February Inspiration for You
Because Inspiration isn't just for Sundays...
This month we offer the following resources
to help you build spiritual strength and live a more fulfilling life.
For video resources, check out our YouTube Channel:
Get inspired while exploring the wonder of Holy Scripture...
Scripture Readings for Coming Sundays
Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany, 2/5
Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany, 2/12
Last Sunday after the Epiphany, 2/19
First Sunday in Lent, 2/26
Help make a difference by putting your Faith in Action
Faith in Action Suggestion for the Month of February
We are called to pray, AND we are called to put our faith into action. We are called to follow Jesus which means we need to love and serve our neighbors in the name of Christ. It’s also our job to stand up to injustice and respect the dignity of every human being.
This month we suggest joining with Presiding Bishop Michael Curry who invites people of all backgrounds and faiths to support the hope-filled, life-impacting work of two historically Black institutions of higher education through donations and dedicated offerings on the Feast of Absalom Jones—the first Black priest ordained by the church—observed Feb. 13.
Saint Augustine’s University in Raleigh, North Carolina, and Voorhees University in Denmark, South Carolina, were founded after the Civil War to create educational opportunities for formerly enslaved people. They provide a liberal arts education to thousands of students, as well as offer robust campus ministries to help form young adults as followers of Jesus and his way of love.
“Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) are essential engines of justice, equity, and social mobility,” Curry said. “They provide high-quality education to students whose backgrounds and experiences may not have prepared them well for college success. They nurture talent that may have otherwise been discouraged by obstacles.”
Donations to the HBCUs (divided equally between the two) help support scholarships and financial aid for students in need as well as funding for quality facilities, faculty recruitment and retention, and the development of religious life on campus. Voorhees and Saint Augustine’s are seeking to build strong programs in STEM fields and the health sciences as they overcome the financial pressures created by COVID-19.
Supporting HBCUs is an investment in the ministry of reconciliation and building a better future for all, Curry said. “As much as we give to these institutions, they give back to our world many times over,” he said.
To give: Make a donation online at https://iam.ec/ajf, scan the QR code, or text GIVEHBCU to 41444. If you would like to celebrate Blessed Absalom Jones in your parish or diocese through a “love offering” or wish to give through stocks or securities, please contact T.J. Houlihan at [email protected] or (800) 334-7626 x6271.
https://www.episcopalchurch.org/development/hbcu/
You can find many more ways to put your faith into action at https://www.episcopalchurch.org/ministries/office-....
Looking for Ways to Take Action to #endgunviolence? Check out our Enews ORANGE Edition
Help serve the world in the name of Christ...
This Month's Outreach Project - January and February
Want to help the hungry?
FEEDING OUR HUNGRY NEIGHBORS
We’re raising the funds to purchase the food and paper goods used for when we take our turn once a month at the Family to Family lunch ministry. We serve about 100 lunches each third Monday of the month. Our goal is to raise $5,000 to help sustain this ministry into the new year. Donate in person, on the website, use PayPal or send in a check. We appreciate whatever you can do to support this important cause. Thank you!
Year of Prayer to End Racism
The Diocese of West Virginia has released an inspiring and motivating series of prayers to be used throughout the year as we work and pray for an end to racism. I encourage you to use these prayers in your personal prayer life, and I encourage us to make the commitment to become more and more, day by day the people God is calling us to be.
February—Pray for humanity toward perceived enemies: (Internment of Japanese Americans, February 19 executive order)
“O God of all nations and all peoples: our nation once, in time of war, forcibly interned in camps, without trial and without just cause, many of our own people because of their Japanese ancestry. Grant us, by your grace, the strength and courage never again to treat as enemies any entire group of persons, solely because of the enmity of some members of that group, but to defend and preserve the basic human rights of all people, even in times of distress, for the sake of your Son who died for all.” Amen.
Lots of great things are happening!
Keeping Up with Everything Offered at St. Paul's
This is an overview of this week's resources to help you GROW in faith. To learn about everything going on at St. Paul’s, please see our E-newsletter. If you don’t receive it, please let us know. We’d be happy to add you to the list!
Click HERE to Subscribe to our Enews
Finally, I welcome you to reach out to share your spiritual journey. Next week, we’ll have new ideas and resources for you. And week after week we’ll get stronger, go deeper and offer ourselves to be transformed more and more into the people God is calling us to be.
God bless you this week and always,
Rev. Susan+
These resources are made available because of the generous donations of our members. We are grateful to everyone who pledges to support the work of the church. To learn more about giving to St. Paul's CLICK HERE.
