eThepisTle
St. Paul’s Church builds bridges — to God, to one another, to the city and beyond.
March 2025 March 2025
The RecToR A NoTe fRom
Dear Friends,
This year’s long Season after the Epiphany is now ending. We spent the months of January and February reflecting on Jesus as both a light for our spiritual journey and a light for the whole world. Throughout this season, we prayed again that Christ might be made real in our lives and that we might be agents of God’s love and light in the world.
With that in mind, our attention now turns to Lent --- a season of self-denial, prayer, and study that encourages us to reflect on our lives of faith. I have always thought of it like a Spring-cleaning for our souls – decluttering, clearing out garbage, letting go of things we don’t need, cleaning under the sofa, letting in light and fresh air, and so on: it may be tedious, but it is necessary and rewarding work. And, it is not just an individual exercise, as faith is a shared journey.
Jesus reminds us in the summary of the law to love God and our neighbor as ourselves. Neighbor in scripture is a moral concept not a geographical one. As we encounter the depth’s of God’s love for us, we share that love with others -- family, friends, neighbors, etc. -- not in circles of importance but as God’s light and love shines from us. This next church season is a time lent to us to reflect and meditate on how we experience and then share God’s abundant light and love.
May you have a Holy Lent.
Your friend and Rector,
(The Rev’d) Robert A. Picken
Christian Education
pRogRAms foR AdulTs
Sunday Forum at 9:00 am
The Way of Love: Practices for a Christ-Centered Life
Sundays, March 9th - April 6th
Drawing on the ancient practice of setting aside Lent as a period of study and preparation for living as a Christian disciple, this series ties the Easter Vigil readings to the practices of the Way of Love and encourages participants to reflect on salvation history and embrace the transforming reality of love and new life.
Lenten Soup ‘n Study
History of Hymnody with Dr. John Sherer
Tuesdays, March 11, 18, 25 Soup Supper at 6:00 pm. Program at 6:30 pm. Compline at 7:15 pm. Exploration of the history of hymnody from Chant to contemporary Christian music. We’ll sing many examples of hymnody from across the centuries and learn about the evolution from one style to another.
Lenten Quiet Day
Saturday, March 22nd, 9:00am to 2:00pm
A day-long retreat with time for prayer and meditation, participants will stand with the three women at the empty tomb and hear Jesus’ call to go and live in that transformed reality. This Lenten Quiet Day may be used as an expansion of the Sunday morning forum or as a standalone opportunity. Please contact Rob (rpicken@stpaulsec.org) to sign-up.
Sacred Ground Conversations
Starting in April, Day and time to be determined
The 11-part series is built around a powerful online curriculum of films and readings that focus on the intersection of European American, Indigenous, Black, Latino, and Asian/Pacific American histories. Open to all, participants are invited to peel 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. These in-person sessions with days/times determined by the group. Please let Rob (rpicken@ stpaulsec.org) know if you are interested in this important conversation by March 17th.
exploRiNg ANglicAN ideNTiTy:
ANNuAl meeTiNg key iNsighTs fRom ouR
St. Paul’s recently embarked on a thoughtful exploration of Anglican identity, inviting parishioners to reflect on the aspects of faith that resonate most deeply with them. Through a combination of structured response collection and small group discussions, we gathered both quantitative and qualitative insights into how our congregation experiences Anglican identity, where we see our strengths, and where we feel called to grow.
F.D. Maurice, a theologian of the early 20th century, noted that all Christian denominations hold characteristics that point to the truth of the Church universal. Building on that, Paul Avis notes that Anglicanism’s primary characteristic is that it holds theological truths in tension as a way to unify people: Catholic and Reformed; universal and local; episcopal and synodical, Biblical and reasonable, among others. John Westerhoff, a priest and theologian of the Episcopal Church, wrote about the key dimensions of Anglican identity and spirituality: centered and grounded in worship, experiences beauty as a gateway to God, maintains a “both… and” theological identity, sees faith as a journey not a destination, thirsts and works for justice, and engages the parish community.
Our guided table conversations illuminated several key themes. Worship emerged as a defining strength of St. Paul’s, while
community engagement and justice initiatives were identified as areas that require more attention. Many parishioners personally connect with the idea of faith as a journey, yet they feel this perspective is less explicitly expressed in the church’s practices.
When asked about the aspects of Anglican identity that resonate personally, participants most frequently identified faith as a journey, with 15 mentions, and worship as the heart of their spiritual experience, with 11 mentions. Discussions also revealed a deep appreciation for beauty, particularly through music, art, and liturgy, as a way of experiencing the divine. While justice and community were important to many, they were less frequently mentioned as personal touchstones.
Parishioners also reflected on the strengths of St. Paul’s, with 14 participants identifying
worship as the church’s central expression and 12 emphasizing the strong sense of belonging within the community. This affirmed that worship is not only integral to the community’s identity but also a key reason why people are drawn to St. Paul’s. Additionally, some groups emphasized the church’s commitment to theological inclusivity and its embrace of the Anglican via media tradition, which welcomes diverse perspectives.
As the discussion turned to areas for growth, participants identified the need to build a stronger sense of community, with 17 mentions, and to deepen the church’s commitment to justice and outreach, with 16 mentions. There was a desire for greater engagement with young people and increased visibility of social justice initiatives. Some parishioners pointed to the work of Rural Migrant Ministry and broader advocacy efforts as areas where the church could expand its involvement.
Following up on the Annual Parish Meeting, Reverend Jay, Lindsay Korth, Kevin Frisch and Julie Gedro — some of our participants in the College for Congregational Development — reflected on the data, noting key themes. One of those themes centered around the concept of community: whether it refers to the internal community of St. Paul’s or extends beyond the church to the wider Rochester area and beyond. The group recognized that St. Paul’s excels in worship, fostering an internal sense of community, and providing solace. When it comes to justice-oriented initiatives, there is limited opportunity for hands-on engagement compared to other churches that have a stronger focus in this area. The group emphasized that while worship must remain central, there is an opportunity to explore how faith can inform community engagement. The discussion reflected “both-and” and “yes-and” mindsets, affirming core strengths while also contemplating areas for growth and expansion.
Looking ahead, there are many opportunities to strengthen the St. Paul’s community and more fully live into its identity. Deepening community engagement could an important step, with an emphasis on making programs like Rural Migrant Ministry, Family Promise, and St. Joseph’s House (as examples) more visible. Creating structured opportunities for parishioners to build relationships outside of worship can help strengthen personal connections across different
demographics. There is also a growing need to enhance justiceoriented initiatives by fostering more explicit conversations about justice work in the church, providing accessible pathways for participation, and raising awareness through sermons, announcements, and parish meetings.
Another key area of focus is encouraging more participation in theological exploration and supporting faith as a journey. Through new and existing discussion groups, faith formation programs, and intergenerational learning opportunities, St. Paul’s can continue to create a space where theological diversity is embraced and where questions and openended exploration are welcomed.
This dialogue on Anglican and parish identity is an important step in shaping the future of St. Paul’s. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this important conversation. Your insights are invaluable as we continue to cultivate a vibrant and engaged faith community.
Annual Meeting Photos
sT. pAul’s youTh gRoup
Our Youth Group has had a fun winter so far, with more great opportunities on horizon for our youth to learn and grow in the spirituality.
In February, we had several parents help to give us a lesson about the importance of and celebrations around Lunar New Year. They provided an incredibly delicious meal featuring several dishes traditional to the holiday’s celebration. We also were able to learn about its history and importance to so many people. We made some cut-out paper lanterns, a few of which now decorate the Youth Room!
As we look forward, we will be preparing a meal for the RIT / NTID Campus Ministry. After bringing it to campus, we will join them for their weekly worship service and then share the meal with them afterwards. We recognize that it is important not just to learn about faith, but to live out our faith as well, and this is one of the ways we can do that. We hope to do more of that later in the spring at the gardens of St Mark’s and St John’s, even as we continue to talk and learn about Jesus and what he means to us as we grow.
As a reminder, the Youth Group is open to any student in grades 6-12. We meet on the first and third Sundays of each month from 4:30-6:30. Each gathering has snacks, food, games, and a lesson.
lATesT News suNdAy school
Smiles, laughter, and faithful fun continue in the St. Paul’s Sunday school classroom! Since the end of our Christmas season and leading us to Lent, we have shared many stories teaching the children the love of Jesus. The lectionary has taken us through 1 Corinthians, where the children learned the importance of having love, especially God’s love. More readings from Paul taught how valuable every single person is to our church community, and how our different talents work together as one. Emphasizing how special and essential the children are to St. Paul’s gives them a wonderful sense of peace, security, and appreciation. And not to forget our dedicated families that bring their children to church on Sunday mornings. You are appreciated and loved, too!
Sunday school classes will continue to meet at 10:00 am in the upstairs classroom for Preschool through 5th grade, and our nursery welcomes babies and toddlers for the 10:15 service. For more information or opportunities to volunteer in our children’s program, please reach out to Amy Welker at awelker@ stpaulsec.org.
ouTReAch
In January, St. Paul’s Outreach Council provided monetary gifts to two local agencies concerned with improving the lives of children. Nativity Preparatory Academy educates underserved students of all faiths, grades 6-8, tuition free in a secure, nurturing environment. Their program emphasizes strong academics coupled with the values of spirituality, morality and personal responsibility.
Similarly, we were pleased to support Freedom Scholars Learning Center. Freedom Scholars provides after school programs, as well as a summer program, for underserved youth ages kindergarten through age fourteen. The focus is on increasing literacy and cultural awareness and social understanding. They have seen measurable improvement in reading scores.
Thanks to the generosity of the people of St. Paul’s, we continue to seek out opportunities to improve the lives of those most in need.
Submitted by Mary Pietrzykowski
Deacon Sue is starting a support group for caregivers of individuals who are ill or have disabilities.
The group aims to provide support for those currently caring for or who have cared for loved ones. Those interested can contact her at seo831@aol.com or 815-751-0251 to help determine a suitable meeting time.
A hybrid format (in-person and Zoom) is being considered for accessibility. Deacon Sue, a licensed marriage and family therapist with group facilitation experience, welcomes both St. Paul’s parishioners and the wider community. Feel free to share this information.
music depARTmeNT sT. pAul’s
St Paul’s music program is building bridges in so many ways!
Looking back:
A very big thank you to Ray and Mirjana Ellis for hosting a choir party in January at their home. The St. Paul’s Choir had a wonderful time together building friendships and community. The choir is wonderful group of people who care deeply about each other and the entire St. Paul’s community. If you or someone you know would be interested in joining the St. Paul’s Choir, please contact John Sherer at jsherer@stpaulec.org.
Third Sundays @3pm, the new concert series at St. Paul’s honored The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a concert on January 19th. If you missed the concert, you can watch it on our YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@StPaulsEC. Thank you to all who attended and together we raised $950 for the Urban League of Rochester.
On February 2, Angie Jones, a member of the St. Paul’s Bell Choir, gave a terrific talk to the congregation inviting anyone to join the Bell Choir. The Bell Choir has a new rehearsal time on Wednesday evenings from 6:00 pm to 6:45 pm. As she said, “if you can count to four” you can join the Bell Choir. It really is just that easy, so everyone is welcome to give it a try.
On February 9, Erik Behr, principal oboist of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO), played two pieces during our 10:15 morning worship service. If you missed it you can listen to the opening Voluntary, “Three Vignettes from India” by Laura Perkett on our YouTube Channel at this custom link: https:// bit.ly/41t7ZLV We look forward to his return in the future as well as others from the RPO.
And looking ahead:
St. Paul’s is launching a choir tour to Ghana! This self-sustaining choir tour is open to anyone, singer or non-singer interested in the adventure of a lifetime! You do not have to sing to be a part of the tour. We will be spending about two weeks there and other places nearby to sing concerts and worship services, plus learn about their culture and history. On March 12 there will be a gathering to learn more about the trip which is being planned for February of 2027. Jeffery Thyer from the tour agency ACFEA, along with John Sherer and Augustine Sobeng, will give a brief overview of the itinerary and what to expect. Join us for this gathering to learn more about this exciting opportunity! For more information, please contact John Sherer at jsherer@stpaulsec.org.
Third Sundays @3pm continue March 16 with a St. Paul’s favorite, the Lenten Service sung by the St. Paul’s Choir. This service is a beautiful combination of music and readings to help each of us to contemplate the meaning of the season as we journey toward Easter.
On Tuesday March 11, 18, and 25 at 6:00 pm, the St. Paul’s Lenten Soup ‘n Study will be an exploration of the history of hymnody from Chant to contemporary Christian music. We’ll sing many examples of hymnody from across the centuries and learn about the evolution from one style to another. Join Organist and Director of Music John Sherer at 6:00pm for this enjoyable learning experience.
If anyone wants to share in the joy of our music program you are always welcome to contact John Sherer at jsherer@stpaulsec.org to learn more about joining us as we build bridges through “inspiring music, created with love, transforming God’s world.”
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 W. W. 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
Maintenance Associate
REST IN PEACE
Merciful God, we entrust to your never-failing care and love
Dean Arvan
Ruth Dawson
Ruth Johns
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.
Paul’s
St. Paul’s builds bridges to God, to one another, to the city and beyond.
We pray all who enter St. Paul’s experience God’s presence in this community of faith.
We welcome you to join in any of our events or church services.
You need not be a member to join in, so welcome!
Upcoming Events:
Sunday, March 2nd:
Sunday Forum: Bible Study - Lectio
Divina in the Vestry Room at 9:00 am
Tuesday, March 4th:
Shrove Tuesday Mardi Gras Meal in the Parish Hall from 6:00 - 7:30 pm
Wednesday, March 5th:
Ash Wednesday Services at 7:30 am, Noon and 5:30 pm in the Chantry
Saturday, March 8th:
St. Paul’s Needle Arts Ministry in Wainwright Parlor at 10:30 am
Tuesday, March 11, 18 & 25th:
Lenten Soup ‘n Study: History of Hymnody with Dr. John Sherer in the Parish Hall at 6:00 pm
Sunday, March 16th:
Third Sunday @3pm: Lenten Choral Service in the Church
Wednesday, April 2nd:
Parish Potluck Supper in the Parish Hall at 6:00 pm
Saturday, April 5th:
St Joe’s Sandwich Makers in the Parish Kitchen at 9:30 am
Saturday, April 12th:
St. Paul’s Needle Arts Ministry in Wainwright Parlor at 10:30 am
Sunday, April 13th:
Palm Sunday at 8:00 & 10:15 am
Monday, April 14th:
Noonday Eucharist in the Chantry
Tuesday, April 15th:
Noonday Eucharist in the Chantry
Wednesday, April 16th:
Noonday Eucharist in the Chantry
Thursday, April 17th:
Maundy Thursday Agape Meal & Liturgy at 6:00 pm
Friday, April 18th:
Good Friday services at Noon (with livestream) and 5:30 pm
Saturday, April 19th:
Great Vigil of Easter at 7:00 pm
Sunday, April 20th:
Easter Sunday services 8:00 and 10:15 am (with livestream)
WORSHIP SERVICES:
Sundays: Holy Eucharist
