St. PJ's eNews: November 8, 2025 | | |
- Weekly Reflection: One Body and One Spirit
- Announcement: Undercroft Entrance Renovation to Begin
- Shutdown Support for Loaves & Fishes and Sunrise Cafe
- This Tuesday, 11/11: Eric Ward, VP of Race Forward, to speak on democracy at Congregation Mishkan Israel
- Reminder: A Generous $12,000 Match Offer
- News from the Wider Church: National Cathedral to host Jane Goodall's funeral, ICE arrest Texas priest despite legal status, food pantries respond to SNAP, and more
- This Week at St. PJ's
- Sunday's Adult Formation
- Cycles of Prayer
- Video: Last Sunday's Service and Sermon
- Safe Church Training
- There's Always More...
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Weekly Reflection:
One Body and One Spirit
By the Rev. Nathan Empsall, priest-in-charge
Last Sunday afternoon, following our All Saints service here at St. PJ's, I attended the installation of the Rev. Emily M.D. Scott as Pastor of First Presbyterian Church New Haven (the one on northern Whitney Avenue that always has big justice banners out front).
I was privileged to read a prayer as were several other ecumenical pastors, mostly Lutheran and Baptist. Another Episcopal priest, the Rev. Daniel Simons of St. Paul's Norwalk, preached. And that wasn't even the most prominent ecumenical touch at the service: Despite being installed at a Presbyterian church, Emily is a Lutheran pastor!
It was truly a beautiful service in a beautiful church -- one whose wooden A-frame construction makes you feel like you're in the woods the entire time. For me, the two most moving moments came when various community partners like Trans Haven and CONECT presented Emily with symbolic gifts. When the immigrant women of Havenly stepped up, Emily's face was so moved as to appear almost transformed. I was also touched when Rabbi Daniel Schaefer and Cantor Sierra Fox of Congregation Mishkan Israel gave the priestly charge. Wow, can Cantor Sierra sing - even solo, she was as transcendent as any cathedral choir.
I had originally planned to write this weekly reflection on recent happenings within our own wider denomination, the global Anglican Communion that includes The Episcopal Church. But after Emily's installation, I felt a desire to write about my own heart for ecumenical collaboration across Christian denominations, bringing the Body of Christ together for love, worship, and justice. Which to choose?
Then I realized that perhaps these two different topics may actually be the same thing.
Here's the very short and over-simplified version of what’s happening the Anglican Communion this fall: A small handful of conservative archbishops from Rwanda, Nigeria, and Australia – alongside some schismatic Americans and Brazilians – released a statement last month claiming they've "reordered" the Communion. They say that they are casting out more pro-LGBTQ and pro-women provinces like the Episcopal Church and the Church of England. That said, their numbers and allies likely aren't as numerous as they claim – and yet we should still care because as Christians, the unity of Christ and the plight of the wider world both matter to us greatly, even if we can’t reconcile over fundamental issues of how to love and include.
So how does consternation between the Archbishops of Canterbury, Rwanda, and Sydney link back to Episcopal me reading a prayer alongside my Baptist friend at our Lutheran friend's Presbyterian? Because whether I’m thinking about the Communion or thinking about how rarely the New Haven pastors actually talk to one another outside of these very occasional services, I find myself repeatedly coming back to the same quote from the Secretary General of the Anglican Communion, the Rt. Rev. Anthony Poggo:
“We must summon up patience and love when members of the Body need to walk at a distance from one another in order better to seek and serve the truth and unity of our shared vocation (1 Cor 11:19). Theological uniformity cannot be demanded or expected without the hard work of discernment over time.”
“Walking at a distance from one another.” I love that. We’re still walking together, just at distances that vary over time. Sometimes we move a bit farther away, sometimes we come closer again, but always, we keep walking in the Spirit. That’s just as true of various American Protestant denominations that worship differently but believe similarly as it is of various Anglican Communion provinces that worship similarly yet read the same Scriptures a bit differently.
Bishop Jeff Mello is a big supporter of collaboration across Episcopal congregations, for which I am deeply grateful. But we don’t have to stop there. Ultimately, we are one body. That body is not just St. PJ’s. It is not even the Episcopal Church. It is the full Body of Christ – and perhaps, given the whole of God’s creation, the beauty of the Jewish sung priestly prayer I heard last week, and the common humanity of the Muslim families that come to Loaves & Fishes - it is even bigger than that. Cut from the same holy cosmic cloth, we are always stronger together, whether it’s learning from one another how to connect with God through prayer, offering moral leadership against authoritarianism, or simply finding new friends to share company through the coming cold winter.
Don’t get me wrong. I love the Episcopal Church, the specific Anglican traditions we offer in our local context, and the jazzy twist St. PJ’s puts on it. None of that needs to change. At the same time, love knows no boundaries, so perhaps worship and service can become well versed in crossing new boundaries as well. As the 1960s Catholic hymn says (and to bring in one more denomination!),
We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord
And we pray that our unity will one day be restored
And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
Or to bring it back to the Episcopal Church, as our Baptismal liturgy states, itself paraphrasing Ephesians: "There is one Body and one Spirit; There is one hope in God's call to us; One Lord, one Faith, one Baptism; One God [Almighty] of all."
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Announcement: Undercroft Entrance Renovation to Begin
From Brian Fillmore, Capital Campaign Project Manager
The long-awaited replacement of the steps to the undercroft, right on the corner of Chapel and Olive, is about to begin. You will soon see fencing along Olive St. to enclose the area while the construction is underway. It is anticipated that the process will take about eight weeks, essentially the rest of the year.
Sunrise Cafe and Loaves & Fishes will continue to operate, using alternate entryways to the undercroft. 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.
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Shutdown Support for Loaves & Fishes and Sunrise Cafe
"Then they also will answer, 'Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison and did not take care of you?' Then he will answer them, 'Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me." - Matthew 25:44-45
As the courts go back and forth on whether President Trump has a legal obligation to fully fund SNAP food assistance during the federal shutdown (the moral obligation not withstanding), the rest of us must step even more than usual to feed the hungry. Like Bishop Mello says, "As the support networks and safety nets of our civil common life seem to crumble and fail, we as faithful followers of Jesus Christ must respond."
Pray. Contact the federal government and make your voice heard. And if you can, please consider making extra donations to our partners at Loaves & Fishes and Sunrise Cafe.
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Nov. 11: Eric Ward, VP of Race Forward, to Speak on Democracy at Congregation Mishkan Israel
What: A Community Conversation: Protecting our Multiracial, Multifaith Democracy
Who: Eric Ward, Vice President of Race Forward and senior fellow at the Southern Poverty Law Center
Where: Congregation Mishkan Israel
785 Ridge Road
Hamden, CT
When: November 11, 2025
7 - 8:30 p.m.
Free Registration Required >>
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Reminder: A Generous $12,000 Match Offer to Fill Our 2025 Gap
By Rev. Nathan Empsall, priest-in-charge
This year, the stewardship campaign has three asks to sustain and grow our shared mission of jazz, justice, and Jesus: To pledge our time and talent, to pledge our finances in 2026, and -- once our 2026 pledges are made -- to make a special one-time gift for the 2025 budget.
The week of September 14, treasurer David Hill and I shared the news that St. PJ's is facing a $31,500 shortfall for 2025. Pledge income has been on track, as have day-to-day expenses -- but rentals have been short of what we'd hoped, and there have been a few large, unexpected expenses (like hiked insurance premiums and an upgraded fire panel).
I am pleased and grateful to share that since that announcement, St. PJ's members have given an extra $7,500 to close the gap. Inspired by this generosity, an anonymous donor is now offering a $12,000 match to close the gap. Moved by the Spirit and a love of St. PJ's, this donor will match every penny given this year -- up to $12,000 -- to bring us to $31,500.
This means that whatever you donate above and beyond your 2025 pledge (and not as part of a 2026 pledge) -- whether $5 or $5,000 -- you will make double the difference.
To everyone who has given in the past month, bringing us to a point where a close-the-gap match became possible, THANK YOU. To this anonymous donor who has stepped up so generously (and dare I say spiritually), THANK YOU. And to everyone who can give anything - -even $2 - in the two months to come, THANK YOU!!!
To give online, use the button below -- or better yet, bring a check to church so that we don't have to pay the online processing fee.
| | "I thank my God for every remembrance of you, always in every one of my prayers for all of you, praying with joy for your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now." - Philippians 1:3-5 | | |
Come to worship tomorrow, Sunday, November 9, at 10:30 a.m. for the 22nd Sunday after Pentecost.
The Rev. Nathan Empsall will preach and celebrate the Eucharist.
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Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m.
In person and online
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Wednesday Prayer 12:30 p.m.
In person
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Thursday Compline 8 p.m.
On Zoom
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Adult Formation This Sunday
In the epistle this week, we hear the letter writer beg the Thessalonians "not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed." And in Luke, Jesus reminds us that we are children of the resurrection who are alive in God, not of this age. In consideration of advancing technology, the uncertain future of the church, and trying to live out our faith, join seminarian intern Kelly Park after Coffee + Community this week for a conversation about faith, hospitality, and generative AI.
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Cycles of Prayer and St. PJ's Prayer List
In the Episcopal Church in Connecticut's cycle of prayer, we pray this week for Trinity, Wethersfield; St. Paul’s, Willimantic; and St. Matthew’s, Wilton; for all deacons & the Deacons’ Council; and for the Province I School for Deacons.
In the global Anglican Cycle of Prayer, we pray for the Church in the Province of the West Indies.
ST. PJ’S PRAYER LIST: Rachel, Doug Parker, Anne Matthies, Calvin Griffin, Lenny Santarsiero, 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, Vanetta Lloyd, Janea Barthle, Lydia Hamnquist, Kate Galambos, Rita Valenti-Piovane, Stephen Lett, Rev. Nihal de Lanerolle, William Evans, Sr., Pam Sayre, Marilyn Bergen, Marietta D’Albero, Leonilda Sanchez, Maria Rodriquez, Brian Bussey, Marietta Coppola, Heather de Lanerolle, Cheryl Harrigan, Paul Mangels, Alexandra Sanseverino, Dr. Milton Coke, Rev. Deacon Felix Rivera, Peter Loden, Pam Yesner, Rev. Carl Scovel, Karl Mini, Patrick Reynolds, Margaret Perry, Ryan Welch, Jack Welch, Freddy and Amy Swindal-Endres, Kyle Park, Rev. Deacon Glenda Empsall, Carol Brennan
Deceased: Troy Tucker (10/28)
Postulant for Ordination: Milton Gilder
Birthdays: Steve Crowson (11/12), Malik Joyner (11/12), Karen Yates (11/14)
Social concerns: All impacted by Hurricane Melissa, especially in Jamaica and Cuba; and those hurt by the federal shutdown, especially civil servants and those who have lost SNAP benefits
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VIDEO: Last Sunday's Service and Sermon
If you either missed or want to revisit last Sunday at St. PJ's, you can find the recorded livestream on our Facebook and/or YouTube pages.
Last week was All Saints' Day. The Rev. Harlon Dalton preached and celebrated the Eucharist. Maurice Harris sang the Litany of Saints, and David Boyer was our stewardship speaker.
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Nov/Dec Dates for Safe Church Training
In an important effort to build and protect community for everyone, the Episcopal Church requires that all church leaders (including vestry, staff, and anyone interacting with youth or pastoral ministries) take Safe Church Training every three years.
The training is free and can be done in person or online. Fall dates have now been announced by the diocese, and you can find them (and more information) online here.
Bishop Jeff Mello says: "Safe Church Training, and our commitment to creating a church that is safe for all of God’s beloved children, is at the center of our commitment to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Those most at risk for abuse are the very ones Jesus drew close; children, the frail, and those at the margins. To be made more and more into the likeness of Christ is to take seriously the safety and welfare of those Safe Church is meant to protect."
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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
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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
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Priest-in-Charge: The Rev. Nathan Empsall, revnathan@stpaulstjames.org, (203) 278-9199
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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
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