Archive for month: June 2016

OUTREACH IMMERSION EXPERIENCE ON JULY 29: Grow in knowledge and love for our nation’s farmworkers
It’s the second most important thing Jesus asked of us, but how can we truly love our neighbors as ourselves without even knowing them? To help us begin to know our neighbors, the Outreach Committee will be offering Immersion Experiences starting this summer. These events will offer opportunities to engage with our neighbors who may not be the members of our community that we interact with every day. We hope to promote a dialogue that will:
• nourish our capacity to reflect and break down stereotypes and assumptions,
• foster our capacity to form authentic relationships cross-culturally,
• heighten our awareness of our impact on other communities,
• cultivate a deeper respect and compassion among us for humankind as a whole, and
• strengthen our ability to love and serve our neighbors by understanding their experiences more deeply.
Our first experience will take place on the evening of July 29th when we will bring a meal and share fellowship with farmworkers in eastern North Carolina. We will take a van from St. Paul’s to a farmworker camp to see and experience how farmworkers live. Please see the website for more information and to sign up.

REFUGE FOR REFUGEES will be having a training session with a member from USCRI, the organization that Refuge for Refugees partners with in placing and supporting refugee families. Learn what services USCRI provides, how our ministry can best serve and support the families that we welcome, and any additional questions that you may have. The training will be Tuesday, July 12th at 6:30 p.m. in the youth wing. If Kids’ Club is needed, please contact Andrew Zawierucha at andrew.zawier@gmail.com.

COFFEE HOUR MINISTRY HIGHLIGHTS: There is no coffee hour this week due to the Fourth of July weekend.

Next week Prayer Stitchers will be providing refreshments following the 9:00 a.m. service. This handiwork ministry – which includes knitting, crocheting, weaving, and quilting – welcomes adults, young people, and children as participants. They enjoy prayer and fellowship as they make items for persons in need.

ADULT EDUCATION – TWO OPPORTUNITIES: Today there will not be a film in the youth wing between the 9:00 and 10:45 a.m. services. Films in the NOOMA series will resume next Sunday. From the NOOMA series overview: “Jesus encouraged his listeners to search, to question, to wrestle with the implications of what he was saying and doing. He inspired, challenged, provoked, comforted, and invited people to be open to God’s work in this world. Wherever he went, Jesus started discussions about what matters most.” These films offer an invitation to us to search, question, and join the discussion.

Wednesday Night at the Movies, every Wednesday, 7:00 p.m. in the youth wing. Films from the series based on the book, A History of Christianity: The First Three Thousand Years, will be shown throughout July. Narrated by Diarmaid MacCulloch, one of the world’s leading historians and Professor of the History of the Church at St. Cross College, Oxford University, the films take us to historical points of interest relevant to Christianity and Mr. MacCulloch discusses the evolution of the Christian faith and its four main forms: Orthodoxy, Oriental Christianity, Western Catholicism and Protestantism. Join us for these fascinating films. Bring a snack if you like!

MAY MATCH UPDATE AND GRATITUDE
Many, many thanks to the generous parishioners who contributed to the May Match Campaign. As of June 20, 2016, 112 parishioner families gave a total of $18,035 toward the May Match Campaign. The May “Matcher” responded with a wonderful donation of $17,165, bringing the May Match total to $35,200. Thank you to everyone for contributing!

DORCAS MINISTRY: What a giving parish we are. For the June 26 toilet paper collection for Dorcas Ministry with the cash and rolls donated we were able to provide the Food Pantry with 842 rolls. That’s fantastic! That’s almost a 17 week supply so you won’t see me asking again until October. Thanks again for your generosity. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer or learning more about Dorcas Ministry, contact me at nfierke@bellsouth.net or call me at 919-467-8807.

The office will be closed Monday, July 4, and again Friday July 8.

CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES
• Have you ever considered joining the Sunday School Teaching Ministry? If so, you are in luck as we have a few openings for Sunday School Teachers for the 2016-2017 school year, but only 4 spots remain so act quickly! Sunday School teachers work in teams of three, so you have every 3rd Sunday off. The lessons are fun and easy and the children are delightful! You can learn so much by explaining Bible Stories to children – but prior teaching experience is not necessary … just a love of God and children! As of now, Sunday School teaching openings are: 1 spot in 3 year olds, 1 spot in 3rd grade, and 2 spots in 4th grade. Please contact Christine Ingram to sign up or have your questions answered.
• Children’s Ministries is thrilled to announce the June 2016-May 2017 Children’s Collection beneficiary! Please join us in collecting for “A Note in the Pocket!” A Note in the Pocket provides new and like new clothing to children in need in Wake County. In addition to collecting funds, we will also be collecting new and like-new clothing and participating in clothing sorts a couple of times a year. And, we will also have a few “Socks and Undies Sundays!” Stay tuned for additional information about how you and your children can help with this new opportunity.
• Children’s Chapel will continue at the 9:00 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. services all summer, with the exception of today, July 3rd, July 10th, and Labor Day weekends!

YOUTH
• “Shake It Up” Sunday, tonight 6:00-8:00 p.m.: Come join us for summer fun. We meet in the youth wing for milkshakes and fun activities. We may play games, watch some movies, try some art projects, or even go outside for Compline. It will be a fun relaxing time to stay connected through the summer. Come when you can!

OUTREACH IMMERSION EXPERIENCE ON JULY 29: Grow in knowledge and love for our nation’s farmworkers
It’s the second most important thing Jesus asked of us, but how can we truly love our neighbors as ourselves without even knowing them? To help us begin to know our neighbors, the Outreach Committee will be offering Immersion Experiences starting this summer. These events will offer opportunities to engage with our neighbors who may not be the members of our community that we interact with every day. We hope to promote a dialogue that will:
• nourish our capacity to reflect and break down stereotypes and assumptions,
• foster our capacity to form authentic relationships cross-culturally,
• heighten our awareness of our impact on other communities,
• cultivate a deeper respect and compassion among us for humankind as a whole, and
• strengthen our ability to love and serve our neighbors by understanding their experiences more deeply.
Our first experience will take place on the evening of July 29th when we will bring a meal and share fellowship with farmworkers in eastern North Carolina. We will take a van from St. Paul’s to a farmworker camp to see and experience how farmworkers live. Please see the website for more information and to sign up.

MAY MATCH UPDATE AND GRATITUDE
Many, many thanks to the generous parishioners who contributed to the May Match Campaign. As of June 20, 2016, 112 parishioner families gave a total of $18,035 toward the May Match Campaign. The May “Matcher” responded with a wonderful donation of $17,165, bringing the May Match total to $35,200. Thank you to everyone for contributing!

ORDER YOUR ST. PAUL’S T-SHIRT
This is the last Sunday to order your St. Paul’s T-shirt. T-shirts are available in a variety of fabrics and cuts, long sleeve and short sleeve, children and adult sizes! Drop by the tent outside the Narthex today to order your shirt. Ordered shirts should be available for pickup by August 1.

COFFEE HOUR MINISTRY HIGHLIGHTS: The Communications Committee is providing refreshments in front of the church following the 9:00 service today. This committee works to keep us informed about the many activities of our parish through the website, newsletter, Sunday bulletins, narthex monitor, Facebook, Twitter, and more.

There will be no refreshments next week due to the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

ADULT EDUCATION – TWO OPPORTUNITIES: Today in the youth wing between the 9:00 and 10:45 services, a film in the NOOMA series will be shown, followed by a discussion period. From the NOOMA series overview: “Jesus encouraged his listeners to search, to question, to wrestle with the implications of what he was saying and doing. He inspired, challenged, provoked, comforted, and invited people to be open to God’s work in this world. Wherever he went, Jesus started discussions about what matters most.” These films offer an invitation to us to search, question, and join the discussion. All are welcome to attend. There will not be a film between services next Sunday (July 3).

Wednesday Night at the Movies, every Wednesday, 7:00 pm in the Youth Wing. Films from the series based on the book, A History of Christianity: The First Three Thousand Years, will be shown on Wednesday evenings in June and July. Narrated by Diarmaid MacCulloch, one of the world’s leading historians and Professor of the History of the Church at St. Cross College, Oxford University, the films take us to historical points of interest relevant to Christianity and Mr. MacCulloch discusses the evolution of the Christian faith and its four main forms: Orthodoxy, Oriental Christianity, Western Catholicism and Protestantism. Join us for these fascinating films. Bring a snack if you like!

DORCAS MINISTRY: Toilet Paper collection for Dorcas Ministry Food Pantry is today. Collection will be in front of the church.

The office will be closed Friday, July 1 and Monday, July 4, 2016.

CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES
• Have you ever considered joining the Sunday School Teaching Ministry? If so, you are in luck as we have a few openings for Sunday School Teachers for the 2016-2017 school year. Sunday School teachers work in teams of three, so you have every 3rd Sunday off. The lessons are fun and easy and the children are delightful! You can learn so much by explaining Bible Stories to children-but prior teaching experience is not necessary…just a love of God and children! As of now, Sunday School teaching openings are: 1 spot in 3 year olds, 1 spot in 2nd grade, 2 spots in 3rd grade and 2 spots in 4th grade. Please contact Christine Ingram to sign up or have your questions answered.
• Children’s Ministries is thrilled to announce the June 2016-May 2017 Children’s Collection beneficiary! Please join us in collecting for “A Note in the Pocket!” A Note in the Pocket provides new and like new clothing to children in need in Wake County. In addition to collecting funds, we will also be collecting new and like-new clothing and participating in clothing sorts a couple of times a year. And, we will also have a few “Socks and Undies Sundays!” Stay tuned for additional information about how you and your children can help with this new opportunity.
• Heroes and Villains Vacation Bible School was a blast! Thank you to the 100 children, 60 volunteers and their families for sharing the week with us!
• Children’s Chapel will continue at the 9am and 10:45am services all summer, with the exception of July 3th , July 10th and Labor Day weekends!

YOUTH
• Thank You to Youth Vacation Bible School Volunteers: Thank you to all 26 youth who helped at VBS this week. You were all amazing! Thanks also for coming together for lunch on Wednesday. It was fun getting to know you all better and hearing about your experiences at VBS.
• Next “Shake It Up” Sunday, July 3, 6-8 pm: Let’s keep the fun going throughout the summer! Come to the Youth Wing for milkshakes and fun activities. We will play games, maybe watch some movies, try some art projects, and go outside for Compline. It will be a fun relaxing time to stay connected through the summer. Come when you can!

ADULT EDUCATION – TWO OPPORTUNITIES: Today a film in the NOOMA series will be shown in the youth wing between the 9:00 and 10:45 services. From the NOOMA series overview: “Jesus encouraged his listeners to search, to question, to wrestle with the implications of what he was saying and doing. He inspired, challenged, provoked, comforted, and invited people to be open to God’s work in this world. Wherever he went, Jesus started discussions about what matters most.” These films offer an invitation to us to search, question, and join the discussion. All are welcome to attend.

Wednesday Nights at the Movies has begun on Wednesday 7:00 p.m. in the youth wing. Films from the series based on the book, A History of Christianity: The First Three Thousand Years, will be shown on Wednesday evenings in June and July. Narrated by Diarmaid MacCulloch, one of the world’s leading historians and Professor of the History of the Church at St. Cross College, Oxford University, the films take us to historical points of interest relevant to Christianity and Mr. MacCulloch discusses the evolution of the Christian faith and its four main forms: Orthodoxy, Oriental Christianity, Western Catholicism and Protestantism. Join us for these fascinating films. Bring a snack if you like!

REFUGE FOR REFUGEES: If you were moved by what you heard from David Hatch about our efforts to welcome and re-settle newly arriving refugees last Sunday, please call David. He’ll will answer any questions you may have. Call him any time at 919-649-4024 or email at caredanmonster@gmail.com.

ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL for Outreach is scheduled for Saturday, November 12, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and we need you! We need help to make this year’s event a success. The festival committee needs two more committee members, one to take charge of publicity, and one for a new position that we’re calling facilities coordinator. It’s a fun event, for a very good cause, and we have a great group, but we’re looking for more wonderful volunteers. For full information, please contact Sally Moller, at sbm2@nc.rr.com.

DORCAS MINISTRY toilet paper collection for the Food Pantry will be Sunday June 26. Collection will be in front of the church.

COFFEE HOUR MINISTRY HIGHLIGHTS: The Ushers are hosting a special coffee hour in the parish hall today following the 9:00 service. Please join them in welcoming the newest member of our clergy team, The Rev. Javier E. Almendárez Bautista.

Next week the Communications Committee will be providing refreshments in front of the church following the 9:00 service. This committee keeps us informed about all the many activities and events of our parish.

THE MEMORIAL GARDEN COMMITTEE will have an information table today between the 9:00 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. services. The table will be located at the back of the church near the exit door to the Courtyard. Committee members will be available to answer any questions one might have regarding the church’s Memorial Garden, which consists of a Garden, Columbarium, and Remembrance Wall.

TRANSPORTATION NEEDS: St. Paul’s has a longstanding tradition of providing transportation to those in need. Care and Share helps with coordinating transportation to both appointments and Sunday services. Currently, we have need of transportation to and from the 9:00 a.m. service. If you are able to help, please contact: Kittied45@gmail.com or melonie.wigley@att.net.

CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES
• Have you even considered joining the Sunday School Teaching Ministry? If so, you are in luck as we have a few openings for Sunday School Teachers for the 2016-2017 school year. Sunday School teachers work in teams of three, so you have every 3rd Sunday off. The lessons are fun and easy and the children are delightful! You can learn so much by explaining Bible Stories to children-but prior teaching experience is not necessary…just a love of God and children! As of now, Sunday School teaching openings are: 1 spot in 3 year olds, 1 spot in 2nd grade, 2 spots in 3rd grade and 2 spots in 4th grade. Please contact Christine Ingram to sign up or have your questions answered.
• Children’s Ministries is thrilled to announce the June 2016-May 2017 Children’s Collection beneficiary! Please join us in collecting for “A Note in the Pocket!” A Note in the Pocket provides new and like new clothing to children in need in Wake County. In addition to collecting funds, we will also be collecting new and like-new clothing and participating in clothing sorts a couple of times a year. And, we will also have a few “Socks and Undies Sundays!” Stay tuned for additional information about how you and your children can help with this new opportunity.
• Heroes and Villains Vacation Bible School starts TOMORROW! We can’t wait to welcome 100 children and over 60 volunteers to the St. Paul’s campus this week for a wonderful time of fellowship, fun and learning.
• Children’s Chapel will continue at the 9am and 10:45am services all summer, with the exception of July 3th , July 10th and Labor Day weekends!

ADULT EDUCATION – TWO OPPORTUNITIES: Today, Sunday, June 12th, a film in the NOOMA series will be shown in the youth wing between the 9:00 and 10:45 services. From the NOOMA series overview: “Jesus encouraged his listeners to search, to question, to wrestle with the implications of what he was saying and doing. He inspired, challenged, provoked, comforted, and invited people to be open to God’s work in this world. Wherever he went, Jesus started discussions about what matters most.” These films offer an invitation to us to search, question, and join the discussion. All are welcome to attend.

Wednesday Nights at the Movies begins Wednesday, June 15th, 7:00 p.m. in the youth wing. Films from the series based on the book, A History of Christianity: The First Three Thousand Years, will be shown on Wednesday evenings in June and July. Narrated by Diarmaid MacCulloch, one of the world’s leading historians and Professor of the History of the Church at St. Cross College, Oxford University, the films take us to historical points of interest relevant to Christianity and Mr. MacCulloch discusses the evolution of the Christian faith and its four main forms: Orthodoxy, Oriental Christianity, Western Catholicism and Protestantism. Join us for these fascinating films. Bring a snack if you like!

REFUGE FOR REFUGEES: If you are moved by what you heard this morning from David Hatch about our efforts to welcome and re-settle newly arriving refugees, please find David in the Narthex after the service. He’ll be there to take any questions you may have. Or, you may call him any time at 919-649-4024 or email at caredanmonster@gmail.com

ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL for Outreach is scheduled for Saturday, November 12, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and we need you! We need help to make this year’s event a success. The festival committee needs two more committee members, one to take charge of publicity, and one for a new position that we’re calling facilities coordinator. It’s a fun event, for a very good cause, and we have a great group, but we’re looking for more wonderful volunteers. For full information, please contact Sally Moller, at sbm2@nc.rr.com.

THE MEMORIAL GARDEN COMMITTEE will have an information table on Sunday, June 19, between the 9:00 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. services. The table will be located at the back of the church near the exit door to the Courtyard. Committee members will be available to answer any questions one might have regarding the church’s Memorial Garden, which consists of a Garden, Columbarium, and Remembrance Wall.

COFFEE HOUR MINISTRY HIGHLIGHTS: The Stay-at-Home Parents Group is providing refreshments in front of the church following the 9:00 service today. This group provides an informal opportunity for fellowship for parents, as well as playtime for little ones.

Next week the Ushers will be hosting a special coffee hour in the parish hall to welcome the newest member of our clergy team, the Rev. Javier Bautista.

TRANSPORTATION NEEDS: St. Paul’s has a longstanding tradition of providing transportation to those in need. Care and Share helps with coordinating transportation to both appointments and Sunday services. Currently, we have need of transportation to and from the 9:00 a.m. service. If you are able to help, please contact: Kittied45@gmail.com or melonie.wigley@att.net.

GO DO: Come Meet Our Neighbors! St. Paul’s has been invited to help with the annual Wrenn Drive Block Party, a street festival on June 18 from noon to 4 p.m. for families in the apartments around Cary’s Wrenn Drive Post Office. This event started several years ago as a ministry of Greenwood Forest Baptist Church so GFBC members could get to know their down-the-street neighbors. Since then, the list of block party hosts has grown to include Kirk of Kildaire Presbyterian Church, Iglesia Cristiana de Cary, Dorcas Ministries, Project Phoenix, the Town of Cary, and others.

Our ministry is coordinating St. Paul’s participation. We will be hosting a face painting and kids craft table and have also offered to provide volunteer floaters to help out however needed. If you can’t be with us on Saturday, there is the opportunity to help with preparation on the evenings of Thursday, June 16 and Friday, June 17, as well. We hope to have two-hour shifts for table volunteers and floaters during the block party. If you would like to help, please sign up on http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0b4dafa922aafb6-wrenn or email aleta@att.net with the day and time you are available as well as how you would like to volunteer and show our Cary neighbors some St. Paul’s hospitality!

If you have any questions please contact Aleta McClenney aleta@att.net, Kevin Swann swann.kev@gmail.com or Julia Magee mageejulia@gmail.com

CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES
• Have you even considered joining the Sunday School Teaching Ministry? If so, you are in luck as we have a few openings for Sunday School Teachers for the 2016-2017 school year. Sunday School teachers work in teams of three, so you have every 3rd Sunday off. The lessons are fun and easy and the children are delightful! You can learn so much by explaining Bible Stories to children-but prior teaching experience is not necessary…just a love of God and children! As of now, Sunday School teaching openings are: 1 spot in 3 year olds, 1 spot in 2nd grade, 2 spots in 3rd grade and 2 spots in 4th grade. Please contact Christine Ingram to sign up or have your questions answered.
• Children’s Ministries is thrilled to announce the June 2016-May 2017 Children’s Collection beneficiary! Please join us in collecting for “A Note in the Pocket!” A Note in the Pocket provides new and like new clothing to children in need in Wake County. In addition to collecting funds, we will also be collecting new and like-new clothing and participating in clothing sorts a couple of times a year. And, we will also have a few “Socks and Undies Sundays!” Stay tuned for additional information about how you and your children can help with this new opportunity.
• Heroes and Villains Vacation Bible School starts next Monday! We are still in need of adult and youth volunteers. Please contact Christine Ingram if you can help.
• Children’s Chapel will continue at the 9:00 am and 10:45 am services all summer, with the exception of July 4th and Labor Day weekends!

YOUTH
Please keep the Middle School Mission Trip participates in your prayers. Nine youth and two adults will be at the Episcopal Farmworker’s Ministry in Newton Grove from June 12 until June 15. It will be a rich experience full of fun, fellowship, learning, and service.