Upcoming Learning & Outreach Programs
Children and Youth
While St. Paul’s currently only has a few children, we are always delighted by the presence of children in worship. A Children’s Table near the west door of the church provides quiet activities and books for use during worship and from time-to-time children are included in presenting the offering, greeting people, assisting with a baptism, or joining the priest at the altar. Our early Christmas Eve worship is very much family-friendly.
Prior to COVID restrictions, the Godly Play curriculum was offered in the Parish House on Sunday morning for young children. We hope to offer this Montessori-based method of experiencing the mystery of God again or another type of Christian formation when the time is right.
The United Way Children’s Book Box (photo above) on St. Paul’s lawn invites children to take a book, while child-size Adirondack chairs provide a comfortable place to read with family. We have a story walk across our church grounds that children and families can enjoy.
Teens are also welcomed as active participants in all the activities of the church. Several serve regularly on St. Paul’s Lee Food Pantry Team or participate in the summer Appalachian Trail Angels ministry. One of our teens exhibited his photos in the 2022 St. Paul’s Creates Art Show. Several photos on this website were made by him.
In the fall of 2022, we sent “Care Packages” to about a dozen college students associated with St. Paul’s, reminding them that their parish family remembers them and cares for them.
On a Sunday in June each year, we recognize all graduates (preschool – graduate school) and educators with prayers.
Adults
During the 2022-2023 academic year, the following Adult Education/Formation events were offered through St. Paul’s:
- “Second Sundays – Something More “ – One Sunday a month after church with a different theme each month in the fall
- “Advent with Isaiah” – A Zoom series led by St. Paul’s priest for the three South County Episcopal/Lutheran Churches
- Paul’s Meditation and Prayer Group on Zoom
- Lent – “The Sarum Prayer—God Be in My Head”
- Spring – “My Soul in Silence Waits”
- Diocesan Confirmation Class during Easter Season on Zoom had one participant from St. Paul’s
In the last several years, St. Paul’s has collaborated with Grace Church in Great Barrington, Christ Trinity in Sheffield, and twice with Hevreh Synagogue in Great Barrington to present a lively and varied series of short Tuesday night adult formation/bible study groups for adults using the Zoom platform. Several people from St. Paul’s have also participated in a Sacred Ground Circle and the Diocesan Vocational Formation Process “Loving the Questions.”
Weekly E-pistle
Web Series: Tell Me Something Good
The Episcopal Church’s Tell Me Something Good web series launches second season
Tell Me Something Good, a web series from The Episcopal Church that launched in the fall of 2020, returns for a second season. This series highlights positive stories from around the church through conversations with a variety of guests.
New episodes of Tell Me Something Good will be released every two weeks beginning on April 13 and will be available for viewing, along with Season 1, on The Episcopal Church website here, on Facebook here, and on Instagram TV @theepiscopalchurch.
Web Series: A Year in the Life
A Year in the Life, a new web series from The Episcopal Church, documents how Episcopal churches, schools, and ministries have navigated a very contentious and difficult year. Filmed using COVID-safe protocols, the series covers topics like food insecurity, education, worship through restrictions, clergy calls, and more. Each episode includes reflection materials to help the viewer consider how the last year or so has affected them and their neighbors.
New episodes of A Year in the Life are released every two weeks, starting April 20, 2021. Watch on The Episcopal Church website here, on Facebook here, and on Instagram TV @theepiscopalchurch.
