sparks from Tina DeSelm

My, what a week it has been. Last Thursday, Liz was admitted overnight to Beth Israel Deaconess for kidney-related problems. They still don't know what's wrong. On Friday morning, I fell while walking the dog and sprained my ankle. Then on Sunday, while enjoying a day at the beach, Lance stepped on something in the water and sliced his foot open, requiring 11 stitches.

During these hours of need, many St. Paul's parishioners stepped in to help. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them. John Mahony is my hero. He delivered first-aid supplies to me when I was unable to go out. Jim Bales and Elizabeth Laurencot hosted coffee hour for us and went out of their way to do it. Beth Chapman and Berwin Samstad watched our daughter and our dog (probably the bigger challenge) while we took Lance to the ER. George and Margie Chapman drove them back to our place so that we wouldn't have to go back to the beach house to get them. And last but certainly not least, Terry McCall spent a few not-so-exciting hours with Liz at the hospital when I had to be home with the kids. Our new rector has some big shoes to fill!

During the rector search, the committee was asked repeatedly how we came to be at St. Paul's and why we stayed. We often joked that once you get in, you can't get out. But the truth is, we came to St. Paul's because of its proximity to our home. We stayed because of all of you. THANK YOU!

Music for the June 14 Service at Larz Anderson
If you'd like to join in singing a gospel song for the June 14 service, please come to two short rehearsals in the sanctuary after the 10 am service this Sun., May 31, and the following Sun., June 7.  We'll start rehearsing 5 minutes after the service ends (so you can run in to coffee hour for a snack) and we will rehearse for 15 minutes.  Anyone is welcome to join us if you can make at least one of these rehearsals.

If you'd like to participate in all of the music at this service, please join Molly and Tim for an hour long rehearsal on Wed. June 10 at 7:30 pm in the church sanctuary. Any questions?  Call us at 617-731-5989 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

If it's Pentecost, that must mean...

a celebration! Pentecost is the culmination of the great 50 days of Easter-the day the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in all sorts of languages, the birthday of the church, and one of the baptismal feasts. Keeping the St. Paul's custom, we'll hear the lesson from Acts of the Apostles read in several languages-at the same time!-and we'll renew our baptismal vows in the baptismal covenant. This year, members of the youth group will do all the liturgical "jobs" and we'll recognize those graduating and going off to schools and colleges. Wear red, if you wish, and come join the fun!

Sundays at 9

Two more editions of Sundays at 9 remain for this spring. This Sunday, Brett Donham returns, with power point, for a whirlwind tour of NE church architecture. Then on June 7, the Rev. Gordon Schultz presents "Jesus, the Economist"-talk about timely! And as a side note, Gordon, a Lutheran pastor and now part of St. Paul's, will preach and celebrate here on July 5 and August 9, and will celebrate August 2 (a lay preacher Sunday).

Summer scheduling to resume

It worked well last year, so let's do it again. Beginning June 21 and going through Sept. 6, the lessons, prayers of the people, and cards saying usher, acolyte, chalice, and healing prayers will be out on a music stand near the font before the service. If you'd like to participate, take the lesson or prayers to read, or turn a card over so the presider will know it's been selected. Then when the appropriate time comes in the liturgy, do your thing. Thanks!

Also, please note that we've decided to have only the 10 a.m. service during the summer, also June 21 through Sept. 6.

St. Paul's annual parish 

is coming soon-June 14, 10 a.m., at the shelter, Larz Anderson Park. Come enjoy worship, singing, and a cookout-and meet rector-elect Jeff Mello! And remember-the youth group has challenged the rest of us to a kickball game, so be sure you're there to play or to cheer. (8 a.m. service in the Chapel that day, as usual.)

Mini-yard sale postponed

The spring version of the yard sale, which had been scheduled for Sat. May 30, has been postponed, probably to June 6. Watch next week's Calendar for details.

Sunday, May 31 The Day of Pentecost

8 a.m. Holy Eucharist in the Chapel

9 a.m. Church School

Sundays at 9: Brett Donham, New England church architecture

10 a.m. Holy Eucharist in the Church

3:30 p.m. Vento Chiaro concert

7:30 p.m. CD release concert: Yumiko Matsuoka

Sunday, June 7 Trinity Sunday

8 a.m. Holy Eucharist in the Chapel

9 a.m. Church School

Sundays at 9: The Rev. Gordon Schultz, Jesus, the Economist

10 a.m. Holy Eucharist in the Church, Kate Kelley preaching

Please send your submission for sparks, a column for parishioners to write about things that have sparked insight, new ways of thinking, faith, etc. to Elizabeth Laurencot at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for inclusion in an upcoming Calendar.