The Good News
Our Monthly Newsletter
This is How We Love God and God’s People!
September 2023
From the Rector’s Study
Beloved,
What can you remember from the summer of 1982? Some of you may have already been members of St. Paul’s family. Some may still have been toddlers. You might have been living in another state. Some of you may not want to recall anything that happened that year. As for me, I was a fourth-grader in Japan, learning calligraphy and judo and attending a cram school in addition to elementary school until late at night. I was determined to enroll in a competitive private school. Remembering Uncle George’s American dream story, my fascination with the U.S.A. expanded, making me chase anything and think of the country like Beau chasing squirrels. I romanticized the American life heavily based on Lassie (pronounced rashy) running around the endless field in the country under the big blue sky, strong-willed beautiful children from E.T., and soon-to-open Tokyo Disney Land, where I had my very first mashed potato – incredibly creamy and delicious. That little me had no clue he’d move to the States years later.
I am going through memory lane because I enjoyed looking at some old pictures from St. Paul’s Supper Club from 1982 held at the Naive’s farm. These pictures proved that St. Paul’s family knew how to have a great time over forty years ago. The welcoming spirit of the St. Paul family is deeply embedded in our DNA long before the summer of 1982; it goes all the way back to 1834. Just ask someone who made them feel welcome into this faith community. Do you remember who made you feel at home when you first came? We all seem to have that one person or family that embraced us into this faith family. It may be that somebody’s simple greeting, kindness, infectious smile, affirming hug, or a welcome bag with delicious cookies made with love; somehow, these simple acts of kindness made a world of difference in our lives and made us keep coming back. Though you may know nothing about it, you might be that special someone to somebody. Our faith family has honored Jesus’ teaching as faithful disciples by passing the loving Spirit. Like you, I am a product of St. Paul’s infectious, loving spirit, which I am blessed to pass forward.
We will embark on a new chapter as we send our beloved Gary to his next adventure after he blessed us with his gifted music leadership over the past seven-plus years. We are not slowing down; we must carry forth this loving Spirit. We will continue extending our loving Spirit of welcome to neighbors empathically, fearlessly, authentically, faithfully, and truthfully – together as the Body of Christ. The same welcome extends to our future music leader as well, prayerfully. Meanwhile, I ask you to join me in the prayers for our dedicated choir members in their transition to a new chapter.
Please mark your calendar for the Fall Festival on Saturday, September 30, at Naive’s Farm. We will celebrate the new beginning once again at Minnie’s beautiful farm. I thank Minnie Naive for this gracious opportunity (and her famous Bloody Mary in advance) and the Fellowship Committee, especially Kathy Dawkins, the chair, for her creative ideas and energy. A mystery basket raffle will raise funds for the food pantry. You will love the apple pie contest by Crusty Bunch. We will mingle with our fellow St. Paul’s family in ways we don’t get to on Sunday. I hope that we will be able to meet with our future minister of Music as well. So come!
Spirit of the Living God,
Fall afresh on me,
Spirit of the Living God,
Fall afresh on me.
Break me, melt me, mold me, fill me.
Spirit of the Living God,
Fall afresh on me.
With Love,
Fr. Andrew
