A Time of Transitions

Dear PJs community,

This week, we are highlighting exciting things coming up at St. PJs as we think about transitioning to a new church season, and lean into the transition we are undergoing as a parish. We are looking forward to our Mardi Gras celebration, which will wrap up the season of Epiphany and bring us into Lent, which will be a time to reflect on who we are as a parish and as Episcopalians today!
Transitions
The tastes of Louisiana gumbo with pulled chicken, and andouille sausage, New Orleans Jambalaya with shrimp, chicken and andouille sausage, mac and cheese, and cornbread. The sounds of the St. PJs “Second Line” band, and dancing to the beat. The sights of colorful beads, magical masks, and costumes! All of our senses firing on all cylinders! It is a Fat Tuesday Celebration. Tuesday, March 1st at 6:30pm. A live stream, Zoom celebration with our very own Jazz Band!
Transitions
On Wednesday, March 2nd at 7:30pm, we begin our season of Lent with our Ash Wednesday service, including the imposition of ashes. It is the beginning of our journey with Jesus. A time before Easter to pray and meditate, abstain and fast from excessiveness, read scripture, the Daily Office, deepen faith by attending Sunday worship, and join our “Episcopal Q & A.” This is a new series we are starting during Lent after the Sunday service, where folks gather who want to discuss questions such as these and more: What is the Episcopal church? Who are Episcopalians? Why do we do what we do? Who are we here at St. PJs? Please join us for the first session on Sunday March 6th in the Sanctuary after the 10:30 am service.
Transitions
According to the Episcopal Church in Connecticut, “a Parish…in the new missional age is a community where our hearts and minds are moved by God’s presence…where our stories connect with God’s story in Holy Scripture, and where we experience God’s grace in baptism and Eucharist; where people are sent by the Holy Spirit into the world to join God’s work of restoration and reconciliation.” Does that describe St PJ’s to you? Would you add something else, take something out?

Our congregation is being asked to define who we are and how we see ourselves participating in God’s mission, as we continue the transition process of hiring a new Priest-in-Charge. The Vestry has started on this journey in our conversations with the Bishop, the Diocesan Transition Minister, and the Canon for Mission Finance and Operations. The next step will be to gather as a Parish to share and explore who we are as a community in this “new missional age.” This date of this gathering will be announced soon. Stay tuned! Ultimately, this self-reflection will be shared on our updated website and beyond so that potential priest candidates can understand this wonderful and spirit filled home we call “St. PJ’s”!

Blessings and peace,

Brian Fillmore and Claire Cody, co-wardens