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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Children eight through eighteen, who enjoy singing, are invited to join Voices for Life, a two-tiered music performance and education program that emphasizes the development of musical skills and understanding through choral singing. No previous choral or musical experience required. An informational meeting for interested parents will be held on Monday, August 30, 5:30PM at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 914 E. Knapp, Milwaukee. The church is the program sponsor and the Music Ministry Director Timothy Benson directs the program. Benson is also the Assistant Conductor of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra Chorus. Information 414-276-6277, stpmke@spbcglobal.net or visit the church website stpaulsmilwuakee.org.
Initially Jesus’ words might bring some comfort – “Don’t have fear, little flock.” Not fear – you’re asleep if you don’t have fear. We have a rising national debt, unemployment, house foreclosures. Retirements and pensions circle the drain, not to mention terrorists, wars and oil spills. “Don’t fear. God’s good pleasure is to give us the kingdom.” Great – who turns down a free gift? But can we trust it even exists?
Who let this guy in? Is he not following the lecture? Jesus has just warned followers: “Speak out for me and you could get hauled before rulers and authorities, not to give you an award.” Where is his follow-up statement coming from? He must have only heard, “Speak out.” He does, but it’s on a topic near to his heart and far from Jesus’ intention, “Tell my brother to cough up my portion of the family inheritance.” Jesus won’t step in. He’s not going to put the “fun” back into his dysfunctional family by taking sides. What is planned for August and the fall at St. Paul’s Church? Check out the August Apostle. Click on St. Paul’s news then on the Apostle icon.
Sermon How did you learn to pray? Did someone teach you? After the early service today, a priest visiting with us told me he “caught” how to pray by watching and overhearing both of his grandmothers, grateful they embraced him into their prayer times. Prayer can be as simple as a, “Wow!” mindlessly uttered in awe of a sunset, seeing sunlight shimmering on lake waters, the mystery of a flower’s growth, a quiet snowfall. Even an agnostic or atheist will sometimes blurt out, “Lord, help me,” not realizing that’s a prayer. One afternoon, clouds shrouded a mountain. Quickly they disappeared to reveal snow-filled peaks glistening in the sun. I was filled with awe – looking through a sacred window of sheer beauty and mystery to glimpse God’s presence and glory.
Sermon I have just finished the “what can you do for us” inquisition session with the Vestry interviewing me for Rector. Next comes a Eucharist, including a sermon. I walk into the church, to see one of the Vestry members preparing the vessels for Eucharist. She lets me know she’s also the self-anointed Altar Guild dictator, and I needn’t forget it.
He already knows the answer to his question. Jesus also knows this man knows the answer. After all, he’s a lawyer, but not like an attorney – you know, that “One call, that’s all” attorney guy. He practices Moses’ Law. He’s come to test Jesus. “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life,” he smugly asks. “You’re a lawyer. What do you read?” “Love God and love your neighbors as ourselves,” he answers. “You got it,” says Jesus. “Now do this and you will live.” Continue reading July 11: Eternal Life – More Than Having Right Answers
An old friend, retired, formerly Dean of Student Affairs at an Alabama university, waits to board his flight home. He notices three or four people loudly arguing at a couple. The ruckus ends. He looks up to see them head his way. They stop in front of him. One asks Rick, “Are you a Christian?” If you are ever asked that, answer, “Yes,” and maybe they’ll leave you alone. Rick answers, “Yes,” but they don’t leave him alone. They invite him to pray with them – and since he’s a Christian, how can he refuse? They circle around Rick and bow heads. The leader must think God is hard of hearing, for he prays loud enough for the couple and half the airport to overhear: “Strike down those vile heathen pagans over there who reject Jesus. Make them an example, so others will accept Jesus.” The prayers end. Rick’s asked to add a word, “Lord, forgive us from hardness of heart, so that we can love others as you love us. May your love through us awaken love in others for you. Amen.” Rick looks up and asks, “Have you ever thought of loving people and letting them know God loves them, instead of condemning them? “Nope” – and they walk away.
Sermon When did you become a Christian? How do you know you are one? Some people make a decision to join a church and be baptized. Does that make one a Christian? For others, someone decided for you, and had you baptized before you could decide for yourself. A few people have a dramatic experience, like Paul, when you get knocked off your feet and turned upside down. However you have come to believe you are a Christian, a common denominator is to realize God loves you fully as you are. But even knowing that won’t make someone a Christian – no more than standing in a garage makes you a car. Nor does joining a church make you a Christian, though I hope it helps. To be a Christian means you decide to follow Jesus. Continue reading June 28: Do You Really Want to Follow Jesus?
Farmers hold their breath as they peer over a cliff, praying that pigs do fly. They don’t. Their pigs go splash in the lake below. Jews double over laughing to hear this story. These Gentiles are not so amused. They’re scared, afraid of Jesus’ power, and they don’t know which side he’s on. Jesus and the disciples land on the Gerasene shore, Gentile territory, where Jews who visit get told, “Your church is on the other side of the lake.” A man runs down the hill to intercept Jesus as he steps out of the boat – not just any man, a man who has no community, no friends. The poor fellow’s infested with demons. These people believe demons are real, Satan’s minions, sent to create as much chaos, disorder and evil as possible. The demoniac, his moniker, lives among the tombs in the town cemetery. Only the dead will hang out with him. |
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