April 19, 2020
For me this year, Easter Sunday felt – at least briefly – like a moment when we were dancing “arm in arm.” (see “Quarantine” by Kim Stafford) We had no live music (unless ringing the bells counts!). We were separated from each other. And for sure, there was no dancing. But I still felt connected with you all and the first disciples through the joy of Jesus’ resurrection.
Jesus’ resurrection is so life-altering and miraculous that the church celebrates Easter for 50 full days. I hope that you will join us in worship each Sunday, on-line while also participating in our weekday worship opportunities.
Additionally, I’d like to ask that if you have a story of “resurrection” or “rebirth” or of an “alleluia!” (all Easter words!) that you share your reflection with me during this particularly difficult time. Journaling or writing or painting about this period in our collective lives offers a witness to God’s presence with us and will also serve as a beacon during other dark or desperate times.
Here is one example of God working through one of our parishioners, Weston Almond. He produced this short documentary on “Mashable” to tell our story of adjusting to church life in a pandemic. Enjoy! https://mashable.com/video/minister-online-church-service-coronavirus/
Worship
Sunday, April 19th - 10am Sunday Worship
Tuesday, April 21st -12noon Noonday Prayer
Wednesday, April 22nd - 7pm Children’s Chapel and Compline Children's Chapel
Thursday, April 23rd - 12noon Noonday Prayer
Fellowship and Study
Saturday, April 18th - 10am Bible Study: “Unraveled: Seeking God When Our Plans Fall Apart” via Zoom
Bible Study
Saturday, April 18th - 11am Youth Group Gathering (contact Rev. Ellen 973-452-2496 for details)
Sunday, April 19th - 10:30am Coffee Hour via Zoom “Where have you found God?” Coffee Hour
Wednesday, April 22nd - 7pm Vestry Meeting via Zoom
Community Outreach
In Search of . . . Used Ipads and Iphones that can be wiped clean and used in local hospitals to connect patients with families and nursing staff. Please contact Simon Mason to arrange drop off/pick up. They are also in need of these chargers from Amazon (use Amazon Smile and donate to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church!) Quick Charge 3.0 Wall Charger,[4-Pack] 18W QC 3.0 USB Wall Charger Adapter Fast Charging Block Compatible with Wireless Charger, iPhone 11 X 8 Samsung S10 S9 S8 Plus S7 S6 Edge Note 9, LG, Kindle
Got Masks? Vestry Member Ann Lowe has been sewing masks for the past several weeks and has generously offered to share with anyone in the congregation who needs one. Please let Ann Lowe know how many adult and child-sized masks you need.
Seniors and those who are ill: The Senior Center of the Chathams is offering assistance with grocery shopping, delivering medicine, dry cleaning etc. Simply call 973-635-4565. This is for Seniors AND those who are either physically challenged OR are self-quarantining because they have virus symptoms or have come in contact with someone who has tested positive.
Food Donations for Morris County Interfaith Food Pantry are still being accepted. Drop non-perishable food to the basket located by our parish office.
North Porch for Women and Children is still accepting donations of formula and diapers/pull-ups. Please drop donations by parish office.