Opening our Hearts
This week we are presented with another of Jesus’ parables: The parable of the dishonest steward (Luke 16:1-13). While all of the parables are puzzles, this one is perhaps the most baffling of all. But then, questions of money are often tricky.

     Perhaps the “answer” to this parable lies in allowing it to take us wherever it will. Are you struggling to make ends meet? Are you doing OK financially, but concerned that your spending may not be in line with your heart? Or do you fall somewhere in between? The wonder of God’s word is that it can carry meaning for all of us, no matter where we find ourselves. But the real challenge is to open our hearts to hear what Christ is saying to us—Jesus’ words sometimes offer comfort, and sometimes offer a challenge.

     Welcome to St. Paul’s, where we trust that God has the power to meet us where we are and change us more and more into the likeness of Christ.

The Collect
Grant us, Lord, not to be anxious about earthly things, but to love things heavenly; and even now, while we are placed among things that are passing away, to hold fast to those that shall endure; 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 Susan LeRoy Merrill.

Baptistery Flowers are given in memory of Mary’s dear friend Diane McManus.

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 items for next week is: canned tuna).

Godly Play is back!
Parents are invited to bring their children to the 2nd floor of the parish house before the 10:00 service beginning this Sunday, September 15. They will enjoy a story and creative response time, followed by a feast and prayers. For more info, please speak to Anne Skakel (anneskakel@gmail.com) or Father Sam.

Our Next Bible Study
The Gospel of Matthew – Six Tuesday Evenings, 6:00-7:30 p.m., beginning October 1.
Each year our Sunday gospel readings focus on a different gospel. Beginning this December we will hear readings from the Gospel of Matthew. To prepare, our fall Adult Bible Study will explore the first book of the New Testament, guided by Conversations with Scripture: The Gospel of Matthew, by John Yieh (published by Morehouse Publishing). To participate, sign up at the back of the church and get the book (available new, used, or electronically from Amazon). Questions? Ask Father Sam.

Are You Called?
Our annual Christmas Cookie Sale (December 7) will be here before you know it. We need someone to chair this event. The work is very simple: recruit bakers, make sure we have the necessary supplies, and then, with the help of recruited volunteers, set up the event, make sure it is staffed, and clean up; then bask in the glow of our congregation’s appreciation! To ask questions, or to volunteer, see Father Sam.

Help Make Our Parking Lot Safer
When you park on the west side of our lot behind the Parish House, please be sure to pull up all the way to the playground fence—this will allow a wide drive for folks to exit. Thanks!

Mark Your Calendars!

  • Next Sunday, September 29 we will have one service only at 9:00 am.
  • Sunday, October 6 save the datefor the Blessing of the Animals at 3:00 pm in the church yard. (We will gather inside the church in the event of rain.)
  • Saturday, October 12 save the date for a Baroque Concert at 5:00 pm in the church featuring music from the late 16th and early 17th centuries.

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

This Sunday, September 22

Celebrant/Preacher:The Rev. Sam Smith
8 am:Pam Drumm
10 am:Tom Skakel, Greeter
Don Cook, Usher
Martha Bodine, Lector
Sebastian Bonner, Intercessor
Natalie Boyce, Altar Guild
Don Temples & Sam Smith, Hospitality
Nancy King, Organist
John Davies, Clarinet

Next Sunday, September 29

Celebrant:The Rev. Sam Smith
Preacher:The Rev. Jane Tillman
9 am:Jean Rousseau, Greeter & Lector
Matt Fillio, Usher
Kendra MacLeod, Intercessor
Robin Race, Altar Guild
Hospitality — POTLUCK
Frank Scafuri, Organist

Parish Prayer List

  • People we pray for on Sundays: Cecilia
  • Prayers of repose for the souls of Alice MacLeod and Diane McManus
  • 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: Gideon’s Garden and Construct
  • Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: St. Paul’s, Stockbridge
  • Anglican Cycle of Prayer: Church of the Province of Uganda
  • Birthdays: Don Temples (24th), Carl Sprague (27th)
  • Anniversaries: Bill & Pam Drumm (25th)