The Epistle - May 2024

eThepisTle

St. Paul’s Church builds bridges — to God, to one another, to our community and beyond.

attendance corner

Dear Friends,

Easter brings us the promise of new life. It’s why we use bunnies, chicks, eggs, and flowers — signs of the new life of Spring — to illustrate this idea. But, what does new life in Christ mean?

In the world around us, we have been witnessing for many years now the rise of Christian nationalism. This is a weird blend of a version Christianity with a tacit assertion of moral superiority and empty worship of patriotic symbols. Christian Nationalism doesn’t offer any genuine love or embrace of the underlying values or precepts of our faith; rather, it is an exploitive worldview, heretical, and confines God to a mere time and place.

Christianity can be confusing with our doctrines, dogma, and liturgical practices. Though, the way of Jesus is clear: move toward the poor, welcome folks to the Table, don’t retaliate with violence, forgive ourselves and one another, don’t store up wealth, widen the boundaries, be present with people — love one another.

Average Weekly Attendance

2024: 148

2023: 134

2022: 128

2019: 147

2018: 156

Easter Attendance

(includes Great Vigil of Easter)

2024: 453

2023: 382

2022: 327

2019: 505

includes combined-district Great Vigil at St. Paul’s 2018: 403 combined-district GVE held at Christ Church

Palm Sunday Attendance

2024: 188

2023: 174

2022: 122

2019: 202

2018: 199 (through April)

As we celebrate the Great Fifty Days of Easter, may we allow the new life in the way of Jesus to permeate our souls and live in our words and deeds. And, in doing so the Church can live into its role to be a sacrament for the world.

With my prayers and best wishes, I remain,

Yours in Risen Christ,

(The Rev’d) Robert A. Picken

The

VesTry VigneTTe

The St. Paul’s Vestry meets about eight times per year: two of those meetings are budget sessions; two are devoted to spending a Saturday together for more in-depth conversations; and the other meetings are focused on property and finance, mission and ministry, and community engagement. Here are some updates:

On Saturday, April 28th, the Vestry met for our Spring Workday. The focus of our time together was a Mutual Ministry Review (MMR). MMRs are intended to be done regularly, usually annually, and focus on what has worked well, what didn’t work as expected, and what we’ve learned from both, as well as a conversation about the relationship among the Vestry and between the clergy and Vestry. The time together concluded with some goal setting for the next few months and year.

Our facilitator was Dr. Pam Cochran from the Diocese of Maryland. Pam is a cradle Episcopalian, with sojourns in a variety of other churches during and post-college. She is a professor of historical theology at Loyola University in Baltimore and serves in the Episcopal Church by helping to coordinate ministry among the dioceses of the Mid-Atlantic region (Province III), chairing the Diocese of Maryland’s Congregational Vitality Committee, and training in the nationwide College for Congregational Development.

This section will appear in each issue of The Epistle as a way to keep the congregation informed.

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

surVey feedback holy Week

Recently, parishioners were invited to participate in a survey about their participation in liturgies during Holy Week. Forty-nine people took the time to offer feedback. Many comments, and some helpful and practical suggestions, were offered. It is clear that music and sermons are key driving forces for Holy Week liturgies. Easter Day was the “best ever” for many people. The biggest concern was low attendance at some of the liturgies and this led to be a call for more promotion of services — and more education, so keep an eye out for a discussion again about Holy Week next Lent!

When you review the feedback, remember there are no right or wrong answers and the data gathered gives us a snapshot of the thoughts of those who responded; survey results are used to look for commonality and trends as a part of a larger conversation.

Palm Sunday

7 respondents attended the 8:00 am liturgy and found it meaningful or very meaningful. 33 respondents attended the 10:15 am liturgy and 27 found it very meaningful. 4 respondents said that they participated via live-stream because they were away or engage online weekly — all found it very meaningful. Some comments included “the music was great,” “not a big fan of marching from parish hall,” and “congregation’s participation in passion was important.”

Monday-Wednesday Noon Eucharist

9 responded that they participated regularly and 7 found that very meaningful. A few noted they were unable to attend because they were unwell or out-of-town.

Maundy Thursday

19 of 49 responded that they participated in the liturgy in-person. 13 found it very meaningful, 5 meaningful and 1 neutral. 3 respondents participated online because they were unwell or out of town and found it very meaningful. There was a general sense that it was “too bad it was poorly attended,” which prompted a few questions about restoring the agape meal before. Many agreed that “the stripping of the Altar was very powerful” and that “Bishop Lane’s sermon was wonderful.”

Good Friday at Noon

21 responded that they participated in person: 18 found it very meaningful, 2 meaningful; and, 1 neutral; 6 participated via live-steam and 5 found

it very meaningful. Many thought the sung passion was “beautiful” and “powerful” and one parishioner thought that “maybe a new setting” could be offered after years of the same. Others said: “One of the best in memory” and “great sermon.”

Good Friday at 5:30 pm 3 responded and 2 found it meaningful or very meaningful. An evening service is important for those who work during the day was a comment from both those who attended Noon and 5:30pm liturgies.

Great Vigil of Easter

17 respondents said they attended and 16 found it very meaningful. While one would do away with it, many say it is their favorite liturgy of the year. Other comments included that Jay’s sermon was a “home run” and the music was “wonderful.” No one responded that they participated by live-stream.

Easter Day

12 noted they participated at 8:00 am and all found it meaningful or very meaningful and noted that they loved the sermon and music. 8 respondents participated by live-stream because they were sick or out-of-town and 7 found it very meaningful — “perfect!” 38 respondents said that attended the 10:15 am — 37 said it was very meaningful. Trending comments: “Best Easter service in memory,” “Welcome back, Herb;” “On the right track,” “Just the right amount of flowers;” and, “Everything -- music, sermon, etc -- was just super!”

Thank you for your feedback

laTesT neWs sunday school

We’re excited to welcome Susan Hall as a permanent addition to our nursery staff! Susan had been filling in prior and she is happy to join us every Sunday morning in the nursery during the 10:15 service. We are grateful to have Candace and Susan caring for our babies and toddlers every Sunday.

Hallelujah! It’s such fun being able to celebrate the Easter season with the children in class. It’s a happy, hopeful time focusing on new life and the joy it can bring. We continue to follow the lectionary with our bible stories each Sunday, so families can be on the “same page” during their week together at home.

From Matthew 18:20 “For when two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” A few Sundays ago I mentioned to the kids we had a smaller than usual class, and I was especially happy with their presence that morning. One of the students gently reminded me that it wasn’t just us in class, but that Jesus was with us, and we should always count Him, too. Such a heartwarming moment, and so very true!

On that note, a reminder that ALL children in preschool through 5th grade are invited to class every Sunday morning beginning at 10:00 am in the Children’s Chapel room. I encourage kids to bring a friend anytime they want! We love having new friends in class and always make them feel welcome. Our Sunday school class program runs through June 9th, with the nursery open all year.

“For when two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

Looking for a new way to give your time at St. Paul’s? Our nursery and classroom are in constant need of substitute helpers! It can be difficult for families when class is cancelled, or the nursery is closed when we are short of help. If you’d like to be added to our list of family ministry helpers, it would be much appreciated! Reach out to Amy Welker at AWelker@stpaulsec.org.

Photo and article submitted by Amy Welker

St. Paul’s Outreach Council

St. Paul’s Outreach Council has given financial support to several local organizations this year, including House of Mercy, which cares for and advocates on behalf of homeless persons; Willow, which provides multiple services for survivors of domestic abuse, and Mary’s Place, which provides basic necessities for refugees, as well as providing English language instruction and counseling. In addition, we are supporting Teen Empowerment whose primary focus is to train youth to become peacemaking leaders in their communities, and Crossroads of Caring, which trains adults to be compassionate listeners in a variety of settings.

We continued to support Foodlink as we contributed $1500 to the second IMBTF concert on April 28th and we’ll contribute $2500 toward the Vestry’s support of Family Promise of Greater Rochester.

Lastly, we have invited Rev. Peter Peters and his wife Sarah, founders of REACH Advocacy, to speak to us on Sunday, May 5th, during the 9:00 Forum, and later, during the 10:15 am service. For the month of May, we will collect items for REACH, so keep an eye out for their wish list.

Eucharistic Visitor Training

Beginning soon, we will be having members of St Paul’s bring Holy Eucharist to our members who cannot make it to church on Sunday mornings. If you would be interested in bringing Communion and visiting with members of the congregation, please let Jay know (jburkardt@stpaulsec.org) and we can begin the process of training and preparing you for this important pastoral ministry.

A Thank You & A Request

The Archives Committee is most grateful for all donations of historical records and photographs related to St. Paul’s history. We do have one request regarding these documents and pictures: Wherever possible, would you please include the date, names, and occasion information. Even if you don’t know all the facts, any facts you do know could help. We appreciate your interest and any further contributions.

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.

REST IN PEACE

Merciful God, we entrust to your never-failing care and love

Raymond Leone

Amen.

High Falls Trio performs at If Music be the Food.

surVey feedback church Music

In mid-March, you were invited to participate in a survey about church music here at St. Paul’s. Eightynine parishioners took the time to offer feedback --- what an excellent response!

The data presented here represents the percentages of those who answered the questions asked. The written responses have been collated and reviewed (anonymously) and, in most cases, are very helpful and thoughtful. Regarding worship, there are many who suggested a greater variety of music sung and offered, while at the same time there was a call for more traditional service music and hymnody (“the old chestnuts” as one said). There was a lot of interest in the development of our Bell Choir and Chorister program, as well as recruiting parishioners who are instrumentalists to be involved before or during worship. There were helpful ideas about guest instrumentalists and a wide variety of repertoire suggestions. A few people wanted more special services with combined choirs from Episcopal churches and beyond. Many wanted to engage the Rochester music community more broadly, including offering more concerts to engage our neighbors.

As you look at the survey data, remember there are no right or wrong answers nor is this about majority or plurality rule. The feedback gathered gives us a snapshot of the thinking of those who responded at a particular time and survey results are used to look for commonality and trends as a part of a larger conversation. It also helps you to see where your opinion fits with the feedback of others. Thank you for your participation!

Singing in church is joyful

Neutral 5%

Agree 24%

Strongly Agree 71%

Music is my primary reason for attending

Strongly Disagree 8%

Disagree 20%

A reason 35%

Agree 24%

Strongly Agree 13%

A strong sacred music program is important

Strongly Disagree 1%

Disagree 3%

Neutral 4%

Agree 29%

Strongly Agree 63%

Part of the music program

Not involved 40%

Somewhat involved 12%

Involved 8%

Active 12%

Very active 28%

Anglican foundation in church music is important

Strongly Disagree 1%

Disagree 7%

Neutral 17%

Agree 28%

Strongly Agree 47%

Use Episcopal hymnals beyond the 1982

Strongly Disagree 3%

Disagree 9%

Neutral 35%

Agree 29%

Strongly Agree 24%

Incorporate newer forms of worship music

Strongly Disagree 12%

Disagree 22%

Neutral 41%

Agree 20%

Strongly Agree 5%

Support the choir alone singing service music

Strongly Disagree 8%

Disagree 6%

Neutral 25%

Agree 34%

Strongly Agree 27%

Enjoy when the Bell Choir participates

Strongly Disagree 1%

Disagree 6%

Neutral 20%

Agree 25%

Strongly Agree 48%

Support the development of our choristers

Strongly Disagree 1%

Disagree 4%

Neutral 16%

Agree 22%

Strongly Agree 57%

Instrumentalists on Holy Days is important

Disagree 2%

Neutral 13%

Agree 31%

Strongly Agree 54%

Incorporate instrumentalists more regularly

Disagree 5%

Neutral 26%

Agree 28%

Strongly Agree 41%

On Sunday, March 3rd, our interim Organist and Choirmaster, Peter DuBois, played the Candlelight Recital before Compline at Christ Church in Rochester. Peter played music of David Hurd on the Hook-and-Hastings Organ and organ works by J.S. Bach on the famous Craighead-Saunders organ. Over 200 people attended the recital and compline, including many St Paul’s parishioners.

Respondents who would join a pick-up choir

My voice is best so-low 27 ppl

No 15

Maybe 22

Yes 15

Absolutely 7 ppl

More special services and would attend

Strongly Disagree 2%

Disagree 20%

Maybe 41%

Agree 17%

Strongly Agree 20%

Music at 8:00 am?

Never 16%

Sometimes 25%

Monthly 24%

Often 24%

Weekly 11%

(Answered by regular attendees)

Concert series as community engagement

Strongly Disagree 1%

Disagree 9%

Neutral 18%

Agree 37%

Strongly Agree 35%

sT. paul’s coluMbariuM a place of final resT

St. Paul’s has had a columbarium housing 469 niches since 1973. A columbarium provides an easily accessible, indoor, secure site for the cremated remains of loved ones. As well as niches to hold the remains of loved ones, the St. Paul’s columbarium provides a table on which you find a directory that identifies all those interred as well as the location of their niche. Also displayed is a memory book in which the bereaved are invited to include up to two pages of verbal and pictorial remembrances. Also available is a prayerstand and chairs for those who wish to meditate.

Records are kept at the church office with the names of those who have subscribed to a niche, the location, and the year of birth and death if the person is deceased. If families move away or decide to make other arrangements for burial, they may request a refund. The fee for use of a niche is $750.00 for members of St. Paul’s and $1,000.00 for non-members. The fee is paid once for the family, up to three persons. To learn more, contact St. Paul’s (585-271-2240).

Addendum including archives information April 2024

Parishioner Dorothy Phillips, who suffered the death of her son, was a driving force in creating the parish columbarium.

By April 1971, the Vestry had approved in principle the idea of building a columbarium under the Norton Chapel to hold ashes of cremated persons. The Property Committee was studying the matter and estimating the cost of necessary renovations. (Reported in April 1971 Parish Newsletter.)

By May 8, 1972, plans for the columbarium had been partially formed, the area selected and sketched out. To complete the plans, a committee was established that included Mr. Castle, Mr. Hall, Mr. Briggs, Mrs. Tappan, and Mr. Lee Johnson. (Reported in May 8, 1972 Vestry meeting minutes.)

An article describing the columbarium appeared on page 18 of the April 1977 parish newsletter. By that time 469 recesses/niches had been created and of that number 64 spaces had been reserved. Bays could be reserved for $300 each by parish members or $450 by others.

Later columbarium decorations included a hand woven cloth created by Mrs. David (Rachael) Bellamy as a memorial to her husband David. Its creation was described as an enormous task but a lovely addition to the room. Assisting in the design were Ruth Fowler and Virginia Thornton. In addition, the room at the bottom of the columbarium stairs was decorated and furnished as a memorial to Wilmot V. Castle, who was St. Paul’s Senior Warden for many years. (Recorded in two undated issues of the parish newsletter.)

(Submitted article abbreviated for space.)

Easter Decorating Team

Many thanks to this year’s Easter team pictured below—Matt Horeth from Kittelberger Florist who designed the pulpit arrangement and Peggy Willard, Kate Sturman, Gretchen Zenner, Pat Moran, Nancy Andrus, and Mary Gulick (Jane Chapman absent). This dedicated team designed the plan, purchased altar flowers and plants, and faithfully watered and groomed the plants until the following Cross of Flowers Sunday.

I would also like to thank my Cross of Flowers volunteers—Anne & Stan Refermat, Cynthia Miller, and Jane Chapman who prepped the pro bono flowers and greens provided by Kittelberger Florist for the wooden cross.

Thanksto the generosity of the congregation, Rob, and the wardens and vestry, this summer I am blessed to be able to take a three month sabbatical that will offer my family and me some incredible opportunities for both rest and relaxation, as well as educational and spiritual learning. One of the great things about this sabbatical is that Leslie will also be taking her sabbatical at the same time, and Norah will be joining us for much of what we will be doing!

I will be away from St Paul’s starting at the beginning of June, and will return on Kickoff Sunday in September. The first month will see Leslie and I resting, enjoying time around the house, and helping Norah through her final weeks of school. Then on July 2, we will board a plane for France for a month-long trip through several countries. Over the course of the month we will visit monasteries in Taize (France), Iona (Scotland), and Corrymeela (Northern Ireland). We will also spend time in

Paris, Marseille, London, York, and Glasgow before returning home at the beginning of August.

We will have more time to vacation and refresh when we return before I am back at St Paul’s on Kickoff Sunday. This will be the first sabbatical that either Leslie or I have had in our nearly 20 years of ministries and we are so grateful to you for helping to make this happen. Leslie also applied and received a grant from the Lily Foundation which is helping to pay for much of what we will be able to do.

I’m already looking forward to being back with you in the fall and sharing what we experience and learning during the sabbatical!

Photo and article submitted by Nancy Andrus

The Rev. Jay Burkardt’s Upcoming Sabbatical

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

Peter DuBois Interim Organist & Choirmaster

Augustine Sobeng Organ Scholar

Amy Welker Director of Children & Youth Faith Formation

Candance Hoffman-Hussain Sue 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

Jim D’Angelo

Maintenance Associates

GOOD NEWS!

The Family Promise Benucci’s fundraiser raised $2000 for the organization! Thank you to everyone who participated!

On Sunday, April 14th, St. Paul’s provided the meal for The Table – the Episcopal/Lutheran campus ministry at RIT/NTID. Thanks to Vestry-member Laura Carr for getting the baked potato bar assembled. Fr. Rob preached at the Eucharist that preceded the meal. Look for ways that you can help with this ministry!

In the June 2023 staff reviews, Sonja set a goal to receive a Polly Bond award at the 2024 Episcopal Communicators Conference. Her work on the design of a new logo, in conjunction with our identity statement work, allowed her that honor. How rewarding for us all to see a member of our staff set and accomplish a goal. What a joy it is to be recognized by your colleagues nationwide! Congratulations to Sonja and thank you for all your good work! ~Rev. Rob Picken

At the Arbor Society reception, Jennifer Bleecker spoke about her father, Paul Smith, who was being honored.

FOLLOW

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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

Upcoming Events:

Wednesday, May 1st:

Parish Potluck Dinner in the Parish Hall at 6:00 pm

Saturday, May 4th:

St Joe’s Sandwich Makers in the Parish Kitchen at 9:30 am

Saturday, May 4th:

Lay Weeders - Parish Grounds Workday at 10:30 am

Sunday, May 5th:

Sunday Forum: Housing is a Human Right at 9:00 am

Saturday, May 11th:

St. Paul’s Needle Arts Ministry in Wainwright Parlor at 10:30 am

Sunday, May 12th:

Bible Study at 9:00 am in the Quilt Room

Sunday, May 19th:

Pentecost Sunday & Invite a Friend to Church Day, 8:00 & 10:15 am

Wednesday, June 5th:

Parish Potluck Dinner in the Parish Hall at 6:00 pm

Thursday, June 6th:

“Sunday on Thursdays” Outdoor Service at Paul’s Cross at 5:30 pm

Sunday, June 9th:

Annual Parish Picnic on the Parish Lawn following the 10:15 am Eucharist

WORSHIP SERVICES:

Sundays: Holy Eucharist in the Chantry at 8:00 am

Sundays: Holy Eucharist at 10:15 am

Children’s Sunday School at 10:00 am

Also available at 10:15 am Nursery Care, Livestream & ASL Interpretation

Wednesdays: Noonday Eucharist in the Chantry at 12:00 pm