R4R: If you are interested in “hands on” outreach, come to the Adult Formation Forum today to learn how St. Paul’s supports refugee resettlement. Hear from R4R Committee members about the three families we currently support, and the plans to welcome a new family in 2018. Remember – Jesus was once a refugee.
COFFEE HOUR MINISTRY HIGHLIGHTS: The Eucharistic Ministers are hosting coffee hour in the Parish Hall following the 9:00 a.m. service today. Eucharistic Ministers are lay persons who assist the clergy in administering Communion. Please stop by the Parish Hall to enjoy coffee and refreshments and to learn more about this special ministry.
Next week the Communications Committee will host coffee hour. This committee works to keep us informed about the many activities of our parish through the website, newsletter, Sunday bulletins, narthex monitor, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, podcasts, and more.
ADULT FORMATION: Join us January 7 as we begin the 2018 Adult Forum (Sundays in the Chapel, 10:15-11:00 a.m.). Learn how St. Paul’s supports resettlement for three families, and plans for a new family in 2018. A representative from the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) will be present to answer questions. On this Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord day, we remember that Jesus was a refugee child. Next Sunday, January 14, we begin the series, Epiphany: Worshiping with the Saints and Mystics of the Church.
On Wednesday evenings, the Adult Formation Committee invites you to the series, A Church Epiphany, five sessions that focus on what has been described as an epiphany for the church, or the emerging church. Join us as we discuss the ideas of visionaries such as Marianne Williamson and Brian McLaren. On January 10, we begin with Richard Rohr on the Trinity. We’d love to share this time with you, even if it isn’t one of your New Year’s resolutions! (7:00 p.m. in the Youth Wing.)
BOOK STUDY: Join us as we read the Rev. Pauli Murray’s Proud Shoes together and discuss the family story of this remarkable woman who is honored as a Saint by the Episcopal Church. Lawyer, priest, advocate for the rights of women, people of color, and the economically marginalized, Murray’s life represented intersectionality before such a word existed. In Proud Shoes, she tells the story of her family from slavery through Reconstruction. Because of the anticipated interest, we are offering two groups, both of which will meet at the church. Members of the Rainbow Gathering will lead discussion on Thursday evenings from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., January 25-February 8.
A second group will meet on Sunday evenings, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., January 28-February 11, over a shared meal. Participants will decide how they want to structure dinner prior to their first meeting. Both groups will have the opportunity to participate in the walking tour offered by the Pauli Murray Center for History and Social Justice in Durham after we have completed the book. Sign up for either gathering through the St. Paul’s website. For questions, contact Andrea Johnson at jang7e@gmail.com or Aleta McClenney at aleta@att.net.
The Senior Ministry is planning a lunch and movie afternoon on Thursday, January 18th. Lunch reservations will be at Travinia Italian Kitchen, 1301 Market Center Drive, Morrisville, NC, and the movie at Stone Theaters, 3400 Village Market Pl, Morrisville. The restaurant and theater are in Park West Village at the intersection of Cary Parkway and Hwy 54 in Morrisville. Lunch and movie tickets will be paid individually. Watch for complete details of times and the movie choice to be updated soon. You may RSVP at Sign-up Genius or contact Jean Huey at jehuey@outlook.com or 919-303-5769 to RSVP and for transportation needs.
Prayer Stitchers: Got Yarn? We need your yarn remnants to continue our ministry of providing warmth and comfort. Even a small piece of yarn will be put to good use. If you have yarn left over from a project, we would be honored to give that yarn new life that will help needy people in our community. Yarn donations can be left in the hall across from the choir room or can be taken to the office during the week if you would like a donation receipt. Our yarn supplies are low, and we will gratefully accept all donations! Questions? Call Carolyn Anderson, 919-460-9525.
CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES
- The Children’s Little Brown Stewardship Basket is working toward our 2018 Note in the Pocket Sort Day, scheduled for June 3, 2018. We have collected $1193.57 toward our goal of $3000.00.
- Sunday School and Children’s Chapel resume today! Sunday School will start at 10:10 a.m. in the Education Building and Children’s Chapel, for children ages 3-2nd grade, will be held at the 9:00 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. services.
- Calling all Vacation Bible School (VBS) volunteers! It is time to start planning our 2018 VBS, Journey to Bethlehem. VBS will be held June 11-15, 2018 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. each day. Please email Christine Ingram if you are interested in volunteering or heading up a center (Story, Craft, Games and Science). Meetings will be minimal and will start in late January.
- The 3rd Annual Teddy Bear Tea will be held on February 3, 2018 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon in the Parish Hall. Hope you and your stuffed friends can join us! All are welcome!
- Pre-EYC meets next Sunday, January 14 at 11:15 a.m. 4th and 5th graders – we are looking forward to seeing you!
- 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: Temptation.” Middle School meets in the Youth Wing (go straight there, snacks are provided) and High School meets in Room 10.
- EYC Tonight: Epiphany Party & Winter Kickoff 5:00-7:00 p.m. Epiphany is observed on January 6, so we will celebrate it at EYC tonight. We will learn more about this Feast Day through lots of different activities. Since the magi brought gifts to Jesus, please bring gifts of canned food/staples for Urban Ministries.