The Sword of The SpiritThe Sword of The Spirit Saint Paul’s Church www.saintpaulsbrookfield.com (203) 775-9587 January 2014

Happy Easter

Transforming Lives Through Jesus

It Is the Power of God. It Is the Power of God.

2

Vol. LX-No. 1

The Sword of the Spirit was started

in 1954 by the Rev. A. Pierce Middleton

Growing God’s KingdomGrowing God’s Kingdom “For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing,

but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:18)

Dear Friends,

T his will be the last update you see from me on "Growing God's Kingdom" as it

appears in Sword Points. For the next issue will find us in the month of

January, and our campaign will officially be behind us. Therefore, I would like to

take this moment to first say, "thank you." To those who have pledged, my heart

of thankfulness is overflowing, and I am deeply privileged to have walked with

you through this pivotal step in our common faith journey. From the responses

that have come forth, I see that you believe in the vision God has given us for St.

Paul's and its glorious future.

Secondly, I am pleased to announce that our Rector Emeritus, George Crocker,

has committed $100,000 to the campaign. It is not always common for a current

Rector and a Rector Emeritus to have such a close relationship, but Fr. George

and I do, and it is one more strength among many that we have as a parish

family. May our matching gifts be a sign of our love for Christ, His

Church, all of you, and one another. You can be sure that your clergy

have unity, common vision and an excitement about where our parish is

headed, and God will continue to bless such fulfillment of Psalm 133:1,

"How good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell together in unity."

Thirdly, we have basically completed this campaign. We are at 70%. If

you have yet to pledge, please prayerfully consider doing so. I am

looking forward to our annual meeting at the end of January where we

announce how much we

have raised, how much we

have saved by doing this

ourselves and the timeline ahead.

I am a firm believer that God pays

for what He orders, and I am

looking forward to seeing what the

Almighty will deliver to us. Again,

thank you, people of St. Paul's. I

am grateful for the call to pastor

you in such exciting times.

In Christ’s Light, Life and Love,

St. Paul’s Church 174 Whisconier Road

Brookfield, Connecticut 06804

(203) 775-9587

www.saintpaulsbrookfield.com

The Rev. Joseph Shepley, Rector

Beth Miller, Parish Office Coordinator

3

Press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

(Philippians 3:14)

“Growing God’s Kingdom” - An Update

Approximately 70% of our overall parish membership has now committed to "Growing God's Kingdom" by turning in pledge envelopes. The excitement is building, and we need you to help complete this campaign.

September 6 Campaign Begins-Brochures & Pledge Cards Mailed September 6 Quiet Phase Begins September 9 Commitments Received from Campaign Committee September 11 Presentation Made to Vestry for Vestry Participation October 6 Father Shepley commits $100,000 to Growing God's Kingdom October 15 Participation Level reaches 12% November 4 Phonathon begins to help attain 100% parish participation November 11 Participation Level reaches 25% December 16 Participation Level reaches 50% December 29 Participation Level reaches 70% December 31 Father Crocker’s commitment of $100,000 announced December 31 Campaign Ends January 26 Celebration during Annual Meeting Spring 2014 (Date TBD) Groundbreaking Ceremony

† Sacristans for January

Betty Gardner

Joyce Sarver

Gail Winkley

Oh, worship the Lord in

the beauty of holiness!

4

O ur St. Paul's annual meeting will

be held between the services on

January 26. We need some helping hands

to put together some egg casseroles, do

some serving and cleaning up. There will

be sign up sheets along with the egg dish

recipe in the back of the church. Please

consider helping out. Call Mary Allen,

203-775-6633 or chamla@charter.net

with any questions. Thanks all.

† This Week at St. Paul’s

Tue, Dec 31 - 9:15 am - Ladies Bible Study, Guild Room

Wed, Jan 1 - The Holy NameThe Holy Name

10:00 am - Holy Eucharist Rite I & Healing

Thu, Jan 2 - 7:30 pm - Mission Committee, Guild Room

7:30 pm - Property Committee

7:30 pm - Music Night, Sanctuary

Sat, Jan 4 - 7:30 am - Men’s Prayer Breakfast, Parish Hall

10:00 am - Praise Moves, Parish Hall

6:30 pm - Alpha Celebration Dinner, Parish Hall

Sun, Jan 5 - Second Sunday after Christmas DaySecond Sunday after Christmas Day

8:00 am - Traditional Eucharist

9:15 am - Young Adult Bible Study

9:30 am - Rector’s Forum, Guild Room

10:30 am - Contemporary Eucharist

4:30 pm - Youth Group

Mon, Jan 6 - The Epiphany of Our Lord Jesus ChristThe Epiphany of Our Lord Jesus Christ

- 5:30 pm - Christian Caring, Tuck Room

7:00 pm - Stephen Ministry, Guild Room

Tue, Jan 7 - 9:15 am - Ladies Bible Study, Guild Room

Wed, Jan 8 - 10:00 am - Holy Eucharist Rite I & Healing

- 7:00 pm - Staff Meeting, Tuck Room

7:30 pm - Vestry Meeting, Guild Room

Thu, Jan 9 - 12:00 pm - Christian Men’s Luncheon, Armando’s Restaurant, Bethel

1:00 pm - Dorothy Day Ministry, Danbury

7:30 pm - Music Night, Sanctuary

Sat, Jan 10 - 7:30 am - Men’s Prayer Breakfast, Parish Hall

10:00 am - Praise Moves

10:00 am - St. Paul’s Quilters, Parish Hall

6:30 pm - Alpha Course, Parish Hall

Sun, Jan 11 - First Sunday after the EpiphanyFirst Sunday after the Epiphany

8:00 am - Traditional Eucharist

9:15 am - Young Adult Bible Study

9:30 am - Rector’s Forum, Guild Room

10:30 am - Contemporary Eucharist

4:30 pm - Youth Group

T his month the Christian Men's Lunch, featuring Rev Richard Mozer, will be held on

Thursday (January 9th). That is NEXT week instead of the 2nd due to the Holiday.

Click here for more info.

5

A big THANK YOU to everyone who participated in the annual Christmas Pageant at St. Paul's On December 22nd. The children did a wonderful job of sharing their talents with

all of us in the congregation as they acted out the story of Christ's birth. We are so thankful for the many faithful families who share their wonderful children with us in Sunday School each week. Thank you too for the delicious Advent Brunch and all the helping hands that made it possible! We will resume classes on Sunday, January 6th. Have a blessed New Year! Grace and Peace, Heather Melody and Lori O'Hara.

2013 Christmas Pageant2013 Christmas Pageant2013 Christmas Pageant

6

Click for more info.

† Alpha is Coming!

Father Joe, Tara, and the Alpha team invite you and your friends to our

Saturday evenings of food, friendship, and inspiration. Alpha is a

relaxed manner to explore and grow in the Christian faith.

Please mark your calendars for Saturday nights from 6:30-8:30pm for

the January 4th celebration dinner for Alpha alumni and all newcomers

and January 11– March 22nd for the rest of the Alpha Evenings.

Child care is provided per your request either reimbursed for in- home

care or provided at the church; the choice is yours. Please contact Tara

with questions. Tbshepley@gmail.com

7

Name Tags - Many people have mentioned how helpful wearing nametags were to them in assimilating into the congregation. Please continue to be courteous to fellow parishioners, to newcomers and guests by extending a warm welcome to them and by wearing your name tag. And remember to wear them to coffee hour as well.

† Transforming Stewardship

“Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold,

frankincense, and myrrh.” Matthew 2:11

T he image of the Magi kneeling before the infant Jesus and

opening their treasure chests for Him is an image that we

should all try to follow. Each of us is called to open our gifts before

Jesus, offering Him what He needs. If you have trouble with this

idea, keep one of the Magi from your Nativity set on your desk all

year as a reminder to bring your gifts to Jesus.

† A Mission Post For Youth

"Take Joshua...a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand on him...and you shall give of your authority to him." (Numbers 27:18-20)

Dear Friends,

O ne way we grow the Kingdom together is by discerning and identifying each others' spiritual gifts and then encouraging one another to step out in faith. I have a special

interest in cultivating the gifts of those taking up the mantle of leadership for the church's future. I want to introduce you to one such individual, Matthew Hammer.

I am mentoring and encouraging Matthew as he seeks to break into the world of motivational speaking. He is a Christian, a top-ranked motocross racer, overall athlete and has a message for his generation. Click on the picture below for a link that is a specifically Christian call to faithfulness. Click here for a general message of how to pursue your dreams.

I hope to have Matthew speak to our youth group and wider church at some point, and please keep him in your prayers as he boldly steps out in faith. He gives me great hope as God raises up a new generation of spiritual leaders.

Please keep Matthew in your prayers as he follows his calling.

Faithfully, Fr. Joe+

8

9

† This Date on the Church Calendar

January 1st

The Feast of the Holy Name of Our Lord Jesus Christ

O n the church’s liturgical calendar, New Year’s Day, January 1, is also the Feast of the Holy Name of Our Lord Jesus Christ. It is also sometimes called the Feast of

the Circumcision, since it is observed on the eighth day or “octave” of Jesus’ birth, when, in Jewish tradition, infant boys are circumcised and named, in accordance with the Law of Moses (Leviticus 12:3).

“After eight days had passed, it was time to circumcise the child; and he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb” (Luke 2:21).

The name “Jesus” comes from Joshua or Yehoshuah, the Hebrew word for “savior” or “deliverer.” Devotion to the Holy Name can be traced back to Paul’s Letter to the Philippians, which says God highly exalted Jesus “and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth” (Philippians 2:9-11).

The observance of the Circumcision on the first day of January was originally designated as a fast day in A.D. 567, to counter pagan festivals that occurred at the beginning of each new year. Eventually it evolved into a feast day, celebrating the naming of Jesus and his circumcision; in Jewish tradition circumcisions are often a festive occasions, when family and friends gather to witness the naming of the child.

Collect for the Holy Name Eternal Father, you gave to your incarnate Son the holy name of Jesus to be the sign of

our salvation: Plant in every heart, we pray, the love of him who is the Savior of the world, our Lord Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen (Book of Common Prayer, p. 213).

Hymn 435 (The Hymnal 1982) At the Name of Jesus every knee shall bow, every tongue confess him King of glory now; ‘tis the Father’s pleasure we should call him Lord, who from the beginning was the mighty Word. … Name him, Christians, name him, with love strong as death, name with awe and wonder and with bated breath; he is God the Saviour, he is Christ the Lord, ever to be worshiped, trusted, and adored.

“Circumcision of Christ” from the menologion of Basil II,

11th century

† Annual Meeting On January 26th

N otice is hereby given of the 230th Annual Parish Meeting of Saint Paul’s Church, 174 Whisconier Road, Brookfield, Connecticut, on Sunday, January 26th, 2014, in

the Parish Hall, at 9:00 am. The Rector will make appointments and elections will be held for various Vestry positions. Nominations may be made from the floor at the meeting. Communicant members of the parish over sixteen years of age are eligible to vote at the Annual Parish Meeting.

There will be the traditional Holy Communion service at 8:00 am and the Family Holy Communion Service at 10:30 am. Sunday School classes will be held at their normal time at 10:30 am. There will be no 9:15 am Rector’s Forum.

Prior to the meeting we will have a parish brunch.

10

† Scholarly Speaking

Thomas à Becket and Henry II

L ast Sunday we commemorated the feast of Thomas à Becket, also known as Thomas of Canterbury. Although the story of his martyrdom has been publicized

by two 20th century plays,* the underlying story is both interesting and historically significant.

Henry II was generally known as an effective but sometimes ruthless ruler. He came to the throne after a period of Civil War, and his longest lasting accomplishment was the

reform of the English legal system. It was under Henry that the Common Law system, which still governs nearly all of the Anglosphere, took form with the development of evidence-based trial by jury, and the creation of assizes (circuit courts which traveled around England on a set schedule in order to hear major cases in the areas where criminal or civil issues arose). These courts continued (although with changes along the way) until 1972 when local crown courts replaced them.† Thomas was the son of a Norman merchant who had settled in London. He was intelligent and received a good education, and found a position on the staff of Theobold, his predecessor as Archbishop of Canterbury. It appears that during this period he was ordained deacon (though not priest), studied Canon Law in Italy and France, and held several ecclesiastical positions.‡

Theobold recommended Thomas to Henry II when the latter, newly crowned, asked his advice in the appointment of a Chancellor. In this role he was the principal advisor to the King and performed various functions, including collection of royal revenues, and on some occasions leading military expeditions. He and Henry also became close personal friends, partly through their shared love of hunting (and, according to Anouilh, of wenching). As the King’s servant he was a loyal supporter of Henry’s programs including his desire to increase royal influence over the Church - particularly in the matter of increasing the civil courts’ jurisdiction in church affairs. This was the main factor in Henry’s decision to nominate Becket as Theobold’s successor at Canterbury, over the objections of Thomas himself, and then of many other churchmen who argued that he had never been a priest, never shown a love for charity, had been a brutal military commander, and did not seem overly supportive of the Church. Henry, however, prevailed, and the troubles began.§

Tennyson seems to have captured the essence of Becket’s motivation when he has him say:

I served our Theobald well when I was with him: I served King Henry well as Chancellor: I am his no more, and I must serve the Church.♦

Thomas was ordained priest on June 2nd 1162, and consecrated bishop the next day, the Sunday after Pentecost. He then called for that Sunday to be observed as Trinity Sunday throughout England (though it took another century for this to become a general observance). He immediately adopted a highly austere life-style, wearing Benedictine

habit◊ and giving himself over to fasting and prayer. Soon after matters came to a head when Henry sought to bring criminous clerks (including almost every literate person, whether actually ordained or not) under the jurisdiction of the Civil Courts where greater penalties could be enforced. Thomas had supported earlier proposals of this type as chancellor, but as

(Continued on page 11)

D o you have a question you

would like answered by our

Scholar-in-Residence? Send your

ecclesiastical, liturgical, doctrinal,

historical or other inquiries to:

Stpaulsswordpoints@gmail.com.

11

Primate he felt obligated to oppose them and this led to open hostilities with Henry. The King demanded that he surrender certain positions that he had retained on becoming archbishop, and then threatened him with legal charges, including treason. Becket moved to France, where he found protection from Louis VII until an agreement as finally achieved allowing him to return to England in 1170.•

Thomas may be fairly charged with overreacting at this point; he took several steps including excommunicating a number of bishops

(including the Archbishop of York) who had, in one way or another supported the King against him. Henry, who was at that time in France, shouted out, “What sluggards, what cowards have I brought up in my court, who care nothing for their allegiance to their lord. Who will rid me of this meddlesome priest.” The King later denied that he intended any harm to Thomas (and he was known for somewhat rash remarks without any malice behind them) but four knights set out for Canterbury, and when Thomas refused to yield, he was killed in his Cathedral. Henry did public penance at Thomas’ tomb; the four knights went to the Pope for absolution and were required for penance to serve as crusaders for fourteen years. A great shrine was erected at Canterbury and a chapel, in the new

Gothic style chapel built for it. (After a fire much of the rest of the Cathedral was rebuilt in the new style as well.) In 1538 Henry VIII, who seems to have identified with his namesake, not only destroyed the shrine (as he did many others - more for their material value I suspect, than for spiritual reasons), but also ordered his name and feast to be redacted from all Service Books - it is only in recent years that he has reappeared in official Anglican calendars.

At the time of the martyrdom, Henry’s cousin and son-in-law, William II of Sicily was building his new Cathedral at Monreale, and Thomas was figured in one of the Mosaics there. Devotion to Thomas became popular in much of Europe, and Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales attest to the devotion in England to this saint.

A final note: The issue of criminous clerks was resolved with a compromise that allowed Church courts to laicize a convicted cleric so that in future he would be subject to an ordinary criminal trial; over the years this was further modified by moving all criminal trials to civil courts, but allowing “benefit of clergy” for most crimes (murder and a few others were excepted) so that a cleric (basically anyone who could read) who claimed the benefit could have his sentence set aside, but would be branded on the thumb so that he could not claim it again.◘ This limited benefit continued into the 19th century.

- Fr. Bill Loring, Scholar in Residence

___________________________ * Jean Anouilh, Becket or The Honor of God, Paris, 1959 (released as a film in 1964); and T S Eliot, Murder in the Cathedral, London, 1935 (released as a film in 1951, and made into an opera in 1958). For more details see Wikipedia, sv. Becket, and sv. Murder in the Cathedral. † Wikipedia sv. Henry II, and sv. Assizes. I recall reading one 1930’s mystery in which a judge kept complaining that Henry II had not aligned the location and scheduling of these assizes with the 20 th century rail system, so he had to return to London and get on another train route between sessions. ‡ These included Archdeacon of Canterbury and Prebend (a canon whose position is directly endowed) at both Lincoln and London. Wikipedia, sv. Thomas Becket. § Ibid. See also ♦ Quoted in New Advent, sv. Thomas Becket. ◊ Canterbury was a monastic cathedral, and although not a monk, Thomas as Archbishop was also ex officio abbot. • Ibid. It should also be noted that Henry actually controlled more than half of France, though nominally as a holding from Louis – naturally this did not help relations between the two kings. ○ Ibid. There are many versions of Henry’s words, this one is from the account written by Thomas’s chaplain, Edward Grim, who was present at the murder, and was himself wounded. ◘ An account of the use of this benefit in Massachusetts can be found here.

(Continued from page 10)

12

† The Hearts to Hands Ministry: We Need Your Help

A big thank you to all of those who signed up last week to be a potential source of help for future parishioner needs! Our ongoing prayer is that God would use the

generosity of his people, right here at our church, to meet the needs of others in our parish. Do you have any experience in obtaining subsidized housing? If so, we can use your assistance as we are working on more permanent residency for a parishioner. Hearts to Hands Ministry's main purpose is to confidentially assist members of our church family during an emergency crisis. We do this by asking fellow members of the congregation to prayerfully consider helping a parishioner in need by offering an investment of their time or a financial contribution. Help can come in big and small ways. Some specific examples are:

Temporary Housing: Any amount of time would be helpful; a night, a week or more. If needed, we will ask a group of individuals collectively to house someone over time.

Experience with resume preparation/interview skills to help someone secure new or improved employment.

Repairing a necessary appliance, plumbing, emergency car repair, etc.

Financial Assistance: Providing a gift card for food or gas, helping to cover a parishioner's bill one month, etc. Please prayerfully consider how God would like to use you to support this new ministry opportunity at St. Paul's.

Contact us: Dorothy Crocker 860-355-5672 or Nicole O'Connors 860-788-2995.

† This Date on the Church Calendar

January 6th

The Epiphany of Our Lord Jesus Christ

T he name “Epiphany” is derived from a Greek word meaning

“manifestation” or “appearing.” Anglican Prayer Books interpret the word with an alternative title, “The Manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles.” The last phrase, of course, is a reference to the story of the Wise Men from the East.

A Christian observance on January 6 is found as early as the end of the second century in Egypt. The feast combined commemorations of the visit of the Magi, led by the star of Bethlehem; the Baptism of Jesus in the waters of the River Jordan; and Jesus’ first recorded miracle, the changing of water into wine at the marriage of Cana of Galilee - all thought of as manifestations of the incarnate Lord.

The Epiphany is still the primary Feast of the Incarnation in Eastern Churches, and the three-fold emphasis is still prominent. In the West, however, including Anglican Churches, the story of the Wise Men has tended to overshadow the other two events. Modern lectionary reform, reflected in the 1979 Prayer Book, has recovered the primitive trilogy, by setting the event of the Baptism as the theme of the First Sunday after the Epiphany in all three years, and by providing the story of the Miracle at Cana as the Gospel for the Second Sunday after the Epiphany in Year C.

13

† Choir Practice for Sword Points Readers (click on the red links below to begin your personal practice)

Opening Hymn We Three Kings of Orient Are Gradual Hymn The Light of Christ Offertory I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light Closing Hymn As With Gladness Men of Old

We Three Kings of Orient Are

R everend John Henry Hopkins, Jr., an Episcopal bishop, was an author, book illustrator, stained glass window designer, clergyman and editor of the New York Church Journal. He wrote We Three Kings for an 1857 Christmas pageant put on

by the General Theological Seminary of New York City. In the midst of the Civil War in 1863, he also published the Christmas Carol in his book Carols, Hymns and Song

The second, third and fourth verses of the song place the spotlight of history on the three kings, who may have been wise men and in some writings were magicians. Whatever their actual calling was, they are now endemic to the Christmas story of the Bible.

And here is where legend, apocryphal stories, and a variety of traditions through various religions step in to add their identification of the three men about which we sing. Suddenly they have names, Caspar (or Gaspar), Melchior and Balthasar (or Balthazar) who sing the tales of myrrh, frankincense and gold.

It seems that identifying them by name comes from a Greek manuscript which may have been composed around Alexandria (Egypt, not Virginia) around 500 A.D. and which was then translated into Latin. Another Greek document has surfaced dating to the 8th century, presumably of Irish derivation, which was also translated into Latin. It continues the story of these three men and gives other details into their lives.

You can read various translations of the Bible and find them referred to in different ways including as astrologers, but never are they referred to as kings! And never are they named.

They all came from the East and some think the three men were descendants of Noah’s three sons who survived the flood.

A 14th century cleric, John of Hildesheim, who added to the legend, said that the kings came from “India, Chaldea and Persia” and only met on the outskirts of Jerusalem and then continued on to Bethlehem to present their gifts. Some authorities attribute Caspar’s gift of frankincense as representing divinity, while Melchior brought gold representing kingship, and Balthazar brought his gift of myrrh for humanity.

The custom of offering these three items as Epiphany gifts was common for centuries. In 1756, The Gentleman’s Magazine reported that: “His Majesty, attended by the principal officers at Court…went to the Chapel Royal at St James’ and offered gold, myrrh and frankincense.”

And even today some families retain a gift or two for giving on Epiphany or Twelfth Night, representing the date on which the three visitors arrived with their gifts to the Babe in the manger. Ironically, many families leave the Christmas tree, crèche or other decorations of the season up until that date as well.

And so, whether these men who made a long and perilous journey that night so long ago were wise men, kings, or even astrologers, their part in the Christmas story remains inviolate.

During those dark nights of December in 1863, both in the North or South, it is doubtful that the men on the battlefields were even aware of this then-new song was in existence. They were busy merely trying to stay alive amid gunfire and the roar of cannon.

Above all, we can be sure that they wished for peace on earth and good will to men, as we do today.

14

† Black-Eyes Peas

A Southern tradition, perhaps traceable to Jewish practices in antiquity, holds that the eating of black-eyes peas on New Year’s portends good luck in the coming year.

Directions: Soak dried peas overnight in cold water. Drain. Saute onion with bell pepper and celery until softened. Add garlic and cook for another minute. Add black-eyes peas and water to cover the peas. Cook until peas are tender, about 1 ½ to 2 hours, adding water as necessary. When tender, add tomatoes, spices and liquid smoke. Simmer for 10 minutes. Serve over rice.

Ingredients: 1 lg. onion, chopped 1 med. Green pepper, chopped

2 stalks celery, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced 2 c. dried black-eyes peas, picked and rinsed

6 c. water 15 oz. can diced tomatoes

1 tsp. dried oregano 1 tsp. salt 1/8 tsp. cayenne 1 tsp. hot sauce ½ tsp. black pepper ½ tsp. Liquid Smoke

† Official Prayer of the Sword Points Editorial Board

A lmighty God, keep us, we pray thee, from thinking of ourselves more highly than we ought to think, and ready at all times to step aside for others, that the cause of

Christ may be advanced; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

“Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them." Psalm 126:2

† Happy Birthday to You! Push the Start Button for your special Happy Birthday video.

J oseph Letizia gets fireworks for his birthday and New

Year’s on the 1st. Chin Okwuka, Darin Crocker, Drew

Crocker & Richelle Burr celebrate Thursday. Friday is the big

day for Daneille Falci. Cathy Schrull & Heidi Pinheiro will be

expecting your card on Saturday. Kimberly Stein will be another year

older and wiser on Sunday. Michael Richmond & Nick Janofsky will

be opening presents on Tuesday. Anette Hamerski will be blowing

out candles on the 8th. Have a blessed day each one of you!

Reflecting God’s Love - “you have poured upon us the new light of your incarnate Word. Grant that this light, enkindled in our hearts, may shine forth in our lives…” could very well be part of the striving steward’s prayer. What kind of light shines through you to reflect your love of God, and your desire to spread that light in the service of others?

15

† This Sunday’s Readings

“The Light of the World”

Isaiah 60:1-6

I n our Hebrew scripture lesson the prophet envisions the end of exile and the glorious restoration of Jerusalem. Although darkness covers the earth, the Lord will be a light

making God’s people shine. To this radiance shall come the nations. Rich treasures will be brought from afar to honor God.

Psalm 72:1-7,10-14 The psalm asks that God endow the king with compassionate

justice and righteousness, and that his reign may extend over all nations and throughout all generations.

Ephesians 3:1-12 Here is set forth the great theme of Paul’s apostolic

commission: the revealed mystery that Christ’s salvation extends beyond Judaism to include all peoples. The apostle is near the end of his ministry and in prison at the time of the writing of this letter. Now it is recognized as God’s eternal purpose that the Gentiles are to be members of the same body. The wisdom of God is made known through the church even in transcendental realms.

Matthew 2:1-12 Our gospel is the story of the wise men from the east, who, guided by a star, come to

worship the child born to be king. Despite the wicked plotting of Herod, the Magi are able to bring their gifts to Jesus without betraying his exact location. Early Christians found in the rich symbolism and motifs of the story the fulfillment of both Hebrew scripture prophecy and the dreams of many peoples. The meaning of this birth, amid terrifyingly human circumstances, enlightens and transcends human history.

† Pick Up Your Copy Today!

Synthesis CE Study Guides for each weeks readings will

be available at the back of the church.

† Sermon ShortsSermon ShortsSermon Shorts

R emember, Christmas is really twelve days. How do we live that out? This sermon emphasizes the Word of God in various

forms while encouraging us to make place for silent listening in this season as we behold the light of Christ. To replay all our sermons, audio and videos follow this link for The Sunday Sermons.

Ephesian 3:4 A reading of which

will enable you to

perceive my

understanding of the

mystery of Christ .

16

A s part of our outreach, St. Paul’s donates gift cards and non-perishable

items to six area food pantries. The non-perishable items are provided

by our generous congregation and are truly appreciated. Donations for the food

pantry can be left in the basket at the back of the church. Delivery is made to

one food pantry each month. Thank you.

† Sock It to ‘Em!

W e continue to collect socks for

the men’s homeless shelter throughout the winter months. Thanks to everyone who has already placed donations in the big bins in the Parish Hall. This will be ongoing. So, if you would still like to make a donation, please do so. Many blessings to you all as we bless those less fortunate.

† I Love My Church! by the Rev. David Meginniss, Tuscaloosa, Alabama

I passed a sign recently that said, “I love my church. You will, too.” What a great thought – not the sign, but the idea.

I love my church, too. I love the beautiful ritual, some of which is based on worship practices that existed even before Jesus was born. I love the music because I get to hear beautiful music made by voices and pipes unfiltered by anything artificial. I love the children, bursting with energy, joy and curiosity. I love the creativity and dedication of the staff and our volunteers. I love the beauty and functionality of the church architecture. I love the generosity and compassion our folks show to each other and to the outside world. I love our sense of tradition which honors our heritage without hampering our willingness to try new things. I love that we can feel and experience the presence of God.

I think others would love our church, too, if we gave them half a chance, but we don’t. Oh, I know we’re easy to find, and we try to welcome the people who do come in. But what do we do to get them here in the first place? It’s intimidating to walk into an unfamiliar church on your own, especially if it’s a liturgical church like ours and you come from a non-liturgical tradition. Most American Protestant churches are not like ours, and that makes us strange, whether we realize it or not. Like a lot of fine things, we are an acquired taste! Most folks are not comfortable just wandering in.

Unless we reach out and invite someone, we’re probably keeping them from coming. I don’t mean we need to be “in your face” with someone about coming to church; that can make us sound pushy and judgmental. We easily share enthusiasm for a favorite new restaurant, a movie, or even a new phone app. People get passionate about their favorite barbecue place. So, let’s tell people, “I love my church, and I think you will, too.” In fact, let’s say, “I would love for you to come to church

with me.” The Alban Institute says the number one reason people come to a particular church is because one of the members – not the clergy, but a lay member – invited them, and it’s number one by a ridiculously high margin. Signs in the yard, decals on the car, T-shirts, web pages, newspaper ads, even pithy and clever sayings on church signs – none of these are as effective as a simple invitation. Jesus gives the great commission: “Go therefore and make disciples …” In our baptismal covenant, we promise to “proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ.” In other words, we’re supposed to be engaged in evangelism. We can get all complicated about

this – going on mission trips, knocking on doors, handing out pamphlets, preaching in bus stations – or we can do what we’re already good at: we can use our gift of hospitality to invite our friends to come enjoy something we enjoy. I believe there are a lot of people out there who would love our church just as much as we do, if we gave them a chance.

17

† Announcement Deadlines For Sword Points please submit it by Wednesday afternoon each week to

stpaulsswordpoints@gmail.com.

“The Sacred Walk”

Grief Support Group

Meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each Month in the Guild Room at 7 pm.

It will be a time of encouragement and comfort, a blessing to our spirit, heart and soul as we deal with our grief.

Please Join Us!

A Christian Alternative to Yoga

Deep Stretching, Gentle Movement, and Strong Scripture combine for

Weight Loss, Stress Relief,

Flexibility, and Strength.

“For you were bought with a price, therefore glorify God in your body

and in your spirit which are God’s.” 1 Corinthians 6:20 - Foundation Scripture

Transform your

Workouts into

Worship™ with

PraiseMoves®!

Certified PraiseMoves®

Instructor

Mary Perry, CPI

Classes Starting at St. Paul’s

January 4th – February 15th

Saturdays 10:00 a.m.

Sign up in Parish Hall or email Mary

for more information or questions

Great for Men and Women - All fit-

ness types will experience benefits

of PraiseMoves!

maryperry2@me.com

18

† Your Prayers Are Requested For…

I t is such an intimate time when praying for the health and well being of others and such a privilege. The people that we lift up to The Lord are part of our hearts for all

time. Please pray for… …..Dot Blake, Cy Dennerlein, Tom Balash and other parishioners convalescing in extended care facilities. …..St. Mark’s, Bridgeport; St. Mark’s, Bridgewater; St. John’s, Bristol; Grace Church, Broad Brook; St. Paul’s, Brookfield; Trinity, Brooklyn. …..Peace in Israel, Jerusalem, and the Middle East. …..Brenda Darling, recovering from a fall. …..Revival at St. Paul’s and the greater Danbury area. …..For soup kitchens and food pantries in parishes; the Integrated Refugee and Immigrant Services (IRIS), New Haven, and those they serve. …..Barbara Kast, continued healing of her back. …..the people of Botswana; the people of Equatorial Guinea; and our sisters and brothers members of the National Baptist Convention of America Inc. …..A job for Mary Ellen. …..Ginny Beck for general strength and good health. …..Yemen, that entire families will convert to Christianity at the same time, enabling fellowship and encouragement. …..St. Thomas, Bethel and their Food Pantry, which is the recipient of our food basket collections for the month of December. …..Bill Mayers’ daughter Kathleen, for recovery from a heart condition. …..Please pray for Christians (and non-Christians) in South Sudan amidst unrest there. …..Michael for protection with the UN peacekeeping service. …..for the 34 people who were killed in three bombings in Christian areas of Baghdad on Christmas Day, including a car bomb that exploded as worshippers were leaving a Christmas service.

Luke 4:40 "When the sun was setting, the people brought to Jesus all who had various diseases and laying his hands on each one, he healed them."

† This & That & Links (Click on pictures or red links for more info)

Links We Like Things That Make You Think How Bad Do You Want Your Dreams? What Could Happen?

Tens of thousands of pilgrims

descended on Bethlehem in the

days leading up to Christmas.

Despite ongoing repairs to the Church of the Nativity, pilgrims have been able to access

the church, built atop the traditional site of Jesus’s birth. In Manger Square (pictured

here), adjoining the church, the Palestinian Authority erected a large Christmas tree,

nativity scene and Christmas decorations. Click on photo above for more info.

19

Mail…..Send us photos and info about your travels, your home group, your pets, your

sports teams to stpaulsswordpoints@gmail.com.

January Lay Schedule 2014

Lectors, Intercessors, and Lay readers, please remember to

check in before the service in the Vesting Room. Thank You!

January 19, 2014

8:00 AM

Welcoming: Mike Kirner / John Tuthill

Acolyte: O’Hara Girls

Lector: Isaiah 49:1-7 Mary Perry

Intercessor: Ray Ferro

Lay Reader: Don Winkley

Lay Reader: Lois Hunt

Psalm 40:1-12 1 Corinthians 1:1-9

10:30 AM

Welcoming: Denise McCormack / Vito Barbieri

Acolyte: Joe Bernardo

Lector: Isaiah 49:1-7 Betty Gardner

Intercessor: Phil Hannah

Lay Reader: Patricia Jennings

Lay Reader: Jay Trott

Psalm 40:1-12 1 Corinthians 1:1-9

January 5, 2014

8:00 AM

Welcoming: Mike Kirner / Pat Brought

Acolyte: Sarah Shepley

Lector: Isaiah 60:1-6 John Tuthill

Intercessor: Linda Pendergast

Lay Reader: Pam Szen

Lay Reader: Don Winkley

Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 Ephesians 3:1-12

10:30 AM

Welcoming: Dave & Connie Williams

Acolyte: Stephanie Bernardo

Lector: Isaiah 60:1-6 Phil Hannah

Intercessor: Connie Williams

Lay Reader: Jay Trott

Lay Reader: Harlan Jessup

Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 Ephesians 3:1-12

January 12, 2014

8:00 AM

Welcoming: Joan Boehm / Pam Szen

Acolyte: O’Hara Girls

Lector: Isaiah 42:1-9 Ingrid Pruss

Intercessor: Mike Kirner

Lay Reader: Dave Baskett

Lay Reader: Patricia Jennings

Psalm 29 Acts 10:34-43

10:30 AM

Welcoming: Denise McCormack / Vito Barbieri

Acolyte: John Tuthill

Lector: Isaiah 42:1-9 Rose Barrett

Intercessor: Betty Gardner

Lay Reader: Joe Bernardo

Lay Reader: Jim Castronova

Psalm 29 Acts 10:34-43

January 26, 2014 Healing Sunday

8:00 AM

Welcoming: John & Joyce Sarver

Acolyte: Pam Szen

Lector: Isaiah 9:1-4 Sandy Chaleski

Intercessor: Linda Pendergast

Lay Reader: Ray Ferro

Lay Reader: Mike Kirner

Psalm 27:1, 5-13 1 Corinthians 1:10-18

10:30 AM

Welcoming: Dave & Connie Williams

Acolyte: Joe Bernardo

Lector: Isaiah 9:1-4 Connie Williams

Intercessor: Mary Perry

Lay Reader: Harlan Jessup

Lay Reader: Patricia Jennings

Psalm 27:1, 5-13 1 Corinthians 1:10-18

20

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 Parish Office Closed 10:00 AM Holy Eucharist and Healing

2 7:30 PM Mission Committee

7:30 PM Property Committee

7:30 PM Music Night

3 4 7:30 AM Men’s Prayer Breakfast

10:00 AM PraiseMoves 6:30 PM Alpha Celebration Dinner

5 8:00 AM Traditional Eucharist 9:15 AM Young Adult Bible Study 9:30 AM. Rector’s Forum 10:30 AM Sunday School 10:30 AM Contemporary Eucharist 4:30 PM Youth Group

6 5:30 PM Christian Caring 7:00 PM Stephen Ministry

7 9:15 AM Ladies Bible Study 7:00 PM Women’s Evening Ministry

8 10:00 AM Holy Eucharist and Healing 7:00 PM Staff Meeting 7:30 PM Vestry Meeting

9 1:00 PM Dorothy Day Ministry 7:30 PM Music Night

10 11 7:30 AM Men’s Prayer Breakfast

10:00 AM PraiseMoves

10:00 AM St. Paul’s Quilters

6:30 PM Alpha

12 8:00 AM Traditional Eucharist 9:15 AM Young Adult Bible Study 9:30 AM. Rector’s Forum 10:30 AM Sunday School 10:30 AM Contemporary Eucharist 4:30 PM Youth Group

13 Annual Reports Due

14 9:15 AM Ladies Bible Study 7:00 PM Grief Group

15 10:00 AM Holy Eucharist and Healing

16 7:00 PM Healing Team 7:30 PM Music Night

17 18 7:30 AM Men’s Prayer Breakfast

10:00 AM PraiseMoves

2:00 PM House of Prayer

6:30 PM Alpha

19 8:00 AM Traditional Eucharist 9:15 AM Young Adult Bible Study 9:30 AM. Rector’s Forum 10:30 AM Sunday School 10:30 AM Contemporary Eucharist 4:30 PM Youth Group

20

Martin Luther King Day

Parish Office Closed 7:00 PM Stephen Ministry

21 9:15 AM Ladies Bible Study 7:00 PM Women’s Evening Ministry

22 10:00 AM Holy Eucharist and Healing

23 7:30 PM Music Night

24 25 7:30 AM Men’s Prayer Breakfast

10:00 AM PraiseMoves

6:30 PM Alpha

26 8:00 AM Traditional Eucharist 9:00 AM Annual Parish Meeting 10:30 AM Sunday School 10:30 AM Contemporary Eucharist 4:30 PM Youth Group

27 28 9:15 AM Ladies Bible Study 6:30 PM Deanery Meeting 7:00 PM Grief Group

29 10:00 AM Holy Eucharist and Healing

30 7:30 PM Music Night

31

21

Just For Fun !Just For Fun !Just For Fun ! (And Christian Fellowship)

† It Takes An Editorial Board

Contributors to this Weeks Sword Points:

Mary Allen, Rachel Chaleski, Dot Crocker, Lynne Donnelly, Bill Loring, Diane Loring, Heather Melody, Beth Miller, Nicole O’Connors, Patrick O’Connors, Lori O’Hara, Linda Pendergast, Mary Perry, Kirsten Peterson, Heidi Pinheiro, Joe Shepley, Tara Shepley, David Szen, Pam Szen & Gail Winkley.

Fr. Joe's mother, Carolyn Rhett,

presents him with his Christmas gift, a needlepoint image of

St. Paul's.