eThepisTle
St. Paul’s Church builds bridges — to God, to one another, to our community and beyond.
Our Sunday School Children watch as Bob Potter, St. Paul’s Property Manager, rings the tower bell at the beginning of the 10:15 am worship service.
The RecToR A NoTe fRom
Two parishioners, who probably have never even met if I think about it, recently shared with me different opinion pieces in major national newspapers. One was from the Wall Street Journal and the other from the New York Times, both sounding an alarm about the sad, hate-fueled, and pervasive divisions across our society.
Independence Day is a time when our civic rituals hope to instill a sense of national unity, solidarity, and pride. While prayers for our nation were included in the first American Book of Common Prayer (1789), the proposed and required Service of Thanksgiving for the Fourth of July (1786) was not included. William White and Samuel Provoost, the first bishops of Pennsylvania and New York, respectively, and both ardent supporters of the cause for independence, argued that including such a rite would create disunity among this “new” church, which also included loyalists. Assigned readings for the Daily Offices and the Eucharist were not included in our prayer book until 1928, with only new and updated prayers for the nation being added in the 1892 revision. In 1979, Independence Day was elevated from an optional or lesser observance to a major feast of the Church.
What then to a Christian is the Fourth of July?
I offer that question, adapting it from a speech given by Frederick Douglass at the Corinthian Hall here in Rochester on July 5, 1852. (Corinthian Hall stood on the site of what is now the parking lot of the Holiday Inn on State St., across from the Powers Building.) There, Douglass said, “[July 4th] is the birthday of your National Independence, and of your political freedom. This, to you, is what the Passover was to the emancipated people of God. It carries your minds back to the day, and to the act of your great deliverance; and to the signs, and to the wonders, associated with that act that day.” He then
posited the question, “What then to a slave is the Fourth of July?,” justly calling to task the politics, and even religion, of the day. He added late in this famous speech, “You profess to believe ‘that, of one blood, God made all nations of men to dwell on the face of all the earth,’ and hath commanded all men, everywhere to love one another; yet you notoriously hate, (and glory in your hatred,) all men whose skins are not colored like your own.” You notoriously hate and glory in your hatred.
Much has changed since 1852, and 1776, but much remains the same. It seems we live in a society today that glories in our hatred: hatred towards Biden or Trump, republicans or democrats, liberals or conservatives; hatred towards those who look, act, love, pray, think differently; hatred towards something or someone who challenges our belief; hatred towards what we don’t (want to) understand; hatred of neighbor. We hear it on our TVs and radios, read it in print and social media, see it in the actions of so many, and even encounter it in our
communities of faith, yes even St. Paul’s. Our sad divisions persist, and, if I’m being honest, I fear they won’t change anytime soon.
On Independence Day, the Church remembers that our nation “lit a torch of freedom” as a symbol to the world. We also pray that we might have the grace to retain and, looking back to 1786, “improve” that same freedom among all people of our nation with morality and peace “till the wilderness and solitary place be glad through us, and the desert rejoice and blossom as the rose.”
What then to a Christian is the Fourth of July? It is important reminder of who we are, both as Americans and Christians, with both the thorns of our sin and the redemptive grace found in living out our call as followers of Jesus – that one day, by our witness in Christ’s name, we may improve the blessings of freedom and peace until there is “liberty and justice for all,” and all know that they are beloved of God.
Prayers for 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. [1979, p. 242]
O God, whose Name is excellent in all the earth, and thy glory above the heavens, who as on this day didst inspire and direct the hearts of our delegates in Congress, to lay the perpetual foundations of peace, liberty, and safety; we bless and adore thy glorious Majesty, for this thy loving kindness and providence. And we humbly pray that the devout sense of this signal mercy may renew and increase in us a spirit of love and thankfulness to thee its only author, a spirit of peaceable submission to the laws and government of our country, and a spirit of fervent zeal for our holy religion, which thou hast preserved and secured to us and our posterity. May we improve these inestimable blessings for the advancement of religion, liberty, and science throughout this land, till the wilderness and solitary place be glad through us, and the desert rejoice and blossom as the rose. This we beg through the merits of Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen. [1786, proposed]
G o d w i l l i n g a n d t h e p e o p l e c o n s e n t i n g ,
T h e V e r y R e v e r e n d
K A R A W A G N E R S H E R E R
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a p o s t o l i c C h u r c h , a n d I X B i s h o p o f t h e E p i s c o p a l D i o c e s e o f R o c h e s t e r
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C h i e f C o n s e c r a t o r : T h e M o s t R e v e r e n d M i c h a e l B . C u r r y ,
P r e s i d i n g B i s h o p a n d P r i m a t e o f t h e E p i s c o p a l C h u r c h
L I G H T R E C E P T I O N
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D E A C O N S
A N D P R I E S T S : A T T E N D I N G B I S H O P S :
R o c h e t , C h i m e r e , a n d T i p p e t R e d s t o l e s
R S V P O N L I N E
B I T . L Y / J U L Y 1 3 R S V P
The
VesTRy VigNeTTe
In May, the Vestry heard presentations about key program areas: Youth Group and Parish Life (Jay Burkardt), Children’s Ministry (Amy Welker), Communications and Digital Ministry (Sonja Slother), Adult Formation (Rob Picken) and we welcomed, via Zoom, Dr. John Sherer, our incoming Director of Music. Highlights from the last year were discussed and, building on those successes, we engaged in forward-looking conversations. A high-level recap from the recent full staff review was also offered; Conducted every few years by someone from outside the system at the request of the Rector, the review gives the staff the chance to address likes, concerns, wishes in a confidential setting with a final report discussed with the Rector and Wardens. Both more immediate and long-term improvements in staff morale were the highlights. Some practical concerns and suggestions for better administrative functionality were offered; many of which the Rector and staff have begun to address. Finally in May, the quarterly financial statements and updated threeyear financial outlook were both also reviewed and discussed in some detail.
To see a fuller picture of the many property projects -- large, small and in-between -- that are underway or being reviewed, the June Vestry meeting began with a partial walk-through to the property with Bob Potter, Property Manager, and Bill Moore, Property Committee Chair. The Vestry also heard an updated report from the Property Committee on the possibility of air-conditioning in the sanctuary; this has been discussed for about two decades and with two recent restricted donations, it has moved the conversation along through the Property Committee over the last few years. Building on this discussion, pardon the pun, the Building Use Task Force, which was created after a Vestry retreat to focus on the overall current use as well as future possible uses of our
buildings, offered the preliminary report of their discussions. Lastly, the annual audit findings were reviewed — passed with flying colors, of course… and even a smiley face from the auditors!
The Vestry will not meet, unless necessary, in July and August. The Parish Operations Council / Executive Committee — Rector, Wardens, Treasurer, Clerk — are scheduled to meet through the summer. In addition to our usual business, the September and October Vestry meetings will focus on congregational life & ministry and community engagement & outreach.
St. Paul’s Vestry: Erin Glanton, Warden
Ingrid Stanlis, Warden
Kevin Frisch
Julie Gedro
Brent Johnson
Swing Harre
Mara Hazzard-Wallingford
Christopher Moore
Floyd Bayley
Laura Carr
Chari Krenis
sT. pAul’s
music DepARTmeNT
Dear St. Paul’s Church,
Iam honored and delighted to join you as your Organist and Director of Music!
St. Paul’s has a rich tradition of excellent musical offerings and I am excited to join in and build on this foundation. I look forward to sharing nourishing and inspiring music with each of you – music that will glorify God, and with God’s help,
transform each of us with its beauty and power. I am excited to offer music for all ages and music that will highlight the many talented people in the parish and community. I also look forward to engaging music that is a bridge between St. Paul’s and the larger community through concerts and other events that will draw people to this wonderful church.
Over my many years of being a church musician, I have learned the value of doing everything with care, support, and deep appreciation that will, I hope and pray, create a community based on trust and love.
Sincerely yours,
John Sherer
From 1996-2024, John Sherer served as Organist and Director of Music for the Fourth Presbyterian Church of Chicago. He has led twelve music mission trips and choir tours in the United States, England, France, Cuba, Guatemala, Israel, India, and South Africa and is also featured on a YouTube video called “An Instrument the Size of a Building,” watched by more than 6 million people.
A native of Xenia, Ohio, John is married to the Right Reverend Kara Wagner Sherer, who is the incoming Bishop of the Diocese of Rochester. They have two daughters with successful careers, one as an emergency room doctor and the other in musical theater. John enjoys yoga, tai chi, bicycling, gardening, painting, and anything related to the R.M.S. Titanic.
John earned two bachelor’s degrees, in organ performance and choral music education from the University of Cincinnati College–Conservatory of Music; two master’s degrees from Yale University in organ performance and art in religion, and the Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the Juilliard School.
ANNuAl picNic The
lATesT News suNDAy school
St.Paul’s Sunday School had an amazing year! The kids brought smiles, joy and positive attitudes to class every Sunday morning, and I am grateful for them. Every year I find it so heartwarming to bring a group of kids from different schools, backgrounds and types of families and watch them grow in their faith and friendships. I want to give a huge thanks to all the families that continue to bring their children to church and Sunday school, knowing there are so many Sunday morning activities out there vying for their attention. Thank You!!
I hope our St. Paul’s families have a wonderful summer, and I’ll be putting out special “Devotions for Kids” books to borrow during their summer break. A wonderful way to stay faithfully connected through a short bible story, a couple of thoughtful questions, prayer and easy activity. Please look in the back of the sanctuary for a signout sheet and the book to borrow- enjoy!
Save the dates, as kick off Sunday will be September 8th with Sunday school and volunteer sign ups and a tour of our classroom and nursery. Class resumes on September 15th!
A reminder that our caregivers Candace and Susan will be in the nursery every Sunday morning this summer for the 10:15 service. Babies and toddlers are welcome.
St. Paul’s Memorial Scholarships
Each year, St Paul’s awards scholarships to those from the congregation who are attending college and universities across the country. We are pleased to offer scholarships to these 9 members of our community for the 20242025 academic year. Please join in extending your congratulations and celebrating this year’s recipients!!
Leo Carr (SUNY Alfred)
Kyle Jones (Clemson University)
Jessie Kelley (UC Santa Barbara)
Nelly Musaeva (Dominican University)
Septimus Scott (SUNY Brockport)
Julia Smith (University at Buffalo)
Jenna Swanson (Lemoyne College/St Joseph’s College of Nursing)
Riley Werner (SUNY Cortland)
Thomas Welker (Middlebury College)
Sacred Ground Educational Series
Sacred Ground is a many months educational series built around a powerful online curriculum of documentary films and readings that focus on the intersection of European American, Indigenous, Black, Latino, and Asian/Pacific American histories. Participants peeled away the layers that have contributed to the challenges and divides of the present day – all while grounded in our call to faith, hope, and love. This program will be run again in two parts: Spring and Fall 2025.
Participants in this year’s program at St. Paul’s were (l to r): Erin Glanton, Patricia Partridge, Tim Dewart, Judy Wadsworth (seated); Nancy Grear, John Hazzard, Nancy Frank, Kitty MacDowell, Lindsay Korth and Bill Moore (standing); and Anne Marie Fabrowicz, Diane Healy, Stan Refermat, and Ingrid Stanlis (not pictured).
Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA)
St. Paul’s Church has been honored by the Rochester Chapter of the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) for our 40+ years of support and partnership. Deacon Sue Ouellette and Bob Potter, Property Manager, accepted the recognition on behalf of our parish on Tuesday, May 21st.
eThepisTle
25 Westminster Road, Rochester, NY 14607
585.271.2240 • info@StPaulsEC.org StPaulsEC.org
The Rev. Robert Picken Rector
The Rev. Jay Burkardt Assistant Rector
The Rev. Sue Ouellette, Ph.D. Deacon
Dr. John Sherer Organist & Director of Music
Augustine Sobeng Organ Scholar
Amy Welker Director of Children & Youth Faith Formation
Candance Hoffman-Hussain
Susan Hall Sunday Child Care
Sonja Slother Director of Communications & Digital Ministry
Natosche Holt Parish Office Administrator
Judy McGrath
Parish Accountant
Lisa Werner
Accounting Assistant
Bob Potter
Property Manager
Dave McEntee
Thank you to Bob and Cheri Potter for their kind and generous donation of a Strawberry-Vanilla Hydrangea Tree. It is planted outside the Chantry entrance on the Vick Park B side of the campus.
REST IN PEACE
Merciful God, we entrust to your never-failing care and love
Janice Ashley
2023-24: 141 2022-23: 126 2021-22: 74
2019-20: 150 (thru March) 2018-19: 158 *Does not include live-stream (September to June)
Jim D’Angelo Maintenance Associates FOLLOW
Rest eternal grant to them, O Lord; And let light perpetual shine upon them. May their souls, and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen. attendance corner Program Year Average Attendance
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OFFICE HOURS: Monday - Thursday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Office email: info@stpaulsec.org
For urgent pastoral needs after hours: call 585-438-0472
Send all Epistle submissions to: sonja@stpaulsec.org