Join us on Sunday to celebrate Rev. Alana’s appointment as Co-Archdeacon.                                            

August 12, 2026

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

This Sunday August 16th join us for our Annual Healing Service. Healing prayer stations will be offered during the worship service as together we seek God’s life-giving wholeness, health and reconciliation in our lives.

Also this Sunday Celebrate Rev. Deacon Alana Cruse’s appointment as Co-Archdeacon of the diocese. We will share special prayers for Rev. Alana in her new undertaking as Co-Archdeacon and after worship we’ll have cake downstairs to celebrate her new role. Proud? Are we proud of her or what? Join us in the celebration on Sunday!

Sunday August 23 bring a dish to share and join your church family for Breakfast Church in the basement as we discuss the Scriptures of the day.

Sunday August 31st we’ll have worship on the grounds at the Daly Mansion. We’ll set up just south of the big tent. Worship is at 10 am to give you a little extra time to find us. Bring a folding chair and a potluck dish to share and your own table service. After worship we’ll have a potluck lunch and celebrate Bobbi Weyl’s 95th birthday!

Seeking your feedback. The Vestry is discerning God’s call to St. Paul’s. We have been gathering information about the stresses and struggles faced within our Hamilton community. We’ve heard about these concerns: mental illness, addiction, loneliness, cost of housing, healthcare concerns, food insecurity, intolerance of difference, and lack of support for children and schools. Please reach out to one of the Vestry members and share which of these concerns weighs heaviest on your heart.

Vestry Members:

Clay Cruse 406-381-0113 or email here

Allie Tossberg 602-770-4686 or email here

Marion Dial 406-360-8256 or email here

Woody Jones 706-616-3109 or email here

Brandon Stoverud 406-274-3461 or email here

Larry Leach 206-852-4179 or email here

Montana for Palestine. Learn about the history of colonization in Palestine and about the Palestinian families this group is supporting. See the attached flier for details about this event at Chapter One bookstore on Tuesday August 25th at 6:00 pm. 

Sidewalk Update. We are still in the process of getting a new sidewalk along the northside of the church. The city has agreed to split this expense with us and we are currently getting bids for the work.

NAMI. Did you know that the local chapter for National Alliance on Mental Illness meets at St. Paul’s on the last Monday of the month at 6:00 pm? This family support group provides education, advocacy and support for those who are impacted by others with mental health conditions. NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization of its kind. Want to learn more, check out www.nami.org. These meetings are free and open to the public. Please spread the word.

Little Free Pantry. The LFP committee invites us to donate canned meats during the month ofSeptember. Protein is highly sought and difficult to keep stocked in our pantry. Please leave donations in the narthex and the committee will stock the shelves. Haven’t seen our pantry? Check it out. It’s east of the Guild House on the alley. Keep your eyes peeled for a small fridge to be added to our pantry soon! We are excited about the way it will expand what we can offer–more fresh fruits, vegetables and dairy products.

Kick-Off Sunday is September 13th! We will begin our new worship time that day at 10 AM. It will be an opportunity to learn about the varied ministries of our parish and pray for our kids, teachers and schools as they begin another year. This is a day to bring friends and neighbors with you to church. There will be opportunities for folks to learn about who we are and what we do.

Time Change. Starting on Sunday September 13th we will change our worship time to 10 am for a trial period of three months. Come join us at this slightly later time and please share your feedback about this experiment.

Stories & Stones coming Sunday September 20th from Noon to 3 pm at the Missoula City Cemetery. Make the trek to Missoula City Cemetery at 2000 Cemetery Road and experience a walking tour of living history as costumed volunteers bring to life the stories of those buried there. Reverend Gretchen will be dressed as Isabell Stewart from the 1890s and she will be telling stories about her husband, Rev. George Stewart, who was the first Episcopal priest here in Hamilton and in Missoula. Come have some fun and celebrate the history of our church!

Upcoming Worship Schedule:

Holy Eucharist Sunday August 16

Breakfast Church Sunday August 23

Holy Eucharist Sunday August 30

Morning Prayer Sunday Sept 6

Holy Eucharist Sunday Sept 13

Breakfast Church Sunday Sept 20

Morning Prayer Sunday Sept 27 (All clergy and our two delegates will be away at the Annual Diocese Convention in Bozeman, Montana)

Rev. Gretchen’s Schedule: She is at St. Paul’s every other Sunday and EVERY Monday. She works remotely on Tuesdays and some Wednesdays.

She will be at St. Paul’s for worship on Sundays:  August 16, 30, and September 13.

She’ll be in the office on Mondays: August 17, 24, 31. The office will be closed for Labor Day on Monday September 7th.