THE EPIPHANY

The Manifestation of our Lord Jesus Christ to the Gentiles

The Gift by William Carlos Williams

As the wise men of old brought gifts
guided by a star
to the humble birthplace

of the god of love,
the devils
as an old print shows
retreated in confusion.

What could a baby know
of gold ornaments
or frankincense and myrrh,
of priestly robes
and devout genuflections?

But the imagination
knows all stories
before they are told
and knows the truth of this one
past all defection

The rich gifts
so unsuitable for a child
though devoutly proffered,
stood for all that love can bring.

The men were old
how could they know
of a mother's needs
or a child's
appetite?

But as they kneeled
the child was fed.

They saw it
and
gave praise!

A miracle
had taken place,
hard gold to love,
a mother's milk!
before
their wondering eyes.

The ass brayed
the cattle lowed.
It was their nature.

All men by their nature give praise.
It is all
they can do.

The very devils
by their flight give praise.
What is death,
beside this?

Nothing. The wise men
came with gifts
and bowed down
to worship
this perfection.

Welcome to St. Paul's

St. Paul's Memorial Church

Episcopal/Anglican

225 St. Paul's Avenue
Staten Island, NY 10304
718-273-9572

Sunday Mass Schedule:
Sung Mass 10:15 am
Church School 10:00 am (all children are welcome)

Welcome to St. Paul's Memorial church, one of the oldest Episcopal/Anglican parishes in New York city. We are located in the landmarked "Mud Lane" section of Stapleton, an ethnically and culturally diverse neighborhood near the Staten Island ferry. Our beautiful church and rectory are triple landmarked Gothic Revival structures nestled among some of the finest examples of Victorian residential architecture. Our parish grounds are also home to a large award winning garden...a quiet place to come and be close to God. And we're as beautiful on the inside as we are on the outside. We warmly invite you to come visit us as we explore the Holy Mysteries of Christ and serve the community in love and fellowship with one another.

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven,
the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem,
and see this thing which is come to pass,
which the Lord hath made known unto us.

And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe
lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad
the saying which was told them concerning this child.

And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

Luke 2: 14-19

23rd Annual Festival of Lessons and Carols

Thank you to everyone who braved the elements
and joined us at St. Paul's for Lessons and Carols this evening.
It was a blessing to listen to such beautiful music
and to hear the words of Scripture illuminated by the voices of our friends and family.

Thanks also to our neighbors the Ryan's and the Branch/Joseph family
for hosting the lovely holiday receptions and to all who made these services possible.

Please join us on December 24th at 11pm for our Christmas Eve service
and each Sunday at 10:15am for our weekly celebration of the Holy Eucharist.

"And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."

(Luke 2:10-11)

LESSONS AND CAROLS IS ON

As of right now, Lessons and Carols is on.
We are trusting in the Lord,
and hope to see all of you tomorrow at St. Paul's.
Please stay safe this evening.

From A Song of Creation Benedicite, omnia opera Domini
pg. 46, BCP

O ye Dews and Frosts, bless ye the Lord
praise him, and magnify him for ever.

O ye Frost and Cold, bless ye the Lord
praise him, and magnify him for ever.

O ye Ice and Snow, bless ye the Lord
praise him, and magnify him for ever.

Amen.