How Much is Enough?
Recent research featured in Forbes magazine showed that those who are wealthy are more likely to undertake unethical behavior to make money than those who have less money. The studies included observations of driving habits, participation in games at which one might cheat, and role-play of situations around wealth and greed. The writer concluded that wealth can be psychologically risky.

     This Sunday’s gospel (Luke 12:13-21) seems to agree. Jesus tells a parable about a rich man whose treasures seem to have taken control of his life. And the teacher warns us that, “one’s life does not consist in abundance of possessions.” Instead, Jesus implores us to realize that true wealth lies in a life well lived.

     Welcome to St. Paul’s, where, though we have a wealth of treasures, we strive to keep our true focus on the priceless love of Christ, which gives life and abundance.

Collect:
Let your continual mercy, O Lord, cleanse and defend your Church; and, because it cannot continue in safety without your help, protect and govern it always by your goodness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Altar Flowers are given in memory of Elizabeth Lee Platzman.

Lee Food Pantry
This week’s food pantry suggestions are toiletries and diapers. Please bring this or other non-perishable food items with you to church on Sunday to share with those in need in our community. (Suggested item for next week is: tuna).

Godly Play Takes a Recess!
Godly Play will be on hiatus now through Labor Day Weekend. As always, children are welcome in Church on Sundays!

Altar Flowers
If you would like to honor or remember a loved one by providing altar flowers, the following Sundays are available: Nov. 10; Dec. 1, 8. To sign up, please email stpaulsstockbridge@gmail.com and tell us the date you’d like to reserve, the wording of the announcement, and whether or not you’d like the office to order the flowers for you (cost is $60).

Worship Teams (If you exchange shifts with someone, please notify the Church Office by Thursday morning at stpaulsstockbridge@gmail.com.)

This Sunday, August 4

Celebrant/Preacher:   The Rev. Sam Smith

9 am:    Bill Higgins, Greeter

              Anne Covell, Usher

              Carl Sprague, Lector & Hospitality

              Natalie Boyce, Intercessor

              Tracy Johnson, Altar Guild

              Nancy King, Organist

Next Sunday, August 11

Celebrant/Preacher:   The Rev. Sam Smith

9 am:    Don Cook, Greeter

              Sebastian Bonner, Usher

              Kendra MacLeod, Lector

              John Davies, Intercessor

              Ginny Willcox, Altar Guild

              Patty Melville & Diana French, Hospitality

              Nancy King, Organist

Parish Prayer List

  • People we pray for on Sundays: Cecilia
  • Long-term prayer list: George, Jeff, David, Doug, Barbara, Charles, ZsuZsa, Tom, Rich, Ronnie, Karen, Michael, Christy, John, George
  • Our partners at Grace Church, Great Barrington and the Rev. Janet Zimmerman; Trinity Episcopal/Christ Lutheran, Sheffield and the Rev. Erik Karas; the Austen Riggs community and the Riverbrook Residence; victims of violence, abuse, persecution and disaster at home and abroad
  • Outreach Ministries of the Week: Lee Food Pantry and Berkshire Community Diaper Project
  • Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: Trinity Church, Shelburne Falls
  • Anglican Cycle of Prayer: Church of the Province of South East Asia
  • Birthdays: Dan Weston (1st), Cooper Maloney & Priscilla Cuene (2nd), Pam Drumm (7th), Anne Auberjonois (8th), Graham Higgins & Andrew Weston (9th)
  • Anniversaries: Dan & Tracy Weston (5th), Tracy & Chris Johnson (7th), Sebastian Bonner & Anne Auberjonois (8th)