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)