2018 STEWARDSHIP – “Sharing God’s BLESSINGS”: Over the past few weeks, an effort was made to highlight and celebrate all the good that St. Paul’s represents. The church and its ministries provide spiritual support and help to our community that makes a real difference. Your support is what makes this a reality. Contributions in the form of pledges help support our church community and your contributions have been tremendous. If you haven’t pledged yet, we hope you consider turning in your pledge form as soon as possible so that we can include your pledge in our 2018 budgeting process. Pledge forms are available in the Narthex and the church office, or you can pledge online through the St. Paul’s website. Thank you to everyone who has already pledged!
ADULT FORMATION: What We Do in Episcopal Worship? (Sundays in the Chapel, 10:15-11:00 a.m.) Join us as we reflect on the Eucharist liturgy in this season of remembrance and anticipation. The Rev. George Adamik will discuss “The Liturgy of the Eucharist,” as we seek to deepen our understanding of the traditions and practice of Episcopal worship. (There will be no forum on December 24, Christmas Eve.)
On Wednesdays this Advent season, the clergy will lead a series, Engaging the Word in Advent – a meditative Eucharist and conversation using the Sunday Advent readings. Join members of St. Paul’s as we mark the Advent season together for these mid-week Eucharist services. (Wednesdays at noon and at 7:00 p.m. in the Chapel.)
Advent Lessons and Carols will be presented by the St. Paul’s Choir on December 17, 2017 at 4:00 p.m. in the church. This service of nine Scripture readings followed by choral music and hymns is modeled after the world-famous service presented by the Choir of King’s College, Cambridge, for many decades. This year’s music includes works by Felix Mendelssohn, Peter Warlock, Will Todd, and Rusty McKinney, as well great hymns for Advent. The Bells of St. Paul’s will perform the prelude music. This is an excellent service to invite neighbors and friends to attend.
COFFEE HOUR MINISTRY HIGHLIGHTS: Children’s Ministries and the Fellowship Events Team are co-hosting a special coffee hour in the Parish Hall following the 9:00 service today. Please join them for coffee and goodies and to thank all our talented children and our many, many parent volunteers.
There will be no coffee hour next week.
MUSIC: The St. Paul’s Choir’s CD A Babe is Born: Music for Advent and Christmas is on sale every Sunday until the end of December. The selections include the premiere recording of Rusty McKinney’s setting of “There is No Rose of Such Virtue” composed for the St. Paul’s Choir. This professionally recorded and produced CD can be yours for just $10 (they make great Christmas gifts) and the proceeds benefit the entirety of Music Ministries. Look for our table after the 9:00 and 11:15 a.m. services just inside the Choir Room. And of course, anytime during the week when Rusty is in his office, they are available! Contact the Minister of Music at rusty.mckinney@stpaulscary.org or at 919-467-6241for help.
SENIOR MINISTRY: The next monthly breakfast social event is on the first Wednesday of the month of January. We will meet Wednesday, January 3, 2018 from 9:00 – 10:00 at the IHOP on Kildaire Farm Road. You do not need to make a reservation; just join us. This event is sponsored by St. Paul’s Senior Ministry.
Heifer International – Alternate Gift Giving Opportunity: Heifer International invites us to give Christmas gift donations in honor of our families and friends. These alternate gifts buy working animals for families in need around the world. When you place a donation in the Heifer Ark on Sunday mornings between Thanksgiving and Christmas, please take a Heifer honor card available in the St. Paul’s narthex to give to a family member or friend you wish to honor with your charitable gift. St. Paul’s donations in 2017 have now surpassed $5000 for the GIFT ARK of animals. With your generosity we can send even more life-changing gifts to impoverished families and communities this year. Thank you for your kind support of Heifer International this Christmas time and throughout the year. Alison Arnold, 919-605-0761, alisonearnold@gmail.com
Greening of the Church: The Fourth Sunday of Advent and Christmas Eve are on the same Sunday this year; therefore, it will require the Greening of the Church to be held in two parts. Part One will be Thursday, December 21st, from 7:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. We will be decorating the organ platforms, hanging the roping, and decorating the window sills. While the Altar Guild is responsible for preparing the church for our Christmas services, we always welcome the help of members of the congregation. We need fresh greenery to fill the various areas around the church – boxwood, cedar, magnolia leaves, holly, etc. Please bring some when you come to Green the Church on Thursday.
Reimbursements: Please submit any remaining 2017 reimbursements to the church office by December 20, 2017. Thank you for assisting the accounting team with their end of year requirements.
NICHOLAS THANKS YOU: Thank you to the St. Paul’s congregation for your over-whelming generosity in providing gifts for almost 400 needy children in our community. The St. Nicholas Ministry has delivered all the gifts to the agencies that we support for delivery to the families. Again, thank you!
CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES
- The Children’s Little Brown Stewardship Basket is working toward our June 3, 2018 Note in the Pocket Sort Day. We have collected $983.23 toward our goal of $3000.00.
- Thank you to all the children and their parents for their hard work in sharing, “The Story of Christmas.” We have enjoyed working with you on this special event.
- Sunday School and Children’s Chapel are on vacation until January 7, 2018.
- Children’s bulletins, crayon packs, and pipe cleaners are available on the desk in the Narthex.
- The presence of children is a gift to the Church, and children are always welcome in our services. If you feel the need, Nursery Care for babies and young children is available-please see an usher to escort you to the Nursery (Kids’ Club). Our Bride’s Room is in the back of the Sanctuary and is open to anyone needing a place for a crying baby or restless child.
YOUTH
- Sunday School: The lesson today is entitled “Peace & Justice: Materialism” (appropriate during this season don’t you think?). Middle School meets in the Youth Wing (go straight there, snacks are provided) and High School meets in Room 10.
- EYC Tonight: Christmas Party & Caroling. Wear your most “memorable” (tacky!) Christmas sweater our 5th Annual Crazy Christmas Sweater/Sweatshirt Competition, bring a wrapped gift (worth no more than $10 – something fun, but not gross) for our Silly Gift Exchange, and have your singing voice and good cheer – we will also be going out to carol. Dress for the weather and bring a flashlight.