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  <url>
    <loc>https://spechurch.org/around-the-church-gallery-page</loc>
    <changefreq>daily</changefreq>
    <priority>0.75</priority>
    <lastmod>2026-07-20</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/1783180047069-6LNBG5IW86A6I3PQNRPT/image8.jpeg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Around the  Church-gallery-page - Northeast corner</image:title>
      <image:caption>The nave was built in 1911. As mentioned by a placque on the north wall of the nave, the adjoining churchyard is a burial place for ashes.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/1783180047069-6LNBG5IW86A6I3PQNRPT/image8.jpeg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Around the  Church-gallery-page - Northeast corner</image:title>
      <image:caption>The nave was built in 1911. As mentioned by a placque on the north wall of the nave, the adjoining churchyard is a burial place for ashes.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/1784334828793-4WL3MT6JQHLYGVLMGAFR/image-asset.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Around the  Church-gallery-page - St. Paul's front porch.</image:title>
      <image:caption>St. Paul’s photogenic front porch feature three arches, the reverse of the rear window, two doors with stained glass windows and a small rose window.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/1783180074541-0WQ4MMQMQBH3SJ0E02YP/image6.jpeg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Around the  Church-gallery-page - Southeast corner of St. Paul's.</image:title>
      <image:caption>View of the southeast transept from the Memorial Garden.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/1783543495022-BFONVCVTYYOXOY2T646Q/20250531_114618.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Around the  Church-gallery-page - Entrances to Parish Hall and to Loaves &amp; Fishes</image:title>
      <image:caption>The Parish Hall hosts Sunday Coffee Hour and varioius church activities. The food bank Loaves and Fishes has fed the hungry of Union County since 1983.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/1784504413327-ZXTGUD630I8WQF6JYSEG/image4.jpeg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Around the  Church-gallery-page - Inside the Nave</image:title>
      <image:caption>This scene shows the nave, facing the altar. The lectern is to the left. The choir section is in the middle. The pulpit is to the right.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/1783180104756-F3FMK7C96LJ60DJE5GT1/image2.jpeg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Around the  Church-gallery-page - Rear window featuring "St. Paul on Malta".</image:title>
      <image:caption>Until 1921 this was the rear of the church. The orientation was reversed when some parishioners complained about the image of a viper above the altar.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/1783905943174-A2R2KM87OOVSUNVQ7112/image0.jpeg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Around the  Church-gallery-page - Altar with window portraying "Christ the Good Shepherd."</image:title>
      <image:caption>This window was placed in the church in 1921, when extensive remodeling was done. One of the major changes was to move the Altar from the east to the west end of the church, and this window was installed over the Altar at that time.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/1783544110169-Z3XMHSYU10P2JJRN9YR0/Memorial+Garden.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Around the  Church-gallery-page - Entrance to the Memorial Garden.</image:title>
      <image:caption>Located on the former site of the first rectory, the Memorial Garden contains The Columbarium and restful seating.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/1783181293741-HJ742TPOMTU8XSNE6UO8/MVC-134X.JPG</image:loc>
      <image:title>Around the  Church-gallery-page - The Sundial</image:title>
      <image:caption>Comlpleted in 1990, The Sundial served as a landmark for outdoor, social-distanced services during the COVID Era.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/1783543576047-A15FBCV720XJDC0ZJD2N/St.+Francis+Garden.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Around the  Church-gallery-page - St. Francis Garden</image:title>
      <image:caption>This area is specifically utilized for the annual Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi celebration.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/1783181489398-A6761G3MO5M6Y2TV25NG/20240504_131516.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Around the  Church-gallery-page - Labyrinth</image:title>
      <image:caption>Dedicated in 2023, the Labyrinth is a place of comfort for people of all faiths in downtown Monroe. It occupies the site of the former Laney-Lee house.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/1783181885325-BBMAN3NME1K2KEEH3FA1/IMG_5233.JPG</image:loc>
      <image:title>Around the  Church-gallery-page - The Little House</image:title>
      <image:caption>Reputedly the oldest (or second oldest) structure still standing in Monroe, the Little House serves as a stage for outdoor events.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://spechurch.org/events-gallery-page</loc>
    <changefreq>daily</changefreq>
    <priority>0.75</priority>
    <lastmod>2026-07-20</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/1e6e0d85-c41d-4d50-9ff7-9d855696c41e/Shrove+Tuesday+02-17-2026+%281%29.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Events-gallery-page</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/1784324955273-ILDPU7RO5I0JT9I33U9E/Shrove+Tuesday+02-17-2026+%281%29.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Events-gallery-page - Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper</image:title>
      <image:caption>The annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper is traditionally hosted by the E-Males. The community is invited.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/1784324967849-367J5Z56AG2MZWO7P6YU/Get+to+Know+the+Candidates+01-29-2026.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Events-gallery-page - Get to Know the Candidates</image:title>
      <image:caption>Before Monroe’s 2026 primary election for council and mayoral candidates, St. Paul’s held a "Get to Know the Candidates" meeting.  Two mayoral candidates and five city council candidates were guests. The meeting was open to the community. St. Paul’s live streamed the event so anyone could watch.  The senior warden, Melinda Plue, organized the event. Vestry member Dr. Joseph Ellis of Wingate University, moderated, asking each candidate a total of five questions.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/1784339876163-41RBIN2XEMWGL91X1D4M/Greening+the+Church+Christmas+2025.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Events-gallery-page - Greening of the Church</image:title>
      <image:caption>After the Fourth Sunday in Advent service, members traditionally stay to decorate the church for Christmas.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/1784326505188-R7PBVW4CCV2JQK1MPPGG/Caroling+with+the+neighborhood+12-21-2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Events-gallery-page - Caroling in the neighborhood</image:title>
      <image:caption>The evening of December 22, 2025 members from St. Paul's joined people from the community to carol on nearby Church and Houston Streets. St. Paul’s Music Director, Kathleen Prevost, led the event.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/1784326955702-YQS55ZUZ88PT4469SFI9/Blessing+of+the+Animals+10-05-2025.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Events-gallery-page - Blessing of the Animals</image:title>
      <image:caption>St. Paul’s annually hosts a “Blessing of the Animals” for the Monroe community. Led by Rev. Candis, the event is held in the St. Francis’ Garden, pictured here, around the Feast of St. Francis. Neighbors are invited to bring their well-behaved pets or the pets’ photos.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/1784327331745-Y20AFAVUWFNNGQS6M733/Lenten+Lunch+March+2025.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Events-gallery-page - Lenten Lunch</image:title>
      <image:caption>During Lent, St. Paul’s cooperates with local churches to host a simple noonday lunch and a Stations of the Cross procession.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/1784340768916-26JA8X5XP70LK17BOLVU/Stations+of+the+Cross+2025.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Events-gallery-page - Stations of the Cross Procession</image:title>
      <image:caption>During Lent, St. Paul’s joins other community churches in hosting a Lenten lunch and participating in a Stations of the Cross Procession, shown here.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/1784332219557-OS6QD07E3D7RPPS4BJZ8/St.+Paul%27s+Chili+Cookoff+10-12-2024.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Events-gallery-page - Chili Cook-off</image:title>
      <image:caption>St. Paul’s holds an annual Chili Cookoff, in which the community can participate, either as competitors or as tasters. This photo shows volunteers from the Monroe Police Department, who served as judges in the cookoff.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/1784392593233-V8YHXO5QJ8RVZB2NXSQY/20250727_094247.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Events-gallery-page - Faith Matters</image:title>
      <image:caption>During the 2025-2026 liturgical year, St. Paul’s hosts a series “Faith Matters”. It consists of four presentations relating to faith, each featuring a different speaker. Pictured here, Dr. Sarah Blackwell from Wingate University presented “Wander and Wonder: Awe as a Spiritual Practice” during the first meeting, 07-27-2025.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/1784332479097-ALC7JXFC31982LHU8UIL/Summerfest+June+2025.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Events-gallery-page - Summerfest</image:title>
      <image:caption>Sunday June 15, 2025 was the Summerfest celebration for St. Paul's and guests. It started with a combined Trinity Sunday service during which Rev. Candis explained portions of the service to newcomers. After the service, members and guests served themselves in the Parish Hall from hamburgers, veggie burgers, and hot dogs. An assortment of sides and desserts was available also. Afterwards, diners met on the playground lawn near "The Little House" for a concert by Monroe's premier jazz vocalist Theresa Eaman. A good time was had by all.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://spechurch.org/music</loc>
    <changefreq>daily</changefreq>
    <priority>0.75</priority>
    <lastmod>2026-06-30</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/1568857636301-O3AUJ460BHH71M4T58U4/image-asset.jpeg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Music</image:title>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://spechurch.org/outreach-ministries</loc>
    <changefreq>daily</changefreq>
    <priority>0.75</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-08-17</lastmod>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://spechurch.org/welcome</loc>
    <changefreq>daily</changefreq>
    <priority>0.75</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-03-11</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/1569210030468-XJGN4W6XRS32UYB73A96/DSC_4782.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Welcome</image:title>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://spechurch.org/faq</loc>
    <changefreq>daily</changefreq>
    <priority>0.75</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-03-11</lastmod>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://spechurch.org/sacraments</loc>
    <changefreq>daily</changefreq>
    <priority>0.75</priority>
    <lastmod>2019-09-19</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/1614651037646-8AM4U99UNW760D7X74P6/DSC_4794.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Sacraments</image:title>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://spechurch.org/fellowship</loc>
    <changefreq>daily</changefreq>
    <priority>0.75</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-08-17</lastmod>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://spechurch.org/who-we-are</loc>
    <changefreq>daily</changefreq>
    <priority>0.75</priority>
    <lastmod>2026-04-21</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/1569209973697-DIFWOT2C63U8Z3XB3D7V/DSC_4794.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Who We Are</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/eb4ca369-cac0-4086-848b-c5aca5c71cfb/Rev+Candis+Burgess+photo.JPG</image:loc>
      <image:title>Who We Are - Make it stand out</image:title>
      <image:caption>Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/1569039568136-I2QLNLMR7YKVRZMRFCVS/image-asset.jpeg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Who We Are</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/1569039690623-GUTZMARZG9XKQTCJNHLX/image-asset.jpeg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Who We Are</image:title>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://spechurch.org/calendar</loc>
    <changefreq>daily</changefreq>
    <priority>0.75</priority>
    <lastmod>2022-09-15</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/1569201960235-5T1DUAO3F5DUBV636MF0/DSC_3147-HDR.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Calendar</image:title>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://spechurch.org/home</loc>
    <changefreq>daily</changefreq>
    <priority>1.0</priority>
    <lastmod>2026-07-15</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/1693616299923-ERD9U3M2STG1OYCFWNXS/Candis2.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Home</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/1569201609368-94NDCNG8J68NUIS6TKS7/DSC_4804.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Home - Newcomers</image:title>
      <image:caption>We are happy to have visitors, whether you are seeking a new church home or just visiting with family and friends.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/1569210242562-39FAFMU3XHFWDXOQM5XT/image-asset.jpeg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Home - Contact us</image:title>
      <image:caption>Join us in faith and love. Feel free to stop by, reach out, or just come to one of our services. We would love to meet you.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://spechurch.org/our-history</loc>
    <changefreq>daily</changefreq>
    <priority>0.75</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-03-07</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/1569503836387-6V3ECPQCXRIK0R784PXN/1902.JPG</image:loc>
      <image:title>Our History</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/1568775488014-Q2HTGAU99C0EMG5T8ZRF/1942.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Our History</image:title>
      <image:caption>Circa 1942</image:caption>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://spechurch.org/childrens-chapel</loc>
    <changefreq>daily</changefreq>
    <priority>0.75</priority>
    <lastmod>2019-12-06</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/1575611570749-J4WRJMBMHN0HVH9VEQ0I/Children%27s+Chapel.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Children's Chapel</image:title>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://spechurch.org/become-a-member</loc>
    <changefreq>daily</changefreq>
    <priority>0.75</priority>
    <lastmod>2021-02-24</lastmod>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://spechurch.org/forms</loc>
    <changefreq>daily</changefreq>
    <priority>0.75</priority>
    <lastmod>2024-12-21</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/1575612468783-6I0F5ZRPERS8GNTWYWLH/MembershipThumbnail.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Forms - Membership Request</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/1575608610855-V0XRGOLL8VQALKEYVKWA/ParishHallRequestThumbnail.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Forms - Parish Hall Use Request</image:title>
      <image:caption>Rev. 12/2024</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/1575608855650-4TLJKQPMFPLZ9D7UYGQR/BylawsThumbnail.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Forms - Parish Bylaws</image:title>
      <image:caption>Amended December 01, 2021</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/1575608962752-ZY0SQWGBLHQLQ56IJCDZ/DisbursementThumbnail.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Forms - Disbursement Request</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/1575609053541-38AGXT78Q7YL8U3KT3BQ/image-asset.jpeg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Forms - Reimbursement Request</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/818fd1ee-b850-4b55-a4a0-b77ea5371b3c/funeral_thumbnail.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Forms - PREPARING FOR YOUR FUNERAL</image:title>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://spechurch.org/membership-form</loc>
    <changefreq>daily</changefreq>
    <priority>0.75</priority>
    <lastmod>2019-12-07</lastmod>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://spechurch.org/contact</loc>
    <changefreq>daily</changefreq>
    <priority>0.75</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-05-22</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/1568770385354-O18LFO07OAYH6QP7JF79/image-asset.jpeg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Contact Us</image:title>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://spechurch.org/legal-privacy</loc>
    <changefreq>daily</changefreq>
    <priority>0.75</priority>
    <lastmod>2021-06-21</lastmod>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://spechurch.org/sunday-bulletin</loc>
    <changefreq>daily</changefreq>
    <priority>0.75</priority>
    <lastmod>2020-04-11</lastmod>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://spechurch.org/directory-survey</loc>
    <changefreq>daily</changefreq>
    <priority>0.75</priority>
    <lastmod>2021-03-12</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/1614134094142-LBCEGPCKRU23BFRVUCZH/DSC_4691-HDR-2.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Directory Survey</image:title>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://spechurch.org/temp</loc>
    <changefreq>daily</changefreq>
    <priority>0.75</priority>
    <lastmod>2022-03-07</lastmod>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://spechurch.org/service-schedule</loc>
    <changefreq>daily</changefreq>
    <priority>0.75</priority>
    <lastmod>2022-07-06</lastmod>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://spechurch.org/mission-statement</loc>
    <changefreq>daily</changefreq>
    <priority>0.75</priority>
    <lastmod>2022-05-11</lastmod>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://spechurch.org/who-we-are-copy</loc>
    <changefreq>daily</changefreq>
    <priority>0.75</priority>
    <lastmod>2024-03-25</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/1569209973697-DIFWOT2C63U8Z3XB3D7V/DSC_4794.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Who We Are (Copy)</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/d3eaa8d9-dd51-4e0a-9e5d-5afd9f904d6f/Rev+Candis+Burgess+photo.JPG</image:loc>
      <image:title>Who We Are (Copy) - Make it stand out</image:title>
      <image:caption>Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/1569039568136-I2QLNLMR7YKVRZMRFCVS/image-asset.jpeg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Who We Are (Copy)</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/1569039690623-GUTZMARZG9XKQTCJNHLX/image-asset.jpeg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Who We Are (Copy)</image:title>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://spechurch.org/faq-1</loc>
    <changefreq>daily</changefreq>
    <priority>0.75</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-03-11</lastmod>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://spechurch.org/pledge</loc>
    <changefreq>daily</changefreq>
    <priority>0.75</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-08-09</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/9b3ae815-2cf9-42f5-8238-c8b1597ccd4f/Copilot_20250808_220251+blue+theme+-+small.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Pledge - Make it stand out</image:title>
      <image:caption>Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://spechurch.org/fellowship-copy-08172025</loc>
    <changefreq>daily</changefreq>
    <priority>0.75</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-08-17</lastmod>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://spechurch.org/outreach-ministries-copy-08172025</loc>
    <changefreq>daily</changefreq>
    <priority>0.75</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-08-17</lastmod>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://spechurch.org/inreach-ministries</loc>
    <changefreq>daily</changefreq>
    <priority>0.75</priority>
    <lastmod>2026-07-07</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/9c3f7b9b-7253-460a-949b-518b3b9eeeca/inreach_ministries.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Inreach Ministries</image:title>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://spechurch.org/fellowship-new</loc>
    <changefreq>daily</changefreq>
    <priority>0.75</priority>
    <lastmod>2026-07-21</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/62e5906f-48a7-4372-b3ea-b8dc4049989e/fellowship-banner.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Fellowship-new</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/2df23c2c-1471-46c6-902d-4251ca47e98f/Bible+Study+2025.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Fellowship-new - Make it stand out</image:title>
      <image:caption>Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/ba9caa00-784e-43a5-9a76-ea9566419577/Daytime+Foyers+May+19%2C+2026.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Fellowship-new - Make it stand out</image:title>
      <image:caption>Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/48dc370f-3707-4ef2-936a-151f06352d77/E-Males+2026.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Fellowship-new - Make it stand out</image:title>
      <image:caption>Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/e74652c4-12d3-4e70-b77c-c1f9afc0a0e6/Evening+Foyers+June+13%2C+2026.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Fellowship-new - Make it stand out</image:title>
      <image:caption>Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/a3dc9199-5976-42e8-a0e6-ddbb7d2dd918/M%26Ms+making+Vietnamese+eggrolls+05-16-2026+%282%29.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Fellowship-new - Make it stand out</image:title>
      <image:caption>Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://spechurch.org/music-new</loc>
    <changefreq>daily</changefreq>
    <priority>0.75</priority>
    <lastmod>2026-07-17</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/1568857636301-O3AUJ460BHH71M4T58U4/image-asset.jpeg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Music-new</image:title>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://spechurch.org/music-06-30-2026</loc>
    <changefreq>daily</changefreq>
    <priority>0.75</priority>
    <lastmod>2026-06-30</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/1568857636301-O3AUJ460BHH71M4T58U4/image-asset.jpeg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Music-06-30-2026</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/b4420faa-89c5-46c7-9050-af65c66fb94d/fasollafasollamifa_small.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Music-06-30-2026 - Make it stand out</image:title>
      <image:caption>Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://spechurch.org/faq-new</loc>
    <changefreq>daily</changefreq>
    <priority>0.75</priority>
    <lastmod>2026-07-20</lastmod>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://spechurch.org/events</loc>
    <changefreq>daily</changefreq>
    <priority>0.75</priority>
    <lastmod>2026-07-21</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/1784324967849-367J5Z56AG2MZWO7P6YU/Get+to+Know+the+Candidates+01-29-2026.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Events</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/1784324955273-ILDPU7RO5I0JT9I33U9E/Shrove+Tuesday+02-17-2026+%281%29.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Events - Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper</image:title>
      <image:caption>The annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper is traditionally hosted by the E-Males. The community is invited.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/1784324967849-367J5Z56AG2MZWO7P6YU/Get+to+Know+the+Candidates+01-29-2026.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Events - Get to Know the Candidates</image:title>
      <image:caption>Before Monroe’s 2026 primary election for council and mayoral candidates, St. Paul’s held a "Get to Know the Candidates" meeting.  Two mayoral candidates and five city council candidates were guests. The meeting was open to the community. St. Paul’s live streamed the event so anyone could watch.  The senior warden, Melinda Plue, organized the event. Vestry member Dr. Joseph Ellis of Wingate University, moderated, asking each candidate a total of five questions.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/1784339876163-41RBIN2XEMWGL91X1D4M/Greening+the+Church+Christmas+2025.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Events - Greening of the Church</image:title>
      <image:caption>After the Fourth Sunday in Advent service, members traditionally stay to decorate the church for Christmas.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/1784326505188-R7PBVW4CCV2JQK1MPPGG/Caroling+with+the+neighborhood+12-21-2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Events - Caroling in the neighborhood</image:title>
      <image:caption>The evening of December 22, 2025 members from St. Paul's joined people from the community to carol on nearby Church and Houston Streets. St. Paul’s Music Director, Kathleen Prevost, led the event.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/1784326955702-YQS55ZUZ88PT4469SFI9/Blessing+of+the+Animals+10-05-2025.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Events - Blessing of the Animals</image:title>
      <image:caption>St. Paul’s annually hosts a “Blessing of the Animals” for the Monroe community. Led by Rev. Candis, the event is held in the St. Francis’ Garden, pictured here, around the Feast of St. Francis. Neighbors are invited to bring their well-behaved pets or the pets’ photos.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/1784327331745-Y20AFAVUWFNNGQS6M733/Lenten+Lunch+March+2025.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Events - Lenten Lunch</image:title>
      <image:caption>During Lent, St. Paul’s cooperates with local churches to host a simple noonday lunch and a Stations of the Cross procession.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/1784340768916-26JA8X5XP70LK17BOLVU/Stations+of+the+Cross+2025.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Events - Stations of the Cross Procession</image:title>
      <image:caption>During Lent, St. Paul’s joins other community churches in hosting a Lenten lunch and participating in a Stations of the Cross Procession, shown here.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/1784332219557-OS6QD07E3D7RPPS4BJZ8/St.+Paul%27s+Chili+Cookoff+10-12-2024.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Events - Chili Cook-off</image:title>
      <image:caption>St. Paul’s holds an annual Chili Cookoff, in which the community can participate, either as competitors or as tasters. This photo shows volunteers from the Monroe Police Department, who served as judges in the cookoff.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/1784392593233-V8YHXO5QJ8RVZB2NXSQY/20250727_094247.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Events - Faith Matters</image:title>
      <image:caption>During the 2025-2026 liturgical year, St. Paul’s hosts a series “Faith Matters”. It consists of four presentations relating to faith, each featuring a different speaker. Pictured here, Dr. Sarah Blackwell from Wingate University presented “Wander and Wonder: Awe as a Spiritual Practice” during the first meeting, 07-27-2025.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/1784332479097-ALC7JXFC31982LHU8UIL/Summerfest+June+2025.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Events - Summerfest</image:title>
      <image:caption>Sunday June 15, 2025 was the Summerfest celebration for St. Paul's and guests. It started with a combined Trinity Sunday service during which Rev. Candis explained portions of the service to newcomers. After the service, members and guests served themselves in the Parish Hall from hamburgers, veggie burgers, and hot dogs. An assortment of sides and desserts was available also. Afterwards, diners met on the playground lawn near "The Little House" for a concert by Monroe's premier jazz vocalist Theresa Eaman. A good time was had by all.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://spechurch.org/around-the-church</loc>
    <changefreq>daily</changefreq>
    <priority>0.75</priority>
    <lastmod>2026-07-21</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/1784334128266-I2TQMM1UBSU1ZK71P928/St.+Paul%27s+Front+Porch.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Around the Church</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/1783180047069-6LNBG5IW86A6I3PQNRPT/image8.jpeg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Around the Church - Northeast corner</image:title>
      <image:caption>The nave was built in 1911. As mentioned by a placque on the north wall of the nave, the adjoining churchyard is a burial place for ashes.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/1784334828793-4WL3MT6JQHLYGVLMGAFR/image-asset.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Around the Church - St. Paul's front porch.</image:title>
      <image:caption>St. Paul’s photogenic front porch feature three arches, the reverse of the rear window, two doors with stained glass windows and a small rose window.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/1783180074541-0WQ4MMQMQBH3SJ0E02YP/image6.jpeg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Around the Church - Southeast corner of St. Paul's.</image:title>
      <image:caption>View of the southeast transept from the Memorial Garden.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/1783543495022-BFONVCVTYYOXOY2T646Q/20250531_114618.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Around the Church - Entrances to Parish Hall and to Loaves &amp; Fishes</image:title>
      <image:caption>The Parish Hall hosts Sunday Coffee Hour and varioius church activities. The food bank Loaves and Fishes has fed the hungry of Union County since 1983.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/1784504413327-ZXTGUD630I8WQF6JYSEG/image4.jpeg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Around the Church - Inside the Nave</image:title>
      <image:caption>This scene shows the nave, facing the altar. The lectern is to the left. The choir section is in the middle. The pulpit is to the right.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/1783180104756-F3FMK7C96LJ60DJE5GT1/image2.jpeg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Around the Church - Rear window featuring "St. Paul on Malta".</image:title>
      <image:caption>Until 1921 this was the rear of the church. The orientation was reversed when some parishioners complained about the image of a viper above the altar.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/1783905943174-A2R2KM87OOVSUNVQ7112/image0.jpeg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Around the Church - Altar with window portraying "Christ the Good Shepherd."</image:title>
      <image:caption>This window was placed in the church in 1921, when extensive remodeling was done. One of the major changes was to move the Altar from the east to the west end of the church, and this window was installed over the Altar at that time.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/1783544110169-Z3XMHSYU10P2JJRN9YR0/Memorial+Garden.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Around the Church - Entrance to the Memorial Garden.</image:title>
      <image:caption>Located on the former site of the first rectory, the Memorial Garden contains The Columbarium and restful seating.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/1783181293741-HJ742TPOMTU8XSNE6UO8/MVC-134X.JPG</image:loc>
      <image:title>Around the Church - The Sundial</image:title>
      <image:caption>Comlpleted in 1990, The Sundial served as a landmark for outdoor, social-distanced services during the COVID Era.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/1783543576047-A15FBCV720XJDC0ZJD2N/St.+Francis+Garden.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Around the Church - St. Francis Garden</image:title>
      <image:caption>This area is specifically utilized for the annual Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi celebration.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/1783181489398-A6761G3MO5M6Y2TV25NG/20240504_131516.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Around the Church - Labyrinth</image:title>
      <image:caption>Dedicated in 2023, the Labyrinth is a place of comfort for people of all faiths in downtown Monroe. It occupies the site of the former Laney-Lee house.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d8185773a9171350274ff22/1783181885325-BBMAN3NME1K2KEEH3FA1/IMG_5233.JPG</image:loc>
      <image:title>Around the Church - The Little House</image:title>
      <image:caption>Reputedly the oldest (or second oldest) structure still standing in Monroe, the Little House serves as a stage for outdoor events.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
  </url>
</urlset>

