In this week's edition:

- Weekly Reflection: Finishing Lent strong, no matter how it started

- New Ministry Teams launching on Monday and Wednesday

- POSTPONED: Book club to meet in April, not March

- "Honoring Two Pioneers - and the Witness Among Us": A correction and an apology

- Saturday, March 28: Episcopal prayer service at No Kings protest

- Saturday, March 28: Polishing Party

- March 29 - April 5: Holy Week Schedule (updated since last week!)

- News from the Wider Church: Anglicans in Iran, a global week of prayer for overcoming discrimination, commentary on Lazarus and Mary, and more

- This Sunday at St. PJ's

• Cycles of Prayer
• Lenten Adult Formation: "Harden Not Your Hearts"
• Video: Last Sunday's Service and Sermon

- NEW: January Vestry Minutes

- There's Always More...

Weekly Reflection: Finishing Lent strong, no matter how it started

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

In some ways, Lent is very different from New Year's.

Our Lenten disciplines -- whether we're adding something or taking something away -- are not meant to be a second round of self-improvement resolutions. This time, we are taking on disciplines of prayer, fasting, self-denial, and/or reading and meditating on God's holy Word. The goal is not simply to improve ourselves, and the timeline is not the long term. Rather, we are spending 40 days in closer relationship with God, with an eye specifically on self-examination and repentance.

That said, as we begin the penultimate week of Lent tomorrow, there is one commonality between New Year's and Lent that might be coming into sharp focus for some:

Whether we made our promises to ourselves or to God -- and whether they were meant to last all year or just for 40 days -- it can be just as hard to keep our Lenten disciplines as it was our January resolutions!

If you've dropped your Lenten discipline -- or if you forgot to ever start one in the first place -- it's okay. You're okay. We still have two weeks left (including Holy Week), and like the Prodigal Son coming home, it's never too late to try again or start over. Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good: Today is a new day!

If you're looking for a new discipline these final two weeks of Lent, I have a suggestion: Use resources from Forward Movement, an Episcopal organization, to pray or even just listen to a Daily Office service each day (or at least each day that you remember) for these next two weeks. Forward makes Morning Prayer, Evening Prayer, etc. easier by putting them into one simple webpage with pre-selected prayers.

They also publish several podcasts. That's my trick: I listen to their podcast "Daily Prayer" whenever I find myself in the car for 15 minutes (and without a child in the backseat).

I'm also trying to frequently pray the one-page "At Noon" service from the Book of Common Prayer's section, "Daily Devotions for Families and Individuals." This is an area where I admit I'm falling down. But on the couple days per week that I do remember to grab a few minutes during the workday to pray, I take a copy of either our prayer list or our church directory with me, and I pray for St. PJ's members by name. Over these next two weeks, I will also be praying for your Lenten disciplines (and mine). Good luck -- even simply trying is a success, and God will be with you!

New Ministry Teams launching this Monday and Wednesday

Our new lay-led ministry teams are finally kicking off this week, and all are invited to these inaugural meetings!

Resource & Renewal -- outside fundraising, such as grant seeking and fundraising events -- will have its first meeting this Monday, March 23., at 6:30 p.m. in the Chapel.

Prophetic Voice -- social justice & outreach -- will launch on Wednesday, March 25, also at 6:30 in the Chapel.

POSTPONED: Book Club to meet in April, not March

The "Margins & Movements" social-justice book club will not meet next week, as previously announced. The schedule will be as follows:

• Tuesday, April 28, 7 p.m.: "The Ungrateful Refugee: What Immigrants Never Tell You" by Dina Nayeri; discussion led by Rev. Nathan Empsall

• Tuesday, May 26, 7 p.m: "Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption" by Bryan Stevenson; discussion led by Tudy Hill

• Tuesday, June 23, 7 p.m.: "Disarming Leviathan: Loving Your Christian Nationalist Neighbor" by Caleb Campbell; discussion led by Kelly Park

Please invite your friends! This series is intended to be as much a gift to the broader community as it is a chance for St. PJ's members to gather.

"Honoring Two Pioneers - and the Witness Among Us": A correction and an apology

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

Several weeks ago, the eNews contained a Black History Month reflection from our own Roni Holcomb honoring two important church leaders: the Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray, the first Black woman to become an Episcopal priest, and the Rt. Rev. Barbara Harris, the first woman (and Black woman) to become an Episcopal bishop.

Roni also lifted up St. PJ's member Rev. Steve Crowson, who attended not just one but both historical ordinations: "I'm grateful that Rev. Steve - through his witness, his memory, and his love - helps bring that holy history right into our own parish life."

While editing the eNews in a last-minute rush, I (Rev. Nathan) added a sentence and made two big mistakes: 1) I placed it incorrectly, creating a factual error that needs correction. 2) I inexcusably failed to consult Roni about the edit first.

(You can read Roni's piece, "Honoring Two Pioneers - and the Witness Among Us," as originally submitted without edits here.)

What I intended to share and celebrate was that at least five St. PJ's members attended Bishop Harris's consecration; not, as I actually wrote, that the group attended both ordinations like Rev. Steve. The edit and its error were mine alone. I take full responsibility – and am sorry – for changing Roni’s voice and for diminishing her meaningful celebration of Rev. Steve's witness.

This is another needed reminder to myself to slow down -- this Lent and beyond. Just as haste can create sloppiness, taking our time can create space to check in with the people who matter to us.

Saturday, March 28: Episcopal prayer service at No Kings protest

ECCT clergy from several other parishes in the region are inviting Episcopalians to provide a faith witness together at the next pro-democracy No Kings protest, on the New Haven Green next Saturday, March 28.

We will gather outside Trinity on the Green for a brief prayer service at 2:45, then move up Temple Street to United Church on the Green before the democracy rally starts at 3.

March 28: Polishing Party

Please join the Altar Guild for the annual polishing party on Saturday, March 28, at 2 p.m.

Volunteers are also need the following Saturday, April 4, to help decorate the church for Easter.

See Janie Lange with questions or for more details.

Holy Week Schedule

HOLY WEEK 2026 AT ST PJ’S

Palm Sunday, March 29

• 10:30 AM: Blessing of the Palms & Second-line Jazz Parade

Holy Wednesday, April 1

• 12:30 PM: Quiet Communion

Maundy Thursday, April 2

• 6:30 PM: Eucharist with Agape Supper and Footwashing

Good Friday, April 3

• Noon: Solemn Collects and Passion

Easter Sunday, April 5

• 10:30 AM: Resurrection Celebration with full jazz band

ADDITIONAL HOLY WEEK SERVICES IN NEW HAVEN

Holy Wednesday, April 1

• 6:30 PM, both Christ Church and St. Thomas’s: Tenebrae

Maundy Thursday, April 2

• 2-4 PM, Trinity on the Green: Outdoor Service with Community Foot Washing

Good Friday, April 3

• 10 AM, Trinity: Prayer Walk for children and their adults
• 5:30 PM, Christ Church: Evening Prayer & Stations of the Cross
• 6:30 PM, St. Thomas’s: Liturgy with choir
•  7 PM, St. Luke’s: Good Friday service
• 7 PM, St. John’s: Seven Last Words contemplative service
• 7 PM, Trinity: Solemn Commemoration of the Lord’s Passion

Holy Saturday, April 4

• 11 AM, Christ Church: Liturgy for Families & Children
• 6:30 PM, St. Thomas’s: Easter Vigil
• 7 PM: Easter Vigils at Trinity, St. Luke’s, and St. John’s
• 8 PM, Christ Church: Great Vigil & First Mass of Easter

Easter Music & Flowers

Contributions to brighten our beautiful Easter celebration can be made in honor or memory of someone special, who will then be named in our Easter bulletin.

Giving envelopes will be included with each bulletin tomorrow and next Sunday. You may also donate online; if you choose this option, please check the "add note" box and write that the donation is for Easter music and flowers, along with who it is in honor or memory of.

News from the Wider Church

- [ENS] Anglicans in Cyprus and the Gulf, caught in Iran war’s crossfire, nurture hope in troubled time: https://episcopalnewsservice.org/2026/03/20/anglicans-in-cyprus-and-the-gulf-caught-in-iran-wars-crossfire-nurture-hope-in-troubled-time/

- [ENS] As conflict continues, Nowruz holds new meaning for Dallas’ Iranian Episcopalians: https://episcopalnewsservice.org/2026/03/20/as-conflict-continues-nowruz-holds-new-meaning-for-dallas-iranian-episcopalians/

- [ENS] Maryland Episcopal church faces city fines for letting unhoused people sleep on its property: https://episcopalnewsservice.org/2026/03/19/maryland-episcopal-church-faces-city-fines-for-letting-unhoused-people-sleep-on-its-property/

- [ENS] Shay Craig consecrated as 12th bishop of North Dakota: https://episcopalnewsservice.org/2026/03/17/shay-craig-consecrated-as-12th-bishop-of-north-dakota/

- [RNS] Episcopal priest accused of stealing baseball cards resigns as Pittsburgh cathedral dean: https://religionnews.com/2026/03/16/episcopal-priest-accused-of-baseball-card-theft-resigns-as-pittsburgh-cathedral-dean/

- [World Council of Churches] Churches invited to join global week of prayer for overcoming racism, xenophobia, casteism, discrimination: https://episcopalnewsservice.org/2026/03/19/churches-invited-to-join-global-week-of-prayer-for-overcoming-racism-xenophobia-casteism-discrimination/

- [Sojourners] Inside an ICE Detention Center: https://sojo.net/sojoshare/NTE5NTJ8MjM4MjAzfDE3NzQxMjk4MjN8OQ%3D%3D

- [Sojourners] Interview: She Led a Progressive Seminary Through a Generation of Politics and Protest: https://sojo.net/sojoshare/NTE5NTJ8MjM4MzM5fDE3NzQxMjk4MjV8MTE%3D

- [Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis and Dr. Jemar Tisby] How to Fight Racism: https://substack.com/home/post/p-189280285

- [Diana Butler Bass] Lazarus and Mary? A New Look at an Old Story: https://dianabutlerbass.substack.com/p/mary-in-john-11?utm_source=%2Finbox&utm_medium=reader2

Come at 10:30 a.m. tomorrow, Sunday, March 22 -- the fifth Sunday in Lent -- for a service of Morning Prayer, children's Sunday School, coffee & community, and adult formation after church.

Serving this Sunday:

Sunday

10:30 a.m.

Jazz Eucharist

In person and online

Wednesday

12:30 p.m.



Simple Communion

In person only

Thursday

12:30 p.m.

(new day!)



Midday Prayers

In person only

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. Andrew’s, Kent; Emmanuel, Killingworth; Trinity, Lime Rock; and for members of ECCT's Mission Council, Missionary Society, Standing Committee, Commission on Ministry, and Donations & Bequests.

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

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, Rev. Nihal de Lanerolle, Heather de Lanerolle, Marietta D’Albero, Maria Rodriquez, Marietta Coppola, Paul Mangels, Alexandra Sanseverino, Dr. Milton Coke, Pam Yesner, Rev. Carl Scovel, Karl Mini, Patrick Reynolds, Margaret Perry, Ryan Welch, Jack Welch, Andy & Karla Codney, Kyle Park, Fr. Tom, George Moore, A. J. Crosby, Adrienne Brady, Jeannie & Clemente Campos, Marilyn Bergen, Lydia Albers, Jean Douglas, Melissa & George Cunningham, Joan Cappella, Ruby Slade-Wooten, Yvonne Scott, Joan Farrell, Bishop Gretchen Rehberg

Candidate for Ordination: Milton Gilder

Birthdays: Brian Filmore (3/23), Sally Fleming (3/25), Judy Hopkins (3/26), Nancy Noyes (3/26), Lynne Severance (3/26)

Lenten Adult Formation:

"Harden Not Your Hearts"

From Kelly Park, Seminarian Intern

The St. PJ's Lenten adult formation series is based on "Harden Not Your Hearts," a 2022 online offering from the Ignatian Spiritual Network.

In-person conversations are taking place at church after Coffee and Community on most Sundays in Lent.

Additionally, there is also an optional email portion that began on Ash Wednesday. Each morning you can receive reflections, invitations, and the daily INS link in your inbox. Send an email to kelly.park@yale.edu to be added to the list!

You can receive the emails, come for the conversations, or both! It is my hope that through this time of prayer, penitence, and reflection we will be able to grow together as a community of faith and to shore up our dedication to being Christlike in our hearts, minds, and actions.

VIDEO: Last Sunday's Service and Sermon

Last week, the Rev. Nathan Empsall preached and celebrated Communion for the fourth Sunday in Lent, Laetare Sunday.

If you either missed or want to revisit last Sunday or other recent Sundays at St. PJ's, you can find the recorded livestream on our Facebook and/or YouTube pages.

January Vestry Minutes

Your Vestry met on Wednesday, March 18. As part of that meeting, the minutes for the previous meeting in January were approved (there was no February meeting).

You can read the now-approved January 14 minutes here (PDF).

March minutes will be approved at the next meeting, scheduled for Wednesday, April 22, at 6:30 p.m. on Zoom, and made available following approval.

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! This means that our front yard along Olive Street is fenced off. 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 though fruitful in the long run, this is an inconvenience for now, 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 + Sarah Hill
• Interim Director of Music: Dylan Rowland
• Tech and Music Intern: Dontae James
• Seminary Intern: Kelly Park
• Vestry: Bill Evans (co-warden), Juhani Jaske (co-warden), David Hill (treasurer), Maggie King (clerk), Maurice Harris, Pam Sayre, Vanetta Lloyd, Lynne Severance, David Boyer, Roni Holcomb