Welcome, Lucy!

You might have noticed a new name on the bulletin and a new voice on the other end of the phone.  We’re delighted to have Lucy Sewall join the staff as our new Parish Secretary.  Lucy comes to us after seven years as the Parish Administrator at King’s Chapel in Boston.  She will be in the office on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.  She will be joining us this Sunday, September 20 at the 10:00 a.m. service.  Please take this opportunity to introduce yourself to Lucy and to welcome her to the St. Paul’s community.

Yard Sale Thanks

I was told that nothing could prepare me for the Annual St. Paul’s Yard Sale, and how true that turned out to be!  I was amazed at the incredible energy that filled every nook and cranny of St. Paul’s on Saturday.  An enormous thank you to those of you who came and volunteered during the week to sort and stack, and then on Saturday to sell.  A particular thank you goes to Steve Estes-Smargiassi, Ginny Willcox, and Walter Mucha.  Those who came to the sale found a welcoming and enthusiastic community.  I had the opportunity to meet many people for whom the Yard Sale is their annual connection to St. Paul’s.  And as if that weren’t enough, you all pulled together to make sure the space was ready and shining for the wedding on Sunday afternoon.

As Steve Estes-Smargiassi said on Sunday, we had so much fun on Saturday, we’re going to do it again!  On Saturday, September 26 from 10-3, we’ll have more clothes, more electronics, more bric-a-brac and this time we’ll have lots and lots of furniture.  If you missed the chance to clean out your house, you’ve got two more weeks.  Donations can be brought to the parish hall at any time.  Of course, with all the clothes, bric-a-brac, electronics and furniture we’ll need more volunteers.  Please let Steve Estes-Smargiassi know if you can help.

Blessing of the Animals

On Sunday, October 4 at 11:30, we will gather on the front lawn for The Blessing of the Animals.  Held on the Sunday closest to the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, this service reminds us of the wonderful diversity of God’s creation and our connection to it.  Everyone is invited to bring a pet to receive a blessing.  This is a great event to bring along friends and neighbors.  Stuffed animals and photos of animals unable to make it are welcome!

Church School

There’s a lot going on in our building!  This includes the basement which houses Church School.  Current projections suggest that this area will not be completely finished and restored to order until the end of September.  Therefore Church School will officially resume on Sunday, October 18th.  Registration will take place during coffee hour on Sunday, September 27th and there will be a special musical introduction to this year's curriculum at 9a.m. on Sunday, October 4th.

Celebration of a New Ministry

It’s time to celebrate!  The official installation of The Reverend Jeffrey W. Mello as the twelfth Rector of St. Paul’s will occur on Wednesday, October 28 at 7:00 p.m.  The Right Reverend Roy “Bud” Cederholm will celebrate and a festive reception will follow.  The service highlights the ministry partnership that has begun between Jeff and the people of St. Paul’s. Through the making of vows and the exchanging of gifts, the sacred covenant between rector and congregation is celebrated.  We hope you can be with us for this important day in our life together!

Children’s Christian Education

As you can see from the announcement from Georgia Smith, Maria O’Meara and Tim Smith above, we have an exciting year planned for our children’s program.  They have created a dynamic program that allows more adults from the parish community to get involved.  You can commit for as much time as you feel able, and they will help you find how your gifts can best be put to use.  The success of the program depends on our ability to support it.  Please seriously consider your ability to participate.  Each class will have a “Lead Teacher” with rotating “Co-Teachers”.  We are still looking for one Lead Teacher for the 1^st and 2^nd grade class and as many co-teachers as possible!  If you are interested, or have more questions, please contact the office 617-566-4953 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Safe Church Training

On Saturday, October 24, St. Paul’s will host a training for Safe Church Practices for the Diocese.  This is a six-hour training session designed to increase awareness regarding sexual misconduct and abuse of power, to outline steps toward preventing abuse, to offer ways to intervene when misconduct occurs and to equip anyone in a position of parish leadership with ways of healing and rebuilding the body of Christ.

The training is required of all clergy and diocesan employees. It is also intended for wardens, vestry members, lay Eucharistic visitors (LEM B), pastoral visitors, youth leaders, confirmation sponsors, acolyte leaders, choir directors, church school teachers, volunteers working in the parish on a regular basis and all employees of congregations. Safe Church Training is scheduled in each deanery at least once per year; participants are welcome at any training, regardless of location.

To register, please visit http://www.rvan.org/SC_Registration_info.htm and click on the training for St. Paul’s.  If you need tuition assistance, please contact Jeff.  Space is limited, so register soon!