2018 STEWARDSHIP – “Sharing God’s BLESSINGS”: St. Paul’s Stewardship Season is in full swing and pledges are coming in! Thanks to many of you, we are just over half way to our 10% budget growth goal! Pledge cards are available in the Narthex and the church office or you can pledge online through the St. Paul’s website. While we are celebrating our Stewardship Campaign at the brunch today, our season of giving continues. Pledges for the 2018 Budget are needed and will be always be accepted. Please consider turning in your pledge card by Dec. 15 so that we can include your pledge in our 2018 budgeting process. Thank you to everyone who has already pledged!
Pledging as of 11/7/17
185 Pledges
$583,730 Pledged
$1,156,486 Total Current Proposed Budget Request
COFFEE HOUR MINISTRY HIGHLIGHTS: The Veterans and Military Outreach (VMO) ministry is hosting coffee hour in the Parish Hall following the 9:00 a.m. service today. One of their projects is Backpacks for Veterans, which seeks to provide basic items for homeless veterans who receive services at the Durham VA Medical Center. The VMO also works to highlight and support those currently serving in our military.
Next week coffee hour will be hosted by the St. Nicholas Ministry. Each year this ministry offers parishioners an opportunity to contribute gifts to children of families in need. Stop by to learn how to be part of this generous outreach ministry.
TK Food Drive: St. Paul’s Preschool Transitional Kindergarten class is hosting a food drive for the “Little Red Wagon” project at St. Paul’s which supports Urban Ministries, one of St. Paul’s outreach groups. There is a complete list on the Urban ministries website, but most non-perishable items are welcome, especially healthier versions of the item. Please put your donations in the bins in the Parish Hall. The last day for the food drive will be Tuesday, November 21st. Thank you for your support!
ADULT FORMATION: What Does It Mean to Be an Episcopalian? (Sundays in the Chapel, 10:15-11:00 a.m.) Join us as we delve into the rich tradition of our faith. This Sunday, November 12, the Rev. Javier Almendárez Bautista will discuss our funeral and burial rites. Next Sunday, November 19, the Rev. J. Carr Holland will lead a class on marriage in the Episcopal tradition. Throughout, we’ll reflect on the impacts of our practice of the Christian faith on everyday life.
Wednesday Study: On Wednesday, November 15 (7 pm in the Youth Wing), The Rev. Javier Almendárez Bautista will lead discussion of the Christian practice of sharing communion. We will explore this topic with the help of a video series, Tracts of Our Times, which features the Most Rev. Michael Curry, Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, and Dr. Ellen Davis, Professor of Bible and Practical Theology at Duke Divinity School.
On November 29, the Rev. J. Carr Holland will begin our Advent 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.)
Third Sunday of the Month — Intro to St. Paul’s: If you are new to St. Paul’s and would like to know more about our community, join a member of the clergy at the baptismal font – just inside the main entryway to the church – at 10:15 a.m. for a short introduction to St. Paul’s and the Episcopal Church. We will take a brief tour of the church grounds and have plenty of time for questions and conversation. Join the Rev. Javier E. Almendárez Bautista this Sunday, November 19 for this month’s class.
RAINBOW GATHERING is hosting, guest speaker Barbara Lau of the Pauli Murray Project on November 28 at 7:00 p.m. in the Chapel. She will speak about the life and ministry of the Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray, who grew up with her grandparents in Durham, and at the age of 66 became the first African-American woman to be ordained an Episcopal priest.
Family Promise of Wake County is having a volunteer workday on their campus in Raleigh on Nov. 19. The site has had some storm damage over the last few months. This is a great opportunity for everyone in the church to come out and participate in service work. Come to 903 Method Rd. from 1:00-3:00 or 3:00-5:00 p.m. You can sign up at http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0b4eafaa2da1f85-family. If you need more information, contact Kevin Swann at 919-607-5913 or swann.kev@gmail.com
CARE & SHARE: Looking for a short-term, meaningful way to serve? Our inreach ministry, Care & Share supports members of our parish family who are in need with supportive services. Among the things we offer is transportation to church services and medical appointments. We are always looking for people willing to drive to medical appointments. To find out more, please contact Melinda Thomas at melinda@thehouseholderspath.com.
Christmas Poinsettia Envelopes will be available in the pews from today through Sunday, December 3. Giving a poinsettia that will decorate the altar and worship spaces for the Christmas services is a beautiful way to remember and/or give thanks for the special people in our lives. The Altar Guild requests a donation of $20.00 per plant. Checks may be made payable to St. Paul’s with Altar Guild poinsettia noted on the memo line. Please make sure the outside of the envelope is filled out with your name and the name of the person(s) for whom the poinsettia is being given and note if the poinsettia is being given in memory of, or in thanksgiving for, that person. All requests must be received by Sunday, December 3, to be included in the Christmas bulletin. Requests / donations may be placed in the collection plates or dropped off at the church office. Christmas poinsettias may be taken home following the Christmas Day service.
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 $770.45 toward our goal of $3000.00.
- Christmas Pageant participation forms are due TODAY for those that would like speaking parts. The drawing for speaking parts will be held at 11:00 am. Turn in forms to Christine Ingram or Christa Magee.
- Sunday School continues today at 10:10 a.m. in the Education Building. All are Welcome!
- Children’s Chapel for children age 3 through 2nd grade will be held today at the 9:00 a.m. service. Immediately after the Collect, children may follow the cross processional to the Youth Wing.
- 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: Changing Myself.” Middle School meets in the Youth Wing (go straight there, snacks are provided) and High School meets in Room 10.
- Advent Play Practice 4:00-5:00 p.m. Please have lines memorized!
- EYC Tonight: We will be putting up the tree for St. Nicholas along with adults working with the St. Nicholas ministry. Come help. Or you can help paint sets for the Advent play (wear clothes that can get paint on them.)