Come and See
In this week’s reading from
the Gospel of John (John 1:29-42) we hear of Christ’s first encounter
with some of the disciples. Actually, it seems that some of them were disciples
of John the Baptist first; after meeting Jesus, they change their alliance!
Why the change of allegiance? Well, the
clue comes in Christ’s non sequitur response to their simple question. They ask
where he is staying, and Jesus replies, “Come and see.” Jesus says this several
times in John’s gospel. The disciples are invited to witness firsthand the work
of God incarnated in Jesus Christ. And what they see makes them followers of
Christ.
Jesus also invites us to come and see: To
open our eyes to the power of God’s activity in our world. He reminds us that
the evidence of God’s love is all around us. And that love has the power to
change us—to make us into reflections of love for the sake of the whole world.
Welcome to St. Paul’s, where we help each
other answer Christ’s call to come and see.
Collect
Almighty God, whose Son our Savior
Jesus Christ is the light of the world: Grant that your people, illumined by
your Word and Sacraments, may shine with the radiance of Christ’s glory, that
he may be known, worshipped, and obeyed to the ends of the earth; through Jesus
Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God,
now and for ever. Amen.
Altar Flowers are given this week in memory of Michael Hedges.
Words of our Worship – Adult Study
Next Class: Tuesday January 21, 6:00-7:30 pm
Episcopalians love using specific language for various aspects of our
communal life. Our adult study will use that specialized vocabulary as a
launching point for a general explanation of Anglicanism. This week we will
focus on The Church Year. Join us for any or every one of the three remaining
Tuesdays in the Church. Questions? Ask Father Sam. If there are concerns about
weather, attendees should check the front page of the website for cancellations, www.stpaulsstockbridge.com.
Join us for our Annual Meeting – Sunday,
January 26, following the 9:00 a.m. service
The Annual Meeting is an
important event in the life of any Episcopal Church. We gather to do the
official business of the church, but more than that, we tell the story of the
past year and begin to write the story of the new one. We will have one
service only at 9:00 a.m. in the church, followed by a potluck brunch
and a brief meeting in the parish house, ending around 11:30. Please bring food
to share as well as your story!
Paint
& Sip to benefit St. Paul’s Children’s Center –January 26, 1:00 p.m.
Learn how to paint a serene
image of “Two Pines Pond” on a large 16×20 canvas at the Cork ‘N Hearth, 635
Laurel Street, Lenox. All painting materials, donation and snacks included.
Beverages will be available for purchase. To reserve seats call (413) 205-8346
or go to https://berkshirepaintandsip.squarespace.com/deliveries/sun-126-1pm-open-to-the-public-two-pines-pond-lenox-ma
Lee Food Pantry: This Sunday’s food pantry suggestion is peanut butter. When you shop this week, please consider buying a few items to bring to church next Sunday, to share with those in need in our community. (Please be sure that food you bring for the pantry has not expired – we are not able to give away food beyond its freshness date.)
Altar
Flowers
If you would like to
honor or remember a loved one by providing altar flowers, the following Sundays
are available: Jan. 26, Feb. 23, Apr. 19, Jun. 7, Aug. 23, Nov. 29 & Dec.
20. 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).
For the first time, in 2020 the U.S. Census Bureau will accept responses online. The process will be quick and secure. You can respond to the census in less time than it takes to finish your morning coffee. You’ll still be able to respond by mail. To learn more about what to expect, visit 2020census.gov.
Worship Teams (If you exchange shifts with someone, please notify the Church Office by Thursday morning at stpaulsstockbridge@gmail.com.)
This Sunday, January 19
Celebrant/Preacher: The Rev. Sam Smith
8am: Jorja Marsden
10am: Matt Fillio, Greeter
Natalie Boyce, Usher
Peter Dillon, Lector
Nancy Murray, Intercessor
Jennifer Carmichael, Altar Guild
Diane Dillon & Anne Skakel, Hospitality
Nancy King, Organist
Next Sunday, January 26 – Annual Meeting – One Service Only at 9:00 a.m.
Celebrant: The Rev. Jane Tillman
Preacher: The Rev. Sam Smith
9am: Matt Fillio, Greeter
Chris Johnson, Usher
Martha Bodine, Lector
Vaunie Graulty, Intercessor
Tracy Johnson, Altar Guild
Mari Enoch, Organist
Parish Prayer List
- People we pray for on Sundays: Cecilia, Jane, Katrina, Sarah
- Long-term prayer list: George, Jeff, David, Doug, Barbara, Charles, ZsuZsa, Tom, Rich, Ronnie, Karen, Michael, Christy, John, George, Khali
- 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: Cathedral of the Beloved
- Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: St. John’s, Ashfield
- Anglican Cycle of Prayer: Church of Bangladesh
- Birthdays: Valerie Takai (17th), Katie Race, Valerie Race & John Davies (19th)