FROM Deacon Todaro, Deacon:
Alleluia, Christ is risen! But a lot of people in the church are very tired. We had 5 amazing services in 4 days; Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil and 2 services on Easter Sunday. The music was amazing. However, we saw the polished result, not the hours of learning and rehearsal. When we left the building on Friday, the altar was bare and on Saturday evening everything had been replaced, and the flowers in place, and the silver and brass which had been previously polished, back on the altar. Either a miracle occurred, or the altar guild and others were very busy. We needed ushers, greeters, acolytes, and altar servers. Our sexton, who is also one of the soloists in the choir, had to pick up, set up and clean up after dinner and coffee hours to get ready for the next service or event, and then sing. Most of all, we needed all of you who showed up for one or more of the services. Thank you, everyone.
At this point I feel like we all need a long rest, but Sunday comes around again, just like every week. We will do it all again, although the service will not be quite so elaborate, we still celebrate the risen Lord, as we do every Sunday.
Rectory Painting
Spring clean-up efforts will be directed to the rectory this year. We have several rooms to finish painting and windows in need of washing before the rectory is ready to welcome its next occupants. We will be working Tuesdays, April 14 and 21, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Additional sessions will be scheduled as necessary.
All paint, supplies, brushes, rollers, etc., will be provided. If you have a favorite paint brush, please feel free to bring it, but the treasurer will not reimburse any unauthorized expenditures for this work as the parish already owns more painting supplies than it will ever use. Please bring your own lunch. The rectory is located at 85 Mosher Road, Delmar, in the Town of Bethlehem. Please contact Mark Lowery if you have any questions or if you are available to work at other times.
Bach Concert
St. Paul’s Choir, under the direction of Steven Rosenberry, will present its annual Bach concert in the church sanctuary on Sunday, April 26, at 3:00 pm. This year’s concert will include three of Johann Sebastian Bach’s best-loved cantatas: BWV 4, Christ lay in death’s bonds; BWV 182, Welcome King of Heaven; and BWV 196, The Lord blesses us. A reception will follow in the Blue Room. Admission is $20; students are admitted free. Watch for ticket sales in the narthex.
CROP Walk
The John U. Miller Memorial CROP Walk will step off from St. Paul’s at 1:30 on Sunday, May 3. The 2026 goal for this annual event to enhance food security, both locally and around the world, is $104,500. Registration will begin in McEwan Hall at 12:30; music will start in the church sanctuary at 12:45, and the opening ceremony will begin at 1:10. St. Paul’s is part of the Loaves and Fishes/Episcopal Parishes of Albany Team. To join the team or start your own, or to make a donation, visit https://events.crophungerwalk.org/chw/teams?event=albanyny.
Many thanks to Dan Halloran for both leading the L&F/EPA Team and serving as St. Paul’s coordinator for the event.
Flower Memorials
As we leave the season of Lent, we will once again grace the altar with flowers. If you would like to dedicate altar flowers, please sign the flower chart hanging outside the Blue Room kitchenette door, complete a flower dedication form (also hanging outside the kitchenette) and submit it to the parish office at least three weeks prior to the desired dedication date.
Blood Drive
The Red Cross will hold a blood drive at St. Paul’s from 2:00 to 6:00, Tuesday, June 30. A few volunteers are needed to help with registration and dispensing snacks to donors. If you are willing to help for an hour or two, please contact Mark Lowery.
Scholarship Applications
Applications for the Mall, McWilliam, Funk and Sayles/Hutchinson Memorial Scholarships are now available in the church narthex and parish office. All applications are due in the parish office no later than 4:00 pm, May 31, 2026.
How the Church Changes its Mind
The Episcopal Diocese of Albany School of Spiritual Formation and Education is pleased to offer “How the Church Changes its Mind,” a study of the interaction of the church, the culture, and the Bible. This six-session course considers the principles by which the church and its culture have coexisted over the centuries, each influencing the other for good or ill, and how this has guided the church in its interpretation of the scriptures, especially surrounding culturally controversial issues. The study begins with an introduction that describes these principles and reminds us of the reality that the existence of a Gentile Church itself involves a culturally influenced reinterpretation of scripture. It then continues with three historic case studies.
The Rev. Dr. William Lytle developed this course and has taught it on previous occasions at the parochial level. Fr. Lytle will present the course in person in St. Paul’s library on Mondays at 10:30 am, beginning April 13. Participants may also join via Zoom at the link provided after registration.
IN OUR PRAYERS THIS WEEK
For those who celebrate a birthday.
For those who celebrate an anniversary.
For those in need of healing, guidance, and comfort:
Ty, Elizabeth, Joe, Hilda, Lynn, Russell, Anita, Laura, Paul, Raelynn,
Matt, Cynthia, Meaghan, Dennis, Jescyka.
For those who have asked for our prayers:
Bob Caldwell and the people of All Saints Catholic Mission in Oakland Park, Florida.
Zac Gomrick and all the Members of the Armed Forces.
For our mission partners:
Mother Martha Hubbard and the people of Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Albany.
Father Samuel Louis Charles, and the people of Christ the King
Episcopal Church and parish school in LaHoye, Haiti.
Father Nicolas Stebbing, and the Tariro orphanages.
For the departed: All of our loved ones.
For the victims of conflict and violence.
For the victims of natural disasters throughout the world
and those who suffer from or are vulnerable to extreme weather conditions.
For the victims of gun violence.
PRAYER FOR A NEW RECTOR
Almighty God, giver of every good gift; Look graciously on your Church and so guide the minds of those who shall choose a Rector for this parish, that we may receive a faithful pastor, who will care for your people and equip us for our ministries, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
EASTER MEMORIALS
Clyde & Patricia Childs
Stephen Clark
Pam Coutchie
Frances & Thomas Cripps
Roberta Cripps
George Dannecker, Sr.
George Dannecker, Jr.
Vincenza P. Dannecker
Sharon Davis
John Deisley
Mildred & Robert Englert
James W. Feck
Hubert & Catherine Harwood
Kirk & Dick Hauser
Dr. Denis Jones
Gretchen Lane
Lillian LeBaron
Anna Losinger
Flora Losinger
JoAnn Losinger
Robert Losinger
W. Michael Losinger
Christine Maloney
Rev. Nixon McMillan
Steve Momrow
James Noisette
Bill & Janet Peltz
Nelson & Effie Roberts
Richard Roberts
Jesse Rodger
Kay Shaffer
Donald & JoAnn Schmidt
David Shove
Kenneth & Virginia Smith
Arnold Stalker
Mary Ann Stalker
H. William Steinhorst
John & Valerie Thompson
Robert Wensley
Elizabeth White
James White
William White
Jennie Williams
EASTER FLOWER DONORS
Vivian Cripps
Robert Englert
Sandie Feck
Stacie & Dan Halloran
Susan Harwood
Steven Rosenberry
Andrew Schmidt
Sheila Smith
Robin Steinhorst
Beth Wensley
