Memorial Day
The U.S. semiquincentennial and St. Paul’s approaching bicentennial led me to ask our historian, Paul Nance, if any of St. Paul’s founders had played a role in the American Revolution. After all, St. Paul’s was founded just 46 hears after Washington’s victory at Yorktown. Might one of our parish’s founders have served as a young recruit in the Continental Army? According to Paul, what little information we have indicates that most members of the founding vestry were born after the Revolutionary War, although the oldest would have been young children. Surprisingly, we seem to have no record of St. Paul’s members’ service or deaths in America’s 19th century wars, including the Civil War.
We do, however, know that at least 115 men and women from St. Paul’s served during World War I, and two died in service. At least 258 members served in World War II, during which 15 died. These dead are commemorated on a plaque in the ambulatory, across the hall from the sacristy door. Other members have served in subsequent wars, including Vietnam and the Gulf Wars. Although we have no records of members’ service deaths among those conflicts, most of us likely lost some friend or relative during those wars.
These people sacrificed their lives to secure democracy and the rights guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution, including the right to practice (or not) any religion we choose. We owe them our gratitude, not just on Memorial Day but throughout the year. And we can best show that gratitude through our own service. They gave their lives – how much is each of us willing to give of our time, our talents and our treasure for our community, our nation and our faith?
Thanks to Paul Nance for providing the information cited above. The hyperlinks will lead you to Paul’s posts on each topic, which I highly recommend.
Mark Lowery
Harold Wilson
Harold A. Wilson, former Vestry member and usher at Saint Paul’s, died on May 16. A Eucharist of the Resurrection will be celebrated in the church on Thursday, May 28, at 10:00 am, with a Committal to follow at Saint Joseph’s Cemetery in Waterford. May he rest in peace and his soul rise in glory.
Pentecost Celebration
St. Paul’s will celebrate the Day of Pentecost on Sunday, May 24. Parishioners may wish to observe the tradition of wearing red to symbolize the transforming power of the Holy Spirit.
Pinwheels for Pentecost
St. Paul’s Daughters of the King chapter will offer pinwheels on Pentecost Sunday for a free will donation of any amount. Proceeds will benefit DoK’s Ministry Education Fund, which provides financial assistance to women and girls for ministry-related education.
Scholarship Applications
Applications for the Mall, McWilliam, Funk and Sayles/Hutchinson Memorial Scholarships are available in the parish office. All applications are due in the parish office no later than 4:00 pm, May 31, 2026.
Opportunities to Celebrate Pride at St. Paul’s
St. Paul’s will hold its annual evensong in observance of Pride Month in the church at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 9. The Rt. Rev. Jeremiah Williamson, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Albany, will preside at the service, and the Rev. Canon Neal Longe, diocesan Canon to the Ordinary for Resource Development, will preach. Steven Rosenberry and the St. Paul’s choir will provide music, with organ voluntaries provided by guest musician, Albert Melton.
A reception in the Blue Room will follow the Evensong service. Contributions of finger foods will be gratefully accepted.
St. Paul’s members are encouraged to participate in the Capital Pride Parade and Festival on the following Sunday, June 14. The parade is scheduled to step off at 11:30 am; churches have, in the past, been positioned near the end of the parade to allow more time to arrive after church. Members of the Committee on Inclusion should have more details from the Community Center soon.
Diocesan Mission Committee
The diocesan Mission Committee exists to support and expand the outreach of the diocese through prayer, service, and dedicated action. Members help the diocese live out the Great Commission—spreading the Gospel and engaging in compassionate mission work, both locally and globally. Kate Storms has served as St. Paul’s representative on the Mission Committee but must now step away due to competing priorities. We thank Kate for her service and are now seeking someone to step into her place.
The Mission Committee’s scope includes the following:
· Prayer, education, and general assistance related to mission efforts
· Planning and organizing the Diocesan Missions Conference
· Participation in the annual convention
· Promoting existing mission partnerships and relationships
· Providing referrals to existing missions and experienced individuals
· Raising awareness through the Diocese’s social media platforms
· Supporting mission-aligned Episcopal/Anglican initiatives and groups
· Fundraising in support of approved mission activities
A committee member’s ideal attributes include the following:
· A heart for mission and a deep love for sharing God’s grace
· Enthusiasm for both spiritual and practical aspects of ministry
· Strong communication skills and attention to detail
· Dependable and committed to following through on responsibilities
· Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
· Respect for diverse backgrounds and cultures
· Openness to learning about global and local mission needs
If you are interested in supporting the work of the diocese as a member of the Mission Committee and have even a few of these attributes, please speak to Kate Storms or contact Mark Lowery for additional information.
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, even if only for an hour or two, please contact Mark Lowery. Appointments are NOT limited to Power Red donations as indicated in previous announcements. Appointments for both whole blood and Power Red donations are still available. You can make an appointment to donate at https://www.redcrossblood.org/.
Summer Service Times
St. Paul’s summer service times will begin on June 14. Holy Eucharist will be celebrated at 8:00 am and 9:30 am each Sunday. The choir’s last Sunday before its summer hiatus will be June 7. The choir and normal worship times will return on Homecoming Sunday, September 13.
IN OUR PRAYERS THIS WEEK
For those who celebrate a birthday:
Daniel 5/25, Paige 5/26, Bill 5/30
For those in need of healing, guidance, and comfort:
Joel, Mike, Hilda, Matt, Raelynn, Cynthia, Joe, Elizabeth, Dennis, Meaghan, Jescyka, Ty, Lynn, Russell, Anita, Laura, Bruce, Lea, Linda, Steven, Meagan, Lucy, Chris, Rob, Maria, Elvi.
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: Harold Wilson, and 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.
