The E-pistle

Friday, March 28th, 2025

The Rectory on Wednesday, March 26, after our latest Lenten Supper

Dear friends in Christ,

Every time there is a baptism in church, and on a few other special days in the year, we all collectively renew our Baptism Covenant, the promises that we made, or that were made on our behalf, in our baptism. We affirm our faith in one God who is three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and promise, with God’s help, to follow Christ in prayer and worship, repentance, proclaiming the good news, loving our neighbor, and striving for justice and peace in the world. These are not just one-time promises, and so it’s good to have a regular chance to renew them.

Sometimes, Christians who are already baptized, and already confirmed, feel the desire to go through a process of preparation not unlike that for baptism and confirmation, in order to make a more serious reaffirmation of the vows once made in baptism. Maybe it’s been a while since you were confirmed or baptized. Maybe you’ve returned to an active life of faith after a more quiet period. Maybe Christ is inviting you into a deeper relationship, a closer walk of discipleship, through a public reaffirmation of the promises we make as disciples.

In this rite, the Bishop, representing the wider church beyond Stockbridge, prays for those seeking reaffirmation: “May the Holy Spirit, who has begun a good work in you, direct and uphold you in the service of Christ and his kingdom. Amen.”

If that sounds appealing, or if you have questions and want to know more, please let me know! Whether through Baptism, Confirmation/Reception, or the Reaffirmation of Baptismal Vows, if you are feeling drawn into deeper relationship with Christ, there is a form of public commitment that is right for you. As we say each week in the invitation to communion: Christ calls each of us; all are welcome in this place.

Faithfully,

Father Sam

Sunday, March 30th, 2025

8:00 AM Holy Eucharist Rite I

10:00 A.M Holy Eucharist Rite II

Gracious Father, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ came down from heaven to be the true bread which gives life to the world: Evermore give us this bread, that he may live in us, and we in him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Scripture for the Fourth Sunday in Lent: Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32

Serving this Sunday:

Altar Guild: Jorja Marsden

Fellowship: Brett Roberts

Serving at 8:00 AM:

Celebrant: The Rev’d Samuel Vaught

Preacher: The Rev’d Samuel Vaught

Acolyte/LEM: Darryl Lafferty

Lector/Intercessor: Linda Mason

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: Diane Dillon

Intercessor: Frank Smith

Greeters: Gale Page and Frank Smith

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

Those who have recently died

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

Sebastian Bonner, Georgeanne Rousseau

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 3/30)

Congregations, Ministries, and Partners in Ministry

St. Francis’ Church, Holden

Lay Employees of the Diocese

Clergy Spouses and Families

The Church and Wider Mission

Episcopal Church Missionary Community

Society of Saint John the Evangelist (SSJE)

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 (week of 3/30)

Sun 3/30: The Anglican Church of the Congo

Mon 3/31: Diocese of Maryland (USA)

Tues 4/1: Diocese of Masasi (Tansania)

Wed 4/2: Diocese of Maseno East (Kenya)

Thurs 4/3: Diocese of Maseno North (Kenya)

Fri 4/4: Diocese of Maseno South (Kenya)

Sat 4/5: Diocese of Maseno West (Kenya)

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)

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.

This Sunday: Mothering Sunday Brunch

In some parts of the Anglican Communion, the Fourth Sunday in Lent is known as Mothering Sunday, a day to return to the parish of your childhood and honor your mother (your human mother and your mother parish church, where you were raised). In some places, it is a custom for the men of a parish to serve a Mothering Sunday brunch for the women.

On Sunday, coffee hour will be a special Mothering Sunday brunch, prepared and served by the men of the parish. We invite all women to have a seat and be treated to brunch as an act of love and thanks for all you do for St. Paul’s, your families, and the world! Thanks to Brett Roberts for introducing and planning this event.

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.

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 Stations of the Cross at 12:00p.m, details and location TBD 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.

Loving our Neighbors with Multicultural BRIDGE

Parishoners are invited to join two upcoming events hosted by Multicultural BRIDGE, located at the Solidarity House in Great Barrington. For more information about Multicultural BRIDGE, click here. If you have any further questions, please reach out to Tracy Johnson.

April 9th from 7:00 - 9:00 PM: Nonviolent Tactics for Community Defense: A Training with Andre Henry. To learn more about this event, click here.

April 10th at 10:00 AM: Strategies For Food Justice and Food Sovereignty: Conversation With Dr. Leeja Carter: For more information, click here.

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)

March 30: Mothering Sunday Brunch

April 6: Bible Study on the Book of Esther (read as much of Esther as you can before)

April 13: Palm Sunday, no forum

April 20: Easter Day Egg Hunt

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

Lenten Retreat Day for Young Adults 18-40

The Young Adult Ministry Network (YAMN), led by both lay and clergy young adults in the diocese, organizes events open to young adults throughout out region who are seeking to grow in faith and friendship. YAMN defines "young adult" as anyone 18-40. Coming up, the network is holding its second annual Lent retreat day on Sat. April 5th at Grace Episcopal Church in Amherst. We ask that you spread this news to any young adults you know who might be interested and eligible. Please register by Thurs. Mar 27th or as early as possible, so the retreat organizers can make plans for lunch and worship. If you have any questions or if young adults in your congregation have questions, please reach out to the Rev. Megan McDermott, Priest Associate and Director for Creative Formation at Grace Church, at mmcdermott@gracechurchamherst.org. You can register for the event here.

Lent Formation Series: “In the Garden”

Our Lenten supper series returns this year on Wednesday nights in the Rectory. This year, our theme is “In the Garden.” Have you considered that the creation story in Genesis, Jesus’ arrest, and Jesus’ resurrection all take place in gardens? Is that a coincidence? Why is there a tree at the center of Eden and a tree at the center of heavenly Jerusalem in the book of Revelation? We will explore the important gardens and agricultural images in scripture as we walk the journey towards Easter together. A simple supper of soup and bread will be served each evening.

In the Garden: 2025 Lenten Formation Series

March 12: Life Began in a Garden (Creation)

March 19: Trees by Streams of Water (Life in Christ)

March 26: Laborers in the Vineyard (The Kingdom of God)

April 2: The Garden of Gethsemane (Suffering and Death)

April 9: An Empty Tomb in a Garden (New Creation)

All sessions will be at 6:00 p.m. in the Rectory.

Journey through Lent

Attention: Parents and Grandparents

We’re offering something new for families with preschool and elementary children or grandchildren—a booklet of simple yet meaningful activities for each week of the Season of

Lent, which began on Ash Wednesday, March 5. The suggested activities center around themes of blessing, loving our neighbors, hospitality, giving, and praying. You can pick up a copy of “Journey through Lent” on the Children’s Table in the church. If you would rather receive a copy by mail, please e-mail our Priest Associate Libby Wade. (libby_wade@yahoo.com).

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.

Tuesday, April 1/Thursday, April 3 - 5:30 pm - 8: 00 pm (Clergy, Staff, Lay leader)

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 May13 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

Training for Lay Worship Leaders

April 2nd at 7:00 p.m. online

On Wednesday, April 2nd, the Rev. Dr. Harvey Hill and the Rev. Terry Hurlbut, will offer a Zoom training to interested laypersons who want to learn how to lead the Daily Offices, in particular Morning Prayer. This is for brand new leaders or can be a refresher for folks who are already licensed to lead worship. Registration is here.

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!