ADULT EDUCATION FORUM SUNDAY, JANUARY 17: All are welcome to attend forums in the Chapel between the 9:00 and 11:15 a.m. services. Today’s topic: “REFUGE FOR REFUGEES“. Come to hear our guest speaker, a Syrian refugee, who will talk about his journey from oppression and jail to U.S. citizenship.
Next Sunday there will not be a forum. Instead, all are encouraged to attend our Winter Ministry Fair held in the parish hall between services. This is an opportunity to learn about some of St. Paul’s many ministries.
COFFEE HOUR MINISTRY HIGHLIGHTS: The Julian Gathering is hosting Coffee Hour in the parish hall following the 9:00 service today. This small group meets in the Cry Room on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month for contemplative prayer and discussion of the writings of Julian of Norwich. Stop by the parish hall to learn more about this unique opportunity for prayer and study.
Ministry of Mothers Sharing (MOMS) begins another class in February. MOMS is a program in which a group of women experience a 7-week journey of personal and spiritual growth. Through small group discussions and journaling, participants have an opportunity to develop self-esteem, relationship skills, and a more defined sense of their own spirituality. This class is for mothers of infants through elementary school aged children. Classes will be Tuesdays, February 16 – April 5 (no class March 29) from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. Please see the website for more information and registration forms.
Men’s Beach Week 2016: Mark your calendars now for April 17th through 24th for our annual beach trip to Emerald Isle. Sign-up sheet available soon.
APPALACHIA SERVICE PROJECT (ASP) MISSION TRIP 2016: This year we will be going to Tennessee for our ASP Mission Trip from July 10th – July 16th. St. Paul’s will join other youth in rural Central Appalachia to help Appalachia Service Project (ASP) repair homes for low-income families.
ASP is about more than the home repair – ASP is about building and strengthening relationships with one another and with God. We share our skills, and we share our faith, and together we make a difference. I am personally inviting you to consider joining us in this awesome ministry. Please contact Kevin Swann to volunteer of get more information at 919-607-5913 or swann.kev@gmail.com.
ASP is open to all high school students and rising 9th graders. We have 25 openings for youth. We need and must have 12 adults to volunteer as chaperone leaders.
The Little Red wagon collected almost 12.000 pounds of food in 2015, which is almost 6 TONS.
As you know, food is used up and needs to be replaced, and with the holidays over the needs continue. The Urban Ministries food pantry needs soup, tuna fish, peanut butter, cereal, canned fruits and vegetables, canned and dry beans, and pasta, dry rice, and whatever you find on sale at the grocery store.
We are grateful for your support, and count on your continued efforts to keep the food pantry able to meet the needs of the hungry families of Wake County. We’re always glad to have your extra paper and plastic grocery bags, too.
The Women’s Study Group will meet next on Tuesday, February 9th from 12:00 -1:30 p.m. in the Bride’s Room to discuss A Call To Action: Women, Religion, Violence and Power by Jimmy Carter. Please note that this is a change in books since our original selection isn’t readily available at the public libraries. From Amazon: “President Jimmy Carter addresses the world’s most serious, pervasive, and ignored violation of basic human rights: the ongoing discrimination and violence against women and girls.” Come join us for a thought-provoking and lively discussion. For more information, contact Leah Dail (leahdail@gmail.com).
The Winter Mini Ministry Fair will take place next Sunday and the participating ministries will be hosting Coffee Hour. Each of the three mini fairs highlights different opportunities. A few of the ministries present at this fair will include: Altar Guild, Appalachian Service Project, Care and Share, Fellowship, Habitat for Humanity, Memorial Garden, Refuge for Refugees, Ushers, and Wake Interfaith Hospitality Network.
“PREVENTING VIOLENT EXTREMISM AND COUNTERING ANTI-ISLAM BIGOTRY IN 2016.” David H. Schanzer, Associate Professor at the Duke Sanford School of Public Policy and Director of the Triangle Center on Terrorism and Homeland Security, will speak on this topic Saturday, January 23, 3:00 p.m. at the Institute of Islamic and Turkish Studies, 1391 SE Maynard Road, Cary. Professor Schanzer will analyze current trends of violence and backlash against Muslim Americans and suggest a path forward for those seeking a more peaceful and just society. All are welcome and encouraged to attend this timely and important presentation. More information is available at www.iitsnc.org/activities and at the adult education display in the narthex. Persons planning to attend are requested to RSVP to iitsnc.org/rsvp2 by January 22.
STEWARDSHIP UPDATE: So far, we have raised $855,488 from 303 pledges. Please join your fellow parishioners, and prayerfully consider an increase of your pledge this year. 2016 Budgeting has already begun and your pledge is important to help us plan for the future of St. Paul’s!
Children’s Ministries
- Children’s Chapel will be held at the 9:00 a.m. and 11:15a.m. services today. These sessions are for children ages 3 through 2nd grade. Please follow the cross processional to the youth wing.
- Our Children’s Stewardship Basket is collecting for Stop Hunger Now. Please contribute as the children continue their collection toward our $2900 goal that will sponsor a children’s Stop Hunger Now Day on May 15, 2016. Money for this event will be collected June 1, 2015 through May 15, 2016. To date we have collected $1400.00.
- We need parent assistance in teaching Children’s Chapel! Please sign up to share a simple story lesson with the children and a brief craft time. Spring 2016 Children’s Chapel sign up here: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0544aaa92ca02-2016
- We are in need of a Kindergarten Sunday School Teacher. One of our teachers is moving, and we need someone to step in and help with this class. Please contact Christine Ingram if you can help us fill this special role.
- Mark your calendars for our second annual Teddy Bear Tea! This event for our younger parishioners and their guardians will be held on Saturday, Feb. 20, at 10:30 a.m. in the parish hall. Come enjoy some special time with your little ones and their stuffed friends!
- VBS Meetings will start in February! Our VBS theme will be Heroes and Villains! Please contact Christine Ingram if you would like to help create this fun and exciting week.
YOUTH
- Sunday School: Middle Schoolers and High Schoolers will attend the Adult Education forum “Refuge for Refugees.” There is a guest speaker, a Syrian refugee, who will talk about his journey from oppression and jail to U.S. citizenship. Meet in the Chapel.
- EYC Tonight 5:00 -7:00 p.m. and then stay for our Lock In: We will continue to explore the theme of Justice. Father Carr will help us learn more about our Christian response and responsibilities to issues of justice in the world. We will have lots of fun through the night and then go and participate in the MLK Day of Service from 10:00 -12:00 on Monday. Please RSVP to Leah so we can plan food and transportation
- Murder Mystery Rehearsal Tonight 3:00 – 5:00: Since it’s a holiday weekend and exams are over, let’s get a lot of rehearsing done! Snacks will be provided.
- Bishop’s Ball Jan 29-31. This is such a fun Diocesan event. Register online at http://www.dionc.org/digital_faith/events/3165329. For more information, contact Leah (Leah.Dail@stpaulscary.org).