Dear St. Paul’s family, As you know, almost every Sunday of the year (except during Advent and Lent) we enjoy a beautiful flower arrangement in front of the pulpit. These arrangements are far from free, and we welcome donations from parishioners to mark special occasions such as anniversaries or other special intentions. Penelope Smith creates … READ MORE…
When I graduated from high school, one of the things I remember happening first was feeling a sense of wonder. Because out of nowhere, people who I did not know started sending me money. I was amazed. But that was followed shortly by prodding from my mother: “have you written your thank you notes yet?” … READ MORE…
Dear St. Paul’s family, Our former staff member David Tremaine recently published a version of this letter on the diocesan network. It’s a helpful reflection on our lifelong work of formation. Enjoy! Your sister in Christ, Penny What is Formation? The first question to ask when defining what we are doing in “Formation” is “Who … READ MORE…
“Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so that a runner may read it.” This week I attended our annual clergy conference in Temecula. Driving back on Wednesday, along the Temecula Parkway, I noticed a billboard looming over the highway. In enormous letters it said YOU GOTTA TRY THIS CHURCH! And underneath were service … READ MORE…
Dear St. Paul’s family, One of the most successful cathedral ministries is our Women Together program, which was first envisioned by Nancy Tarbell ten years ago and now regularly welcomes between 60 and 90 guests at each of its monthly dinner and speaker meetings. It is an all-volunteer ministry, with a committee structure designed by … READ MORE…
“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.” The manager in today’s Gospel needed the collect we prayed at the beginning of the service. He was pretty … READ MORE…
Dear St. Paul’s family, I recently asked our Canon for Music, Martin Green, to write something about our choirs. Here’s what he wrote; I found it very moving, and I think you will too. If you’ve been around the cathedral for a while you are probably aware that our music program is a special attraction … READ MORE…
In today’s gospel, Jesus tells a story to two groups: one, to the religious insiders who are grumbling because Jesus is talking to a group of people I will call “the lost,” and two, the taxpayers and sinners, “the lost,” who Jesus is hanging out with despite being unpopular with the religious insiders of his … READ MORE…
Good Morning! I am given two tasks this morning: first to engage the scriptures and second to remember Lucy Larrabee. So let us pray… May the words of my mouth and the meditations of our hearts be acceptable O God in your sight! Choose Life! Once upon a time, about the 7th century in words … READ MORE…
Dear St. Paul’s family, As we seek to be sensitive to the needs of all our members and visitors, we are always alert for new ways to signal that St. Paul’s is a safe place for everyone, living out our “Welcome All” mission statement. When we installed gender-neutral bathrooms a few years ago, we sent … READ MORE…