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.