In this week's edition:

- Priest's Corner: When plans are useless

- Annual Meeting and Potluck Lunch rescheduled once more for NEXT Sunday, February 8

- Ash Wednesday, February 18

- Mardi Gras takes a hiatus

- Lenten Adult Formation: "Harden Not Your Hearts"

- News from the Wider Church:

- This Sunday at St. PJ's

• Cycles of Prayer

- Support Loaves & Fishes and Sunrise Cafe during renovation

- Reach out to Rev. Nathan to schedule your household visit

- There's Always More...

Priest's Corner: When Plans Are Useless

By the Rev. Nathan Empsall, priest-in-charge

Perhaps you've heard the old cliche: The best way to make God laugh is to tell God your plans. (See below to learn about the second rescheduling of the Annual Meeting; it will not be this Sunday, but next Sunday.)

There are few things I loathe more than making the decision to cancel church on a Sunday morning. It's right up there with scooping the cat's litter. When we cancel a worship service, we not only spend less time in common prayer; we also lose an opportunity for community in a world that desperately needs more connection, we miss out on additional formation that equips us to take the Gospel out into the world, and we risk losing the chance to welcome any newcomers.

Yet a one year ago, for all my loathing of canceling a Sunday, we had a severe weather warning and a parking ban. My very first Sunday as St. PJ's priest-in-charge, and my first official decision was to cancel the service. I felt awful, even though it was the right decision for safety. Yet as they say, history doesn't repeat itself but it rhymes: A year later, we had to cancel not only two Sundays in a row but our my first Annual Meeting with you this month.

Simply put, sometimes plans change. I wrote the first draft of this eNews column from an Amtrak train heading home from a few days gathering with other clergy and faith leaders in Washington, DC, last week. The trip was good, except for the beginning when my Acela train to DC broke down. After waiting for two hours, the whole train had to move to a new Metro North train right there in the middle of the tracks. Then we all had to change back to another Amtrak train at New Rochelle. Through it all, I'd forgotten my phone charger, so couldn't use my phone out of fear the battery would die. While I made it to my conference, I missed dinner with one of my dearest friends.

Sometimes, plans change. At Christmas, we remembered that Joseph and Mary faced the ultimate unplanned pregnancy. Now it's Epiphany, when the wise men changed their plans to foil the tyrant politician Herod and went home by another way. Last Sunday's Gospel told us of Peter and Andrew leaving their fishing nets to follow Jesus -- changing their plans, their lives, and the course of history. Another Epiphany story is Jesus's first miracle, when he turned water into wine -- but only after protesting to his mother that his time had not yet come. And then he changed his plans.

I think a lot about Dwight Eisenhower's perspective on the Army: "Plans are worthless, but planning is everything." When an emergency comes -- whether on the beaches of Normandy, in the streets and homes of Minneapolis, in a church community, or in our personal lives -- plans become useless. Not once, Eisenhower said, did the army ever actually follow a plan after landing on a beach. But because they went through the planning process and spent hours pouring over maps, they knew the terrain and they knew their options. Plans gave them their initial footing, but they still had to pivot.

Life at St. PJ's today is not what we would have anticipated pre-pandemic, and we do not know what it will look like in another 10 years. I can say the same thing about my own life, and maybe you can too. Yet all of these things are still in a welcome place, even if an unanticipated one. The path changes, but God walks with us the whole way.

How can you hold your plans lightly, and be open to change in your life when it comes? What prayers or spiritual practices can you engage in now that will help you pivot later? What can you do to find the serenity you need to accept these inevitable change and surprise? And please tell me the answer to this one: What do you need from your spiritual community to help you keep serving God in the face of changes at home, at church, and in the world?

Annual Meeting and Potluck Luncheon,

now next Sunday, February 8

Speaking of plans changing: With Winter Storm Gianna coming this weekend, the vestry has again rescheduled our Annual Meeting and Potluck Luncheon for next Sunday, February 8, immediately following the 10:30 service. There will be no meeting this weekend.

Although the storm will be intense, it seems increasingly likely to miss New Haven, sheltered as we are by Long Island. I do believe that we will worship together in the sanctuary this weekend, and can't wait to see you after the last two weeks! However, the forecast is not yet certain -- and with any chance at all of another cancelation, we've decided to preemptively move the Annual Meeting and not risk losing another round of potluck food and volunteer work.

So NEXT Sunday, 2/8, please bring a dish to share and stay to help clean up if you can! Reports have been written and are provided below. Please read them before the meeting if you can, as the presenters will give only brief summaries and take questions so that we can spend more time in lively table conversation about what St. PJ's means to us. We will also elect vestry members and convention delegates.

• Priest-in-Charge Report

• Wardens' Report

• Treasurer's Report

• Interim Music Director's Report

• Capital Campaign Committee Report

Ash Wednesday, February 18

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 18.

This year we will have the imposition of ashes at a 12:30 p.m. Eucharist and at various "Ashes to Go" opportunities (times and locations to be determined, though likely to at least include the church sidewalk during morning rush hour).

Mardi Gras Takes a Hiatus

We will take a break from our regular Mardi Gras tradition this year. Please let a warden or the priest-in-charge know if you miss the party, and perhaps we can plan something even bigger next year!

Lenten Adult Formation:

"Harden Not Your Hearts"

Throughout Lent, Kelly Park will lead an after-worship series on the devotional curriculum "Harden Not Your Hearts" from the Ignatian Solidarity Network. All are welcome to attend.

In addition to a Sunday series, Kelly will also provide an optional daily email devotional. Let Kelly know if you would like to receive these daily messages: kelly.park@yale.edu

News from the Wider Church

- [ENS] Sarah Mullally confirmed as 106th archbishop of Canterbury: https://episcopalnewsservice.org/2026/01/28/sarah-mullally-confirmed-as-106th-archbishop-of-canterbury/

- [ENS] Episcopal priests share experiences protesting as immigration raids continue in Minnesota: https://episcopalnewsservice.org/2026/01/27/episcopal-priests-share-experiences-protesting-as-immigration-raids-continue-in-minnesota/

- [ENS] Episcopal leaders call for action after latest federal killing of Minnesota resident: https://episcopalnewsservice.org/2026/01/25/episcopal-leaders-call-for-action-after-latest-federal-killing-of-minnesota-resident/

- [RNS] One year after she urged Trump to have mercy, Bishop Budde leads clergy protests in Minneapolis: https://religionnews.com/2026/01/23/one-year-after-she-urged-trump-to-have-mercy-bishop-budde-leads-clergy-protests-in-minneapolis/

- [RNS] Maine clergy form spiritual 'shield' outside workplaces to protect immigrants from ICE: https://religionnews.com/2026/01/29/maine-clergy-form-spiritual-shield-outside-workplaces-to-protect-immigrants-from-ice/

- [RNS] Faith leaders criticize Trump administration's removal of Philadelphia slavery exhibit: https://religionnews.com/2026/01/28/religious-leaders-decry-removal-of-slavery-exhibit-featuring-black-church-founders/

- [RNS] How to hold up both democracy and the gospel? Pauli Murray is a guide for Christians - from Episcopal Church leaders: https://religionnews.com/2026/01/27/how-to-hold-up-both-democracy-and-the-gospel-pauli-murray-is-a-guide-for-christians/

- [Sojourners] How You Can Support Minnesota, According to Local Faith Leaders: https://sojo.net/articles/news/how-you-can-support-minnesota-according-local-faith-leaders

- [Christian Century] Book Review: A Judaism primer for Christians: https://www.christiancentury.org/books/judaism-primer-christians

Come at 10:30 a.m. this Sunday, February 1, the fourth Sunday after the Epiphany, for Holy Eucharist, children's Sunday School, and coffee & community.

Serving this Sunday:

Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m.

In person and online

Wednesday Prayer

12:30 p.m.

In person

Cycles of Prayer and St. PJ's Prayer List

In the Episcopal Church in Connecticut's cycle of prayer, we pray this week for St. John’s, Essex; St. Paul’s, Fairfield; and St. James’, Farmington; and for the Hispanic Ministry Network & Latino/Hispanic ministries in Connecticut.

In the Anglican Communion Cycle of Prayer, we pray for the Church of England.

On the St. PJ’s prayer list, we pray for: Rachel, Doug Parker, Anne Matthies, Calvin Griffin, Rev. Walter MacNutt, Kevin Gerbe, Leota Tucker, Edwina Johnson, Cynthia King, Paul D'Agostino, Richard Holcomb, Tiras Jaske, Uli Mackert, Charlie & Bridget Farrell, Alyce, Pam, Tommy, Beverly Lett, Stephen Lett, Vanetta Lloyd, Janea Barthle, Lydia Hamnquist, Rita Valenti-Piovane, Rev. Nihal de Lanerolle, Heather de Lanerolle, Marietta D’Albero, Leonilda Sanchez, Maria Rodriquez, Marietta Coppola, Paul Mangels, Alexandra Sanseverino, Dr. Milton Coke, Rev. Deacon Felix Rivera, Pam Yesner, Rev. Carl Scovel, Karl Mini, Patrick Reynolds, Margaret Perry, Ryan Welch, Jack Welch, Andy & Karla Codney, Kyle Park, Carol Brennan, Fr. Tom, George Moore, Nancy Lupi, A. J. Crosby, Molly Clayton, Adrienne Brady, Jeannie & Clemente Campos, Marilyn Bergen

Postulant for Ordination: Milton Gilder

Birthdays: Jesse Babb

Deceased: Alex Pretti

VIDEO: Last Sunday's Service and Sermon

Worship was canceled last Sunday. To revisit other recent Sundays at St. PJ's, find the recorded videos on Facebook and/or YouTube. (Facebook automatically deletes videos after four weeks, but older archives remain on YouTube.)

Support Loaves & Fishes and Sunrise Cafe during renovation

The long-awaited replacement of the steps to the undercroft, right on the corner of Chapel and Olive, is underway! The old steps have been ripped up, and the work proceeds. This means that our front yard along Olive Street is fenced off while construction is underway. It is anticipated that the process will take about eight weeks total.

While we are disappointed that we are not able to include a ramp in the project, the new steps will be wider, safer and more welcoming to the community. Please direct questions to Brian Fillmore as Capital Campaign Project Manager.

Sunrise Cafe and Loaves & Fishes continue to operate, using alternate entryways to the undercroft. We acknowledge that this may be difficult timing for such an inconvenience -- first during the holidays, now with winter ongoing, and with some still reeling from the pause in SNAP benefits -- so please donate to either important organization if you can:

Reach out to Rev. Nathan to Schedule Your Household Visit

By the Rev. Nathan Empsall, priest-in-charge

By now, you've likely heard me say that I want to visit every St. PJ's household. I want to hear about who you are, what makes you tick, what you believe and love, your history at St. PJ's, and your hopes for the future of our common life together. Ideally this meeting would be at your home, where I can get to know you in your own environment and also offer a home blessing, but coffee shops and walks in the park are okay too.

These meetings are happening, and I have greatly enjoyed them -- but I am also realizing that I am my own bottleneck when it comes to scheduling, as I reach out to families one or two at a time. To try and speed things up, I invite you to reach out to me with some suggested times and dates we might meet.

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are ideal, but Fridays and Saturdays are okay too. While weekday daytimes are certainly best, I understand that work schedules can necessitate evenings or Saturdays. Please email me at revnathan@stpaulstjames.org, and I hope to see you outside the church building soon!

There's always more...

Please remember that there is a blue Lost & Found bin in the church office.

If you would like to submit an item for consideration in the eNews or bulletin announcements, please let Rev. Nathan know at revnathan@stpaulstjames.org by next Wednesday afternoon.

Please contact Monifa Atkinson in the church office at office@stpaulstjames.org or (203) 562-2143 if you are interested in receiving more information about any of the following:

- Renting space at St. PJ's for your next party, meeting, concert, wedding, or other event. More info at the St. PJ's website here >>

- Volunteering with St. PJ's

- Adding a name, birthday, or anniversary to the St. PJ's prayer list

- Arranging pastoral care needs

- Purchasing grocery-store gift cards to benefit St. PJ's

- Reserving a place in the St. PJ's columbarium or purchasing a plaque on the Memorial Wall

St. PJ's Staff and Contacts

Administrative Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - Noon

Priest Office Hours: Tuesday - Thursday by appointment

office@stpaulstjames.org

(203) 562-2143

• Priest-in-Charge: The Rev. Nathan Empsall, revnathan@stpaulstjames.org, (203) 278-9199
• Administrative Director: Monifa Atkinson, office@stpaulstjames.org
• Sexton: Sammy Rodriguez
• Children's Ministry: Molly Clayton
• Director of Music: Will Cleary
• Associate Director of Music: Dylan Rowland
• Tech and Music Intern: Dontae James
• Seminary Intern: Kelly Park
• Priest Associate: The Rev. Steve Crowson
• Vestry: Bill Evans (co-warden), Juhani Jaske (co-warden), David Hill (treasurer), Maggie King (clerk), Roni Holcomb, Steve Crowson, Maurice Harris, Pam Sayre, Vanetta Lloyd, Lynne Severance