Sparky's Puppets

The PAG Performing Arts Season wraps up with a visit to a shoemaker's shop on a wintry day, a trip to the land of the Northwind, and the discovery of three magic gifts as Sparky Davis performs "Stories from Snowy Lands". Sparky's Puppets have delighted children and family audiences throughout New England for over 30 years. Join us in the magical world of children's stories brought to life by Sparky's colorful puppets and lively humor this weekend. Great for the kids! The show, which was originally scheduled for December 20 but which was postponed due to snow, is now scheduled for Sunday afternoon at 3 PM on December 27 in Saint Paul's Church with a free reception following at the Arts Guild Gallery in the Saint Paul's Parish Hall. Tickets are only $5 and are available at Clements' Market, or by calling 401-253-6682.

The Bohemian Quartet

The PAG Performing Arts Season continues this weekend with fast and furious tunes from The Bohemian Quartet. The Quartet, a four-piece string band comprised of a violin, viola, cello and bass, was founded by violinist, Stan Renard, in 2005 and is based in Providence, Rhode Island. Other members are Nancy Richardson on viola, Christine Harrington on cello, and John DeBossu on upright bass. The name "Bohemian Quartet" was borrowed from the original Bohemian Quartet which was founded in 1891 and disbanded in 1934. The "new" Bohemian Quartet performs a vast and unique repertoire revolving around traditional 'Gypsy' or 'Romany' music as well as traditional Eastern-European folk music. The music has been collected via recordings, transcription, interviews, and arranged by Stan. The quartet released its first CD "Word of Mouth", in 2006 and was featured on the "One World Show" produced by Robert Malin; receiving an award for "Best Music Documentary-2007" in Rhode Island. The mission of the Quartet is to create an awareness of, and love for, 'Romany' music. The show is Sunday afternoon at 3 PM on November 15 in Saint Paul's Church with a free reception following at the Arts Guild Gallery in the Saint Paul's Parish Hall. Tickets are available at Clements' Market, or by calling 401-253-6682.

Bishop Wolf's Visit

The Right Reverend Geralyn Wolf came for a visit to St. Paul's on Sunday November 8th. While here the Bishop presided at our 10 AM Eucharist and then met with parish members for a reception and some conversation. During her sermon Bishop Wolf addressed "giving out of abundance" and "giving out of poverty" from Mark 12:38-44 and also addressed art and spirituality. At the reception following the service we had an excellent discussion of the characteristics of parishes in transformation. The Bishop's visit has given us a great deal to reflect on during this time of "living in Holy Saturday".

Bishop's Convention Address

The Right Reverend Geralyn Wolf's remarks at the 219th Convention of the Diocese of Rhode Island have been made available at the Diocese blog site. In her remarks the Bishop asks our particular attention to "what it means to live in Holy Saturday, the ten characteristics of transforming churches, new models for evangelism, and what you're going to do about your attitude toward money". Read the Bishop's address here ...

Letter to Rhode Island from Presiding Bishop

A Letter to Rhode Island from The Most Reverend Katharine Jefferts Schori thanking the "dear brothers and sisters in Rhode Island" for our "commitment to mission, and for the faithful leadership and ministry of Bishop Wolf" is available on the Diocesan web site. Read the letter now ...

The Telltale Heart

The PAG Performing Arts Season continues with Edgar Allen Poe's classic story of murder and madness brought to life by Katie Latimer. Join us for "The Telltale Heart" on Sunday afternoon October 25 at 3 PM in Saint Paul's Church. A free reception follows at the Arts Guild Gallery in the Saint Paul's Parish Hall. Tickets are available at Clements' Market, or by calling 401-253-6682.

Superchief Trio

The PAG Performing Arts Season begins this month with the "two-fisted piano,  red hot trombone, powerful vocals and frenzied percussion antics" of Superchief Trio on September 27. The show is Sunday afternoon at 3 PM in Saint Paul's Church with a free reception following at the Arts Guild Gallery in the Saint Paul's Parish Hall. Tickets are available at Clements' Market, or by calling 401-253-6682.

September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance

On Friday, September 11, The Reverend Gordon Stenning and The Reverend Hébert Bolles will preside at the Holy Eucharist at 7:00 AM in observance of the September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance. Join us as we gather to honor and offer tribute to the courage witnessed on that day and those that followed. We invite all baptized persons, regardless of age or denomination, to receive Communion with us.

Hamburgers, Potato Salad and Ice Cream - Oh My!

Yes, we're having a potluck cookout this Sunday, August 30th, from 11:00 until 1:00 or so. If you're coming please let Linda Remington know and, since we've got many of the fundamental cookout food groups ... such as hamburgers, potato salad, ice cream and stuffies ... already on the menu, it would be best to also speak with Linda regarding any food you might be planning to bring.

PAG Performing Arts Season

The first Portsmouth Arts Guild Performing Arts Season begins next month. It's not too soon to be making your plans for attending one or more of the upcoming shows. There's New Orleans flavor dance blues with Superchief Trio on September 27, Katie Latimer bringing to life Edgar Allen Poe's Tell-Tale Heart on October 25, fast and furious gypsy folk tunes with The Bohemian Quartet on November 15 and a visit to a shoemaker's shop on a wintry day with Sparky's Puppets on December 20. All shows are Sunday at 3 PM in Saint Paul's Church with a free reception following at the Arts Guild Gallery in the Saint Paul's Parish Hall. Tickets are available at Clements' Market, or by calling 401-253-6682.

The Shack

A group of us at Saint Paul's are reading William Paul Young's thought provoking bestseller and will be having what are likely to be lively discussions on the book each Sunday at our adult study time between the 8:00 and 10:00 services during the month of August. The discussions will be led by the Rev. Dr. David Jenkins. Come join us.

Recent and Upcoming Activity

We've been busy at Saint Paul's this spring and we expect to be busy this summer as well.

We raised $449.80 by walking for CROP/CWS and Saint Paul's parishioners are now supporting the Global AIDS Interfaith Alliance (GAIA) .

The Rev. Dr. David Jenkins will be returning again as the visiting priest at St. Paul's this summer. He will serve at the 8:00 and 10:00 services on Sundays beginning July 19, and will be leading a discussion between services on "The Shack" by William P. Young.

A portable stage is currently being built by our friends in the Portsmouth Arts Guild. The stage will be ready for a show by the Superchief Trio on September 27 which launches a performance series hosted by the Arts Guild and Saint Paul's partnership.

Retreat Held

At a retreat held at our parish house on Saturday, March 14, 2009, the vestry of St. Paul's Church in Portsmouth renewed its commitment to its Mission to "Follow Jesus' example of Loving, Healing and Teaching."

The church will offer a series of programs to the Portsmouth community, and also support programs of The Portsmouth Arts Guild.

St. Paul's first program this season will be its second annual Lenten program, "A Journey Through Holy Week." The Rev. Gordon Stenning will officiate at services on Palm Sunday on April 5th and Easter Sunday April 12th, at 8:00 and 10:00, and also at daily services at 7:00 - 7:30 AM Monday - Thursday, and 12:00 noon on Good Friday, during Holy Week. For more info about Lenten services call Jeff Reise at 401-683-0483.

Portsmouth Arts Guild Members Show

The Portsmouth Arts Guild 2009 season is underway. The Emerging Artists III Area Student Show has just ended and the Annual Members All-Media Exhibition opens March 12. The Members Exhibition will run through April 5. Make plans to stop by for the show and for the Opening Reception on March 15th from 2-4 PM.

Annual Meeting Upcoming

Our Parish Annual Meeting will be held on Sunday January 25 at 10:30 AM following a single 9:30 AM service celebrating The Conversion of St. Paul. Vestry elections will be held at the meeting and a pot luck brunch will be served. All members of the parish are encouraged to attend.