Greetings!

As you may have heard, we made an exciting discovery during our renovations this year. Bishop Wingfield signed the bottom of our altar rail and dated it "Easter April 25 1886."

For context, that was the same year a pharmacist in Atlanta created a new drink called "Coca Cola." A few months after the Bishop's visit, President Grover Cleveland dedicated the Statue of Liberty. And all while St. Paul's gathered in the name of Christ, welcomed guests - those with pointy hats and those without - and knelt at the same altar rail we use today.

I find it thrilling. It is not often in our adult lives that we are genuinely surprised by something. No matter which team we root for, at a last minute interception, basket, or goal, our jaws drop and we turn to one another to say "did you SEE that?" There is something magic in collective astonishment, and it has brought me so much joy to see this community excitedly sharing this news.

Of course this discovery is a far cry from discovering the empty tomb, but I wonder if Wingfield imagined that 140 years later, his scribbles would give the (still thriving!) St. Paul's community a moment to feel a little like the disciples felt on Easter.

What a gift from Bishop Wingfield!

Keep an eye on the Benicia Herald - we've got an article all about this and our restoration project coming out soon.

Blessings,

- Rev. Annie


Brief Updates on Fundraising

The Dignity Day team would like to thank everyone for participating in the bake sale to raise funds for the event coming up in September. We raised $990 dollars to distribute healthy, shelf-stable meals to our neighbors experiencing homelessness!

The Vestry is excited to share that as of today, we have raised funds to restore just shy of 29 pews! We couldn't have done it without you, we are so grateful. There's still time if you'd like to contribute - the deadline is this Monday, August 31. Any amount helps!

Thank You for Your Generosity, St. Paul's!