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Outreach

 

Outreach is something the Lord Jesus calls His followers to do.  It is just part of the Christian faith to live for others.  Archbishop William Temple once said that the Christian faith is the only group in history that exists for the benefit  of those outside itself.

Outreach at St. Paul’s has always been of highest value;  our mission statement “to know Christ and to make Him known” reflects the essence of outreach.  Everything we do is measured by how well an activity helps us to know Christ and to share Christ.

For three weeks this summer a service to children and their parents will be held at St. Paul’s.  It is called Camp Mighty Mind.  The founders, Aileen Tisser, MA, PT and Cindy Freedman, OTR, approached us to host this camp for children with special needs.  When they heard we would welcome the camp and would like to minster in the name of the Lord, their response was emphatic:  “That’s  the one missing component!  Yes, please come and pray for us.” So, each day of the camp will begin with chapel and each child will receive the laying on of hands for healing.  There is a need for volunteers to help with the chapel.  If you are interested, please call the church office.

Please pray for this unique opportunity.  The camp will be held at St. Paul’s beginning on July 26 and ending August 13^th.

Your brother in Christ,

Christopher

The Rev. Christopher P. Leighton

Rector

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God Doesn’t Go on Vacation

 

God doesn’t go on vacation.  It is a rather comforting thought, isn’t it?  Oh, there are times we may feel He is absent or even accuse Him of not caring.  But people of faith believe that God is with us despite our feelings and circumstances. 

God doesn’t go on vacation.  Even though God is a Sabbath-keeper, and He rests, God is not withdrawn as the Ruler of the Universe.  The Scriptures declare, “He who watches over you will not sleep.”  [Psalm 121:3]

So as you plan your “down time” this summer, be assured that as you rest God will guide you and protect you and bless you.  You may even want to consider including God in your plans!   Psalm 121 says, in verses 7 and 8:  “The Lord will keep you from all harm – he will watch over your life;  the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”

You and I may go on vacation, but God doesn’t go on vacation!

Your brother in Christ,

Christopher

The Rev. Christopher P. Leighton

Rector

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Summer Outreach 

 

Due to circumstances over which we have no control, there will be no more mission trips for this summer.  However, domestic mission opportunities abound! 

One of the greatest ways to see God work in parish life and in our community is through the Vacation Bible School.  This year the theme is Baobab Blast .  [The Baobab tree is the center of community in the African savannah where it grows.]  We plan to come together as the body of Christ, welcoming guests and serving them as we Know Christ and Make Him Known.  There is always need for more helpers.  Perhaps you would like to help with snacks in the kitchen?  Or with Fr. Alex who is leading games.  Or with Meg Newton in one of our classrooms.  Sometimes the greatest need is simply a person to show kindness to a child who might be having a difficult day .  Debbie de la Rivera, our coordinator, will attest that some of our greatest helpers come on Friday night to help serve dinner and clean up afterwards.  Last year there were nearly as many volunteers as campers.  I often meet people in the community who tell me their children are still singing last year’s songs. 

So if you can make time in your schedule during the week of August 16 through 20, call the church office and register to assist.

By the way if your children or grandchildren are planning to come, or if you have a neighbor you think would enjoy VBS,  register them soon!  We are filling up quickly.

As your rector, I charge all members of St. Paul’s to be in prayer about Vacation Bible School!  Pray for the Lord to bless the children through teaching, worship, and fellowship.  Pray for safety, good health and good weather, and for the joy of the Lord to increase greatly!

 

Your brother in Christ,

Christopher

The Rev. Christopher P. Leighton

Rector

Following an art show reception this evening parishioners gathered for worship and an informal discussion of faith and creativty in expressive art. The attached podcast captures the informal discussion.

The artwork is on display in the Sanctuary at St. Paul’s through June 20th.

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Expressions

 

When you look around the nave of St. Paul’s, you witness the visual creations of highly expressive individuals!  Some thirty (30!) artists have painted/photographed/expressed their thoughts and these thoughts have been hung on the wall.

My experience of expressing myself in art goes a long way back to being the son of an artist and musician.  My mother was highly expressive!  I remember fondly seeing her paint, watching her sculpt, listening to her play music.  I never thought much about expressing myself in such ways.  Sports seemed like a better fit for me.

Yet my parents brought me to a Christian Camp where being creative was encouraged.  It set me free to express myself.  Once I became a believer in the Creator, creativity flowed.

I had a high school teacher who thought I could write very good poetry and she helped me get it out of myself.  More recently, my daughter Susannah has believed that there is visual art inside me and she has helped me get it out.

There is creativity in every one of us.  It is just a matter of discovering it and releasing it.  Knowing the Creator and beholding his work also helps!  So, my question to you is, “What is in you?” and “How can you express it?”

Your Brother in Christ,

Christopher

The Rev. Christopher P. Leighton

Rector

 

By the way:  A good scripture for reflection these days is the following: 

 

¹ The heavens declare the glory of God;

 the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

² Day after day they pour forth speech; 

night after night they display knowledge.                                    Psalm 19:1-2 (NIV)