PLEDGING FOR THE 2019 OPERATING BUDGET: We need your 2019 stewardship pledge! Your stewardship pledge covers our annual operating budget for 2019, the funds that keep our ministries going and the love flowing! We are asking everyone to bump up those pledges 5-7% if possible, to help cover the growing cost of doing what we do. You can pledge online through website or complete a pledge form (available in the Narthex) and place it in the Offertory Plate. Thank you!
COFFEE HOUR MINISTRY HIGHLIGHTS
The Julian Gathering is hosting coffee hour in the Parish Hall following the 9:00 a.m. 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. Please stop by the Parish Hall to learn more about this unique opportunity for prayer and study.
Next week Prayer Stitchers will be hosting Coffee Hour. 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. This year they are celebrating nine years of stitching and camaraderie.
ADULT FORMATION
Sunday Mornings: In the season after Epiphany, join our clergy as we explore the stories in our Women in Scripture series. How are we to receive their witness in the life of Jewish and Christian traditions? What might their stories teach us about God’s work in the world? On January 6, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. in the chapel, the Rev. Javier Almendárez-Bautista will lead our discussion on Ruth.
Wednesday Evenings: Our winter series, Spiritual Practices, will guide us through the basics of seven spiritual practices. Each session begins with a short video by presenters such as Brian McLaren, Phyllis Tickle, and Doug Pratt, who bring their questions and stories of seeking meaningful faith experiences through ancient spiritual practices. Sessions begin January 9 in the Youth Wing.
Please see the Adult Formation page on the St. Paul’s website and the E-News for more information and drop in for any sessions you’re able to attend.
CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES
• The Children’s Little Brown Stewardship Basket is working toward our 2019 Note in the Pocket Sort Day, scheduled for June 9, 2019.
• Children’s Chapel and Sunday School (Children’s Formation) resumes today.
YOUTH
• Sunday School: Classes resume today. 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 5-7 p.m. Epiphany is observed today, 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.
ALTAR FLOWER MEMORIALS: The Altar Flower Chart for 2019 is in the narthex. Flowers are usually given in memory of or / and in thanksgiving for loved ones, or to commemorate special occasions in our lives. The Altar Guild requests a donation of $45.00. Checks may be made payable to St. Paul’s with Altar Guild flowers noted on the memo line. Please sign up on the flower chart at least 3 weeks in advance for your name to appear in the appropriate Sunday bulletin. Stop by the sacristy after the 11:15 a.m. service if you would like to take the flowers you donated home.