by the Rev. Jeff Goldone, Interim Priest

St. Paul's first summer barbecue of the 2025 will take place on Friday, May 30, from 6-7 p.m. I hope all our members are planning to attend! 

These summer barbecues, as well as our 1st and 3rd Thursday meals, are not just for our neighbors, but for all of us at St. Paul's. These are OUR community meals, meaning you and me and all our congregation members and our neighbors. It takes all of us to make the gathering successful and meaningful. Your help and presence is needed to extend the hospitality of Christ and that of our congregation to everyone who attends. 

Do you know the reason there is a special candle holder mounted to the wall on the left side of the altar with a burning candle in it at all times? It's called a sanctuary lamp or a sanctuary candle, and its purpose is to let you know the Holy Eucharist, Christ's holy body and blood, is reserved in the tabernacle on the altar. The candle's flame honors the presence of Christ and shines continuously in reverence and silent devotion to the Lord. The candle itself, contained in a clear glass jar, burns for seven full days, and has to be replaced once a week.