In this week's edition:

- This Sunday: Homecoming Potluck!

- Weekly Reflection: Loving both Charlie Kirk and the people he hated

- Hymn Sing Pictures

- Season of Creation events: Church in the Park on 9/21, "Margins and Movements" on 9/30, Blessing of the Animals on 10/4 and 10/5, advocacy, and adult formation

- News from the Wider Church: Faithful responses to Charlie Kirk's assassination, the House of Bishops meets in the Dominican Republic, and more

- This Week at St. PJ's and Cycles of Prayer

- Video: Last Sunday's Service and Sermon

- Safe Church Training

- There's Always More...

This Sunday, 9/14:

Homecoming Potluck!

Homecoming Sunday returns! This Sunday, we will kick off a busy Fall in the Spirit with food and fellowship in the parish hall. Come hear what St. PJ's has in store for the coming program year, grab your copy of the updated parish directory, and bring a dish to share if you can.

Weekly Reflection: Loving both Charlie Kirk and the people he hated

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

The writer F. Scott Fitzgerald famously said, "The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in the mind at the same time, and still retain the ability to function."

Personally, I'm even more partial to this stanza from Walt Whitman’s “Song of Myself”:

Do I contradict myself?

Very well then I contradict myself,

(I am large, I contain multitudes.)

These can be good quotes to keep in mind while reading certain parts of the Bible, which may seem to contradict one another. They can also help us when we're struggling with the news and the conflicting emotions it gives us.

I have been appalled by Charlie Kirk's work and actions for many years, and by the devastating harm he caused by spreading hatred in Jesus’s twisted name at TPUSA Faith and in his regular megachurch rallies.

I am even more appalled by his murder, to the point of nausea when I got the first breaking news alert of what happened to this child of God. This was an evil act that will set America back, and Jesus weeps. Yes, I have long wanted Kirk’s voice to diminish – but by disgrace or conversion, never by violence. Jesus loves Charlie Kirk because he loves us all. He weeps for both Kirk’s assassination and for Kirk’s legacy of hatred and harm.

And so, I am also appalled by the reactions to Kirk’s death: Both the misleading lionization by our right-wing government and, above all, the despicable cheering I have seen by some leftists online.

I feel many things. And like Fitzgerald and Whitman remind us, all these things can be true. I despised Charlie Kirk, and I loved him. Do I contradict myself? Very well, then I contradict myself.

As Christians, we oppose all political violence, full stop, no matter who the target is. Everyone deserves dignity and everyone bears the image of God, even those who refuse to see these things in others. The Prince of Peace did not say, “Those who live by the sword die by the sword, unless you really really disagree with the other guy.” Kirk’s children, 1 and 3, do not deserve to lose their daddy any more than do children whose parents are killed by gangs or by police.

Even more practically – and there are many times when the Bible’s directions are as practical as they are moral – violence simply doesn’t work. It only creates cycles of blood and needless death. Creating martyrs out of MAGA figures like Charlie Kirk will not protect the vulnerable populations whom he persecuted; it will only put them at yet-more risk from an enraged, vengeful movement. Those cheering online that Kirk is dead may not be his friends, but they have certainly become friends of his cause.

We must reject cultures of violence as strongly now as we did on January 6, 2021, regardless of who wields the gun. At the same time, we must also continue to reject the hatred and racism that Kirk promoted to churches and to young voters as he mocked the Civil Rights Act, insulted MLK, and demeaned Muslims and queer Americans. The reprehensible murder of a bad man does not require us to accept the evil things he once stood for. Charlie Kirk’s assassin was violent and wrong, and so was Charlie Kirk in his own way. Both these things can be true.

I wish the president and speaker believed that. When they condemn political violence but only cite attacks on conservative figures like Kirk, Trump, and Steve Scalise -- yet not attacks on Democrats like the late MN State Senator Melissa Hortman, Paul Pelosi, MI Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and PA Governor Josh Shapiro (let alone January 6) -- you can tell that their goal is not to condemn all violence. It is more likely to consolidate their power by encouraging even more fear and division through the dishonest suggestion that the bloodshed is one-sided and the fault of a single party (which of course must be punished and shunned).

Such scapegoating is a classic historical tactic of political fascism. It is also blasphemy when it is cloaked in selective prayer on the House floor, with weaponized prayers offered for Kirk that were not offered for others previously felled by political violence. Thankfully, not all conservative politicians have followed the president's lead; I am grateful for the words of Utah Governor Spencer Cox, who showed a heavy heart as he condemned all political violence and lamented the attacks on Hortman and Shapiro.

If we as a church are to uphold our Baptismal vows of striving for justice and peace “among all people,” then we have a duty to correct these lies and stand up to this scapegoating. Christians must denounce all political violence, no matter the source or target. And we must do so in a manner that, while refusing to accept Charlie Kirk’s sickening murder or rocks thrown at ICE agents, also refuses to accept the hateful culture and fascist politics these men perpetuate. We can and must stand against both, as that is the only way to stand for love.

Charlie Kirk will be on the St. PJ’s prayer list this Sunday. We have prayed for other prominent public figures who died, and we will not participate in a double standard when it comes to prayer. As the nation disintegrates, holding onto holy empathy – including for those who have no such empathy of their own – could very well define what it means for us to be Christian. And it may just be our single best hope for shining a light in this darkness.

Hymn Sing Pictures

Speaking of light in the darkness: Thank you to everyone who came to Monday's Hymn Sing and Ice Cream Social -- and an even bigger thank you to our musicians, Will, Dylan, and Dontae.

Everyone present seemed to believe this was worth doing again. We plan to hold another Hymn Sing sometime around Christmas, and then based on attendance and enthusiasm, consider how often to hold them moving forward. St. PJ's knows how to make a joyful noise unto the Lord!

The Season of Creation is here! This is an annual time for Christians from many global denominations to renew our relationship with our Creator and with all God's creation through celebration, conversion, and commitment. This year's theme is "Peace with Creation."

Through October 5, St. PJ's will mark the season with special lectionary readings and prayers, themed sermons, and the following events:

• Church in the Park outdoors in Wooster Square Park, Sunday 9/21, 10:30 a.m.
• Let Rev. Nathan know if you can come early at 9:30 to help set up

• Advocacy: After church on 9/28, we will write postcards to our officials to support action for creation

• The “Margins and Movements” social-justice book club will feature a creation-themed book selection at its next gathering on Tuesday, 9/30, at 7 p.m.
• "The Serviceberry" is a short read by Potawatomi botanist Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer -- grab it from the St. PJ's Bookshop affiliate page and support the church

• The return of adult formation after Sunday worship with our new seminary intern, Kelly Park, on 9/28 and 10/5

• The annual Blessing of the Animals
• Saturday, 10/4, 9 a.m. - noon in Wooster Square Park
• Sunday, 10/5, 10:30 a.m. during worship

"God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good." - Genesis 1:31

News from the Wider Church:

- [RNS] The 'complicated' path to spiritual care in ICE detention

- [ENS] House of Bishops gathers in the Dominican Republic for fall meeting

- [Sojourners] Do You Pray for President Trump? I Do

"When Liberian women started praying, they toppled a dictator. Maybe we can learn from that."

- [ENS] Utah diocese, bishop urge end to hatred and violence after Charlie Kirk assassination

- [Christian Century] A time for nonviolence

- [Word & Way] Not Worth It

- [Christian Century] Inside 'the new American fascism'

A review of Katherine Stewart's book "Money Lies and God"

(note: Rev. Nathan is quoted in Stewart's book)

Come for worship this Sunday, September 14, at 10:30 a.m. as we celebrate the 14th Sunday after Pentecost, the 2nd Sunday in the Season of Creation, and our own Homecoming.

Rev. Nathan will preach and celebrate the Eucharist.

Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m.

In person and online

Wednesday Prayer 12:30 p.m.

In person

Thursday Compline 8 p.m.

On Zoom

Cycles of Prayer

In the cycle of prayer for the Episcopal Church in Connecticut, we pray this week for L’Eglise de L’Epiphanie, Stamford; St. Andrew’s, Stamford; and St. Francis’, Stamford; and for the Episcopal Church's Province of New England, including the Dioceses of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont & Western Massachusetts -- for their bishops, clergy, congregations, and parish & diocesan staff, and for Provincial Synod & all Provincial Networks.

In the global Anglican Cycle of Prayer, we pray for the Anglican Church of South America.

ST. PJ’S PRAYER LIST: Rachel, Doug Parker, Anne Matthies, Betty Hill, Tim Barnes, Calvin Griffin, Lenny Santarsiero, Rev. Walter MacNutt, Tom Caffelle, Kevin Gerbe, Leota Tucker, Edwina Johnson, Cynthia King, Paul D'Agostino, Richard Holcomb, Tiras Jaske, Uli Mackert, Charlie & Bridget Farrell, Alyce, Judi, Tom, Leslie, Andrew, Pam, Tommy, Beverly Lett, Vanetta Lloyd, Janea Barthle, Lydia Hamnquist, Kate Galambos, Rita Valenti-Piovane, Stephen Lett, Rev. Nihal de Lanerolle, Martin O’Brien, William Evans, Sr., Pam Sayre, Marilyn Bergen, Marietta D’Albero, Leonilda Sanchez, Maria Rodriquez, Brian Bussey, Marietta Coppola, Heather de Lanerolle, Cheryl Harrigan, Paul Mangels, Alexandra Sanseverino

Birthdays: David Rivera (9/15), Tiffany McDowell (9/17), John Abdenour (9/17), Tiras Jaske (9/20)

Deceased: Sandra Staton (friend of Vanessa Lloyd), Cynthia (mother-in-law to Rev. Helena Martin),, Charlie Kirk

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.

Last week, we were joined by a guest celebrant and preacher, the Rev. Cecil Tengatenga.

New Fall Dates for

Safe Church Training

In an important effort to build and protect community for everyone, the Episcopal Church requires that all church leaders (including vestry), staff, and anyone interacting with youth or pastoral ministries take Safe Church Training every three years.

The training is free and can be done in person or online. New fall dates have now been announced by the diocese, and you can find them (and more information) online here.

Bishop Jeff Mello says: "Safe Church Training, and our commitment to creating a church that is safe for all of God’s beloved children, is at the center of our commitment to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Those most at risk for abuse are the very ones Jesus drew close; children, the frail, and those at the margins. To be made more and more into the likeness of Christ is to take seriously the safety and welfare of those Safe Church is meant to protect."

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
• 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
• 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