Christmas Eve

We have three Christmas Eve worship services on Wednesday, December 24, each a little different from the other but all celebrating Holy Communion.

• 5:00 pm -- Family Service, with the children's choir singing
• 7:00 pm -- Candlelight service, with the Sabbath Strings playing and the Laudate Handbell choir playing bells.
• 10:00 pm -- Candlelight service, with the Senior Choir singing, Gospel processional
• We invite you to join us at any time.

The Church office will be closed December 25 through January 1.

Worship on Sunday, December 28, will be services of Lessons and Carols with Holy Communion. Times are at 8:30 am and 11:00 am. There will not be Sunday School this day.

If you have any questions, please contact the church office at 919-489-3214, or email Pastor Scott Anderson at pastor@stpaulsdurham.org.

December News and Notes...

Advent at St. Paul's

"O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" -- Come to our Advent suppers and services on December 3, 10, and 17. The suppers are at 6 pm and the worship is at 7 pm. The worship service we will be using is Holden Evening Prayer with Communion. The sermon texts will be drawn from the "O Antiphons". In the sixth century, the O Antiphons were used at evening vespers the 7 days leading up to Christmas (Dec. 17-23). Each verse begins with "O," followed by a title for Christ. These titles are rooted in the Book of Isaiah. Please join us as we live in our day-to-day waiting, in God's promise, "For unto us a child is born ... Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

The first two Advent Suppers (Dec 3 and Dec 10 at 6 pm) will be prepared by the Youth attending the 2015 National Youth Gathering. Proceeds from these meals will go towards the funding they need to attend the Gathering in July. We invite the community to bring a dessert to share at either meal. Menu for these two meals are:

• Wed, Dec 3:  tomato soup, homemade chicken soup, grilled cheese sandwiches, and community desserts
• Wed, Dec 10: baked potato bar, salad bar, and community desserts

On Wednesday, Dec 17 we will once again have our festive Christmas celebration dinner. There will be a sign-up for this dinner so we can adequately prepare.

The Young In Spirit activity for December is a trip to Ascension Lutheran Church in Danville, VA to view their Chrismons. Their ornaments were first made in 1957 by a church member who was the originator of the Chrismons which are monograms and symbols of our Lord Jesus Christ. Be at St. Paul's on Wed, Dec 10 at 8:45 am to leave at 9:15 am. There is a sign-up sheet on the receptionist desk.

Opportunities to Help Others

The Interfaith Hospitality Network continues to work with the "alumni families" and support them in many ways -- one of which is the IHN Stocking Tree. The tree in the atrium is decorated with stockings which include the names of 30 individuals along with gift suggestions. You are invited to choose a stocking to purchase for that individual. We have been asked to spend about $50-75 for gifts for each person. You may like to join with another individual/family. Complete directions are available at the tree and with the stockings. All gifts must be returned to the tree by Sunday, December 14.

The Women's Connection invites you to participate in a food drive benefitting the Urban Ministries of Durham Food Pantry. The pantry serves 26 different families per day, Monday through Thursday. That is 416 families per month! There are grocery bags with the Pantry's food requests attached. You may fill the bag with their requested items and bring it back to St. Paul's by Sunday, December 14. Or, you may choose to contribute Food Lion gift cards in the amounts of $15 which can be placed in the offering plate. Or, you may write a check to St. Paul's noting "Urban Ministries Food Drive" and place in the offering plate. The money will be used to purchase gift cards. All food items, gift cards, and checks must be turned in by Sunday, December 14.

Christmas Pageant

The children and youth of St. Paul's will present our annual Christmas pageant on Sunday, December 14 at 5:00 pm in Trinity Hall. All children age 2 and up are invited to participate in this annual telling of the birth of Jesus. Rehearsals take place on Saturdays, Dec 6 and 13 from 10:00 am - 11:00 am in Trinity Hall. All youth who play an instrument are asked to contact Margot Wuebbens for music and rehearsal times.  The traditional lasagna supper will follow the pageant. Everyone is invited to this wonderful event!

Christmas Eve Worship

We will celebrate Christmas eve with Holy Communion worship at the following times:

• 5:00 pm -- Family worship with the Children's Choir singing
• 7:00 pm - Candlelight service with the Laudate Handbell Choir participating
• 10:00 pm -- Candlelight service with the Senior Choir participating

The church office will be closed from December 25 through January 1.



 

Fall = pumpkins, Trunk or Treat & Reformation

Pumpkin Patch at St. Paul's, Durham Oct 2014

The autumn colors are starting to appear on the trees in shades of yellow, gold, and red, but the color orange is definitely noticed on the grounds of St. Paul's Lutheran Church lately. We have received our New Mexico pumpkins and they are great -- all sizes, big, medium, small and also elf houses! Pumpkin Patch hours are:

• Sunday -- Friday, 12 noon--8 pm
• Saturdays 9 am -- 5 pm

Proceeds from the patch benefit the youth group's journey to the ELCA National Youth Gathering next summer in Detroit, as well as the Interfaith Hospitality Network which houses and assists families through their homeless program.

YARD Sale -- Saturday, October 25 at 7 am - 1 pm inside Trinity Hall
Items can still be brought in for the yard sale and workers can volunteer to help with pricing, set-up tasks, and especially with the sale itself that Saturday. If you want to get involved, contact Karen Hassett or Amanda Stoen. EVERYONE is invited to come out to the sale -- you may find some different items to take the place of the ones you put in the sale!

The Rite of Confirmation will take place on Sunday, October 26, Reformation Sunday at the 11:00 am Service. We will celebrate with our young people as they continue their baptism journey of serving, learning, and growing, according to God's gracious gift of faith. A reception will follow the service.
NEW -- A new Bible Study class will begin on Monday, October 27 at 7:00 pm meeting in the conference room with Vicar Daniel Locke leading. Studying the lectionary will start the class off.  Plans are to meet every Monday at 7:00 pm.

"Trunk or Treat" takes place on Wednesday, October 29 at 6:00 pm. You may arrive up to 6 pm on the Pickett Road side parking lot to prepare your trunk for the treaters. If you are just attending but not treating from your trunk, please park on the Cornwallis Road side and in the rear.  At 6 pm we will start the party with hot dogs, "trunk or treating," 'smores at the fire pit, among other activities. Start getting those costumes and trunk décor together. Bring some sweets or salts to share.

Looking ahead -- we are getting ready for our next annual "Lutherans Got Talent!" show taking place in Trinity Hall on Saturday, November 15 with supper at 6 pm and show at 7 pm. Participants of all skill levels and ages are welcome. There will be tables for those that wish to share their visual art and hand crafts.

Exciting Times in Sunday School

Our Sunday School classes begin this week (Sept 14) for all ages.


Jesus Blessing the Children Mural

Exciting things are happening with Sunday School this fall.
We remodeled rooms and hallways into creative spaces for creative learning. This school year, for the children, we will begin a Rotation Model of Sunday School. Every week the children will gather as a whole community for an opening, which will have music, prayer, and a reading of the current story they are studying. Then, by age group, the children will go to their scheduled class rooms for various types of learning and interactions with the story.
     The model is designed for children to hear the same story four weeks in a row; however, each week they'll hear, see, act out, create, and imagine the story in different styles of learning. Each week they'll rotate with their age group to a different classroom, which will offer the story in a different creative setting. For example: arts and crafts, movie watching (with popcorn), drama, puppet theater, cooking, science, music, and skills and games.
     Everyone learns differently, and the Rotation Model accounts for that. Teaching each Bible Story for four weeks in different settings helps the children grow in their understanding of the stories. 
     If you haven't already, please visit the Sunday School wing and see the life-size murals in person: Jesus blessing the children, Joseph and Mary and the Manger with on looking shepherds, Noah's ark and the various animals crawling their way into the halls, and Jesus calling the Disciples at the Sea of Galilee.
     Sunday School is meant to be a time for fun, interactive, creative learning, and we want the children of St. Paul's to experience that. We care about the children and nourishing their faith. So come join us on Sunday mornings from 9:45-10:45 for Rotation Sunday School.

The middle school youth left off last session with Jesus in the wilderness tying that in with Moses and the Israelites, so after a review, they will move into new territory asking the question: "Is the New Testament more important than the Old Testament?" Anyone want to respond to that? We invite all middle school youth to share in the class.

The high school will be exploring new material called "Echo." Students will be given a sketch journal to use throughout the sessions. We'll explore some of the deep, rich questions of faith. All senior high youth -- come join Vicar Daniel for this class.

The Adult Class schedule for the next few weeks includes:

• Sept 14 -- Conversation with the Pastor and this week's Bible study review
• Sept 21 -- Saints and people who do important work through the church, led by Pat & Morris Casper
• Sept 28 and Oct 5 -- "Just as I Am: How Christians Tell Their Lives," led by The Rev. Dr. Richard Lischer

The Adult class meets in the upstairs Whitesell Hall, coffee included.

Please take some time and share in our community faith studies through Sunday School classes. Worship is at 8:30 am and 11:00 am on Sundays with Sunday School for all ages at 9:45-10:45 am.  Worship this fall at 8:30 am will be using "Now the Feast and Celebration" service by Marty Haugen. The 11:00 am service will be using Setting Three of the Evangelical Lutheran Book of Worship. All services celebrate Holy Communion.

September brings Rally Day and Returning Groups!

Sunday, September 7 is a busy day at St. Paul's.
We have our Rally Day Breakfast at 9:30 - 10:45 am in Trinity Hall. We hope you all take advantage of this time for food and fellowship. Rally Day is the start of a new year of teaching and learning. It is an essential part of the life and mission of St. Paul's as it is in many congregations. Sunday School is a partnership of parents and teachers and congregation members to show that we affirm a life style that is Christ's.

Worship will change on September 7 as well. The 8:30 am service will continue using the setting, "Now the Feast and Celebration" by Marty Haugen, while the 11:00 am service will begin using Setting three of the Evangelical Lutheran Worship book. This setting is the old LBW setting One so it will probably be very familiar with most people.

Between services and after the 11:00 am service, we invite you to take a few minutes to stop and speak with our members at the Time and Talent Tables. Committees and groups will be set up around the main level of the building with information on what they do, their goals, and are there to answer any of your questions. Spend a few minutes and you may happen upon a group or committee which interests you -- all need additional participants. Our Time and Talent board will also be on view where you can select a task, complete the form, and drop it in the basket.

During both services, 8:30 and 11:00 am, we will have a "backpack" blessing, so bring your backpack, briefcase, or just yourself to receive a blessing for the start of this new educational year -- all ages, all schools.

With the ending of summer, we see several of our other groups returning to rehearsals and meeting times.

Senior Choir will begin Wednesday night rehearsals on Sept. 3 at 7:00 pm downstairs in Genesis Hall. They will begin singing at the 11 am service on Sept 14. In addition to Wednesday night rehearsals, choir will warm-up/rehearse on Sunday mornings at 10:30 am upstairs in the balcony. Stop by the Music Time & Talents table to sign up -- all choirs, handbell ringers, and musicians -- past or future!  Jackie wants to meet you all!

The Thursday Morning Bible Study will be back at 10:30-11:45 am. Bring a bible and come to the conference room whenever you can.

We also return to our Wednesday Night suppers on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month. Our traditional September meal is "Reading, 'riting, and ravioli" to kick off the school year. That will be on Wednesday, September 3 at 6:00 pm.

On Friday, Sept. 5 at 6:00 pm, we celebrate Holy Communion and the Ordination of our former Vicar, Andrew Jacob Tucker. The Rev. Dr. Richard Lischer will preach, the Rev. Scott Anderson will preside. All are invited, if vesting, the color is red. There will be a simple reception following the service.  Andrew has been called to serve Christ Lutheran Church in Radford, VA. 

The work on our murals downstairs is moving slowly along. Can't rush artists! If you have a desire to help us paint, we sincerely invite you to contact the church office to get information. Stop by and see the work going on -- it is taking on a new appearance.

August Activities

Gretchen Wilson Memorial Organ Concert

Sunday, August 17, 2014 at 4:00 pm

in the Sanctuary of St. Paul's Lutheran Church

located at the corner of Cornwallis & Pickett Roads

in SW Durham

Reception follows in Trinity Hall

Performers Christa Rakich and St. Paul's new Minister of Music, Jacqueline Nappi, present works for organ, harpsichord, and piano. Also premiering a new work by Durham composer Michael Trinastic. All are welcome to this free concert! Details on the artists are in the August issue of Cross Connections which can be found on the website under "Resources" clicking on "Parish News and Notes."

Vicar Daniel Locke will be arriving at St. Paul's on August 14 for his year with us. We will welcome Vicar Daniel with a "pounding." You are invited to bring household supplies, such as paper goods, cleaning supplies, pantry basics, non-perishable foods, etc. Containers are in the foyer.

Interfaith Hospitality Network homeless families will be staying at St. Paul's the week of August 17-24. Sign-ups are in the foyer now. Stop by and indicate if you can assist with meals, driving, overnight hosting, as well as setting up and laundry. Contact Margot Wuebbens or Ellen Lavery for questions. You may also contact the church office.

The Durham area Lutheran Churches are coming together in the month of September to participate in the NC Synod effort -- God's Work. Our Hands. We will be collecting coats, jackets, and diapers to be distributed to the needy in early October. Please help us with this effort. Boxes will be placed in the foyer to collect the items.

Making a return in November will be our "Lutherans Got Talent" show. Start thinking now of a talent you can share or combine your talents with others for an evening of enjoyment!

"Growing thru Grief," a grief care and grief support group, continues to meet Tuesdays at St. Paul's. The program begins at 4:30 pm with a brief lecture followed by small group discussions. Come at 4:00 pm for registration, refreshments, and fellowship. For more information, email: growingthrugrief@gmail.com.

Vacation Bible School

Welcome to SonWest Round Up!
On Monday morning, June 23, there will be 28 adults, with the assistance of 14 Teen Team members,  leading 43 children, through our Wild West town of SonWest. There will be music, food, games, crafts, and amazing stories that point you and your children to Jesus. We'll be traveling down the trail through the Old Testament stories of Moses to discover God's ultimate plan -- Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Drop on by to get a taste of the wonder of VBS, visit our Wild West Town, sit around the campfire. We especially invite you on Friday, June 27 at 12:00 noon to come to the sanctuary for our closing events followed by a Chuck Wagon picnic in Trinity Hall. So, saddle up and mosey on down to St. Paul's for SonWest Round up, Monday through Friday, June 23-27 at 9:00 am - 12:30 pm.

June Events

Vacation Bible School 2014
Come to SonWest Roundup - June 23-27 at 9:00 am - 12:30 pm

• VBS activities will include Bible learning experiences, team building games, cool songs, tasty treats and crafts. VBS Registration needs to be submitted ASAP so we can have the proper materials ready for each child.
• Adult leaders are still needed to shepherd groups of young children to and from the various learning stations. The groups of children will rotate between worship, music, crafts, recreation, snacks, story time, movie time, and closing activities each day.

If you have any questions, please contact the church office at 919-489-3214 or email admin@stpaulsdurham.org.

Icon Workshop

     Are you considering signing up for the August 4-9 Icon Class? If so, Lettie Anderson needs to hear from you right away! Please email her at arts@stpaulsdurham.org. The actual deadline to register is July 12, but for planning purposes, we need to assess our numbers; there's both a minimum to hold the workshop and a maximum beyond which we'll need an extra teacher.
     The class is scheduled to meet from 9 am to 4 pm for six days in a row beginning August 4. The $550 cost includes all materials: gessoed board, gold leaf, hand crushed pigments, brushes, etc. (valued approximately $150). Because we trace the initial image onto the board, a reasonably steady hand is the only requirement; clear and effective instruction allows even non-artistic participants to create a product of lasting personal value. The instructors, Tatiana and Dmitriy Berestov, will come from New York to stay at St. Paul's for the week. They have long experience as iconographers in Russia and the U.S.
     Creating an icon is a beautiful spiritual and artistic experience. If you would like more information, send an email to arts@stpaulsdurham.org, call Lettie Anderson or talk to people who have taken the class before: Pastor Anderson, Alice Barnes, Amanda Montgomery, or Tina Bessias.

Come to an Ice Cream Social
Monday, June 9 at 7:15 in Trinity Hall -- everyone is welcome to attend. Women's Connection (formerly Tabitha) is hosting.

Picnic Time for the Young in Spirit group -- bring your picnic lunch on Wednesday, June 11 at 11:30 am to Trinity Hall. We'll enjoy fellowship as we dine and then we'll hop in the church van to travel to Maple View Farm to enjoy their delicious ice cream for dessert.

For the summer, we will enjoy our Wednesday Night Suppers only once a month -- on the third Wednesday of the month -- to give our Trinity Kitchen crew a break. In the fall, we will be looking for individuals or groups to create the meals on the first Wednesday evenings. Contact the church office or admin@stpaulsdurham.org if you may be interested.

Liturgical Mysteries Evening

An Evening of Desserts & Liturgical Mysteries

with Mark Schweizer

Sunday, May 4, 7:00 pm in Trinity Hall

St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Durham

presented in conjunction with St. Philip Lutheran in Raleigh

St. Germaine is a little like Lake Wobegon, Garrison Keillor's fictional hometown. Except that St. Germaine is in western North Carolina and it has a recurring problem with murders. They are solved by Hayden Konig, whose role as detective/chief of police is supplemented by his other role -- organist and choir director for St. Barnabus Episcopal Church. Who knew that so many crimes could have a liturgical connection?

 

Whether or not you've had a chance to read The Alto Wore Tweed or any of Mark Schweizer's other books in our library, you'll enjoy this evening of conversation, music, and dramatic reading.

 

You are invited to bring a dessert which will be shared by all in attendance. If you need a ride, please contact the church office.

 

 

Holy Week and Easter Services

April 17 -- Maundy Thursday

• 12:00 pm service of Holy Communion and Stripping of the Altar
• 7:00 pm service of Holy Communion, representative foot washing, and Stripping of the Altar

April 18 -- Good Friday

• 12:00 pm "Way of the Cross" service utilizing the stations of the cross on display in the sanctuary
• 7:00 pm "Tenebrae" service, the worship space becomes gradually darker as we hear Christ last words

April 20 -- Easter Sunday -- The Resurrection of Our Lord

• 8:30 am Worship -- Holy Communion
• 9:30 am Easter Breakfast for all -- menu includes: scrambled eggs, sausage, biscuits, pancakes, grits. A free-will offering will be accepted
• 10:15 am Easter Egg Hunt for children -- please bring a basket for each child. They will hunt eggs in age-divided groups, keeping the items in the plastic eggs, returning the plastic eggs and receiving a gift bag
• 11:00 am Worship -- Holy Communion
• Flowers can be brought to decorate the cross

The Church Office will be closed Monday-Tuesday, April 21-22.

April News and Notes

Lent continues at St. Paul's...
Wednesday Night Suppers and Mid-week Lent Worship continues on April 2 and 9 -- supper is in Trinity Hall at 6:00 pm and worship in the sanctuary at 7:00 pm.
 
On April 2, our supper  at 6:00 pm involves a pot-luck salad/dessert offering.
If you are able, please bring a salad or dessert to share at the meal. Main dish will be provided.  The salad can be anything: garden, potato, pasta, slaw, fruit, Jell-O, etc. Dessert -- anything goes!
 
The last two Ecumenical Mid-Week Lent worship and Meals will take place:
  April 2 at St. Stephen's Episcopal with Rev. Deborah Steed preaching
  April 9 at Pilgrim UCC, Rev. Robert Kaynor, preaching
Worship is at 12:00 noon and lunch follows at 12:30 pm.
 
Stations of the Cross in the Sanctuary
During Lent and Holy Week, the fourteen Stations of the Cross are displayed in the sanctuary. You may use them for contemplation and meditation any time the church is open. On your way into the sanctuary, pick up a copy of Biblical Way of the Cross by Richard Haas. Begin at the station next to the Brombaugh organ and proceed towards the back and up the other side. Please return the booklet when you are finished. The Worship Committee and the Liturgical Arts Committee worked with Pastor Anderson to select and design these stations. Perhaps you recognize the artistic style as that of Nicholas Markell, illustrator of the ELW. Feel free to share your response with Jeff Anderson, Tina Bessias, or other members of the Worship and Arts Committees.

Adult Sunday School class continues with the Book of Faith Bible Study. Copies of the Bible Study schedule are available in the foyer and on our website (downloadable in PDF).

Looking ahead to Holy Week and Easter...
Palm/Passion Sunday is April 13
    8:30 and 11:00 am worship - palm procession and Passion Story from Matthew
    9:45 am Easter Egg coloring for children downstairs in Genesis Hall

Maundy Thursday is April 17
    12:00 noon and 7:00 pm  Worship with Holy Communion
   
Good Friday is April 18
    12:00 noon and 7:00 pm Worship -- noon is "The Way of the Cross" and 7 pm is Tenebrae

Easter Sunday is April 20
    8:30 am and 11:00 am Worship -- both celebrate Holy Communion
    9:30 am Easter Breakfast in Trinity Hall (free-will offering accepted) all are invited!
    10:15 am Easter Egg Hunt for children ages 2 through 5th grade -- bring a basket!

 

News and Notes for March

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
St. Paul's has a tradition of Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper on the evening before Ash Wednesday -- which this year is Tuesday, March 4 -- Mardi Gras! Shrove Tuesday originated during the Middle Ages. Food items like meats, fats, eggs, milk, and fish were regarded as restricted during Lent. To keep such food from being wasted, many families would have big feasts on Shrove Tuesday in order to consume those items that would inevitably become spoiled during the next forty days. Feasting on pancakes! Come out at 6:00 pm for the Shrove Tuesday pancake supper which of course includes pancakes (several varieties), sausage, and applesauce! A free-will offering will be accepted at the meal to help support Duke Lutheran Campus Ministry.

Ash Wednesday worship services will take place at 12:00 noon and 7:00 pm in the sanctuary and includes the imposition of ashes as well as Holy Communion.

Mid-Week Lent Suppers and Worship
Join us for supper at 6:00 pm in Trinity Hall before each of the mid-week worship services at 7:00 pm in the sanctuary. Dates are: March 12, 19, 26, April 2, and 9. These will be simple meals but since they are every week, extra help is always welcomed.

Ecumenical Lent Worship and Lunches
Join us for worship and lunch with our ecumenical neighbors in Christ. Worship begins at 12:00 noon with the luncheons following at about 12:30 pm. Schedule:

• March 12 at Epworth Methodist Church, Rev. Betty Berghaus preaching
• March 19 at Westminster Presbyterian, Rev. Laura Wittman preaching
• March 26 at St. Paul's Lutheran, Rev. Ginger Brasher-Cunningham preaching
• April 2 at St. Stephen's Episcopal, Rev. Scott Anderson preaching
• April 9 at Pilgrim UCC, Rev. Robert Kaynor, preaching

Crop Walk is Sunday, April 6 at 2:30 pm. Walkers can sign up now and get your sponsors lined up.

Wellesley College Choir will be performing at St. Paul's on Monday, March 24 at 7:30 pm for a Benefit Concert for Genesis Home in Durham. The Wellesley College Choir was founded in 1900 and has a long tradition of bringing young women together through music and enriching their time at Wellesley. One of the best ways the choir does this is through their annual tour.  Some of their recent tours have included visits to New Orleans, Nashville, Memphis, Portugal and Canada. This year they are excited to be visiting  North Carolina, DC, and Virginia. Their concert at St. Paul's will feature music ranging from Hildegard Motets to more contemporary songs. A suggested $5 donation will benefit the Genesis Home which works to end homelessness for families with children by providing housing and supportive services to foster independence.

Applications are available now in the foyer for:
Vacation Bible School -- SonWest Roundup - June 23-27, 9:00 am - 12:30 pm, Monday through Friday
Agape Day Camp at St. Paul's on July 21-25, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm. Early drop off, after camp care available. This is for campers entering 1st grade through 5th grade. Cost per camper: $125

February Notes

February is Library Lovers Month and this past Sunday we celebrated Fowler Memorial Library Sunday. During this time we designate special offerings to go toward purchasing new books for the library and paying for magazine subscriptions. Everyone is welcome to use all the materials in the library and your special offering will only make the library better! Thanks for loving your church library!

Valentine's Day Big band Bash will take place in Trinity Hall on Friday, February 14 at 7-9 p m. Don't miss this opportunity to hear the big band sounds of the 18-piece plus vocals Durham Jazz Orchestra. The dance floor will be open for all those who wish to take a whirl. If you have any questions, call the church office at 919-489-3214.

New Members will be received on Sunday, February 23. If you would like information on becoming a member of St. Paul's, please contact Pastor Anderson at 919-489-3214 or pastor@stpaulsdurham.org.

A Congregational Meeting will be held on Sunday, February 23 immediately following the 11:00 am service (about 12:15 pm) in the sanctuary. The agenda includes approval of the annual reports and the selection of delegates to the NC Synod Assembly, held May 30-31 at Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory. Speak with Pastor Anderson or a council member if you are interested in attending.

Wednesday, February 19, the St. Paul's Preschool & PMO will be sponsoring the Wednesday night supper! Come and enjoy a wonderful homemade spaghetti supper with a bake sale -- proceeds from the evening will go to create the upgrades to the playground for all children to enjoy. Supper begins at 6:00 pm and everyone is invited!

Dates to put on your calendar:
March 4 - Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper at 6 pm
March 5  - Ash Wednesday services at noon and 7 pm
March 9-16 is our next Interfaith Hospitality Network week in which we house the families
March 12, 19, 26, Apr 2, 9 - light supper at 6 pm and Lenten mid-week worship at 7 pm

January-February Notes

New Year Bible Study -- The Bible is the Book of Faith and we are going to embark on a year of getting to know our Bible better. We invite you to start with our list of short daily readings, by week, for the year. Hard copies are available in the foyer and are also listed on our website. Read and study the scripture. Then, join with others during the  Sunday School hour (9:45-10:45 am) to discuss the week's readings. The class meets in Trinity Hall with Pastor Anderson and others leading.

The Young In Spirit February gathering will be to see the play, "Steel Magnolias" at the Central Orange Senior Center, 103 Meadowland Drive, Hillsborough on Thursday, February 13 at 7:30 pm. Costs is $15 per person. Reservations are due by February 1. If you are interested, sign up in the reception office or call the church office at 919-489-3214.

Valentine Day Big Band Bash! Come and enjoy the big band sounds of the Durham Jazz Orchestra on Friday, February 14, 7-9 pm in Trinity Hall. Bring your friends to listen to the great sounds of yesteryear The dance floor will be open for all who wish to take a whirl. Donations of desserts or salty snacks would be appreciated.

Chili Cook-Off! It's winter and time for our annual Chili Cook-off! On Wednesday Night, Feb 5 we invite any and all cooks to bring a crock-pot of their chili -- all varieties are welcome! We provide all the rest of the meal. Serving begins at 6:00 so the chili should be here by 5:45 pm.

Dates to make note of:
February 19 -- Preschool Spaghetti Fundraiser Dinner in Trinity Hall at 6 pm! Come help raise money to build up our Preschool Scholarship Program and enjoy a great home-made meal. Activities for children as well.

March 4 -- Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper at 6 pm. Come celebrate before we begin Lent the next day. Enjoy pancakes, sausage, and applesauce in a Mardi Gras fashion.

March 5 -- Ash Wednesday worship services at noon and 7 pm

March 12, 19, 26, Apr 2, and 9 -- Light supper at 6 pm and mid-week Lenten services in the sanctuary at 7 pm.