October 2, 2025 l ISSUE 40

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace ...

The Peace Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi

Sunday Morning Adult Formation Conversations

Join us every Sunday

from 9:30 - 10:15 a.m.

in the Parish Hall

as we listen to God's Holy Word

and discuss how it impacts our personal lives.

9:30a.m. in the Parish Hall

Sunday service

at 10:30 a.m.



UPCOMING SCRIPTURE READINGS

SUNDAY LEADERS

A Note From Fr. Jeff

Just as we were about to begin our service this past Sunday, at 10:25a.m., a lone gunman drove his vehicle into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan, setting it ablaze and exiting his vehicle shot and killed four worshipers and injuring at least eight others. What a tragic and troubling event! 

Gun violence in our nation is completely off the rails. Even as we worship, we are not safe from the hatred that exists in our society. Please say a prayer for the victims, their families, and the congregation as they move to rebuild their lives and their place of worship. As I said in my sermon this past Sunday, we must stand up, speak out, and resist the scourge of hatred and violence that infects our nation.  

On Sunday, October 12th, we will kick off our annual stewardship campaign. It's that time of the year when we are asked to review all of our blessings and look for ways of expressing our thanks by sharing our time, talents, and treasure with God and our St. Paul's community. We are living in some challenging and troubling times, unsure of what the future might hold, and how we can respond, but our faith teaches us that our God is a generous and loving God, always watching over and providing us with all that we need or want, even in the most challenging of situations. There is nothing we should fear or be anxious about. God is always with us.  I encourage you to pray deeply over these next few weeks that the Holy Spirit may enlighten your mind and your heart as you make a sincere and generous commitment to giving back in thanksgiving to God. 

A special thanks to Ed Rehe, our stewardship chair. If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to Ed or myself, so that we can give you the information you need.

Blessings on your week!

Jeff+

Join us as we celebrate the feast of St. Francis of Assisi by taking part in a special service THIS SUNDAY for pets with their friends and families.



Dogs must be on a leash and cats and other small animals must be in a crate.

And for this special service, please

WELCOME

Rev. Deacon Diana Wheeler

Rev. Wheeler’s ministry has been outreach and ministry within the LGBTQIA+ community and service with community nonprofits that serve the needs of marginalized people.

Our next

Vestry Meeting

will be

October 30th

6:30p.m. on Zoom

Our Discernment Team

Wants YOUR Input

“For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not your harm, plans to give you a future full of hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11-13)

Calling our next Rector is an important decision in the life of our parish, and we can’t do it without you. We need your input! Our next “Coffee and Conversation” gatherings are listed below. We want to hear what is important to you as we move into the future and to identify the key qualities and skills we are hoping for in our next rector.

Saturday, Oct. 11, 1:00-3:00PM in Oakville

(Ed & Leanne Rahe’s home)

Tuesday, Oct. 14, 6:00-8:00PM in South St. Louis

(Karen Watts' home)

Coffee & Conversation RSVP Link

Mark your calendar for Sunday, Oct. 26 

11:30 AM-1:30 PM! 

Following the service, we’ll review notes from our small group conversations to find common themes and core values to guide us in our search for a Rector. All are invited! (Lunch will be provided; more info to come!)

Please continue to keep your Discernment Team members in your prayers.

“God our Father, You have a plan for each one of us,

You hold out to us a future full of hope.

Give us the wisdom of your Spirit,

so that we can see the shape of your plan

in the gifts you have given us,

and in the circumstances of our daily lives.

Give us the freedom of your Spirit,

to seek you with all our hearts,

and to choose Your will above all else.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord,

who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns,

one God, for ever and ever. Amen.”

~ St. Ignasius of Loyola

Registration is now open for our 186th Diocesan Convention,“Woven Together,” November 13–15, 2025. Our convention will take place in twoparts: virtually for the important business of the church, and in person for anall-new Ministry Fair and Convention Eucharist. This is your chance to gather,celebrate, explore, and be inspired. The Ministry Fair and Convention Eucharist are open to the entire household of the Diocese; everyone is welcome!

See Bishop Deon play Yoda from Star Wars!

OCTOBER BIRTHDAY & ANNIVERSARY BLESSINGS!