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.
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.
