Eighth Sunday after Pentecost

Luke 12:13-21
Friday, August 4, 2019
In This Issue
Weekly Services

Sunday - 3 Services

10:00 a.m.
Holy Eucharist

1:00 p.m.
South Sudanese Service
Dinka Language

5:30 p.m. Holy Eucharist
Spanish Language

Tuesday

12:05 p.m. Holy Eucharist
For the Summer Schedule please contact the church office. 

Wednesday

6:00 p.m. Holy Eucharist
 
More St. Paul's Here!
facebook
twitter bird
 
This Sunday: 10:00 am 
Join us for Worship at 10:00 am where we will celebrate birthday's and anniversary's.  Stay afterwards as we celebrate the retirement of Father Stan, say thank you for his service to St. Paul's, and bid him farewell.   Please see other important information about this weekend below, and thank you in advance for grabbing your name-tag at the south entrance so we can get to know each other better.  
Rector's Notes: 
 Odd question: Does anyone know any descendents of Newton M. Fitch or Aley W. Hutchings Fitch?  I have a old document of theirs that may have some sentimental value to their family.  Contact Nicole at 816.268.6514 if you have any leads for us.  Thank you.

My final Sunday has arrived.

I started my journey toward ordained ministry in 1977.  In a less formal way, I struggled with discernment of a call to ministry for years prior to that.  Nothing in my life prepared me for the idea of becoming an Episcopal priest.  Looking back however, there were many signs along the way.

In Fontainebleu, France, asking for communion when I was in the 4th grade.  The Army "Protestant" chaplain, who happened to be Episcopalian, talked to me about the sacrament.  I was intrigued by what he told me and thought a lot about the idea of sacrament.  

After touring the buildings of Dachau and seeing the remnants of the inhumanity of humanity, I stood under the gates as I left and read the ironic words, "Arbeit macht Frei" (Work sets you free).  How, I wondered, could God allow this?  For years after, even to this very day, I hear the voice of God, "How can you allow this?"  That experience at Dachau was very important in my life and continues to inform my Christian ethic and interpretation of the challenge of God to the Church to always be prophetic and living the faith sacramentally.  The question for me has never been, "Are you saved?"; rather, it is "Am I serving God by serving the people of God, especially the most vulnerable, marginalized, powerless?"   Returning to the US and the O ld South, my eyes were more open and I became painfully aware of the wicked irony I witnessed in Jim Crow and white violence.  

For much of my life, I turned toward the sciences as a refuge from more challenging questions of society and ethics, but mother science was always for me more avocational than vocational. Once, while a grad student in biomedical research, I was driving a conference speaker,  Ingegerd Hellstrom, a very famous cancer researcher then and now, to the airport for her flight back to Seattle.  She asked me about my work.  Without thinking, I revealed I was struggling with a call to holy orders.  As I recall, she said something like, "you can always follow immunology, but you must follow your heart for your true vocation."  I was shocked at this prestigious scientist allowing me to wonder about my "true" vocation.  Not only that but she encouraged me in my religious struggles.  It was not long after I walked out of the labs and never went back. 

My life unfolded much as I expect God intended.  There were bumps before and I am sure there will be bumps yet to come, but I arrive at this ending confident there is yet a Way calling me.  

I began as a curate at St. Paul's, Meridian, Ms and I end as rector of St. Paul's, Kansas City, Mo.  Along with the stops in between, it has been an amazing journey.  I thank you all for being a part of my faith journey and for allowing me to be part of yours.  

Bishop Barbara Harris, the first woman (who happened to be African American too) to serve as a bishop in the Episcopal Church (Bishop Suffragan of Massachusetts), once served as editor of a religious journal called The Witness.  She wrote compelling and powerful editorials in that journal.  Her signature sign-off for each editorial was "a luta continua," a Portuguese phrase that means "the struggle continues."  I claim this as my motto for retirement.  Lived faith is a lifetime's challenge, and I embrace it.  A luta continua!           rsr+
Parish Calendar 
Information about these events can be found in the "more information" section below.

August 4: Celebration of Thanksgiving & Brunch 
for Father Stan

August 4: Birthday Sunday

August 8: ECW Meeting
Mitzi Foster's home
  

We are thrilled to report that as of July the total pledges to
St. Paul's for 2019 exceeded those of 2018, 28 households increased their pledges, and 13 households made new pledges.

This is great news! 

2020 promises many transitions for us as a faith family, requiring our full attention and care. We thank you in advance for your continued stewardship of this remarkable place. We are reminded daily, and proclaim weekly, that all we have comes by God's grace. We are called to return but a portion of that to serving God's life.

             Summer Blessings ~ Your Stewardship Ministry Team

You can still use the link below to make a 2019 pledge,  or contact the  Church Office  for a paper pledge form.  Thank you for your support financially, for your participation, and by remembering the worship, outreach, and people of St. Paul's in your prayers.

 
             "Godly Play" 

This summer the children of the parish are focusing on serving others. They have planned special projects using their great gifts to meet a world's deep need. Please join us at 10:00 am on the third floor.  Everyone aged 4-11 is welcome to come and bring a friend. Children join the worship service in time for communion. Nursery care provid ed for younger children on the 2nd floor.


Other News & Opportunities

Celebrating August Birthdays Today
 
Amy Barnard, Liz Barnes, Meredith Dunham, Tarz Embry, Hannah Erker, Britt Gerwick, Charlie Gerwick, Erin Graham, Freddie Graham, Henry Hancock, Andrew Hedges, Caroline Hodge, Chase Hodge, Lissy Hodge, Janet Jones, Erin Jorgensen, Bob Kissick, Elizabeth Lacy, Stephen Lichty, Nicole Lux, Amanda Miley, Sharon Mueller, Georgette Page, Sterling Roath, Bruce Robb, Allen Seaton V, Chris Taggart, Joel Watt, Larry Worth, and Nan Yost.
 
What is Birthday Sunday? On the first Sunday of every month St. Paul's celebrates birthdays and anniversaries for the month ahead. During the 10:00 service, persons who wish to (not required) come forward for a brief word of thanks, and the naming of God's continued blessings in their lives. Following the service, we enjoy special celebration treats, and each other's company, during Fellowship in the hall under the church. Join us.
 
If you don't see your name but have an August birthday, or if you have a birthday coming up during the next twelve months and aren't sure we have the correct info, please let us know.  You may email stpauls@stpaulskcmo.org or call the Church Office at 816-931-2850.
******************

Volunteer Transcriptionist Needed
If you can listen to an audio-video recording and convert it into a written report, we need your help. Contact the Associate for more information and to volunteer. 
*******************

Kurt Knecht will be playing a concert with cellist Ho Anthony Ahn at Grace and Holy Trinity on Sunday August 4th at 2pm. The concert is free, and it will feature the music of Vivaldi, Chopin, Dvorak, and Mendelssohn.
*******************
The St. Paul's Photo Directory
Easy as  1- 2- 3:
1 - Sign Up    2- Show Up    3 - Smile!

 
St. Paul's will be partnering with Lifetouch for parish family pictures and publishing a new parish directory. It couldn't be easier! Please find the link  here  for easy appointment-making! We are so excited to partner with Lifetouch because it will make it easier to communicate with each other.  There will be continuing information at church and in the Epistle.
Portrait Dates:
August 26th-29th (Monday-Thursday) for 2:00-8:40pm
If you have any questions, please feel free to
call Alison  816-686-3223 or email her.

*************************

E piscopal C hurch W omen
August 8th Meeting
6:30 to 8:30pm
Mitzi Foster's Home
(Mr. Blanding's Dream House)
1035 West 65th St.
Kansas City, MO 64113
RSVP: Mitzi

1940's Vintage drinks, finger foods, popcorn and movie refreshments will be served.   The Fosters have lived here and been involved at St. Paul's for the last 31 years. Don't miss this rare behind the scenes tour of  Blandings' closet, and basement theatre; looking for St. Paul's artifacts in every room and win the Scavenger Hunt prize!

Admission:  A donation for the St. Paul's Food Pantry  
canned ham , chicken or tuna. 
***************************

Transition Update: A note from Your Vestry
The Transitions Officer from the Offices of the Bishop met with the Vestry and Staff at the July Vestry meeting and gave an overview of the process moving forward, now that Father Stan has announced his retirement. It is fairly simple:
1 - Celebrate Stan and Say Farewell with Love and Thanks (see celebration luncheon info in the ePistle)
2 - Establish clergy coverage for upcoming liturgies until we call an Interim Priest
3 - Welcome the ministry and services of an Interim Priest, who will work with the staff to provide full time attention to the St. Paul's parish until a new Rector is called. 
4 - Discern and empower a Search Committee to work with the Offices of the Bishop to call a new Rector, once the parish has done her work establishing a profile and setting goals.
If you have any questions or concerns about this interim time for the life of the parish, please feel free to speak with any member of the Vestry. Your prayers are appreciated.

Almighty God, giver of every good gift: Look graciously on your Church, and so guide the minds of those who shall choose a rector for this parish, that we may receive a faithful pastor, who will care for your people and equip us for our ministries; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 
 
Yoga on Your Cathedral Lawn:

We are invited to join other Episcopalians and community folk for three different 90 minute Yoga events! They will be All-Levels classes, held on the Cathedral lawn beginning at 1pmAugust 10th, and September 21st . There is no charge. Bring your yoga mat or towel, a water bottle and enjoy the great outdoors!

                ************************

 Prayer Request Forms are for requesting prayers for yourself, and for others. They are available from the box on the wall in the tower room near the pulpit, on the Usher's Desk at the 40th street door, and the Receptionist Desk at the South/School side door. They are also on our website. If you are interested in becoming a part of the Pastoral Care Ministry Team, please contact Heidi Carter, Associate for Ministry.
******************

                  

Bring your friends. Worship God. Spread the Gospel. 

A Prayer For the Good Use of Leisure
O God, in the course of this busy life, give us times of
refreshment and peace; and grant that we may so use our
leisure to rebuild our bodies and renew our minds, that our
spirits may be opened to the goodness of your creation;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
Amen. BCP 825

Bags Wanted
We need your plastic grocery bags!
Could you please bring in grocery bags and place them in the cart next to the Food Pantry entrance? TEFAP has so much produce to bag-up, which is wonderful, but we're depleting the pantry's supply. Thank you!


Help Wanted 

TEFAP & Backstage Hands Needed
at Pantry

TEFAP: The Emergency Food Assistance Program has experienced a large increase in quality and quantity of food coming into our pantry. As a result, more clients are coming, bringing friends, and we are able to help them all. We served over 120 households last month (last year we averaged 80 per month). While we are happy to be able to help more, we really need more able bodied folks to help with moving, setting up, and distributing all of this heavy food. If you are able to help, it's only once a month, on the 3rd Saturday of the month, from 8am - noon. If you work with a youth group, scouting group, or know of youth or young adults needing service hours, we would welcome the connection. Please contact Melissa Hill via St. Paul's at stpauls@stpaulskcmo.org. Thank you!

Backstage: Many of us have seen, and been a part of, the food distribution at  our Pantry. It is humbling, hard and holy work.  But there is a very important part of our Pantry ministry that goes mostly unseen, and it's there that we can use your help.  To save money , where possible and practicable , o ur Pantry acquires bulk supplies of essential items for our pantry clients. It takes time and care to divide-up these supplies for distribution. It includes things like  rice, pasta, dry beans , laundry   and dish detergent, hair care supplies, frozen foods, etc. If you are able to come and help us sort these into shareable sizes, please let us know . Thanks so much. Richard Scarritt , Easom Bond and Sterling Roath .


We need more caring
hands on-deck in the
St. Paul's Parish Nursery.
Each Sunday we have two paid staff persons caring for our youngest (and cutest!) members. All are required to take the "Safeguarding God's Children" training, pass a background check, and love our kids and their families. We also occasionally need nursery caregivers during the week for special meetings, worship services, or events. Please speak with Catie Brouse if you are ready to join the team. Service hours for high school students are available, but the training requirements remain. Thank you!


Coffee Hour Hosts
       

Aug 4 - Birthday Sunday
Aug 11 - Pat Rudy
Aug 18 - ?you?
Aug 25 - Ellen Haden

Hosting Coffee Hour is a fun and easy way to get to know other St. Paul's members! The host brings the food and the church provides the drinks. An example of what a host might bring would be: two large pans of brownies (cut very small), maybe a bowl of fruit (oftentimes grapes cut into small clusters), and a bowl or two of pretzels or popcorn. If you have questions or wish to co-host with another member, please contact Alison.  Dates are available.

******************

verse for the week

But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not look on his (Eliab's) appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart." -- 1 Samuel 16:7 
 
voice for the week

So much of religion and spirituality that is offered to us is about sanding down our edges. It just so happens that the jagged edges of our humanity are actually what connects us to God and each other. - Nadia Bolz-Weber

prayer for the week

Teach us again and again to see the full, beautiful, messy humanity in others and in ourselves, oh God who sees our jagged edges and calls us beloved.   Amen. 

thought for the week

Worship grounds me again in the real world of God's creation, dislodging me from whatever world I have imagined for myself. I have come to believe that when we despair of praise, when the wonder of creation and our place in it are lost to us, it's often because we've lost sight of our true role as creatures - we have tried to do too much, pretending to be in such control of things that we are indispensable. It's a hedge against mortality and, if you're like me, you take a kind of comfort in being busy. The danger is that we will come to feel too useful, so full of purpose and the necessity of fulfilling obligations that we lose sight of God's play with creation, and with ourselves.--
Kathleen Norris,   The Quotidian Mysteries
episcopal shield Episcopal Church response to the crisis on our border
 
 
J uly 2, 2019] Over the past several weeks, The Episcopal Church has responded to the reports of inhumane conditions for children and other asylum seekers in government custody in a number of ways. This response includes calls for donations and goods from Episcopal dioceses on the border, prayers for those seeking safety, efforts to engage in advocacy, and pastoral messages from bishops around the Church.

 
"We are children of the one God who is the Creator of us all," said Presiding Bishop Michael Curry. "It is our sisters, our brothers, our siblings who are seeking protection and asylum, fleeing violence and danger to children, searching for a better life for themselves and their children. The crisis at the border is not simply a challenge of partisan politics but a test of our personal and public morality and human decency."

 
The Episcopal Church, through the Office of Government Relations (OGR) and Episcopal Migration Ministries (EMM), has compiled a list of resources, bishop statements, and information in response to the ongoing humanitarian situation at the southern border.

 
"Reports of poor care for children in Customs and Border Protection (CBP) custody and continued policies to limit access to asylum are extremely concerning to people of faith. We must remember these children are here because they cannot find safety anywhere else," stated Rebecca Linder Blachly, Director of The Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations. "The U.S. has an established system to process asylum seekers, who are coming to the U.S. legally. The response to asylum seekers who are desperate and afraid should not be deterrence or detention. We have the capability to respond in a humane and compassionate manner, and I am grateful for everyone in The Episcopal Church who is responding to this crisis."

 
The list of resources for education and support is available on the EMM website at https://episcopalmigrationministries.org/response-to-the-border-education-and-advocacy/  and will continue to be updated with ways to learn more and take action. The OGR and EMM webinar with Bishop Michael Hunn of the Diocese of Rio Grande will be made available on-demand through this website as well.

 
"The enormity of the challenge is daunting. It is easy to feel helpless to make a difference. While we cannot do everything, we can do something," said Curry.  "The links to resources of bishops and dioceses on the border, the Office of Government Relations and Episcopal Migration Ministries offer practical suggestions for how we can each and together do something."

 
The Office of Government Relations represents the policy priorities of The Episcopal Church to the U.S. government in Washington, D.C. This office aims to shape and influence policy and legislation on critical issues, highlighting the voices and experiences of Episcopalians and Anglicans globally. All of its work is grounded in the resolutions of General Convention and Executive Council, the legislative and governing bodies of the church. Connecting Episcopalians to their faith by educating, equipping and engaging them to do the work of advocacy through the Episcopal Public Policy Network (EPPN) is a key aspect of this work.

 
Episcopal Migration Ministries is a ministry of The Episcopal Church and is one of nine national agencies responsible for resettling refugees in the United States in partnership with the government. Episcopal Migration Ministries currently has 13 affiliate offices in 12 states. To directly support EMM and its life-changing work, visit www.episcopalmigrationministries.org/give or text 'EMM' to 41444 (standard messaging and data may rates apply).

B eyond the Walls of St. Paul's

Opportunities to Stay Connected and Involved

Please Visit Our Website at www.stpaulskcmo.org for information about The Diocese of West Missouri's  Youth Ministries , The Episcopal Church, Outreach opportunities and Advocacy and Community Engagement. Scroll down the welcoming page to find a series of interesting links and information. Thank You.

**********************
click for:


by 6:00 p.m. Wednesdays.  Please help out the Epistle editor and submit your items in a timely way. Thanks!

St. Paul's Episcopal Church and Day School

11 E 40th St.

Kansas City, Mo.   64111

(816) 931-2850