CHRISTMAS GREETINGS

May the Star of Wonder lead you to adore the Child and experience His light in your life.
Merry Christmas!
Rev. Janet+

CHRISTMAS SERVICES

Dear Friends in Christ -
ALL are warmly invited to celebrate this Holy Season at St. Paul's where we will welcome our Lord with wonder and joy.
Merry Christmas!
Faithfully,
Janet+

SUNDAY - DECEMBER 23RD
8:00 a.m. - CHURCH - Advent IV - Holy Eucharist, Rite I
10:00 a.m. - CHAPEL - Children's Christmas Pageant with Eucharist

MONDAY - DECEMBER 24th - CHRISTMAS EVE
4:30 p.m. - CHAPEL - Family Christmas Service with Eucharist and Carols
10:00 p.m. - CHURCH - Festival Choral Eucharist with Candlelight

TUESDAY - DECEMBER 25th - CHRISTMAS DAY
11:00 a.m. - CHURCH - Christmas Day Eucharist with Carols

WEDNESDAY - DECEMBER 26th
NO SERVICES at 7:00 a.m. or 12:15 p.m.
11:00 a.m. - CHURCH - Memorial Service for John Gerle

What is it really all about?

(story sent to me by one of our dear former parishioners)

A woman was out Christmas shopping with her two children. After many hours of looking at row after row of toys and everything else imaginable; and after hours of hearing both her children asking for everything they saw on those many shelves, she finally made it to the elevator with her two kids.

She was feeling what so many of us feel during the holiday season time of the year - overwhelming pressure to go to every party, every housewarming, taste all the holiday food and treats, getting that perfect gift for every single person on our shopping list, making sure we don't forget anyone on our card list, and the pressure of making sure we respond to everyone who sent us a card.

Finally the elevator doors opened, and there was already a crowd in the car. She pushed her way into the car and dragged her two kids in with her and all the bags of stuff. When the doors closed, she couldn't take it anymore and she stated, "Whoever started this whole Christmas thing should be found, strung up and shot."

From the back of the car, everyone heard a quiet, calm voice respond, "Don't worry, we already crucified Him."For the rest of the trip down in the elevator, it was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop.

This year, don't forget to keep "the One who started this whole Christmas thing" in your every thought, deed, purchase and words. If we all did it, just think of how different this whole world would be.

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son; that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)

Faithfully yours,
Janet+

CHRISTMAS CAROLING RESCHEDULED

Dear Friends in Christ -

The Christmas Caroling event, originally scheduled for 5:00 p.m. this evening (Sun 12/16), has been RESCHEDULED.

All members of the parish are invited to go Christmas Caroling and attend the youth Christmas Party (which will include making Gingerbread Houses!) here at the church on FRIDAY, December 21st. Please RSVP to Leslie Beard at 929-4558 or lbeard91782@yahool.com, and bring an appetizer to share. ALL are invited - the old and the young, the tall and the small!!!

Hope you're enjoying some good rest and family time on this snowy day. Don't forget to give God thanks for keeping you safe and warm in the midst of the storm!
Blessings,
Janet+

Awakening Joy

Sunday, December 16, 2007
Dear Friends in Christ -

Today is the Third Sunday of Advent. This "refreshment Sunday," the Sunday when we light the rose-colored candle on the Advent wreath.

Now is the time when we allow joy to stir in our hearts . . . but in the midst of tough times in our world, do we dare hope that the One we're waiting for can really save us?

John the Baptist himself wonders aloud in today's Gospel lesson (Matthew 11:2-11): "Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?" It's no wonder that he has doubts and needs encouragement; John's been mocked and hated and thrown in prison!

Jesus doesn't condemn John for having doubts, for not keeping a stiff upper lip. Jesus sends reassurance: "What you hope for IS happening; look and see! People are being healed, the poor are being helped, people are even rising from the dead!! What more evidence do you need that HOPE is here and SALVATION is on its way?!"

In the midst of our trials and tribulations, in the midst of these days when there is still not peace on earth, we have questions, too. But Jesus is coming and is now here. May the truth of the good things God is doing - in us, in our world - cause us, like John, to continue to believe. And as we trust in our good Lord, may joy awaken in our hearts, making room for the coming of our King. Amen.

Faithfully yours,
Janet+

PS - A prayer to share, the Collect for the Third Sunday of Advent: Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

SERVICES CANCELLED

Dear Friends in Christ -
I just crossed the icy fjords of the parking lot. It's not safe out there, and the frozen rain is still coming down. Please say warm and safe at home.

SERVICES for THIS SUNDAY MORNING (DEC. 16th) at 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. ARE CANCELLED.
(I'll post sermon excerpts later today!)

A decision will be made by noon about whether or not to cancel the Christmas Caroling event at 5:00 p.m. this evening. Information will be posted by 12:30 p.m. here on this blog.

Faithfully yours,
Janet+

FAMILY TABLE CANCELLED

Our Family Table Luncheon for today is cancelled. We're so sorry to miss seeing all of our friends during this Holy Time, but we do want everyone to be safe.

We'll look forward to seeing all of you again in January.

Faithfully yours,
Janet+

PS - Volunteers, thanks so much for your readiness to serve. Please know that your efforts are never wasted.

A Little Fun for a Snow Day!!

"Religious" Maxine
Maxine was driving down the street in a sweat because she had an important meeting and couldn't find a parking place.
Looking up toward heaven, she said, 'Lord, take pity on me. If you find me a parking place I will go to church every Sunday for the rest of my life and give up sex and tequila.
Miraculously, a parking place appeared.
She looked up again and said, 'Never mind. I found one. '

hee-hee-hee :-)
Have fun and be safe out there!
Blessings,
Janet+

It's called Christmas!

Dear Friends in Christ -

Someone from St. Paul's forwarded this link to me, and it made my day. I pass it along to you with the prayer that it will encourage and inspire you, too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAckfn8yiAQ

Faithfully yours,
Janet+

First Fridays Fellowship CANCELLED

Dear Friends -

Tonight's First Friday's Fellowship is CANCELLED, due to the snow. I would love to see you all, but our first priority is to be safe.

So please drive home carefully and then snuggle up in front of the fire with a cup of hot cocoa in hand - and let it snow! let it snow! let it snow!

PS - GOOD NEWS!!! The rental house was roofed TODAY - and the crew finished before it SNOWED!!! Blessings abound . . .

Faithfully yours,
Janet+

An Advent Blessing

Here's the blessing for the Sundays of Advent:

May the Sun of Righteousness shine upon you and scatter the darkness from before your path.

May you experience that blessing throughout your week!

Faithfully yours,
Rev. Janet+

A Blessed Advent

Dear Friends in Christ -

It's that time of year when we as Christians confront the hustle and bustle of this joyful season - with deep breaths and silence. We're waiting. Waiting isn't easy. But there are some things that shouldn't be rushed. And Christmas is one of them.

The coming of Christ is so special, so full of mystery and power, that we must prepare for it. We hear the voice of John the Baptist crying "Prepare the way of the Lord!" The preparation that John is speaking of is not an exercise in home decorating, it's an exercise in INNER preparation, getting our HEARTS ready to receive something new from God.

As the winter darkness wraps itself around us like a blanket, and as the busy-ness of the season presses in, may we take some time to stop . . . and to breathe . . . and to wait . . . Jesus is coming, and our hearts need to be swept clean by repentence and made ready for his arrival. As you take time for this heart-work, you will be doubly blessed - and experience the coming of the Christ child in a new and most profound way.

Faithfully yours,
Rev. Janet+

SERVICE OF THANKSGIVING

Dear Friends in Christ -

All are warmly invited to begin the celebration of Thanksgiving here at St. Paul's. We'll be gathering together at 9:00 a.m. in the Old Church. We'll sing some great Thanksgiving hymns, hear the voice of God through His Word, and partake of the Eucharist. Come join in praising our Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer.

Happy Thanksgiving!
Blessings,
Janet+

P-R-A-Y. . .

. . . the word was on my office door when I came to work this morning. Someone - or a group of someones - left the message for me sometime after 4:30 yesterday. The detective in me is curious . . . I would guess the culprit(s) are young - the letters are made out of glowsticks formed into letter shapes.

I took it as a good reminder. Some days I have so much to do that it's easy to forget what's most important: my connection with God.

So to whoever left the note on my door - THANK YOU! It brought and smile to my face - and it caused me to stop for a minute and P-R-A-Y. Very good. Very, very good.

Again - thanks!
Blessings,
Janet+

All Saints Scavenger Hunt

Why did all those middle-schoolers come into the service just before the Eucharist and stand in the back?? Well, they came in just before the Eucharist because they were doing an All Saints' Scavenger Hunt in the Old Cemetery, finding saints who have gone on before (including some former rectors of St. Paul's!!). The kids stood in the back because the church was so full there wasn't anywhere for them to sit! Praise be to God for a wonderful Celebration of the Feast of All Saints - with the blessed baptism of Robert James Handley!!

Faithfully yours,

Janet+

All Saints Day

Dear Friends in Christ -
As many of you know, I spent last week in Amish farm country near Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania. I was inspired by their faith and faithfulness. The Amish, being the practical folks that they are, had a ready response to my impulse to want to emmulate their faith:

The Amish Challenge

If you admire our faith, strengthen yours.

If you admire our sense of commitment, deepen yours.

If you admire our community spirit, build your own.

If you admire our simple life, cut back.

If you admire deep character and enduring values, live them yourself.

On this feast of All Saints, my you feel inspired as you walk your own road to sainthood.

Blessings,
Janet+

Christian Counseling Center Lease Approved

Debbie Kichar, Executive Director of the Christian Counseling and Family Life Center, and Ron Marcho, Senior Warden of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, signing the new relationship agreement and lease.

Dear Friends in Christ -

A wonderful thing happened today: St. Paul's voted to approve a new lease for the Christian Counseling and Family Life Center (CCC). 25 years ago, the CCC was started as a ministry of the parish. It has grown from a "program" of the parish with volunteer counselors meeting clients in parish meeting rooms into a fully-credentialed center serving hundreds and hundreds of clients a year. The CCC has a staff of 13 and budget of over $400,000. Not bad for a "little" parish program, eh?!

As the CCC moves into the next phase of its ministry, the best things that St. Paul's can give them are (1) our continued prayers and support and (2) a continuing lease of the space in the "Baldwin" building. St. Paul's gave both of these things on Sunday, topped off by a big round of applause!!

Many thanks to all those who have worked so faithfully over these past months to make this transition a success: the CCC sub-committee and board of directors, St. Paul's vestry and executive committee, and Ginny Mihalko, our stalwart legal advisor!

May God show us all what He would have us to do next for the building of His kingdom!

Blessings,
Janet+

SPECIAL PARISH MEETING

SPECIAL PARISH MEETING
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2007 - 11:45 A.M. - PARISH HALL
For the purpose of:
Approving a New Lease for the
Christian Counseling and Family Life Center

We need YOU to come and vote at this Special Parish Meeting. For 25 years, the Christian Counseling Center has been an important outreach of the parish. The best way that you can support them now is to come and vote to approve this lease so that they can continue to minister out of the "Baldwin building" - a garage that they have converted into wonderful office space.

Detailed information was distributed at the 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. worship services this morning. If you would like a copy of this information, stop by the parish office this week or email the parish administrator (stpauls@stpaulsct.org) to receive a copy via email. A copy of the lease is also available.

Thank you, in advance, for making the effort to come to this important meeting!

Feldenkrais

Dear Friends in Christ -

Felden . . . what????

You know, in church we talk about wholeness - body, mind and spirit. Mostly we talk about spirit. Not because the other things aren't important, but because the church kind of specialized in the spirit stuff.

But I know a good opportunity when I see it - and one came to us a few weeks ago. A local physical therapist who has trained in the Feldenkrais method of movement was looking for a place to hold classes. Through a Shelton-New Orleans connection, she found us (small world!).

Feldenkrais is a therapeutic type of movement exercise that helps realign the body and get stiff joints moving. Through improved posture and body awareness, it also helps increase energy and circulation. People of all ages and abilities are welcome. Exercises are not strenuous, so people with various abilities and disabilities can participate.

If you want more information, take an information tag off of one of the parish bulletin boards, or call the parish office (929-1722). Classes will be held regularly (once a week) in the parish hall. The first class will be held on Thursday, October 25th, at 9:15.

Enjoy!
Blessings,
Janet+

Three Cheers for Diocesan Convention!

Dear Friends in Christ -
I came home tonight inspired! That's a pretty good thing to be able to say when I've spent all day at Diocesan meetings.

I came home inspired because of two AWESOME activist mothers - Enola Aird and Evalyn Wakhusama. Enola is a mom who lives just down the road from here, in Cheshire. Evalyn is a mom (and a priest) who lives in Kenya. Though these moms live a world apart from each other, one of their key messages was the same: we have to do more to protect and fight for our children - here in this country and around the world.

Stay tuned for more about these wonderful women, the work they're doing, and the work they're challenging us to do.
Blessings,
Janet+

Details . . .details . . .

"So Ebed-melech took the men with him and went to the house of the king, to a wardrobe of the storehouse, and took from there old rags and worn-out clothes, which he let down to Jeremiah in the cistern by ropes. Then Ebed-melech the Ethiopian said to Jeremiah, ‘Just put the rags and clothes between your armpits and the ropes.’ Jeremiah did so. Then they drew Jeremiah up by the ropes and pulled him out of the cistern." - Jeremiah 38:11-13

" . . . and whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple—truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward." - Matthew 10:42

In the middle of a daring rescue attempt, the people who rush to get the prophet Jeremiah out of a cistern stop to get some rags to prevent rope-burn on his armpits. In the middle of teaching his disciples about the drama and dangers of discipleship, he reminds them that just getting a cup of water for a child is a kindness worthy of heaven.

Several years ago, Hallmark coined the phrase, "It's the little things that mean so much." And we know it's true. In the midst of busy days and "important" work, these thoughtful, gentle gifts send a message to people: I care; God cares.

May God open your eyes this day to an opportunity to do a little kindness for someone - a kindness that brings a little piece of heaven to earth.

Blessings,
Janet+

5 minutes for greater wholeness in our Body

Dear Friends in Christ -

At church on Sunday morning, someone said to me, "I haven't seen _________ here at church in a few weeks. Have you seen him?" I hadn't.

The person speaking to me continued. "I think I'll give him a call . . ."

Ah, what a gift! Both to the person who has been missing these past few weeks, and also to the congregation as a whole. The person who has been missing may be ill or on vacation or discouraged about something. A simple call restores the connection and brings us together again, making us whole in spirit, mind and Body.

Do you know anyone who has been missing? Give him/her a ring. The restored connection will give you a lift - guaranteed.
Blessings,
Janet+

Ever wonder how some things get done . . . ?

. . . by stealth in the night!!

We are privileged to have a new program here at St. Paul's, under the direction of Dawn Barber, our wonderful Director of Religious Education. The program is called "God and Country" and it dove-tails scouting with church.

The kids above (Mikey and Kyle, accompanied by Mr. Barber) are doing a little night-time demolition of an old cabinet that used to be in the double classroom. Service to the church is part of their "God and Country" curriculum, and it's not a sin to have a little fun doing it!

Thanks, guys!

Blessings,

Janet+

Rector's Challenge

Dear Friends in Christ -

Yesterday's Gospel lesson (Luke 17:5-10) forced us to take a hard look at God's call on our lives. As followers of Jesus, God asks us to work . . . and work some more. This work (though challenging and sometimes even full of risk and danger) is also full of purpose.
One of the things that drew me to St. Paul's was the parish's understanding of the work you are engaged in, as articulated in your mission statement:

"Our mission is to bring people to an ever-deepening relationship

with God, and with one another, through Jesus Christ.

Under the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit,

we aspire to be a loving and welcoming family of faith

which is a living witness for the coming Kingdom of God."

For a long time now, this mission statement has been printed at the top of each Sunday morning bulletin. Now it's time to pull the mission off the page, write it on our hearts, and see what God will do with it - and with us - next!

So here's the RECTOR'S CHALLENGE: I challenge all people of the parish to memorize the mission statement and say it to me before Thanksgiving. I will reward those who do this with HOMEMADE FUDGE. I make some pretty good fudge, if I do say so myself, so get busy!!!!

I look forward to hearing from YOU!

Blessings,

Janet+

Blessing of the Animals

Wow - what a day!

Those who love creatures of fur, feather and fin brought their beloved pets to St. Paul's yesterday (Saturday 10/6) for the Blessing of the Animals. The whole affair was caught on video tape by a wonderful reporter/photographer/videographer from the Connecticut Post, Christian Abraham.

To see the action for yourself, go to the Connecticut Post website . . .
http://www.connpost.com/photogallery

What joy to welcome people from all over the community to our parish for this glorious event.
Faithfully yours,
Janet+

Mission Statement for Outreach

Dear Friends in Christ -

For the past couple of weeks, I've been holding in my heart the new mission statement for Outreach at St. Paul's that was approved by the Outreach Committee on September 23rd.

Will you join me in offering it up to our Lord in prayer . . . and see where God leads us???

As a community of faith we seek to answer

the radical call of the Gospel

to be in solidarity with those in need

through service and fellowship and advocacy and witness,

all for the glory of God in working to bring about God's Kingdom

by being the love and light of Christ in the world.

FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD ~ James 2:17

Faithfully yours,

Janet+

An ancient prayer . . .

. . . that's powerful in modern times, too. The Confirmands and their Sponsors prayed it this evening in tonight's youth confirmation class.

From the end of the Compline (late night) prayer service - Book of Common Prayer p.134
Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love's sake. Amen.

Mini me

"For as you return to the Lord, your kindred and your children will find compassion . . . and return . . . For the Lord your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn away his face from you, if you return to him." -- 2 Chronicles 29:9

When my daughter was 2, she started filling huge bags and purses with things. Every time we left the house, she would insist on taking one with her. Like many little kid behaviors, it was both charming and irritating. Charming because she was clearly doing something which such purpose and intent. Irritating because we often had to wait for her to get her bag before we could leave the house.

One morning as we were running late and yet still waiting for my daughter to lug her huge bag to the car, my husband fumed: "Why does she do that??"

It set me to wondering . . . and then I realized: both my husband and I packed a huge bag of stuff everywhere we went - books, calendars, computers, kid stuff, etc. Of course she would think that was just what she should do, too!

Our kids watch us even when we're not watching ourselves. They are aware of not only our actions, but also our attitudes. What do we want them to pick up from us? What do we want them to see, to know, to mimic?

Today's Scripture reading reminds us that our family and kids will follow where we lead. If we're going to God (even if we haven't gone to Him in a while), they'll see that, and they'll follow.

Faithfully yours,
Janet+

Our mission, with feet . . .

Dear Friends in Christ -

I've been drawn this week to think about MISSION, particularly through the wonderful Wednesday night small group discussion series "Guided by the Spirit."

What is our mission? What is God calling us to?

A place to start answering this question: The mission statement of St. Paul's . . .
The mission of St. Paul's is to bring people into an ever-deepening relationship with God, and with one another, through Jesus Christ. Under the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit, we aspire to be a loving and welcoming family of faith, which is a living witness for the coming Kingdom of God.

Hmmm . . . That's a statement of our overall mission, but in order for that mission to "have feet," we have to be living into the answer to this question: What is God calling me to, now? What is God calling us to, now?

May God give us new vision as we seek to answer these questions together.
Blessings,
Janet+

Share the Harvest Dinner POSTPONED until NOV. 17th

Dear Friends in Christ -

Every faithful Christian experiences a little setback now and then.
Every faithful parish experiences a little setback now and then.

Our "Share the Harvest" Fall Fundraising Dinner was postponed this week due to lack of subscription - in other words, not enough people signed up. Some folks didn't have enough lead time to get it on their schedules, some folks didn't have time to invite the friends they hoped to invite, and some folks said the tickets were just a bit pricey (clearly they've never tasted our Chef's cooking!). But seriously, all that feedback is being taken to heart.

The wonderful chef who is offering this dinner to us said that it's just as difficult to cook for 40 as it is for 240, so we opted to postpone - and regroup.

The truth of the matter is, the planning for this fundraiser came together at the end of the summer, and there just wasn't enough lead time to get our feet under us and get going.

So now we've made a few adjustments. A group of folks has formed a committee to organize, plan and publicize the November 17th event - and it will indeed be a wonderful evening.

If you purchased a ticket for this Saturday's dinner, please accept my apologies for any inconvenience. If you would like to hold on to your ticket and use it for the November 17th dinner, that would be great. If you would like a refund, we will gladly provide one.

Thank you for your understanding - and for your positive feedback for the overall event. This bird is in the process of gaining speed so that it can gain altitude . . . with God's help, it will fly yet!!

Blessings,
Janet+

When God is Silent

Dear Friends -

My husband and I moved to New Haven in the fall of 1997 so that he could attend Yale Divinity School. Desperate for a job, I plagued the Academic Administrator for help finding a position; she finally took pity on me and hired me to work in her own office. One of the key benefits of this arrangement was that when I wasn't typing or filing or doing payroll I got to attend lectures and events on the campus.

Every fall, the Divinity School hosts Convocation, a week of special lectures given by internationally renown speakers brought in for the occasion. That year, the school was especially proud to have Jurgen Moltmann, perhaps the leading theologian in the world, giving a series of lectures. A lesser-known woman, Barbara Brown Taylor, an Episcopal priest and a professor at a small college in the South, was to give another series of lectures during the week.

At the beginning of the week, the campus was a-buzz with anticipation of Moltmann's lectures. By the end of the week, all the talk was about Taylor. Her presence was mesmerizing, her lectures were compelling, and her passion for God was palpable. Today, I don't remember what Moltmann's lectures were about (though they were good, I'm sure), but I do remember what Taylor's were about: the silence of God.

If you've ever wondered why God doesn't speak up more, or if you've ever struggled with feeling God has left you alone, this book is for you.

Taylor's lectures have now been made into a book entitled When God is Silent, and the parish book group has selected it for our next discussion, to be held SATURDAY, OCT. 13TH AT 7:00 p.m. at the Rectory. The book is available at Written Words Bookstore at a 10% discount. I do hope you'll join us.

Blessings,
Janet+

Windows with layers

Dear Friends in Christ -

I had an amazing experience last week . . . I went to THE GLASS SOURCE stained glass studio here in Shelton (owned and operated by one of our parishioners, Mike Skrtic) and helped to make the new stained glass windows that have been commissioned for St. Paul's.

As happens in many churches, generous parishioners have stepped forward to give these windows in honor of loved ones. But it is a unique and wonderful thing to be able to actually be a part of making the windows.

Wow - what fun! I love making things with my hands - sewing, needlework, cooking, beading, collage - but I've never had a chance to work with stained glass. Mike and the other folks from St. Paul's who are actually making the windows - the Rogowskis and the Bartomellis - were welcoming and encouraging. They did the hard parts (cutting and grinding the glass pieces) and showed me how to do an easy part (wrapping the edges of each piece with copper tape).

I was amazed to learn that the most luminous stained glass windows (the large central window in our chapel, for example) are made in layers, with three to five layers of glass in different colors put together to make one "piece". Layers. That explains the dimension-ality we experience when we look at the window.

Layers. The layers of our lives are like that, too. The layers of who we are in Christ, the layers of things we do in Christ make us more luminous. Each of us has a unique configuration of layers that cause us to bring God's light to the world in unique ways.

May God's light shine through you this week.
Blessings,
Janet+

In Memoriam - Madeleine L'Engle

Dear Friends in Christ -

On Thursday last week, Madeleine L'Engle passed from this life to meet her Lord in heaven. She was 88.

I got to know Madeleine a bit through the Episcopal women's prayer group that I'm a part of, the Society of the Companions of the Holy Cross. She was really something - a woman with boundless energy and a magnificent sense of humor and a keen mind. She was a perfectly brilliant writer, authoring over 60 books during her lifetime. You might know her as the author of the award-winning children's book A Wrinkle in Time.

Madeleine wrote books for adults, too. Among my favorites are her Crosswicks Journals, the first of which is A Circle of Quiet. I was also inspired and touched by a book that she wrote about marriage, A Two-Part Invention. She captured gently and honestly both the real-life struggles and wonders of married life.

One of the things that I most admired about Madeleine was her steady faithfulness. Though she sometimes got discouraged - in her 30s she couldn't seem to get anything published and was tempted to quit writing altogether at 40 - she never lost faith, in her God or in herself. She didn't let the critics get to her, even when her award-winning book A Wrinkle in Time was banned by some churches and libraries.

I last saw Madeleine at a special event at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. Her body was failing, and she was in a wheelchair. But her spirit was radiant, and she reached out a strong, warm hand to all those around her.

Today I give thanks for her work and for her life.
Faithfully yours,
Janet+

A meditation for today

. . . may childlike faith lead us to deeper knowledge of God's love . . .

http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=9e7c4b40cf5a13cea6ca

Blessings,
Janet+

An epitaph

Ruth Bell Graham's suggested epitaph for herself:

"End of construction: Thank you for your patience."

Spooner House Dinner . . . and a Presentation

On Friday night, August 31st, dozens of teens and adults from St. Paul's worked together to host a dinner for the residents of Spooner House, the local shelter for the homeless. It was a wonderful evening of food and fellowship. As our guests were served, Joey Wilbur provided some nice background music on his guitar. Then those serving sat down with our guests and enjoyed some good conversation. A wonderful time was had by all.

Also, this served as a great occasion to present to Spooner House a check from the proceeds of or parish Golf Classic in May. Above with "the big check" are:
John J. Walsh, President & COO Valley UnitedWay

Susan J. Agamy, Executive Director Spooner - Food Bank

Byron Peterson, St. Paul's Golf Classic Chairman

Ron Marcho, St. Paul's Senior Warden

The Rev. Janet Waggoner, St. Paul's Rector

Prayers for working and going to school

Dear Friends in Christ -
This past weekend, we used some lovely prayers in the 10:00 a.m. worship service that really speak to our needs day to day. As you go about your work and studies this week, I hope you will take a minute to say these prayers. May they lift your heart to God in the midst of all you do.
Blessings,
Janet+

God of the turning years, we are indeed a restless people. We fret and stew about life's many tasks. We forget to look to you for our sustenance and for direction in our lives. As we are buffeted by the winds that blow from many directions, take us above the fray that we may indeed glide in the steady flow of your grace. We know that if we but ask, you will provide the forgiveness and the joy that come from living within your will.
As summer comes to a close, we ask a special blessing on those returning to school. Our children need special graces in these troubling times. We trust them to your care. We also ask that you bless the work of adults who now return from vacations to a more intense period of labor. Even though it is often difficult to walk in another's shoes, may those who labor and those who manage seek to understand each other and their needs.
Some of us are retired from our jobs and professions. Bless the work that we do as volunteers, grandparents, and participants in the creation of better lives for all. Our work is also important. We are aware of those who cannot participate in many activities because of illness or advanced age. Their lives are also important. Provide them a healing grace and a hope for tomorrow.
We would especially remember those who are in the throes of serious illness. Hold their hands as they travel the difficult paths of pain, debilitation, and possible death. We remember their families and the care-givers who need your sustaining grace.
Finally we want to thank you for all you have given us. We are a people who have been richly blessed in this wonderful land of opportunity. Teach us to share our wealth with a world that is in great need. We thank you for churches that are trying hard to live up to your calling in their community. Give them a vision for the future as they serve a needy world.
Most of all we thank you for caring enough to send us your very own Son, who set out on a path that led to his death. He bade us follow him down that same path. We tend to stray from that path, yet your grace gently pulls us back. Hold our hands as we boldly take the next step on our journey. We ask all these things in Jesus name. Amen.
Copyright © Jay D Weaver - August 29, 2006 - Lancaster Church of the Brethren, Lancaster, PA.

A Prayer for Labor Day Weekend

On this weekend, when we rest from our usual labors, loving Father, we pray for all who shoulder the tasks of human labor—in the marketplace, in factories and offices, in the professions, and in family living. We thank you, Lord, for the gift and opportunity of work; may our efforts always be pure of heart, for the good of others and the glory of your name. We lift up to you all who long for just employment and those who work to defend the rights and needs of workers everywhere. May those of us who are now retired always remember that we still make a valuable contribution to our Church and our world by our prayers and deeds of charity. May our working and our resting all give praise to you until the day we share together in eternal rest with all our departed in your Kingdom as you live and reign Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

From the website of the R.C. Archdiocese of Detroit: http://www.aodonline.org/AODOnline/Prayers+and+Reflection+12179/Prayers+7466/Prayers+-+Prayer+for+Labor+Day.htm

Back-To-School Prayers

Dear Friends -
The buses are revving their engines and the school bells are ringing. As the beginning of the school year starts up, may you have a deeper sense of blessing than of rushing, a greater sense of confidence than of confusion. Transition - even the good kind - often brings with it unexpected upheavals.
Here are a couple of prayers to help you (and your kids) as they go on their way to new things. In the midst of it all, may you sense God's reassuring, uplifting presence.
Blessings,
Janet+

A PRAYER FOR OUR CHILDREN
Almighty God, heavenly Father, you have blessed us with the joy and care of children: Give us calm strength and patient wisdom as we bring them up, that we may teach them to love whatever is just and true and good, following the example of our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

A PRAYER FOR SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES
O Eternal God, bless all schools, colleges and universities, that they may be lively centers for sound learning, new discovery, and the pursuit of wisdom; and grant that those who teach and those who learn may find you to be the source of all truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Open Forum this Sunday (9/26)

Dear Friends -
Sometime over the past couple of days - or perhaps today - you have received a letter from the leadership of St. Paul's. It's a letter that asks for your help.

Though many people have given generously, we still have a significant deficit (about $38,000, to be precise). The letter you receive will provide you with details about our parish's financial situation and asks you to prayerfully consider how you can help.

In order to answer any questions you may have about our parish finances - budget, expenditures, etc. - we will hold an Open Forum after the 10:00 a.m. worship service in the Parish Hall (during coffee hour). I will also be available to answer questions after the 8:00 a.m. worship service.

Thank you for all the ways you help support the work of God in and through St. Paul's. It really does make a difference.

Blessings,
Janet+

Notes from Vacation - II

Another quote from the Mark Twain museum . . . something to ponder . . . is it true?

The lack of money is the root of all evil.

Blessings,
Janet+

Notes from Vacation - I

From a visit to the Mark Twain House and Museum in Hartford -
one of my favorite quotes from Mr. Twain's writings . . .

Travel is fatal to prejudice.

Blessings,
J+

A Letter from Church Camp (a little summer humor)

(The characters and incidents portrayed below are fictitious . . . I assume. This is brought to you courtesy of the internet; orginal source unknown.)

Dear Mom & Dad,

Our cabin leader told us to write to our parents in case you saw the flood on TV and are worried. We are okay. Only one of our tents and two sleeping bags got washed away. Luckily, none of us got drowned because we were all upon the mountain looking for Adam when it happened. Oh yes, please call Adam's mother and tell her he is okay. He can't write because of the cast.

I got to ride in one of the search and rescue jeeps. It was neat. We never would have found Adam in the dark if it hadn't been for the lightning.

Our cabin leader got mad at Adam for going on a hike alone without telling anyone. Adam said he did tell him, but it was during the fire so he probably didn't hear him. Did you know that if you put gas on a fire, the gas will blow up? The wet wood didn't burn, but one of the tents did and also some of our clothes. Matthew is going to look weird until his hair grows back.

We will be home on Saturday if our camp director gets the bus fixed. It wasn't her fault about the wreck. The brakes worked okay when we left for our field trip. The camp director said that with a bus that old, you have to expect something to break down; that's probably why she can't get insurance. We think it's a neat bus. She doesn't care if we get it dirty, and if it's hot, sometimes she lets us ride on the fenders. It gets pretty hot with 45 people in a bus. She let us take turns riding in the trailer until the highway patrol man stopped and talked to us.

The camp director is a neat lady. Don't worry, she's a good driver. In fact, she is teaching Jesse how to drive on the mountain roads where there isn't any traffic. All we ever see up there are logging trucks.

This morning all of the kids were diving off the rocks and swimming out in the lake. My cabin leader wouldn't let me because I can't swim, and Adam was afraid he would sink because of his cast, so he let us take the canoe across the lake. It was great. You can still see some of the trees under the water from the flood. Our cabin leader isn't crabby like some of them. He didn't even get mad about us not wearing life jackets.

Josie and I threw up, but the cook said it probably was just food poisoning from the leftover chicken. She said they got sick that way with food they ate in prison.

I have to go now. We are going to town to mail our letters and buy some more candy and fireworks. Don't worry about anything. We are fine.

Love,
George

With an eye toward the future . . .

. . . parish leaders are in the midst of planning for the coming year. It's an exciting time. Many of the things that the people of St. Paul's have been longing for and praying for may now begin to be realized.

You can be a part of this time of hope and renewal. Here's how:
1. Pray daily the prayer that we've been praying together on Sunday mornings as part of the Eucharistic prayer: "Open our eyes to see your hand at work in the world around us." And then add a prayer that God will draw us into what He's doing.
2. Help construct the parish calendar. If you are a ministry area leader, please call the parish office with dates and information about scheduled events in your ministry area. (Note: All information for the September Visitor and for the 2007-2008 parish calendar is DUE on AUG. 15th!)
3. Save space in your personal/family calendar for parish events. You will be receiving the parish calendar in the September Visitor, which should arrive the end of August. When you receive the parish calendar, please pray through the events and offerings you see there and mark out time for parish activities FIRST, before other demands press in.

This is God's promise to us: "For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11) May our planning and preparations for the coming year enable us to receive the full measure of God's promise.

Faithfully yours,
Janet+

Avalanche Ranch - Day 5

Yee-haw!!!
The 50 young-uns who spent the week on Avalanche Ranch, 28 teen crew leaders, over a dozen adult helpers, and more than 60 family members and friends gathered in the chapel on Friday morning for a final CELEBRATION of our VBS week. The kids sang their hearts out, Sarah Wood (our Christian Education director and VBS coordinator) shared what the kids have learned this week, and I prayed. The Spirit of God was present among us in a powerful way. It was a truly awesome time. Yippie-i-o-ki-ay!!!

Quote of the day from one of the young-uns: "Can God really do stuff like that [heal people]? That's so cool."

Quote of the day from one of the parents: "My daughter doesn't want this to end. Is there some kind of program she can come to during the school year?" (My heart leapt . . . "YES!!! How about Sunday School?! . . ." Wah-hoo!)

Thanks be to God for wonderful kids and teen helpers and adult helpers. And SPECIAL thanks to God for the gift that Sarah Wood has been to us, serving as Director of Religious Education and VBS Director. She's "retiring" from her position as DRE, but she promises we'll be seeing her at church and involved at St. Paul's in other ways. We're SOOOOOOO blessed to have Sarah as part of our lives. THANKS, SARAH!
Yee-haw!
Blessings,
Janet+

Avalanche Ranch - Day 4

GOD IS AWESOME - Wah-hoo! In today's blissfully cooler weather, the young-uns on Avalanche Ranch took full advantage of the fresh air and sun by playing running games and water games on the rectory lawn. Those guys in the center, Will Dwinnels (back to the camera) and Peter Mavilla, were leading the fun.

Quote for the day . . . this time from one of the teen group leaders: "Can I sign up to do this again next year?"

I gotta tell you, it was an amazing and wonderful thing to sit in the chapel this afternoon and see 25 teens lead 50 VBS kids in singing praises to God . . .
"Saddle up your horses, we've got a trail to blaze,
Through the wild blue yonder of God's amazing grace.
Let's follow our Leader into the glorious unknown
This is a life like no other, oh, it's the Great Adventure."

If you want to be blessed right down to your toes, take a few minutes tomorrow and pop in at 11:45 a.m. to see the kids sing some of the songs they've learned for their parents. Yee-haw!
Blessings,
Janet+

Avalanche Ranch - Day 3

"Ain't no use to cry or frown.
Jericho is going down.
We don't fear a spear or sword
'Cause we're marching for our Lord."
Sargeant Matt Mastronardi led the "soldiers" in marching around the wall of Jericho seven times. Then the wall came tumblin' down - proving that GOD IS STRONG!

Quote for the day from one of the young-uns: "God helped my heart be strong when my grandma was in the hospital."

Yee-haw!
Faithfully,
Janet+

Avalanche Ranch - Day 2

It was hotter than a Loredo parking lot down on the Ranch today -- but that was just a good excuse to play some water games! Woooo-weeee!

Today, the kids learned that GOD IS WITH US (Wah-hoo!). One of the ways that we know God is with us is through all the ways God provides for us, especially through food and friends. Here, Emily Beard hangs out with the young-uns at the ol' watering hole.

Quote of the day from one of the young-uns on the Ranch: "God was with me when I learned to ride my bike without training wheels."
(I don't know about you, but I've found that there's lots of things in life that we have to learn to do without training wheels, so hearing this was a real encouragement to me!)

Yee-haw!
Faithfully yours,
Janet+

Avalanche Ranch - Day 1

The weather's toasty, but that's not stopping the kids on Avalanche Ranch from having a good 'ol time . . . Today, the kids learned that GOD IS REAL (Wah-hoo!). They learned this not only from the stories and crafts and games and songs, but also through the enthusiasm of the Vacation Bible School leaders - especially teens like Johanna Dwinnels and Kate Rennie, who led the singing.

Quote of the day from one of the "young-uns" on the Ranch: "It felt like God was holding us in his hand."

Yee-haw and yippie-i-o-ki-ay!

Faithfully yours,

Janet+

Conversation with the Presiding Bishop

From June 28th-July 1st, Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts-Schori made her official visitation to the Diocese of Connecticut. Presiding Bishops serve for a term of 9 years, and during that 9 years, it is one of their official duties and responsibilities to visit each of the 111 diocese of the Episcopal Church. Bishop Jefferts-Schori chose to make her official visitation to the Diocese of Connecticut for the occasion of the consecration of our new Bishop Suffragan, Laura Ahrens.


On the morning of Friday, June 29th, Bishop Jefferts-Schori spent a couple of hours with the clergy of our Diocese. It was a very informal gathering, and it was almost entirely a Q&A format. Jefferts-Schori was intellectually quick and very good humored thoughout, deftly handling questions ranging from "what do you do with your spare time?" to "do you think there should be/can be reconciliation between the factions in the Episcopal Church?"

Bishop Jefferts-Schori opened the discussion by explaining her understanding of the word "conversation." She said that the root of the word in Middle English literally means "to hang out with," and she noted that only part of that "hanging out with" involves words. Real 'conversation' involves knowing each other - spending time together and really understanding the whys and hows of each others worlds. Jefferts-Schori also noted that the ability to know one another is facilitiated by each of us first knowing ourselves.


For each of us, there is one deep truth about ourselves that we must know in order to have and maintain great relationships: "You are beloved." Each of us must know that God loves us more than we could ever ask or imagine. God's love gives us deep security and confidence; nothing can take God's love away. Grounded in that place of security and stability, we can open ourselves to knowing and loving others without fear, because nothing they can do or say to us changes that one most important truth: we are loved.

"A-ha!" I thought, as I was listening to Bishop Jefferts-Schori, "That explains how she does it." Spending time with Jefferts-Schori was such a delight because she is so present. Confident without being cocky, light-hearted without being flip, direct without ever being the least bit uncaring. Her lack of pretense and defense was truly refreshing.


Against the advice of some, Bishop Jefferts-Schori stands ready and willing to meet with people who vehemently opposed her election and/or who openly challenge her theology and authority. Bishop Jefferts-Schori is free to converse with her detractors because she is secure in God's love. She doesn't consider it a waste of time to converse with people who disagree with her because she really listens - because she truly respects their dignity and because she believes she might learn something from them.


Oh, yeah. There's one other reason that Jefferts-Schori doesn't believe it's a waste of time to converse with people who disagree with her: hope. "Hope," she says, " is where I live."

Faithfully yours,
Janet Waggoner+

Open for Business: Summer Sundays at St. Paul's

Don't miss Sunday worship or you'll miss some wonderful experiences. Not only will GOD be present among us, we'll also be enjoying beautiful music, enticing sermons and special music:

Sunday, Aug. 5th - The Choir of Pivot Ministries (a 25-30 member gospel choir!)
Sunday, Aug. 12th - Guest organist Jan Holden
Sunday, Aug. 19th - Special music by our own Bernadette!
Sunday, Aug. 26th - Guest organist Ben McCormick
Sunday, Sept. 2nd - Guest musicians Cynthia Howell (vocals) and Mark Agliotta (acoustic guitar)

I look forward to seeing you here!
Faithfully yours,
Janet+

Celebration of the Life of Ruth Schuster

Dear Friends in Christ -

Our beloved Ruth Schuster, a devoted, long-time member of St. Paul's, passed away on Friday, July 27th.

A service of memorial and celebration of her life will be held here at St. Paul's on Sunday, September 16th, at 2:00 p.m.

Please keep Ruth's beloved family and friends in your prayers during this time, as they mourn her passing and fondly remember the blessings Ruth was to her family, friends and community.

Following is Ruth's obituary, as provided by her family.

Faithfully yours,
Janet+

Ruth M. Shuster (April 7, 1923 - July 27, 2007)
Mrs. Ruth M. Shuster passed away Friday morning, July 27, 2007 at Lincoln County Medical Center in Troy, Missouri. She was 84 years old. Ruth was born April 7, 1923 in Norwalk, Connecticut to Lloyd and Wilhelmina (Naumann) Sturges. She attended Norwalk High School and Grace Episcopal Church in Norwalk. She moved with her family to Derby, Connecticut and there married Stanley Klubek. They were blessed with five children: Michael, William, Kathryn, Joseph and Julie. Stanley preceded her on December 7, 1959. She married Bruno Shuster on August 4, 1962 and acquired two stepsons: John and Joseph Shuster. Bruno and Ruth spent 30 wonderful years together before he passed away on April 25, 1991. She was a long-time member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Huntginton, Connecticut and was active in church affairs and sang in the church choir. Ruth was a student of Maestro John Heidenger of Wallingford, Connecticut and sang with his Solo Ensemble. She also worked as a volunteer at Griffin Hospital. Ruth later moved to Elsberry, Missouri and spent her last two years with her daughter, Julie and her dog Heidi. Surviving are her children: Michael (Jerrilyn) Klubek of Shelton, Connecticut, William (Jacklyn) Klubek of Anderson, South Carolina, Kathryn Reyes of Plymouth, Michigan, Joseph (Glennie) Klubek of Leavenworth, Kansas, Julie Klubek of Elsberry, Missouri, John Shuster of Uncasville, Connecticut and Joseph Shuster of Wichita, Kansas; three brothers: Edwin Sturges, Joseph Brotherton, and Walter Brotherton and seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husbands, and her siblings Beverly Gamble and Robert Sturges. Ruth will be sadly missed and long remembered by all those who knew and loved her. Memorials may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 1867 Lackland Hill Parkway,St.Louis,Mo,63146. A memorial service will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Huntington, Connecticut on September 16, 2007 at 2 pm. Family and friends may view the on-line guest registry at www.mccoyblossomfh.com.

Ready to Roll

Dear Friends in Christ -

I've returned from a very refreshing time of retreat and vacation, and I'm ready to roll! I was blessed to share some of my retreat experiences during last Sunday's sermon. If my sermon made you curious about the retreat center where I spend time every summer, you can visit Adelynrood's website at www.adelynrood.org.

The truth is that we all need some retreat time over the summer. It's a form of extended Sabbath and an important part of keeping Commandment #4. Going on retreat is also one of the key ways we get "charged up" and ready for what God's calling us to next. I'm excited to see what that will be.

This summer, may you find "rest unto your soul." Rest that leaves you ready to roll.
Faithfully yours,
Janet+

PS - Typical retreats can be as short as a half-day or as long as a week. You can "retreat" by yourself or with a group; you can go on retreat in any peaceful place - a park, a church, a retreat center. If you need help shaping a retreat, or finding a place to participate in a pre-planned retreat, please don't hesitate to call me! There are lots of resources close to home.

When you hear the word VERMONT, what comes to mind?

Beautiful mountains? Green trees? Lovely lakes?

How about families in need? How about elderly people in nursing care facilities?

This week, the youth mission team from St. Paul's is seeing a whole new side of Vermont . . . come on Sunday morning to hear their stories!

They travel home tomorrow (Friday, 7/13). Please keep them in your prayers as they return to us.

Blessings,
Janet+

Listening . . .

. . . I've been doing a lot more of it over the past few days.

While on vacation, some people leave their hearts in San Francisco. While on vacation last week, I left my voice in east Virginia.

Laryngitis is the diagnosis. Waiting it out is the remedy.

So for now, I'm doing a lot more listening than talking. And what I've realized is that usually it's the other way around.

So I'm listening. Listening to my kids, listening to my husband. I'm also listening longer and more carefully to the words of Scripture, as well as to the words of some folks writing books and articles on current events and Christian living.

Maybe when I get my voice back, I'll have some new, interesting things to say.

Blessings,
Janet+

The dialogue continues . . .

. . . in the Episcopal Church and in the Anglican Communion around the world. The hardest thing to do - whether you're liberal, conservative, moderate or "just want to talk about something else" - is to stay in the conversation.

Bill Moyers interviewed Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori on the June 8 edition of the Bill Moyers Journal; she spoke about "science, the environment, and the challenges in the Anglican Communion concerning issues of human sexuality."

http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/06082007/watch2.html

I hope you'll listen to the interview. Really listen. The Presiding Bishop's words called me to think more deeply about the issues and to see from different perspectives. Let me know what you think. If people are interested in talking about Presiding Bishop Jefferts Schori's remarks, we can get together to chat over coffee or dessert.

Blessings,
Janet+

Walmart . . .

Rules of the Road from the Vatican

Did you see the Connecticut Post on Wednesday? It carried a front page article on what the Vatican has been up to lately - laying down some rules of the road!

One of the most radical and outspoken of the Vatican officials, Cardinal Renato Martino (head of the office for migrants and itinerant people), issued a very unusual document: "10 Commandments" for today's drivers.

Here are the "new" commandments:
1. You shall not kill.
2. The road shall be for you a means of communion between people and not of mortal harm.
3. Courtesy, uprightness and prudence will help you deal with unforeseen events.
4. Be charitable and help your neighbor in need, especially victims of accidents.
5. Cars shall not be for you an expression of power and domination, and an occasion of sin.
6. Charitably convince the young and not so young not to drive when they are not in a fitting condition to do so.
7. Support the families of accident victims.
8. Bring guilty motorists and their victims together, at the appropriate time, so that they can undergo the liberating experience of forgiveness.
9. On the road, protect the more vulnerable party.
10. Feel responsible toward others.

When I read these, I thought to myself - "Wow. This Catholic guy really expects Christians to act on their faith."

When Jesus walked the earth, he expected the same thing from his followers. He still does.

Blessings,
Janet+

Funeral Service for Dorothy Floberg

Dear Friends in Christ -

Mark Floberg's mother, Dorothy, passed away on Friday morning, June 15th. Please keep Mark and Paula and their girls in your prayers during these days of celebrating Dorothy's life and of mourning her death.

You may wish to support Mark and his family by attending the wake and/or funeral:
The Wake - Tuesday, June 19th, 4:00-8:00 p.m. - William R. McDonald Funeral Home - 2591 Main Street, Stratford
The Funeral - Wednesday, June 20th, 10:00 a.m. - St. Paul's Lutheran Church - 1475 Noble Avenue, Bridgeport

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in Dorothy's memory to:
"Covenant to Care" c/o St. Paul's Lutheran Church.

Of course, you may also send cards and notes to the Floberg family at their home: 27 Bonita Drive, Shelton.

May God bless you for your steadfast care and loving encouragement of Mark and his family.
Blessings,
Janet+

Thank you . . .

Dear Friends in Christ -
Grace Free Evangelical Church and the Camiglio family send their great thanks to all who have been praying for Lillian and her family, and to all who contributed food for the reception following the funeral service on Friday.
You are the hands and feet and voice and heart of Christ.
Thank you.
Blessings,
Janet+

Help in a Time of Need

Dear Friends -

Tragedy has struck one of our dear families. Michael Camiglio died in an accident on Sunday afternoon in North Carolina, where he and his family were vacationing.

Lillian and the kids have returned home, and they need our support. Here's how you can help:

1. Pray for comfort and peace for Lillian and the kids and for the whole Camiglio family during this difficult time.

2. Attend the wake and/or the funeral service.
The wake will be Thursday, June 14 from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at Lacerenza Funeral Home - 8 Schuyler Avenue, Stamford.
The funeral service will be Friday, June 15 at 10:00 a.m. at Grace Free Evangelical Church - 341 Courtland Avenue, Stamford. A lunch reception will follow at the church.

3. Provide food for the lunch reception following the funeral service. For more information, please contact Dianne Dobosz - 925-1095.

4. Stay tuned for more ways that you may be able to help. Information will be available through St. Paul's parish office as soon as possible.

As my heart goes out to Lillian and her family, my heart is also filled with comfort and with appreciation for all the ways in which I know you will help. You are the hands and feet of our Beloved Christ.

Faithfully yours,
Janet+

CAR WASH CANCELLED

The Youth Group Car Wash scheduled for this Saturday, June 9th, is CANCELLED, due to a death in Leslie and Dan Beard's family. Please keep them and Emily and their extended family in your prayers.

If you purchased a ticket for the car wash you may
1. Hold on to the ticket and use it at a future car wash (likely there will be one in the fall)
2. Present it to Sue Donegan for a refund.

Thank you for your understanding!
Blessings,
Janet+

Summer Book Group Anyone?

Dear Friends -
Did you see the Religion Section in the Connecticut Post on Sunday?

I was very interested in the article on religious books (front page, below the fold). As always, I salivate over many of them as I imagine what they will taste like when read, marked and inwardly digested. I know I won't get to all of them. I would like to get to at least a couple of them, and I know that there's a better chance of that if I've got a date with some folks to discuss what I've read.

If you're interested in getting together to discuss one of those books (or another related book that's caught your eye, please let me know (I'll try to list the the books in the article on the blog when I it; I can't seem to locate it at the moment!). When the votes are in, I'll let you know which one or two books we'll read and talk about.

Blessings,
Janet+

Trinity Sunday - A Visual Meditation

Dance I - Henri Matisse

Dear Friends in Christ -

I offer this to you as a visual mediation. Henri Matisse said his painting represents life and rhythm. Standing before this huge work of art hanging in the Museum of Modern Art in NYC, you can feel the energy in it.

In the wake of Trinity Sunday worship and reflection, I hope you can imagine yourself and another dancing with the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, just as the figures in this painting are moving together in dance.

Blessings,
Janet+

What didn't make it into last Sunday's sermon . . . a favorite poem . . .

. . . something to meditate on in this season of Pentecost . . . along with a summary on its focus and meaning . . .
Blessings,
J+

God's Grandeur - by Gerard Manley Hopkins (1844-1889)

THE WORLD is charged with the grandeur of God.
It will flame out, like shining from shook foil;
It gathers to a greatness, like the ooze of oil
Crushed. Why do men then now not reck his rod?
Generations have trod, have trod, have trod;
And all is seared with trade; bleared, smeared with toil;
And wears man’s smudge and shares man’s smell: the soil
Is bare now, nor can foot feel, being shod.

And for all this, nature is never spent;
There lives the dearest freshness deep down things;
And though the last lights off the black West went
Oh, morning, at the brown brink eastward, springs—
Because the Holy Ghost over the bent
World broods with warm breast and with ah! bright wings.

Summary
(from www.sparknotes.com/poetry/hopkins/section1.html)
The first four lines of the octave (the first eight-line stanza of an Italian sonnet) describe a natural world through which God's presence runs like an electrical current, becoming momentarily visible in flashes like the refracted glintings of light produced by metal foil when rumpled or quickly moved. Alternatively, God's presence is a rich oil, a kind of sap that wells up "to a greatness" when tapped with a certain kind of patient pressure. Given these clear, strong proofs of God's presence in the world, the poet asks how it is that humans fail to heed ("reck") His divine authority ("his rod").

LIVING POWERFULLY

By popular request, here's a sort of summary outline of last Sunday's sermon, "Living Powerfully"

LIVING POWERFULLY . . . that's what God wants for us, his beloved children . . .
But clearly, something is wrong.
God said that the light was (and is) more powerful than the darkness, but you couldn't tell that by looking at our world. This place is a mess.

We have two key problems, I think . . .

1. We don't really know what we want
I saw the third "Pirates of the Caribbean" movie and was fascinated by Captain Jack Sparrow's special compass - it is a "magic compass" which always points to the thing one most desires. The problem is that when Jack holds it, it just spins around and around.
Often, if you or I held the compass, it would do that, too . . . so many times our lives are marked by running in circles - stressed out, panicked, breathless . . . we saw that Jesus is Lord, but do we really follow His lead, are we guided purposefully by His agenda?

2. Our second problem: We're afraid . . .
We're afraid that God will ask us to do GREAT THINGS for God, hard things.
So we try to hide in busy-ness. Subconsciously, we reason thus: If we're busy doing good things for God, how could God ask us to do great things?

On this day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came to the disciples - to set their compass on the Glory of God, to set them free from their fear. The Holy Spirit came in wind and fire, and they were TOTALLY transformed. The same disciples who had been hanging out behind locked doors "for fear of the Jews" now poured out into the streets, freely proclaiming the Gospel (the one that got Jesus killed!) to the Jews that they had been afraid of.

The disciples were free, free to LIVE POWERFULLY.

If we want to know what it's like to be free, all we have to do is to learn from someone who has been in prison . . .
Nelson Mandela spent 25 years in prison for his work in the struggle against apartheid. During long, dark days in prison, he searched his heart . . . how to stay faithful, to his God, to his calling. Eventually, he was freed and was elected President of the very country which had imprisoned him. In his Inaugural Address, Mandela spoke these words about fear - and liberation.

"Our worst fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God: Your playing small does not enrich the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God within us. It is not just in some of us, it is in everyone, and as we let our light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our won fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

Mandela speaks to us of LIVING POWERFULLY. No matter what our challenges, no matter what our circumstances, we can be free.

Today is Pentecost . . . tomorrow is Memorial Day.
In this time when wars, the truth of the Gospel is tested, our values and beliefs and actions are tested. Will we LIVE POWERFULLY? Will we live the kind of life that liberates others? Or will we fall back, isolating ourselves by hiding away - or by lashing out in anger, frustration, fear.

The Holy Spirit is come on this day, come to US to empower US - transforming our fear to faith, our intention to action, fanning the flames of our hope into GLORY . . . that the Glory of our God will be known NOW, here in our midst.

Amen.

Prom Night!! Prayer

Thoughts for High Schoolers and their families from our awesome Youth Minister, Leslie:

For some of you tonight is a big night! I want you all to know that I will be praying for all of you on this very special occasion.
Here are some tips to help you through this special evening (and to help create less drama!):

Make sure you tell your date how nice they look.
Make sure you don't ditch your date when you get to the prom.
Guys, treat the girls special: open doors for them, pull their chair out for them. These little things make them feel so special.

Girls, remember that you are dressed in beautiful gowns and dresses, try to act beautiful, too. Say please and thank you to your date. Don't chew with your mouth open. Your date is also dressed very handsome for this evening so treat him with the respect he deserves. And tell him how nice he looks too.

Also if your date is uncomfortable with a situation that may be going on, please take them out of that situation. It is a horrible feeling to be somewhere and feel totally unsafe or uncomfortable. On that note... if you are feeling that way, make sure you tell your date how you feel. Your date is not a mind reader. Speak up.

Don't be afraid or ashamed to stand up and say NO! Sometimes others feel the same way, and they are afraid. So it could be up to you. God could be calling you to stand up. Don't let Him down.

Last, but not least, a prayer:
Lord, you are the King of kings. Let this evening be to your honor and glory. Father, protect these young people tonight, not just from bodily harm, Lord, but from the spiritual evils of this world. Show these young adults that You are present, that You are there in everything, and that You will help them stay strong in your amour of protection. If there is trouble, Lord, show them a way out of it. Convict their hearts to be a reflection of You this night. With so many lost people in this world, Lord, show them that they are vital to your Kingdom give them the courage to stand in their faith and be proud and not get caught up in the peer pressure of this evening. Lord, protect the parents tonight, that your hand be on the post-prom event and all the amazingly dedicated parents who are making this be a special and safe time for their children.
Let this whole day and evening be for You, Father.
In Your precious Son's Name, Jesus Christ.
Peace to all!
Have a Great Time!!
Email me some pictures
Leslie

PS - Ditto for me - with the prayer, and the pictures!!!
Blessings,
Janet+

Do you believe that God gives points for creativity? . . .

. . I do!! . . . :-)
Have a creative day!!
Blessings,
J+

The day finally arrived.
Forrest Gump dies and goes to Heaven.
He is at the Pearly Gates, met by St. Peter himself. However, the gates are closed, and Forrest approaches the gatekeeper. St. Peter said, "Well, Forrest, it is certainly good to see you. We have heard a lot about you. I must tell you, though, that the place is filling up fast, and we have been administering an entrance examination for everyone. The test is short, but you have to pass it before you can get into Heaven."
Forrest responds, "It sure is good to be here, St. Peter, sir. But nobody ever told me about any entrance exam. I sure hope that the test ain't too hard. Life was a big enough test as it was."
St. Peter continued, "Yes, I know, Forrest, but the test is only three questions.
First: What two days of the week begin with the letter T?
Second: How many seconds are there in a year?
Third: What is God's first name?"
Forrest leaves to think the questions over. He returns the next day and sees St. Peter, who waves him up, and says, "Now that you have had a chance to think the questions over, tell me your answers."
Forrest replied, "Well, the first one -- which two days in the week begins with the letter "T"? Shucks, that one is easy. That would be Today and Tomorrow." The Saint's eyes opened wide and he exclaimed, "Forrest, that is not what I was thinking, but you do have a point, and I guess I did not specify, so I will give you credit for that answer. How about the next one?" asked St. Peter. "How many seconds in a year?
"Now that one is harder," replied Forrest, but I thunk and thunk about that, and I guess the only answer can be twelve." Astounded, St. Peter said, "Twelve? Twelve? Forrest, how in Heaven's name could you come up with twelve seconds in a year?" Forrest replied, "Shucks, there's got to be twelve: January 2nd, February 2nd, March 2nd... " "Hold it," interrupts St. Peter. "I see where you are going with this, and I see your point, though that was not quite what I had in mind....but I will have to give you credit for that one, too. Let us go on with the third and final question. Can you tell me God's first name?"
"Sure," Forrest replied, "it's Andy." "Andy?" exclaimed an exasperated and frustrated St Peter. "Ok, I can understand how you came up with your answers to my first two questions, but just how in the world did you come up with the name Andy as the first name of God?" "Shucks, that was the easiest one of all," Forrest replied. "I learnt it from the song, "ANDY WALKS WITH ME, ANDY TALKS WITH ME, ANDY TELLS ME I AM HIS OWN." St. Peter opened the Pearly Gates, and said: "Run, Forrest, run."

(author unknown)

OASIS Bible Study Cancelled - Choir Practice Tonight - 25 Hours and Counting

Dear Friends in Christ -
The time is almost here.
The invitations have gone out.
The planning has happened.
The preparations are almost complete.
May God also prepare our hearts for the celebration tomorrow night - as we reflect on how God has brought us together and prepare to catch a vision of what He will now do.
Onward and upward!
Blessings,
Janet+

Darkness into light

We are now in the midst of Holy Week.

This evening, a few faithful souls gathered with me in the church for Tenebrae, the service of shadows. This solemn liturgy always helps me sense and come to terms with the gathering darkness on this journey with Christ to the Cross.

It's not easy to be in the midst of this darkness. But it's the only space from which we can begin to comprehend the power of the light.

More darkness lies ahead, yet the promise of the light draws us on.

Come, let us go together with our Lord to the Cross . . . and beyond . . .

With you on the journey,
Janet+

Stuff Happens

Since we don't give up our sense of humor for Lent . . . a little humor about religious types from The Christian Century (and they got it from http://theconnexion.net) . . . .

WHEN STUFF HAPPENS --
Explaining life's vexing questions:
Taoism: Stuff happens. Who gives a stuff?
Hinduism: This stuff has happened before and will happen again.
Buddhism: The stuff that happens doesn't really.
Zen: What is the sound of stuff happening?
Islam: The stuff that will happen will happen.
Judaism: Lord, why is this stuff happening to me?
Evangelicalism: Jesus, we praise you and just wanna ask why this stuff isn't happening to someone else.
Catholicism: Stuff happens when you deserve it.
Rastafarianism: Let's smoke the stuff.

. . . and what I wanna know is "when stuff happens," how do Episcopalians explain it??
Blessings,
Janet+

SNOW DAY - LENTEN FRIDAY SUPPER AND CLASS CANCELLED

LENTEN FRIDAY SUPPER AND CLASS CANCELLED FOR THIS EVENING (Friday - 3/16)

Snow falling . . . more coming . . . let's rest and pray in the safety of our own homes.
All blessings,
Janet+

WEATHER "POLICY"

Dear Friends in Christ -
Folks have been asking me how we'll deal with cancelling events and/or services when there's inclement weather. Here's my approach:

Worship services are ON. As long as I can dig or slide my way across the parking lot, I'll be here to lead services for all who manage to make it. However, you should not feel that you "must" come, even if you're scheduled to be a lay reader, acolyte, etc. If you have any question about your safety or someone else's, don't drive.

Other events will be decided on a case by case basis. I'll try to make decisions as soon as I have a good indication of what's happening, and I'll generally err on the side of cancelling things for safety's sake. WATCH THE BLOG or CALL THE PARISH OFFICE (I'll post a message on the blog and change the message on the machine to let people know when things are cancelled).

Hope this is helpful . . . please don't hesitate to call the parish office if you have questions (929-1722).
Blessings,
Janet+

New Bishop

Dear Friends in Christ -
Last Saturday, five clergy and lay people from St. Paul's (Janet Waggoner, Knute Hansen, Ron Kelly, Betty Tuttle and Lilly Beall) spent the day at Christ Church Cathedral in Hartford. Their purpose there: to elect a new Bishop Suffragan (to replace The Right Rev. Wilfrido Ramos-Orench, who accepted the call to serve as Bishop of Ecuador).

Episcopal elections are fascinating . . . and very difficult to explain. Basically, two groups vote - 1. lay representatives from parishes and 2. clergy. Voting continues until a majority of both groups concur. In this election, it took five ballots to elect the Rev. Dr. Laura Ahrens to be our new Bishop Suffragan. We thank God for Laura's ministry among us and for how she will bless and lead our diocese in the future.

For details of the election and more information on the election and on our newest Bishop, please see the diocesan website: http://www.ctdiocese.org/news/news.shtmlr.

Faithfully yours,
Janet+

Radio Silence

It's been over a week since my last post.

On the one hand, I'm sorry I haven't written. I really do enjoy reaching out to all of you in this way.

On the other hand, I don't feel too badly about it. Other things have simply taken priority. Visiting people who need pastoral care - including my own daughter who broke her arm last week. Teaching two courses each week - a Bible study and the prayer series. Writing a sermon. Electing a bishop. Marrying two thoroughly lovely people.

But I come back to this because it, too, is a priority. The urgent must NOT always take over the important. God calls us to faithfulness in regular habits of relationship and self-discipline which shape our lives, as individuals and as a community.

Some disciplines are not nearly as fun as this one . . . sharing my thoughts and news of our life at St. Paul's together. I'll keep writing if you'll keep reading.
Thanks for YOUR faithfulness.
Blessings,
Janet+

What does God want from us?

The past couple of weeks have been full of puzzles and questions for us Christians. Actually, it's always that way. Sometimes we just don't notice. But during Lent, there always seem to be things that "pop up."

Like the TV show this coming Sunday night which will supposedly reveal new archaeological evidence that Jesus is buried with his family in a tomb somewhere. Is it true? Is it not true? How do we know? What does this mean for our faith?

Of course, for us as Episcopalians, there are other questions: what is going to happen in the relationship between the Episcopal Church and the rest of the Anglican Communion? What should happen? (There was a fascinating op-ed piece in yesterday's NYTimes on this, based on a historical perspective.)

And, for us Episcopalians in Connecticut, there's also the upcoming election of a Bishop Suffragan. Who is the right person to help lead our diocese - and help lead the entire Episcopal church - during these difficult times in our church?

As usual, I turn to Scripture for answers. And, as usual, Scripture doesn't contain play-by-play answers. What it does contain, though, is a clear picture of what God wants from us. My temptation, of course, is to focus outward, and to say things like, "well, I don't know why they just can't . . ." or "they should just . . . " But God, doesn't talk about "them" and what they are supposed to do; God talks about me and about I am supposed to do, what we are supposed to do.

Today, I found both reassurance and challenge in the daily office reading from the Old Testament - Deuteronomy 10:12-22. What does God want from us as his children and his disciples?
- "fear the Lord your God"
- "walk in all his ways"
- "love him"
- "serve him . . with all your heart and with all your soul"
- "keep the commandments . . . and his decrees"
- "you shall also love the stranger"

Whew! That should keep us busy for a while.

And perhaps if we focus, really focus, on doing these things, then we'll find the answers to these questions written on our hearts. We'll know the truth, and we'll be free to live into it.

Faithfully yours,
Janet+

A Feast of Simplicity

Yesterday was the feast day of George Herbert, a wealthy man who gave it all up to become a priest in a tiny parish in England in the early 1600s. George Herbert is famous for saying, "Nothing is little in God's service." Herbert was a writer and a poet, but didn't use his great talents for fame or fortune. He wrote because it was what he felt called to do. It was what he was good at, what he had to offer God.

At the end of his life, when Herbert knew he was dying, he sent his poetry to his friend, Nicholas Ferrar. His intent was for Nicholas to enjoy his poems and then to get rid of them. But Nicholas published them. It's a good thing he did, too, because Herbert's poetry is some of the most beautiful poetry we have from the early 17th century.

Here's one of his poems - a favorite of mine - entitled "Prayer"

Prayer the Churches banquet, Angels age
Gods breath in man returning to his birth,
The soul in paraphrase, heart in pilgrimage,
The Christian plummet sounding heav'n and earth;

Engine against th' Almightie, sinners towre,
Reversed thunder, Christ-side-piercing spear,
The six-daies world transposing in an houre,
A kinde of tune, which all things heare and fear;

Softnesse, and peace, and joy, and love, and blisse,
Exalted Manna, gladnesse of the best,
Heaven in ordinaire, man well drest,
The milkie way, the bird of Paradise,

Church-bels beyond the starres heard, the souls bloud,
The land of spices; something understood.

May your prayer take you to a deeper understanding of the glorious simplicity found in living out one's true calling.
Blessings,
Janet+

Lenten Prayer

Lord, in this Lenten season, we come to you in prayer. You know the deepest prayers of our hearts before we frame them into words. Yet when we force ourselves to find the right phrases to tell you of our need, we realize how much we depend on you. Walk with us so that our lives become a prayer. You have given so much to us, God. Help us to have the courage and strength we need to give ourselves to you. Help us to kick out of our lives bad habits, poor habits, selfish ways, and all the things that separate us from you. Help us to understand that we do our own thing best when we line up our lives with you first in prayer.
Guide us. Direct us. Show us your way.
Amen.
--Taken from "Lent Begins at Home," by Pat and Rosemary Ryan - Ligouri, MO: Liguori Publications, 1978. P.11.

Pancake Supper - our little version of Mardi Gras!!

Dear Friends in Christ -
Today is the last day of Epiphany, the last day of the season of glory and light before we begin the wilderness journey of Lent.

Please do come for a festive evening of family fun. The Men's Group is serving pancakes tonight (Tuesday, 2/20) beginning at 6:00 p.m.

Here's a little inspiration for this fine day, a thought for the day which was in my email "in box" when I got to work this morning:

Work hard -- Do your best -- Keep your word -- Never get to big for you britches -- Trust in God -- Have no fear -- Never forget a friend
---Harry S. Truman

Onward and upward!
Janet+

OASIS CANCELLED

Dear Friends in Christ -

Due to the nasty, nasty weather out there, our Oasis Bible Study for tonight (Wed. 2/14) is cancelled. Please do enjoy a lovely evening at home - and take a minute to read the text we would have been studying this Valentine's evening - Paul's "love chapter": 1 Corinthians 12:27-13:13. It's heartwarming reading!

Faithfully yours,
Janet+

PS - Look forward to seeing you on Saturday night for Game Night!

GAME NIGHT

Saturday, February 17th - 6:00 p.m. 'til ??? - Parish Hall - BE THERE!
PLEASE BRING:
1. A potluck dish to share.
2. Your favorite game (call Jayne Bolton to let her know what you're bringing - 459-1922).
3. Your good humor.

At the end of a long, cold, snowy week, this night promises to be FUN - FUN - FUN!

Quiet strategists among us, dust off your old skills at chess and see if you can still win a few rounds. For chatterboxes, there will be games like Outburst and Apples-to-Apples.

Enjoy some good food and good fellowship . . . together with some good friends - old and new!

Please do come - and don't hesitate to bring a friend. All are welcome!

Election of a Bishop Suffragan for Connecticut

Dear Friends in Christ -

This is an exciting and important time in the life of our Diocese. On Saturday, March 10th, we will elect a new Bishop Suffragan to serve as a chief pastor, priest and leader among us.

The slate of candidates presented by the nominating committee was announced this morning. Click here to go right to the list of candidates: http://www.ctbishopsearch.org/ctbishopsearch/Candidates.htm. You'll notice that a former priest of this parish, The Rev. Canon Tom Furrer, is among the candidates. I'm sure you all join me in sharing congratulations and lifting him up in prayer.

What can you do? PRAY - pray for our Diocese, pray for those who will be voting as representatives of St. Paul's (Betty Tuttle and David Nash; Ginny Mihalko and Lilly Beall are alternates), and for me, as I vote, too.

The Bishop's Convocation for Prayer (on which I serve as Chair) created the following prayer at Bishop Smith's request. I join our Bishop in his request that we all use this prayer during the coming weeks, as we prepare and gather for the election of our newest bishop suffragan.

Eternal God, source of all wisdom, help us to hear clearly the voice of your Spirit calling one forth to serve your Church as bishop suffragan. May this process of discernment draw the people of this Diocese together in your will, that we may be vessels of your love and light in the ministries and communities in Connecticut. In all things, may your Spirit rest upon those who are standing for election and upon us all, through Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit govern, heal and bless. Amen.

Faithfully yours,
Janet+

Two months

Dear Friends in Christ -

This past Sunday was my two month anniversary here at St. Paul's. The occasion was marked by a wonderfully festive baptism. The words of the anointing always ring in my ears for days afterward - "You are sealed by the Holy Spirit in Baptism and marked as Christ's own forever." It's a seal that can't be broken even after the warm scent of the rosemary-infused oil has vanished and the oil has been washed away by sweat or a bath. To belong to Christ is to always be loved, always held, always sustained. What good news!

And the day was marked by another parish event, too, the parish annual meeting. I was thrilled to see so many of our members present. The meeting was informative and unifying though - dare I say it? - a bit long. But it was so important for all budget information to be "in the light." And so absolutely essential for every voice to be heard. Surely for every one who raises and issue or asks a questions, there are five more with the same concern or question who didn't speak up.

Thank you. Thank you to all at St. Paul's for a remarkable day.

Blessings,
Janet+

PS - A favorite quote from these past two weeks, shared by a parishioner: " I do not understand the mystery of grace; only that it meets us where we are, but does not leave us where it found us." -Anne Lamott