Epistle

From the Rector
Returning from Sabbatical

My Dear Parishioners and Friends of St. Paul's:

I write this on a plane heading back to Washington from London for the last few weeks of my sabbatical leave Part I. At the onset, I must convey my heartfelt gratitude to all those who have made this leave possible: to the Vestry, for approving the time and some supportive funding; to Larry Toombs, the senior warden, who has been in charge of the parish and the Vestry in my absence; to Fr. Barnett, who has borne the brunt of the priestly work in the absence of 50 percent of our full-time clergy; to Fr. Radley for agreeing to come out of retirement to assist Fr. Barnett and all of us as a pastoral associate for these three months; and to the parish staff, officers, and volunteers, who through their usual stellar service have ensured that no balls have been dropped.

I also need to thank those in England who have made possible my time there through their extraordinarily generous hospitality: my old friend from school days, Fr. David Houlding, Bishop Michael Marshall, and the Rev'd Nadim Nassar at Holy Trinity, Sloane Street.

Don't be surprised if all of the above decide that two months' sabbatical leave in Washington, D.C., will be a good way to get their own back!

With still more than three weeks to go until I return to parish work, I can say that this leave has been extraordinarily beneficial in many ways. In the months to come I shall, of course, be sharing and acting upon some of the things I have learned -- about myself, my ministry, our ministry together, and our life together as a parish.

But you might rightly expect this month some notion of what I have been up to, allowing the details to emerge more fully later!

Family and friends
I spent two months in England, with a weekend back in Washington for the wonderful Walsingham Festival. Part of my goal in this time was to reconnect with my roots, in a way. I was able to see my mother for a day each week -- the first time we have had regular visits over an extended time since I was ordained 25 years ago. We were able to spend a very nice day together, which included going out for a nice lunch -- the only time she actually leaves the nursing home is when I am able to take her. We were both spoiled from regular contact for two months, which was wonderful. All things considered, she is doing well.

To all intents and purposes, my mother is my only family. Our extended family of cousins and the like is not especially close. Someone in my class at Holy Trinity asked one evening what I meant by "family." For each of us the answer will be different. For many it is the "nuclear family" -- mother, father, husband, wife, and children and grandchildren. For those of us who are not married, we look elsewhere for the emotional framework the "family" provides. For me that happens with close personal friends -- "healthy, supportive, appropriate relationships appropriately expressed" as a friend of mine used to say.

While in England, I was blessed in connecting and reconnecting with friends old and new, ranging from boarding school days to the present time. Without the usual time restraints, I was able to spend "quality time," as they say, with about three dozen English friends who have become part of the matrix of my life over the years. Some of those friendships go back more than 35 years, which is a startling reminder of one's age! But with that age, I think one instinctively and intelligently sees how important and valuable to one's well-being such friends are.

Many of my friends (though happily not all!) are priests, and so we share in a sense a common life with all the familiar blessings and challenges. For some of them, as for me, the parish where we serve is also part of "family." What is it they say? "Absence makes the heart grow fonder." I've always seen that as rather a back-handed compliment! But absence certainly allows new perspective and renewed appreciation. The clergy, staff, and people of St. Paul's Parish are also a part of the "family" composition -- despite the diminishing popularity of the word and connotation of "father," it does, I think, express something of the familial, "pater familias." I have been struck that in England the priests are rarely addressed or identify themselves as "Father Surname," but rather "Father First Name," and so if that is more familial for you, I am happy to be identified as "Father Andrew." Though in Walsingham that causes confusion with Fr. Philip North and Fr. Philip Barnes.

Place and time
Speaking of Walsingham, outside London, I spent more time there than anywhere else. Places are also a part of who we are. Some places, like Walsingham, are powerful because of their inherent holiness. Even with some responsibilities there -- I preached at Fr. David Holding's Jubilee Mass and gave the devotional addresses at the retreat for priests that followed that -- I also participated in the Guardians' Chapter and did some more sorting out of the U.S. Friends organization -- I found the rhythm of worship and pilgrimage and the opportunity for silent time alone to be enormously refreshing.

A slight diversion from place to time! I have realized at what a really relentless pace we live and work in a place like Washington and a place like St. Paul's. That is not healthy for individuals of "family" or parish. Only when one stops and finally winds down does one realize what one has been doing and the stress that is put upon us. I am resolved to be less driven, more rooted, more discerning in what really matters, and to try to avoid unnecessary stress!

One priest friend of mine has removed his e-mail since it was always full, always demanding attention, and too stressful. What a lovely thought! It has been bliss to be free from voice mail, e-mail, and even snail mail! As a community we need to find a more calm, less frantic pace. The relatively grueling service schedule at St. Paul's is a challenge -- I think it is right, though perhaps its content needs to be more reflective. Prayer -- liturgical and personal -- must be at the heart of our rootedness and of our community. But more of our liturgical life later in the year!

I intend to build in more time for reading and reflection in my daily and weekly schedule. I have read a lot -- some novels, a couple of biographies, as well as some theological and spiritual works. I have found it very rewarding.

I intend to spend more time with "non-churchy" aspects of life. I have thoroughly enjoyed the chance to do some "cultural" things -- attend concerts, theater, and the cinema -- a wonderful variety of exhibits ranging from Flemish Renaissance illustrated manuscripts to "the Gothic" to Botticelli to the Pre-Raphaelites to Turner to Picasso! And all at a leisurely pace!

So the use of time and the pacing of life will be a focus and an effort for me to effect change. You will surely notice in my/our schedules. I hope you will also notice an improvement in personality!

Back to places. Revisiting influential places in one's life is important -- part of the roots. I have known and loved London since I was 8 or 9 years old, and St. Paul's Cathedral Choir School was home for 4 or 5 years, starting when I was 9. Fr. Martin Warner, formerly the Administrator at Walsingham is now a Canon at St. Paul's. It was wonderful to spend an evening with him and to say of his home that "the first time I was in this house was Christmas 1962 when Bishop J.W.C. Wand lived here"! I sat in the chair and was flooded with memories, especially when it became clear that one of the very young and tiny probationers needed to go to the bathroom during Evensong one day! I was reminded of my only "liturgical faint" in the very same spot 40 years ago!

I didn't make it to Canterbury, but I was able to spend some time at Oxford. It was there that my faith began to be shaped and my vocation to Holy Orders began to emerge, albeit reluctantly. I spent a few days, including a Sunday, at Pusey House -- memories again, of Sunday Mass there -- though more modern in my day than it is now! Of making my first confession in the beautiful little chapel, where I also served the odd weekday Mass. The university was "up" as we say there, and I looked at undergraduates and wondered if I had been like them! A couple of days as the guest of the Chaplain at Merton College, Oxford, where I was privileged to stay in the lovely Fellows' guest suite and dine next to the Warden -- a Professor and a Dame -- at high table and experience college life "from the other side." I visited old haunts -- my old college, of course, and pubs, and the sublime worship of Magdalen College and Christ Church -- and familiar walks -- Christ Church meadows and Addison's Walk. Much of it all haunted in a rather lively way by the "ghosts" of mentors now dead -- Fr. Cheslyn Jones, J.N.D. Kelly, and Michael and Joan Ramsey who ended their days at Cowley. All part of the matrix, part of the roots, for all of which I am more than ever grateful and blessed immeasurably.

Perhaps that is enough for now. I shall continue to write and speak of this time of refreshment and renewal -- I want to tell of my time at Holy Trinity, Sloane Street, and the work I have been involved in at the Trinity Institute for Christianity and Culture; of the ordination of Nadim Nassar; of all the places I worshipped in; and of my liturgical observations and plans! Of my inspiring day with the founder and superior of the Monastic Communities of Jerusalem at St. Gervais in Paris -- and so much more.

January schedule
Now to the month at hand!

January 1st is the Feast of the Holy Name -- a feast of Our Lord, even though largely ignored by those who have reveled the night before in more secular celebrations. January 4th is Christmas Lessons and Carols at 6:00 PM. January 6th is the great feast of the Epiphany -- ignored at our peril as it draws to a powerful conclusion the full implications of the Nativity of Our Lord. Bishop Bartlett, Assisting Bishop of Washington, will make an official visitation to St. Paul's on Sunday, January 25, for the 11:15 AM Mass, where he will preside and preach.

The following week I shall be heading the clergy retreat for the Diocese of Fort Worth, Texas. Bishop Jack Iker invited me to do this right after I returned last year from doing the same thing for the Diocese of Louisiana. The timing was such that I took it to be a sign that I should say "yes"! I shall return in time to attend our annual Diocesan Convention on Friday, January 30, and Saturday, January 31. Our lay delegates are Richard A. Best, Jr., Alfred L. Toombs, David McGaw and Marcia Stanford, and the alternates are Arnitta J. Coley, R. Allen Payne, and Dorothy W. Spaulding.

By way of advance notice, please mark your calendars for the beautiful feast of Candlemas on Monday, February 2. For many years, we have invited a bishop to preside and preach at the principal Mass at 6:30 PM on that day. Last year, I invited the Right Rev'd Rodney Michel, the Suffragan Bishop of Long Island, to be with us in 2004, and so he will. It will not be his first visit to St. Paul's, and I know you will enjoy hearing him and welcoming him.

This has been too long -- but I have so much I want to tell you! More in the next thrilling edition!

I return renewed, refreshed, relaxed, and looking forward immensely to our continued growth together as a "Community of Love" and a "Community of Prayer." (More next month on that reference!)

With my gratitude to all who made my leave possible, with excitement about the year ahead, and with my love in Christ,

Andrew Sloane+

New Parishioner Profile
Stephanie Chesson

Stephanie Chesson grew up in Jacksonville, Florida, and first became familiar with the Episcopal Church while attending Episcopal High School of Jacksonville. After graduating from the University of Florida in 1992, she traveled to Europe and Africa before settling into a professional career in the telecommunications industry.

Stephanie moved to Washington, D.C., from Atlanta in 1997. After moving to Foggy Bottom the following year, Stephanie wandered into Evensong and through the beauty of the music and reverence of the services immediately felt drawn to St. Paul's. She is a member of this year's Pilgrims in Christ class and appreciates the strength and support offered through the community of St. Paul's.

Stephanie lives in Snows Court with her cat, Tobias, and dog, Little Girl. She is co-chair of Capital Women Build, an initiative of Habitat for Humanity, and is the director of business development for OneVoice Communications, a telecommunications company.

When not working or volunteering, Stephanie spends her time reading, hiking, traveling, and keeping in touch with friends. She attends the 11:15 Mass. [EB]

Dorothy Spaulding Receives Honorary Doctorate
from Nashotah House Seminary

Dorothy Spaulding recently received an honorary doctorate from Nashotah House. In addition to being a former member of the board of Nashotah, she has spent countless hours as a volunteer cataloguer in the Nashotah library. Reproduced below is the Honorary Degree Citation from Nashotah.

Honorary Degree Citation: Dorothy Anne Wollon Spaulding
Faithfulness is the word that comes to mind when describing the lady whom Nashotah House honors today. Dorothy Spaulding has led an exemplary life of faithfulness to the Catholic faith of the Anglican Communion within the Episcopal Church, whether in the great or small things of life.

Dorothy Anne Wollon Spaulding received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of William and Mary, majoring in American history. She then studied for two graduate degrees, Master of Science in Library Science from the Catholic University of America, and Master of Arts in English history from Georgetown University. Thereafter she worked as a cataloguer for the Library of Congress, the State Department Library, and the Commerce Department Library in Washington, D.C. She married her husband Wallace, whose career was with the Central Intelligence Agency, including 18 months in Vietnam. In 1961, Dorothy stopped her work outside the home for a decade to raise her young daughter and son; she returned to library work for three major law firms in Washington -- Arnold and Porter, Williams and Connally, and Covington and Burling.

During all this time as wife, housekeeper, mother, and law librarian, Mrs. Spaulding was very active in the Anglo-Catholic movement in the Episcopal Church, and most especially in her beloved parish of St. Paul's Church, K Street, in Washington, where she has been a Vestry member and the Directress of the Altar Guild for several terms each, and has performed many other volunteer tasks, including the counting of the plate offerings and the folding of leaflets and parish publications. She wrote the parish history of St. Paul's in 1967.

At the same time, Mrs. Spaulding has been active, indeed an identifying and reassuring presence, in organizations expressing orthodoxy in the Church, including the old American Church Union, the Coalition for the Apostolic Ministry, the Evangelical and Catholic Mission, the Episcopal Synod of America, and Forward in Faith. Always, she could be counted on to be an intelligent and steadfast witness for keeping the faith within the Episcopal Church, always resisting calls for separation and withdrawal. She has been well known as a writer on the disputes and controversies of the day. Her letters have been welcome for their clarity and orthodoxy, while at same time for their freedom from the bitterness and vituperation that often mar the writing of those engaged in theological debates.

Mrs. Spaulding has been the friend of many clergy, and it is not too much to say that she has been an encouraging and calming influence on many through her persevering fidelity to Christ and his Church. She has blessed the Board of Nashotah House by her membership from 1994 to 2000, and it is so characteristic of her that she been at the House for the last month (a gift she has given twice a year for the past five years) volunteering as a cataloguer of our library, having catalogued, thus far, more than 11,000 books. Nashotah House is pleased and proud to award to Dorothy Anne Wollon Spaulding the Degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa.

St. Paul's Book Studies Stimulate the Intellect, Friendships

St. Paul's robust intellectual and spiritual life includes several book study groups. Participants say such groups provide a great forum in which to discuss theology, in addition to serving up some entertaining conversation!

About two years ago a number of parishioners, led by Ken Simmons, formed the religion/science book study. A motley crew of about 10 people continues to meet every Tuesday afternoon from 5:00 to 6:00 PM in the Common Room to delve into ideas of science and theology.

The group has discussed a number of books, each written by a scientist who became a theologian later in life. The group works together to select books, and members take turns leading the discussion.

"It's one of the most exciting things happening in the parish, other than the liturgy," said Bill Ryon, a member of the book study. Ryon said the diversity of the group and its discussions are particularly exciting, as well as the nature of the subject and material.

Ryon said the study has helped him learn more about science and the Lord. "Does science have a place for religion, and AM I better able to understand my God through study of the science of God's creation?" he asked.

The group formed with the intention of learning more about God's truth by examining how it is revealed in the two paradigms of faith and observed repeatable data.

This fall, the group has been studying The Work of Love: Creation as Kenosis, a book comprising essays by scientists and theologians about God's role in our creation.

The leader sends out an e-mail prior to the meeting with questions for discussion, which often include probes into the relation of a concept in the book to Anglicanism or individual beliefs.

The group will likely wrap up its current study soon, so new members can get in on the ground floor with the next book. But regardless, the discussion group is open to anyone who would like to come.

And on Wednesday mornings
Another of St. Paul's book study groups meets on Wednesday mornings. The early morning book group has been a part of parish life for over 15 years. Each Wednesday morning after the 7:00 AM Mass, about five parishioners gather in the Common Room for breakfast and discussion (and, of course, coffee).

The group, which is currently in the waning weeks of its consideration of Mary for All Christians, has studied books ranging from Christian classics to contemporary works. At one point, they even went through the entire Psalter, spending a year and a half to consider it one psalm at a time.

Group members take turns leading the discussion and bringing items like bagels, hard boiled eggs, and fruit to share for breakfast. Group members discuss, challenge, laugh, and fraternize.

And they wrap up each week by 8:25 AM.

You are invited to join either group or just drop by one morning or evening. [AF]

On the Epiphany

For the unwonted splendour of a bright new star appeared to the wise men and filled their mind with such wonder, as they gazed upon its brilliance, that they could not think they ought to neglect what was announced to them with such distinctness. And, as the event showed, the grace of God was the disposing cause of this wondrous thing: who when the whole of Bethlehem itself was still unaware of Christ's birth, brought it to the knowledge of the nations who would believe, and declared that which human words could not yet explain, through the preaching of the heavens.

Leo I, Sermon on the Feast of the Epiphany (5th cent.)

Parishioners Need Your Help

A rapidly growing number of parishioners, especially those who live alone, have requested the help of their parish community. Many of them need rides to church, others need help getting to and from doctor's appointments, others need help with groceries or having other small errands run. There are others with poor vision who cannot see well enough at night to come to special services, who would love someone to bring them and take them home.

There are others living within walking distance of St. Paul's who also need help, especially in the harsh winter weather when sidewalks and streets are slippery and difficult to manage. Then there are those recovering from an illness or hospitalization who need help on a one-time basis. If enough persons were to volunteer their help, no one would be overburdened. "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few" is just as true today as it was in Jesus' time.

As you look ahead to a new year and wish to do something meaningful for your neighbor, there are numerous possibilities available right here in the parish. If you are able to give of your time -- once a week, once a month, once a season, on Sundays or on weekdays, for a special occasion, or on an on-call basis -- your help would be greatly appreciated and would show that we are indeed a caring community.

Many of you are not able to schedule something on a regular basis, but parishioners have said, "Even if you called the night before and offered, I would be ready." If you live in or near any of the following ZIP codes, please call the , Jean Litwin, at 703-790-1715, or e-mail JeanLitwin@aol.com. Someone is waiting for you to care. ZIP codes: 20005, 20008, 20015, 20037, 20721, 20817, 20906, 20910, 22041, 22311. [JL]

Feast Days in January

The Holy Name of Jesus
Thursday, January 1
7:45 AM Morning Prayer
8:00 AM Low Mass
11:00 AM Sung Mass
5:30 PM Our Lady of Walsingham Devotions
5:45 PM Evening Prayer
6:00 PM Low Mass

Second Sunday after Christmas Day
Sunday, January 4
7:30 AM Morning Prayer
7:45 AM Low Mass
9:00 AM Sung Mass
11:15 AM Solemn Mass
6:00 PM Festival of Christmas Lessons and Carols
The Choristers and Gentlemen

The Epiphany of Our Lord Jesus Christ
Tuesday, January 6
6:45 AM Morning Prayer
7:00 AM Low Mass
Noon Low Mass
5:30 PM Our Lady of Walsingham Devotions
5:45 PM Evening Prayer
6:30 PM Procession and Solemn Mass
Fr. Andrew Sloane, Preacher
Followed by a reception in the Dining Hall

Confession of St. Peter
Monday, January 19 (transferred)
6:45 AM Morning Prayer
7:00 AM Low Mass
Noon Low Mass
5:30 PM Our Lady of Walsingham Devotions
5:45 PM Evening Prayer
6:00 PM Low Mass

Conversion of St. Paul
Sunday, January 25
7:30 AM Morning Prayer
7:45 AM Low Mass
9:00 AM Procession and Sung Mass
11:15 AM Procession and Solemn Pontifical Mass
The Rt. Rev'd Allen Bartlett, Celebrating and Preaching
6:00 PM Solemn Evensong and Benediction

Candlemas
Monday, February 2
6:43 AM Morning Prayer
7:00 AM Low Mass
Noon Low Mass
5:30 PM Our Lady of Walsingham Devotions
5:45 PM Evening Prayer
6:30 PM Blessing of Candles, Procession of Lights, and Solemn Pontifical Mass
The Rt. Rev'd Rodney Michel, Suffragan Bishop of Long Island, Presiding and Preaching

January Birthdays

1 James Patterson; Ranell Schlatter
3 David Chase
4 Dorothy Mills Parker
6 Liz Ryon; Ty'Shawn Shoemaker
9 Daniel Nevius
10 Jeanne Smith; Atlee Shidler
11 Violet Mandell; Peter Agnew
12 Gary Fischer
14 Ed Loucks; Ernest L. Latham, III
15 Carol Niswander
16 Mary Davis
17 Henry Holst, Jr.; Richard Best, Jr.; Shanu Okwesa
20 David McGaw; William Heron
21 John Crane
22 Lawrence Elliott
23 William Starrett, Jr.
24 William O'Brien
25 Margaret Haynes; Thomas Shoesmith
26 William Dame, IV
27 Andrew Darmstadter
28 David Parker
29 Harry Green
30 Guy Korsgen
31 Bobbie Thorberg

If you have a January birthday that was not included, or if there are any mistakes, please contact the parish office. [MW]

Parish Statistics
Transferred In: C. "Bruno" Dalgren from St. John's, Huntingdon, Penn.

The Epistle
A monthly publication of St. Paul's Parish
K Street -- Washington, D.C.

Editors Christine Nevius, Alistair Nevius
Assistant Editor Allison Freeman
Desktop Publisher John Walker
Contributors Elisabeth Braw, Jean Litwin, Andrew Sloane+ Melva Willis

Submissions Invited
We welcome the submission of articles, comments, and suggestions. Manuscripts and correspondence can be dropped off at the church office or e-mailed to the editors at nevius@erols.com. Electronic manuscripts are preferred. Articles accepted for the Epistle are subject to editorial revision.

SAINT PAUL'S PARISH
2430 K Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20037-1797
phone 202-337-2020
fax 202-337-7418
e-mail info@StPauls-Kst.com
Web www.StPauls-Kst.com

St Paul's Parish Staff
The Rev'd Andrew Sloane, Rector
The Rev'd Edwin Barnett, Assistant
Dr Jeffrey Smith, Director of Music
Thomas Joyce, Assistant to the Director of Music
Melva Willis, Parish Administrator
Suzanne Walker-Smith, Administrative Assistant
Frederick Murdock, III, Maintenance Manager

The Vestry
The Rev'd Andrew Sloane, Rector
Larry Toombs, Senior Warden
Pat Byrd, Junior Warden
Gregory Capaldini, Secretary
Lynne Walker, Treasurer
Peter Agnew, Ed Loucks; Kenwin Benn, Larry Cook, David McGaw, Marcia Stanford; David Chase, Jeremiah deMichaelis, Cynthia Efird, Phil Schlatter.

Our Mission
St. Paul's Parish seeks to restore all people to God and to each other, through Sacramental Worship and Christlike lives.

Deadline for next issue:
Monday, December 8