Living Holy Week Through Worship
The Rev. Jeanne Leinbach
Whose hand is holding yours in the chaos and mayhem and terror of your world? Who has been brave enough to make you their friend, has forgiven you when you turned your back on them, has come alongside…and known the fear that you thought was yours alone?
Dear Friends,
I have been reflecting on these words from Samuel Wells book, Hanging by a Thread: The Questions of the Cross. This book draws me into the meaning of the cross. We know these words by heart: “God so loved the world…” (John 3:16). Yet, our response is integral to the equation: loving God, we live the peace that endures all challenges; we live the joy that elevates all blessings. Travelling with Jesus through all that transpired that first Holy Week, we experience the depth of God’s love, and instinctually experience the desire to love back. We live Holy Week through worship. Why do we worship? To grow in faith, to understand how we are meant to live our lives. We are seeking God, seeking love, seeking truth, seeking the peace, which surpasses all understanding. Why do we worship together? To affirm those who are seeking alongside us. We are supporting one another, recognizing that we need one another, and we are covenanting to love and support one another on the journey. Why worship together in-person?
Because, Eucharist is the heart of our community. We come to the table seeking and giving thanks for Christ’s love and mercy. We are people in relationship, seeking, serving, loving, together, family in Christ for one another.
Sam Wells points us to Christ’s presence with us in the Eucharist.
The most important choice we make is who you make your friends. Not just people who are useful to you; not just those who are interesting, or similar, or funny, or beautiful: but those in whose hands lies the secret of your soul.
Join us for worship throughout Holy Week, to experience the mutuality of love with Christ, to know yourself more profoundly, to embrace community, to know the sweet longing for God.
In thanksgiving for God’s abundant love and the many blessings of life, please give to the Easter offering this year. The Easter Offering is a significant source of funding for St. Paul’s outreach efforts through the Rector’s Discretionary Fund and the work of the Outreach Committee. I am grateful for your contributions and for your desire to live your faith.
Easter Blessings, The Rev. Jeanne A. Leinbach
If you would like to make a contribution to the Easter Offering online, visit our website: www. stpauls-church.org/EasterOffering
April 2023 | Parish Notes 3 CLERGY REFLECTION
April 7 | Good Friday
The Seven Last Words of Christ
Noon, Nave
Spanning the three hours Jesus hung on the cross, this community ecumenical service includes psalms, hymns, prayers, time for silence, and diverse sacred choral works. Seven area clergypersons will preach meditations on the traditional last words of Jesus on the cross. Come for any portion of this service or the whole three hours. The service concludes at 3 p.m. with the tolling of the bells thirty-three times. Access the livestream on our website: www.stpauls-church. org/LastWords.
Stations of the Cross Family Service
5:30 p.m., Terrace
Led by children and youth, this interactive service is appropriate for all ages and takes the shape of a journey with Jesus over the last hours of his life. Join us as we walk together through the story of Christ’s Passion.
Prayer Book Liturgy
7 p.m., Nave
On the second and most somber of the Great Three Days, this service includes reading the story of Jesus’ Passion from John’s Gospel, solemn prayers of the church and world, and devotions to the Crucified on the Cross.
April 8 | Holy Saturday
Prayer Book Liturgy
10 a.m. | St. Martin’s Chapel
This brief service recalls the day the crucified Christ's body lay in the tomb. On Holy Saturday, the only day of the year when celebrations of the Eucharist are forbidden, the Church waits in the space between death and resurrection, between despair and hope.
The Great Vigil of Easter
8 p.m., Trinity Cathedral, Cleveland
Joining with the Diocese of Ohio at Trinity Cathedral, this service begins near sunset, on the third of the Great Three Days, by kindling a new fire outside and lighting the paschal candle as a sign of Christ’s resurrection light. The service continues by keeping vigil while hearing in Scripture the story of God’s work of salvation throughout history and culminates with the first celebration of the Holy Eucharist of Easter. The Rev. Jessie Gutgsell Dodson preaches. For more details, visit our website: www.stpauls-church.org/EasterVigil.
April 9 | Easter Day
Holy Eucharist
7:30 a.m., St. Martin's Chapel
Our reguarly scheduled 7:45 a.m. service will move to 7:30 a.m. for Easter only.
Festival Holy Eucharist
9 a.m. & 11:15 a.m.
Join us for this most glorious celebration! Scripture, prayers, rich musical offerings, and the celebration of Holy Communion boldly proclaim the raising of Jesus Christ from the dead. To access the livestream, visit our website: www.stpaulschurch.org/EasterLive.
Easter Egg Hunt
10:15 a.m. | Fairmount Lawn
The Easter Egg Hunt will start after the 9 a.m. service at approximately 10:15.
April 2023 | Parish Notes 5
Parish Calendar
Parish Notes Event Submissions
Submissions may be emailed to Nathaniel Powell, Director of Communications: npowell@stpaulschurch.org. • Submissions must include: Title (max 50 to 60 characters); date; and a description (max 500 characters, links are exempt). For more information, we will set up a page on our website (max 250 to 300 words). • Photos: a photo or graphic or suggestions for a photo or graphic. Only photo files with a minimum pixel dimension of 1080 x 1080 will be published.
Worship
Youth Choral Evensong at Trinity Cathedral
Wednesday, April 26, 6 p.m.
The St. David, St. Cecilia, and Youth Choirs of St. Paul’s will present a service of Choral Evensong at Trinity Cathedral on Wednesday, April 26, at 6 p.m. They will feature works by George Dyson, Will Todd, Ken Naylor, and Mack Wilberg, all accompanied by Todd Wilson. Please support our choristers at this beautiful evening service!
Baccalaureate Sunday
Sunday, May 14
We love to celebrate our high school seniors. This year we’ll honor the class of 2023 with a Baccalaureate Breakfast. We will also hear sermons from the seniors at all three services! If you are graduating high school this year, please email Lauren (ldockery@ stpauls-church.org) to get all the information about the celebration. Congratulations, class of 2023!
Confirmation
Sunday, May 21
The Rt. Rev. Anne Jolly will visit St. Paul’s on Sunday, May 21, and administer the sacrament of Confirmation at the 9 and 11:15 a.m. services. Contact Rev. Brandon (bashcraft@stpauls-church.org) if you or someone in your family is ready to be confirmed. Adults who have not taken a Confirmation class can sign up for Episcopal 101, which will be offered before May 21.
Choral Evensong
Sunday, May 21, 4 p.m.
Join us for the final Choral Evensong of the program year on Sunday, May 21, at 4 p.m. The Senior Choir leads us in this prayer and meditation service and features the music of Gerald Finzi, Lee Hoiby, Peter Philips, and Kevin Jones. May 21 is the Seventh Sunday of Easter, also known as the Sunday after the Ascension. The liturgy features guest organist Todd Wilson. A reception follows.
The Forum
All forums are livestreamed to our website: stpaulschurch.org/live. To find a previous forum, visit our YouTube channel: youtube.com/stpaulscle.
The Sacrament of Ordination
Sunday, April 30, 10:15 a.m.
The Rev. Molly James serves as Deputy Executive Officer of the General Convention of The Episcopal Church and will be speaking to us about the previous day’s Ordination and Consecration of Bishop-Elect Anne B. Jolly, at which she will serve as Registrar. Molly assists with bishop ordinations throughout the Church, ensuring that the canonical requirements for bishop elections and ordinations are fulfilled. This includes the ordination certificate, which has a wax seal for
8 Parish Notes | April 2023
THE PARISH
AROUND
each bishop in attendance. Molly has worked closely with Rev. Jessie and the Bishop Transition Committee in the Diocese of Ohio. She will be hosting a Q&A session during the Forum time on Sunday morning. She is glad to answer questions about the process of ordaining a new bishop, General Convention, or the governance of The Episcopal Church at the churchwide level. Please submit questions to Rev. Jessie at jdodson@stpaulschurch.org by Sunday, April 23.
May Forum Guest Speakers
May 7 | The Very Rev. Tracey Lind
May 21 | The Rt. Rev. Anne Jolly
Christian Formation
Episcopal 101
Beginning Wednesday, April 26, 7 p.m.
Haven’t been confirmed or baptized yet? Or perhaps you find yourself wondering what, exactly, it means to be an Episcopalian. Join us for Episcopal 101, a three-session inquirer’s course designed to help adults discern and prepare for Baptism and Confirmation, the rites of initiation in The Episcopal Church. Classes are on April 26, May 3, and May 10 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Contact Rev. Brandon to sign up and learn more: bashcraft@stpauls-church.org.
Contemplative Prayer
Join fellow seekers and spiritual pilgrims at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesdays in the Chapel of the Cross for a holy hour of Contemplative Prayer (also called Christian Meditation) and reflection. The virtual group will continue to meet on Friday mornings at 10 a.m. on Zoom. To express interest or learn more, reach out to Dave Rodney (rodney.dave@gmail.com) or Laurie Rodney (lauriewsr@gmail.com).
Bible Study
Thursdays, 9 a.m.
Join the preacher-on-deck at 9 a.m. on Thursdays in the Sanders Room for a deep dive into the scriptures for the upcoming Sunday. Drop in anytime; no RSVP is needed.
Outreach
Loaves and Fishes
Second Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m., and Fourth Mondays, 5:30 p.m.
The Loaves and Fishes ministry serves two meals a month at local homeless shelters. All interested in preparing food or serving our guests may email Jeff and Carol Spero: cjmspero@gmail.com.
Fellowship
Architecture Tour
Sunday, April 23, 12:30 p.m.
Do you know where the four Diocesan seals are? How about the movie projection booth? Dave Loomis will lead an hour-long church tour, beginning at 12:30 p.m. in the Narthex (just behind the Nave). Whether you’ve been at St. Paul’s for many years or just a few months, there’s always more to discover about our beautiful space.
Senior Saints Luncheon
Sunday, May 7, 12:15 p.m.
All St. Paul’s parishioners 75 and over are invited to join the clergy in Tucker Hall for the annual Senior Saints lunch on Sunday, May 7, at 12:15 p.m., hosted by the Vestry and Parish Fellowship Committee. A hot plated lunch will be served, followed by musical entertainment. Please RSVP to the Parish Office and let us know if you can attend and if you have any dietary restrictions: (216) 932-5815 or email Lysa at lkenney@stpauls-church.org.
April 2023 | Parish Notes 9
Young Adult Outing
Saturday, May 13, 8 p.m.
The Young Adult Group will attend the Apollo’s Fire concert of A Return to Bach’s Coffeehouse at St. Paul’s on Saturday, May 13, at 8 p.m. They will host a dinner beforehand in the Coventry House. Tickets are available to those who RSVP at a discounted rate of $15 per person. If you want to attend, RSVP to Amia Wheatley by Wednesday, April 14: amiawheatley@gmail.com
Pastoral Care
The Pastoral Care Team is available for all parish pastoral needs. If you or someone you love needs pastoral care, call us at (216) 238-4001.
Opportunities to Care for Each Other
Being part of a church community means we’re given a chance to offer care to one another in times of need. Here are two great ways to both seek and offer care:
Transportation Ministry: Help parishioners by providing rides to church events, doctor visits, and other appointments.
Meal Ministry: Prepare and deliver a home-cooked meal to a church member experiencing a short-term transition or difficulty.
Contact Rev. Jessie to sign-up and learn more: jdodson@stpauls-church.org
Knitting Circle First and Third Tuesdays
The Knitting Circle meets on the first Tuesday of each month from 1 to 3 p.m. and on the third Tuesday of each month from 7 to 9 p.m., in the Coventry House. All abilities are welcome — including new knitters. There’s always someone available to teach and help with knitting ideas and projects. If you have any questions, please get in touch with Terrilee Petrey at (216) 721-9615 or terrileemp@ gmail.com, or Janet Reuter at (216) 308-9717 or jfreuter@att.net.
Children and Youth
Dinner and Silent Auction for Youth Pilgrimage to Albuquerque
Sunday, April 16, 5 p.m.
RSVP by April 11
The St. Paul's youth are going on a pilgrimage to Albuquerque, New Mexico in June, where they will serve the local community and learn about the history and culture of the area. Parishioners are invited to support the youth by attending a festive fundraising dinner and/or by contributing items for a silent auction (see details below). Any and all generosity is appreciated.
Fundraising Dinner: Come for a festive evening of live musical performances and authentic Mexican cuisine on Sunday, April 16, at 5 p.m. in Tucker Hall. Tickets are $50 per person and may be purchased on our website: www.stpauls-church.org/ YouthPilgrimage. Please RSVP by Tuesday, April 11, and contact Lauren (ldockery@ stpauls-church.org) with any questions.
Silent Auction: you or a local business can contribute to the silent auction by donating items, sports or special event tickets, services, and more by April 14. Please get in touch with Julie Micheletti with questions or to donate: michellettijulie@gmail.com or (330) 388-1164.
The Village Earth Day Celebration
Sunday, April 23, 2:30 p.m.
Families with young children (up to 3rd grade) are invited to fellowship fun in honor of Earth Day! We will hear a story about the gift of creation, make simple crafts, plant seeds, and share snacks! RSVP on Realm by visiting our website: www.stpauls-church.org/EarthDay.
10 Parish Notes | April 2023
Music and Art
A Recital Remembering Friends
Sunday, April 23, 4 p.m.
Karel Paukert will offer a program in appreciation of the legacy of several friends and acquaintances who were prominent in the recording industry and recipients of Grammy Awards: Tom Knab, Bruce Egre, Thom Moore, Michael Bishop, and Jack Renner. Their colleagues, Erica Brenner, Telarc, and Alan Bise, Azika, will offer personal recollections. Anna Rathbun, soprano, David Gilson, baritone, Mary Kay Robinson, flute and piccolo, Ida Mercer, cello, and Paul Cox, percussion, will join Karel in the performance. Robin VanLeare and Story Rhinehart Cadiz will offer interpretive dance.
Heights Chamber Orchestra
Sunday, May 7, 3:30 p.m.
The Heights Chamber Orchestra will offer a concert at St. Paul’s on Sunday, May 7, at 3:30 p.m. Frank Wiley, guest conductor, will lead the orchestra as they play Rossini’s Barber of Seville Overture, Ravel’s Pavane for a Dead Princess, Holst’s A Fugal Concerto (parishioner Susan Blackwell, oboe), and Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 1 in C Minor, Op. 11.
A Return to Bach’s Coffeehouse
Friday, May 12, 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, May 13, 8 p.m.
A famous coffeehouse in 18th-c. Leipzig was the scene of lively orchestra concerts led by J.S. Bach. This year’s version features Vivaldi’s mysterious concerto La Notte (“Night”), and musical fencing matches, including Telemann’s Concerto for Flute & Recorder and Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto no. 6. To learn more or purchase tickets, visit our website: www.stpauls-church.org/BachsCoffee.
Gallery Spring Show
Now until Sunday, June 4
The N. B. White gallery committee invites you to view our new Spring Show! Observe and ponder prints and drawings by Alyssa Lizzini, watercolor pencil compositions by Marianne Wilham, and blown glass vessels and decorative works by Shayna Roth Pentecost. A mixed media installation, “The Altar of Intersections,” created by Tracey Lind, debuted in the gallery. The show runs until June 4.
In the Diocese
Episcopal Church Women Tray
Favor Assembly
Saturday, April 8, 9:30 a.m.
The Episcopal Church Women’s Cuyahoga Mission Area would love your help assembling Easter tray favors. Bring a pair of scissors and a smile to make small floral arrangements that will be delivered to Hospice of the Western Reserve, VA Hospital, Metro General Skilled Nursing, and the Shaker Gardens Nursing Home. This event will be on Saturday, April 8, from 9:30 a.m. to noon at Christ Church in Shaker Heights (3445 Warrensville Center Road). Coffee and snacks are provided. If you have questions, contact Cathy Wolford at (440) 289-1068 or catwolf@ roadrunner.com
Ordination and Consecration of the 12th Bishop of Ohio
Saturday, April 29, 11 a.m.
Please mark your calendars for the Ordination and Consecration of The Rev. Anne B. Jolly as Bishop Coadjutor of the Episcopal Diocese of Ohio by The Most Rev. Michael Bruce Curry, Presiding Bishop and Primate of The Episcopal Church. The service and celebration following will be held on Saturday, April 29, at 11 a.m. at Public Auditorium in Cleveland. For more information and to RSVP, visit the Diocese’s website: www.dohio.org/consecration/
April 2023 | Parish Notes 11
stpauls-church.org @stpaulscle • (216) 932-5815
