st-pauls-on-the-green

Stepping out of the Boat

Mon, 02 Nov 2026 18:35:36 GMT

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ECCT Annual Convention - 2026. Pictured L to R: The Rev. Daniel Simons, The Rev. Milton Gilder, The Rev. Paul Carling, The Rev Tim Hodapp, The Rev. Ellie Withers, Gail Bindley Taylor (St. Paul's Delegate to Convention), The Rev Edrice Viechweg

Stepping Out of the Boat: Reflections on the 242nd Annual Convention of the Episcopal Church in Connecticut

A report from Convention by Gail Bindley-Taylor

The weekend of October 23–24 was firmly marked on my calendar and imprinted on my brain. This year, for the third time, I would attend the Annual Convention of the Episcopal Church in Connecticut (ECCT) as a delegate from St. Paul’s on the Green.

Convention is the annual gathering of two lay delegates from each of the Diocese’s 153 worshipping communities and all canonically resident clergy. It is where we come together to worship, pray, discuss the business of the Church, consider resolutions and vote on matters affecting the life and mission of the Diocese.

Our delegates are elected to represent their parishes, speaking and voting on their behalf. For those attending for the first time, Convention is a fascinating combination of listening and learning, worship and prayer. Above all, it is a unique opportunity to meet and share the love of Christ with Episcopalians from across the breadth of Connecticut. Familiarising oneself beforehand with the budget and proposed resolutions makes the experience even more meaningful.

I love Convention. The noise of people warmly greeting one another, the camaraderie, and the sight of hundreds of people praying, singing and worshipping together are priceless.

Each Convention has its own special qualities. This year, I was particularly struck by the depth and honesty of the exchanges, including strongly opposing views reflected in amendments proposed from the floor. Discussions at our tables were equally rich and sometimes controversial, but respectful and full of opportunities to listen and learn. For me, it was both a revealing and reflective experience.

The Business of Convention:

Convention approved nine resolutions, including the 2027 budget of just over $7.7 million. The Diocesan Treasurer, Gordon Ross, reported that the Diocese’s financial position in 2026 “remained solid.” The Canon for Finance and Operations, the Reverend Rosanna Rosado, explained that the budget had increased by 8.46 per cent over the 2026 budget, reflecting higher medical benefits, cost-of-living adjustments and essential operating expenses. Staffing remained steady, and she assured delegates that her office would continue to exercise careful stewardship of the funds contributed by parishes. The budget, she noted, reflected “our mission and the priorities we shared.”

The budget included increases in clergy compensation, welcome news for our clergy. A separate resolution on clergy compensation generated considerable discussion. An amendment proposed by our own Father Paul was adopted, calling for a study of the feasibility of sabbaticals for part-time clergy in the Diocese.

The remaining resolutions addressed a range of issues affecting our congregations and the wider community. One expanded the Equal Employment Opportunity policy to include protections for victims of domestic violence and human trafficking. Another, Resolution 5, raised important questions about how congregations can bear public witness on issues such as immigration and voting rights, and where they can find credible, nonpartisan resources to guide their social justice work.

Resolution 7, “Standing in Solidarity With Palestine,” generated the longest and most passionate debate on the wording. It addressed the plight of the Palestinian people and included a resolution to be sent to the 2027 General Convention of The Episcopal Church. Among other provisions, this resolution encourages congregations and communities in ECCT to engage in prayer, conversation and study about the situation in Gaza and settler violence in the West Bank, and to support efforts towards lasting peace in Palestine and Israel, including the rebuilding of Gaza and the restoration of Palestinian homesteads in the West Bank. After extensive discussion and several amendments, the resolution passed.

Other resolutions looked to the future of the Church and its responsibilities. Resolution 9 called for the establishment of a standing Young Adult Ministry Council to help invest in and empower adults aged 18–39 for the mission of God. Resolution 8 called on parishes to recognize the Sunday closest to Juneteenth (June 19) each year as Reparations Sunday. Resolution 6 called for the establishment of a Diocesan Energy Task Force.

Together, these resolutions reflected the breadth of the Church’s concerns, from employment and clergy welfare to social justice, young adult ministry, reparations and environmental responsibility.

Recognizing ministry and service:

This year also saw the presentation of the first Bishops’ Awards to individuals or groups whose work exemplifies ECCT’s watchwords: “Growing in Faith, Living in Hope and Serving in Love.”

St. Luke’s New Haven Steelband, which performed at Convention, received the Growing in Faith award. Our former Bishop, the Right Reverend Ian T. Douglas, was also recognised for his initiative “Joining Jesus in a New Missional Age.” This initiative has helped raise close to $6 million through individual leadership gifts, bequests and estate commitments which in turn has supported both diocesan ministries and local initiatives in 13 parishes.

The funding enabled congregations to address important needs in their communities, including rebuilding the chorister program at our Cathedral in Hartford, a transformative greening initiative at St. Mark’s in Mystic, and improvements to air conditioning and security cameras at St. Monica’s in Hartford. These examples demonstrated how shared resources can strengthen local ministry.

The Bishop’s Challenge: Getting out of the Boat:

The highlight of Convention is always the Bishop Diocesan’s address, and our Bishop, the Right Reverend Jeffrey Mello, did not disappoint.

He reminded us that in difficult times, “when the world seems overwhelming and we don’t know what we can do, we can come together. We can join in prayer and remind ourselves that we are one body, that we need one another.”

Drawing on the Gospel of Matthew, he recalled Peter stepping out of a boat to go to Jesus on the water. When Peter became frightened by the wind and waves, he began to sink and called out for help. Jesus reached out and rescued him.

Bishop Mello invited us to see each congregation as a boat, filled with faithful disciples doing their best to navigate the challenges before them. Although our boats may be in different conditions, we will all experience moments of fear and uncertainty. But, as he reminded us, “we need not drown and we need not tread water on our own. We can call on Christ and Christ will save us. Precious Lord, take my hand.”

His challenge was to get out of our boats “to meet Jesus where he is calling us.” He pointed to the work of the staff at The Commons, the offices of our Bishops, as an example of how the Diocese serves congregations in many different ways. But he also challenged each congregation to discern, through prayer, what getting out of the boat means for its own mission and ministry. For St. Paul’s, that means asking what God is calling us to do in the year ahead.

Bishop Mello was clear about what getting out of the boat means for the Diocese as a whole: “It means taking some risks, asking hard questions, and trying hard things. We need to explore what it means that our congregations are increasingly unable to sustain the increasing costs of what it means to be Church today. We need to ask ourselves honestly if we are okay that we are increasingly becoming a Church only for those who can pay for it. We need to leverage our resources, financial and otherwise, to support our parishes and communities.”

What resonated most with me was his message on racial justice and the treatment of immigrants: “We will not stand down from our insistence that, regardless of policy or polity, our Scripture is crystal clear on how we are to treat our immigrant neighbors. To proclaim the Good News of Christ means we must repeatedly, emphatically, every opportunity we get, reject White Christian Nationalism in all its forms. And we need to witness to the world that blaming the raging waters on those who are drowning in them is counter to the Gospel we have received in Christ Jesus.”

These words were a powerful reminder that our faith calls us not only to prayer and fellowship, but also to action and public witness.

As Bishop Mello approaches his fifth year as our Diocesan leader in 2027, he hopes that we will enter a period of “mutual discernment that will bring us clarity and sharpen our shared vision for the work in the next season of our life in ECCT.”

He ended his address with this charge: “Let’s get out of the boat and let’s try walking on water.”

With final evening prayer and the packing up of the Ministry Fair, which showcased the work of ECCT’s many Ministry Networks, the 550 delegates said farewell for another year, exchanging warm goodbyes and contact information.

St. Paul’s Place in the Diocese:

St. Paul’s has a seat at the Diocesan table. Father Daniel has been appointed Regional Dean of the Southwest Region for another three years. The Reverend Edrice Viechweg was elected to a three-year term on the Title IV Disciplinary Board, and I was elected to a three-year term on the Standing Committee. These appointments and elections are a reminder that our congregation is not simply part of a local parish community. We are part of a wider Church, with a voice and a responsibility in its governance, ministry and mission.

As you cast your ballot for the next two delegates and alternates to represent St. Paul’s at next year’s parish annual meeting, I encourage you to think about how you wish our congregation to be represented.

Convention brings us together for worship, prayer, listening, learning and the business of our Church. But it also challenges us to consider what faithful action looks like when we return to our own communities. As we look to the year ahead, let us continue to listen, discern and ask ourselves: What is God calling St. Paul’s to do? And let us have the courage, together, to step out of the boat in faith.

Meet Milton Gilder

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 18:50:56 GMT

The Rev. Milton Gilder, Deacon

Greetings, Saint Paul's,

I am Milton Gilder, and I look forward to joining Saint Paul's Norwalk as a curate and assistant priest for the next two years! I am grateful and excited that this community has welcomed me with open arms to walk with you all in your good and divine work of ministry in Norwalk. Let's see what holy mischief God might have us to be and to do!

I am originally from Long Beach, California. I grew up around parents and grandparents and great-grandparents who were active in their local communities and churches as ushers, choir members, food pantry volunteers, interfaith and community organizers, and lent their construction talents to help rebuild the church after two catastrophic fires.

It's no surprise that my career and extracurriculars from childhood to now as an adult have always centered around the church and community. As a teenager, I served on a youth philanthropy board that gave grants to youth-led programs and volunteered at the library as a data analyst, tabulating numbers and creating charts on the library's reading programs. As a young college student at Duke University, I would quickly get involved in my college paper as a photographer and in a campus ministry, serving on the community events, prayer, and prison ministry teams. In my post-college years, I have lived in several Christian intentional communities, sharing what we had in common with our neighbors, committing to daily prayer and regular retreats.

Before moving to Connecticut for divinity school, I chiefly worked in diverse functions in education, youth development, and ministry. Immediately prior to Yale, I worked at Teachers Pay Teachers, an education technology company, working with internal stakeholders on sales and product marketing strategy. Before transitioning to education technology, I spent several years in secondary education and Christian youth leadership development. Most recently at Duke Divinity School, I directed the Duke Youth Academy, a year-long ecumenical youth leadership and service learning program that expanded young people’s imagination and service in the church and beyond. I was the last Director and was responsible for facilitating its closure in my final year there. Previously, I launched a career and college readiness program at a Christian parachurch organization in Walltown - a historic Black and Brown neighborhood in Durham, North Carolina.

At Berkeley Divinity School at Yale, I explored my passions for sustaining institutions and communities by serving on various student boards and clubs, including but not limited to the Divinnovation Club, a faith and innovation club; Pennington Legacy Project, a group of students organizing at Yale for James Pennington to receive a posthumous degree to rewrite the wrongs of the past; the Yale Presidential Search Student Advisory Council; and the Yale Divinity Student Government.

This past summer, I was recently ordained to the diaconate in The Episcopal Church in the Episcopal Church in Connecticut. I anticipate ordination, God willing and people consenting, to the priesthood in January 2027.

I come to Saint Paul's with a rich background, having befriended, lived, and worked amongst the diversity of the Christian tradition and faith communities, and served a myriad of functions and roles across diverse organizations. I look forward to being among you and serving together so that Norwalk might receive Jesus Christ's radical welcome.

Milton

Music at St. Paul's

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 20:00:31 GMT

Music at St. Paul's

Choirs

Adult volunteers and the St. Paul’s Choristers and Choral Scholars come together to lead the hymns and anthems at worship each Sunday. The choirs also participate in concerts, special services such as Evensong, and other events throughout the year. The Compline Choir (separate upper and lower voices choirs) sings chant and polyphony every Sunday night for the 8 PM service of Compline. St. Paul’s maintains a roster of professional singers that are called to sing special services throughout the year.

St. Paul’s believes deeply in the power of congregational singing, and so our choir’s primary responsibility is to lead and inspire congregational song. Though we use the Hymnal 1982 as our primary musical resource, we frequently draw from other sources as well.

Organ

Our 1928 E.M. Skinner organ was installed and enlarged in 1992, and was restored and enlarged in 2007 by the Reuter Organ Company of Lawrence, Kansas. Seasonal recitals featuring talented organists are offered during the year. Visit the Events Calendar for updates. Read more, and see the organ’s specifications.

St. Paul’s Chorister Program

The St. Paul’s Chorister Program, is open to all children in grades 2 – 8. The Choristers meet weekly to rehearse and sing with the Schola Choir bi-monthly at the 11 am service. Rehearsals incorporate supplemental music education and fun! The program is free to all students and you do not need to be a member of St. Paul’s (or any church!) to participate.

St. Paul’s Choral Scholars Program

The Choristers are supported by Choral Scholars, high school aged students who often are pursuing musical careers of their own. This program offers an exposure to a wide variety of choral repertoire, and develops skills in sight reading and leadership. A honorarium is available to Scholars.

If you would like more information about music and arts programs at St. Paul’s or would be interested in joining the choir contact Josh Ehlebracht at music@stpaulsnorwalk.org .

Art with Heart

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 18:03:06 GMT

Art with Heart
1st & 3rd Saturday of the Month at 10 am
Explore spirituality through art! No experience needed—just bring your creativity and an open heart! Everyone from preteens to adults is welcome to join the fun! Supplies are provided, or bring your favorite medium.

Juneteenth

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 17:52:45 GMT

June 19th is the day in 1865 in Galveston, Texas when a Union general rode in to inform the city that the institution of slavery had ended and that all enslaved people were from that moment, free. This should not have been a surprise to the enslaved African Americans of Texas since President Lincoln had in fact already issued a proclamation two years earlier, on Jan 1, 1863 liberating all enslaved persons living in Confederate states. But the order carried little weight in Texas, where there were few Union soldiers to enforce it, and where, according to Annette Gordon-Reed in her book “On Juneteenth,” despite the formal surrender of the Confederate General Robert E. Lee two months earlier, the Confederate army continued fighting until mid -May. Many of the enslaved persons in that state therefore continued working for their enslavers, but others we are told by Annette Gordon-Reed “knew the gist of the general order prior to June 19, as Galveston, the largest city in Texas was a port city through which most of the cotton picked and processed in the state was shipped out to the world.” And she stresses, “port cities are prefect vehicles for transmission of information to people of all degrees of literacy.” Ms. Gordon-Reed herself a Texan says: “Two days before General Granger arrived on the island, Black men working on the wharves began to shout in exultation. When asked what they were celebrating, they replied, because they were free.” The news began to spread to other towns but the enslaved had to be careful about openly celebrating as “White in Texas were incensed by what had transpired so much so that some reacted violently to the Blacks’ display of joy at emancipation.” Nevertheless,

once the announcement was made in 1865 African Americans in Texas and elsewhere in the United States as the cultural practice spread began to celebrate the day. But though acknowledged by some 47 states and the district of Columbia it is only in 2021 that Juneteenth was made a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans.

St. Paul's Juneteenth Celebration has become a major event in the life of the Parish. As part of past celebrations, we honor the rich traditions that have long been associated with Juneteenth gatherings. Food has always been central to these celebrations, bringing families and communities together around shared tables. Everyone was invited to bring a favorite dish from their own family or cultural tradition to share, as we celebrate both our diversity and our common humanity.

Traditional Juneteenth foods and beverages often feature red ingredients and drinks—such as strawberry soda, hibiscus tea, red velvet cake, or watermelon—which symbolize resilience, sacrifice, and the strength of those who endured slavery and passed on a legacy of perseverance and freedom.

Meet Dr. Sheila M. Kearney

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 21:00:51 GMT

Dr. Sheila M. Kearney

Dr. Kearney brings a successful perspective of more than 30 years experience in management consulting, executive and inclusiveness coaching, research, philanthropy and education leadership.

Previously, she was an Executive Director for the Gallup Institute for Global Well-Being,

responsible for planning and management of an annual International Positive Psychology Summit, its Programs and Executive Board. As part of a Gallup and Thurgood Marshall College Fund partnership, she served as Chief Academic Officer for the Thurgood Marshall College Fund’s board and 47 member universities. Also at Gallup, she was Vice President for Social Audits, leading and publishing national surveys on such topics as: Child Discipline, Inclusiveness, Race Relations, Drug Use in America, Gambling, Mentoring and Have and Have- nots. Upon joining the Gallup, Dr. Kearney was trained and certified as a Human Resources Selection Analyst and Consultant, also a Leadership and Strengths group facilitator and coach.

Prior to joining Gallup, she was Director of the Executive Leadership Council-Foundation (an association of African American Corporate Executives) in Alexandria, VA, and before, she was an Education Program and Corporate Social Responsibility Manager at The Prudential Foundation.

Kearney received her Doctorate and Master’s Degrees in Administration, Planning and Social Policy from Harvard University, a Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology from Boston College, and her Bachelor’s degree from Northeastern University.

Women's History Month

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 00:49:04 GMT

March is Women's History Month

Women's History Month began as a local celebration in Santa Rosa, California, when the Education Task Force of the Sonoma County (California) Commission on the Status of Women planned and executed a “Women’s History Week” celebration in 1978. The organizers selected the week of March 8 to correspond with International Women’s Day. The movement spread across the country, as other communities initiated their own Women’s History Week celebrations the following year. In 1980, a consortium of women’s groups and historians—led by the National Women’s History Project (now the National Women's History Alliance)—successfully lobbied for national recognition. In February 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued the first Presidential Proclamation declaring the Week of March 8th 1980 as National Women’s History Week.

Subsequent Presidents continued to proclaim a National Women’s History Week in March until 1987, when Congress passed Public Law 100-9, designating March as “Women’s History Month.” Between 1988 and 1994, Congress passed additional resolutions requesting and authorizing the President to proclaim March of each year as Women’s History Month. Since 1995, each President has issued annual proclamations designating the month of March as “Women’s History Month.”

The National Women’s History Alliance selects and announces the annual theme for Women’s History Month. For 2025, the theme is “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations.”

In celebration of this theme, The Justice Ministry invites you to mark your calendars for a special event featuring a screening of the film Six Triple Eight. We are honored to welcome Dr. Sheila Kearney as one of our presenters. Dr. Kearney is the niece of CPT Mary F. Kearney, who served as the Battalion’s Chief of Mail, along with nine other women from Connecticut in the Six Triple Eight. She has been actively advocating for state recognition of these remarkable women through the passage of a resolution honoring their service.

Stay tuned for more details—we look forward to celebrating this inspiring history with you!

International Women's Day is March 8 and this year the theme is " Equal rights. Equal opportunities. Equal power." This international day celebrates the economic, cultural, political, and social achievements of women. It also calls for action to achieve gender equality.

UN Women, the UN organization dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women says the theme for this year is a bold call for action for all women and girls worldwide. "As we mark the 30th year of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the world is deeply unequal and International Women’s Day is a chance to rise and demand action and to deliver on the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action to make the world equal and better for everyone."

Here are six things that the UN suggests that Governments around the world can do to promote gender equality:

The United Nations is calling on governments everywhere to act boldly and decisively for all women and girls. Closing the gender gap globally by 2030 will take an investment of $360 billion annually, but the cost of inaction is higher.

Here are six actions that can make a real difference, while placing the leadership of young women and adolescent girls in the center of all efforts.

1. For All Women and Girls—A Digital Revolution

Closing the digital gender divide could save $500 billion over the next five years. Technology must be a force for equality, not exclusion. Support the Global Digital Compact and enact policies that bridge the digital gender divide, ensuring equal access and leadership for all women and girls in technology

2. For All Women and Girls—Freedom from poverty

Nearly one in ten women live in extreme poverty. Public services and social protection expand economic opportunities and security for women. Women also do at least twice as much unpaid care work as men do. Care is the backbone of all societies, and yet is largely undervalued and unpaid. It doesn’t have to be this way—closing care gaps could create 300 million jobs by 2035. Invest in national budgets to strengthen social protection, public services, particularly care services, to give women an equal chance to prosper and fight poverty.

3. For All Women and Girls—Zero Violence

One in three women experiences violence in her lifetime. Although globally we have many laws on the books, they are often poorly implemented and investment in prevention strategies is lacking. Adopt, implement and fund national laws and policies that signal zero impunity towards violence against women and support local women's organizations.

4. For All Women and Girls—Full and Equal Decision-Making Power

Around the world, decisions affecting women’s lives are still made overwhelmingly by men. This is not just unjust—it is inefficient. Implement laws and policies, apply temporary special measures to increase the number of women in decision-making positions in politics, business and institutions.

5. For All Women and Girls—Peace and Security

Over 600 million women and girls live near armed conflict, with conflict-related sexual violence skyrocketing by 50 per cent last year alone. Women’s organizations are the first responders to crises and champions of peace. Yet they remain underfunded and undervalued. Adopt fully financed national plans to increase women's meaningful participation in all aspects of peace and security and fund women's organizations in crises and conflict settings.

6. For All Women and Girls— Climate Justice

As the climate crisis and biodiversity loss accelerate, women and girls—especially in rural and indigenous communities— bear the brunt of its devastating effects. They are also at the forefront of solutions. Prioritize women's and girls' rights and leadership in climate action by increasing investment in and their access to green jobs, like care, sustainable agriculture and renewable energy.

The Old Rugged Cross

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 17:23:16 GMT

A note on the history of the wooden processional cross from Archdeacon Don Burr, member of Christ Church, East Norwalk:

The "old rugged cross" was crafted by my father, Alan C. Burr, Sr., nearly 40 years ago. The idea was to process with something more "humble" during the season of Lent, before returning to the more ornate processional cross at Easter. Alan and his four brothers grew up as part of St. Paul's on the Green in the 1920s, 30s, and 40s, (Father Emerson and the congregation played an instrumental role in their formation) before Alan's young family found their way to Christ Church, East Norwalk, in the early 1960s.

I can remember vividly the crafting of this cross because, once he had it beautifully put together, Pop asked me to use old pieces of chain, hammer heads, nails, and screwdrivers to mark the wood of the cross, making it appear more "rugged" once we applied the stain and finish in his shop. Even today, there is beauty in the old cross.

Over the years, the cross has been carried curing Lent; and even on occasions when a young crucifer couldn't bear the weight of the heavier brass crosses. This most recently occurred last month when our seven-year-old grandson, Bradley, served as crucifer for the funeral of my brother, Bo.

Thank you for allowing the "old rugged cross" be part of the Lenten season this year for the people of St. Paul's on the Green — I pray they find as much beauty and meaning in it as I have all these years.

Peace,

Don

Who was Absalom Jones?

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 18:00:32 GMT

WHO IS ABASALOM JONES AND WHY DO WE CELEBRATE HIM?

On Sunday, February 16th at 4.00 pm, St. Paul’s on the Green will host the Diocesan celebration of the life of the Reverend Absalom Jones with a special service of Holy Eucharist. But why do we celebrate Absalom Jones and what makes him important in the history of the Episcopal Church in the United States? Here is some important background on the significance of Absalom Jones to help you better appreciate why we mark the anniversary of his death on February 13 throughout the Episcopal community.

On January 1, 1808, in response to the Abolition of the African slave trade that day by Congress, the Reverend Absalom Jones, preached “A Thanksgiving Sermon” at St. Thomas (the African Episcopal Church) in Philadelphia, remarking “The history of the world shows us, that the deliverance of the children of Israel from their bondage, is not the only instance, in which it has pleased God to appear on behalf of oppressed and distressed nations, as the deliverer of the innocent, and of those who call upon his name. He is as unchangeable in his nature and character, as he is in his wisdom and power.”

Blessed Absalom, as he is called, carries the title “blessed” in recognition of his "remarkable dedication to fighting for the freedom of enslaved people, particularly his own wife, and for founding the first Black congregation in the Episcopal Church, making him a significant figure in American history, especially within the context of Black liberation.”

According to Arthur K. Sudler and William Carl Bolivar, Director of the Historical Society and Archives of the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas, Absalom Jones was born enslaved to Abraham Wynkoop, a wealthy Anglican planter in 1746 in Delaware. He was working in the fields when Abraham recognized Absalom's intelligence and ordered that he be trained to work in the house where he eagerly accepted instruction in reading. He also saved money he was given and bought books (among them a primer, a spelling book, and a bible). Abraham Wynkoop died in 1753 and by 1755 his younger son Benjamin had inherited the plantation. When Absalom was sixteen, Benjamin Wynkoop sold the plantation and Absalom’s mother, sister, and five brothers. Wynkoop brought Absalom to Philadelphia where he opened a store and joined St. Peter’s Church. In Philadelphia, Benjamin Wynkoop permitted Absalom to attend a night school for black people that was operated by Quakers following the tradition established by abolitionist teacher Anthony Benezet. It is also interesting to note that Benjamin Wynkoop who owned Absalom for some 38 years was a vestryman, warden and benefactor of Christ Church and St. Peter’s in Philadelphia, two historic congregations that helped give birth both to the nation and the Episcopal Church.

www.episcopalchurch.org/racialreconciliation/giving-the-full-history-who-owned-absalom-jones

At twenty, with the permission of their masters, Absalom married Mary Thomas. a fellow parishioner at St. Pater's who was enslaved to Sarah King. The Rev. Jacob Duche performed the wedding at Christ Church. Absalom and his father-in-law, John Thomas, used their savings along with donations and loans primarily from prominent Quakers, to purchase Mary’s freedom. Absalom and Mary worked very hard to repay the money borrowed to buy her freedom and also saved enough money to buy property and Absalom’s freedom. Absalom repeatedly asked Benjamin Wynkoop to allow him to buy his freedom. Though Wynkoop refused several times, Absalom persisted because as long as he was enslaved, Wynkoop could take his property and his money. Finally, in 1784, Benjamin Wynkoop freed Absalom by granting him a manumission. Absalom continued to work in Wynkoop’s store as a paid employee.

Absalom left St. Peter’s Church and began worshipping at St. George’s Methodist Episcopal Church. There, he met Richard Allen who had been engaged to preach at St. George’s and the two became lifelong friends, Together, in 1787, they founded the Free African Society, a mutual aid benevolent organization that was the first of its kind organized by and for black people. Members of this organization met regularly and paid dues which were used to benefit those in need. This organization was crucial in caring for the sick and dying of Philadelphia when a yellow fever epidemic swept the city in 1793.

At St George’s, Absalom and Richard served as lay ministers for the black membership. The active evangelism of Absalom Jones and Richard Allen greatly increased black membership at St George’s. The black members worked hard to help raise money to build an upstairs gallery intended to enlarge the church. The church leadership decided to segregate the black worshippers in the gallery without notifying them. During a Sunday morning service, a dispute arose over the seats black members had been instructed to take in the gallery, and ushers attempted to physically remove them by first accosting Absalom Jones. Most of the black members present indignantly walked out of St. George’s en masse.

Prior to the incident at St. George’s, the Free African Society had initiated religious services. Some of these services were presided over by The Rev. Joseph Pilmore, an assistant at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. The Society established communication with similar black groups in other cities. In 1792 the Society began to build the African Church of Philadelphia. The church membership took a denominational vote and decided to affiliate with the Episcopal Church. Richard Allen withdrew from the effort as he favored affiliation with the Methodist Church. Absalom Jones was asked to provide pastoral leadership and after prayer and reflection he accepted the call.

The African Church was dedicated on July 17, 1794. Soon after the congregation applied for membership in the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania on the following conditions: 1) that they be received as an organized body; 2) that they have control over their own local affairs; 3) that Absalom Jones be licensed as a lay reader, and, if qualified, be ordained as a minister. On October 17, 1794 the parish was formally received into the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania and renamed St. Thomas African Episcopal Church. St. Thomas was the first black Episcopal parish in the United States. Bishop William White ordained Jones as a deacon in 1795 and as a priest on September 21, 1802.

The Reverend Absalom Jones was described as “an earnest preacher who denounced slavery and warned the oppressors to “clean their hands of slaves.” To him, God was the Father, who always acted on “behalf of the oppressed and distressed.” But it was his constant visiting and mild manner that made him beloved by his congregation and by the community. St Thomas Church grew to over 500 members during its first year. The congregants formed a day school and were active in moral uplift, self-empowerment, and anti-slavery activities. Known as “the Black Bishop of the Episcopal Church,” Jones was an example of persistent faith in God and in the Church as God’s instrument. Jones died on 13 February 1818.

Writing in a recent ECCT Blog the Reverend Sarah Louise Woodford, Canon for Communications & Media acknowledged the following noteworthy achievements about Absalom Jones: “During his lifetime, Jones founded the Female Benevolent Society and the African Friendly Society. In late 1799/early 1800, he petitioned Congress to abolish the slave trade and to provide for gradual emancipation of existing slaves.”

The Rev. Cn. D Littlepage, Canon for Advocacy, Racial Justice & Reconciliation says, “It’s important to continue to celebrate the Rev. Absalom Jones, not just as an historical first, but as a witness to the kind of persevering faith that continually seeks to live into the kingdom of God despite opposition from the world—and even the church!”

MLK Jr - and Eggs?

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 15:30:37 GMT

What do eggs teach us about MLK’s dream?

Eggs come in a few different colors- the shells that is. They can be pink, green, brown or white. Brown and White ones are the ones we are used to seeing. The color of the shell is determined by the pigments deposited on the egg as it makes its final pass through the oviduct of the hen. The pigment is determined by genetics. Most importantly, the pigment does not pass through the shell into the inner part of the egg- the part we consume; All eggs on the inside are the same. This is the lesson for all to hear on Sunday as we celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. MLK’s most famous speech is about a dream that his little children would one day live in a nation where they would not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. What we have inside of us- the “yoke” is the essence of our being. Have we as a nation arrived at this place? Are we colorblind? How much discussion is there around the true color of Jesus’ skin? We should all dream of a day when we no longer find the need to label people by their shell, rather than by what’s on the inside. Children’s Worship Activity this Sunday will be offered at both services during the sermon. Dr. King’s message continues to have an important place in our teaching to all generations!

Men's Group

Sun, 12 Jan 2025 16:53:50 GMT

St. Paul's Men's Group

Men in our society generally have a very difficult time opening up to have meaningful conversations about their feelings and important life issues. The Men's Group at St. Paul's endeavors to cultivate friendships and foster meaningful connections within the group, and learn community building skills that can extend into the parish community and beyond!

Men of all ages are invited to gather in the Guild Room at 10 am on the second Saturday of the month for lively discussions in a safe space. Sharing stories, questions, concerns, and thoughts is a great and fun way to build community. For more information, contact the parish office.

MLK Jr - A Light in the Darkness

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 14:21:44 GMT

Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day at St. Paul's

As we reflect on the theme for this year and the mission to "Protect Freedom, Justice, and Democracy in the Spirit of Nonviolence365,” the following quotation from King's 1963 book Strength to Love, rings true:

"Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. Hate multiplies hate, violence multiplies violence, and toughness multiplies toughness in a descending spiral of destruction. So when Jesus says “Love your enemies,” he is setting forth a profound and ultimately inescapable admonition. Have we not come to such an impasse in the modern world that we must love our enemies—or else? The chain reaction of evil—hate begetting hate, wars producing more wars—must be broken, or we shall be plunged into the dark abyss of annihilation".

Celebrating MLK Jr 2024

Tue, 31 Dec 2024 17:32:39 GMT

Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day at St. Paul's

Each January, in more recent vintage, we mark Martin Luther King Day at St. Paul’s on the Sunday prior to the Monday holiday. But what does it really mean to us as a faith community? Is it just another holiday, one that some still feel is unnecessary, or does it hold true meaning for those of us celebrating it in some small way?

Beyond his work for human rights and civil rights in this country the Reverend Dr. Martin King Jr. was a man of faith who believed deeply in the concept of “Beloved Community,” which he saw as a global vision in which “all people can share in the wealth of the earth.” In his vision of Beloved Community, “poverty, hunger and homelessness will not be tolerated because international standards of human decency will not allow it. Racism and all forms of discrimination, bigotry and prejudice will be replaced by an all-inclusive spirit of sisterhood and brotherhood…..and international disputes will be resolved by peaceful conflict- resolution and reconciliation of adversaries, instead of military power.”

Utopian? Perhaps but Dr. King did not believe that to achieve this would happen without conflict and confrontation. However, he was firm in his conviction that conflict and confrontation could be resolved peacefully and most importantly that

adversaries could reconcile through a mutual commitment to nonviolence.

It therefore seems fitting that this year, the King Centre in Atlanta, established in 1968 by Mrs. Coretta Scott King as a living memorial to the causes for which Dr. King lived and died, chose the theme for the 2025 celebration as “Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice, and Democracy in the Spirit of Nonviolence365.” In Atlanta the Centre organizes a number of unique global learning opportunities for anyone interested in learning about Nonviolence365 and how it can work both at the community and individual level.

But what does this theme mean to us in Norwalk and how do we protect freedom, justice and democracy in the spirit of Nonviloence365? Well, we at St. Paul’s will have the opportunity to learn more about Nonviolence and what it means in our lives today. On Martin Luther King Sunday, January 18, we will have the opportunity to explore this theme with our guest preacher, the

Reverend Dr. Lindsay Curtis . He is the Pastor of Grace Baptist Church in Norwalk and is well placed to lead our discussion because of the roles he has played and continues to play in this community. Pastor Curtis serves as a Commissioner on the Judicial

Selection Commission, State of Connecticut; is a Chaplin to the Norwalk Fire Department, and Chairman of the Advisory Board of Directors for Norwalk ACTS, a diverse partnership of over 100 civic leaders, educators and organizations striving for a better education for all children of Norwalk. He is also a Board Member of the Urban League of Southern CT. and a Past-President of the

Norwalk Branch of the NAACP and a well-known Advocate for Equity and Fairness in Educational Funding, having testified numerous time before various Legislative Committees. We look forward to his visit with us and what he will bring to the table.

As we prepare to mark this 41st anniversary let’s think of some of the things that Dr. King defined as forms of violence that he hoped Nonviolence would address. Three of those which he described as “triple evils,” and barriers to our living in Beloved Community are poverty, racism and militarism - all three of which still exist today. The King Centre puts a modern definition on these three threats to

protecting freedom, justice and democracy in the spirit of Nonviolence365 describing them in this way:

POVERTY- defined as unemployment, homelessness, hunger, malnutrition, illiteracy, infant mortality, slums.

RACISM- described as prejudice, apartheid, ethnic conflict, anti-Semitism, sexism, colonialism, homophobia, ageism, discrimination against disabled groups, stereotypes.

MILITARISM which includes – war, imperialism, domestic violence, rape, terrorism, human trafficking, media violence, drugs, child abuse, violent crime.

So how do we combat these evils?

Well, there is a lot we can do and Dr. King recommends six steps for best practices on the road to adopting nonviolence as your personal philosophy:

1. Gather information: learn as much as you can about the problems around you and talk to those directly impacted.

2. Educate others: it is your duty to help those around you better understand the problems in society.

3. Remain committed: knowing you will face obstacles and blowback, work to inspire others.

4. Peacefully negotiate: talk to both sides, use humor, grace, and intelligence to foster solutions between the oppressed and the oppressors.

5. Take action peacefully: rely on peaceful demonstrations, letter-writing, and civil disobedience.

6. Reconcile: keep all actions peaceful and constructive.

So let this year be the anniversary where we look at what we each can do to mark this anniversary and keep the dream of attaining Beloved Community alive and sustainable.

As we move forward as Americans, we face great challenges. Our fellow countrymen are hurting, our systems are broken, and there is despair all around us.

We are in need of spiritual giants and strong leaders. May we rise up to follow in King’s footsteps and continue the work he began.

Prayer Shawl Ministry

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 14:00:18 GMT

Prayer Shawl Ministry

This ministry provides blankets for newly baptized babies and prayer shawls for those in need of them. Knitters & Crocheters are invited to join every other Tuesday for conversation and crafting. Check the Events Page Calendar for the next meeting time, or contact the parish office for more information.

Education and Formation

duda@boxcast.com (BoxCast Duda) — Fri, 24 Mar 2023 16:41:04 GMT

The mission of the St. Paul’s Formation Ministry Team is to provide leadership for developing excellent spiritual formation for all ages at St. Paul’s. The team consists of two co-chairs and other members who broadly represent parishioner interests. Anyone with ideas for formation programs for all ages are encouraged to share them with Fr. Paul Carling.

The team accomplishes its mission through the following strategies:

(1) gathering information from parishioners about programs and experiences they desire;

(2) serving as an ongoing clearinghouse for new ideas for formation;

(3) pulling together and prioritizing ideas for formation programs that integrate well with the variety of other existing worship and programs offered by St. Paul’s;

(4) securing approval for programs from the Rector and Vestry for programs to be offered;

(5) serve as leaders of the programs offered, while recruiting other parishioners to support offering these programs.

Social Justice Ministry

duda@boxcast.com (BoxCast Duda) — Wed, 10 Apr 2019 12:28:16 GMT

The mission of the St. Paul’s Justice Ministry Team is to build, lead and support a broad

array of ministries related to promoting social justice that reflect the diverse and emerging interests of our parishioners.

This needs a better picture

Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these, you did for me.

Matthew 25:40

Reflecting on our Baptismal Covenant, St. Paul's on the Green strives towards Social Justice and Reconciliation, restoring all human beings to each other, the church and God by creating partnerships with our neighbors.

From Sacred Ground Circles and Anti-Racism training, Earth Day and Gratitude on the Green, to supporting programs like Laundry Love and Filling in the Blanks, volunteers come together to walk the Way of Love.

Member Resources

duda@boxcast.com (BoxCast Duda) — Mon, 08 Apr 2019 13:16:32 GMT

Connect with parishioners through the Member Portal. Click HERE to access your profile

Use this LINK to log into your St. Paul’s member profile.
If you wish to create a St. Paul’s member profile, contact Marsha Dunn at admin@stpaulsnorwalk.org.

st-pauls-on-the-green

Stepping out of the Boat

This is a subtitle for your new post

Stepping Out of the Boat: Reflections on the 242nd Annual Convention of the Episcopal Church in Connecticut

A report from Convention by Gail Bindley-Taylor

The Business of Convention:

Recognizing ministry and service:

The Bishop’s Challenge: Getting out of the Boat:

St. Paul’s Place in the Diocese:

Meet Milton Gilder

The Rev. Milton Gilder, Deacon

Music at St. Paul's

Music at St. Paul's

Choirs

Organ

St. Paul’s Chorister Program

St. Paul’s Choral Scholars Program

Art with Heart

Art with Heart 1st & 3rd Saturday of the Month at 10 am Explore spirituality through art! No experience needed—just bring your creativity and an open heart! Everyone from preteens to adults is welcome to join the fun! Supplies are provided, or bring your favorite medium.

Juneteenth

Meet Dr. Sheila M. Kearney

Dr. Sheila M. Kearney

Women's History Month

March is Women's History Month

The Old Rugged Cross

Who was Absalom Jones?

WHO IS ABASALOM JONES AND WHY DO WE CELEBRATE HIM?

MLK Jr - and Eggs?

What do eggs teach us about MLK’s dream?

Men's Group

St. Paul's Men's Group

MLK Jr - A Light in the Darkness

Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day at St. Paul's

Celebrating MLK Jr 2024

Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day at St. Paul's

Prayer Shawl Ministry

Prayer Shawl Ministry

Education and Formation

Social Justice Ministry

The mission of the St. Paul’s Justice Ministry Team is to build, lead and support a broad

array of ministries related to promoting social justice that reflect the diverse and emerging interests of our parishioners.

Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these, you did for me.

Member Resources

Connect with parishioners through the Member Portal. Click HERE to access your profile

Art with Heart
1st & 3rd Saturday of the Month at 10 am
Explore spirituality through art! No experience needed—just bring your creativity and an open heart! Everyone from preteens to adults is welcome to join the fun! Supplies are provided, or bring your favorite medium.