In this week's edition:

- Tomorrow, 2/8: Annual Meeting and Potluck Lunch

- Priest's Corner: Political Not Partisan: Pushing Rep. Rosa DeLauro to do more about ICE

- NEW SERVICE: Wednesday Eucharist, 12:30 p.m.

- Mardi Gras takes a hiatus



- Ash Wednesday, February 18

- Lenten Adult Formation: "Harden Not Your Hearts"

- News from the Wider Church: Presiding Bishop appeals for emergency migration ministry, Michigan and Ohio Episcopalians speak out, and more

- This Sunday at St. PJ's

• 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...

Annual Meeting and Potluck Luncheon,

this Sunday, February 8

At long last, the Annual Meeting and Potluck Luncheon is this Sunday, February 8, immediately following the 10:30 service.

Thank you to Aggie Zichichi-Evans and Maggie King for potluck setup. Please bring a dish to share and stay to help clean up if you can!

Business Reports have been written and are provided below. Please read them before the meeting if you can, as the presenters will give only brief summaries and take questions so that we can spend more time in lively table conversation about what St. PJ's means to us. We will also elect vestry members and convention delegates.

• Priest-in-Charge Report

• Wardens' Report

• Treasurer's Report

• Interim Music Director's Report

• Capital Campaign Committee Report

Priest's Corner:

Political Not Partisan: Pushing Rep. Rosa DeLauro to do more about ICE

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

Rep. Rosa DeLauro, seated center, fires back at Rev. Nathan, in brown on the right. Picture from Hearst Connecticut / the New Haven Register.

Our bishops, +Jeff Mello and +Laura Ahrens, have a mantra: The Episcopal Church in Connecticut and its clergy must be political, but not partisan.

I agree with both halves of that. First, we do need to be political. I once took a class from Yale Law Professor Douglas Kysar, who said that politics is simply the art of how people live together: Office politics, church politics, national politics, etc. And, he asked, don't faith and Scripture have a lot to say about how neighbors are to live together? So just like the Hebrew prophets, John the Baptist, and Jesus himself, holding harmful political rulers and their agents accountable is something the church must sometimes do. Like the Rev. Dr. William Barber says, it is pastoral malpractice -- and a failure to love our neighbors -- when clergy ignore the socio-political causes of our people's pastoral needs.

We also need to avoid partisanship in our political work. Broadly speaking, "partisan" means taking sides for the sake of taking sides -- wanting your people to win -- whereas being non-partisan means taking a stand on an issue for moral reasons, regardless of where and how the different sides may line up. We must avoid election endorsements, but we are always able to discuss and critique the policies and actions of sitting lawmakers and officials.

Political but not partisan. I hope that's what my clergy colleagues and I achieved yesterday afternoon at an interfaith clergy roundtable at Congregation Mishkan Israel with our member of Congress, Rep. Rosa DeLauro. Most of us have criticized ICE's state-sponsored brutality and violence -- and the administration leaders behind it. Yesterday, we also directly critiqued a top Democrat for not doing more. This isn't about parties: It's about the underlying moral issues, Scripture's call to justice for immigrants, and our Baptismal vows to renounce evil and respect the dignity of every person. And we must push every politician to do more.

A pastor, a priest, and a rabbi walk into a synagogue library...

Pastor Jack Davidson, Rev. Nathan, and host Rabbi Daniel Schaefer advocate for defunding ICE to Rep. Rosa DeLauro at Congregation Mishkan Israel. [Image: New Haven Independent]

Rep. DeLauro is calling for ten specific ICE reforms, which I certainly support as necessary for whatever agency ultimately handles our legitimate limited immigration enforcement needs -- but I also do not believe the reforms are anywhere near enough. Unfortunately, Rep. DeLauro told me that these ten reforms are her entire agenda for ICE -- including in the long-term -- and that she will never vote to abolish ICE, even if such a vote were possible to win.

Not every faith leader in the room wanted to defund or abolish ICE, but I believe all of us wanted more than Rep. DeLauro was proposing. As a result, while I knew that we would stand firm, things actually got more heated than I expected -- but I stand by what we told her.

The contentious meeting was covered by CT Public, the New Haven Register (and Hearst Connecticut), and the New Haven Independent, with a shorter clip on NBC Connecticut.

***

Pastor Jack Davidson, Spring Glen Church: "You said there were no words after the murder of those two individuals. I think the words are ‘Abolish ICE.’ ... It is very disappointing to hear you say that there is some version of ICE that can be saved after everything we've seen happen." ...

DeLauro: "I have an obligation to govern and to protest when I see what is wrong. And that is threading a needle. You don't have to govern. We can't force changes. I don't have the luxury you have."

[crosstalk]

Davidson: "Frankly, this has gotten so bad that I would rather you vote for what is morally correct and lose than to compromise morality."

DeLauro: "I'm voting for what's morally correct. Don't talk to me about my own morality!"

Rev. Nathan Empsall: "Don't tell your constituents what they can and can't talk to you about!"

DeLauro: "You can talk to me about anything you want, but you can't talk to me about what my morality is! I don't challenge your morality."

Empsall: "No, your morality is wonderful. But what you're voting for is not moral and does not match your values."

DeLauro: "What's not moral about this?!?!"

Empsall: "It's not enough. It will allow ICE's violence to continue. When your office invited us here, the description of this meeting referred to ICE as a 'lawless agency,' and that's so true. If they ignore the cameras around them filming them murdering citizens, they'll ignore the cameras on their body. If they ignore moral law, and if they ignore the supreme law of the land -- the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution -- they'll ignore these [proposed new] laws.

"The cruelty is the point. The violence and imposing tyranny are the point. ICE will keep breaking whatever new laws you give them. They're already breaking more laws than these ten points address -- I don't see much in these proposals to ensure adequate food, medicine, or access to counsel for those in detention." [Rosa scoffed]

"I agree with you that immigration enforcement is needed. But it cannot come from lawless ICE. The agents who killed Good and Pretti were veterans, steeped in years of bad training and culture. New recruits from the last year joined ICE specifically because of Trump's racism and promises of violence. That's what they want to be a part of. Reforms and training won't fix any of that. No one at ICE today can be part of the future of immigration enforcement. It must be abolished. We absolutely need some immigration enforcement, but we need to start over with it.

"I'll say just one last thing. You asked what we're seeing in our churches. Well, I can share that many Spanish-speaking families have stopped coming to the food pantries.

DeLauro: "Of course! They're terrified."

Empsall: "That's right. And if we somehow manage to pass every one of these ten proposed reforms, I still don't think that will be enough to quell their terror and bring them back for the food they need."

***

DeLauro defensively argued about the art of the possible, whereas we pushed her for two hours on the necessity of the moral. I certainly understand that she might be limited by what she can pass today, but that doesn't mean she -- and all of us -- shouldn't still work for more as part of our Baptismal vows.

In the spirit of the Episcopal Public Policy Network in the presiding bishop's office: To support interfaith clergy, push back against ICE violence, and demand defunding, call Rep. DeLauro's New Haven office at (203) 562-3718 or email her and let her know that this is your moral position as both her constituent and as a Christian.

NEW SERVICE: Wednesday Eucharist,

12:30 p.m.

Beginning this week, St. PJ’s will offer a simple Communion service in the Sanctuary on Wednesdays at 12:30 pm. Worship should last roughly half an hour.

This service will occur just as community members are beginning to lineup for the food distribution from DESK and Loaves & Fishes, offering volunteers, visitors, and guests a chance to pray. All are welcome. The parking lot is closed at this time.

My deep, deep thanks to the regular attendees and leaders of the Wednesday Daily Office service for their flexibility! The lay-led service will be held on Wednesday in the Chapel at 2 p.m. this week.

Mardi Gras Takes a Hiatus

We will take a break from our regular Mardi Gras tradition this year. Please let a warden or the priest-in-charge know if you miss the party, and perhaps we can plan something even bigger next year!

Ash Wednesday, February 18

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 18.

This year we will have the imposition of ashes during the new 12:30 p.m. Eucharist and at various "Ashes to Go" opportunities (times and locations to be determined, though likely to at least include the church sidewalk during morning rush hour).

For those looking for an evening Eucharist with ashes, St. Thomas’s at 830 Whitney will have a 7 p.m. service.

Lenten Adult Formation:

"Harden Not Your Hearts"

From Kelly Park, Seminarian Intern

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

There is an optional email portion which, upon signup, will arrive each morning in your inbox with reflections, invitations, and the daily INS link. Send an email to kelly.park@yale.eduto be added to the list!

Additionally, in-person conversations will take place at church after Coffee and Community on most Sundays of Lent. 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.

News from the Wider Church

- [Christian Century] CC's top 25 articles of 2025

- [Episcopal Church] Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe: Support emergency migration ministry

- [ENS] Episcopal Church, partners argue appeal in suit seeking immigrant protections at houses of worship

- [ENS] From New York to New Mexico, Episcopalians speak against new ICE detention centers

- [ENS] Southern Ohio Episcopalians continue support for Haitian immigrants as Trump administration seeks to end protected status

- [ENS] Michigan cathedral hosts interfaith gathering to protest federal immigration enforcement actions

- [RNS] Not all are called to be martyrs like Alex Pretti. But we can be witnesses - by Catholic Bishop Joseph Tyson

- [Word & Way] At National Prayer Breakfast, Hegseth Says US Soldiers Gain Salvation by Dying for ‘Christian Nation’

Come at 10:30 a.m. this Sunday, February 8, the fifth Sunday after the Epiphany, for Holy Eucharist, children's Sunday School, coffee & community, and the Annual Meeting.

Serving this Sunday:

Sunday

Worship

10:30 a.m.

In person and online

Wednesday

Simple Communion

12:30 p.m.



In person

Wednesday

Daily Office

2:00 p.m.

In person

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. David’s, Gales Ferry; St. James’, Glastonbury; St. Luke’s, Glastonbury; church musicians: organists; choirs & choir directors; bands; community chorister programs; and for parish & diocesan committees on liturgy, music & worship.

In the Anglican Communion Cycle of Prayer, we pray for Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui (the Hong Kong Holy Catholic Church, also known as the Hong Kong Anglican Church (Episcopal)).

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, Rita Valenti-Piovane, Rev. Nihal de Lanerolle, Heather de Lanerolle, Marietta D’Albero, Maria Rodriquez, Marietta Coppola, 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, Andy & Karla Codney, Kyle Park, Carol Brennan, Fr. Tom, George Moore, A. J. Crosby, Adrienne Brady, Jeannie & Clemente Campos, Marilyn Bergen, Lydia Albers, Jean Douglas

Postulant for Ordination: Milton Gilder

Birthdays: Bev Lett

VIDEO: Last Sunday's Service and Sermon

Last week, Rev. Nathan celebrated Communion and preached on the social-justice Scriptures of the day and recent news about Minneapolis, ICE, and the Border Patrol.

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.

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! 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.

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 -- first during the holidays, now with winter ongoing, and with some still reeling from the pause in SNAP benefits -- 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
• 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