FROM DEAN VANG
You are receiving this introduction on the Eve of Independence Day. No doubt many parishioners will be celebrating the July Fourth holiday appropriately: attending parades, observing fireworks displays, gathering with family and friends, and, of course, partaking of meals showcasing American flair.
There is a sacred dimension this national observance. I invite each of us, at an opportune time during the course of the day, to pause and pray for our nation and its people. The prayer which follows is the Independence Day Collect from our Prayer Book.
Special intercessions and hymns will be offered on Sunday at both the 8 am and 9:30 am Eucharists.
Lord God Almighty, in whose Name the founders of this country won liberty for themselves and for us, and lit the torch of freedom for nations then unborn: Grant that we and all the people of this land may have grace to maintain our liberties in righteousness and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Summer Service Times
St. Paul’s summer service times began on June 14. Holy Eucharist is celebrated at 8:00 am and 9:30 am each Sunday. The choir and normal worship times will return on Homecoming Sunday, September 13. Lectio Divina and the Holy Eucharist will resume on September 2.
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.
Community Needs
Donations collected in the baskets in the narthex are delivered to St. John’s/St. Ann’s Food Pantry, which provides emergency supplemental food for residents in the South End of Albany. Donations of non-perishable food, toiletries (which cannot be purchased with food stamps), infant formula, baby food and diapers may be placed in the baskets located in the narthex. Donations are delivered to the St. John’s/St. Ann’s Outreach Center on Fourth Avenue. www.sjsacenter.org
Please contribute generously to the food baskets in the narthex and to ministries such as Loaves and Fishes and the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York.
Albany Blooms
The Albany Blooms Thriving Parish Initiative is a diocesan effort to support, equip and strengthen the work and ministry of the parishes of the diocese. A facilitated Lectio Divina session is held weekly in St. Paul’s library weekly at 11:30 am, Wednesdays, prior to the 12:10 pm service, except in July and August. Benedictine Reading and Lectio Groups meet weekly (Tuesday afternoons in person in Greenwich, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings online). The groups are always open to additional participants. More information about that can be found at https://albanyblooms.org/grow .
Deacon’s Discretionary Fund
You may contribute anonymously to the deacon’s discretionary fund through a loose plate offering on the first Sunday of each month, or you may make a directed donation by check or cash placed in an envelope.
Pastoral Care
If you or a loved one need pastoral care, or would like to add yourself or a loved one to the prayer list, please contact the parish office (518-463-2257) during office hours or email StPaulsEpAlbany@gmail.com.
Office Hours
Summer parish office hours: 8:00 am – 1:00 pm, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Voice mail left at the church office (518-463-2257) and emails sent to StPaulsEpAlbany@gmail.com will be checked during office hours. In case of emergency, call or text 518-339-9466.
IN OUR PRAYERS THIS WEEK
For those who celebrate a birthday:
John 7/7, Robert 7/7.
For those who celebrate an anniversary:
Christina and Jeremy 7/10.
For those in need of healing, guidance, and comfort:
Ty, Elizabeth, Joe, Cynthia, Raelynn, Matt, Megan, Lucy, Makenna, Bruce, Mike, Lynn, Murph, Laura, Chris, Anita, Lydia, Linda, Manny, Harper, Hudson, Gavin, Gracelynn, Sarah, Amy.
For those who have asked for our prayers:
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: Helen Coleman and all 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.
