Welcome to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church!

We welcome all into our facilities (whether you have been here before or are seeking a worship home) for in-person worship, meetings and gatherings.

As Episcopalians, we are members of the world-wide Anglican Communion. At times we are referred to as’ that church started by Henry VIII so he could get a divorce’. Come visit and you’ll find out there is much more to us than a cranky old ancestor. Theologically some suggest we are progressive – instead we think of ourselves as keen on social justice issues, fairness, justice and equality for all folks. Worship-wise, or liturgically as we refer to it, we have a well-defined service that includes scripture readings, hymn singing, praying, preaching and sharing holy communion.

The only way to know if we are a good fit for you, is to try us out. We welcome all and pressure none. The most important thing is your relationship with God and we encourage you to find the place where it will grow most fruitfully. For more information about St. Paul’s, its ministries or anything else, feel free to email the rector, Karen Lewis at rector@stpaulslansing.org or contact our parish office at 517-482-9454.

Blessings to you and yours,
Karen+

Sunday Service

The Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost
October 13, 2024

Pentecost XXI Bulletin


10.6.24 Congregational Note

Dear St. Paul’s,

This week has been one of devastation in the world! The horrific damage left from Hurricane Helene. So many folks homeless. So many businesses and schools and medical centers and Episcopal Churches destroyed. Bishop Perry has asked that we encourage our parishioners to give whatever may be possible to Episcopal Relief & Development (ERD) to assist in recovery efforts. Here is the link that will take you directly to the ERD page to donate: https://support.episcopalrelief.org/hurricane-relief/?ID=WS24-

In addition to the hurricane, we have growing tensions in the Middle East between Israel and Lebanon. This area has been a battlefield for centuries and it appears as there is no end in sight as Israel also continues its war in Gaza. All we can do at this time is pray that somehow, some way, we find a way to assist in bringing peace.

And then, of course, we have a national election only a few weeks away. The rhetoric on both sides is heating up with untruths being thrown around. Who to believe? What to believe? This is where I call on Jesus and ask the oh-so-familiar question, “What would Jesus do? Who would Jesus vote for?” I have to believe it is whoever is involved in seeking justice and equality for all. It seems as though kindness has been thrown out of the window. I believe that is one of the roles of churches is to create the space for kindness and respect. To hold to the values we proclaim and maintain a safe space for all. Will not be easy. Particularly after the election is over. Whoever wins, the other side will be angry, and some may even resort to political violence.

In the meantime, we will continue to gather for Sunday worship and other events. Don’t forget to put on your calendars Blessing of the Beasts (Animals) this Sunday at 4:00pm. I will be out of the office from Monday, October 7th through the 26th. My sister and I are headed to Italy, a long-planned trip to see amazing art, architecture, and of course, churches. I am not much of a picture taker as I’m usually too in awe to position the camera and click. Donna will be around to handle any pastoral care issues.

While I am gone, the Pledge Drive, “Walk in Love” will kick off and we will have a special treat for coffee hour on October 27th. All will be asked, including the young ones, to ponder what you are grateful for, and claim that on a footstep to post on our journey map. We do have much to be grateful even when we are overwhelmed with the tensions in our world. Please remember in your prayers these folks who have lost everything whether it be by hurricane or war. Pray for cooler heads in making political decisions. And pray for kindness – particularly among ourselves and when we head out into the world.

Blessings to you and yours,
Karen+

St. Paul’s This Week

ST. PAUL’S UPCOMING EVENTS – October 3, 2024

The 21st Sunday after Pentecost – Proper 23B Our readings from the Hebrew Scriptures for the next three weeks will come from the book of Job. It is a long and wonderful story refuting what we like to call “health and wealth” theology. That if you are sinless, righteous and upright, God will make you healthy and wealthy. If bad things happen, it is because you sinned. How many of you believe this theology?

We still need folks to sign up to be greeters and host coffee hour, help taking the recycling and filling the blessing box. There are sign up sheets on the red table in the Merrifield Room.

Sunday School is at at 9:45am. Please make sure our young ones head downstairs for the return of our Sunday School programming. Thanks to all who have offered up their time and talent to be Mentors.

Wednesday Noon Zoom Book Study will be October 16th. Our book for the month of October is The Lemon Tree by Sandy Tolan.

No Wednesday evening Zoom Bible Study until October 30th. But please keep reading your Scriptures.

Compline on Wednesday evenings The Rev. Gail Shafer, our priest associate, will offer Compline on Wednesdays evenings at 9:00pm via zoom. The current liturgy is from the Celtic tradition. A recording of the service will be posted to St. Paul’s Facebook page.

Looking ahead . . .

October 14th – Office closed for Indigenous People’s Day

October 20th – Pack Sack Lunches

October 20th – Gratitude Cards

October 26th – Red Cross Training

October 27th – Gratitude Sunday Coffee Hours – Kick-off of Pledge Drive

October 27th – UTO Ingathering

November 2nd – Watch Party of the Presiding Bishop’s Installation at 11:00am. Join us to watch this extraordinary service in the Merrifield Room.

November 3rd – All Souls’ Party following the 10:00am service

November 3rd – Pack Sack lunches

November 16th – If Music Be the Food concert offered by MSU students to benefit the First Presbyterian Food Bank

November 24th – Celebration Coffee Hour

November 26th – Grateful Gathering Dinner


We also need folks to sign up to be greeters, coffee hour hosts, ushers, etc.  As we return to in-person activities our need for volunteers has returned.  Don’t be shy!

Online Giving

St. Paul’s is pleased to offer electronic giving options for your regular pledge payments or other contributions to the church.

You may still contribute by check but now you may give securely by clicking: ONLINE GIVING.

You may also contribute on your phone by texting stpaulsegive to 73256 followed by your gift amount. For example; stpaulsegive $25.

You can also select the option to help us cover the processing costs. For example, a $100 gift with an optional processing fee of 3% will be $3. You will receive full credit of $103 on your gift.

Here is a video to explain the process (unmute for audio instructions):


Upcoming Events



Monthly Calendar Link

Worship Services

Sunday Services at 10 am.

Our Sunday worship services are conducted both in-person and virtually. Virtual services may be found on our Facebook page, this website, and YouTube.

218 West Ottawa
Lansing, MI 48933

Sunday parking in Roosevelt Ramp off Seymour

.