THIS WEEK
Sunday, July, 5, 5th Sunday after Pentecost
Programs will be posted when available. Participants follow all Diocesan Guidelines
8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist Program
Live Streamed on the parish Facebook page HERE
Celebrant: The Rev. Dr. Mauricio Wilson, Rector
10:00 a.m. Choral Eucharist Program
Live Streamed on the parish Facebook page HERE
Celebrant: The Rev. Dr. Mauricio Wilson, Rector
Music Director: Christopher Kula
8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist Program
Live Streamed on the parish Facebook page HERE
Celebrant: The Rev. Dr. Mauricio Wilson, Rector
10:00 a.m. Choral Eucharist Program
Live Streamed on the parish Facebook page HERE
Celebrant: The Rev. Dr. Mauricio Wilson, Rector
Music Director: Christopher Kula
This week's Messages from the Rector:
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Watch all Daily Messages from Father Wilson here
REFLECTION FROM THE RECTOR
Dear St. Paul's Family:
So far, the year 2020 has been one of continued surprises that have affected the lives of so many people around the world. The reality of how we have been called to live and relate to each other, has required a dramatic shift in the way we go about human interaction. As members of the Body of Christ, we have not been exempted from the harsh realities of a pandemic that has required physical distancing and sheltering in place. We have also not been exempted from the soul wrenching and searching realities brought to bear by the deaths of African American individuals such as George Floyd, and the public outcry for justice in the streets of our cities and the world.
In the midst of these realities we are called by the power of the Holy Spirit that lives within us to be present for each other, our communities and the world. We are called, as individuals and as the St. Paul’s family to be the embodied redeeming work of God in the world. I am deeply aware of how spiritually and physically taxing being a wholly and holy present Christian can be at this time. I pray that the legacy of disciples, prophets and saints of the Church over the centuries will serve as inspiration for recognizing that we not alone in this time but are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses and heavenly host.
I want to thank you for your continued support of the life and ministry of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Your willingness to give from the fruit of your life and labor allows this portion of the Body to continue forward in the now 150-year effort to make Christ known in the city of Oakland, not only in word but in action. Though we’ve had to be flexible and creative, our efforts to be present for members of our community within and beyond St. Paul’s have not wavered.
Be on the lookout for information regarding plans for our regathering plans. I ask for your patience as we try to ensure that when we do return to having the doors of St. Paul’s open to all, we do so in a way that provides everyone a sense of safety, warmth and belonging. Please know of my unceasing prayers for your health and wellness.
Always yours in Christ,
Mauricio+
So far, the year 2020 has been one of continued surprises that have affected the lives of so many people around the world. The reality of how we have been called to live and relate to each other, has required a dramatic shift in the way we go about human interaction. As members of the Body of Christ, we have not been exempted from the harsh realities of a pandemic that has required physical distancing and sheltering in place. We have also not been exempted from the soul wrenching and searching realities brought to bear by the deaths of African American individuals such as George Floyd, and the public outcry for justice in the streets of our cities and the world.
In the midst of these realities we are called by the power of the Holy Spirit that lives within us to be present for each other, our communities and the world. We are called, as individuals and as the St. Paul’s family to be the embodied redeeming work of God in the world. I am deeply aware of how spiritually and physically taxing being a wholly and holy present Christian can be at this time. I pray that the legacy of disciples, prophets and saints of the Church over the centuries will serve as inspiration for recognizing that we not alone in this time but are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses and heavenly host.
I want to thank you for your continued support of the life and ministry of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Your willingness to give from the fruit of your life and labor allows this portion of the Body to continue forward in the now 150-year effort to make Christ known in the city of Oakland, not only in word but in action. Though we’ve had to be flexible and creative, our efforts to be present for members of our community within and beyond St. Paul’s have not wavered.
Be on the lookout for information regarding plans for our regathering plans. I ask for your patience as we try to ensure that when we do return to having the doors of St. Paul’s open to all, we do so in a way that provides everyone a sense of safety, warmth and belonging. Please know of my unceasing prayers for your health and wellness.
Always yours in Christ,
Mauricio+
DONATIONS TO THE PANTRY OF HOPEThrough the consistent efforts of Archdeacon Carolyn, and directly assisted by pantry volunteer, Arnette Moore, our pantry continues to reach out to our community in need.
In the month of May we were able to distribute more than 60 sets of grocery items to our neighbors. The last distribution took place on the last Sunday of Easter and each of our clients received 3 bags of groceries including non-perishables, fresh produce and meats. We are able to continue this efforts due to the work of many volunteers who come by the church in self contained family groups from St. Paul’s Church and School. Dylan Versteeg, Stephen Tiffenson and Fr. Mauricio gave out the bags wearing masks and observing physical distancing. We call upon the members of St. Paul’s to contribute to the efforts of the Pantry for this month. Here’s the shopping list:
Please be in touch with Archdeacon Bolton (cbolton@covia.org) to let her know of your contribution so as to avoid over- and under-stocking of any given item. |
REGATHERING FOR WORSHIP
It has now been more than 3 months since we last gathered physically for worship in our beautiful sanctuary. The small group that comes together on Sunday mornings to offer the live streamed service do so wait great joy. We are honored to be able to do what is in our power to offer praise to God in this space while you do so from your home. Our preference however to worship with all of you present with us.
Under the current guidelines and instructions from our diocesan leadership, the earliest this will be possible is June 28 and only if we have been able to clear the guidelines and thresholds set by the CDC, State of California and Alameda County Health Department. One of the main requirements for regathering is that each congregation has to develop its own set of Covid-19 reopening policies and guidelines addressing the specific realities of space and movement that will reduce the risks of transmission among those who gather. We are therefore calling upon those who might be interest to come together for the development of the St. Paul’s Oakland Regathering Guidelines. Please do not assume that you are not qualified to speak on this issue as we will be looking at all aspects of what we do as a worshiping community, from Sunday worship, to Choir practice, altar guild, acolytes, ministries with children and third party use of our spaces. Please send me a short message with the subject REGATHERING TASK FORCE to let me know of your interest: rector@stpaulsoakland.org In Christ, The Rev. Dr. Mauricio J. Wilson Rector |
JOIN the Chat via Zoom!
Between 2 Services: 9am Coffee Hour Every Sunday!
Grab your morning beverage & join us for coffee & conversation. We can talk about the Sunday readings, pray together & enjoy each other's company.
Coffee Hour meeting # 838 0536 9552 Email or Facebook PM Alice Gaines or Allison Sass for the password. Hosted by Alice & Allison (substituting for Pam & Scott) via Zoom. |
Every Saturday: Happy Hour, 5pm, via Zoom
We miss our friends!
Grab your evening beverage and let's get together for some fellowship & conversation. Happy Hour meeting # 838 3156 3923 Email or Facebook PM Alice Gaines or Allison Sass for the password. Hosted by Alice & Allison (substituting for Pam & Scott) via Zoom. |
Did you miss church on Sunday or want to see it again?
Watch services for the 4th Sunday of Pentecost, posted below. More on the Church Services page,
Vestry Report, from the July/August 2020 Newsletter
In order to keep the Parish informed of the work that the Vestry does as the elected volunteer leadership of the church, we will be reporting monthly on the Vestry meetings and sharing a written summary each month in the bulletin and newsletter.
As a reminder, any member of the Parish may attend Vestry meetings which are every fourth Tuesday of the month, unless otherwise noted, and the full minutes of the meeting are available to parish members upon request by contacting the parish administrator or a member of the Vestry.
What follows is a summary of the key decisions made by the Vestry at the May 26, 2020 Vestry meeting.
Your Vestry: Allison Sass—Sr. Warden, Bill Davis—Jr. Warden, Erica Terry-Derryck—Clerk, Ann Gregory—Treasurer, Dylan Versteeg, Sergio Prieto, Lisa Strait, Will Cowart and Sharon Pilmer
As a reminder, any member of the Parish may attend Vestry meetings which are every fourth Tuesday of the month, unless otherwise noted, and the full minutes of the meeting are available to parish members upon request by contacting the parish administrator or a member of the Vestry.
What follows is a summary of the key decisions made by the Vestry at the May 26, 2020 Vestry meeting.
- An update was given on the Lay Discernment Process for Stephen Tiffenson
- There was discussion of moving the 150th anniversary celebration to begin with the 150th anniversary and carry on through the following year, rather than culminating with the 150th anniversary given the COVID-19 pandemic
- Church giving levels have been relatively stable which is positive given that there has not been in-person worship since March 2020.
- St. Paul’s Episcopal Church applied for and received a $56,397.97 P.P.P. loan that will enable the church to maintain its current operations through the summer without accessing funds from its investments.
- The loan will not have to be repaid if the federal requirements are met around how the dollars can be applied (salaries and operations primarily).
- The food pantry continues to serve residents while volunteers and staff adhere to social distancing guidelines. Donation needs have been outlined and will be shared with the Parish.
- A committee has been formed to discuss the plan for reopening the sanctuary to parishioners for in-person worship with a recognition that some form of online access to Sunday and other services continues.
- An update was given on the initial meeting of the Regathering Committee which met on Tuesday, June 16, 2020 to discuss the development of a plan to possibly reopen the church to parishioners with framework and guidelines to be based on Diocesan, county and state guidelines.
- The church is going to get an estimate to see what it would cost to install a more permanent system to continue broadcasting services, even once in-person worship is able to resume.
- Outgoing St. Paul’s Episcopal School Head of School Josh Stern gave an update on the school’s current plans to reopen their campuses to students in August for in-person instruction.
- The plans include use of the Parish Hall as instruction space which would make it unavailable for Church use and some plant improvements that need to be made in order to increase the number of hand-washing facilities.
- Plans to extend the Montecito Avenue entrance are still on hold as the City of Oakland has not yet approved the building plan.
- There will be continued discussions between the church and school about opportunities to share cleaning services and use of the sanctuary space as large-groups gatherings such as chapel will not be allowed.
- The Sesquicentennial committee is reaching out to the Lake Merritt Hotel to allow the deposit for the celebration event to either be refunded or to be used at a future date since it’s not clear when an in-person gathering of this type could be held.
- Despite no in-person gathering for worship, parishioners have continued to make donations enabling the church to keep summer operations going.
- The Vestry voted for St. Paul’s Episcopal Church to become sponsoring members of the Union of Black Episcopalians.
- Fr. Mauricio will be on vacation starting July 5 for three weeks. Anne Jensen and Christian Harding will independently hold services when Fr. Wilson is away and the choir will be on break during this time.
Your Vestry: Allison Sass—Sr. Warden, Bill Davis—Jr. Warden, Erica Terry-Derryck—Clerk, Ann Gregory—Treasurer, Dylan Versteeg, Sergio Prieto, Lisa Strait, Will Cowart and Sharon Pilmer