St. Paul’s is a welcoming and inclusive community of about 280 members who come from all over the greater Milwaukee area.
We treasure the richness and diversity God has given our community, as it enhances our understanding of God.
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Join us for a weekend of spectacular music-making as we’re joined by the St. John’s Junior Varsity Boys’ Choir of Collegeville, Minnesota. The boys will make two appearances with us: • IN CONCERT: Saturday evening, 18 May 2013 at 7:00pm in church • SUNG SERVICE: Sunday morning, 19 May 2013 at the 10:15am service with the St. Paul’s Choir for the great Feast of Pentecost Surely a weekend you’ll not want to miss! The angelic voices of The St. John’s Junior Varsity Boy’s Choir. Join us! You’ll be glad you did!
Over thirteen weeks ago we rubbed ashes on our faces and off we were into Lent. Before we could turn around we were at the sink cleaning up Last Supper dishes, went to Gethsemane, stood at the cross, and days later, scratched our heads with Mary, Peter and John at an empty tomb, while we raised the strain “of triumphant gladness.” Today we retrace our steps. We’re back at the Last Supper. Whoever put the lectionary readings together thinks the upper room is essential, or is trying to slip one by us. Looking ahead, Easter ends next Sunday – Pentecost. And in the present, today we honor our mothers and important women in our lives. We pile a lot of luggage on this Seventh Sunday of Easter. Continue reading May 12, 2013: How Can We Who Are Many Be One?
On Sunday, May 5 as part of St. Paul’s 175th Anniversary celebration, worship was conducted in the style and from the Prayer Book that would have been used by our founders. We approximated the time to be the late 1850’s. Mr. Benson prepared a wonderful music supplement with historical notes about each hymn. Many St. Paul’s people came dressed in hats, dresses, suits of the day. Representatives of the West Side Soldiers Aid Society were present, portraying St. Paul’s members of the Civil War era. Members contributed food for after-service Fellowships, people of that day would be eating. St. Paul’s rose up in fine Anglican tradition and hospitality, with great joy, energy and holy worship that guided our ancestors. Rather than a sermon, educational background was given about Morning Prayer, the Ante-communion and Holy Communion services from the 1789 Book of Common Prayer. The notes from that presentation are below. What is planned at St. Paul’s in May…click on news then on the Apostle icon!
One or the other of a couple contacts me about having a St. Paul’s wedding. If it’s a go, we begin counseling and planning. Sometimes a couple chooses today’s gospel text as a reading for their ceremony. I ask, “Why do you like that one? “We don’t fight. We love each other, just like Jesus says.” And I’m sure they’re sincere – at the moment. I don’t know why it’s used for weddings though. I believe Jesus has a little more in mind. And that really hits me when a couple asks to add a clause, “This is my solemn vow; as long as my love shall last.” I hate to break the news, but love, Jesus’ style – is more than a feeling, or that silly, clingy, touchy, goof-eyes stuff.
When we don’t know what else to do, we‘ll come up with something. Two post-resurrection visits from Jesus, and Peter and the boys are still clueless. He may have gone from death back to life, but he’s not alive like before. He’s not hanging out with them – they’re lost. They don’t know what to do. Peter fills in the gap – “I’m going fishing” and the rest say, “Me, too,” reverting to their pre-Jesus days. So, if you are a bit confused about Easter, unsure what’s going on, don’t feel alone. Just don’t fill your time by going fishing – not yet. All night they throw nets, pull them in, come up empty. What do we do when we feel lost, adrift, uncertain? We fill the space. We do something, even if it’s wrong. The Vestry recently approved and adopted a resolution for the parish to participate in the Green Faith Certification program. A tuition fee is required, and we await word on our application for a Meachem Grant to cover it. We’re creating a Green Team with leaders willing to serve in specific
The Second Sunday of Easter has a name you won’t find in the worship program, but appears on the Episcopal Calendar. Today is Low Sunday, and not just in Episcopal Churches. I am told that churches can expect about a third of the Easter attendees today. Easter Day is so joyful and grand. But Monday comes. We go back to the “real” world where flowers die; hidden eggs get found; chocolates consumed; and Peeps – something to look at, but please, never eat. North Korea is still making noise; Washington still needs a brain transplant, and tis’ the season to file income taxes. Easter Day’s joy fades quickly. It was Sunday, but Monday comes. The latest edition of the Apostle newsletter has all the upcoming events for April at St. Paul’s…click on NEWS then on the Apostle icon.
Some say it’s darkest before dawn. Even in a familiar place, the dark we can feel uncertain, dislocated, unsure, and lost with no end in sight, even terrifying. Grief, sorrow and fear are portals where darkness pours in. We can stand in the light, and yet be in darkness. Jesus says if we turn away from God, if we close off our hearts to God and others, we dwell in darkness. |
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