Rector's Reflections: Church Service Changes / All are welcome! | St. Paul's Episcopal Church

Dear Friends,

Happy Labor Day Weekend! Truly the labors of the program year have begun! Perhaps you have returned to school (or your kids or neighbors have), or your work schedule is shifting. The schedule for church services changes tomorrow. There is a bit of autumn in the air. And so we continue this spin around the sun yet again.

A few reminders or bits of new info for you as we launch into this program year together!

1. Whoever you are, wherever you are, you are welcome to come to all the things we offer. None of our groups or gatherings are closed or "members only"- if you see a zoom link, click into it! If you see an invite to come to 39 E Central street, we mean you!

2. Katy and I work Tuesday-Friday and Sunday. We'd love to meet with during those times; and since the buildings are still closed to the public, we'd love to hear from you via email to set time up to be together. We do ask that you refrain from calling or texting us on our personal cell phones on Mondays and Saturdays, as well as before 8am and after 8pm, and just shoot us an email during those off times for us to pick up when we are at work. In order to be at our best when we are "on", it's helpful to not be "pinged" when we are off (or asleep!). That said, if you are experiencing a pastoral emergency, particularly around the death of a loved one, you may reach out to Becky anytime, night or day, and she will get back to you as soon as she gets your message.

3. We know we are entering another school year with great uncertainty. The way we do things to keep everyone safe and connected may be a moving target. We hope you will try to find time to look through the weekly email each week so you stay in the loop. We also hope you feel welcome to reach out to us if you need anything or have any questions during these uncertain times. We are here for you!

Yours in Christ,

~Becky

published to E-pistle Newsletter on September 4, 2021

Tags: Rector's Reflections / Events

Whoever you are, wherever you come from, and wherever you’ve been, we welcome you. Whatever your race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, we celebrate you.

Whether you wonder what an “Episcopalian” is, or have been one since birth, there is a place for you here. In this place, there is room for your questions, your stories, your laughter, your doubt, your grief, and your most authentic self.

You’ll find kindred spirits here and people who think differently and still love you. We’re here for your spiritual shelter to help you on your journey. There is forgiveness here. And Grace. And Joy. And Love. And God.

You are welcome here. Come as you are.

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church is a dynamic and growing community located in Natick, a western suburb of Boston (also known as Metrowest). We are a diverse group of people, united by a common purpose: seeking to live out lives that respond wholeheartedly to the love that God has for us in Jesus Christ.

You do not have to be a member of the Episcopal Church to participate in worship and ministry at St. Paul’s.

We often gather for coffee after the 10:00 service in the first floor of the church.

We look forward to welcoming you! Please participate to whatever extent you feel comfortable.

Learn More

Baptism. Communion. Marriage. Funerals. At these special times, we celebrate them as sacraments. According to the Book of Common Prayer, sacraments are "outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace, given by Christ as sure and certain means by which we receive that grace." We look forward to sharing with you in these special sacramental moments.

Learn More

Our clergy and staff love and serve the people of our parish and our community. They help all to Welcome in Love, Worship with Joy, Grow in Faith, Work for Justice, Seek and Serve Christ in All Persons.

The vestry is comprised of nine members, three of whom are elected every three years to three-year terms. Additionally, there is a junior and senior warden, a treasurer and assistant treasurer, and a clerk. Vestry members provide leadership and guidance for all of our ministries.

Clergy & Staff Vestry Directory

We Episcopalians believe in a loving, liberating, and life-giving God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We believe in following the teachings of Jesus Christ, whose life, death, and resurrection saved the world. We have a legacy of inclusion, aspiring to tell and exemplify God’s love for every human being; women and men serve as bishops, priests, and deacons in our church. Laypeople and clergy cooperate as leaders at all levels of our church. Leadership is a gift from God, and can be expressed by all people in our church, regardless of sexual identity or orientation.

We believe that God loves you – no exceptions.

Learn More

Thank you for your support of the mission and ministry of St. Paul's Episcopal Church.

You can make an online donation via ACH Bank Transfer, Credit/Debit Card or PayPal account by clicking the button below!

Please note, you may direct your contributions to a variety of funds through the online link.

Donate Now

Stewardship is about more than money. It’s about giving our time, talent and treasure to take care of the world that God has created for us. As God’s people we are stewards of creation. St. Paul’s receives no financial support from the Diocese. Our rector, staff and programming would not be possible without contributions from you.

Consider Stewardship as giving back to God that which God has already given to us.

Every gift of wealth, works and wisdom goes toward our ministry and mission, and your gift is essential to us.

Find out more about our 2025 Stewardship campaign

Episcopal churches are self-funded. St. Paul’s relies on Stewardship pledges to fund nearly 80% of the operations of our church life.Your pledge allows the Vestry and Finance Committee to prepare a sound, realistic budget. Thank you for your commitment to St. Paul's. To learn more, visit our Stewardship page as well.

Make your Pledge Online for 2025

Altar flowers beautify the Church and are an excellent way to give in memory of, or in honor of a family member or a friend. Currently the cost of Altar flowers are $35 per vase. There are slots available for two vases per Sunday, except on Palm Sunday when there are only palms and on Easter and Christmas Eve when there are multiple donors. After the services, the flowers are given to those who are sick or shut-in, unless otherwise requested by the donor.

Sign up to Donate Altar Flowers