God’s Peace,

  Dave C.

Each week we present a timely topic and present engaging speakers that can inform and inspire. 

These programs typically run from 9:10 a.m. until 10:00 a.m.  Everyone is welcome. Come early and enjoy coffee and doughnuts.

• April 27^th - The Rev. Canon Richard Davies: "Public Religion; Private Religion - The Via Media"
• May 4^th - The Rev. Dick Pollard, Lillian Sweeney & Rege Turocy will speak about Hospice.
• May 11^th - Dr. Ian Nettleship will introduce us to Engineers without Borders.
• May 18^th - Martha Hoffman is a special guest from Connecticut and will speak to us about her work as head of "Call to Care: Responding to the Needs of Uganda’s Children" in partnership with local civic and religious organizations and international groups such as Rotary and Habitat for Humanity to aid children in Uganda.

On behalf of the Stewardship Commission, let me extend a very sincere “thank you” to all those who made the 2008 Moving Forward Together campaign such a wonderful success. While the final dollar count is not official, there is no doubt that the parishioners of St. Paul’s set a new record in generous pledging to this parish – over $615,000 as I write this. Pledging is not a familiar concept to many who come to the Episcopal Church from other denominations, but it is an absolutely essential component of our budget process. Without your pledge, we cannot plan all the wonderful things St. Paul’s does throughout the year – from worship to music to church school to pastoral care to community outreach, and so much more.

Your Stewardship Commission set an unbelievably ambitious goal last summer — $650,000 from 310 families/individuals. While we did not make either goal, we exceeded the 2007 campaign, especially in total dollars pledged. I want to thank my co-chairs, Pat Eagon Stafford and Jim Frantz, for all their leadership, along with super commission members Phyllis Bianculli, Geoff Hurd, Andy Muhl, and John Sweeney. I could not have asked for a better team. My wife, Jane, also deserves thanks for indulging me all the time I spent on this important church need. Just as importantly, enclosed in this Messenger, is another “Thank You” to each of you who made the 2008 campaign so magnificent.

While the stewardship campaign has come to an end, our personal stewardship for God’s church is never over. If you have not yet pledged, we would still welcome your support for 2008. It’s never too late to become a financial supporter of this church. Equally key, stewardship also involves TIME and TALENT, in addition to TREASURE. That commitment is ongoing as well, and we are so privileged at St. Paul’s to have so many wonderful people, young and old, who share their skills and time, along with their money, to help St. Paul’s grow in its mission. A special thanks to all!

Yours always,

Jon Delano Chair, Stewardship Commission

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Friday, May 16, 2008

     3:00 PM    After School Youth Drop-in                        Front of Parish Hall

     8:30 AM    Saturday Bible Study                                 Lounge

     9:00 AM    Mayfair–Nursery School                            Lower Parish Hall, Parish Hall

Sunday, May 18, 2008-Trinity Sunday
   12:00 AM    Food Pantry Sunday
      8:00 AM    Holy Eucharist                                           Chapel

     9:10 AM    Adult Christian Ed                                    Back of Parish Hall

Can you Sing? Dance? Act? Talent? No Talent? Like to work behind the scenes? Calling all 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th graders! The Annual EYC Dinner Theater is May 17th and is always one of the year’s highlights. So come and share your talents and experience the fun and excitement of the St. Paul’s Dinner Theater. If you are interested please contact Mrs. V at 412-563-3937. There is always something for someone!

See Mrs. V. for practice times. She will work around your schedule. Two dress rehearsals on Thursday May 15th and Friday May 16th. Both rehearsals will begin at 7:00 p.m.

God’s Peace,

Dave C.

Saturday at 6:00 p.m.—Holy Eucharist Rite Two
This liturgy is celebrated in an “informal” way. From September through November 27, 2007 and again in the Spring, this service is held at Old St. Luke’s in Scott Township. December through April, this service takes place in the Good Shepherd Chapel on the ground floor of the church. From June through August, it is held in St. Margaret’s Garden at St. Paul’s.

Sunday at 8:00 a.m.—Holy Eucharist Rite One
This liturgy makes use of the traditional language found in Rite One of The Book of Common Prayer. This service includes a homily and is celebrated without music in the Good Shepherd Chapel.

Sunday at 10:15 a.m.—Holy Eucharist Rite Two
This is the principal service of the weekend and it is held in the Church. The liturgy is from Rite Two of The Book of Common Prayer and includes a full sermon and the breadth of our music ministry. The Healing Rite (Unction) is offered during communion.

During this service, children ages 4 through 2nd grade are invited to take part in a children’s worship program called Kids’ Word. Those children wishing to participate follow the crucifer out of the Church at the end of the processional and return at the Peace to sit with their families.

Immediately following the 10:15 a.m. service, we gather in the Undercroft for coffee hour and fellowship.

Wednesday at 11:00 a.m.—Holy Eucharist Rite One
This liturgy includes a homily and healing prayers and is held in the Good Shepherd Chapel.

Nursery and Childcare are available on Sunday mornings from 8:45 a.m. until 11:45 a.m.
Infants through age eighteen months receive care in Room 309 on the 3rd floor. Toddlers through age three receive care in Room 318 (across from the choir room) on the 3rd floor.

Evensong
A service of Word and Prayer in the Anglican choral tradition that takes place in the Church and is followed by a recital and then a potluck supper, usually the third Sunday of each month, September through May, 5 p.m.

Taizé
A contemplative service of prayer, scripture, Taizé chants and silence held in the Church, usually the second Sunday of the month at 6 p.m.

Cornerstone
A contemporary worship service that takes place at Old St. Luke’s in Scott Township, usually the first Sunday of the month, September through June. It is offered by the youth of St. Paul’s for all generations.

Holy Baptism
The Book of Common Prayer reminds us that “Holy Baptism is especially appropriate at the Easter Vigil, on the Day of Pentecost, on All Saints’ Day or the Sunday after All Saints’ Day, and on the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord.” Baptism is administered at St. Paul’s on these special days. In addition, the celebration of the Great Vigil of Easter provides an ancient and appropriate time for Baptism. Please contact the clergy or Church Office if you wish to plan a Baptism.

The Sacrament of Confirmation, Reception into the Episcopal Church and Renewal of Baptismal Vows
These celebrations take place at the time of the annual visitation of our Bishop. This recommitment of vows made for us or by us at Baptism is marked by a period of instruction and self-examination led by the clergy and lay people.

Clothing Drive for Ukraine
Members of St. Paul’s annually donate, pack, and ship several thousand pounds of usable clothing to the severely depressed regions around the city of Nikolaev in Ukraine. The clothing is divided among six churches and then is distributed to the poor. The donations also assist in the spread of Christianity in the region.

Food Pantry
Food Pantry is part of an effort by area churches to provide food to the less fortunate in the South Hills. Food is gathered at participating churches and is stored and bagged at Southminster Presbyterian Church. It is then delivered to persons in need as identified by the Hunger Services Network.

Home Delivered Meals
This is an ongoing mission sponsored by Life Span, a state and county approved agency which provides multiple services to senior citizens. The meals are prepared and packaged for delivery at the Hillsdale Senior Center in Dormont. Meals are picked up at the center every Tuesday morning by parishioners and are delivered to homebound persons in the Mt. Lebanon area.

Share the Joy
Each year in December, we gather to sing Christmas carols and enjoy cookies and hot chocolate. Parishioners bring gifts that are donated to the children of the New Beginnings Learning Center and East Liberty Health Center.

Shepherd’s Heart
This is a ministry of aid to the homeless which is based in Oakland. St. Paul’s provides teams of volunteers to provide a meal and fellowship for large weekly gatherings. Monetary offerings also support the important work of this ministry.

Book Club
Book Club meets monthly on the second Friday each month at 1:00 p.m. in the church Lounge. Books for discussion are chosen by the group. Members take turns providing refreshments.

Bridge Club
This is a couples Bridge Club that meets in member’s homes once a month from September to May.

Cotillion
Cotillion is a program of dance for sixth grade boys and girls which began at St. Paul’s in 1957. The program is a blend of traditional and modern styles of dance offered in a relaxed atmosphere. There are ten sessions, taught by a professional instructor, which meet Saturday evenings for one and a half hours.

Dickens’ Dames
Dickens’ Dames is a group of senior women who gather for fellowship and lunch on the fourth Thursday of each month.

Episcopal Church Men (ECM)
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Men provide a variety of opportunities for Christian growth through service and fellowship for the men of St. Paul’s. In addition to other activities, the ECM prepares and hosts an Annual Spaghetti Dinner, helps with the Lenten Fish Fry, and participates in church clean up days in the spring and fall.

Episcopal Church Women (ECW)
The Episcopal Church Women invite all women of St. Paul’s to join together for worship, study, service, support, and fellowship. The ECW sponsors the Canterbury Fair fundraiser held on a Saturday in November every other year; it features handmade items, crafts, needlework, baked goods, and lunch. Proceeds are used for outreach and special needs of St. Paul’s. The ECW also forms an umbrella over the Lydia and Claudia Circles.

Claudia Circle
The Claudia Circle meets on the first Thursday of the month at 1:00 p.m. in the Church Lounge This group holds Baptismal receptions and other events. Fundraisers are used for outreach projects at St. Paul’s and for community needs such as the South Hills Food Pantry. Baby Baskets are also given by the circle to parents of newborns in the parish.

Lydia Circle
The Lydia Circle meets at 10:00 a.m. on the first Thursday of the month in the Church Lounge, and provides receptions following funerals at St. Paul’s.

Newcomers and Greeters
Greeters are parishioners who welcome all worshipers, especially Newcomers and Visitors, before the Sunday services. Greeters can be recognized by their name tags and their presence in the Narthex (foyer) at the main entrance and at the elevator entrance. They acquaint newcomers with the parish family and activities, escort them to coffee hour in the Undercroft, and introduce them to the clergy.

Purls of Wisdom
A knitting fellowship that meets twice a month on the second and fourth Thursday evenings in the Lounge.

Pickwick Boys
Pickwick Boys is a group of retired men who meet for lunch on the third Thursday of the month, year round, at selected restaurants in the area. True to the original concept of Dickens’ Pickwick Club, travels and adventures are discussed in an environment of lively fellowship.

St. Anne’s Guild
The mission of St. Anne’s Guild is to provide fellowship for women and ministry centered around the care and nurturing of the infants and young children in our church community. All mothers of St. Paul’s are invited to join.

Supper Club
Friendship, fellowship and fun is what Supper Club is all about. Supper Club is open to all adults of the parish. Dress is informal and the food is simple. Twice a year those who wish to participate get together for a social where names are randomly drawn to form a group of approximately ten people. Groups meet at different homes for at least four dinners before names are re-drawn. Each individual gathering sets its own schedule and determines the hosts. The host and/or hostess provide the main course. Everyone else brings a dish. If you are unable to entertain in your home, you may suggest a brunch after church or a dinner at a restaurant. The idea is to come together and build relationships.

MESSENGER DEADLINE: The deadline for the June Messenger is this Thursday, May 15. If the deadline is missed, messages can still be placed in the weekly all-parish emails.

Do not miss a stunning performance of Benjamin Britten’s Abraham and Isaac in the Final Recital of this Program Year. Recital and Compline, Thursday, May 15 at 7:00 p.m. in the church, features Treble soloist, Bailey Yordnoff, and Shawn Mlynek, Choral Scholar Tenor. Written in 1952, Britten adapted text from medieval language of the Chester Miracle Plays. During this work, Britten portrays the most dramatic moment in the life of Abraham as recounted in Genesis 22, the binding and near sacrifice of his beloved son Isaac in obedience to God.

This Saturday, May 17, is the EYC Dinner Theater at 6:30 p.m.- please plan to be entertained and well-fed! Tickets are $15 per person and can be purchased in the church office or from Dave Choura or Karen Viggiano.

The Adult Christian Education program meets this Sunday, May 11, at 9:10 a.m. with Ian Nettleship, who will talk about Engineers Without Borders. Next Sunday, May 18, Martha Hoffman, a special guest from Connecticut, will speak to us about her work as head of "Call to Care: Responding to the Needs of Uganda’s Children" in partnership with local civic and religious organizations and international groups such as Rotary and Habitat for Humanity to aid children in Uganda.

Next Sunday, May 18, Order of St. Luke will meet after the 10:15 a.m. service in the Library.

Next Sunday, May 18, is the Sunday we will receive food offerings at the altar for the South Hills Food Pantry. During a recent delivery of some of your gifts, a recipient of these bags of groceries and supplies asked just how a check should be made out, as he wanted to make a contribution to the food pantry. In response to what must have been a quizzical look, he went on to say, "I will be receiving my rebate check soon and want to give a part of it to the food pantry because we very much appreciate the help that has been given to us." All non-perishable items are acceptable as well as paper products, health and beauty aids, and soap items.

The annual meeting of the Members of the Corporation of St. Paul’s Episcopal Nursery School will be held on May 14, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. in the Church Lounge. The bylaws state that "All persons who are communicants in good standing of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church located at 1066 Washington Road, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15228 shall become Members of the Corporation upon subscribing their names upon the membership roll of the Corporation and upon payment of the annual fee of $1.00 (one dollar)." Election of Trustees for a two-year term 2008-2010 will be held at this meeting.

Saturday, May 24, is the last Holy Eucharist at Old St. Luke’s. Beginning Saturday, May 31, the service will be held at St. Paul’s in St. Margaret’s Garden.

Everyone is invited to the Celebration of New Ministry and Institution of the Rev. Nancy (Nano) Chalfont-Walker as Rector of St. Stephen’s, Wilkinsburg on Monday, June 2 at 7 p.m. Nano was Interim Rector at St. Paul’s prior to Lou’s arrival. Anyone intending to attend the service and reception at St. Stephen’s is asked to RSVP by either emailing ststephenswilk@verizon.net <mailto:ststephenswilk@verizon.net> or calling the church at 412-243-6100

Beginning June 1, the 10:15 a.m. Sunday worship service will change to 10:00 a.m. for the summer through Labor Day weekend. The new service schedule and Sunday school will begin on Sunday, September 7, 2008.

"Son Harvest" Vacation Bible School will be on Monday, June 30 until Thursday, July 3, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Please call Rini Choura if you can help: 412-561-1208.

Canterbury Fair is on November 22. Craft workshops will be held every Wednesday at noon. There will be many opportunities for participation. Let us know what your interests are: We want you!! Doris Davies and Mary Sweeney request your donations for the Canterbury Fair Antiques and Collectibles Booth. We are looking forward to the success of the Canterbury Fair and the sale of upscale, gently-used items. Possible items for donation might include art glass, art pottery, porcelain, pewter, boxed gifts, small pieces of furniture in excellent condition, to name a few. We can pick up items at your house the third week in August if you call Rich Viggiano at 412-563-3937 or Jane Offutt at 412-531-0807. Otherwise, items can be dropped off at the church office or on the first floor near the elevator. For other questions, call Doris Davies at 412-851-9512 or Mary Sweeney at 412-561-5933.

Used church tables for sale. $10 each-what a bargain! Please see Jim Frantz or Dick Ritchie if you are interested.

Confirmation
Children in 7th grade are invited to begin a one and one-half year confirmation program that will review Scripture, tradition, prayer, reason, experience, and the foundations of the Anglican tradition as learned in church school in preparation for the rite of Confirmation, which usually takes place in December of the 8th grade year. A weekend retreat usually takes place in the spring of the first year.

Youth Forum
Once confirmed in eighth grade, youth are invited to participate in Youth Forum during the Education Hour on Sunday mornings from 9:00 a.m. to 9:55 a.m. During this time, contemporary topics impacting youth today are discussed in an open, informal way.

Episcopal Youth Club (EYC)
The Episcopal Youth Club comes under the direction of the St. Paul’s Youth Director. It is a dynamic, multi-faceted ministry consisting of social and spiritual activities designed to engage young people (grades 7 through 12) in deepening their relationship with one another, with their church and wider community, and with Jesus Christ. The hope and goal of this ministry is that teens will find a place where they feel accepted, discover what makes them unique, and continue their search for what it means to be a Christian. The group meets at various times throughout the month and participates in fellowship activities and outreach events. See the bulletin board in the Undercroft or ask to be placed on the Youth mailing list to receive information about upcoming events.

Mission Trip
Each year the youth group plans and takes part in a mission trip to a specified location. In the past the group has helped the needy in Appalachia, taught children at an Indian Reservation, and painted homes for the elderly in Charleston, SC. This annual outreach opportunity is often the highlight of the year. It is usually a week trip around the second week of June. Teens (grades 8th through 12th) can experience service ministry, spiritual growth, as well as fun and fellowship activities.

Study Break
Study Break consists of a few hours set aside each week to allow the youth at St. Paul’s to take a step back from the “busy-ness” that sometimes surrounds life. Watch the bulletin and the Messenger for details.

The true treasure of our parish music ministry is its talented and dedicated personnel. Over seventy parish musicians participate in seven musical ensembles – The Chancel Choir (adult choir), Canterbury Choir (school-age children), and Youth Choir (Middle and high school age youth), The Liturgical Dance Ensemble (Middle and High School age girls), the Churchestra (intergenerational), and Handbell Choir (Youth and adults).

All these ensembles are a vital part of Sunday liturgies and we look for ways to highlight particular ensembles.

All are welcome to join any of these musical ensembles.
Please contact Doug Starr, Organist and Choirmaster.

» Winter/Spring 2008 Music Rota
» Professional Development of Choral Scholars
» Recent Choral Scholar Testimonials
» St. Paul’s Music Ministries Purpose Statement
» Doug Starr, DMA Biography
» Schantz Organ Specifications