Dear Friends,
“The reward of suffering is experience.” This quote is attributed both to Aeschylus and Harry Truman. I’m guessing Truman, who died 50 years ago on December 26, 1972, was quoting Aeschylus when he said it, though perhaps not remembering the source.
Two major feast days this week remind us that suffering, a topic generally avoided this time of the year, is part of the Christmas season. On December 26 the church commemorated St. Stephen, the first martyr, killed by a mob because he dared to minister and preach in the name of Christ.
On December 28 the church commemorated the Holy Innocents, the children aged 2 and under killed by Herod the Great as he sought to eliminate the supposed rival for his throne who had been born in Bethlehem. Describing what happened, Matthew (2:18) quotes the prophet Jeremiah (31:15): “A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be consoled, because they are no more.”
The holiday season wants to make suffering go underground in at least two ways. One, by muting the suffering of people who feel pressured to observe a “holly jolly Christmas.” Society tells them no one wants to hear their weeping and lamentation. So, people bury their suffering by pretending to be happy, or they isolate themselves to escape the jolliness of others.
Two, the holiday season offers simple ways to help those who are suffering, ways that, while good, usually offer only temporary relief. We who contribute feel good about our efforts. But our contributions too often fail to alleviate the root cause of the suffering, whether that be economic injustice, racism, homophobia or whatever else marginalizes and excludes human beings from the privileges so many of us take for granted.
I don’t think Aeschylus and Truman are wrong. I’ve certainly gained experience through personal suffering. But the experience one gains from suffering imposed by oppression, exclusion and hatred is not a reward. Often, the experience is that society does not care, that they are forgotten.
So, each year on December 26 or 28, I read Howard Thurman’s poem, The Work of Christmas, to remind myself what it is we Christians are called to do as followers of the Word made flesh.
When the song of the angels is stilled,
when the star in the sky is gone,
when the kings and princes are home,
when the shepherds are back with their flocks,
the work of Christmas begins:
to find the lost,
to heal the broken,
to feed the hungry,
to release the prisoner,
to rebuild the nations,
to bring peace among the people,
to make music in the heart.
Your Friend in Christ,
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UPCOMING EVENTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS |
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'TIS THE SEASON FOR GIVING
The seasons of Advent and Christmastide are traditionally times of thanksgiving and remembrance, and we give gifts to celebrate our lives in relationship with others. It is also a perfect time to reflect on the importance of St. Paul’s in our lives and support the mission and ministries that continue to make Christ known in our world, not just on Christmas Day, but throughout the year. There are only a few days left in the calendar year, but your gifts today provide for our ministry tomorrow and beyond. Won’t you please consider making a special gift this season to ensure our ability to live more fully into our call to be a church transforming the world around us? Giving is easy:
- Text MYGIFT to 97000
- Give with cash/checks
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Make your gift online here
- Automatic debit
- Online banking
- Stock
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Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from an IRA (details here)
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CHURCH OFFICE HOURS
Thursday, December 29 OFFICE CLOSED
Tuesday, January 3 OFFICE REOPENS 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Clergy and ministry staff are available by appointment any day of the week, including when the office is closed, except for sabbath rest days.
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NEW YEAR'S DAY SERVICE
Sunday, January 1, 10 a.m. (in-person, no livestream)
Holy Eucharist*
*There will be no 7:45 or 11:15 a.m. services on Sunday, and no Adult Formation will be offered.
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RECTOR'S FORUM
Sunday, January 8, 10:15-11 a.m., Parish Hall
Join the Rev. John Denson, D.Min. as he looks backward to 2021 and forward to 2023. John will share data on membership and attendance in the Episcopal Church, looking at trends over the past few years. He will also look ahead to what you can expect at St. Paul’s in the new year.
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CHORAL MATTINS AND EPIPHANY LESSONS & CAROLS
Sunday, January 8, 11:15 a.m. (Mattins) and 4 p.m. (Lessons & Carols)
Choral Mattins
St. Paul's Choir sings the music of Richard Webster, Charles V. Stanford, William Walton and H.C. Stewart.
Epiphany Lessons & Carols
St. Paul's Choir sings a reflective service of scripture and song. Featuring music by Dieterich Buxtehude, Bruce Neswick, Mack Wilberg, Kenneth Leighton and Gustav Holst.
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LOOKING FOR SPACE?
You’re in luck, we have it! St. Paul’s has available, rentable space for one-time events, conference rooms and longer-term rentals. Know an organization looking for space, please point them our way. We would love to talk to them about opportunities to collaborate. This just in — St. Paul’s Parish Center Kitchen is now a certified Shared Kitchen! We continue to look for ways to partner with our community and utilize our space. Rooms and rates are available to view below. Questions, email Dan Thompson.
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ST. PAUL'S APPAREL
Order now and pick up on Sundays or during Church Office hours
T-shirts and 1/4 zip pullovers with our St. Paul's logo are available in several color/size options; items may be picked up at St. Paul's. Visit here to see apparel and order online now, or fill out an order form at St. Paul's on Sunday.
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JANUARY OPPORTUNITIES FOR NEWCOMERS
Sundays, January 8 & 15, 10:20 a.m.
January 8
Are you new to St. Paul’s, perhaps feeling a bit overwhelmed, not knowing where things are? Maybe you are not new but have no idea of all the places and spaces that we call St. Paul’s. Whatever is your experience, you are invited to join the Rev. Jeffrey Bower for a guided tour. All will meet in the nave/sanctuary after the 9 a.m. service.
January 15
The Rev. Jeffrey Bower will provide an instructed eucharist for those who are new to the Episcopal Church or to St. Paul’s, and would like to know why the eucharist (Holy Communion) is central to our sacramental faith and our tradition. We'll walk through our weekly liturgy together. All will meet in the Chapel of the Good Shepherd, to the left of the nave/sanctuary as you face the altar.
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LUNCH & LEARN
Wednesday, January 11, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Parish Hall
Join Parishioner Sally Flint for an introduction to Native American flute. Sally has been enchanted by the Native American flute's peaceful and soulful sound since childhood when she attended powwows in Wisconsin each summer. Spending time at the Milwaukee County Museum, she was further intrigued by splendid examples of old Native flutes. Sally hopes to tell the story she learned about the creation of the first flute and how — through dreams and prayers during a dark time of her life — the flute became part of her ministry and spiritual path. Some examples of different Native American flutes will be shared with a chance to hear them. Sally aims to teach that the Native flute's simplicity, modesty and power truly make it an instrument accessible to anyone for prayer, healing and meditation. The cost of lunch is $5. Please RSVP to Tana Hunnicutt by Friday, January 6.
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Sunday, January 15, 3-5 p.m., Location TBD
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ADULT GODLY PLAY SESSION
Saturday, January 21, 1:30-2:30 p.m., Room 211 (second floor, Parish Center)
Are you curious as to what Godly Play is all about? This is the Montessori-based curriculum St. Paul’s uses for Sunday School (ages 3-11). Did you know that some churches use this curriculum for ages 3-100!? Enjoy a Godly Play session for adults only. Anyone is welcome and encouraged to join, no strings attached! However, if you are considering becoming a volunteer or storyteller next program year, please join us. RSVP below. Questions, email Laurie Pierce.
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CRAINE HOUSE FUNDRAISER – Save the date
Saturday, February 25, 2023, Northside Events Center (2100 E 71st Street)
All are invited to join for a fun-filled evening of great prizes and raffles to support the programs and services of Craine House. Details to follow.
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ABC CHOIR
If you have a child between the ages of 4-6, join us for fun-filled evenings of singing, musical activities and free dinner for children. ABC Choir meets Thursday evenings through mid-May from 5:15-6 p.m. After rehearsal, ABC choir kids join the St. Paul’s Choir kids for dinner at 6 p.m. Email ABC Choir Director, Ethan Schopp for more information.
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