The E-pistle

Friday, April 12th, 2025

Dear friends in Christ,

On Sunday, we will wave palm branches in the air, and sing “Hosanna!” Just a few minutes later, our tune will change, and we will find ourselves uttering the unimaginable—“Crucify him!”—as we take our part in the reading of Christ’s passion.

This emotional whiplash is our entrance, each year, into Holy Week. Palm Sunday is the doorway into our week-long observance of the last week of Jesus’ life, a week that finds us, more than remembering something historical, actually walking, with our own feet and words, in our own time, through those terrible and sacred events that took Jesus to the cross. They are, in the words of the Palm Sunday liturgy, “those mighty acts” whereby God has given us “life and immortality.” Life, and immortality, are at the end of the journey, when we arrive one week later at the glories of Easter. But there are seven long days through which to journey before Easter Sunday arrives.

Holy Week comes to us each year, whether we are ready for it not, or indeed, whether we want it or not. We may not feel like celebrating Easter, if our hearts are heavy with sadness or loss. We may not want to look at the horrors of Good Friday, when our eyes are full of the violent images of our world.

No matter where you find yourself this Holy Week, I pray that there is something in this week that stops you in your tracks, and reminds you of deep and abundant love that God has for you—just as you are, at this moment. It is God’s love for you, and every last person in this world, that took Jesus past the waving palms and down the road to the cross.

Everything we do in Holy Week is about sharpening our focus, preparing our hearts and minds to experience the deep mystery of God’s love for the world in Jesus Christ—made known on the cross, and sealed in hope and joy in his glorious resurrection. It is a privilege to make this journey with you.

We glory in your cross, O Lord,

and praise and glorify your holy resurrection;

for by virtue of your cross

joy has come to the whole world.

Faithfully,

Father Sam

Sunday, April 13th, 2025

8:00 AM Holy Eucharist Rite I

10:00 A.M Holy Eucharist Rite II

Almighty and everliving God, in your tender love for the human race you sent your Son our Savior Jesus Christ to take upon him our nature, and to suffer death upon the cross, giving us the example of his great humility: Mercifully grant that we may walk in the way of his suffering, and also share in his resurrection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Scripture for the Sunday of the Passion: Isaiah 50:4-9a, Psalm 31:9-16, Philippians 2:5-11, Luke 22:14-23:56

Serving this Sunday:

Altar Guild: Cheryl Resetarits

Fellowship: Martha Bodine

Serving at 8:00 AM:

Celebrant: The Rev’d Samuel T. Vaught

Preacher: The Rev’d Samuel T. Vaught

Acolyte/LEM: Rob Maloney

Lector/Intercessor: Jorja Marsden

Greeter: Jorja Marsden

Serving at 10:00 AM:

Celebrant: The Rev’d Samuel T. Vaught

Preacher: The Rev’d Samuel T. Vaught

Assisting Priest: The Rev’d Jane Tillman Verger: Darryl Lafferty

Acolyte: Kim Savery

LEM: Kendra MacLeod             

Lector: Vaunie Graulty

Intercessor: TBD

Greeters: Natalie Boyce and Don Savery

Musician: David Smith

Parish Prayer List

Those who are ill or in need of intercession

Jacob, Kathleen, Donna, Cynthia, Lori, Kit, David, Ann, Celia, Anne, Dawn, Bill, Tom, Tracey, Ginny, Rebecca, Jim, Travis, Faye, Linda, Mary, Emery, Martha, Anne, Win, Beth, Joe, Mike, Janet

Those who have recently died

Dorit Vander Wilden, friend of Patty Melville

Walter M. Gillman, father of Anne Skakel

Charles Folger

Those who have asked for our long-term prayers

Ginger, Heidi, Rick, Allie, Ginger, Joan, Duncan, Bernadette, Ray, Piers, Katrina, Rich, Karen, Michael, Khali, George, Barbara, Christy, John, Anthony, Astrida

Those celebrating birthdays or anniversaries

Devyn Fillio, Mary Maltzoff, Tamara McCandless

Our Parish: St. Paul’s, Stockbridge

That we may grow in faith, hope, and love, and together strive to be the hands and heart of Christ for Stockbridge and the wider world; for Sam, our Rector; Jane and Libby, our Priests Associate; for our Wardens  and Vestry; for the students and staff of the St. Paul’s Children’s Center 

The Diocese of Western Massachusetts

Doug, Bishop

Steven, interim Canon to the Ordinary 

Diocesan Cycle of Prayer (Week of 4/13)

Congregations, Ministries, and Partners in Ministry

St. Luke’s Church, Lanesborough

Latino/Hispanic Ministries

Ecumenical & Interreligious Dialogue

The Church and Wider Mission

Episcopal Peace Fellowship (EPF)

Forward Movement Publications

The Episcopal Church in the United States of America; Sean, Presiding Bishop

The Anglican Communion throughout the world; Stephen, Archbishop of York

Anglican Cycle of Prayer

Sun 4/13: The Church of England

Mon 4/14: Diocese of Matlosane (Southern Africa)

Tues 4/15: Diocese of Mauritius (Indian Ocean)

Wed 4/16: Diocese of Mbaise (Nigeria)

Thurs 4/17: Diocese of Mbale (Uganda)

Fri 4/18: Diocese of North Mbale (Uganda)

Sat 4/19: Diocese Mbamili (Nigeria)

Prayers for those in Authority

The Town of Stockbridge 

The Stockbridge Select Board 

Ernest Cardillo, Jamie Minacci, Patrick White

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Maura Healey, Governor of Massachusetts

The General Court of Massachusetts 

Leigh Davis (House of Representatives) 

Paul Mark (Senate) 

The United States of America 

Donald Trump, President of the United States

Supreme Court of the United States

The United States Congress 

Richard Neal (House of Representatives)

Elizabeth Warren (Senate) 

Ed Markey (Senate) 



Prayers for the World 

For lasting peace in the Middle East

For the people of the Middle East, Sudan, Ukraine, Myanmar, Haiti, and other places of conflict

For kidnapped Ukrainian children and their families and friends

For all affected by natural disasters and climate change, especially in Kentucky

For all who live in fear, especially migrants and transgender children and adults

April Red Letter Days

Monday, April 21-Saturday, April 26: The Great Octave of Easter (Monday-Saturday of Easter Week)

Monday, April 28: Saint Mark the Evangelist (transferred from 4/25)

Easter Flowers

Easter Flower forms will be available in worship bulletins this week. Please return the form by Wednesday, April 16th at church, mail to PO Box 704 Stockbridge, MA 01262, or email Kyra Saltman at parishoffice@stpaulsstockbridge.org with the amount you would like to contribute, and for whom they are in memory of or thanksgiving for.

Lee Food Pantry: Current Needs

Baby wipes

Laundry detergent

Flour

Sugar

Rice

Paper towels

Toilet paper

Items can be dropped off at the back of the church. On the second Saturday of the month, a team from St. Paul’s volunteers to distribute food. Questions? See Jim Wade.

Holy Week Schedule

Sun, April 13: Palm Sunday Holy Eucharist at 8:00 and 10:00 a.m.

Mon, April 14—Wed, April 16: Holy Eucharist each evening at 6:00 p.m.

Thurs, April 17: Maundy Thursday Holy Eucharist with foot washing at 6:00 p.m at Christ Trinity Church, Sheffield

Fri, April 18: Good Friday Liturgy of the Day at 6:00 p.m. at Grace Church, Great Barrington

Saturday, April 19: Holy Saturday Liturgy of the Day at 10:00 a.m., followed by church clean up.  Great Vigil of Easter at 8:00 p.m.

Sunday, April 20: Easter Day  Holy Eucharist at 8:00 and 10:00 a.m., followed by egg hunt in churchyard

Maundy Thursday All-night Vigil

365 nights a year, our church is open for prayer and refuge (and may it always be so!). On one night in particular, you are invited to join with Christians around the world by keeping vigil in the church. On the night of Maundy Thursday (April 17), the reserved bread and wine of communion will be placed on an “altar of repose” set up in front of the baptistry. The palms from the previous Sunday will adorn the space, mimicking the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus prayed with his disciples after the last supper, asking them, “could you not stay awake with me one hour?” The sacrament will remain on the altar throughout the night, the space lit simply by candles and a few necessary lights. You are invited to deepen your participation in the mysteries of Holy Week by praying in this space for a time throughout the night. You may come and go as you please, but a sign-up sheet is attached here with one-hour slots. Our intention is to have at least two people in the church at all times for safety. This sign-up sheet will be available in person on Sunday mornings, as well. If you have any questions, please contact Father Sam.

Baptism/Confirmation Class in Eastertide

If you are interested in Baptism, Confirmation, or the Renewal of Baptismal Vows, please be in touch with Father Sam. He is planning to offer a Baptism and Confirmation class throughout the Easter season.

Sunday Forums Schedule

Mark your calendars for the following Sunday Forums and other activities, which will take place after the 10:00 Eucharist on the following dates. Questions? See Brett Roberts. (brett.roberts25@gmail.com)

April 13: Bible Study on the Book of Esther (read as much of Esther as you can before)

April 20: Easter Day Egg Hunt

April 27: Bible Study on the Gospel of Mark (read Mark - only 16 chapters!)

Opportunities from the Diocese

Safe Church Training

The Rev. Tanya Wallace, our Diocesan Safe Church Officer, will be leading Safe Church training on the following dates via Zoom.

Please consider your commitment as space is limited in each Zoom session. Your parish will be billed for your registration. Registration closes one week prior to training date.

For full details please visit our webpage. You may register by clicking on the date of your choice below. Thank you for helping to keep our churches safe.



Wednesday, April 9 -5: 00 pm - 8: 00 pm (Volunteers)

Thursday, April 24 -5: 00 pm - 8: 00 pm (Volunteers)

Thursday, May 1- 9: 00 am - 2: 00 pm (Clergy, Staff, Lay leader)

Tuesday, May 20 -5: 00 pm - 8: 00 pm (Volunteers)

Saturday, May 31 -9: 00 am - 12: 00 pm (Volunteers)

Tuesday, June 10/Wednesday, June 11- 5:30 pm - 8: 00 pm (Clergy, Staff, Lay leader)

Thursday, June 19-5: 00 pm - 8: 00 pm (Volunteers)

Saturday, June 28-9: 00 am - 12: 00 pm (Volunteers)

Training for Lay Preachers

4 Sessions Online Beginning May 13

This spring we will be offering a four-week Zoom training for new or relatively new lay preachers. The sessions will be offered on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 pm - 7:45 beginning May 13 and ending on June 3.

FACILITATOR

The facilitators of these gatherings will be the Rev. Steven Wilco, Canon to the Ordinary. Steven has worked at the national level on worship planning with the ELCA Churchwide Assembly, the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians, and the Institute of Liturgical Studies. He is ex officio member of our Liturgical Commission.

FOR WHOM THIS IS OFFERED

This training is open to no more than two from a congregation. It may be that you have been raised up by the community for this ministry but have not been trained. Perhaps you currently hold a license to preach in our diocese, but you are looking to learn and grow and deepen your ministry. We hope those who participate will come willing to learn and take some risks for the sake of the gospel. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION, TO APPLY

We ask that all applicants have a conversation with their clergy and/or senior wardens before applying for this training. The standard liturgical license form must be signed and returned via email or USPS by April 30th to be eligible for training. Attn: Karen Warren

Hate Has No Home Here



The Jewish Federation is partnering with local chambers, businesses, cultural organizations, houses of worship, and schools to amplify the message that “Hate Has No Home Here” through posters, social media, and lawn signs (in the spring.) In addition, there will be billboards across the Berkshires in December, January, and February with the expanded message “Antisemitism threatens us all – Hate Has No Home Here.”



Praying the Offices in Church

You are invited to join Father Sam in praying the Daily Office (Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer) in the Church four days a week. Each Tuesday-Friday, Morning Prayer is offered at 8:00 a.m. and Evening Prayer at 5:00 p.m. Come begin or end your day in prayer with fellow parishioners!

Our regular weekday services of Wednesday Zoom Morning Prayer and Friday Intercessory Prayer continue at 8:30 a.m. on those days. Consider staying after Morning Prayer on Fridays to pray through the parish prayer list with others at Intercessory Prayer. Or, if you are a regular at the online Morning Prayer on Wednesdays, and would like to find more ways to pray with others, consider coming to the Church on another day of the week!