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Beloved,
Many of you have been tracking the progress of the monks on their Walk for Peace on Facebook and Instagram. I have, also. A couple weeks ago, one of the monks wrote a post on finding peace in difficult times. I found it helpful and thought you might, also.
Some people may ask: “How can I stay peaceful when difficult situations arise?”. We must begin by understanding: we are where we are. Situations happen—often without warning, often beyond our control. We cannot always prevent or change them.
But here is what we can control: the way we respond.
When difficulty arrives, our minds rush forward—overthinking, catastrophizing, creating stories about how terrible things are. We make situations heavier by adding layers of worry and fear on top of what is already challenging.
But if we pause, if we become mindful of our breath in that moment, if we notice our thoughts without getting swept away—something shifts. The situation doesn’t disappear, but we stop making it worse. We create space for clarity, and in that clarity, we can see what we should actually do to help the situation, instead of just worrying and feeling defeated.
In that mindful pause, we might also remember something we’ve forgotten: right now, countless conditions are still nourishing our life. We are alive. We can breathe. We can eat. We can walk. These are profound gifts, genuine happiness—but we rarely see them because our minds are too busy racing toward worry, too consumed by what’s wrong to notice what remains right.
This is what mindfulness offers in difficult moments: not power to control what happens, but wisdom to see clearly what helpful action we can take, to breathe consciously, to remember that even in difficulty, we are still held by life, still capable of responding wisely instead of simply reacting.
The situation is what it is. But we can change how we meet it—with presence instead of panic, with clarity instead of confusion, with wise action instead of helpless worry.
Peace in difficult times doesn’t mean nothing bothers us. It means we stop making everything worse by losing ourselves in our thoughts. It means we stay grounded enough to see what we can actually do, then do it with a calm heart.
May you and all beings be well, happy, and at peace.
#WalkforPeace #BuddhistMonks #PeaceWalk
Beloved, you are beautiful. I love you and God adores you.
Greta+
| | Cathedral Church of St. Paul News & Events | |
St. Paul's Annual Meeting
This Sunday, January 25, St. Paul's will hold our Annual Meeting directly following the 10:00 a.m. worship service. The worship will be live-streamed on YouTube as usual. The Annual Meeting will be on Zoom (not on YouTube) to allow for full participation by those who cannot be here in person. The Zoom link for the meeting will be available on the Cathedral website on Sunday morning.
At the Annual Meeting we will elect members of the Vestry, receive a report from Cathedral Square Corporation, and learn about the proposal from Stewardship Realty for our property. After the proposal is presented, we will break up into small groups for conversations/reactions/questions about the proposal.
The next two Sundays (Feb 1 and Feb 8) we will have a round table conversation during coffee hour to answer any questions and address concerns. We are also offering two Zoom sessions for those conversations on Wednesday, February 4 at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, February 7 at 10:00 a.m. Those Zoom links will go out again in the eNews closer to the date and will also be available on our website.
We, the Vestry and Dean, are calling for a special parish meeting on Sunday, Feb. 22 immediately following the service with the only item of business being a vote on the proposal. We will set up a Zoom for that meeting so those of you who cannot attend in person can still cast your vote.
This is an incredibly important and exciting time in our life together and I hope that most of you can be here for it.
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Parish Directories Available
The latest St. Paul's directory has been updated and copies are available to parishioners. There will be printed copies available on the Narthex table starting this Sunday, and electronic copies are available by emailing the Cathedral office.
As a reminder, in order to ensure confidence, privacy and promote an open exchange of information for members, the church asks that the member directory not be used for solicitation, marketing, or sharing of member information with non-members.
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Weekly Witness and Prayer Vigil Cancelled Due to Extreme Cold
Temperatures this Sunday are expected to be very cold, with highs in the single digits and wind chill well below zero. For the safety of our faithful participants we have decided to cancel this week's witness and prayer vigil.
Stay warm!
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Cathedral Arts Presents Young Artists Showcase Recital
The annual Young Artist Showcase Recital of regional high school musicians performing at a high level, this year moves to "prime time" on a weekend. This free concert—with a history of more than four decades--is always engaging and enthusiastically received by an appreciative audience.
Sunday, January 25 at 4 p.m. Contributions to Cathedral Arts are always gratefully accepted.
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Elevator Out of Service
The elevator in our building is out of service for the time being. We working with our service technicians to get the work scheduled and will have a better idea of the timeline for restoring elevator service shortly.
In the meantime, coffee hour will be held upstairs after worship using disposable cups and plates. Additionally, Adult Forum, when scheduled, will be held in the Commons Room.
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Cathedral Square Seeks Apartment Furnishings
Cathedral Square if looking for a few items to complete an efficiency apartment that will be used by overnight staff. If you are willing to donate any of the following, please email Joanne at Lewis@cathedralsquare.org. Delivery to our South Burlington location or pick up is available in the Burlington area.
• Small table and 2 chairs
• Gently used recliner
• Set of new bath towels
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Redevelopment Project:
Community Forums and Voting Date Scheduled
If you attended last year's annual meeting, you are likely aware that the Cathedral has been in conversation with a real estate development group to investigate options for monetizing the Cathedral's downtown property.
We hope you'll join us on Sunday, January 25 at our annual meeting either in person or via Zoom to learn more about the progress that has been made on these conversations.
Following the annual meeting, Cathedral clergy and vestry have scheduled several different ways to answer questions, hear concerns, and share excitement about what might lie ahead.
Sunday, February 1 after worship in person
Wednesday, February 4 at 7 p.m. via Zoom
Saturday, February 7 at 10 a.m. via Zoom
Sunday, February 8 after worship in person
Voting will take place on Sunday, February 22 after worship in person and on Zoom.
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Taizé Meditation for Candlemas
This hour-long candlelit service combines sung and spoken prayer, meditative readings, and silence, allowing space to slow down and simply “be.” Selections primarily from the Taizé Community in France supply the musical framework, with creative instrumental accompaniment. Icons and candle lighting provide additional conduits to reflect on this feast marking the end of the Christmas season.
Join us on Sunday, February 1 at 7 p.m. All are welcome.
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Shrove Tuesday Will Be Here Before We Know It!
For many years beloved parishioner Pamela Van de Graaf was in charge of making and cooking pancakes at the Cathedral's annual Shrove Tuesday pancake supper.
Pamela and Paul moved away last year to be closer to family, so we are in search of a new pancake chef to prepare the batter and cook them on the stove in the Parish Hall kitchen.
This is a fun and engaging way to be in the center of the action on Shrove Tuesday. Let us know if you might be interested in learning more or would like to participate!
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The Shelburne News Fondly Remembers Alice Winn
Check out this article in The Shelburne News remembering Alice Winn and her impact on the town of Shelburne, Vermont.
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All children ages four through 13 are welcome to join us for Church School downstairs after worship.
You can view or download the Sunday Paper for this Sunday by clicking here.
If you have questions, please contact Katie Gonyaw at kgonyaw@stpaulscathedralvt.org.
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Join us for our Worship, in person or via our Live Stream on YouTube.
Holy Eucharist, 10 a.m.
You can view or download the order of worship on our website.
Other Regular Services
All are welcome to join us for our weekday services:
Morning Prayer, Monday - Friday at 8:30 a.m. on Zoom, Tuesday - Friday in person and on Zoom.
Compline, Sundays and Wednesdays at 9:00 p.m. on Zoom.
| | For Our Prayers This Week | |
We pray for blessings and joy for those who have birthdays this week: Miriam Burns, Sophie Comeau, Alice Van Buren, John Montross, Greta Pillsbury.
Let us name before God those for whom we offer our prayers: Richard and Nancy Bower; Lea Richardson; Thomas Cencer; Gerry Viens; Pam Loranger; Michele Thomas; Tom Allen and those who love him; Thora Chadwick; Tom Grenier; Joe Comeau; Teaghan; Valerie; Christine; Ella Baskett; Jennifer; Lindsay; Charles Lewis; Maddie Cross; Susan Simmons; Patrick Getlein; Judith Roberts; Anthony Maulden; Aimee Viens (Deal); Barbara; Sally; Sharan Williamson Nosal; Taby; Jody Andreoletti; Tracey; Keith Pillsbury; Lynne Dapice; Kitty Noyes; Mike Bell; Laurie Donaldson; Gail Ernevad; Barbie Kimberly; Alice Van Buren; Jim and Linda Larson; Gina Hilo; Ben; Steve Burns; Barbara; Genevieve; Jaya and Abby Kelly; Fran Carlson, Devin Starlanyl; Karin Davis; Thomas McGrade; Ashton Christy; Randy and Ruth Booze; Michael Fay; Henry Maciejewski; P.J.; John; Marie Cole; Kim Martin; Nancy Johnson; Jean Erno; Jackie; Lillian Robinson; Peter Adams; Elizabeth Webster; Debbie Altemus; Vaughn Altemus; Helen McGrath; and Mary Carter.
We pray for peace in all areas of armed conflict: Minnesota; Maine; Washington; Oregon; Iran; Ukraine; Russia; Sudan; Israel; Palestine; Venezuela.
For al
We pray for our seminarian: Henry Kellogg.
We pray for all immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers; for all who have been deported; for all families being forcefully separated; for all who are standing witness.
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“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
-- Margaret Mead
| | Lessons for January 25: The Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul the Apostle | | O God, by the preaching of your apostle Paul you have caused the light of the Gospel to shine throughout the world: Grant, we pray, that we, having his wonderful conversion in remembrance, may show ourselves thankful to you by following his holy teaching; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. | |
Morning Prayer Leadership Training Offered
Beginning in February, the Episcopal Diocese of Vermont will offer Morning Prayer Leadership Training for lay people interested in serving as a Morning Prayer Leader.
Classes will be taught by the Rev. Ann Hockridge, the Rev. Darcey Mercier, and the Rev. Charlie Nichols and take place on Thursday evenings at 6 p.m. Classes will be held on February 5, 12, 19, and 26 with a final session on March 5. Participants must attend all five classes and complete all assignments in order to receive their certificate.
Those who complete the course successfully will be certified as Morning Prayer Leaders in the Diocese of Vermont. SafeChurch training will additionally be required.
Note, those interested must have the endorsement of their clergy or their Senior Warden in order to register.
Registration is open now and closes today, January 23. Register online.
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Resurrection Hope Unpacked: A Black History Month Book Study
This February, join the diocesan Racial Justice and Healing Committee for a three-week book study on Resurrection Hope: A Future Where Black Lives Matter by the Rev. Dr. Kelly Brown Douglas.
In this book, Dr. Douglas reflects on how a “white way of knowing” has come to dominate American identity and even to shape the consciousness of Christians.
Meetings will be held on Mondays February 2, 9, and 16 from 6 to 8 p.m. on Zoom and discussion will be led by members of the Racial Justice and Healing Committee. Each session will be focused on different chapters of the book:
• February 2: Chapters 1 & 2
• February 9: Chapters 3 & 4
• February 16: Chapter 5 & The Afterward
Additionally, Dr. Douglas will attend the February 9 meeting. She will participate in the discussion and be available for participants to ask questions.
Copies of the book may be purchased directly from the publisher or on Bookshop.org. If you would like to participate but purchasing the book is not in your budget, reach out to the Cathedral. Scholarships are available.
You do not need to attend every session to participate, but registration is required. Register online. Zoom links will be distributed to registrants ahead of the first meeting on February 2.
This study is being held during Black History Month. Taking place every February, Black History Month honors and celebrates Black history and culture in the United States and across the globe. Learn more about Black History Month.
| | Submission Deadline for St. Paul's eNews | This weekly e-newsletter is circulated on Fridays. Please send your submissions to Jennifer Sumner at admin@stpaulscathedralvt.org by noon on Wednesday. Thank you. | | | | |
