January 2024 - Parish Notes

Parish Notes

January 2024 • Vol. 66 No. 5

Clergy Jeanne Leinbach, Rector jleinbach@stpauls-church.org Brandon Ashcraft, Associate Rector bashcraft@stpauls-church.org Gabriel Lawrence, Assistant Rector glawrence@stpauls-church.org Patricia Rose, Assistant Rector prose@stpauls-church.org

Staff Susan Armstrong Assistant to Children & Youth Min. Lois Bell Handbell Choir Director Brenda Burton, Controller Daniel Colaner, Organ Scholar Lauren Dockery Director of Children’s & Youth Min. Kelsey Ferguson Director of Children’s & Youth Choirs

It’s time for the third annual St. Paul’s Chili Cook-Off! This has been one of the most popular events at St. Paul’s, and we are excited for its return on Friday, January 19, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in Tucker Hall. If you have a favorite chili recipe, enjoy other people’s favorite recipes, or just like warm fellowship on a cold winter evening, we hope you will join us for an evening of good food, fun people, and friendly competition. Prizes will be awarded!

The chefs will supply the chili, and the Parish Fellowship Committee will provide appetizers, cornbread, salad, desserts, and all beverages (beer, wine, and non-alcoholic). Registration is free for chili chefs and $25 for all others. Registration is now open on our website for chili contestants and attendees: www.stpauls-church.org/Chili2024.

Ethan Greenberg, Sexton Steve Halasz, Sexton Kevin Jones, Director of Music Paul McCuen, Sexton Pam O’Halloran Director of Operations David Osburn Carillonneur Amber Patton Administrative Assistant Karel Paukert, Artist-in-Residence Sylvester Person, Sexton Nathaniel Powell Director of Communications Jenni Thomas Administrative Coordinator

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church 2747 Fairmount Boulevard Cleveland Heights, Ohio 44106 (216) 932-5815 www.stpauls-church.org info@stpauls-church.org Pastoral Care Line: (216) 238-4001 2

Parish Notes | January 2024

Cover Photos: This issue's cover photos are some of our favorite moments from Christmas Eve. Do you have a photo to share? Send them to Nathaniel, and you just might see them on social media, or around the church: npowell@stpauls-church.org.

CLERGY REFLECTION

To Be Called The Rev. Patricia Rose

What does it mean to be “called?” To have “a calling?” Is this something that is relevant to everyone, or just some people? How do we sense a calling? Is a calling just another demand of time, something you “should” have in order to be a good person?

Or just what does it offer?

Starting in January, and extending through Lent, our Sunday forums will explore this rich theme.

At the core, a calling speaks to the heart of our being, of who we are. As a tree is impelled to grow upward, spread into the light, and bear flowers and fruit; as a bird is fashioned to sing morning and evening and to create a nest in which to care for fragile new life; so are we propelled with vital energy from within to serve love and goodness. We feel this powerful movement, for example, in our innate desire to end suffering when we see it.

When we respond to this fierce impetus to use our unique gifts to serve love, justice, and compassion, we are enlivened. We feel lighter. We often feel a sense of the goodness and full aliveness which God has given us to be and know.

In our “yes” to a calling, we experience God’s life stream in us, and we join it. God’s life moves in the lifegiving sap rising upward through a mighty oak tree and in the captivating warbling song emanating effortlessly from a Meadowlark. This life is also always moving in us.

Still, our service in responding to a call is not always comfortable, pleasant, or easy. But moving with and in this stream of God’s life brings courage, conviction, and gladness of heart to face the difficulties. In the historic seeds of Christianity, the ever-befuddled apostles, who once huddled in the upper room terrified, became lions of courage, giving to the world beyond themselves.

We may often ask ourselves, and sometimes with despair, what can I do to help this deeply suffering, messed up world? In the quiet of our hearts, open to God, in moments of attentiveness to people and movements in our lives, we may notice something is stirring. Something beyond us, yet intimately familiar. Something quiet, but potent. Please join us for our diverse forum offerings, which may help catalyze our awareness of what is calling us.

Our forums in January will include sessions on the sacred call of our baptismal covenant (1/7), call stories in scripture (1/21), and an introduction to the Absalom Jones Center for Racial Healing (1/14). February will bring guest speaker and preacher Keisha Krumm, Executive Director of Greater Cleveland Congregations (2/4), an exploration of the English poet John Milton’s calling (2/11), and guest speakers from the EDWINS Leadership and Restaurant Institute, including staff, current students, and graduates (2/25).

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Appear and Inspire Exploring Music as Community Kevin Jones

In his longer work, Hymn to St. Cecilia, the poet W. H. Auden wrote: Blessed Cecilia, appear in visions To all musicians, appear and inspire: Translated Daughter, come down and startle Composing mortals with immortal fire.

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For an Adult Forum in October of last year, I had been asked to present briefly about creativity in music. As I began to explore this topic of celestial fire and heavenly inspiration, the talk took a turn.

Since the pandemic, so much has been written about our collective mental health and the role that disconnectedness has come to play in our post-COVID society. We seem to be searching for grounding, for a center, for a place to belong. We

worry about our young people who seem overly busy, highly functional, yet troubled. We are watching institutions challenged to their cores and sometimes overthrown altogether. Nothing seems normal.

In May 2023, the Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, issued a profound statement addressing the epidemic of loneliness that silently afflicts our society. He wrote, “Our epidemic of loneliness and isolation has been an underappreciated public health crisis that has harmed individual and societal health.

Our relationships are a source of healing and well-being hiding in plain sight — one that can help us live healthier, more fulfilled, and more productive lives. Given the significant health consequences of loneliness and isolation, we must prioritize building social connection the same way we have prioritized other critical public health issues such as tobacco, obesity, and substance use disorders. Together, we can build a country that’s healthier, more resilient, less lonely and more connected.”1 Despite the digital age and the seeming omnipresence of social media, we long for real human connection that can be a source of healing and well-being. Our evolutionary history teaches us that the ability to create and maintain social bonds in larger groups is essential for survival.

I began to wonder what the role of the 21st-century church

might be in this regard — how this institution might be able to make an impact on our loneliness epidemic. Then, I came across a series of articles about group music-making — an activity that has been and continues to be at the heart of communal worship.

inspire devotion, and connect us with the divine. But why? Recent neurological studies have now revealed that the act of singing and participating in music during worship, actively and passively, has a profound impact on our brains.

In the December 2015 issue of Greater Good Magazine, an article titled “The New Science of Singing Together”2 suggests that “Being part of a cohesive group has been essential for survival throughout our evolutionary history, but being part of a group also raises challenges, such as conflict over resources and mates.

In order to survive, our ancestors needed ways to keep the group together through these conflicts.

Music is found in all human cultures around the world. The oldest bone flute is 40,000 years old, so music has been around at least this long. This, and the fact that music often occurs in social settings, from religious rituals to football games, suggests that music might be an evolved behavior for creating community cohesion.”

In their article “Singing and social bonding: changes in connectivity and pain threshold as a function of group size,” the authors reported a study that “recruited individuals from a community choir that met in both small (n = 20–80) and large (a ‘megachoir’ combining individuals from the smaller subchoirs n = 232) group contexts. Participants gave self-report measures of social bonding and had pain threshold measurements taken (as a proxy for endorphin release) before and after 90 min of singing. Results showed that feelings of inclusion, connectivity, positive affect, and measures of endorphin release all increased across singing rehearsals and that the influence of group singing was comparable for pain thresholds in the large versus small group context. Levels of social closeness were found to be greater at pre- and post-levels for the small choir condition.

However, the large choir condition experienced a greater change in social closeness as compared to the small condition.

The finding that singing together fosters social closeness — even in large group contexts where individuals are not known to each other — is consistent with

This led me to consider why music, above the other Fine Arts, has held a privileged, elevated position in the life of the church.

Certainly painting, sculpture, and dance can be divinely inspired, yet music is nearly always part of group religious ritual. From the earliest days of the church, music has been an integral part of our spiritual journey. It has the power to evoke emotions,

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evolutionary accounts that emphasize the role of music in social bonding, particularly in the context of creating larger cohesive groups than other primates are able to manage.”3 Singing in a large choir is essentially what our congregation does when it engages in hymn singing and service music.

We do it every week. Within our community, we also have smaller choirs — the organized chorister choirs, the Senior Choir, and the St. Paul’s Ringers. We have the tools for building and maintaining social cohesion right here at St. Paul’s. Music can connect us.

In other research about the effects of music on our brains, it seems that even listening to live music as a group brings us together. Recent research4 has highlighted the concept of “musical synchrony” — when our brains and bodies align with the rhythms and melodies of music.

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Parish Notes | January 2024

This synchronization fosters a sense of togetherness within the congregation. Singing and listening together not only unifies our voices but also our hearts, minds, and spirits, creating a profound sense of belonging.

Music has an unparalleled ability to touch the depths of our souls, allowing us to explore and express our faith in a unique way. These recent neurological findings support the concept of emotional resonance through music. Choral music, whether congregational or ensemble, through its lyrics and melodies, enables us to connect with our emotions and express our faith in a deeply personal way. The old adage attributed to St. Augustine applies here, “He who sings prays twice.” Music is now known to activate the limbic system in our brains, which is associated with emotion and memory, enhancing our spiritual experience and strengthening spiritual bonds between us.

The neurological findings that have emerged reinforce the significance of music in our lives. Engaging in music, especially group singing, releases endorphins, enhancing our spiritual experience and creating a sense of unity within a congregation. Singing together synchronizes our heartbeats and brainwaves, fostering a shared emotional connection during worship.

The universality of music welcomes people of all backgrounds, fostering inclusivity and diversity within the church community. It acts as a bridge, connecting individuals and creating a sense of unity among the congregation. Listening to instrumental music during moments of reflection and prayer guides us on a spiritual journey, altering brainwave patterns and promoting a meditative state.

The resulting increase in theta brainwave activity is associated

with profound spiritual experiences and a sense of connectedness to the divine.

Beyond the individual benefits, music is a powerful tool for building the church community.

It strengthens bonds, enriches relationships, and inspires acts of service. Congregants share their talents for the greater good, finding opportunities to support and serve one another.

Music nurtures spirituality by encouraging the exploration of faith and promoting spiritual growth.

As a call to action, I challenge us to use this information in our weekly worship practice.

Instead of running into worship at the last minute, arrive a few moments early, sit quietly, pray, listen to the prelude that is being offered, and allow it to wash over you in preparation for the Eucharist. The postlude, too, can serve as a vehicle to enable you to reflect on the Eucharist, reflect on the message of the day, the readings of the lectionary, and the sense of belonging you may have felt. Maybe offer a prayer of thanksgiving. Allow it to let you

Endnotes 1

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/ files/surgeon-general-social-connection-advisory.pdf

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Launay, J., & Pearce, E. (2015, December 4). The New Science of Singing Together. Greater Good Magazine. https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/science_of_ singing

transition from the sacred to the world at large. When it finishes, say “Amen” so that you may be ready to “walk in love as Christ first loved us.”

In conclusion, the power of music in building a sense of belonging and community within the faith community is immeasurable.

Recent neurological research affirms what has always been known in the hearts of the faithful: music unites, fosters inclusivity, strengthens faith, and binds the congregation as a loving community.

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Weinstein, D., Launay, J., Pearce, E., Dunbar, R. I., & Stewart, L. (2016). Singing and social bonding: Changes in connectivity and pain threshold as a function of group size. Evolution and Human Behavior, 37(2), 152-158. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.evolhumbehav.2015.10.002

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Martone, R. (2020, June 2). Music Synchronizes the Brains of Performers and Their Audience. Scientific American. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/ music-synchronizes-the-brains-of-performers-and-theiraudience/ January 2024 | Parish Notes

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AROUND ST. PAUL'S

Parish Events Parish Notes Event Submissions Submissions may be emailed to Nathaniel Powell, Director of Communications: npowell@stpaulschurch.org. • Submissions must include: Title (max 50 to 60 characters); date; and a description (max 500 characters, links are exempt). For more information, we will set up a page on our website (max 250 to 300 words). • Photos: a photo or graphic or suggestions for a photo or graphic. Only photo files with a minimum pixel dimension of 1080 x 1080 will be published.

Annual Meeting

Sunday, January 28, 11 a.m.

On Sunday, January 28, 2024, following our combined worship service at 10 a.m., we will gather as a parish to reflect and look ahead to the coming year. We’ll hear updates on current ministries and projects and learn about programming. In addition, the 2024 budget will be presented, and we will give thanks to outgoing Vestry members and elect new members. The 2024 Vestry nominees are Karen Carter, Barbara Driscol (1-year term), Bob Quartell, Susan Quill, and Timothy Wutrich. Additional vestry nominations must be submitted in writing to the Rector with at least 15 qualified voters by Tuesday, January 16.

Worship The Eve of the Feast of Epiphany Friday, January 5, 2024, 6:30 p.m.

We’ll mark the arrival of the magi with the ancient Epiphany custom of the chalking of the doors and a service of the Holy Eucharist followed by a dessert reception featuring King’s Cake and toasting with champagne and sparkling grape juice. “Chalking the doors” is a ritual to ask God’s blessing on our homes and lives. We’ll send everyone home with chalk and special prayers to observe this custom in their own homes.

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Parish Notes | January 2024

Choral Evensong

Sunday, January 21, 4 p.m.

The Youth and Senior Choirs join forces to lead Choral Evensong, including responses by Richard Ayleward, the St. Mark’s Service by Gerald Near, and William Byrd’s Epiphany motet for double choir, “Surge, illuminare.”

Combined Worship

Sunday, January 28, 10 a.m.

We will hold one combined worship service at 10 a.m. on Sunday, January 28, to celebrate Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany. The service will be followed by the Annual Meeting.

Ash Wednesday February 14

Join us for the service that best fits your schedule. Imposition of ashes at all services. All are welcome!

7:30 a.m. | Ash Wednesday Liturgy St. Martin’s Chapel 10 a.m. | Ash Wednesday Liturgy with Holy Eucharist Judson Park Noon | Ash Wednesday Liturgy Nave 5:30 p.m. | Ash Wednesday Liturgy for Children & Families Tucker Hall 7:30 p.m. | Ash Wednesday Liturgy with Holy Eucharist Nave LIVESTREAM

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Parish Events Invitation to Holy Baptism Holy Baptism is full initiation into Christ’s Body, the Church, and all who are interested in baptism for themselves or their children are invited to contact the Rev. Brandon Ashcraft (bashcraft@ stpauls-church.org). We will celebrate baptism on the following dates, which are those days in our Church Calendar especially set aside for baptism.

We are also happy to explore other possible dates, as necessary: January 7, 2024 | The Baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ March 30, 2024 | The Great Vigil of Easter Diocesan service at Trinity Cathedral May 19, 2024 | The Day of Pentecost Summer 2024 | Two Dates TBD

Christian Formation The Forum

Sundays, 10:15 a.m.

Beginning in January and running through Lent, our forums will explore many aspects of the rich theme of being called. Unless otherwise noted, forums are held in the dining room beginning at 10:15. Contact Rev. Patricia with any questions at prose@stpaulschurch.org.

January 7 | The Calling of our Baptismal Covenant As we celebrate the baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ, this forum leads us into the Called theme by exploring how our baptismal covenant informs our lives and understanding of a call within. Led by the Rev. Patricia Rose.

worldwide Episcopal Church. We will watch a documentary clip about the Center and its mission and hear a recorded conversation with Dr. Catherine Meeks, the Center’s Executive Director. Discussion will follow on what callings may be stirring in us about the vital work of racial healing.

January 21 | Called in Scripture Engaged in discussion of some of the many rich passages in Scripture about being called and how those scriptures relate to our hearts. Led by the Rev. Patricia Rose.

St. Paul’s 101

Beginning Sunday, February 4

All newcomers (those who’ve joined the parish in the past two years or so) are invited to attend a series of interactive lunches on Sunday afternoons in February. These gatherings are specifically designed for those new to St. Paul’s and wanting to learn more about its ministries and operations. Each week will focus on a different aspect of our church. Contact Rev. Gabriel Lawrence to RSVP: glawrence@stpauls-church. org.

All times are 12:30 to 2:15 p.m.

February 4 | Worship and Music February 11 | Christian Formation and Introduction to Lent February 18 | Communications, Administration, and a Building Tour February 25 | Outreach

January 14 | The Absalom Jones Center for Racial Healing is a resource for the January 2024 | Parish Notes

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Parish Events The Philadelphia Eleven Sunday, February 11, 4 p.m.

On July 29, 1974, eleven women were ordained as priests in Philadelphia ­— the first female priests in The Episcopal Church. Join us for a viewing of the new featurelength film, which documents the courage to effect change. These women were harassed, lost friends, and were banned from stepping on church property. In this documentary, we meet the women who succeeded in building a movement that transformed the Church.

Contemplative Prayer Join fellow seekers and spiritual pilgrims at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesdays in the Chapel of the Cross for a holy hour of Contemplative Prayer (also called Christian Meditation) and reflection. The virtual groups meet on Zoom on Fridays at 10 a.m. and Mondays at 7 p.m. To express interest or learn more, contact Dave Rodney (rodney.dave@gmail. com) or Laurie Rodney (lauriewsr@gmail.com).

Bible Study

Thursdays, 9 a.m.

Join the preacher-on-deck at 9 a.m. on Thursdays in the Sanders Room for a deep dive into the scriptures for the upcoming Sunday. Drop in anytime; no RSVP is needed.

Fellowship St. Paul’s Chili Cook-Off

Friday, January 19, 6:30 p.m.

It’s time for the third annual St. Paul’s Chili Cook-Off! Learn more on page 2!

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Parish Notes | January 2024

Music and Art CANCELED La Nativité du Seigneur Sunday, January 7, 4 p.m.

The concert of Messiaen’s La Nativité du Seigneur has been canceled.

Daniel Colaner, organist Sunday, February 4, 4 p.m.

Daniel Colaner, St. Paul’s Organ Scholar, first captured international media attention at the age of 12 with his same-day performance on piano at Carnegie Hall and on organ at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Since then, his talents have been showcased on ABC, BBC, NPR and PBS. In 2021, he was chosen for The Diapason’s “20 Under 30,” a select group of young adults at the forefront of the organ field. Most recently, he was the First Prize and Audience Prize Winner at the 2023 Arthur Poister Organ Competition and the 2023 L. Cameron Johnson Memorial Organ Competition.

As the winner of the 2023 Cleveland Chapter RCYO Quimby Competition, Daniel will compete at the Regional American Guild of Organists Convention. Daniel is currently a student of Todd Wilson at the Cleveland Institute of Music.

Winter Gallery Show

Now Through March 10

The Nicholson B. White Gallery’s Winter Show features wood lithography by Michaelle Marschall, paintings by Robin McIntosh, copper enamel jewelry by Susanna Westberg, and photography by Vic Weizer. Be sure to enjoy the artwork when you visit the church this season.

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Parish Events Pastoral Care

The Pastoral Care Team is available for all parish pastoral needs. If you or someone you love needs pastoral care, call us at (216) 238-4001.

Opportunities to Care for Each Other Being part of a church community means we’re given a chance to offer care to one another in times of need. Here are two great ways to seek and offer care: Transportation Ministry | Help parishioners by providing rides to church events, doctor visits, and other appointments.

Meal Ministry | Prepare and deliver a home-cooked meal to a church member experiencing a short-term transition or difficulty.

Contact Rev. Brandon to sign up and learn more: bashcraft@stpauls-church.org.

Around the Diocese Winter Convocation 2024 February 2-3, 2024

Just as a single drop of water causes ripples across the water, so are we called to spread the news of God’s love and be examples of Jesus in our communities. The College of Congregational Development (CCD) is built to help equip clergy and lay leaders with the knowledge, skills, and practices needed to develop their congregations to be more faithful, healthy, effective, and sustainable communities that share the love of Jesus. Join the Diocese at Winter Convocation, February 2-3, at Kalahari Convention Center in Sandusky to get a one-day preview of CCD. This is an opportunity for people across the diocese to gather and become engaged and inspired with ideas and information to help us move forward into the future together.

Learn more by visiting www.dohio.org.

Outreach Loaves and Fishes

Second Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m.

The Loaves and Fishes ministry serves a monthly meal at a local homeless shelter. Anyone interested in preparing food or serving our guests may email Jeff and Carol Spero at cjmspero@gmail.com.

Thank you, St. Paul’s community!

The Winter Warmth Drive for the Bahati Family, who are adjusting to their first winter in a climate this cold, brought an abundance of love, blankets, and warm clothing. The family is fully prepared to face the winter weather thanks to your many contributions. In fact, a surplus of items was donated to the Refugee Resource Center at USCRI (U.S. Committee for

Refugee and Immigrants). Every year, USCRI helps resettle hundreds of refugees from around the world, offering support for housing, employment, cultural orientation, medical needs, school enrollment, and other basic needs. Thank you for supporting this critical work and making a difference in the lives of many newly arriving families this winter!

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