August 21, 2025 l ISSUE 34

You are my hope, Lord.

You, Lord, are the one I’ve trusted since childhood.

Psalm 71:5

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

I want to stress once again, if you are receiving requests for assistance or money from me either by email or text, it is not me sending out such requests. Someone has hacked my accounts. Please do not open them.

If you are still thinking about our Gospel from Luke this past Sunday, you are not alone. (Luke 12:49-56)

It was a disturbing message that Jesus proclaimed. Jesus has given us much to think about - what it possibly means to be divided between those we love and care about, and what it means to be true disciples of Jesus. I found this beautiful poem from one of my favorite writers, Steve Garnaas-Holmes, that captures perfectly the challenge we followers face. Take courage to stand apart!

Division

"Do you think that I have come

to bring peace to the earth?

No, I tell you, but rather division!"

-Luke 12:51

This is not the division of enmity

but of standing up for what you know

even if others will think ill of you,

even those you love.

When you are faithful to who you are,

what you truly think and feel,

it may displease some,

who want you to conform, or at least pretend.

We do it all the time.

We go along to get along.

Sometimes "just be yourself"

is an invitation to profound loneliness.

The Beloved knows.

Take courage t stand apart

and let others navigate their own anxiety.

You're not alone.

---------

Steve Garnaas-Holmes

Unfolding Light

www.unfoldinglight.net

Meet Rev. Anne Kelsey

Please welcome The Rev. Anne Hunter Kelsey as our celebrant and preacher as Fr. Jeff is away from the office. Rev. Kelsey has served as the rector of Trinity Episcopal Church in St. Louis for thirteen years and prior to that she served at several parishes in the Diocese of California. She is a graduate of Mills College and the Church Divinity School of the Pacific. She holds a certificate of theology from Ripon College, Oxford, U.K. and has been affiliated with The Church of St. Michael & St. George since she retired from full-time parish ministry in 2013. Say hello to Rev. Kelsey!

For pastoral care emergencies, contact Rev. Kelsey at 314-791-5676.

Paint Bucket Update

We are officially wrapping up our summer fundraising drive THIS SUNDAY. Ten generous pledges were made, raising $4,330 toward our goal of $6,800, attaining approximately 64% of our goal. Remember we received $5,200 from the diocese to assist in the $12,000 paint project. We are grateful for all those who made a personal sacrifice to pledge. Thank you! And if you haven't made a pledge, please consider doing so. It's really never too late. Just drop a check in the collection plate, or in the mail, with a note in the memo section "for the summer fundraiser." Those who consistently watch our service on-line, we'd love for you to make a financial gift toward our efforts. Anything and everything is appreciated!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

Our next BBQ is

THIS FRIDAY

August 22

6:00-7:00 pm! 

If you haven't attended our BBQ yet this summer, plan on being part of the August 22 event. Your help and extension of hospitality to our neighbors is always appreciated!

1^st and 3^rd Neighborhood Meals are Coming!

One more neighborhood barbecue next Friday, August 22, and then our final barbecue of the season on September 26. That can only mean one thing. Our first and third Thursday meals are just around the corner! Yeah!

There is a sign up sheet on the table outside the parish hall for you to sign up to volunteer to prepare and serve the meals now through the end of this 2025. Please take a moment to commit to do your part in extending hospitality and care for our own parish family and those who live in our neighborhood. 

The registration link will be available soon.

 CARPOOLING IS BEING PLANNED

WITH A FEW VEHICLES FROM ST. PAUL'S

TO ATTEND THIS YEAR'S PICNIC.

SEE RANDY WICKS FOR MORE DETAILS. 

LET'S HAVE A GREAT ST. PAUL'S TURNOUT!

Save the date and spread the word—this is one picnic you don’t want to miss!

Interested in Volunteering?

Reach out to our Planning Committee at bowersoxb@gmail.com or kjpmcgrane@yahoo.com to sign up and learn more.

We’re looking for helping hands to assist. Whether you can give an hour or the whole day, your time and spirit will make a big difference.

The Episcopal Church Women (ECW) of the Diocese of Missouri

is holding its retreat and annual meeting on

Saturday, October 4

9 am to 3 pm

Calvary Church in Columbia, MO.

Our theme this year is Creative Soul, Sacred Sound, and it features a program of journaling, storytelling, personal exploration and sound meditation. We hope all Episcopal women will come to our warm, welcoming space and leave with their spirit refreshed. All women who attend an Episcopal Church are welcome to join ECW events at the parish, diocese and national level.

AUGUST BIRTHDAY & ANNIVERSARY BLESSINGS!