Shelley Lynn Hollis Memorial Golf Tournament

The 7th Annual Shelley Lynn Hollis Memorial Golf Tournament to benefit the Dr. Robert Legare Research Fund at the Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island's Oncology Center will be held on Tuesday June 26, 2007 at Newport National Golf Club in Middletown, Rhode Island. Registration is at 9:00 AM and Tee Time is at 10:00 AM. Join us at Newport National for great golf, a great charity, a great meal, great activities, 18 Hole Scramble, a fantastic buffet by Oceanside Catering, a super raffle, a silent auction, a door prize and more. For further information please call Teddie at 418-1662 .

Episcopal Charities 2007

Episcopal Charities 2007: The annual campaign for the Rhode Island Diocese Episcopal Charities Fund is underway. The more than 100 agencies that have been supported by the Fund each year make an important difference in the lives of persons in need every day. Our generosity in 2007 will mean that their good work can continue. Friends and parishioners of St. Paul's will be contacted by our fund coordinators and can help by sending in their donation, placing their gift in the offering plate on Sunday, or donating online at www.episcopalri.org/charities .

Heifer Presentation

Judy and Bob Gessler, our Outreach Committee co-chairs, and The Rev. Virginia Dinsmore of St. Mary's received plaques on behalf of St. Paul's and St. Mary's from Heifer International representative, Janice Dexter-Ganek, this Sunday at our 8:00 services for our combined efforts during the campaign last Advent where together we donated an Ark (and much more!!) to the Heifer Program.

Portsmouth Arts Guild Inaugural Exhibition

The eagerly awaited Members' Exhibition of the PAG opened this weekend with a gala event showcasing both the work of 80 guild members and the guild's new home in the Center for the Arts in the parish hall at Saint Paul's. A happy crowd filled the Center to overflowing as they enjoyed the art on exhibit and an evening which marked an important milestone in the beginning of our adventure together with the PAG. That partnership was addressed in remarks with which our Senior Warden, Linda Remington, helped begin the evening. "This adventure began with a phone call between strangers. This past six months have given deeper meaning to the words 'thanks for calling'. Eric Broudy - thank you for the call. Gracious and Loving God - thank you for the call. I'd also like to thank our steering committee: Neila Bennett, Brad Chase and Bob Gessler who worked with me, and with Eric and Jan Armor to articulate this partnership, and the vestry of St. Paul's, which, in the spirit of Episcopalian Enlightenment, approved this partnership. The word communion means sharing, and is a foundation for the faith community to which I and others of us here tonight belong, our St. Paul's family, and now the larger community of our partnership - this community with you all. May this community bring abundant blessings to its members who love and heal, and teach and learn at this Center for the Arts and at the little white church next door." The exhibit which comprises nearly 150 pieces in a wide variety of media, including two delightful items by Bishop Geralyn Wolf, runs from March 2 through April 5 and will be open for viewing from 1-5 PM each Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday during that period. We hope to see you there.

Celebrating Saint Paul

The Rev. Dr. Paul S. Koumrian will lead us in celebrating Holy Eucharist on January 28th, with a dramatic homily to commemorate the Conversion of Saint Paul. Koumrian will be accompanied by Al Deston, on keyboard, with music from the American Songbook. The theme is "Letting Go", as it relates to St. Paul's conversion and also our contemporary life. The only service that day will be at 10:00, followed by a reception and opportunity to discuss the homily with Paul Koumrian.

The Rev. Koumrian is presently rector of Trinity Church in Newport, and is Rector Emeritus of Holy Trinity, Tiverton.

St. Paul's Church recently joined the Portsmouth Arts Guild in a partnership agreement. The two groups are restoring the St. Paul's parish house which will continue to serve as parish house to the church as well as being permanent home of the Arts Guild.

Heifer Campaign

Our 2006 Heifer Campaign conducted in partnership with St. Mary's was very successful with over $7500 raised to help end world hunger. Our joint effort with St. Mary's was a key part of our commitment to helping achieve the Millenium Development Goals outlined by the UN and strongly endorsed by the Episcopal Church of the USA at the 75th General Convention. The excellent response to this campaign by friends and parishioners of St. Paul's and St. Mary's is only the beginning of our work. We would very much welcome your joining us as we continue striving for "a world where the hungry are fed, the ill are healed, the young educated, women and men treated equally, and where all have access to clean water and adequate sanitation, basic health care, and the promise of development that does not endanger the rest of creation."

Partners

On December 19th the Art Guild invited St. Paul parishioners to celebrate Christmas under the newly restored Parish House ceiling and on January 6th parishioners have invited Guild members to a Twelfth Night Party atop the newly de-carpeted floor.

St. Paul's Parish Hall is new home for Portsmouth Arts Guild

We signed our agreement with the Arts Guild last week at the PAG members meeting in the parish house. We thank God for opening this opportunity to us, and pray that we grow in this partnership with grace and abundance. Also, we thank all of you who have shared in the conversation that led to this agreement. Further information on our exciting new partnership is provided below.

Aug. 16, 2006: For immediate release
PORTSMOUTH ARTS GUILD FINDS A HOME
The Portsmouth Arts Guild, which has been in search of a permanent home since its founding in January 2003, has found a home in the parish hall of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 2679 East Main Road, Portsmouth, RI.

In an agreement signed yesterday with the senior warden of St. Paul's vestry, The Portsmouth Arts Guild will occupy the 19th-century parish hall for exhibitions, lectures and meetings, and art classes and workshops. St. Paul's will continue to use the space for weddings, funerals, and its other usual gatherings, and groups such as AA will continue to meet there. The church itself, adjacent to the parish hall, where two masses are celebrated every Sunday, will also be available to the Arts Guild at other times for poetry readings, musical and theatrical performances.

The parish hall provides some 1,200 square feet of gallery and meeting space, plus a kitchen and basement area suitable for art classes and workshops.

"This is definitely a win-win," said Guild president Eric Broudy. "The church has acquired a partner who, like them, has a real interest in improving life in the community, and the Guild for the first time has its own space for art shows, meetings and classes. And the parish hall is ideal for a community arts center; it's centrally located, with parking and handicapped access."

"It warms my heart to envision a lively arts center in this same space that holds our parish gatherings and events," added Linda Remington, senior warden at St. Paul's and new Arts Guild member. "Creative expression and viewing artists' work are both so inspiring - how perfect. I'm very excited by what this partnership will bring to our parish and community."

The Guild hopes to inaugurate its new space with an open, juried show in the late fall, Broudy said. "We have some work to do first to transform a meeting hall into a proper gallery, but we're optimistic that working together we'll be ready for a show in the fall."

The Portsmouth Arts Guild has 100-plus members, nearly all of whom are artists working in oils, watercolor, pastels, mixed media, photography, fiber arts, ceramics, sculpture, wood carving, and print making. About half are Portsmouth residents, with most others coming from the surrounding towns of Tiverton, Middletown, Newport, Barrington, Bristol and North Kingston.

St. Paul's Episcopal church was founded in the summer of 1833, built by parishioners between September and December, with the first service held on Christmas Day of that year. The little church has always been deeply-rooted in the Portsmouth community.

Urn Garden Dedication

We had a very nice visit last Sunday with the Reverend David Jenkins, rector at St. Paul's from 1961 to 1969. Following the 10:00 service, in a ceremony led by Jr. Warden Priscilla Harrison Bates, we dedicated our new Urn Garden to Fr. Dave. Afterwards we enjoyed a potluck brunch, listening to stories about St. Paul's in the 1960s and sharing visions of St. Paul's in the 21st century.

Saint Anthony's Parade

This year marks the return of Saint Paul's parishioners as active participants in the colorful parade that is a part of the Saint Anthony's Feast held by our neighbors at Saint Anthony's Catholic Church. This year's Feast is the 78th such celebration held by Saint Anthony's.

CARE / OXFAM Car Wash

Early morning rain gave way to partial clouds then sunshine for our car wash today at Clement's Market to support CARE and OXFAM, humanitarian organizations working to end global poverty. We are especially thankful for the efforts of our guests from Landmark Volunteers whose hard work among the suds helped make our day a success.

Peter Harris Memorial Service

Peter Harris Memorial Service: A memorial service was celebrated Saturday, April 29, 2006 in memory of Peter H. E. Harris, former senior warden, and forever a member of St. Paul's parish family.

Before the service, a delegation of local Masons honored Peter's memory with a Masonic Memorial Service of readings and responses.

The Holy Eucharist was celebrated by The Reverend Hebert W. Bolles, assisted on the altar by The Reverend Deacon Ann D. Pelletier, Linda Remington and Scott Sherman. Marilyn Hambly and Sara Oliveira provided the music along with a small but beautiful choir of friends/performing hymns chosen by Peter.

After the service all adjourned to the recently restored Lady Garden for a dedication of that place where Peter had worked faithfully and well for so many years. Many were wiping their tears as Peter's wife Peggy unveiled the new stone and read the following inscription:

THE LADY GARDEN IS DEDICATED
IN LOVING MEMORY
1931 OF PETER H E HARRIS 2006
WHO DILIGENTLY SERVED AS
SENIOR WARDEN, CHURCHYARD DIRECTOR
AND CHOIR MEMBER
Afterward, all walked to the parish house for a feast prepared by Shirley and Tom Sylvia and family. It provided an opportunity for family and friends of Peter to meet and share their memories. It was a beautiful ceremony and a spectacular day. Peter would have smiled.

St. Paul's Health Club

Those looking for a way to work off any extra calories from Thanksgiving arrived early this cool Saturday morning to take advantage of a "special" offer from Bob Gessler on behalf of St. Paul's "Health Club".

The offer, extended to all, was to come with a rake and gloves to help in the church yard. In terms of getting the church yard cleaned up, getting our new flag in place, and enjoying some fresh air and fellowship ... Bob's real objectives ... the activities of the enthusiastic and hard working "exercisers" were a great success.

Paul Twelves Appreciated

Yesterday's fellowship brunch was delightful. We dined, in joyful companionship, on a delicious repast amid lovely Fall decorations and we articulated our heartfelt appreciation for The Rev. Paul 12s. There is so much that Paul has done for us here at Saint Paul's - from his leading our services during the last 2 years, to his thoughtful mentoring of us during our Christian Formation over the last several months - for which we are most thankful.

2nd Annual Lawn Party & Craft Fair

Beautiful weather, beautiful friends and beautiful craft works, as well as delicious food and fun made for a very successful and joyful time today at Saint Paul's. We are most appreciative of all who came by to share the party with us, the hard work by the many volunteers who helped make this happen and the wonderful items offered for sale by our craft fair exhibitors including Charlie of Smiling Jack's with the colorful jigs and sinkers, Elaine Carter of Barefoot Books with her wonderful celebration of art and story, Amy A. C. Punchak with her very nice knit work along with her sculptures which truly were "scenes from the next", and also the fabulous hats, boas, beaded shawls and other fine clothing from Trish of Sonnetts Design.

A Thank You From Gordon Stenning

Members of Saint Paul's received a very nice thank you card from Gordon in appreciation of our recent reception in honor of him.

Gordon Stenning Celebration

Gordon Stenning's 50th anniversary as an ordained deacon was celebrated by parishioners and friends of Saint Paul's at a luncheon reception following today's 10 o'clock service. As a part of the festivities all in attendance participated in a group reading of a commemorative poem penned for this noteworthy milestone in the life of the "Pastor of Portsmouth" by Joy and Paul Twelves. All of us at Saint Paul's share in our appreciation of Gordon's role in our church community. And all of us share as well in our appreciation of Shirley Sylvia's return from "retirement" to stage the luncheon.

CROP Walk 2005

Saint Paul's Linda Remington and Bob Gessler were among the first underway of the many area walkers who participated in this year's CROP WALK on Aquidneck Island. 

This community service and fundraising appeal for Church World Service (CWS) is a united undertaking by multiple denominations to relieve poverty, aid in development, and provide disaster and refugee assistance worldwide. We are proud to be a part of this effort once again and, even though the weather today looks a little unsettled, Linda and Bob expect to complete the 10 mile loop this morning, rain or shine.