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The Good News
May, 2025
The Season of Easter
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The Monthly Newsletter of St. Paul's Episcopal Church
| | + To know Christ better and make Him better known + | | |
IMPORTANT DATES AT-A-GLANCE
Every Wednesday, 12:10pm Liturgy of the Word & Holy Communion
First Saturday of Every Month, 10am Acolyte Training
2nd & 4th Saturdays, 10am Food Pantry Bag Prep
2nd & 4th Sundays, 12pm Food Pantry Service Day
2nd Sunday Each Month, 4pm A Service of Evensong
4th Sunday Each Month, 8pm A Service of Compline
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Rector's Message
The Rev. Dr. Mauricio Wilson
DO NOT BE AFRAID
Fear and anxiety seem to be abundantly present in our present times. There are many who eagerly await for their sources of news and information to pop out the most recent events and opinions that will captivate and imprison our society’s attention for hours, if not days or weeks. So many of us are raptured by Facebook, TikTok, X and every smartphone app that shares snippets of information that require us to twirl our fingers for hours on end seeking to find the full truth, and nevertheless, truth evades us time and again. We have become victims of information overload. We consume it whether it's needed or not, whether it's empowering or debilitating, whether it's morally correct or insidiously corrupt. We take it all in and question ourselves about the source of our fear and anxiety.
I wish I could say that there's an easy way to overcome these things that haunt us as individuals and as a collective. There isn't. The internet is here to stay and ways in which we give and receive information are only going to increase.
What I can say without equivocation is that I place the greatest portion of my trust in the Good News of God in Christ than in any other form of news. The chorus of the hymn by Gloria and William Gather, Because He Lives, pops up in my mind:
Because He lives I can face tomorrow;
Because He lives all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living just because He lives.
To some it will sound simplistic for me to say that my day begins and ends with the faith that with Jesus’ gift of the Holy Spirit’s presence in my life, fear and anxiety, though present, do not dominate my day or life.
In the midst of every moment of trial, tribulation and uncertainty Jesus called his followers to not fear, but believe. He himself faced the fear of death on the cross with the faith of the Father's love and grace. The resurrected Jesus presents himself to his disciples and to us with wide open, showing the marks of his treacherous path to gain our redemption and again invites them to let go of their fear and change the world. Which they eventually did. The invitation extends to our time, to each of us. Jesus lives. We can face tomorrow, without fear because he holds the future, and life is worth living, because Jesus lives.
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Message from the Senior Warden
I am so thankful that Blessed Paul's conversion story and his letters were kept and included in the Bible. These letters written to forming Christian congregations give us a lot of insight into how people thought about their relationship with God and Christ and each other.
In our Easter readings of the Acts of the Apostles, Saul/Paul is blinded by a heavenly flash of light on the road to Damascus. His travel companions must lead him the rest of the way. He is so affected that he does not eat or drink for three days. He then encounters an Apostle, Ananias, who heals him and restores his sight. Saul/Paul is forever changed. Later in the Epistle to the Colossians, Paul writes:
And you who were once estranged and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his fleshly body through death, so as to present you holy and blameless and irreproachable before him-- provided that you continue securely established and steadfast in the faith, without shifting from the hope promised by the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven. I, Paul, became a servant of this gospel.
This passage calls us to notice God and Christ in all things; The world around us - in ourselves - in each other. It is also calling us to understand that we are reconciled to God and that we go blameless before Christ, provided that we are faithful and proclaim the Good News.
I'm working on some very intentional prayers that center on reconciliation, and I find these readings to be very helpful in learning to trust God, to forgive myself and others and to seek out reconciliation. I feel so out-of-balance if I am not in accord with my friends and loved-ones. When I am estranged and hostile in mind and heart, I need to remember that I can lean on the source of reconciliation with God and proclaim that I am forgiven through Christ and are indeed beloved, as is everyone around me.
I, Pam, am a servant of this gospel.
Easter Peace and Blessings,
Pam
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Sunday, May 18
Cara Meredith preacher, and a conversation about her new book, Church Camp
Our own published author Cara Meredith will preach at the 10am service on May 18. After the service, Cara and Father Mauricio will lead us in a conversation about subjects from Cara's newly-released book, Church Camp: Bad Skits, Cry Night, and How White Evangelicalism Betrayed a Generation.
- What does it mean to hold onto paradox and tension in the life of faith?
- White evangelicalism: Harmful or helpful?
- How we talk about, approach, and do something at intersections of race and faith?
Please join us!
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Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.
Proverbs 16:24
No Mow May
Don't mow your lawn in May. ”No Mow May," a growing movement that encourages homeowners to let their lawns grow wild for the month. This allows wildflowers and other beneficial plants to bloom, providing crucial food and habitat for early-season pollinators like bees and butterflies emerging from winter. By skipping mowing, you contribute to local biodiversity and support these important creatures at a time when floral resources might be scarce.
According to the Xerces Society, typical lawn weeds may not be best for bees. You can go beyond cutting back on mowing by changing your lawn to include more flowering species. A “bee lawn” may include white clover (Trifolium repens) and other low-growing flowering plants such as creeping thyme (Thymus spp.), selfheal (Prunella vulgaris), and others. Some plants, such as native violets (Viola spp.), may already be present and should be encouraged as they are valuable host plants for butterflies.
There are also side benefits to no or low mowing in Spring, like saving water and increasing drought tolerance, reducing air and noise pollution from gas-powered lawn mowers, and better conditions for other invertebrates like lacewings and fireflies that like longer grass. For more information contact Bee City USA an initiative of the Xerces Society.
Indira Balkissoon
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Hello St. Paul's families!
Believe it or not, the Sunday School year will wrap up soon. We have a few celebrations planned, and we'd love for you to join us!
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This Sunday (May 4) is Youth Sunday - the young members of our church will lead key parts of our service, including the sermon, during the normal 10am time. No preparation is necessary, unless you've already agreed to help Deacon Carolyn with something in particular. We will bring the children into the FaithQuest room at the start of the service to prepare a little surprise for the congregation, and then your child will sit with you during the service.
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Deacon Carolyn will lead a special kid-friendly communion experience on Sunday, May 18, during the FaithQuest lesson time. She did this last month as well and the children were enthralled.
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On Sunday, June 1, Deacon Carolyn will lead us on an end-of-year outing to Fairyland, for a brief worship in the chapel there, followed by some play. Please email me or another FaithQuest teacher if you would like to join us.
- Our lessons in the Easter Season will focus on the story of Thomas and the risen Christ, Jesus as the Good Shepherd, and Paul welcoming the Gentiles into the early Christian community.
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Our final FaithQuest lesson will be on Sunday, June 8 (Pentecost). We will resume again in the fall, with the choir.
Summer is a quieter season at St. Paul's, and FaithQuest takes a break to let our volunteer teachers rest. We have some early ideas about how to continue to support our families with young children over the summer, and we'll share more details soon.
We know (firsthand!) how much of an effort it is to bring your children to worship with us, and we are so grateful for the blessing of their presence. Reach out with any questions, and we hope to see you on Sunday!
Scott Buckingham, Sheila Fischer, Athena Honore, Katie and Digger Lauter, Virginia McManus, Sarah Smith
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Weekly Prayer Call via Zoom
TUESDAYS 11am PST
We'll Walk Hand In Hand
We Are Not Afraid
God Is On Our Side
A group of us are getting together via Zoom once a week to share prayers, information, and hope.
We meet via Zoom every Tuesday at 11am Pacific Time, and everyone is welcome. If you have favorite prayers, please bring them to share.
To get the Zoom link, please email Paula Hawthorn paula.hawthorn@gmail.com
We are stronger together. Please join us when you can!
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Social Justice and Community Outreach at St Paul’s Oakland
Following the example of Christ this committee is always working to stand up and be active in the fight for the rights of everyone. We now have t-shirt available to raise money so that we can help immigrants who are now being detained and deported.
A suggested donation of $30 is requested for each shirt. Our priority is to repay Carol Paxton for the supplies she sent to one man who is getting deported. If you would like a t-shirt, you can contact Paula Hawthorn or Matthew Schooler for details.
You can find links on our St Paul’s website for all who are interested in helping spread the Love of Christ. There are also links for those interested in various actions and protests.
Immigration Updates with the Office of Government Relations and Episcopal Migration Ministries via Zoom
Tuesdays, 10-10:30am PST
Join us every Tuesday for a 30-minute call on the changing landscape of U.S. immigration, refugee, and migration policy. Episcopal Migration Ministries will share updates and resources and will be joined by the Office of Government Relations and the Chief Legal Officer. Spanish interpretation will be available.
REGISTER HERE
Office of Governmental Relations Weekly Network Call via Zoom
Thursdays, 10-10:30am PST
Join the Office of Government Relations (OGR) for 30-minute, weekly conversations about the policies and legislation we are advocating with Congress and the Administration. Every Thursday, OGR staff will provide an overview of the political environment and legislative outlook, tips for advocacy, and time for questions from you.
REGISTER HERE
Matthew Schooler
Co-Chair of Social Justice and Community Outreach Committee
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Pastoral Care Team
Illness, surgery or life limiting challenges may present barriers to our physical
participation in worship. At these times, maintaining connection to the faith community
is more important than ever.
There are many ways that we can and have supported each other during challenging
times: a meal provided, a ride to a medical appointment, a visit or phone call, or
intercessory prayer can help those who are unable to attend worship stay connected
and cared for. St. Paul’s is moving closer to formalizing an expanded lay led pastoral
care team.
We have taken the first steps to schedule training for potential Eucharistic
Ministers and Visitors who will be able to bring the sacrament to parishioners at home or in the hospital.
This training helps us become more familiar with the prayer book, writing intercessory prayers, and training us to administer the sacraments as representatives of the church, as well as a broader understanding of pastoral issues presented by life limiting illness. The training will consist of both in person and zoom sessions, beginning March 11.
If you are interested in learning more please contact Sharon Pilmer at
pilms@hotmail.com.
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Festival Evensong for the Feast of the Ascension
7:00 pm, Thursday, May 29
This beautiful evening of prayer and music will mark the beginning of a new annual tradition at St. Paul’s.
All are welcome!
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Prometheus Symphony Orchestra
Eric Hansen, Music Director
Sunday, May 18, 2025 3:00 PM
(Preconcert talk at 2:40PM)
TICKETS HERE
Frank Bridge • The Sea – Suite for Orchestra
Jean Sibelius • Violin Concerto in D minor
Ariel Pawlik-Zwiebel, violin soloist, Khuner Young Artist Concerto Competition Winner
The FIFTH (and final) CONCERT of our Diamond Jubilee 2024-25 Season features The Sea by British composer Frank Bridge depicting the beauty and power of the ocean in four movements: Seascape; Sea Foam; Moonlight; Storm. This work provides a counterpoint to the other popular musical description of the sea.
The program also includes the demanding and beautiful Violin Concerto in D Minor by Jean Sibelius. This virtuoso work will be performed by the second Khuner Young Soloist Concerto Competition winner, Ariel Pawlik-Zwiebel. He captures the scales, double stops, slides, and arcane maneuvers at a dizzying pace in this
difficult and beautiful work with aplomb.
You definitely will want to hear him.
There is no admission fee for our concerts but donations are gratefully accepted.
Tickets are required for admission.
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SPANISH LANGUAGE & CULTURAL IMMERSION PILGRIMAGE TO ANTIGUA
The Very Rev. Julia McCray-Goldsmith and John McCray-Goldsmith are hosting a Spanish Language and Cultural Immersion Pilgrimage in Antigua, Guatemala, from February 2-14, 2026. Open to Episcopal clergy, lay leaders, and others, this all-inclusive trip offers one-on-one Spanish instruction, home-stays with local families, and a weekend excursion to Lake Atitlán to engage with indigenous communities. Language instruction is provided by CSA, a well-established Guatemalan academy, and additional lessons can be arranged. Participants will explore the region’s rich history, culture, and natural beauty while deepening their language skills.
For more information or to register, contact the Very Rev. Julia McCray-Goldsmith or visit portal.myfaithjourneys.com (Group Number 26007). The trip is organized by Faith Journeys (877-732-4845, info@myfaithjourneys.com).
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Video Presentation of Holy Week & Easter Photos
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Ways to Give to St. Paul's Oakland
Cash in an envelope in the plate, with your name on it so we know who it came
from. Do not send cash in the mail.
Paper check, in the plate or mailed to the office.
By credit or debit card. Visit our website, www.stpaulsoakland.org, click the red
“GIVE” button, select “give to annual pledge”, select the frequency, the amount,
and “give by Credit/Debit Card”. Credit card companies typically charge a fee
which you may elect to pay so that the church sees the full value of your gift.
Direct transfer from your bank, otherwise known as an ACH (automated clearing
house) transfer. You may set this up directly with your bank, as a recurring
payment, OR you may set it up on our website following the same instructions as
for a credit card payment, but select “ACH bank transfer” instead. ACH fees tend
to be less than credit card fees.
Gifts of stock, mutual funds etc. Contact Sharon Pilmer, chair of the stewardship
committee for instructions.
Make a Qualified Charitable Distribution. If you are over the age of 70 ½ years
and have an IRA, you may make a tax-free gift directly to St. Paul’s. Contact
Sharon for instructions.
Questions? Reach out to our bookkeeper Joan at finance@stpaulsoakland.org or
Sharon Pilmer at pilms@hotmail.com.
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CLERGY
The Rt. Rev. Austin Rios, Bishop of California
The Rev. Dr. Mauricio J. Wilson, Rector
The Ven. Canon Carolyn Bolton, Archdeacon
The Rev. Christian Harding
Assisting Priest
The Rev. Linda McConnell
Assisting Priest
The Very Rev. Julia McCray Goldsmith
Assisting Priest
The Rev. Rachel Dykzeul, Deacon
STAFF
Benjamin Bachmann, MMusic, FAGO, Music Director
Philip Saunders, MMusic, Assistant Music Director
Jackie Kamakate, Parish Administrator
Joan Clerk, Bookkeeper
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VESTRY
Class of 2025
Pamela Kruse-Buckingham - Sr. Warden
Richard Larson - Jr. Warden
Daniel (Digger) Lauter - Treasurer
Class of 2026
David Anderson - Clerk
Paula Hawthorn
Doug Jensen
Class of 2027
Virginia McManus - Secretary
George Strait
Annette Blue
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Pamela Kruse-Buckingham & Victoria Larson
Co-Editors
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