St. PJ's eNews: December 5, 2025 | | |
- Weekly Reflection: "Presenting to you, from your creation, this bread and this wine."
- Pledge card reminder
- MONDAY: The St. PJ's Jazz Christmas Concert!
- Tomorrow/Saturday at St. PJ's: "JOY: Dances For Midwinter"
- Tuesday: Final 2025 "Margins and Movements" book discussion
- Deacons' Advent Diaper Drive
- Additional upcoming St. PJ's dates and events: Blue Christmas, NeuroDivine, Hymn sing, David Tate in A Christmas Carol, and Christmas Eve services
- News from the Wider Church: Christmas returns to Bethlehem in the West Bank, several reflections for Advent, clergy denounce anti-Somali slurs, and more
- This Week at St. PJ's
- Advent Adult Formation: Praying with the Psalms
- Cycles of Prayer
- Video: Last Sunday's Service and Sermon
- Support Loaves & Fishes and Sunrise Cafe during renovation
- Reach out to Rev. Nathan to schedule your household visit
- There's Always More...
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Weekly Reflection: "Presenting to you, from your creation, this bread and this wine."
From the Rev. Nathan Empsall, priest-in-charge
You may have noticed something just a little different -- or just a little familiar -- during the Sunday service over the past couple weeks.
At the beginning of Communion, during the Offertory, volunteers have been bringing up the Communion elements of bread and wine while the usher comes forth with the offering plate.
This used to be standard practice at St. PJ's just as it is in most Episcopal churches, but we stopped as part of our COVID-19 restrictions. A pause absolutely made sense during peak pandemic as one more way to increase social distancing, but now that things have more or less returned to their bizarre new normal, I think it's important that we reinstate this liturgical tradition. The presentation of bread and wine from the congregation isn't just symbolic but is in fact part of our offering to God, and is even required by the Book of Common Prayer that shapes our worship:
"The Celebrant may begin the Offertory with one of the sentences on page 376, or with some other sentence of Scripture. During the Offertory, a hymn, psalm, or anthem may be sung. Representatives of the congregation bring the people's offerings of bread and wine, and money or other gifts, to the deacon or celebrant."
During Eucharistic Prayer B, the form we're using during Advent and Lent, you'll even hear the celebrant pray these words: "We offer our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to you, O Lord of all; presenting to you, from your creation, this bread and this wine."
All this is to say, please don't be surprised if, when you come in on a Sunday morning, the usher ever asks you if you'd be willing to play this small role and walk forward with them at the start of Communion! You don't have to say yes, but if you're willing, please consider carrying the paten (plate) or chalice (Cup) to be a form of embodied prayer -- a walking prayer that gives thanks for creation in grain and grape, and one that offers the fruit of our labors to God.
(Thank you to Jeff Lang for suggesting I explain this in the eNews!)
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Pledge Card Reminder
Speaking of the Offertory, our annual Stewardship Season concluded on Sunday, November 23. Thank you to everyone who brought their pledge form!
If you weren't present that day or forgot your card, that's more than okay. You can absolutely still place your sealed form in the collection plate on Sunday, or email it to our treasurer David Hill anytime. You can grab a pledge form at the usher's table in church, or download one online here.
Pledging our time, talent, and financial resource isn't just a financial commitment; it's a spiritual promise to make the church part of our lives and to be a part of the church's life in 2026. So even if you can only give $1, that is still an enormous gift, one that represents a holy renewal of relationship. Thank you!
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The St. PJ's Jazz Ensemble presents:
A Wooster Square Christmas Concert
This Monday, December 8
Join Will, Dylan, and friends for holiday favorites, selections from Vince Guaraldi's "A Charlie Brown Christmas," and more!
- This Monday, December 8, 7 p.m., in the Sanctuary
- Please invite your friends and neighbors!
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Tomorrow/Saturday, hosted at St. PJ's:
JOY: Dances for Midwinter
Performances at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
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This weekend, the Sokolow Theatre/Dance Ensemble is holding their annual holiday performance in the sanctuary at St. PJ's, with performances tomorrow, Saturday, Dec. 6 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. You can read their description of the event below, and get tickets here.
"Come, share in the 'JOY: Dances For Midwinter,' presented by the Sokolow Theatre/Dance Ensemble! This annual production is not your typical holiday dance show. Featuring Classical Modern dances to inspire the spirit of the season, they run the gamut from exuberant to thoughtful, poignant to joyful. The centerpiece of the concert is 'Christmas Oratorio' by Charles Weidman. Originally created in 1934, today it is restaged by Weidman expert - and New Haven resident - Gail Corbin. Swirling like a stained glass window come to life, 'Christmas Oratorio' tells the story of the nativity through dance and is set to J.S. Bach's glorious score.
"'JOY' features three other dances: 'Ballade' and 'Prelude' are both choreographed by genre-bending Modern Dance pioneer Anna Sokolow. The former explores the thrill of young love while the latter is a rich solo homage to the music of Sergei Rachmaninoff. Finally, 'Schubert Impromptu,' by Claudia Gitelman, reckons with loss yet resounds with hope. 'JOY: Dances For Midwinter' is a touching experience for the whole family, coming to you December 6th at 3PM and 7PM at the Episcopal Church of St. Paul & St. James, New Haven, Connecticut." Get tickets >>
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This Tuesday: Final 2025 "Margins and Movements" book discussion
The Margins & Movements social-justice book club will gather on Tuesday, December 9, at 7 p.m. in the parish hall to read "The Undocumented Americans" by Karla Cornejo Villavicencio.
Come whether you've read the whole book, read just a couple chapters, listened to the audio book, or didn't get a chance to read even one sentence but would still like to listen to and learn from those who did!
Get your copy from Bookshop.org at the link above to benefit the church, and invite your friends and neighbors.
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Deacons' Advent Diaper Drive
The deacons of the Episcopal Church in Connecticut are inviting us to join an important, diocesan-wide diaper drive this Advent Season, in partnership with the Diaper Bank of Connecticut.
Please consider bringing packages of diapers -- open or closed! -- to church from now through December 21. Place diapers on the side table in the front of the Sanctuary, next to the door to the office hallway.
According to The Diaper Bank website, 1 in 2 Connecticut families struggle to afford diapers to keep their babies clean, dry, and healthy. Diapers can cost up to $150 or more each month and are not covered by SNAP or WIC assistance. Without an adequate supply of clean diapers, babies are more likely to suffer from diaper rash, urinary tract infections, and other medical problems.
We are pleased to share that St. PJ's will also serve as one of 11 collection points across the diocese for other parishes to bring their diapers for the deacons to gather.
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Additional upcoming dates and events
- Thursday, Dec. 18, 7 PM: Blue Christmas service
- Sunday, Dec. 21, 4 PM: NeuroDivine, a low-stimulus Christmas worship service for neurodivergent families
- Monday, Dec. 22, 6:30 PM: Christmas Hymn Sing + Social (in the Sanctuary)
- Wednesday, Dec 24: Christmas Eve Services
- 3:30 PM: Children's Christmas Eve Service
- 8:30 PM: Traditional Christmas Eve Communion w/Jazz Ensemble
- Sunday, January 18: St. PJ's Annual Meeting and Potluck
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News from the Wider Church
- [RNS] Christmas — and hope — return to Bethlehem after two somber years: https://religionnews.com/2025/12/03/christmas-celebration-returns-to-bethlehem-after-two-years-so-does-a-cry-for-justice/
- [Christian Century] Advent in all its terror: https://www.christiancentury.org/features/advent-all-its-terror
- [Sojourners] Don’t Ignore the Darkness of Advent: https://sojo.net/sojoshare/NTE5NTJ8MjM3Nzg3fDE3NjQ5NjEyMzN8MTA%3D
- [ENS] Episcopalians nurture Advent tradition of displaying nativities from around the world: https://episcopalnewsservice.org/2025/12/02/episcopalians-nurture-advent-tradition-of-displaying-nativities-from-around-the-world/
- [RNS] In Minneapolis, clergy mobilize to manage ICE raids targeting Somali immigrants: https://religionnews.com/2025/12/04/in-minneapolis-clergy-mobilize-manage-expected-ice-raids-targeting-somali-immigrants/
- [KARE 11] Minneapolis faith leaders unite against Trump's immigrant remarks about Somali community: https://www.kare11.com/article/news/politics/immigration-news/minneapolis-faith-leaders-unite-against-trumps-immigrant-remarks-somali-community/89-30302483-06f1-4e47-be8e-499400088911
- [RNS] African Christian leaders and health nonprofits seek to fill gaps after USAID cuts: https://religionnews.com/2025/12/02/african-christian-leaders-and-health-nonprofits-seek-to-fill-gaps-after-usaid-cuts/
- [ENS] After COP30, Episcopal leaders reflect on climate change action, Indigenous voices: https://episcopalnewsservice.org/2025/12/01/after-cop30-episcopal-leaders-reflect-on-climate-change-action-indigenous-voices/
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Come to worship this Sunday, December 7, at 10:30 a.m. for the second Sunday of Advent.
Our seminarian intern, Kelly Park, will preach, and the Rev. Nathan Empsall will celebrate the Eucharist.
Kelly will also begin a new, three-part Advent adult-formation series on praying with the Psalms following the service.
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Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m.
In person and online
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Wednesday Prayer 12:30 p.m.
In person
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Thursday Compline 8 p.m.
On Zoom
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Cycles of Prayer and St. PJ's Prayer List
In the Episcopal Church in Connecticut's cycle of prayer, we pray this week for Christ Church, Bethany; St. Thomas’, Bethel; Old St. Andrew’s, Bloomfield; and for ministries for the unhoused and parishes that offer temporary or permanent shelter, especially Chapel on the Green, New Haven; Church by the Pond, Hartford; and the Homelessness & Housing Ministry Network.
In the Anglican Communion Cycle of Prayer, we pray for The Church of Bangladesh.
ST. PJ’S PRAYER LIST: 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, Vanetta Lloyd, Janea Barthle, Lydia Hamnquist, Kate Galambos, Rita Valenti-Piovane, Stephen Lett, Rev. Nihal de Lanerolle, Pam Sayre, Marietta D’Albero, Leonilda Sanchez, Maria Rodriquez, Marietta Coppola, Heather de Lanerolle, 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, Freddy and Amy Swindal-Endres, Kyle Park, Carol Brennan, Fr. Tom, George Moore
Postulant for Ordination: Milton Gilder
Deceased: Jim Harris
Birthdays: Acacia Mukwaya (11/30), Jack Gillette (12/08), Veronica Holcomb (12/11), David Hill (12/11)
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VIDEO: Last Sunday's Service and Sermon
If you either missed or want to revisit last Sunday at St. PJ's, you can find the recorded livestream on our Facebook and/or YouTube pages. (Facebook automatically deletes videos after four weeks, but you can always find older recordings archived on YouTube.)
Last week was the first Sunday of Advent. Rev. Nathan celebrated the Eucharist and preached on the connection between the contemporary four Advent themes of hope, peace, love, and joy and the traditional four Advent themes of death, judgement, heaven, and hell, known as "the four last things" of the final coming.
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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, has begun! 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 -- essentially the rest of the year.
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 -- with the holidays coming and people still reeling from the pause in SNAP benefits -- so please donate to either important organization if you can:
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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!
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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
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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
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Priest-in-Charge: The Rev. Nathan Empsall, revnathan@stpaulstjames.org, (203) 278-9199
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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
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