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+

5.3.26

Dear All,

It was a very British week for us Anglicans. First, we have King Charles III and Queen Camilla in the US for a state visit in honor of America 250. The King is also the Defender of the Faith. “Defender of the Faith” (Fidei Defensor in Latin) is a royal title used by British monarchs, originally conferred on Henry VIII by Pope Leo X in 1521 for defending Catholic sacraments against Martin Luther. Despite Henry’s later break with Rome, Parliament reaffirmed the title in 1544, and it remains part of the sovereign’s style today. The title “Defender of the Faith” reflects the Sovereign’s position as the supreme governor of the Church of England or the Anglican Church.

If you have not had a chance to hear the speech King Charles gave to Congress on Tuesday, it was quite good. With a witty sense of humor, he offered up thoughts on some of the issues we are tangling with today. It is clear that the United Kingdom pays close attention to what we do in this country.

Our Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mulally, (The full, formal title of the Archbishop of Canterbury is The Most Reverend and Right Honourable, often followed by their name and post-nominal letters (e.g., GCVO) or simply “Lord Archbishop of Canterbury”. They are the senior bishop of the Church of England, holding a unique position as primus inter pares — first among equals.) was quite busy this week starting on Monday praying with Pope Leo XIV in the Vatican.

During her four-day visit to Rome, the Archbishop visited and prayed at the tombs of Saints Peter and Paul, and she preached during Evensong at St. Paul’s Within the Walls (the Episcopal Church in Rome a few blocks from the Vatican). This year marks the 60th anniversary of the first formal ecumenical statement between the Anglican and Roman Catholic Churches, signed in 1966 at St. Paul’s Outside the Walls Basilica by Archbishop Michael Ramsey and Pope Paul VI. Mullally for her part has expressed solidarity with Leo’s peace message, after the American-born pope was harshly criticized by U.S. President Donald Trump for his calls for peace in Iran.

I think it important that we know a bit about our Anglican roots and how they are represented on the world’s stage. Although as Episcopalians our structure and governance is a bit different from that of England, we are brothers and sisters and have been for centuries. I encourage you to learn more about our Anglican heritage and follow its movement throughout the world.

Now as to your prayer life . . . I hope it is growing even if just by few seconds each day. Stick a sticky note on your bathroom mirror as a reminder to pray for a bit. As always, pray for you, your family and friends; pray for peace and justice throughout our world; pray for those in our parish being confirmed and received – Ian, Rachel, Michael, Patrick, Dani and Katie.

Blessings to you and yours,
Karen+