Friday, February 28, 2014

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


Tuesday, February 11, 2014

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