One Down, Seventeen to Go

Thanks to the hard work of so many, we made it through our first week with Greta away on her Sabbatical... and everything was fine. The music was great, our readers and lay ministers were outstanding in their roles, our deacons hit it out of the park, and I did my part. Most importantly, the Holy Spirit showed up, as the Holy Spirit shows up every time we worship, regardless of who is there (or not). 

I have not spoken with Greta, as I was instructed to contact her only if there is a big emergency, but I might well imagine she is pleased that we can come together as a team, like we did on Sunday (and for the next seventeen Sundays to follow), to allow her the time to be away and recharge.

I have had the occasion for one Sabbatical in my years in ministry, and it was transformative for me and for the community I served: for me, in that it helped me realize that the community I served would be okay without my presence, even for an extended time; and for the community I served for much the same reason, in that they realized they could pull together to do the work without my presence, even for an extended time. 

I am hopeful for the time ahead: that we learn a lot about one another, who the Holy Spirit is calling us to be as we go forward, and how we will welcome Greta upon her return. In the meantime, my spirit is buoyed by you and your many ministries, as well as by Sunday's worship. I pray that the next weeks will be similarly holy. See you there. 

Yours humbly in Christ, Bobby+ 

Thank You

Thanks to the Migrant Justice Liaisons and others who gathered in support of Migrant Justice on May Day last week.

Thanks to the St. Paul's COTS Liaisons for fundraising for and walking in the COTS walk last weekend.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the Good Friday offering, due to your generosity we were able to send over $480 to support their mission.

This Week in Adult Forum: Sin and Atonement

Adult Forum this week honors a special request to talk about theologies of Sin and Atonement. There are different thoughts on these things and we will do our best to cover the most applicable to us. What is the Greek understanding of Sin? What is the Hebrew understanding of Sin? Do Episcopalians believe differently than the other mainline denominations?

Come find out this Sunday after worship and a snack. Questions and discussion are encouraged. 

Cathedral Arts Presents Alan Chiang, Piano

Cathedral Arts is proud to present Alan Chiang performing a variety of works by Beethoven, Chopin, Brahms, and Schumann on the piano.

Alan hails from South Burlington and has performed at Carnegie Hall and many international summer music festivals.

Tuesday, May 20 at noon. This is a free concert. Donations to Cathedral Arts are always gratefully accepted.

Program:

Ludwig van Beethoven Variations and Fugue in E-flat major, Op. 35 ("Eroica Variations")

Frederic Chopin Scherzo No. 4 in E Major, Op. 54

Robert Schumann Toccata in C, Op. 7

Johannes Brahms Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Handel, Op. 24

Worship Cancelled Sunday, May 25 for Vermont City Marathon

On Sunday, May 25 there will be no worship services at the Cathedral, as downtown Burlington roads will be closed due to the Vermont City Marathon that morning.

Best of luck to all who are running or spectating, and we look forward to gathering together at our usual time on Sunday, June 1.

Catheral Arts and Vermont Choral Union Present Rites of Spring

Cathedral Arts and the Vermont Choral Union under the direction of Eric Milnes present a varied and delightfully seasonal program of exquisite choral music by some of the greatest composers of 19th century Germany (Franz Schubert, Felix Mendelssohn and Johannes Brahms) as well as wonderful new discoveries by some of their lesser-known German contemporaries (Silcher, Rheinberger, Abt and Neuner). The result will be a richly sensual musical exploration of the delights of spring and new love, for all who delight in both! All those looking forward to the flora, fauna and warm breezes of spring who have experienced or anticipate the rapture of romance will find pleasure and beauty in this program, and the Vermont Choral Union looks forward to seeing you there.

Sunday, June 1, 4 p.m. Tickets are available through Seven Days Tickets.

Graduates to be Recognized at St. Paul's June 8

God has graced us with outstanding young people in our midst who have the potential to be transformative agents in the life of our church, community, and world.

On Sunday, June 8 we would like to recognize the achievements of our high school and college graduates. You can help us celebrate these young people in two ways: First, pray for the graduates and their families as they navigate this time of transition. Second, if you are a graduate or the family member of one, send us their name so that we can be sure to celebrate them.

Names can be sent to the Cathedral office: Admin@stpaulscathedralvt.org.

Thank you!

Morning Prayer to Gather Virtually through August 31

A faithful group of parishioners and Dean Getlein have been meeting each weekday at 8:30 a.m. for Morning Prayer, some in person, some online.

This quiet 20-minute service is one of the Daily Offices of the Church. It is led by an Officiant - lay or clergy - and it includes the reciting of psalms, the reading of scripture, and prayers of intercessions and thanksgiving. There’s no communion and no sermon.

Sometimes called “the beating heart of the Church,” the Daily Office (services that also include Evening Prayer or Evensong, Noonday Prayer, and Compline) has nourished generations of Anglican Christians on their spiritual path.

During the Dean's sabbatical, Morning Prayer will continue online via Zoom. All are welcome.

Coming Up at St. Paul's

Sunday, May 11: Holy Eucharist, 10 a.m.

Sunday, May 18: Holy Eucharist, 10 a.m.

Tuesday, May 20: Cathedral Arts presents Alan Chiang in concert, noon.

Sunday, May 25: Marathon Sunday, No Services.

Saturday, May 31: Young Adults Potluck Barbeque, 5:30 p.m.

Sunday, June 1: The Feast of the Ascension (transferred). Holy Eucharist, 10 a.m. Last Church School for this program year. Cathedral Arts presents Choral Union in concert, 4 p.m.

Sunday, June 8: The Feast of Pentecost, Holy Eucharist, Recognition of Graduates, 10 a.m. Last Sunday for choirs for the program year.

Rutland Youth Mission Trip and Pilgrimage June 19-25

The newly formed youth group at Trinity Episcopal Church, Rutland is teaming up with a Burlington-area UCC youth group to host a Rutland Youth Mission Trip and Pilgrimage from June 19 through June 25 of 2025. 

From June 19 to 23, youth will stay at Trinity, Rutland while participating in local service projects such as aiding with the Rutland County Pride Festival, a clean up day at Trinity, and serving at nearby food pantries and soup kitchens. Then from June 23 to 25, youth will build community with a camping trip in Emerald Lake State Park.

This pilgrimage is open to rising 7th graders through graduating high school seniors from across the diocese, and there are five spots available. A suggested donation of $25/day or $175 for all days would be welcome. The deadline to register is May 25.

To register and learn how you can participate, fill out the interest form. There is no more need for chaperones.

To learn more about the opportunity, please contact the Rev. Sarah Ginolfi.