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  3290 Loma Vista Road, Ventura, CA 93003  ·   (805) 643-5033  ·      

St. Paul's Episcopal Church
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Coronavirus/COVID-19

St. Paul's During the COVID-19 Pandemic

In the beginning...

Like everyone else, the people of St. Paul's were surprised by the rapid spread of COVID-19 which quickly became a world-wide pandemic. In March of 2020, stay at home orders were issued and we were required to close the sanctuary. The church was empty, but our hearts were full. We continued to love our neighbors, pray for those in need, and provide food for the hungry. We found new ways to worship and supported each other in every way we could think of.

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We were disappointed and overwhelmed when we realized that we could not be together for Easter that year. We had hoped the isolation would only last a few weeks. Little did we know that we would be apart the following Easter as well. It was not until June of 2021 that we were able to welcome in-person worshippers back in the sanctuary. Still, we kept our spirits up remembering that all of the sacrifices we made were out of LOVE for our neighbors.

Here is an excerpt of the sermon the first Sunday we were apart. In it, Rev. Susan prayed,

"May the only thing we spread to one another this week be this amazing, abundant, radiant, life-giving, sin-forgiving, and joy-sustaining love.

Love seeks the good and welfare of others. Jesus went to the cross for the wellbeing of others. He did it to show what love looks like. Our empty church is what love looks like today. God so loved the world that he gave his only son that everyone who believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16) We, the congregation of St. Paul’s, Ventura, so love the world that we have given up gathering for worship. We have sacrificed a lot. Let us offer to God, on behalf of our neighbors, this sacrifice. This is a new Lenten commitment for us – not gathering. May our not gathering be a disciplined labor or love.

These are interesting times. Today, our empty church is what love looks like. Today, people sitting faithfully in front of their screens, worshiping God online instead of going to church, is what love looks like. Today, neighbors sharing what they have and giving up some hand sanitizer or toilet paper to someone in need is what love looks like.

We think not just of ourselves but of our neighbors, especially those who are most vulnerable. Realizing that our choices effect our brothers and sisters, we have no choice but to take these precautions."

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While we were apart, two production teams came together to produce online services. Some of our services were recorded in the church and livestreamed through Facebook, YouTube and our website. Other services were recorded on a platform called Zoom and fully edited. For these we could add recorded music and edit beautiful images to go along with the services. To keep from overwhelming our staff and volunteers, we rotated the type of service every other week.

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Families found this time particularly challenging so we sent Family Fun Activity Packages with Sunday School lessons and ideas of fun and engaging projects for families along with all the supplies needed to use them.


The Return from Exilewelcom_510

When we were first able to welcome worshippers back into the sanctuary, we developed new safety protocols and carefully marked off every other pew. Seating Coordinators helped check people in for services and assigned them seats so that distance could be maintained. Masks were worn, and no singing was allowed. Eucharist was offered in one kind only, the bread. It was nearly one year later before we could begin to offer wine with Eucharist again.

Still, people were thrilled to be together in our church again. Those who were not comfortable with in-person worship watched from home and enjoyed the online services.

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Because of a generous bequest left by a faithful, long-time member of the congregation, Judy MacGregor, a video production project was funded and we began purchasing equipment that would dramatically improve the quality of our online services. Several new cameras were added and a production desk set up in the side chapel where services could be recorded and livestreamed.

img-0365_149A Silver Lining

Even in times of adversity, God is always present and blessings abound. Though the pandemic has been hard on the church and our members, if you include the many people watching online each Sunday, our attendance has increased dramatically. It's wonderful to welcome newcomers both in person and online.

As the pandemic runs it's course and we enter new phases of it, we continue to offer prayers for our members, our community and the world. Of course we are also praying for everyone in our community! If you need pastoral care or have prayer requests, please email or call and let us know by emailing us at [email protected]


Worship, Ministries and Streaming Resources

St. Paul's offers Sunday Services both In-Person and Online

Please note that out of love and concern for those among us who are at greatest risk, we ask that everyone attending Sunday services wears a mask in the sanctuary. We appreciate your cooperation. You are a living example of what LOVE looks like. Thank you!

Sunday Services begin at 10:15am and feature: inspiring scripture…
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Coronavirus/COVID-19 Worship, Ministries and Streaming Resources

St. Paul's Return to Physical Presence on Campus

Did you miss our Congregational Meeting last week via Zo...

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Newcomer & Visitor Form

Friday, 6/9 at 9:00 AM
ONLINE Women's Bible Study
Sunday, 6/11 at 10:15 AM
LIVESTREAM & In-Person Sunday Service
Sunday, 6/11 at 10:15 AM
Sunday Worship Service
Sunday, 6/11 at 11:30 AM
Coffee Hour
Sunday, 6/11 at 11:30 AM
Fair Trade Sales
Sunday, 6/11 at 7:00 PM
Sunday Night AA Group - Scott
Monday, 6/12 at 8:00 PM
AA Meeting (Monday Eastend Group)
Tuesday, 6/13 at 11:00 AM
Pastoral Care Team

ONLINE Women's Bible Study

Friday, June 9, 9:00 AM - 10:45 AM

Friday MorningWomen’s Bible Study

When& Where: Fridaymornings at 9am via Zoom

HowOften: Weekly           Leader: SuzanneMcCombs


We meet each week for study and fellowship. We alternate between studies focused on a specific book of thebible and books by Christian authors focused on enhancing our relationship withJesus Christ and our fellow Christians. Some studies include a video accompaniment, but not all. We welcome new members and include women of faith from our greater Ventura community.


For Zoom information, please contact the Church Office - [email protected]



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LIVESTREAM & In-Person Sunday Service

Sunday, June 11, 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM


After over 130 years in Ventura, St. Paul’s has continued to keep the faith by bringing glory to God and benefit to all people. We are a friendly and inviting community. This is a place to worship, celebrate, explore, question and grow. We celebrate our unity in Christ while honoring our differences, always putting the work of love before uniformity of opinion. All are welcome to find a spiritual home here. The fact that we have different opinions makes our discussions all the more interesting. We strive to love our neighbors as ourselves and respect the dignity of every person.

On Sundays you will find traditional worship anchored in an ancient faith, dynamic preaching connecting that faith with our lives today and a call to serve as the Light of Christ to a world in need.

We reserve a section of our sanctuary for social distancing. Reservations are encouraged for this section and you are asked to arrive by 10am to be seated in this section. You can call or email us to make a reservation. [email protected] 805 643-5033

For those who meet the CDC guidelines to forego social distancing, open seating is available. No reservation is needed for open seating. Please arrive by 10am to get seated and ready before the service begins at 10:15am and is livestreamed online.

All are welcome! 

You can watch the service online at:
 https://www.facebook.com/saintpaulsventura/ 
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUxBGEfq4JhEPqjz07hbpVg
 www.saintpaulsventura.org


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Sunday Worship Service

Sunday, June 11, 10:15 AM - 11:30 AM

All are welcome to attend services in-person. We would love to meet you!

We also livestream our services. You can watch online by clicking on any of these links:
FACEBOOK www.Facebook.com/saintpaulsventura
YOUTUBE www.YouTube.com/stpaulsventura
ST. PAUL'S WEBSITE www.SaintPaulsVentura.org/live
 
We look forward to having you join us!


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Coffee Hour

Sunday, June 11, 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

We invite you to join us in Kahler Hall (justdown the stairs) for a cup of coffee, tea, or water and the chance to sit andchat with one another. In the church, we call this fellowship. It’s one of ourfavorite parts of being on this journey of faith together. So, when you’reavailable, please plan to join us. 



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Fair Trade Sales

Sunday, June 11, 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Click here to view on Google Calendar.

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Sunday Night AA Group - Scott

Sunday, June 11, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Click here to view on Google Calendar.

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AA Meeting (Monday Eastend Group)

Monday, June 12, 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Click here to view on Google Calendar.

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Pastoral Care Team

Tuesday, June 13, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

The Pastoral CareTeam gathers monthly to review the needs of the community and offer our prayersand support for all who suffer in mind, body and spirit. Special prayers are lifted for those who are traveling, facing challenges or serving as caregivers.We support the people of St. Paul's through times of sorrow and fear, and we celebrate together during times of thanksgiving and rejoicing. If you have aprayer request or need a word of encouragement, contact us through the church office. We'll be praying for you! For information about joining this ministry or to submit a prayer request, please contact the Church Office - [email protected]

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© 2023 St. Paul's Episcopal Church
3290 Loma Vista Road · Ventura, CA 93003
(805) 643-5033
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Service Times

SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES

  • Holy Eucharist, 10:15 a.m.
    Book of Common Prayer Rite II Service accompanied by vocal choir and organ music

SUNDAY YOUTH PROGRAMS

  • Children over 2 meet outside on the patio at 10:15 a.m. for fun, fellowship, and the chance to learn and grow in the knowledge and love of God. Our program is mostly outside and has carefully crafted protocols. Children must be willing to wear a mask to participate. They join the congregation at the Peace for Eucharist.

WEDNESDAY

  • Healing Service, 9 a.m.
    Intimate, Intercessory Prayer Healing Service held over Zoom. Join our email newsletter or email [email protected] for the link.

Location

St. Paul's Episcopal Church
3290 Loma Vista Road
Ventura, CA 93003

Contact Us
(805) 643-5033

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Sunday Worship Live Stream

Join us Sunday at 10:15 AM for worship! Bookmark the link below, or click now to visit:

Sunday Live Worship