eThepisTle
St. Paul’s Church builds bridges — to God, to one another, to the city and beyond.
The Right Reverend Kara Wagner Sherer, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Rochester, will make her first “official” visit St. Paul’s on November 3rd.
Dear Friends,
The RecToR A NoTe fRom
The Feast of All Saints is one of my favorites. A principal feast of the Church Year, it celebrates the faithful disciples of Jesus from “every tribe, language, people and nation,” who in their own way and in their own time made the love of God known. As a baptismal feast, it is a celebration that reminds us that we have been initiated into a life of faith and a fellowship of “holy ones” both throughout history and in our time.
Almighty God, to whom we must account for all our powers and privileges: Guide the people of the United States in the election of officials and representatives; that, by faithful administration and wise laws, the rights of all may be protected and our nation be enabled to fulfill your purposes; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
[BCP, 822]
As I write this, it is also “silly season” in the weeks leading up to Election Day. Of course, we don’t have a state-run church – what the constitutional separation of church and state is about – but it’s near impossible to keep religion out of politics. Of course, I’m not speaking of the politicization of religion – that induces eyerolls at best and is abhorrent at worst. I’m speaking of our own faith in Christ and how God’s love transforms and impacts our participation in civic life. In reading contemporary American historians and political theorists and scholars like David French and Jon Meachem, they echo the voices of the past “secular saints” of the early American experiment -- like Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and James Madison -- who all spoke of virtuous leaders who are to be people of character, candor, curiosity, and empathy.
The same could be said of our Christian social witness as saints of God in today’s world. We are called to a life that seeks to follow the Truth of God in humility and with mercy and love towards our neighbor and even enemy. No one political party or figure in this country, nor one nation in this world, is the sole representative of God; believing that is mere idolatry.
As holy ones of God, we should strive to rise above the noise, namecalling, deceit, and hatred. As baptized followers of Jesus, we are called bear witness to, and to be examples of, Christ’s love for all and seek God’s goodness in all people. This hopeful stance is not easy in these troubled times but we do it together and with Christ who promised to be with us “world without end.”
As we also approach this season of holidays, please know of my prayers for you and your family. I remain,
Your friend and Rector,
(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:
• In September, the Vestry discussed the College for Congregational Development model: “Life Cycle of a Congregation / Ministry” and discussed how the strategy is to always ask the questions: Who are we? What are we about? Who are our neighbors / who do we serve? This provided a lens to discuss church growth, volunteerism, and mission and ministry opportunities.
• A report about the work of the Outreach Council was offered by Deacon Sue, highlighting the speakers’ program and the development of hands-on ministry opportunities through our ministry partnerships.
• In October, the Vestry heard a report from the Property Committee offered by Bob Potter, our Property Manager. One of the primary topics was the major flood of the gym over the summer. Bob discusseded the work that has been accomplished and the next steps for drainage repairs outside the building. He highlighted other projects the committee has been working on, as well.
•The Vestry discussed 3rd Quarter Financials and heard a report from the Investment Policy Committee.
•Finally, Bishop Kara joined the Vestry meeting as part of her upcoming annual visit. She led a discussion about the strengths and challenges at St. Paul’s and offered hopeful insight into the life of the diocese.
•The Vestry is scheduled to take up the 2025 Budget and will plan for the Annual Parish Meeting in December.
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
Floyd Bayley
Laura Carr
Chari Krenis
Over the summer, Bob and his team repaired, restored, and repainted much of the choir rooms after decades of deferred maintenance.
lATesT News suNdAy school
We’ve had a busy classroom during the fall season, and such fun having the kids back together again!
Every week, we explore a new bible story (or 2!) focusing on the readings from the lectionary. The children are learning the differences from the Old and New Testament, becoming familiar with the songs in the book of Psalms, and developing a deeper interest and connection with their growing faith. What a blessing they are to our church family! I have such an appreciation for all our families and their commitment to bringing their children to St. Paul’s.
Save the date:
December 22nd the children are invited to participate in our Christmas pageant during the 10:15 service. More details to follow in our weekly family emails.
All are welcome to receive our children & family weekly emails, and if you’d like to be added, please contact Amy Welker at AWelker@stpaulsec.org
St. Paul’s Youth Group
We have started our new program year in youth group with several great meetings together!
We recently went rock climbing in October, which you can see in the pictures. It was great to see our youth push and challenge themselves in ways that some of them had never done before!
We also helped out Mrs. Welker with the annual Halloween Party, setting up the decorations and helping run the games for our younger parishioners.
We have some great opportunities planned for the rest of the year, including working in the gardens of St Mark’s and St John’s (after the spring thaw, of course!) and providing a meal for the Sunday evening campus ministry at RIT.
Keep a lookout on this space next month for information about our upcoming fundraiser!
Tips for Year-end Giving
To be eligible for a tax-deductible charitable donation, all contributions to St. Paul’s Church must be received in the office or postmarked by December 31. Charitable donations of non-cash items, such as stock, may be made electronically by December 31.
We ask that all stock donors also provide a letter or email correspondence reporting the gift and the number of shares donated to St. Paul’s. Please contact Judy McGrath at 585-2712240 x211, or jmcgrath@stpaulsec.org for information about routing and account numbers.
You may also prepay your 2025 pledge by December 31, so that your contribution may qualify as a charitable deduction on your 2024 tax return.
For more information, please call Lisa M. Werner, Accounting Assistant at 585-271-2240 x213 or email lwerner@stpaulsec.org.
music depARTmeNT sT. pAul’s
On Friday, November 1 at 6:30 pm, the St. Paul’s Choir will offer the Requiem by Gabriel Fauré. This worship service with communion will be a time to remember departed loved ones as the choir sings one of the most beautiful choral works ever written. The Requiem was composed between 1887 and 1890, soon after the death of Faure’s parents and is in seven movements which will be interspersed throughout the worship service. Fauré wrote that the Requiem “is dominated from beginning to end by a very human feeling of faith in eternal rest.”
Later in November, on November 17th, St Paul’s “Third Sunday @ 3” concert series continues with violinists Chie Sawada and Oleh Krysa along with pianist Irina Lupines playing a program of works by Sibelius, Gershwin, and others. This concert will benefit RocMaidan, a charity based in Rochester celebrating 10 years or providing medical supplies and humanitarian aid to those affected by the war in Ukraine. Enjoy the music during the concert and support the Ukrainian people in need.
On the “Third Sunday @ 3” in December which is December 15th, a beloved St. Paul’s tradition continues with a Festival of Lessons and Carols sung by our wonderful St. Paul’s Choir. This service will feature music by Elizabeth Poston, Felix Mendelssohn, Dale Adelmann and Alice Parker, along with favorite carols for all to sing. Join us as we enjoy nourishing and inspirational music of the season.
chRisTiAN educATioN
pRogRAm
Sunday Forum at 9:00 am
November 24th – December 15th: Adventus - The Once and Future Advent of Christ Advent, says Fleming Rutledge, is not for the faint of heart. As the midnight of the Christian year, the season is rife with dark, gritty realities. Advent is also a time of rich paradoxes, a season celebrating at once Christ’s incarnation and his return. Together, we will unfold the ethical and future-oriented significance of Advent for the Church.
Community Engagement Speaker - Organized by the Outreach Council Nov 17th: Meals on Wheels
Working in virtually every community in the United States, this program seeks to address senior hunger and isolation. Learn about this program here and how you can help.
Sunday Speakers’ Series at 11:30 am
November 24th: The Music of Advent & Christmas
Join Dr. John Sherer for a lively discussion of the familiar hymns, carols, anthems, and voluntaries of the Advent and Christmas seasons.
December 8th: In My First Book, Theophilus: An Introduction to the Gospel of Luke
The Gospel lessons for this Church year will be taken primarily from the Luke’s Gospel. Join the Rector for an introduction to the Gospel of Luke, its background, history, and key themes.
Dessert & Discussion
General Convention Panel Discussion: Tuesday, November 12th at 7:00 pm
The 81st General Convention of the Episcopal Church met in Louisville, KY in late June. Join Bishop Kara Wagner Sherer and Deputies from our diocese, including our own Erin Glanton, to learn about their experiences, as well as important legislation and conversations stemming from GC81.
In early October, Rev. Jay spoke about his sabbatical, which included visits to Iona and Taizé
The Rev. Mary Ann Brody spoke about the work of Crossroads of Caring at a Sunday Forum in September.
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
Jim D’Angelo
Maintenance Associates
St. Paul’s makes about 70 sandwiches each month for this important ministry.
REST IN PEACE
Merciful God, we entrust to your never-failing care and love
Sally Cumming
Patsy Sladden
Shea Thomas Callanan
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.
St. Paul’s on Facebook, Instagram and our YouTube Channel
“St Paul’s EC”
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
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Events! Cut along the dotted line for a convenient invitation!
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!
25 Westminster Road Rochester, NY 14607 585.271.2240
info@StPaulsEC.org StPaulsEC.org
Upcoming Events:
Friday, November 1st: Gabriel Fauré Requim - All Saints Day at 6:30 pm
Saturday, November 2nd:
St Joe’s Sandwich Makers in the Parish Kitchen at 9:30 am
Sunday, November 3rd:
All Saints’ Sunday & Bishop Visit at 8:00 & 10:15 am
Wednesday, November 6th: Parish Potluck Supper in the Parish Hall at 6:00 pm
Saturday, November 9th:
St. Paul’s Needle Arts Ministry in Wainwright Parlor at 10:30 am
Sunday, November 10th:
Sunday Forum: St. Michael v. Lucifer in the Cadigan Room at 9:00 am
Sunday, November 17th: Third Sunday @ 3:00 pm: RocMaiden 10th Anniversary Concert
Sunday, Nov. 24th - Dec. 15th: Sunday Forum: AdventusThe Once and Future Advent of Christ in the Cadigan Room at 9:00 am
Sunday, December 15th: Third Sunday @ 3:00 pm: Festival of Lessons & Carols
Sunday, December 22nd: Christmas Pageant at the 10:15 am service
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
