St. Paul's is an affirming, inclusive community that seeks to ensure that all people know they are valid, they are valued, and they are loved. The congregation at St. Paul's has been working diligently over the years to build relationships with the wider community including the Food banks in Essex (through our clothing cupboard), Community Living Essex, and the 2SLGBTQIA+ Community.
Interested in what is happening now? Check out our Lent/Easter Newsletter.
In worship at St. Paul's:
We embrace the joyful sounds of children and those who are neurodivergent. We have colouring pages, books, fidget toys, and other toys for those who need to be busy, trusting that listening happens and each participates in their own ways. Creative individuals are welcome to add their work to our art wall.
We offer a variety of shakers (percussion instruments) for those who like to play along with the music. There is an engagement time to provide space for the wisdom of young and young at heart.
While worship follows the Anglican tradition and typically includes scripture, reflection, prayers, music, and Communion, we incorporate themes that honour special moments throughout the year and offer alternative worship opportunities such as wonky worship, traditional Sundays, and pick a hymn services. Watch our events section to find out what is coming up soon.
When we say 'all are welcome' we mean we will do our best to create a space where everyone feels safe, affirmed, and included in worship and in all that we do.
Technology is a powerful resource that can connect in meaningful ways and create spaces for individuals to engage in their own time. Recognising that people have diverse needs, we offer diverse resources. This includes online resources available like our online videos available through our website and social media. Church, faith, prayer, these don't solely happen Sunday mornings. These can happen throughout the week. We seek to create spaces and resources to support individuals in their faith journeys 24-7.
September 1st through Thanksgiving weekend, St. Paul's celebrates the Season of Creation, a time when we reflect on the gifts of Creation and our relationship to the more than human world. This year's theme is "Living Water". Throughout this time we will focus on how water connects to our senses - smell, sight, sound, touch, and taste - and what our senses teach us about our relationship to water, to Creation, to each other, and to God. How can we improve our relationships so that these are more respectful, more reciprocal, more sustainable?
Folks are encouraged to collect water as they journey this summer and bring it to worship during the Season of Creation. This water will be used when we renew our Baptismal commitments on Thanksgiving weekend.
Come, and explore Living Water with us during the Season of Creation this Fall, Sundays at 11am. Watch for videos about this journey on our Facebook page.
St. Paul's cherishes the gifts of all participants. We believe that there is wisdom present not only in the one guiding worship and leading the preaching. There is wisdom in the congregation.
Consequently, sermons often include opportunities for conversations and sharing of wisdom. There are questions offered as invitations for sharing. This happens during sermon series and throughout the year. Thoughts, ideas, and questions are always welcomed. We learn from and are encouraged by one another.
Come and explore together. Who knows what we might discover?
Sermons
Read the latest sermons from St. Paul's
Events
Mark your calendars for these great events coming up.
