St. Paul's Church in Bergen

Pentecost & Neighborhood Party 2011

We kicked off the summer season with a huge party open to the neighborhood! At church we celebrated the baptism of Jules, then after church there was a cookout, a bounce house for the kids, crafts, karaoke, dance lessons, and lots of fun for everyone. Here are some pictures from the festivities!

Fr. Jon with Jules

The Robertson Family

Ladies in red - PENTECOST RED!


Our cooks

The Flea Market

Singing, dancing, and bouncing!

Visiting dignitaries

smart kids on a smart phone

2011 - Lent

Lent is a time for looking inward and evaluating our spiritual lives. At St. Paul's Church in Bergen, we take this seriously. You'll notice major changes in our weekly worship as we try to create space that is conducive to introspection.

Very often, Lent is a time for individuals to make a private confession with a priest. If you would like to do so, please email Fr. Jon at Jon@StPaulsJC.org to schedule an appointment.

During the season of Lent, mite boxes are available for alms-giving as a part of your daily devotion. You can pick up your mite box from the church at any time during Lent. Collections will be donated to Episcopal Relief and Development for the purpose of rebuilding The Episcopal Church in Haiti. For more information about where the money will go, CLICK HERE.

Special services during Lent:

     Ash Wednesday - Mass and imposition of ashes at 7:30 am and 7:30 pm.

   Palm Sunday - Mass and procession of palms at 8:00 am and 11:00 am.

     Maundy Thursday - Mass, Footwashing, and stripping the Altar at 7:00 pm.

     Good Friday - a solemn service of prayer at 7:00 pm.

     Easter Sunday - a Festival Eucharist at 11:00 am.

CLICK HERE for a brilliant article from Boston.com by the Rev. G. Jeffrey MacDonald, "Why Lent must rise again"

Watch our Presiding Bishop's Lenten Message to the church here:

Presiding Bishop Lent Message 2011 from The Episcopal Church on Vimeo.
The Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church, The Most Reverend Katharine Jefferts Schori, gives her annual Lent message.

The observance of Lent makes its way into secular media attention with this commentary by MSNBC's Martin Bashir

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

2011 - The Rhythm Monsters

The inaugural event for the

St. Paul's Music Education Program

was a HUGE success!

The concert was by The Rhythm Monsters, led by Robert Levin

with the Pyramyd Dancers, led by Mama Yaa

and Francis Jocky, Cameroonian Singer and Songwriter

(scroll down for video)

We had over 150 people at the concert and we raised over $1000 for the Kopeyia Ghana School Fund!

(click here to order a Rhythm Monsters CD and to learn about KGSF)

Position available: Director of Music & Organist

Director of Music & Organist

Overview

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Jersey City, NJ (Diocese of Newark) is a small, but growing and dynamic parish in an urban neighborhood setting. Located within walking distance of Journal Square, the parish has easy access to Manhattan on the PATH system and other public transportation throughout New Jersey. Additionally, there is off-street parking available at the church. The demographic makeup of the congregation is very diverse including a wide variety of ethnicities, ages, and economic positions. Our progressive parish has a traditional worship style that includes a variety of music styles. We regularly use the Hymnal 1982 and Lift Every Voice and Sing II, and other supplements occasionally. Our church has an historic 1922 Austin & Co. two manual organ (Opus 1086) and two pianos.

Position Description

The successful candidate will be responsible for the following:

· Leading congregational music in one service each Sunday and additional services as negotiated throughout the year

· Rehearsing and leading the choir during the program year

· Rehearsing and leading the children’s choir

· Building relationships to encourage the growth of the choirs and music program

· Arranging for special music at Christmas and Easter

· Recruiting and supervising paid section leaders

· Serving as administrator of the St. Paul’s Music Education Program

· Working with the priest in planning liturgical seasons and liturgies

· Participating in weekly staff meetings

· Sharing in the education and training of parish intern(s)

Work Requirements & Compensation

This is a part-time position estimated at 8-12 hours per week. Compensation is $12,000-$15,000 per year, and includes four weeks paid vacation. Additional time off for continuing education may be negotiated. The position reports directly to the priest.

Interested?

Please send your résumé, cover letter, and any questions you may have to the Rev. Jon M. Richardson at Jon@StPaulsJC.org. Email submission is preferred, but materials may be submitted by mail or fax (info below).