Dear St. Paul’s,
This Sunday is All Saints Sunday. The reason we call it this is that the feast of All Saints falls on November 1st, but we transfer the day to the closest Sunday after November 1st. The color is white in honor of all those who have died before us. We are also reminded through baptisms on that day that we all are part of the communion of saints – those past, present and yet to come. Which means we have a tremendously large family. A family of saints and sinners – artists and welders and doctors and tradesmen and servants and politicians and explorers and boat captains – any and all Christians of all the years. Pretty cool group of folks.
This Sunday, 4-month-old David Joseph Wiley and adult choir member Hannah Lynn Bancroft will be baptized, as well as we will renew our baptismal vows. Baptismal days are ones in which we are reminded who we are and whose we are – God’s chosen ones – members of the Body of Christ. We repeat our baptismal promises – to seek and serve Christ in all persons – to respect the dignity of every human being – to proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ! Please join me in welcoming these two into the Body of Christ and the Christian Community!
We have now entered our pledge drive for 2026. For some reason we are reluctant to talk about money in the church. Jesus certainly had a lot to say about money. Why are we so afraid to talk about it? In the Episcopal Church in Taiwan, the names of folks and their corresponding pledges are posted for all to see. In Taiwan, what you give to the church is a matter of honor and folks are proud for others to see how much they care for the ministry of their church. You would be aghast if I did that here. The only ones at St. Paul’s who are aware of your pledge are Theresa Milne, as she enters the pledges into the database, and myself, as your giving is a pastoral concern. If I see someone’s giving change dramatically, that usually indicates something is going on with the person or their family.
I know we live in uncertain times. I know expenses are up and are only expected to go higher. That is also true for the church. And we are smaller in number at St. Paul’s, yet the costs of ministry have only increased. As you will see in this week’s pledge mailing a sample of some of our expenses, particularly with this building. I ask that you please, carefully and prayerfully consider how much you are able to give to keep us in this space doing this ministry.
Now there is much in the world that needs are prayer. Just like the widow, we need to pray constantly for justice and wisdom and compassion for all. Let us remember those who are homeless, particularly in Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa destroyed so much of their island. Let us remember in prayer the Middle East and hope for peace. Let us remember each other, our families and the two who are preparing for baptism this Sunday.
Blessings to you and yours,
Karen+