiphany

In today's sermon the Rev Marilyn Mason and our visitor the Rev. Canon Elizabeth Habecker led us through the readings from the strong proclamations in Jeremiah, to the healings and teachings by Jesus on the plain, towards the Way of Love initiative currently underway in the Episcopal Church. It was a blessing to participate.

Today's readings can be found here.

More information on the Way of Love from The Episcopal Church can be found here.

Upcoming

• The "Way of Love" Kick-off on Saturday February 16 from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM at St Mary's. Learn more about this "Way of Love" event here.
• Epiphany 6 on Sunday February 17 at 9:00 AM
• Epiphany 7 on Sunday February 24 at 9:00 AM
• Last Epiphany on Sunday March 3 at 9:00 AM
• Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper on Tuesday March 5 at 5:30 PM
• Ash Wednesday Service on Wednesday March 6 at 5:30 PM
• Lent 1 on Sunday March 10 at 9:00  AM followed by coffee hour and Bishop's Committee Meeting

January 20th Sunday Service Cancelled

Our Sunday service for January 20th, 2019 is cancelled out of concern for the safety of parishioners and staff traveling in the bad weather.

The Bishop's visit is re-scheduled for next Sunday which  is January 27th.  That will push the Annual Meeting out till the first Sunday in February, which is February 3rd. We look forward to seeing you next week. Stay safe. And stay warm.

Upcoming

• The Epiphany - Sunday, January 6 at 9:00
• Epiphany 1 - Sunday, January 13 followed by coffee hour and Bishop's Committee Meeting
• Bishop Knisely's Visit - Sunday January 20 at 9:00 [RESCHEDULED TO JANUARY 27]
• St Paul's Day Celebration - Sunday January 27 at 9:00 followed by our Annual Meeting [RESCHEDULED TO FEBRUARY 3]

Looking forward to seeing you for these occasions and for services each and every Sunday as well!

Merry Christmas

Our Advent journey of Hope, Peace, Love and Joy has brought us at last to Christmas! Today we gathered with friends and family to worship, sing, celebrate and share at our church service and at the happy Christmas Day Dinner in the parish house. Thank you to all for being here. Blessings!

First Sunday of Advent - Happy New Year!

As part of our service today we marked the First Sunday of Advent and the beginning of the new Church year by lighting our first Advent candle and by hanging the first special decorations on our Jesse Tree. These decorations were blue anchors inscribed by each parishioner with what there is in our lives, community and world that gives us "Hope".

In her sermon the Rev. Marilyn Mason spoke of the challenges of "putting on the armor of light" and reminded us that "All the paths of the Lord are love and faithfulness to those who keep his covenant and his testimonies."