Announcements for Sunday, September 13, 2020

Posted on Sep 10, 2020 in Uncategorized |

ONLINE WORSHIP ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

UPCOMING ONLINE

(except where indicated)

September 13

15th Sunday after Pentecost Service @ 8:45 am via St. Paul’s Facebook  

 

9:45 am Coffee Hour on Zoom

 

11 am Outdoor Worship Service in rectory backyard (limited seating; preregistration is required)

 

September 14-18

Morning Prayer @ 9 am on Zoom

 

September 15

Vestry Meeting @ 6:30 pm on Zoom

 

 

September 16

Bible Study @ 11 am on Zoom

 

Worship Committee Meeting @ 7 pm on Zoom

 

September 20

16th Sunday after Pentecost Service @ 8:45 am via St. Paul’s Facebook

 

 9:45 am Coffee Hour on Zoom

 

11 am Outdoor Worship Service in rectory backyard (limited seating; preregistration is required)

 

September 21-25

Morning Prayer @ 9 am on Zoom    

 

September 23

Bible Study @ 11 am on Zoom  

 

September 27

17th Sunday after Pentecost Service @ 8:45 am via St. Paul’s Facebook  

 

9:45 am Coffee Hour on Zoom

 

11 am Outdoor Worship Service in rectory backyard (limited seating; preregistration is required)

 

Sacred Ground: An Adult Education Series on Race and Faith at St. Paul’s

Sacred Ground is a film- and readings-based dialogue series on race, grounded in faith.  Small groups are invited to walk through chapters of America’s history of race and racism, while weaving in threads of family story, economic class, and political and regional identity. The 10-part series is built around a powerful online curriculum of documentary films and readings that focus on Indigenous, Black, Latino, and Asian/Pacific American histories as they intersect with European American histories.

Sacred Ground is part of Becoming Beloved Community, The Episcopal Church’s long-term commitment to racial healing, reconciliation, and justice in our personal lives, our ministries, and our society. This series is open to all, and especially designed to help white people talk with other white people.  Participants are invited to peel away the layers that have contributed to the challenges and divides of the present day – all while grounded in our call to faith, hope and love.

To learn more about the program, visit https://episcopalchurch.org/sacred-ground and watch the introductory videos.

Logistics and Expectations

Our Sacred Ground circle will meet every two weeks via Zoom to allow ample time to review the films and readings (2-3 hours per session). The group will chose the specific day and time for our meetings. Each session will be 1 1/2 hours long, with a break in the middle and small group discussions. Participants are expected to attend all sessions, which will launch this fall and conclude in February or March 2021. Participation is limited to 10 people. There are two books to purchase: Waking Up White by Debbie Irving and Jesus and the Disinherited by Howard Thurman. The course will be co-facilitated by Rev. Annie and Gene Ekenstam. Contact Rev. Annie with questions at rector@stpaulsbenicia.org. 

 

St. Paul’s Adopt-A-Poll Update

Twenty-seven St. Paul’s members joined the Adopt-A-Poll team for the primary election in March — and raised $1,500 for our parish budget by donating their Election Day earnings to St. Paul’s! Team members enjoyed doing a vital civic service as a team working together.  At a Zoom meeting Wednesday evening, Sept. 9, Rev. Annie welcomed the team and offered a prayer for our work. We reviewed new safety precautions for Election Day, as well as pre-election online education to protect team members and make their work effective. Leo Harrod promised that he’d again supply his excellent homemade cookies on Election Day. Robin Silver reminded us of our recognition and applause for new first-time voters. Several folks recounted stories of the appreciation voters showed for the team’s work.                                                                                                                                                Currently 21 people, returning members and new volunteers, are on board to staff the polling site at Gateway Church in Benicia on November 3.                                                                                                                                                                                    
NEEDED: An additional six to ten volunteers for the day! Volunteers are paid for each education module completed online, for one in-person training, and for every hour worked on Election Day. Volunteers may choose to donate their earnings to St. Paul’s.  Can you answer this call? Please contact Gene Ekenstam at 707-747-5653 or gekenstam@gmail.com and say YES!

 

Dedicating Flowers at St. Paul‘s

If you are considering dedicating flowers for St. Paul’s services in memory of a loved one or for a special celebration, please contact the church office.  The Sundays of October and December are currently open. Our mission is to beautify our church and enhance our worship here at St. Paul’s.  Thank you for your support.

Community Meal Needs To-Go Bags

 If you have extra paper or plastic bags, the Community Meal could use them.  With two meals being served weekly, on Mondays and Wednesdays, that is about 125+ to-go bags needed.  Bags can be dropped off anytime by the bench outside the parish hall (closest to the church office).

Host a Zoom Coffee Hour

Friends, do you feel boxed in by the Zoom coffee hour? There is an opportunity to break through the wall and occasionally host our fellowship gatherings on Sunday mornings (at 9:45). The lay people will be relieving Rev. Annie so she has a moment to reflect and collect herself between services.
 
If you have been able to participate regularly you know they are great fun and another chance to better know the people of St.Paul’s. We also share hopes and dreams, sheltering tips, good meals, movies, meals, etc.
 
You won’t be asked much: prepare a discussion question, post it to the group and moderate the discussion. You’ll be able to call on each individual and may have to gently but clearly steer the conversation if we begin to stray.

 

If you are interested, or have questions, contact Larry Lutz. He will be scheduling the hosts and assist you in getting started.

 

Zoom Coffee Hour on Sundays

Join us online at 9:45 am for our Sunday virtual coffee hour. Check your Friday email from St. Paul’s for secure Zoom log-in information.

 

Readings for Pentecost 15

 

Exodus 14:19-31   

Exodus 15:1b-11, 20-21

Romans 14:1-12    

Matthew 18:21-35  

 

 

 Morning Prayer Online – Weekdays at 9 am

This half-hour service of scripture reading and prayers will start your day off on the right foot. It’s a wonderful anchor in uncertain times! Check your Friday email from St. Paul’s for secure Zoom log-in information.

 

Bible Study Online – Wednesdays at 11 am  

Join us as we dive into next Sunday’s readings while enjoying fellowship, deep conversation, and entertaining tangents. Remember – you can always call into the meeting by phone, no computer required! Check your Friday email from St. Paul’s for secure Zoom log-in information.