https://www.stpaulschatham.org/sermons daily 0.75 2020-12-08 https://www.stpaulschatham.org/sermons/9pecvpybt4j33jszdlogp8g7960pf5-fbhll-54dmj-237ke-d73rh-9n69r monthly 0.5 2020-12-08 https://www.stpaulschatham.org/sermons/9pecvpybt4j33jszdlogp8g7960pf5-fbhll-54dmj-237ke-d73rh monthly 0.5 2020-12-08 https://www.stpaulschatham.org/sermons/9pecvpybt4j33jszdlogp8g7960pf5-fbhll-54dmj-237ke monthly 0.5 2020-11-24 https://www.stpaulschatham.org/sermons/9pecvpybt4j33jszdlogp8g7960pf5-fbhll-54dmj monthly 0.5 2020-10-26 https://www.stpaulschatham.org/sermons/9pecvpybt4j33jszdlogp8g7960pf5-fbhll monthly 0.5 2020-10-15 https://www.stpaulschatham.org/sermons/9pecvpybt4j33jszdlogp8g7960pf5 monthly 0.5 2020-10-15 https://www.stpaulschatham.org/sermons/o3dugbbglxqnxbmo3wn5vbz53y7dfk monthly 0.5 2020-08-17 https://www.stpaulschatham.org/sermons/0n6oytso4nb3543265jrybi23roadq monthly 0.5 2020-07-28 https://www.stpaulschatham.org/sermons/tg2qw9skz5jgmek3gagfegr153pb02 monthly 0.5 2020-07-20 https://www.stpaulschatham.org/sermons/mogj2nt7hxghrqudhdgvic79hh0z3v monthly 0.5 2020-07-15 https://www.stpaulschatham.org/sermons/trinity-sunday monthly 0.5 2020-06-03 https://www.stpaulschatham.org/sermons/9bfha7i9yrqm2e7v9bbhxohpcz3l7b monthly 0.5 2020-05-23 https://www.stpaulschatham.org/sermons/easter-sunday monthly 0.5 2020-04-19 https://www.stpaulschatham.org/sermons/6w32olwyfztgpdd9oi9k6nrcyibca8 monthly 0.5 2020-04-19 https://www.stpaulschatham.org/sermons/6hdjuyeswo4bc56pygklx2063rj885 monthly 0.5 2020-03-22 https://www.stpaulschatham.org/sermons/lent-1-year-a monthly 0.5 2020-03-19 https://www.stpaulschatham.org/sermons/blog-post-title-one-dgb6l monthly 0.5 2020-03-19 https://www.stpaulschatham.org/sermons/epiphany-5-february-9-2020-annual-meeting monthly 0.5 2020-03-19 https://www.stpaulschatham.org/sermons/epiphany-3-year-a-the-landscape-of-love monthly 0.5 2020-03-19 https://www.stpaulschatham.org/sermons/advent-3a-sharing-the-wild monthly 0.5 2020-03-19 https://www.stpaulschatham.org/sermons/3wse6lgpo4ztrk0050uhk0ka9t1b4w monthly 0.5 2020-03-19 https://www.stpaulschatham.org/sermons/not-to-be-missed monthly 0.5 2020-03-19 https://www.stpaulschatham.org/sermons/stewardship-reflection-alan-serio monthly 0.5 2020-03-19 https://www.stpaulschatham.org/sermons/tag/stewardship monthly 0.5 https://www.stpaulschatham.org/sermons/tag/Sermon monthly 0.5 https://www.stpaulschatham.org/articles daily 0.75 2021-02-25 https://www.stpaulschatham.org/articles/chatham-holds-service-of-prayer monthly 0.5 2021-02-25 https://www.stpaulschatham.org/articles/chatham-service-of-prayer-and-remembrance monthly 0.5 2021-02-25 https://www.stpaulschatham.org/articles/north-porch-1-drive monthly 0.5 2020-03-05 https://www.stpaulschatham.org/articles/its-my-turn-day-camp-for-children-on-the-autism-spectrum monthly 0.5 2020-03-05 https://www.stpaulschatham.org/articles/tag/Fellowship monthly 0.5 https://www.stpaulschatham.org/articles/tag/Outreach monthly 0.5 https://www.stpaulschatham.org/articles/tag/Youth monthly 0.5 https://www.stpaulschatham.org/articles/tag/Children monthly 0.5 https://www.stpaulschatham.org/articles/tag/Sunday+School monthly 0.5 https://www.stpaulschatham.org/articles/tag/Mission+Trip monthly 0.5 https://www.stpaulschatham.org/events daily 0.75 2026-03-21 https://www.stpaulschatham.org/events/easter-day monthly 0.5 2026-03-21 https://www.stpaulschatham.org/events/swing-into-summer monthly 0.5 2026-03-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e551432a20fd3781edf1aca/99a814c8-8eea-4d89-8531-21be01d40539/swing+into+summer+dance+2026.jpg Events - Swing into Summer! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.stpaulschatham.org/clergy daily 0.75 2023-06-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e551432a20fd3781edf1aca/b4ef7d1e-6040-4a52-b3ef-63e471da12c3/Picture1+%282%29.jpg Clergy https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e551432a20fd3781edf1aca/4e0dee99-8139-4c6a-8dea-f977b32fb30f/d17f4d60-2fc5-ad28-9b81-7c74deaa034a.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e551432a20fd3781edf1aca/cd7a809e-b441-403a-be5a-385ba65dca4b/Sam+directory.jpg Clergy https://www.stpaulschatham.org/contact-us daily 0.75 2020-03-05 https://www.stpaulschatham.org/what-we-do daily 0.75 2020-03-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e551432a20fd3781edf1aca/1582639660813-5O0RLQHKD153T80GRIP1/Kids+in+Class.jpg What We Do - Sunday School Our children, ages 3-6th grade, learn about and experience God’s presence in their lives, through the loving guidance of volunteer teachers and our clergy. Active games, object lessons, crafts, skits and stories all help the children understand that they are both part of an inherited faith tradition, while also part of a never-ending relationship with God, through Jesus Christ. Sunday School classes meet on alternate Sunday mornings, beginning at 10:10am, and Children's Chapel takes place every other Sunday. Children begin the morning with their families in worship, then move to Sunday School or Children's Chapel before the Gospel. They return for worship after the Peace. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e551432a20fd3781edf1aca/1582639865053-0ZGVTI43YN9DU7AQYMFQ/Music.jpg What We Do - Music The high quality music program at St. Paul’s enriches our spiritual life and is an expression of our thanksgiving to God. Our adult choir sings from the Sunday after Labor Day through Trinity Sunday each year, enriching worship by leading congregational hymns and service music, as well as chanting the Psalms in Anglican Chant. Our choral and solo anthems come primarily from our Anglican heritage, as well as other western choral traditions, from the Renaissance to the present day. The Adult choir rehearses on Wednesday evenings from 7:30pm-9pm. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e551432a20fd3781edf1aca/1582639957687-I5YQYG7NHFI4K4XJQ369/image-asset.jpeg What We Do - Prayer Shawl Ministry Every other week, knitting experts and novices alike, open their meeting with prayer and reflection, and then knit prayer shawls for those who are undergoing cancer treatment, in nursing homes, or in hospice care. Once finished, the prayer shawls are offered on Sunday mornings, on the altar at St. Paul’s, blessed and then distributed to those in need. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e551432a20fd3781edf1aca/1582640040954-MJV1IP6P2NU2VTYZIDDP/Fellowship.jpg What We Do - Fellowship Fellowship at St. Paul's means Coffee Hour after the 8 am and 10 Sunday Worship Services, special Sunday Brunches and other seasonal events. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e551432a20fd3781edf1aca/1583023599933-3JA0CROWAJ83XJV6J70F/Outreach.jpg What We Do - Outreach Some of the various programs we work with https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e551432a20fd3781edf1aca/1583024272948-V75QW34RPXK80A0ICO66/Memorialgarden.png What We Do - Memorial Garden Central to St. Paul’s worship, office and education space is a quiet and intimate courtyard, known as our Memorial Garden. In this graceful and meditative garden, we inter the ashes of family members and friends who have entered their larger life with God. https://www.stpaulschatham.org/home-archive daily 0.75 2023-06-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e551432a20fd3781edf1aca/87141345-e7c4-4665-91a2-19401de8a246/20221123_105812.jpg https://www.stpaulschatham.org/calendar daily 0.75 2025-07-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e551432a20fd3781edf1aca/aa07d15e-7b2f-49b1-943b-a4dd9209b4f8/PXL_20240415_164523678.jpg https://www.stpaulschatham.org/about-confirmation daily 0.75 2020-03-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e551432a20fd3781edf1aca/1583026107839-FYMNH87TPRHT595F7TNY/image-asset.jpeg About Confirmation - Confirmation Regarding the preparation of youth, the Confirmation process has been reorganized. The process begins during Middle School with 7th and 8th graders participating in monthly trips to sites significant for their religious, cultural, or service oriented foci. These practical trips prepare them for deeper conversations and lessons beginning in the 9th grade. Confirmations are held at the Cathedral in Newark in the Spring and our classes will join the youth and adults of other churches in a large celebration. Preparing adults for Confirmation or Reception is is done during a series of discussions. https://www.stpaulschatham.org/allaboutoutreach daily 0.75 2020-03-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e551432a20fd3781edf1aca/1583024391641-3PALPO7EQP911KC7ACXB/image-asset.jpeg All About Outreach - All About Outreach Family Promise Family Promise brings the faith community together to help families regain their housing, their independence, and their dignity. St. Paul's and Chatham United Methodist Church partner three times a year to provide housing, food, and transportation for families facing homelessness. It offers an opportunity for volunteers of all faiths to reduce homelessness and transform lives. http://www.familypromise.org/program/interfaith-hospitality-network Interfaith Food Pantry The Mission of the Interfaith Food Pantry is threefold: to improve the health and well being of Morris County residents in need by providing access to food, nutrition education and related resources, to provide hands-on opportunities for neighbors to help neighbors and to educate the public about the issues of hunger in our area. http://www.mcifp.org/ North Porch The North Porch Women & Infants' Centers provide emergency seven-day supplies of formula, baby food, diapers, clothing, bed linens and other items for needy mothers and their infants in the Newark, Paterson, Dover, Hackettstown, Jersey City and Wharton areas of northern New Jersey. North Porch began as a project of the Episcopal Church Women in the Diocese of Newark, and serves women of all faiths. Annually, St. Paul's gathers supplies during Advent, and in 2020 has committed to delivering supplies to Jersey City every month. http://www.northporch.org/ Morris County Youth Shelter http://morrishumanservices.org/youth/ Crossroads Camp and Retreat Center Cross Roads Camp is an inclusive community providing life changing and sacred adventures. Retreats are offered year-round for all ages, and summer camp provides a special expereince of God's love. Donations enable Cross Roads to keep camp affordable for young people who otherwise would not be able to afford the life-changing experience of camp. www.crossroadsretreat.com Jinny's Rainbow Comfort Quilts http://www.jinnysrainbow.com https://www.stpaulschatham.org/about-worship-schedule daily 0.75 2020-03-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e551432a20fd3781edf1aca/1583025672750-XJ7HKQR1LU1UHHT035BG/image-asset.jpeg About Worship Schedule Weekly Schedule Sundays 8:00 am Holy Eucharist (without music) 10:00 am Sunday School (for children ages 3 through 6th grade, with childcare for children under 3 years old) 10:00 a.m. Choral Holy Eucharist Wednesdays 9:00 am Holy Eucharist and Healing Prayers 9:30 am Gospel Preview: Bible Study Sunday 8 am – A spoken, more contemplative service, usually Rite II Eucharist from the Book of Common Prayer. At times, during Advent and/or Lent, for example, the Rite I liturgy is followed. Sunday 10 am – A traditional Rite II Eucharist service from the Book of Common Prayer, with inspirational music, scripture, sermon and celebration of Holy Eucharist. Coffee, conversation and fellowship follow the service, in the parish hall. In the summer months, lemonade and other refreshments are served on the front porch after the 10 a.m. service. Wednesday 9 am – Holy Eucharist and Healing Service. This small and intimate gathering includes scripture readings, a reading from Holy Women and Holy Men, Eucharist, and healing prayers. The community gathers before the service at a local luncheonette for breakfast. Wednesday 9:30 am - Gospel Preview: Bible Study. A gathering to study and bring greater understanding to the upcoming Sunday's Bible reading. Sunday School 10 am – Children, ages 3 through 6th grade, attend Sunday School during the first part of the adult worship service and, at the Peace, join their families for the Eucharist. Children are welcome in worship, and should there be a need, Bible-focused pamphlets with puzzles and pictures to color are available, as well as soft toys and books in the Narthex. The Narthex receives audio reception of the service. Worship Participation Acolytes Acolytes are an important part of our Sunday services. They lead the procession with the cross and lighted candles and assist the celebrant at the altar. All children in 4th grade and above are invited to serve at the altar. Typically, 4th and 5th graders are torchbearers, 6th grade and above are crucifers, and 8th grade and above are acolytes. This ministry is a great way to give back to the church community and truly plays an integral role in the success of the service. Training is offered throughout the year, as needed, and the kids are put on weekly "teams" who serve once a month. Altar Guild The Altar Guild is a dedicated group of behind-the-scenes workers who prepare the altar for services, maintain the sacristy and arrange the altar flowers. Those who prepare the altar for services are responsible for setting up all worship and special services, housekeeping of the chancel, polishing silver and brass and laundering the altar linens. These dedicated people work as a team on assigned weeks and describe their work as a rewarding ministry and an important part of their spiritual life. There is always room for new members who are welcomed by a mentor who will walk you through the learning process. Flower Arrangers Flower Arrangers work on a rotating basis creating flower arrangements for Sunday and holiday services. After Sunday services, they deliver the flowers to parishioners in hospitals, shut-ins , anyone needing a visit, as well as those who are celebrating special occasions. No particular skills are required, as each person brings his or her individual style to the arrangement, creating a fresh look on the altar each Sunday. Again, new volunteers are always welcome, with a mentor to help in the learning process. Licensed Eucharistic Ministers Lay Eucharistic Ministers (LEMS) are licensed by the Diocese to assist the Rector during worship services and to bring the Reserved Sacrament to individuals who are unable to attend services. Eucharistic Ministers also make monthly visits to local assisted living and nursing homes to conduct worship services and distribute communion from the Reserved Sacrament. Anyone interested in becoming a LEM can talk to the Rector about the licensing process, including the required training. Lay Readers Our lay readers serve at worship services by reading scripture and leading the Prayers of the People. Oftentimes, they may also help the Celebrant distribute communion during worship services. The youth at St. Paul’s are supported and encouraged to serve as lay readers, as well as adults. Greeters When you attend a St. Paul’s worship service, you will be greeted by a parishioner who can help answer questions and direct you to church facilities. If you are new or just visiting, you will be welcomed and invited to join us for coffee and refreshments after the service. Ushers Ushers greet people in the Narthex, hand you a service bulletin and provide information about the location of the parish hall, restrooms, nursery and church school. They also assist those in need of comfortable place to sit, provide a large print version of the Book of Common Prayer or a hearing aid device. https://www.stpaulschatham.org/memorialgardendetails daily 0.75 2020-03-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e551432a20fd3781edf1aca/1583024342247-SNXYC5XWDI3EV69G392S/Memorialgarden-orig.png Memorial Garden Details - Memorial Garden Three kinds of burial are offered. Ashes can be: Commingled in the Repository; Individually interred in the Repository; or Individually interred in the Columbarium. The Repository is an altar-like brick structure with bronze doors that open to consecrated ground. Ashes may be commingled – scattered in the ground with the ashes of others – or interred in a standard sized cylinder. Just above the Repository is the Columbarium, a modular structure with a sculptured bronze face plate, which allows for ashes to be interred in individual sections. Individuals and families may be interested in pre-arranging burial space in the repository or the columbarium. For details, please contact the Rector at (973) 635-8085. Memorial gifts in memory of loved ones may be offered every year at Christmas and Easter, and these funds are used to maintain the garden space. Additionally, fees for burial in the Memorial Garden go toward record keeping and maintenance of the space, as well as toward the purchase of bronze nameplates for the Memorial Plaques in the Church lobby and Memorial Garden. Every All Saints’ Day we include in our prayers the names of those who, in the past year, have been interred in the Garden. “Give rest, O Christ, to your servant with your saints, where sorrow and pain are no more, neither sighing, but life everlasting.” Book of Common Prayer, p. 499 “Neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38 https://www.stpaulschatham.org/worship-old daily 0.75 2023-06-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e551432a20fd3781edf1aca/1583025097503-R9WJ6QSZ9NBRTL6RHRBV/20140301_Trade-151_0124-copy.jpg Worship (Old) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e551432a20fd3781edf1aca/1583025159458-1C5MT33BUL30NY0CW9GY/image-asset.jpeg Worship (Old) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e551432a20fd3781edf1aca/1583025295361-9AHAEIA1MBL3CUU7U257/Baptism.jpg Worship (Old) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e551432a20fd3781edf1aca/1583025317201-IG68HL2Y1CLHRTIFTTU6/Confirmation.jpg Worship (Old) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e551432a20fd3781edf1aca/1583025472135-MEDV44EOEPHOST3WOMWP/image-asset.jpeg Worship (Old) https://www.stpaulschatham.org/about-episcopal-services daily 0.75 2020-03-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e551432a20fd3781edf1aca/1583025852322-EF27OQMV7NR0TV1FIKR1/image-asset.jpeg About Episcopal Services - Episcopal Services (adapted from Rev. Bernie Poppe) Upon entering the church, a sense of quiet allows the worshippers to prepare themselves in prayer. Ushers show visitors to the pews and make sure they have a bulletin. The Organist plays a prelude to assist us in centering on prayer. The introduction to the opening hymn is played louder to draw us together. As the introduction begins, the congregation stands to greet the Procession. Procession Formal processions were the custom of the leaders of secular assemblies. When the Christian Church became the official church of the Empire in the early 4th Century AD, the custom was applied to church assemblies. Opening Acclamation and Collect for Purity These opening sentences (chosen according to season as indicated on BCP p. 355) are a salutation to the fellowship, an exclamation of praise, and permission to preside. The Collect for Purity (based on Psalm 51) prepares us for worship. Gloria A hymn of praise is then offered. Usually this is the Gloria but during Lent and Advent the more solemn Kyrie (Lord Have Mercy) or Trisagion (Holy God, Holy and mighty, holy immortal One have mercy upon us) are used. The Word of the Lord Collect of the Day Collect (accent on the first syllable) is a word for prayer which "collects" intentions, sets a theme for the scripture readings of the day. Scripture Lessons Reading scripture during a service is based on ancient forms of Jewish worship. After each reading we allow a period of silence to respond inwardly to the words in thought and prayer. Old Testament Reading What we call "Old Testament" is in fact the Hebrew Scriptures which Jesus and his disciples would have heard and studied. Christians call this the Old Testament (or old covenant) referring to God's first promise to Israel through Abraham. New Testament refers to the New Covenant or promise made by God to humanity through Jesus. Gradual Psalm Psalms are ancient Hebrew hymns Christians and Jews have sung for thousands of years. "Gradual" from the Latin word "step" is attached to the name of this Psalm since it was sung as the reader walked down the steps to where the lesson would be read. New Testament (Epistle) These reading are mostly from letters (or Epistles) written by Paul and other evangelists offering comfort or instruction to the newly formed Christian churches. Many of their issues are familiar to us today. Sequence Hymn This hymn allows time for the Gospel reader and acolytes to get in place. Hymns are an important part of the service, chosen thematically to reflect the readings where possible providing theology, prayer, and praise in poetry and music. Gospel (From old English words "God Spell" meaning "good news.") This last reading comes from one of the four narratives of Jesus' life and ministry. A three year cycle allows us to focus on a different Gospel: Year A for Matthew, B for Mark and C for Luke. John is used at different times throughout the three years. Sermon Having heard lessons from scripture the preacher proclaims God's living Word, applying biblical truths to our present lives in the church and the world. Nicene Creed The early Christian church nearly divided over substantial disagreements in theology about the person of Jesus and the relationship between God the Creator, the Son and the Holy Spirit. To resolve these differences the Emperor Constantine called a convocation of the Bishops in the year 325 AD to the city of Nicea. After much controversy the statement of beliefs they crafted became known to future generations as the Nicene Creed. The word "creed" is from the Latin word "Credo" which means "I believe." This Creed has been recited by Christians ever since as a response to the Word of the Lord. Another similar Creed used by the Church is known as the Apostles Creed and is used at Baptisms and other daily prayer services. Prayers of the People Another response to the Word of the Lord is prayer. Our Prayer Book contains six forms offering a variety of methods, but each contains petitions regarding the Church and the world, those who have died and a general call for personal petitions. Each form allows for periods of silence during which the members of the congregation may offer their own prayers either silently or aloud. You are encouraged to offer your prayers aloud so that members of the community may support each other. Concluding Collect The celebrant gathers or "collects" the prayers of the faithful with one concluding prayer usually chosen from BCP p. 394-395. Confession Having heard the Word of God, affirmed our faith using the Creed and offered prayers for our various needs and concerns, we take a moment to prepare ourselves for the Eucharist through confession. After the invitation to "Confess our sins against God and our neighbor", a moment of silence is offered to gather our thoughts about how we understand sin in our lives and take stock of that for which we are truly sorry and hope to correct or make amends. Confession has two main parts: identifying the sin and the intention to address it. While we recite the words together in a general form, it is intended that in our hearts, we reveal the particular intentions to God. Though the posture for confession is generally kneeling as directed in the Penitential Order on BCP p. 351, it is not uncommon for people to stand. Kneeling emphasizes the individual inner examination while standing emphasizes the outward connection to others confessing. The choice is an individual one and no one should be uncomfortable if their posture differs from anyone near them. Passing the Peace Matthew 5: 23-24 says "If you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go, first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift." Passing the peace is the enacting of this verse and a liturgical observance of reconciliation. The appropriate method is shaking hands, an embrace, or a kiss with those immediately around you. It is also important to be sensitive to those who may not be comfortable with these methods. The Holy Communion The Great Thanksgiving refers to all the parts of the service in which the bread and wine are blessed. The Offertory brings to the altar money to be blessed in use for ministry as well as the bread and wine to be blessed for our communion. These gifts are used literally, but are also symbols of offering ourselves to God's love and service. Sursum Corda (Latin for "Lift up your hearts") is a phrase dating back to 215 AD to focus our attention on God's action coming to us and our thoughts ascending to God. The Proper preface is seasonal found on BCP p. 377ff., and the Sanctus (Latin for "holy") begins a hymn of praise dating from the 4th Century echoing the songs of angels in the visions of Isaiah and later St. John the Divine in the Book of Revelation anticipating the heavenly banquet. There are six Eucharistic Prayers (two in Rite I and four in Rite II). The first part of each recalls the events of salvation history and this is called Anamnesis (meaning "remembering"). The Words of Institution recall Jesus' words at the Last Supper (instructing the disciples to do this in remembrance of him.) The words of invocation called Epiclesis is where we ask the Holy Spirit to descend up these gifts and upon us to make the bread and wine holy and to make us part of Christ's body. The Great Amen (from the Hebrew meaning "so be it") is boldly proclaimed by the congregation affirming the actions that have just taken place. The Lord's Prayer When Jesus taught his disciples this prayer it was a summary of all prayers. Placed in our liturgy at this place it again becomes the summation of our prayers to God in blessing the Bread and Wine. The Breaking of the Bread, also called The Fraction In the Eucharist the use of silence is active rather than passive and in this silence we break the bread and recall the body of Christ broken for us. The anthem following is a reflection on this action. Communion All who feel called to receive Communion with us are welcome to do so, regardless of denomination or faith background. When receiving each element, it is appropriate to respond by saying "Amen." It is also appropriate and helpful for the person receiving wine to lightly hold the lowest part of the chalice base guiding the chalice to their mouth. Sometimes the question is raised about the possibility of passing germs from using the common cup. There has never been evidence of serious risk. Receiving communion from the common cup is a sign of unity within the body of Christ and among the fellowship of the faithful. When receiving, you are welcome to stand or kneel at the rail. If you desire not to receive the Bread or Wine, but perfer a blessing from the priest, please cross your arms over your chest. Post Communion Prayer This concluding prayer thanks God for the gift of communion and recognizes that it inspires and empowers us to live out our Christian mission in the world. Blessing and Dismissal The service ends with the blessing by the priest or Bishop and the final words are a dismissal sending us into the world to be a blessing to others. https://www.stpaulschatham.org/about-baptism daily 0.75 2020-03-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e551432a20fd3781edf1aca/1583025990633-GWAKS61MMC2U1LML2C23/image-asset.jpeg About Baptism - Baptism Baptism is one of the two most important sacraments of the Church. (The other is the Eucharist.) It is administered to individuals of any age who have not been previously baptized in any other Christian denomination. If someone is joining the Episcopal church from another denomination, their baptism in that denomination is recognized and acknowledged. We believe Baptism to be a service of Christian initiation by which the individual baptized becomes a member of the body of Christ and the Church. Speaking for themselves or through the promises made by sponsors, called God Parents, the individuals vow to follow the Christian teachings and way of life. These vows include participation in corporate worship as well as individual observance of prayer and study as a life-long practice. Baptisms at St. Paul's Church are invited and offered without previous membership of the family required. For non-parish members, an initial meeting is required between the Rector and the adult or the parents of the child to be baptized. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the issues related to Baptism as outlined above. A second meeting is needed as a rehearsal for the ceremony. Baptisms are held throughout the year, primarily on four occasions related to themes of Baptism. The church calendar varies from year to year and the Baptisms are scheduled according to when these feasts occur. They are: The Feast of Christ's Baptism (usually the first or second Sunday of January) The Easter Vigil (Saturday evening before Easter Sunday) Pentecost Sunday (usually late May to mid-June) The Feast of All Saints (always the Sunday after November 1) In special cases, private baptism may be scheduled, but only by prior arrangement with the Rector. The number of God Parents for infants and small children can vary. God Parents should be aware that they take on the responsibility of seeing that the child they sponsor takes seriously their Christian life and formation. It is therefore wise for parents to choose God Parents whose own Christian life reflects this commitment. https://www.stpaulschatham.org/about-wedding-and-civil-union daily 0.75 2020-03-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e551432a20fd3781edf1aca/1583026280619-91HIJTF0PK3T6MBET125/image-asset.jpeg About Wedding and Civil Union - Weddings and Civil Unions Expectations of any couple, member and non-member, are these: At least one member of the couple is a baptized Christian (not necessarily Episcopalian). At least one member of the couple is a pledging member of St. Paul's Episcopal, or one of their parents/grandparents is a member; Or a couple who is not currently a member of St. Paul's actively desires to become a member of the St. Paul's community. The couple has undergone an appropriate pre-marital counseling series by the Rector or an agreed upon substitute. Normally four sessions are held. If either of the couple has been married twice or more already, an outside counselor is required for the series. Divorce documents must be presented at the first meeting with the Rector if that has occurred. Permission by the Bishop for remarriage is required but the process is completed usually within 30 days. Ceremonial aspects, floral arrangements, and musical selections are all subject to the approval of the Rector. Financial Expectations: Use of the church - $400. Services of the Organist - $250. Additional remuneration shall be made if special music and/or rehearsal or performance time is required. Bench fee of $150 if St. Paul's musician is not used. Services of the Sexton - $100. Please discuss any questions about your financial expectations during the preparations with clergy or contact the parish office. Please make out one check to "St. Paul's Church" for the total amount due for proper distribution. Checks are due one week before the service. Financial contributions to the church and Rector are used to fund various ministries of this church. https://www.stpaulschatham.org/directions daily 0.75 2020-03-01 https://www.stpaulschatham.org/about-becoming-a-member daily 0.75 2020-03-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c5a514d65019f01a2cb2be5/1562685656804-Q9GBRN0NAL6DVNVQUCHS/20140301_Trade-151_0124-copy.jpg About Becoming a Member - Becoming A Member What Does Membership Mean? Membership in the Episcopal Church does not carry with it the formal expectations of other denominations. By canon (church law), a "member" is someone who attends services and contributes financially on a regular basis. There is not even a definition of what "regular" means! This seemingly vague approach to membership actually reflects a wider conviction of the Episcopal Church, that of individual readiness and commitment. We each have differing levels of understanding of our relationship with God and with the community in which we worship. We respond to the call to service and fellowship at different rates and depths. In our tradition, the individual seeker decides for himself or herself what membership means, how it will be lived out, and when it is achieved. Having said that, there are some ways in which we provide guideposts and suggestions. At St. Paul's we welcome people from many backgrounds of faith and experience. People are drawn to us for our traditional forms of liturgy, for our progressive social stance, and through identification and a deepening relationship with the community of believers already here. When people first arrive they are greeted and ushered to a pew and given a bulletin to enable them to join in the worship. Communion is offered without restriction to all visitors and members. Membership Takes Many Forms What is membership? First it is a conviction of the heart and a commitment to a community of people. It provides a sense of home and belonging. It's a way of establishing roots and encouraging growth in faith and fellowship. There is an interdependence and accountability for what we say we want and will do for ourselves and the community we hold onto. Members of St. Paul's attend the services and participate in the activities, supporting events and participating in the leadership of our common life. Members are expected to take seriously their pledge of time, talent and treasure to the work and mission of St. Paul's. Our growth in faith requires action as well as words. That takes many different forms, including offering professional skills, financial pledges, and stretching to find interests and skills perhaps dormant as undiscovered gifts of God within each of us. St. Paul's offers members pastoral care, a home for worship, a supportive community and a place to meet, and the opportunity for a deeper relationship with God. This certainly isn't the only place God is, but it's one of them – a place to bear witness to God's love and to experience that love in communion with others. We welcome all to find a spiritual home with us, and to explore what membership is and what it calls forth. https://www.stpaulschatham.org/news daily 0.75 2020-03-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e551432a20fd3781edf1aca/1583438059694-82MKHFGU05U36EVEBT5J/image-asset.jpeg News https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e551432a20fd3781edf1aca/1583438112919-H2EAUQBQGE1LTRARX7AP/image-asset.jpeg News https://www.stpaulschatham.org/resources daily 0.75 2023-03-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e551432a20fd3781edf1aca/1583433583420-I4LPJ9QOPNIU1P1ZETS0/image-asset.jpeg Resources https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e551432a20fd3781edf1aca/1583433537882-B8WM7VO3O3YZXTW9FBTJ/image-asset.jpeg Resources https://www.stpaulschatham.org/for-visitors daily 0.75 2020-03-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e551432a20fd3781edf1aca/1583026797713-G7D04H9P7W6Y1US3E6ME/image-asset.jpeg For Visitors - About Episcopal Services Worship is our weekly opportunity to "sing our love song to God," and it is also God's love song, sung back to us through Word and Sacrament. The primary focus of our Episcopal liturgy (which means the "work of the people") is the Eucharist (a Greek word meaning "Thanksgiving"), but there are two main parts of the service: the Word of the Lord, which includes proclamation of Scripture, the Creed, Prayers of the People and the Confession, and the Holy Eucharist, when Christ, through the bread and wine, becomes tangibly present to the congregation gathered. In turn, the gathered community becomes Christ's Body to one another and to the world. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e551432a20fd3781edf1aca/1583026915205-PPCSJQ89MYQTBLRHCA01/image-asset.jpeg For Visitors - For Children and Youth Children's Programs Our children's programs include Sunday School, Children's Chapel, Youth Group, Vacation Bible School and special events. Our children learn about and experience God’s presence in their lives through worship, fellowship and fun. Youth Group Teenagers, from St. Paul’s and the surrounding communities, grades 7-12, gather regularly during the school year, first for worship and then afterwards, for lunch and conversation. They enjoy service opportunties and an annual mission trip during the first week of school’s summer vacation. The Youth of St. Paul's are valued, encouraged and supported as they become active members of our congregation and community! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e551432a20fd3781edf1aca/1583027050801-WSA1S70F0AA6EUI4IN0D/newcomers.jpg For Visitors - Newcomers Newcomers are greeted before the services on Sundays and are welcomed to our parish-wide Coffee Hour following our 8 am and 10 am services. Here you can connect with other newcomers and longer-term members in a casual setting. We also have more intentional newcomer welcomes in the form of Coffee with the Rector, a small reception in the Rector's office with the Rev. Mary Davis and members of the Newcomers Committee. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e551432a20fd3781edf1aca/1583027135815-D1908A1SK0RJWGMI0F1M/image-asset.jpeg For Visitors - Becoming a member What Does Membership Mean? Membership in the Episcopal Church does not carry with it the formal expectations of other denominations. By canon (church law), a "member" is someone who attends services and contributes financially on a regular basis. There is not even a definition of what "regular" means! https://www.stpaulschatham.org/send-news daily 0.75 2020-03-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e551432a20fd3781edf1aca/1583029477121-DW61RDWKKP9RR10SAFSH/image-asset.jpeg Send News https://www.stpaulschatham.org/communications daily 0.75 2021-11-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e551432a20fd3781edf1aca/1599834426060-Q6CTDIIFRAALJGJC196J/image-asset.jpeg Communications You can follow St. Paul's Facebook page by clicking the link https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e551432a20fd3781edf1aca/1599834479988-SHM9ERIA6TP6GXU950IK/image-asset.jpeg Communications St. Paul's e-newsletter, Weekly Happenings at St. Paul's, is published electronically once a week on Thursdays. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e551432a20fd3781edf1aca/1599834378363-6DBBIITLY4MS0TFZV3LR/image-asset.jpeg Communications Subscribe to our YouTube Channel by clicking this link https://www.stpaulschatham.org/who-we-are daily 0.75 2020-03-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e551432a20fd3781edf1aca/1583378745372-ZTRXTUMJZ926FCQ9IQI0/image-asset.jpeg Who We Are https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e551432a20fd3781edf1aca/1583378791668-5PV51WJLOAH4XV6VYDH2/image-asset.jpeg Who We Are https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e551432a20fd3781edf1aca/1583378831760-ZXQZ1R1HTAHZHWWFW300/image-asset.jpeg Who We Are https://www.stpaulschatham.org/sunday-school-registration daily 0.75 2021-09-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e551432a20fd3781edf1aca/1582639660813-5O0RLQHKD153T80GRIP1/Kids+in+Class.jpg Sunday School Registration https://www.stpaulschatham.org/newsletter-subscription daily 0.75 2021-11-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e551432a20fd3781edf1aca/1583411677450-WQ8F2IXFDOP6YHOI28RD/image-asset.jpeg Newsletter Subscription Weekly Happenings at St. Paul's https://www.stpaulschatham.org/worship-bulletins daily 0.75 2026-04-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e551432a20fd3781edf1aca/1607704636482-U4BI1GBPPO6BF3QH6AMG/image-asset.jpeg Worship Bulletins - Worship Bulletins April 5, 2026 - Easter Sunday April 3, 2026 - Good Friday April 2, 2026 - Maundy Thursday March 29, 2026 - Palm Sunday March 22, 2026 - Funeral March 22, 2026 - Fifth Sunday in Lent March 15, 2026 - Fourth Sunday in Lent March 8, 2026 - Third Sunday in Lent March 1, 2026 - Second Sunday in Lent February 22, 2026 - First Sunday in Lent February 18, 2026 - Ash Wednesday Noonday Prayers https://www.stpaulschatham.org/donations daily 0.75 2024-11-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e551432a20fd3781edf1aca/1585160232068-T6AP7DG1N8DDRICM6AYX/image-asset.jpeg Donations - ONLINE Click here to be taken to our secure payment portal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e551432a20fd3781edf1aca/1585159721371-413DFLNUVSWQQU5YOW5R/image-asset.jpeg Donations - MAIL Send a check (made payable to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church) via mail to 200 Main Street, Chatham, NJ 07928 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e551432a20fd3781edf1aca/1585159840300-QE51WRPLOOKWJ3FI6K4H/image-asset.jpeg Donations - EMAIL Contact our office at office@stpaulschatham.org https://www.stpaulschatham.org/home daily 1.0 2026-04-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e551432a20fd3781edf1aca/fe7b4d20-3e1b-4eb6-a7d9-50c4652628a5/IMG_5326.JPG https://www.stpaulschatham.org/about daily 0.75 2025-07-13 https://www.stpaulschatham.org/staff daily 0.75 2025-06-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e551432a20fd3781edf1aca/ac48c88f-3adf-4a58-bfc2-dfda2551873f/john.jpg Staff https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e551432a20fd3781edf1aca/eeed817b-14c2-4d4b-a983-9b8039b4d3c6/laurie.jpg Staff https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e551432a20fd3781edf1aca/64ecf4a6-5652-4c49-970d-35dcf30ec956/ellen-bkgd.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e551432a20fd3781edf1aca/884618c6-4e6c-4c7c-8bcb-1a29fe45ad6a/ellen.jpg https://www.stpaulschatham.org/worship daily 0.75 2025-07-12 https://www.stpaulschatham.org/community daily 0.75 2025-07-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e551432a20fd3781edf1aca/8d04b82d-9039-426f-a517-dd39c3c99c8f/IMG_5346.JPG https://www.stpaulschatham.org/outreach daily 0.75 2025-07-12