Lent 2023 | St. Paul's Episcopal Church

“Yet even now, says the Lord, return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; rend your hearts and not your clothing.”

– Joel 2:12-13a

We, as Christians, are invited “to the observance of a holy Lent, by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and meditating on God's holy Word” (BCP, p. 265).

There are many ways to do this and we hope that you will find the ways that are most meaningful for the spaces and places in your life that are longing for return with all your heart - to God, to community, to self.

Below you'll find information and resources on programs (both at St. Paul's and in other places) to help you journey through Lent toward Easter with a hope in the resurrection that is sure to come.

Wild Hope: Weekly Lenten Connections

During the season of Lent, St. Paul's will be hosting weekly community gatherings & reflection based on stories from the book Wild Hope by Gayle Boss for all-ages! Each session will focus on o…

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Lent Lead Up

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Wild Hope: Weekly Lenten Connections

During the season of Lent, St. Paul's will be hosting weekly community gatherings & reflection based on stories from the book Wild Hope by Gayle Boss for all-ages! Each session will focus on one of the animals whose story is told in the book.

You can choose between joining together in-person on Sundays at 4:30 p.m. (followed by a potluck supper from 5:45-6:30)

February 2…

Share this page: Lent 2023

Whoever you are, wherever you come from, and wherever you’ve been, we welcome you. Whatever your race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, we celebrate you.

Whether you wonder what an “Episcopalian” is, or have been one since birth, there is a place for you here. In this place, there is room for your questions, your stories, your laughter, your doubt, your grief, and your most authentic self.

You’ll find kindred spirits here and people who think differently and still love you. We’re here for your spiritual shelter to help you on your journey. There is forgiveness here. And Grace. And Joy. And Love. And God.

You are welcome here. Come as you are.

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church is a dynamic and growing community located in Natick, a western suburb of Boston (also known as Metrowest). We are a diverse group of people, united by a common purpose: seeking to live out lives that respond wholeheartedly to the love that God has for us in Jesus Christ.

You do not have to be a member of the Episcopal Church to participate in worship and ministry at St. Paul’s.

We often gather for coffee after the 10:00 service in the first floor of the church.

We look forward to welcoming you! Please participate to whatever extent you feel comfortable.

Baptism. Communion. Marriage. Funerals. At these special times, we celebrate them as sacraments. According to the Book of Common Prayer, sacraments are "outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace, given by Christ as sure and certain means by which we receive that grace." We look forward to sharing with you in these special sacramental moments.

Our clergy and staff love and serve the people of our parish and our community. They help all to Welcome in Love, Worship with Joy, Grow in Faith, Work for Justice, Seek and Serve Christ in All Persons.

The vestry is comprised of nine members, three of whom are elected every three years to three-year terms. Additionally, there is a junior and senior warden, a treasurer and assistant treasurer, and a clerk. Vestry members provide leadership and guidance for all of our ministries.

Clergy & Staff Vestry Directory

We Episcopalians believe in a loving, liberating, and life-giving God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We believe in following the teachings of Jesus Christ, whose life, death, and resurrection saved the world. We have a legacy of inclusion, aspiring to tell and exemplify God’s love for every human being; women and men serve as bishops, priests, and deacons in our church. Laypeople and clergy cooperate as leaders at all levels of our church. Leadership is a gift from God, and can be expressed by all people in our church, regardless of sexual identity or orientation.

We believe that God loves you – no exceptions.

Thank you for your support of the mission and ministry of St. Paul's Episcopal Church.

You can make an online donation via ACH Bank Transfer, Credit/Debit Card or PayPal account by clicking the button below!

Please note, you may direct your contributions to a variety of funds through the online link.

Stewardship is about more than money. It’s about giving our time, talent and treasure to take care of the world that God has created for us. As God’s people we are stewards of creation. St. Paul’s receives no financial support from the Diocese. Our rector, staff and programming would not be possible without contributions from you.

Consider Stewardship as giving back to God that which God has already given to us.

Our campaign theme is More than Enough, and it comes from the end of Luke’s version of the feeding of the five-thousand. Responding to Jesus’ call, the gathered crowd turns their pockets inside out, shakes out their blankets, rummages through their parcels to find enough to take care of the needs of the community. And what do they realize? That by the miracle of faith and the action on Love, there was more than enough, an abundance of leftovers!

Every gift of wealth, works and wisdom goes toward our ministry and mission, and your gift is essential to us.

Find out more about our 2023 Stewardship campaign

Episcopal churches are self-funded. St. Paul’s relies on Stewardship pledges to fund nearly 80% of the operations of our church life.Your pledge allows the Vestry and Finance Committee to prepare a sound, realistic budget. Thank you for your commitment to St. Paul's. To learn more, visit our Stewardship page as well.

Make your Pledge Online

Altar flowers beautify the Church and are an excellent way to give in memory of, or in honor of a family member or a friend. Currently the cost of Altar flowers are $35 per vase. There are slots available for two vases per Sunday, except on Palm Sunday when there are only palms and on Easter and Christmas Eve when there are multiple donors. After the services, the flowers are given to those who are sick or shut-in, unless otherwise requested by the donor.

Sign up to Donate Altar Flowers