St. Paul's Episcopal Church - Picayune

06/07/2026

06-07-2026

06/01/2026

05/20/2026

Celebrate Pentecost with Us!

This Sunday we celebrate the Day of Pentecost, also known as Whitsunday. We invite everyone to wear red, symbolizing the tongues of fire that appeared above the Apostles at Pentecost.

Balloons and bubbles will be available to enjoy in the parish hall or take home after the service. Though we cannot see the air that fills them, we can see its effects—much like the Holy Spirit, whose presence is revealed through the difference it makes in our lives.

Please stay after the service for refreshments and fellowship. We would love to celebrate together with you!

04/03/2026

Good Friday Sermon

03/27/2026

Want to help with our Blessing Box ministry but not sure how? This post is for you.

We organize our Blessing Box donations into three main categories:

Basic Needs:
These items are the foundation of most meals and are used the fastest. Examples include pasta, canned meats, ramen, oatmeal, rice, beans, canned fruits and vegetables, and breakfast bars.

Feel-Good Items:
While not essential, these items can brighten someone’s day, offer comfort after a long shift, or make a child’s birthday a little more special. Examples include instant coffee, tea bags, gelatin desserts, cake mix, pop-tarts, drink mixes, and protein shakes.

Self-Care Items:
We aim to keep these stocked as much as possible. Items such as pads, tampons, baby wipes, soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, socks, gloves, hats, and toothbrushes help support dignity and hygiene—especially for families who must choose between food and personal care products.

The items pictured represent some of our most needed donations and can make a meaningful difference in someone’s life. Donations can be dropped off at the church at any time by placing them directly in the box.

Please do not donate opened food, expired items, products that require refrigeration, or dirty clothing. If you would not personally use it, please do not donate it.

Thank you for your generosity and support. Your contributions truly make a difference.

03/15/2026

3/15/26

01/25/2026

From Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe: Death and despair do not have the last word:

"In the coming years, our church will continue to be tested in every conceivable way as we insist that death and despair do not have the last word, and as we stand with immigrants and the most vulnerable among us who reside at the heart of God." - Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe

Read the full statement here: https://bit.ly/3YUJaqi

01/23/2026

Cold Weather Preparedness Update
City Coordination, Safety Tips, and Warming Center Information

Picayune City Departments—including Public Works, Police, and Fire—have met and have a coordinated cold weather plan in place. While we are expecting a significant temperature drop, city crews are closely monitoring conditions to help keep residents safe.

The Forecast
According to the National Weather Service:
• Ice Risk: Low risk of ice accumulation in our area.
• Storms: Slight risk of severe thunderstorms late Saturday through early Sunday; rain expected to clear by midday Sunday.

• Temperatures:
o Sunday night: Low of 24°F.
o Monday: High of 46°F, with a low of 20°F Monday night.
Public Works crews will be on standby to monitor road conditions and apply sand or salt to bridges and roadways as needed to support a safe Monday morning commute.
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Priority: Check on Others

We urge all residents to prioritize the 4 P’s: People, Pets, Pipes, and Plants.
• Check on Neighbors: Please take a moment to check on the elderly, those with disabilities, or anyone who may lack adequate heating.
• Safety First: Ensure your loved ones are prepared for the sharp drop in temperatures before Sunday evening.
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Home & Personal Safety Tips

To reduce the risk of damage and keep your household safe during the freeze:
• Pipes: Allow a slow drip (about the size of a pencil lead) from both hot and cold faucets on exterior walls. Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate.
• Space Heaters: Keep heaters at least three feet away from curtains, bedding, and furniture. Plug heaters directly into a wall outlet—do not use extension cords or power strips.
• Alternative Heating: Never use an oven, stovetop, or grill to heat your home. If using a generator, keep it outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows and doors

Sign up for notifications via email and/or text at our website at https://picayune.ms.us/m/newsflash/home/detail/46
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Picayune Community Saferoom (Warming Center)
Location: 501 Laurel Street

The saferoom will operate on a rotating schedule to accommodate local school needs.

Operating Schedule:
• Sunday: Opens at 12:00 PM.
• Monday & Tuesday: Reopens at 5:00 PM; closes daily at 6:30 AM.
• Wednesday: Final closure at 6:30 AM.
Guidelines:
• Please Bring: Food, water, blankets, pillows, and necessary medications.
• Prohibited: Weapons of any kind are strictly prohibited.
• Pet Policy: For the health and safety of all residents, pets are not permitted inside the facility. This policy is set by the Mississippi State Department of Health to ensure proper sanitation and air quality for everyone in the shelter.

For those with pets in need of shelter:
If you have no other place for your pet to go, please contact the Pearl River County Office of Emergency Services or the PRC SPCA. They may be able to provide information on local resources for your animal during the freeze. If a pet must stay home, move them to a small, windowless interior room with extra food, water, and bedding (straw is recommended).
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Contact Information

• Emergency: 911
• City Issues (Water/Roads/Non-Emergency): 311 (Business Hours) or 601-798-7411 (After Hours)
• Shelter Questions: Pearl River County Office of Emergency Services: 601-795-3058

01/22/2026

This coming Sunday, January 25th, is the 4th annual observance of Religious Life Sunday—a day in the liturgical year to celebrate, promote, and learn about monks and nuns, sisters and brothers, and friars in The Episcopal Church. Religious life has something to offer everyone in the Church!

• Rest, retreat, and silent time at a convent or monastery
• Workshops and programs to enhance the spiritual journey
• Spiritual friendship and spiritual direction
• Online resources: programs, videos, and writings about religious life
• Speakers who offer presentations on religious life and many other spiritual topics
• Counsel on writing and living a rule of life in the world
• Monastic traditions and spiritual practices for everyone
• Opportunities to support and remain connected as an associate or oblate
• Vocational discernment to a religious order or Christian community

To learn more:

Religious Orders in The Episcopal Church: caroa.net.
Christian Communities in The Episcopal Church: naecc.net.
For resources and more information visit: religiouslifesunday.net.