Four days prior to the beginning of Holy Week, a significant event took place in the life of the world-wide Anglican Communion. On March 25, being the Feast of the Annunciation of Our Lord Jesus Christ to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Most Reverend and Right Honorable Sarah Mullally was enthroned at the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury. A former National Health Service chief nurse, the 63-year-old became a priest in 2006 and was appointed as the first female Bishop of London in 2018 – the third most senior member of clergy in the Church of England. The Archbishop of Canterbury is the most senior bishop in the Church of England and thus, in effect, its spiritual leader. The Archbishop is also the ceremonial leader of the global Anglican Communion, an international network of churches in more than 165 countries. As we pray at every Eucharist for Sean, the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, and Jeremiah, the Bishop of Albany, so too should we include Sarah as Archbishop of Canterbury. – Dean Marshall Vang
Bach Concert
St. Paul’s Choir 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.
Rectory Painting and Clean-up
Teams comprising Rod Cripps, Bill Harrison, Caleb Lindquist, Mark Lowery, Sandy Lowery and Bill Moll have nearly completed all necessary painting at the rectory. We will hold one more work session, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, Tuesday, May 5, for final touches, window washing and clean-up. Please join us if you are able to help with these light tasks. All supplies will be provided. 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 are available to work at other times.
Retired Easter Lilies
Although they were beautiful at the altar on Easter, the bloom is off the lilies, and they are available in the ambulatory for the taking to anyone who wants to repot the bulbs or plant them outside.
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.
Flower Memorials
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.
IN OUR PRAYERS THIS WEEK
For those who celebrate a birthday.
For those who celebrate an anniversary:
Karen & Chris 5/2
For those in need of healing, guidance, and comfort:
Mike, Joel, Raelynn, Matt, Cynthia, Meaghan, Dennis, Jescyka, Ty, Elizabeth, Joe, Hilda, Lynn, Russell, Anita, Laura.
For those who have asked for our prayers:
Bob Caldwell and the people of All Saints Catholic Mission in Oakland Park, Florida.
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.
