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Dear Companions in Christ,
You may know the wonderful Yiddish saying I’ll translate as “Humans plan, and God laughs.” It’s a pithy way of acknowledging that as much as we’d like to think otherwise, there’s a lot in life that’s beyond our control.
I suspect we’re all relearning this, painfully, these past eighteen months of the pandemic -- an era that many of us thought was finally drawing to a close only to see yet another spike in positivity rates. When I left for vacation in late July, Wallingford had a relatively low infection rate (“gray zone” per CT DPH). But by the time I returned a couple of weeks later, we had jumped back into the “red zone” of high infection rates.
This has not made fall planning easy for any of us. When you add this to the sheer length of time we’ve endured, and so much other soul-crushing news these days, it can make for a deep sense of weariness. I admit I feel this myself sometimes. And I certainly pray for all of us struggling through these uncertain days.
One thing that brings some comfort is the St. Paul’s community of wise and caring leaders who plan opportunities for ministry
. . . and then plan again (and yet again) to safely meet changing circumstances. Always, our goal is to help one another grow in love and service in such a way that protects the most vulnerable. Just as we see Jesus doing throughout the Gospels.
Frankly, many of the opportunities described in this newsletter are a bit different than what we’d hoped. By this point we assumed that we’d be further along in rebuilding from the pandemic. What you’ll read in the pages which follow is the latest reiteration of these plans. It’s not everything that’s going on, and even some of this is subject to change as conditions change. But it represents the care and creativity of many St. Paul’s folk working together. We all owe them our thanks for helping us navigate these challenging times.
As I write this, Wallingford is three weeks back into the “red zone” (highest category) of COVID infections. Our parish leadership is working faithfully to continue gathering in-person and livestream our Sunday worship. Following the counsel of our Bishops, we’ll do so from outside on the North Lawn for now. We’re fortunate to have this lovely space to ride out the latest COVID surge and hope to return to the St. Paul’s sanctuary as soon as it’s prudent to do so. We look forward to resuming the 8:00 service at that time.
Yes, our humble human plans are often worthy of God’s gentle laughter. We’d probably all be better off taking ourselves less seriously. But I trust that God weeps with us too. We read in John’s Gospel that Jesus weeps in the face of human suffering. I pray this Divine Compassion helps me be gentle with myself, each of you, and others in this struggle. I’m thankful for the presence of God in Christ – and each of you – in this struggle.
What’s giving you strength at this time? Where do you turn when you feel a sense of weeping? I’d love to learn more. Please call or email about this, or other concerns.
Faithfully,
Dee Anne+
You may know the wonderful Yiddish saying I’ll translate as “Humans plan, and God laughs.” It’s a pithy way of acknowledging that as much as we’d like to think otherwise, there’s a lot in life that’s beyond our control.
I suspect we’re all relearning this, painfully, these past eighteen months of the pandemic -- an era that many of us thought was finally drawing to a close only to see yet another spike in positivity rates. When I left for vacation in late July, Wallingford had a relatively low infection rate (“gray zone” per CT DPH). But by the time I returned a couple of weeks later, we had jumped back into the “red zone” of high infection rates.
This has not made fall planning easy for any of us. When you add this to the sheer length of time we’ve endured, and so much other soul-crushing news these days, it can make for a deep sense of weariness. I admit I feel this myself sometimes. And I certainly pray for all of us struggling through these uncertain days.
One thing that brings some comfort is the St. Paul’s community of wise and caring leaders who plan opportunities for ministry
. . . and then plan again (and yet again) to safely meet changing circumstances. Always, our goal is to help one another grow in love and service in such a way that protects the most vulnerable. Just as we see Jesus doing throughout the Gospels.
Frankly, many of the opportunities described in this newsletter are a bit different than what we’d hoped. By this point we assumed that we’d be further along in rebuilding from the pandemic. What you’ll read in the pages which follow is the latest reiteration of these plans. It’s not everything that’s going on, and even some of this is subject to change as conditions change. But it represents the care and creativity of many St. Paul’s folk working together. We all owe them our thanks for helping us navigate these challenging times.
As I write this, Wallingford is three weeks back into the “red zone” (highest category) of COVID infections. Our parish leadership is working faithfully to continue gathering in-person and livestream our Sunday worship. Following the counsel of our Bishops, we’ll do so from outside on the North Lawn for now. We’re fortunate to have this lovely space to ride out the latest COVID surge and hope to return to the St. Paul’s sanctuary as soon as it’s prudent to do so. We look forward to resuming the 8:00 service at that time.
Yes, our humble human plans are often worthy of God’s gentle laughter. We’d probably all be better off taking ourselves less seriously. But I trust that God weeps with us too. We read in John’s Gospel that Jesus weeps in the face of human suffering. I pray this Divine Compassion helps me be gentle with myself, each of you, and others in this struggle. I’m thankful for the presence of God in Christ – and each of you – in this struggle.
What’s giving you strength at this time? Where do you turn when you feel a sense of weeping? I’d love to learn more. Please call or email about this, or other concerns.
Faithfully,
Dee Anne+
Dear Parishioners,
I feel so privileged to be part of the tech team to do live streaming of our Sunday services, whether inside or on the North Lawn. Especially when live streaming from inside, I would welcome suggestions of what you miss seeing in our beautiful Church and will try to include a camera shot of what you would like to see. Cameras are permanently mounted in the congregation area, so it would be limited to whatever we can capture within.
--Linda Liversidge-Daley
If you would like to be involved in this vital ministry which greatly expands our reach, please contact ralph.nardi@gmail.com or call the office at (203) 269-5050. We are also eager to receive your suggestions for the camera shots for the live stream!
I feel so privileged to be part of the tech team to do live streaming of our Sunday services, whether inside or on the North Lawn. Especially when live streaming from inside, I would welcome suggestions of what you miss seeing in our beautiful Church and will try to include a camera shot of what you would like to see. Cameras are permanently mounted in the congregation area, so it would be limited to whatever we can capture within.
--Linda Liversidge-Daley
If you would like to be involved in this vital ministry which greatly expands our reach, please contact ralph.nardi@gmail.com or call the office at (203) 269-5050. We are also eager to receive your suggestions for the camera shots for the live stream!
THRIFT SHOP
We have reopened!
August 5th was the reopening of St. Paul’s Thrift Shop with COVID protocols in place. It was very well received by our loyal customers. Our hours are the same –Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10AM-1PM. Some of our long time faithful workers have stepped away and we have added a couple of new faces as “sales associates”.
As we work in pairs, it takes quite a few volunteers to staff the shop and more volunteers are needed. We hope you will consider volunteering for as few as three hours per month or more if you can. You will be partnered with a veteran to learn the ropes. Contact the church office (203) 269-5050 or any shop worker for more information.
We have reopened!
August 5th was the reopening of St. Paul’s Thrift Shop with COVID protocols in place. It was very well received by our loyal customers. Our hours are the same –Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10AM-1PM. Some of our long time faithful workers have stepped away and we have added a couple of new faces as “sales associates”.
As we work in pairs, it takes quite a few volunteers to staff the shop and more volunteers are needed. We hope you will consider volunteering for as few as three hours per month or more if you can. You will be partnered with a veteran to learn the ropes. Contact the church office (203) 269-5050 or any shop worker for more information.
“Love Your Neighbor as Yourself”
Our commitment to help those in need in our community continues. We resumed our monthly food/diaper drives this year in March and, to date, have collected 2,589 lbs of food and $1,468 in cash contributions for Master’s Manna and $1,085 for diapers and wipes. As Fall approaches and the need for food and diapers continues, we will again be out in the parking lot on the second Saturday of the month to collect non-perishable food and cash donations for Master’s Manna (checks made payable to “Master’s Manna”) and cash donations for diapers. Items most needed are packets of rice and pasta sides, spaghetti sauce, crackers and cookies, fruit cups, macaroni and cheese, and soups. Check out the “super savings” at the grocery stores and mark your calendars for our next food drives: September 11th, October 9th, November 13th, and December 11th (9:00-12:00). Our “Love Your Neighbor” committee (Pat and Art Sousa, MaryEllen Connell and Sharon Rogalski) will greet you with a smile as you drive thru the church parking lot, say hello to some of your friends, and drop off your donations. We sincerely thank everyone for your generosity and support of this ministry, and we look forward to seeing you this Fall.
Our commitment to help those in need in our community continues. We resumed our monthly food/diaper drives this year in March and, to date, have collected 2,589 lbs of food and $1,468 in cash contributions for Master’s Manna and $1,085 for diapers and wipes. As Fall approaches and the need for food and diapers continues, we will again be out in the parking lot on the second Saturday of the month to collect non-perishable food and cash donations for Master’s Manna (checks made payable to “Master’s Manna”) and cash donations for diapers. Items most needed are packets of rice and pasta sides, spaghetti sauce, crackers and cookies, fruit cups, macaroni and cheese, and soups. Check out the “super savings” at the grocery stores and mark your calendars for our next food drives: September 11th, October 9th, November 13th, and December 11th (9:00-12:00). Our “Love Your Neighbor” committee (Pat and Art Sousa, MaryEllen Connell and Sharon Rogalski) will greet you with a smile as you drive thru the church parking lot, say hello to some of your friends, and drop off your donations. We sincerely thank everyone for your generosity and support of this ministry, and we look forward to seeing you this Fall.
Share God’s Love in Tangible Ways
Support Afghan refugee resettlement with a donation of funds or requested supplies to Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services at irisct.org.
Support earthquake, hurricane, flood relief with a donation to Episcopal Relief and Development at support.episcopalrelief.org.
Thanks be to God for your caring generosity!
Support Afghan refugee resettlement with a donation of funds or requested supplies to Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services at irisct.org.
Support earthquake, hurricane, flood relief with a donation to Episcopal Relief and Development at support.episcopalrelief.org.
Thanks be to God for your caring generosity!
9/11: Church Open for Prayer & Reflection – As our nation observes the 20th Anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, the church will be open for prayer and reflection in a socially distanced manner. Please wear a face mask as you stop in for a moment of prayer and dress for the weather as all windows will be open for proper ventilation. For your convenience, the church will be open 9:00AM-12noon, the same hours as the Community Drive-Thru.
St Francis Animal Blessing: Sunday, October 3
11:00 -12 Noon Drive-thru in the St. Paul’s parking lot
4:00-5:00PM Walk-up on North Main Street
We can’t wait to meet your furry, feathered or scale-y friends! Please consider bringing pet food, paper towels or lightly used blankets for the local animal shelter.
11:00 -12 Noon Drive-thru in the St. Paul’s parking lot
4:00-5:00PM Walk-up on North Main Street
We can’t wait to meet your furry, feathered or scale-y friends! Please consider bringing pet food, paper towels or lightly used blankets for the local animal shelter.
Church School
Church School will kick off on Sunday, October 3! We will be meeting on Sunday afternoons on the North Lawn. All church school teachers will be vaccinated against Covid-19 and face masks will be worn by everyone involved. At-home kits will be available for those unable to attend. If you have not yet received an email from me, Frances Chamberlain, and would like to be involved, please contact me at christianeducation@stpaulswallingford.org. Thank you!
Youth Group
The St. Paul’s Youth Group will start on Sunday, October 3! We will be meeting on the first and third Sundays of the month on the North Lawn. The group is open to youth in grades 6-8. Youth group leaders will be vaccinated against Covid-19 and face masks will be worn by everyone involved. If you have not yet received an email from me, Frances Chamberlain, and would like to be involved, please contact me at christianeducation@stpaulswallingford.org. Thank you!
Church School will kick off on Sunday, October 3! We will be meeting on Sunday afternoons on the North Lawn. All church school teachers will be vaccinated against Covid-19 and face masks will be worn by everyone involved. At-home kits will be available for those unable to attend. If you have not yet received an email from me, Frances Chamberlain, and would like to be involved, please contact me at christianeducation@stpaulswallingford.org. Thank you!
Youth Group
The St. Paul’s Youth Group will start on Sunday, October 3! We will be meeting on the first and third Sundays of the month on the North Lawn. The group is open to youth in grades 6-8. Youth group leaders will be vaccinated against Covid-19 and face masks will be worn by everyone involved. If you have not yet received an email from me, Frances Chamberlain, and would like to be involved, please contact me at christianeducation@stpaulswallingford.org. Thank you!
Adult Forum: Love is the Way
This fall the Adult Forum will read together and discuss Bishop Michael Curry’s book, Love is the Way: Holding on to Hope in Troubling Times. Many of us have been inspired by the words of our Presiding Bishop, and reading this book will give us deeper insight into his own experience and his focus on the “Way of Love.” The Forum will meet on Wednesday nights at 7:00 pm via Zoom, beginning on Wednesday, September 22. On the first evening, we will discuss the Introduction and the first two chapters of the book. The Forum is a wonderful opportunity to share and learn together. As the pandemic permits, we will eventually add some Sunday gatherings to meet in person. If you would like to join in, need help ordering the book or have any questions, please email Amy Foster at foster9092@gmail.com.
This fall the Adult Forum will read together and discuss Bishop Michael Curry’s book, Love is the Way: Holding on to Hope in Troubling Times. Many of us have been inspired by the words of our Presiding Bishop, and reading this book will give us deeper insight into his own experience and his focus on the “Way of Love.” The Forum will meet on Wednesday nights at 7:00 pm via Zoom, beginning on Wednesday, September 22. On the first evening, we will discuss the Introduction and the first two chapters of the book. The Forum is a wonderful opportunity to share and learn together. As the pandemic permits, we will eventually add some Sunday gatherings to meet in person. If you would like to join in, need help ordering the book or have any questions, please email Amy Foster at foster9092@gmail.com.
St. Paul’s Famous Mile High Apple Pies
Unfortunately, we will not be having a Fall Fair this year. However, Wallingford Center Inc. is sponsoring a “Celebrate on Center” on Saturday, October 2nd from 10-6. We plan to make apple pies the week of Sep 27-Oct 1 and sell them on our front lawn during “Celebrate on Center”. St. Paul’s will have a canopy on Center Street passing out information on St. Paul’s and St. Paul’s tote bags. They will be advertising our pies and directing people around the corner to St. Paul’s to purchase them. To make this happen we are looking for volunteers to help us make the pies. If you are interested, please text or email Chuck Maynard at 203-671-0041 or cblmaynard@att.net. If you want to order pies in advance, please let Chuck know how many and what type you would want. We will be selling regular and sugar-free full-size pies for $15 and regular or sugar-free mini pies for $10.
Unfortunately, we will not be having a Fall Fair this year. However, Wallingford Center Inc. is sponsoring a “Celebrate on Center” on Saturday, October 2nd from 10-6. We plan to make apple pies the week of Sep 27-Oct 1 and sell them on our front lawn during “Celebrate on Center”. St. Paul’s will have a canopy on Center Street passing out information on St. Paul’s and St. Paul’s tote bags. They will be advertising our pies and directing people around the corner to St. Paul’s to purchase them. To make this happen we are looking for volunteers to help us make the pies. If you are interested, please text or email Chuck Maynard at 203-671-0041 or cblmaynard@att.net. If you want to order pies in advance, please let Chuck know how many and what type you would want. We will be selling regular and sugar-free full-size pies for $15 and regular or sugar-free mini pies for $10.
Choir and Choristers
Plans are underway for choir and choristers to begin rehearsing again! After much research and planning, we have come up with a way for our singers to begin meeting again safely.
Keeping everyone safe is our number one priority. As you may know, singing is a riskier activity in the Covid-era because of the increased production of aerosols when singing. We're going to start things off slowly, by having our groups meet outside. When we sing we'll be socially distanced and wearing masks. We won’t be singing in worship services when we start. The music director will consult with the church’s decision making bodies to determine when it’s safe to adjust our Covid protocols.
At the time of this writing, our tech committee is working hard on improving our live-stream. Our music director is very involved in this effort. Although we are eager to begin rehearsals again, our tech team is in high demand this fall. A date has not been set for rehearsals to begin. Please stay tuned for more details.
Choir is open to any adult who would like to sing. Choristers is open to any child in grades 1-9 who would like to sing. If you or someone you know is interested, please contact the music director, Jay Lindsay at musicdirector@stpaulswallingford.org.
Plans are underway for choir and choristers to begin rehearsing again! After much research and planning, we have come up with a way for our singers to begin meeting again safely.
Keeping everyone safe is our number one priority. As you may know, singing is a riskier activity in the Covid-era because of the increased production of aerosols when singing. We're going to start things off slowly, by having our groups meet outside. When we sing we'll be socially distanced and wearing masks. We won’t be singing in worship services when we start. The music director will consult with the church’s decision making bodies to determine when it’s safe to adjust our Covid protocols.
At the time of this writing, our tech committee is working hard on improving our live-stream. Our music director is very involved in this effort. Although we are eager to begin rehearsals again, our tech team is in high demand this fall. A date has not been set for rehearsals to begin. Please stay tuned for more details.
Choir is open to any adult who would like to sing. Choristers is open to any child in grades 1-9 who would like to sing. If you or someone you know is interested, please contact the music director, Jay Lindsay at musicdirector@stpaulswallingford.org.
Thank you for pledging!
We appreciate your faithful giving. You may give online by going to stpaulswallingford.org and clicking the red “Donate Now” button, mail your gifts into the parish office or place your offering the in the basket during Sunday worship. It’s all good! Thank you.
We appreciate your faithful giving. You may give online by going to stpaulswallingford.org and clicking the red “Donate Now” button, mail your gifts into the parish office or place your offering the in the basket during Sunday worship. It’s all good! Thank you.
St. Paul’s Parish Register
Funerals
April 20, 2021
Beverly D. Casey
July 2, 2021
William F. Bone
July 10, 2021
Vivian T. Horvath
September 4, 2021
Barbara L. Cutts
Baptisms
August 15, 2021
Colette Marie Bykowsky
Funerals
April 20, 2021
Beverly D. Casey
July 2, 2021
William F. Bone
July 10, 2021
Vivian T. Horvath
September 4, 2021
Barbara L. Cutts
Baptisms
August 15, 2021
Colette Marie Bykowsky
VESTRY
Rector, The Rev. Dee Anne Dodd
Senior Warden, Amy Foster
Junior Warden, Tammy Napoli
Clerk, Ben Henry
Treasurer, Ted Hartsoe
Mary Ellen Connell
David Baxter
Missy Fahy
Patti Cullen
Carissa Neubig
Nathalie Szilagyi
Kathy Schave
Rector, The Rev. Dee Anne Dodd
Senior Warden, Amy Foster
Junior Warden, Tammy Napoli
Clerk, Ben Henry
Treasurer, Ted Hartsoe
Mary Ellen Connell
David Baxter
Missy Fahy
Patti Cullen
Carissa Neubig
Nathalie Szilagyi
Kathy Schave
Please advise us of change of address or telephone numbers, illness, hospitalizations, deaths, and requests for baptisms, weddings, etc.
Times for St. Paul's Sunday Service
Comcast Cable Channel 18
Frontier Channel 99
www.WPAA.TV - WPAA on the Internet
Sunday - 5:00 PM
Monday - 8:00 AM
Tuesday – 1:00 PM
Wednesday – 12:01 AM (Tuesday midnight)
Thursday - 11:00 PM
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