February 2024 - Parish Notes

Parish Notes

February 2024 • Vol. 66 No. 6

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

THE 2024 ANNUAL MEETING

Looking Back at 2023 The Rev. Jeanne Leinbach

Loving is no small matter. Loving is vital to a just society.

Jesus tells us that all commandments are-summed up in these words: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Yet, loving is not a simple task. We come together in this faith community to support one another in deliberate loving, to inspire one another to live the lives we aremeant to live, in relationship with one another, in the light of Christ. We are-invited to enter into a profound commitment to others, a discipleship of fellowship. Let’s take a look at our covenantal life together in 2023. So many, many ministries are carried out here at St. Paul’s falling under: worship, music, formation, pastoral care, outreach, fellowship, buildings and grounds, and administration.

A Few Highlights Rev. Brandon, a gifted liturgist, crafted many special services this year, including the Epiphany, Ash Wednesday, Holy Week, Pride, Remembrance, and Longest Night.

Kevin Jones, our Director of Music, whose skill as a choral director, organist, administrator, and visionary is raising our music program to new heights. He will be leading our Senior Choir on a trip to Salisbury Cathedral in 2025.

A new small group series started this fall entitled Centered. This series brings together parishioners to share food, watch a film, and discuss questions about God, belonging, and living a meaningful life.

Lauren Dockery, our Director of Children and Youth Ministries, invited us into conversation around neuro-divergent learning. She and the Committee for Inclusive Ministry are designing and managing the classrooms to accommodate all our children and youth.

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

Act II Resale Shop Thursday & Friday 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Saturday 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

(216) 932-4221 2

Parish Notes | February 2024

Cover Photos: This issue's cover photos are some of our favorite

moments from worship in January. 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.

THE 2024 ANNUAL MEETING

Looking Back at 2023 After a year-long process of research and discernment, we launched a new Refugee Ministry.

The committee is partnering with the Bahati family from the Democratic Republic of the Congo to help them get settled here in Cleveland.

Staff Announcement I am delighted to welcome Susan Armstrong to our staff as Assistant to Children and Youth Ministries. Susan will be assisting Lauren Dockery, our Director of Children and Youth Ministries, with preparing for weekly church school, communicating with families about upcoming events, and organizing and carrying out special formation events, including Shrove Tuesday, Maundy Thursday Agape Meal, Good Friday Stations of the Cross, Pentecost, All Saints, and All Things Advent.

Susan’s dedication to our children and youth programming since she and her family joined the parish eight years ago makes her an ideal candidate for this position. I am grateful for her desire to serve and look forward to serving with her. My thanks to Julie Micheletti who volunteered her time in this capacity this fall. Her passion for children and youth ministry and her assistance in structuring this position have been very helpful.

Please offer your thanks to Julie and welcome Susan as a new staff member.

Capital Campaign In addition to the many wonderful ministries, we carried out a successful Capital Campaign this year. I am delighted to announce that with a goal of $6M, we have reached pledges of $8M.

Your generosity and commitment to this parish community is overwhelming. I am especially moved that more than 225 families participated in the campaign, and pledges are still coming in.

My sincerest thanks to all our donors, our Capital Campaign Committee, chaired by Liz Patterson and Chris Smythe, our reception hosts, and to Pam, our Director of Operations, and Nathaniel, our Director of Communications, who added the Capital Campaign responsibilities on top of their regular workloads.

With the proceeds coming in, much work is underway — we are repairing the roofs, installing a new security system, installing a new sound system, and building our endowment. We have received several proposals for the work needed on the organ. I have put together a Campaign Organ Committee to review these proposals and decide the best way forward to preserve our celebrated Holtkamp organ. Also, I have put together a Campaign Outreach Committee to thoughtfully consider how we disburse over the coming years the more than $500,000 raised for Outreach through the Campaign.

Loving is no small matter and not a simple task.

Through a discipleship of fellowship, we bear witness to the world of Christ’s love. What a respite from the animosity. What a gift to the world. As always, it is an honor and pleasure walking in the light of Christ with all of you — Seeking. Serving.

Loving. Together — thank you!

February 2024 | Parish Notes

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ST. PAUL'S NEWCOMER MINISTRIES

Welcome Eunice Jones Submitted by Andy Wheaton

Eunice Jones is one of our Newcomers to St. Paul’s, but she is not new to Cleveland.

Eunice is originally from Pensacola, Florida. After graduating with her degree in accounting from Florida A&M University, Eunice and her family moved to Cleveland and bought their first home in Cleveland Heights. Eunice earned her CPA license and worked as an auditor for the IRS until retirement.

Following retirement, Eunice moved to North Carolina to work on President Obama’s second presidential campaign. During her time in North Carolina, Eunice worked with Bishop Michael Curry (before he added the ‘Presiding’ prefix to his title) at her Episcopal church, St. Mark’s.

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Parish Notes | February 2024

Eunice returned to Cleveland in 2022 and began worshipping at St. Paul’s soon after. Its proximity to her home initially drew her to St. Paul’s. At St. Paul’s, Eunice is involved in Greater Cleveland Congregations and the Eliza Backus Guild.

Eunice is especially interested in politics and education. She has attended almost every Democratic National Convention. She has continued to be involved in fundraising, get-outthe-vote campaigns, and voter registration efforts.

While in Cleveland Heights, Eunice served on the East Cleveland School Board (her home was inside the East Cleveland School District). In her spare time, she enjoys traveling and sports. She especially enjoys football and basketball and is a Cleveland Cavaliers season ticket holder.

Lent at St. Paul’s www.stpauls-church.org/Lent

Each year our Ash Wednesday service includes an invitation to a holy Lent. Just before we smear our foreheads with ash, we’re invited into a season of preparation for Easter. We’re called to observe a “Holy Lent,” with “self-examination, repentance, prayer, fasting, self-denial, and reading and meditating on God’s word.” We've created a host of opportunities for you to journey into these holy days and hope that you’ll join us on the journey to the Cross. Then, after a faithful observance of a holy Lent, may we find ourselves filled with new life on Easter morning. For more details and for links to all things linkable, be sure to visit the Lent Hub on our website: www.stpauls-church.org/Lent.

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner Tuesday, February 13, 5:30 p.m.

Shrove Tuesday is a traditional day of feasting before Lent begins on Ash Wednesday. Join us on Shrove Tuesday for a pancake dinner on Tuesday, February 13. The Men’s Council will flip and serve pancakes in the dining room from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Suggested donation is $10 per person and $25 for families. At 7 p.m., we will hold a Burning of the Palms liturgy in the courtyard in preparation for Ash Wednesday the next day.

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 Noon | Ash Wednesday Liturgy 5:30 p.m. | Ash Wednesday Liturgy for Children & Families Tucker Hall 7:30 p.m. | Ash Wednesday Liturgy with Holy Eucharist Nave Ash Wednesday at Judson Park Wednesday, February 14, 10:30 a.m.

Judson residents and St. Paul’s clergy will gather for the Ash Wednesday liturgy with Holy Eucharist in the Auditorium at Judson Park.

February 2024 | Parish Notes

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Worship

We offer two simple midweek services for those seeking to deepen their Lenten observance by more frequent worship.

Holy Eucharist

Wednesdays, 6 p.m.

Our Wednesday 6 p.m. service of Holy Eucharist in St. Martin’s Chapel is a simple 30-minute liturgy that includes a brief homily.

Morning Prayer

Thursdays in Lent, 8:30 a.m.

On Thursday mornings at 8:30 a.m. in the Chapel of the Cross, we’ll observe Morning Prayer, a treasure of the Anglican tradition rooted in scripture and prayer to order our lives at the start of a new day.

Christian Formation Lenten Reflection Series

Wednesdays in Lent Following the 6 p.m. Eucharist Service

Fasting doesn’t have to be about food, but why does letting go of something and bearing the discomfort of disruption to our ease help draw us closer to God? Join us for a series of reflections on the ancient practice of fasting and its powerful effects. Each evening will focus on a section of a Lenten prayer attributed to William Arthur Ward. This series starts on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. with a light dinner followed by a discussion from 7-8 p.m.

February 21 | Rev. Patricia Rose February 28 | Rev. Gabriel Lawrence March 6 | Rev. Brandon Ashcraft March 13 | Rev. Jeanne Leinbach March 20 | Rev. Patricia Rose

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Parish Notes | February 2024

Lenten Acts of Love

St. Paul’s ‘Lenten Acts of Love’ program offers a series of outreach and service projects to help us live more fully into the spirit of the season of Lent, looking beyond ourselves to the needs of others.

Join St. Paul’s community members to experience the joy of loving and serving our neighbors together. For the most current information and links to all things linkable, visit the Lent Outreach Hub on our website: www.stpauls-church.org/ LentOutreach.

St. Luke’s Episcopal Church We have two great opportunities to support the ministries at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church on the Near West Side (1349 West 78th Street). You can help serve a community meal or support their new soft space. Learn more below: Serve at a Community Meal | Every Wednesday, St. Luke’s provides a hot community dinner in a family-oriented gathering. You are invited to volunteer and help with set up, serving, and clean-up between 3 and 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 6. Please contact Carolyn Mawhorter (cbmawhorter@gmail.com) to sign up or for more information.

Support a New Soft Space | St. Luke’s has a new bookshelf for their “soft space” seating for children during liturgies. Help fill it by donating a picture book that is faithbased, acceptance-based, and diversityrepresentative. Or, create an activity bag.

Cotton bags with handles can hold quiet, soft toys such as notebooks, crayons, or a fun “fidget toy” (search on Amazon for ideas — but please no water-filled toys, variety pack fidget toys, or balls). Please drop off your donations to the parish office

by Sunday, March 17.

UPCaM “Dinner Church” Sunday, February 25, 5 p.m.

St. Paul’s supports the work of a local campus ministry known as UPCaM — United Protestant Campus Ministries.

The ministry serves students at Case Western, Tri-C, and Cleveland State University and meets each Sunday for “Dinner Church.” Join us as we provide a meal for and worship with this fellowship of college students in the Dowd Commons at the Church of the Covenant (11205 Euclid Avenue).

Rev. Patricia will preside at the liturgy, which includes Holy Communion. RSVP to Rev. Patricia at prose@stpauls-church.org.

Homeless Stand Down The Homeless Stand Down, scheduled for April 20 at the Cleveland Public Auditorium, is a one-day event that provides essential services and necessities to more than 1500 individuals and families experiencing homelessness. St. Paul’s has a long-standing tradition of assembling hygiene kits for this special event. Ziploc bags will be passed out February 18 and 25, the first two Sundays of Lent, with lists of these needed items to create a hygiene kit: one travel-sized item of each of the following: band-aids, Chapstick, shampoo/ conditioner, soap, comb, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, hand sanitizer, tissues, lotion. All bags must be returned by Sunday, March 17, and placed in boxes in the narthex or foyer. If you have any questions, you may contact Rev. Patricia at prose@stpauls-church.org.

Make a Meal for Loaves and Fishes

Sunday, March 3, 2 p.m.

Join us for fun and fellowship as we prepare dishes to serve at the Men’s Shelter at 2100 Lakeside Ave. We’ll supply the recipe and ingredients — we need your hands and hearts to prepare the meal! Please RSVP to Jeff & Carol Spero (cjmspero@gmail.com) so they can buy supplies.

A GLIMPSE AT

Holy Week March 24-31 Monday & Tuesday of Holy Week 6 p.m. | Evening Prayer Wednesday of Holy Week, March 27 6 p.m. | Holy Eucharist Maundy Thursday, March 28 5:30 p.m. | Family Service with Agape Meal 7:30 p.m. | Proper Liturgy with Foot-Washing

Good Friday, March 29 Noon | Community Ecumenical Service

Seven Last Words of Christ

5:30 p.m. | Stations of the Cross Family Service 7:30 p.m. | Prayer Book Liturgy Holy Saturday, March 30 10 a.m. | Prayer Book Liturgy 8 p.m. | The Great Vigil of Easter Trinity Cathedral, Cleveland Easter Day, March 31 7:30 a.m. | Holy Eucharist 9 a.m. | Festival Holy Eucharist 10:15 a.m. | Easter Egg Hunt 11:15 a.m. | Festival Holy Eucharist

February 2024 | Parish Notes

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ANNUAL STEWARDSHIP FOR 2024

Stewardship Campaign Report Pam O'Halloran

2024 Campaign by the Numbers

The Stewardship Committee and Vestry are enormously grateful to those who have offered their pledges and gifts to support the ministry of St. Paul’s in the coming year. The commitment of our gifts to the annual fund each year is essential for enabling all the many programs and ministries of our church. Without our collective generosity, there could be no St. Paul’s. If you have not yet submitted a pledge for 2024, we hope you will consider doing so soon.

As of February 2, 290 households have offered their pledge or gift commitments to support the programs and ministries of St. Paul’s in 2024, substantially fewer than last year at this time. In total, gifts and pledge commitments to date are down by $268,000. It is important to note that a significant portion of the decline in pledged income is due to the loss of several of our older members who had been making large annual gifts.

2024 (2/2/24) 2023 (1/27/23) 2023 (final)

Total amount pledged

$1,237,487

$1,505,933

$1,534,283

Total pledges/gifts

290

328

345

Average pledge/gift

$4,267

$4,591

$4,447

# Increased pledges/gifts

99

128

132

# Decreased pledges

28

29

33

# New pledges

12

14

17

# Known non-renewed pledges

21

14

32

Campaign Notes Currently, 52 parishioner households who pledged or gave to the 2023 campaign have not responded to the 2024 pledge campaign invitation.

We anticipate that many of these members will continue to give or submit a pledge later in the year.

Delayed pledge or giving commitments make it more challenging for the Finance Committee and Vestry to budget responsibly for the coming year.

We are enormously grateful for the many newer members of St. Paul’s and for their generous support of our parish programs. St. Paul’s continues to actively welcome and engage newcomers into the life of the parish.

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Parish Notes | February 2024

While the Walking in Love capital campaign was enormously successful, it may have had a negative impact on our annual stewardship fund campaign. Some parishioners have lowered or delayed their annual fund commitments because of their capital campaign pledge. The capital campaign is enormously important, but it is the annual fund that pays our staff, supports our outreach ministries, enables our children & youth programs, and keeps the lights and heat on.

We Extend our Gratitude We thank our dedicated Stewardship Committee for their work on this successful campaign during a difficult year: Debra Mitchell, Chair; Committee members: Chris Chance, Julia Dye, Sam Hartwell, Jennie Kaffen, Eustacia Netzel-Hatcher, and Tom Wenz.

Join us in thanking those who have made a gift or pledge to the 2024 annual fund as of 2/2/24.

Did we miss your name? Please contact Pam O’Halloran, Director of Operations: pohalloran@stpauls-church.org.

Anonymous (7) • Mary Adams • Catherine Albers • Chace & Josie Anderson • Denny & Mary Anderson • Barb Andrews • Tim & Susan Armstrong • Brandon Ashcraft & Bob Vroman • Tom Austin • Chip & Janet AuWerter • Patrick & Jenny Azouri • Tony & Michelle Bandy-Zalatoris • Dave & Diane Banyard • Jane Barber • Jim & Margie Bashaw • Cynthia Bassett • Lloyd & Betsey Bell • Lloyd Bell • Lois Bell • Clifford Bennett • Gwen Bennett • Tess Bennett • Jim & Jean Bingay • Adam Blackman • John & Susan Blackwell • Edgar & Beth Boles • Bonnie Bolton • Sally Bosley • Emily Braman • Donald Burck • Dick & Diane Bush • William & Laurie Buss • Bill & Gail Calfee • Dot Campbell • Ian & Barbara Carlstrom • Michael Carlstrom • Charlie Carr • Bill & Lael Carter • Karen & Carl Carter • Helmut Cascorbi • Emily Cernoia Barkley & Brett Barkley • Jason Chance • Mark & Chris Chance • Elizabeth Chandler & Carl Greppin • Homer & Gert Chisholm • Emil Chuck • Elizabeth Clough • Kari Collier • Kirby Colwell & Gail Gatewood • Bill Conway • Charlie Cooley • Jonathan Cooper & Rebecca Hartman • Dennis & Beverley Coughlin • Joe Coyle • Ben & Rosie Craig • David Crouch & Jackie Smith • Sara Cutting • Lee & Rick Deininger • Julie DeJager & Rob Guerin • Michael & Katherine Dell • Candace & Richard DiLello • Lynne Distelhorst • Paul Dobrea & Jim Johnson • Greg & EB Donley • David & Julie Dornback • Barbara Driscol • Julia K. Dye • Eva Ellis • Katherine Emerson • Gail Emmet • Carol Engler • Ben & Cynthia Eppes • Andrew Fabens • Paula Feher • John & Betsy Feighan • Lynne Feighan • Ted & Dagmar Fellowes • Paul Flowers • Bob & Kathy Fox • Betty Fredman • Nancy Freed • David & Claudia Fulton • Bill Ganger • Jenifer Garfield • Jim & Cynthia Gascoigne • Tom & Amy Gilchrist • Char Glatley & Larry Kerns • Nancy & Ted Goble • Lita Gonzalez & Mark Phillips • Kevin & Tracy Goodman • Jennifer Goodson • Charles & Linda Goodwill • Brian Gran & Mary Beth McCormack • Jim Gray & Julie Micheletti • Scott & Susan Gray • Kari & Chris Greenfield • Jason & Emily Grimes • Jimmy & Shauna Hajek • Dutch & Lynn Handke • Jeffrey Hardacre • Martha Harding • Tom & Claudine Hartland • Sam Hartwell • Barb Hauck • Edward Hemmelgarn & Jan Hammond • Chuck Herbruck • Peter Herbruck • Polly Hermann • John & Laura Herrick • Peter & Nancy Hildebrand • Hermine Hinds • Stan & Betsy Hockey • Barbara Hoekstra • Jamie & Kathy Hogg • Dick & Sarah Hollington • Norma Horswell • Lanse & Patience Hoskins • Mike & Kendra Howley • Jonathan & Stacey Hren • Ed Jeffery • Loraine Jeffery • Ben Johnson • Geoffrey & Eva Johnson • Bill Jones • Charlie & Lindsay Jones • Eunice Jones • Kevin Jones & Joe Bellissimo • Peter & Jan Jones • Trevor & Jennie Jones • Rob & Margaret Josey • Joe & Anne Juster • David & Kristin Kaelber • Jim & Muffy Kaesberg • Jonathan & Jennie Kaffen • Carla & Johnny Kaufman • Ben & Jocelyn Keck • Maureen Kilroy • Hilary & Greg King • Ann Kitchen • Lisa & Jed Koops • John & Mary Krogness • Don & Dottie Kuhn • Dennis & Camille LaBarre • Gabriel Lawrence • Jeanne Leinbach & Gary Walters • John LeMay • Cathy Lewis • Bill & Margie Lindsey • Dave & Dori Loomis • Mike Lyford & Sonja Rajki • Bill & Susie MacDonald • David & Katerina MacGregor • Simon Mack • Mary Ann Mahoney • Elizabeth Mann • Jay & Arlene Mann • Carolyn & Steven Mawhorter • Charlie & Lynda Mayer • Mary McClung • Karen McKeehan & Jim Nicks • Mary McLeod • Don & Sandy McPherson • Bill & Martha Merrick • Lois Merrick • Lisle Merriman • Sarah & Jason Mersek • Robert & Jane Meyer • Jane Meyer • Maria Miklowski • Michael & Eppie Miller • David & Debra Mitchell • Marge Moore • Thomas & Jane Morris • Kylie & Daniel Moss • Bill & Hattie Mulligan • Sarah-Theresa Murakami • Brian & Cindy Murphy • Dale and Jim Naylor • Lori & Kirk Neiswander • Barry & Heather Nelson • Eustacia Netzel-Hatcher & Wayne Hatcher • Eric Nilson • Tom Nobbe • Ed & Kathleen Nowicki • David & Pam O’Halloran • Lydia Oppmann • David & Mary Osburn • Henry Ott-Hansen • Sarah Ott-Hansen • Jon & Jane Outcalt • Ken and Katie Outcalt • Dan & Judy Pace • Allison Paetz • Cathy & Eric Paetz • Randy & Amy Paine • Ted Parran • Kim Parry • Charles Parsons & Heidi Dressler • Brendan & Liz Patterson • John & Anne Payne • Ernie & Terrilee Petrey • Bill & Pat Phillips • Jim & Kay Phillips • Rosemary & John Pierce • Jim Pintner • Joyce Pope • Bill & Sandra Powel • Jim Ptacek • Bob Quartell & Flo D’Emilia • Jeffrey & Susan Quill • Tomas and Kirsten Radivoyevitch • Steve & Joyce Rajki • Lamar & Ginger Ratcliffe • Tom & Laura Rayburn • Richard & Eloise Reierson • Cynthia Resch • Judy & Pete Richards • Liz & Rick Rodems • David Rodney • Laurie Rodney • Lou & Savery Rorimer • Claire & Chuck Rossbach • Howard & Laurel Rowen • Bill & Louise Sansom • Pete & Laurie Scriven • Robert Seaman & Amanda Matthews • Ruth Severiens • Nancy H. Sherwin • John Shields • Ellen Shook • Jeffrey Shook • April Siegel-Green • Jeff & Celia Sinclair • John & Shawn Sindelar • Brian & Ann Skerry • Margot & Joel Slamkowski • David & Margaret Sloan • Michele Smolin • Chris & Suzanne Smythe • Keely Souther • Mark & Stacey Souther • Steve & Lara Spaller • Jeff & Carol Spero • Brit Stenson • Reed & Laura Stith • Mary Stone • Tom & Suzanne Stratton-Crooke • Mike & Sally Struk • Walt & Judy Stuelpe • James Stumpf • Sonja Taeusch • Bruce & Virginia Taylor • George & Janice Thompson • Kathleen Tillson-Tripp • Andrea Turner • David & Molly Urban • Beth Vitale & Andrew Medoro • Jon & Nancy Vitale • William & Susan Vodrey • Erin & John Wagner • Carl & Jo Walter • Sarah & Calvin Warner • Russ & Doris Warren • Greg & Sharon Watts • Robin & Val Weaver • Fred & Christine Weed • Sam & Meg Weingart • Denise & Chris Wells • Bill & Lisa Welsh • Tom & SeungWon Wenz • Amia Wheatley • Andy & Katie Wheaton • Marty Wieczorek & Nancy Cossler • Chuck & Pat Williams • Sally Wilson & Aaron Ballonoff • Ted Wilson • Valerie Wilson • Tom Wise & Monika Biro • Timothy Wutrich • Paul & Meg Yancich • Dudley Yost • Nancy Zambie • Amy & Tom Zipp February 2024 | Parish Notes

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AROUND ST. PAUL'S

Parish Events Submissions may be emailed to Nathaniel Powell, Director of Communications: npowell@stpaulschurch.org. • Submissions must include a title (max 50 to 60 characters), date, and 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. We will only publish photo files with a minimum pixel dimension of 1080 x 1080.

Worship Choral Eucharist

Sunday, February 11, 11:15 a.m.

Schubert’s Mass in G Major comprises the music of the ordinary at the 11:15 a.m. service. A chamber orchestra will join the Senior Choir and soloists.

Choral Evensong

Sunday, February 18, 4 p.m.

The Senior Choir leads a service of Choral Evensong on the First Sunday in Lent. Music includes the responses

by Gabriel Jackson, Evening Canticles in A Major by Charles Villiers Stanford, and "Ne irascaris, Domine" by William Byrd.

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Parish Notes | February 2024

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, including those days in our Church Calendar set aside for baptism and one date in the summer. We are also happy to explore other possible dates, as necessary: March 30 | The Great Vigil of Easter Diocesan service at Trinity Cathedral May 19 | The Day of Pentecost June 9 | Third Sunday after Pentecost

Children and Youth Ministries Winter Family Gathering

Thursday, February 1, 6 p.m.

Families with children and youth are invited to a potluck gathering in the dining room on Thursday, February 1, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Formerly “The Choir Dinner,” Kelsey and Lauren have teamed up to create casual post-holiday fellowship fun! Take this opportunity to slow down, connect, grow relationships, play games, and share a good meal.

We encourage you to bring your favorite dish to share. Whether you are a long-time member of St. Paul’s or a newcomer, whether you're a great cook, or you prefer to bring a store-bought dish, whether you have toddlers or teenagers, you are welcome! RSVP on our website and sign up to bring a dish: www.stpaulschurch.org/cymgathering24.

AROUND ST. PAUL'S

Parish Events Godly Play Training February 23-25

We will hold a three-day Godly Play Core Training on February 23 from 4:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m., February 24 from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. (includes an hour lunch break), and February 25 from 1 to 5 p.m. Nikki Buskirk, an experienced Godly Play storyteller, will conduct Core Training at St. Paul's, Cleveland Heights.

Whether you are part of a dedicated Godly Play program, want to start one, or use stories and wondering in your existing ministry, this is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the Godly Play technique. To register, use the QR code or this link: www. stpauls-church.org/CYMTraining.

Christian Formation The Forum

Sundays, 10:15 a.m.

Join us as we continue to explore the theme of “Being Called” from several different perspectives to help inspire our understanding and personal insight of what it means to be called. All forums are in the Dining Room downstairs from 10:15 to 11 a.m.

February 4 | Keisha Krumm

Keisha Krumm, Executive Director of Greater Cleveland Congregations (GCC), will share about the work of GCC. This organization brings together diverse peoples from many faith communities and partner organizations to collaborate in civic actions to help strengthen and improve the quality of life in Cleveland neighborhoods.

February 11 | Poet John Milton

Join Gary Walters as he leads us in exploring the talents of John Milton, the 17th-century English poet and author of Paradise Lost, as he struggles with his call from God. We will briefly place his puritanical life in the context of his times, consider several forms of the sonnet, and read together Milton’s greatest sonnet, “When I Consider How My Light is Spent.”

February 18 | Spiritual Gifts

On this first Sunday in Lent, we will explore the idea of our spiritual gifts — and how they can lead us toward our callings.

February 25 | EDWINS

Staff and students from EDWINS Leadership and Restaurant Institute will join us to share the life-changing work they have been doing since 2007 — supporting the long-term success and opportunity for all students regardless of past difficulties.

St. Paul’s 101

Sundays in February, 12:30 p.m.

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 to RSVP: glawrence@stpauls-church.org.

For the complete listing of times and topics, see the top of the next page.

February 2024 | Parish Notes

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AROUND ST. PAUL'S

Parish Events St. Paul's 101, cont.

All St. Paul's 101 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 Archives Work Session

Saturday, February 10, 10 a.m.

Join the fun at the new year's first work session of the Archives Team on Saturday, February 10, at 10 a.m.

Learn how the artifacts of our history are archived by helping review and verify the documents in one of our archival boxes. For more information and to RSVP, contact David Sloan at (216) 408-5498 or sloan.david@yahoo.com.

The Philadelphia Eleven

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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.

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).

Fellowship Women’s Fellowship Retreat

Sunday, February 11, 4 p.m.

April 26-27 Register by March 26

On July 29, 1974, eleven women were ordained as priests in Philadelphia ­— the first female priests in The Episcopal Church. Their ordination violated the constitution and canons of The Episcopal Church at that time. These women were harassed, lost friends, and banned from stepping on church property. In this compelling new documentary, we meet the women who succeeded in building a movement that transformed the Church.

Following the screening, a discussion will follow with a panel including Bishop Anne Jolly and the Rev. Nancy Wittig, one of the 11 women.

The Parish Fellowship Committee invites all women of St. Paul’s to the annual Women’s Fellowship Retreat at Bellwether Farm from 5 p.m. on Friday, April 26, to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 27. The retreat will focus on building relationships with other women in the congregation while providing opportunities for personal nourishment, rejuvenation, and fun.

The schedule will include icebreaker activities and games, farm-to-table family-style meals, sunrise yoga, nature walks, crafts, and a special lay-led closing worship. (continued on the next page)

Parish Notes | February 2024

AROUND ST. PAUL'S

Parish Events Women’s Fellowship Retreat, cont.

Bellwether requires that registrations must be made

by March 26. The fee for 3 meals, activities, facility fees, and sharing a double room is $125; the fee for a single room is $150. The retreat will likely fill up quickly, so please register soon on our website. www.stpauls-church.org/WMNRetreat24. If you need assistance with the participation fee, please contact the Rev. Patricia Rose at prose@ stpauls-church.org. Other questions?

Please contact Pam O’Halloran at (216) 238-4008 or pohalloran@stpaulschurch.org.

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

Heights Chamber Orchestra Sunday, February 11, 3:30 p.m.

The Heights Chamber Orchestra will offer a concert at St. Paul’s on Sunday, February 11, at 3:30 p.m. Conductor Travis Jürgens will lead the orchestra as they play Diane Wittry’s After the Rain, Christopher Ball’s Horn Concerto with soloist Richard King, and Franz Schubert’s “Tragic” Symphony No. 4. The concert is free and open to the public.

Apollo's Fire Presents Biber's Sacred Mysteries: Rosary Sonatas for Violin

Friday, February 16, 7:30 p.m. & Saturday, February 17, 8 p.m.

Heinrich Biber’s stunning Sonatas on the Mysteries of the Rosary have haunted violinists for centuries. Each of these virtuosic sonatas tells a dramatic story from the life of Christ – but the performer must discover and interpret the story through the secrets of the music. AF Concertmaster Alan Choo and friends bring drama and reverence to these masterpieces as they celebrate the release of their new album.

A pre-concert conversation with visiting scholar Susan McClary will begin 1 hour before each performance. They will host an "Afterglow" reception on Friday night to celebrate Alan’s new solo album. For tickets and more information, visit their website at www.apollosfire.org.

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AROUND ST. PAUL'S

Parish Events TrebleFest 2024 February 17-18

On Presidents Day weekend, eight choristers from the St. Cecilia, St. David, and Youth choirs will head to Chicago for TrebleFest 2024 at St. James Cathedral (where Lisa Hackney is Provost). The concept of TrebleFest has been modified slightly with the hope of a growing partnership with St. James’ chorister program.

With their director, James Buzard, we hope to alternate hosting duties yearly, creating a sense of familiarity with the choristers and excitement to travel and sing in larger groups. Scott Hanoian, the Director of Music at Christ Church Grosse Pointe, will be the guest clinician this year. We will share the livestream on our website at www.stpaulschurch.org/TrebleFest2024.

Choral Splendor: Old and New Sunday, March 3, 4 p.m.

The Cleveland Chamber Choir finishes the 2023/24 season with Choral Splendor: Old & New, a captivating exploration of how today's composers reimagine great music from the past as new compositions. The program will feature works by contemporary composers, including Caroline Shaw, Claudia Hinsdale, and Andrew Rindfleisch, reflecting on works by Dietrich Buxtehude, Gregorio Allegri, and Sebastian de Vivanco. The performance will include two world premieres of commissioned works from Northeast Ohio composers. ​A centerpiece of the concerts is Caroline Shaw's work To the Hands, which explicitly addresses themes of displacement, refugees, and homelessness and the current refugee crisis and immigration issues. A portion of ticket donations will be given to Re:Source Cleveland (formerly Refugee Response) to support their mission of empowering resettled families. To learn more and register for free tickets, visit their website at www.clevelandchamberchoir.org.

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Parish Notes | February 2024

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.

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 ST. PAUL'S

Parish Events Outreach GCC Call to Action

Tuesday, February 20, 7 p.m.

Your Greater Cleveland Congregations (GCC) Core Team needs your support!

On Tuesday, February 20, at 7 p.m., GCC leaders will host an Action with the candidates of Cuyahoga County Prosecutor and Juvenile Court Court. This forum will be an opportunity to highlight the injustice of binding over children to the adult justice system and how denying them the best representation available impacts their lives and the lives of their families.

We need many of you to join us in helping pack the venue and show our strength! We will carpool from the Coventry parking lot at 6 p.m. and drive to Antioch Baptist Church (8869 Cedar Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44106). This Action will have a virtual participation option, though in-person attendance is highly preferred. To attend, please sign up in the lobby on the Sundays in February leading up to the event (2/4, 2/11, & 2/18) or with Julie Micheletti at michelettijulie@gmail.com.

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.

Around the Diocese Winter Convocation 2024 February 2-3

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.

Diocesan Consecration and Commemoration Saturday, February 10, 1 p.m.

The Wilma Ruth Combs/Northern Ohio Chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians, the Diocese of Ohio, and the Church of our Saviour in Akron are co-hosting the Diocesan Celebration of the Consecration of the Rt. Rev. Barbara Clementine Harris and the Commemoration of the Rev. Absalom Jones.

This Eucharist will be held on Saturday, February 10, at 1 p.m. at the Church of our Saviour (471 Crosby Street, Akron, Ohio 44302). The Rev. Edwin Johnson of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Dorchester, Massachusetts, will preach. This service is a long-standing tradition begun to honor the Rev. Absalom Jones, the first African American ordained a priest in The Episcopal Church, whose feast day is February 13.

February 2024 | Parish Notes

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