At our recent Annual Meeting, some were reporting, some were voting, some were building!

February 10, 2026

Here are some Updates from St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Hamilton, MT:

Migration with Dignity Sunday will be honored this week on Sunday February 15th. The 81st General Convention of the Episcopal Church in 2024 adopted the framework for Migration with Dignity, encouraging all churches to honor this day during the season of Epiphany. This last fall our own diocese passed a resolution to support Migration with Dignity, as a time to lift up the church’s commitment to immigrant justice and to pray for all who journey in search of safety, opportunity, and hope.

Worship Time. At our recent Annual Meeting we began a discussion about a potential change to our worship time. Some have suggested that a later worship time, 10 am or 10:30 am, may make attendance at worship easier for some of our elders. We discussed pros and cons. We discussed sticking with 9:30 for a summer worship time, but potentially moving worship back during the school year. Please reach out and share your thoughts about this potential change here. We are not yet ready to make a change. We are currently seeking your feedback.

Shrove Tuesday (also known as the Pancake Supper or Fat Tuesday). Gather in the church basement starting any time between 5 and 7 pm for pancakes and sausage as we clear out the fat and bring an end to ordinary time, getting ready for the season of Lent. Bring your friends and neighbors. We want to pack the house as we have fun and celebrate Mardi Gras as well! Please pick up a flier about this event on Sunday and share with the broader community.

Here’s what’s happening in Lent:

Daily Lenten Devotion Cards are available in the narthex this Sunday. The cards, designed specifically for each day of Lent, pose a reflection question, a mantra, and a prayer. Use them for personal meditation, as a tool for journaling, or as a method to focus your prayer life. Take a stack home and read a card a day during Lent. These cards are free, though if you have a great desire to support the purchase of these cards donations of $3 will be gladly accepted.

Ash Wednesday is February 18th. We will have a service at noon with the imposition of ashes. Plan now to set aside the season of Lent for reflection on your life of faith.

Ecumenical Lenten Lunches are returning this year as we collaborate with five area churches on Wednesdays at noon to share soup and a Lenten study. We will read N.T. Wright’s book, From Wilderness to Glory. Copies are available in the narthex for $15. Lunch will be served on:

Wed. Feb. 25 at Faith Lutheran, 171 Lewis Lane, Hamilton

Wed. March 4 at St. Paul’s Episcopal, 600 S 3rd St., Hamilton

Wed. March 11 at First Presbyterian Church, 1220 W Main St., Hamilton

Wed. March 18 at United Methodist American Baptist Federated Church, 211 6th St., Hamilton

Wed. March 25 at Corvallis United Methodist Church 356 Corvallis Cemetery Rd, Corvallis

Pocket Altar Workshop. Join Reverend Gretchen and her friend Connie Gerke (from Holy Spirit in Missoula) for a morning workshop on Saturday March 7th from 9 – 12 in the church basement to create your own pocket altar. Participants will view examples and craft their own mini-altar to serve as a personal touchstone during this Lenten season. A pocket altar is often made out of fabric, felt, leather or even paper. Its foldable nature makes it easy to take along. You can tuck it into your pocket, bag, or purse for moments when you need grounding, support, or connection. Take time to make a meaningful tool to center yourself and listen for the Holy all the while. All supplies will be provided. Feel free to bring images, pictures or mementos that have special significance to you. We will finish the workshop by sharing a simple lunch of soup and bread. Want to see some samples? Google pocket altar. Please let Rev. Gretchen know here you’ll be attending so we can plan to have enough supplies.

Baptism is happening on Easter Sunday, April 5th. If you are interested in being baptized please reach out to Rev. Gretchen.

Convention Delegates: We elected Teysha Vinson and Ruth Anne Wilson-Jones as our Convention delegates. Barry Mills and Barbara Olin will serve as alternates.

Quiet Prayer at Church: St. Paul’s is open from 7-9 am Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday each week for quiet prayer. You are welcome to come and soak in the stillness. Leave prayer requests in the prayer box at the front door. Check the prayer box yourself for the prayers others have shared and fold those needs into your own prayer practice. Step into this time of mutual prayer support and be strengthened.

Send ema

Rev. Gretchen ‘s schedule: She is here every other Sunday and EVERY Monday. She works remotely for St. Paul’s on Tuesdays. 

Next Holy Eucharist Days: February 15, March 1, March 15, March 29

The church office is open on the following Mondays: Feb16, 23, March 2, 9