January 14, 2021
Due to rising COVID19 rates, we will worship on-line ONLY for the next 3 weeks: www.stpaulschatham.org or www.facebook.com/stpaulschatham.org
Worship January 17– 23th
Sunday, January 17th at 10am on Facebook (click HERE)
Tuesday, January 18th at 12noon on Facebook NoonDay Prayers with Rev. Ellen
Wednesday, January 19th at 9:00am on Facebook Morning Prayer Rite II with Rev. Mary
Thursday, January 20th at 12noon on Facebook NoonDay Prayers with Rev. Ellen
MLK: Letter from Birmingham City Jail
Christ Church, Summit, is hosting a community discussion today, Thursday, January14th – a day before Dr. King’s birthday. 7 houses of worship and other organizations will be participating and facilitating.
Sixty years later, let’s discuss what has changed and what is still a challenge. Thursday, January 14th, 7-9 p.m.
Join us via Zoom:
https://ccsnj.org/mlkzoom to discuss the questions posed by Dr. King in his famous letter in a small group format.
For years now, on the Sunday nearest Epiphany, we have given out “star words.” These words are randomly selected and invite us to ponder what significance this word might have in our lives throughout the year ahead. Two years ago, my word was “strength,” and last year, my word was “contemplation.” Through these simple words, I found that God spoke to me time and time again.
The reason we offer these words around the Feast of the Epiphany is that Epiphany is the celebration of the Magi following the star to find baby Jesus and offer their gifts. We, too are seeking Jesus, trusting that God can and does use many signs (or stars) to guide us closer to the Divine presence.
This year, since we are not gathering in person for worship, you may choose your “star word,” randomly, using this on-line word generator. Just click here: My Star Word, and then click on “show me my word.”
As you choose your word, you may offer this prayer:
Gracious God, you have made yourself known to all people of this earth through your Son, Jesus Christ. Help me be open to the gift that you offer me now through this word. Let me receive it from you with gratitude and enable me to live into this word with intention and faithfulness. Thank you for every gift that brings me closer to you. Amen.
House Blessing 2021
The Epiphany season is the traditional time for blessing our homes. It is in the home that the first experience of love occurs. It is where love is nurtured, grows to maturity, and is practiced day after day. Especially during this pandemic when we have been home more than ever, the Christian home is also the ground for our spiritual growth and mission to spread God’s love in the world. Jesus’ ministry took place in many different homes, so to hallow the home as an environment for nurture and renewal is a deeply felt need by many Christian households.
Here is the traditional blessing and instructions to “chalk” your doorway:
Take a piece of chalk and mark on the lintel of your front door 20 + C + M + B + 21 saying:
The three Wise Men,
C Caspar,
M Melchior,
B and Balthasar followed the star of God’s Son who became human
20 two thousand
and 21 years ago.
++ May Christ bless our home
++ and remain with us throughout the new year. Amen.
God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them. Christ, God’s incarnation, is present in the love and care we manifest to each other in our ordinary daily lives together.
Other possible prayers:
May all who come to our home this year rejoice to find Christ living among us; and may we seek and serve, in everyone we meet, that same Jesus who is your incarnate Word, now and forever. Amen.
God of heaven and earth, you revealed your only-begotten One to every nation by the guidance of a star. Bless this house and all who inhabit it. Fill us with the light of Christ, that our concern for others may reflect your love. We ask this through Christ our Saviour. Amen.
Loving God, bless this household. May we be blessed with health, goodness of heart, gentleness, and abiding in your will. We ask this through Christ our Saviour. Amen.
Sunday School Survey!
This fall our Sunday School families received monthly deliveries of Christian Education materials at each of your homes. Before we begin our winter and spring seasons, it would be helpful to have some feedback from our families. Please take just two minutes to complete the following survey – THANKS in advance!
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GC28RPT
Currently, our greatest needs are Enfamil Infant Formula 12.5 oz containers (yellow label), diapers size 3, 4, 5, and 6.
Monetary donations can be made through our website at www.northporch.org We have also set up a system for online purchase with direct shipping directly to us at the address below.. For your convenience, we have created an AmazonSmile Charity List where you can find a list of our most needed items for purchase. The link is https://smile.amazon.com/hz/charitylist/ls/OWZSPY2YBP5E/ref=smi_ext_lnk_lcl_cl
Shipping Address for online purchases
North Porch Women and Infants’ Center
11 South Bergen St. Dover, NJ 07801
We are so very grateful for all the support St. Paul's gives to North Porch. We couldn't do it without you! If you have any questions, please contact Rev. Ellen at ellen@stpaulschatham.org
Diocesan Study Groups and Announcements: From Our Bishop
Let’s walk bravely, boldly into the light
"For us in this time that has been pandemic, God has turned on a light," says Bishop Hughes. "We've been learning something about what the church could be. We've been learning something about who we are called to be as faithful people." click here to read the transcript.
Upcoming Events
January Diocesan-wide Gathering
“Faith Groups: Sharing our Lives, Growing in Faith” In place of January’s Convention weekend, Bishop Hughes will host an online worship, learning, and fellowship event on the last weekend of this month. On the evening of Fri. Jan. 29, we will have diocesan-wide online worship during which I will give an address focused on the new ways we are called to be church as we move out of pandemic and into God’s direction for the church. On Sat. Jan. 30, small groups of parish representatives will gather online for more information about how to use this pattern in your church and how it can deepen your faith. All are welcomed and encouraged to “attend,” links will be send out next week!
Find out more and register online.
* Due to the pandemic, Diocesan Convention is postponed until Summer 2021, date to be announced.
Bishop's Study Group: Pursuing Racial Reconciliation through Scripture, Film, Word, and Prayer
SIX TUESDAYS, JAN 5-FEB 9, 6:30-8 PM
This six-week study group will focus on building a spiritual and theological response to racial injustice. Registrants are asked to commit to attending at least four of the sessions. Find out more.
Register here by 5 PM Friday, Jan. 8.
The first session, on Chapter 1 of Philippians and the film Harriet, was video recorded and will be made available to all who register by Jan. 8.
Practicing Christ - The Way of Jesus as Transformative Practice
MON, JAN 11-MAR 1, 6-7:30 PM
Sponsored by the Diocesan Nourishing Spirituality Group and Interweave, this eight-session course will feature a rooting in Scripture, presentation, discussion, worship and a variety of spiritual practices.
Registration is required by 12 noon on Sunday, Jan. 10. Find out more.
Happening at Cross Roads
Young Adult Small Group: January 2021
Are you looking to meet new people and explore your faith in the new year? In place of a one weekend retreat, this year Cross Roads is offering a weekly Young Adult Small Group devotional experience for the month of January, from 7-8 pm every Thursday on Zoom. All young adults, ages 18 to 30ish, are invited to participate. Sign up here.
Register for Youth Retreats: February and March 2021
EXPLORE! with Cross Roads this winter at our virtual youth retreats. Over the course of a few hours, kids and youth leaders will EXPLORE the ways God is present in our world and in our lives. There are three EXPLORE! retreat dates and times for different age groups. Find all information including registration here.
Summer Staff applications now open!
No matter what exactly next summer at Cross Roads looks like, we will need trustworthy and creative young adults to help serve the Cross Roads community. Applications to work on Summer Staff 2021 are now OPEN! Learn more and apply on the Cross Roads website. You can read the most recent update about summer camp at Cross Roads here.
Ballet for every body, steps for every soul....
This unique blend of ballet class and spiritual direction makes contemplation incarnational. Faith On Pointe is a 6-week cohort that will dive into the intersection of theology and ballet practice, examining themes such as grace, turnout, and reverence.
Each themed week pairs selected theological readings with a customized ballet class which concludes with a period of journaling and reflection, using movement from class as the basis for our conversation.
Faith On Pointe is for anyone interested in making dance a spiritual practice. If you’ve felt that extra “something” when you’ve danced ballet, if you know in your bones that this is more than just a physical practice, and you’re curious about how this can integrate into your spiritual life, this course is for you. Note: Though the ballet portion is for all skill levels, it is not an introductory class; you do need to have some prior knowledge of and experience with ballet, even if it’s just at a beginner level.
Beginner classes are also offered-please see their website for more information.
https://www.faithonpointe.com/classes
