Service of Prayer for Christian Unity
Thursday, January 22, 2015 at 7:00 pm is the Day of Prayer for Christian Unity worship here at St. Paul's. At least once a year, Christians everywhere are reminded of Jesus' prayer for his disciples that "they may be one so that the world may believe" (see John 17:21). Hearts are touched and Christians come together to pray for their unity. Many area denominations will come together for prayer, remembrance of baptism and for fellowship. This year, outgoing Bishop Leonard Bolick of the NC Synod, ELCA will be our preacher. He will just have returned from a trip to the Holy Land and his text is from John 14 -- the woman at the well. Please join us for a time of prayer for our unity in Christ. Offering will benefit CROP Walk of Durham and their efforts to provide clean drinking water.
Young In Spirit on the Road Again!
Young In Spirit will travel to the North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh on Wednesday, January 14. The museum opens at 10 am so the group will gather at St. Paul's by 9:15 am. Lunch will be at the "Iris" cafe at the museum. There will be time to enjoy the permanent art displays before lunch. Call the church or sign up in the reception office if you would like to go.
Preschool & PMO
St. Paul's Preschool and PMO is getting ready to host the Wednesday, February 4 supper. Money raised will go toward financial scholarships for families needing assistance to attend the preschool. They have also finalized class offerings for the 2015-2016 school year and are excited to be offering an additional class for 2 year olds! Registration forms and enrollment procedures can be picked up downstairs in the preschool space or downloaded from the web site. Registration begins January 12, 2015. We offer classes for children ages 9 months - 4 years old. Contact Amanda Stoen - preschool@stpaulsdurham.org for more information.
Valentines' Day Big Band Bash!
Come and enjoy the big band sounds of the Durham Jazz Orchestra on Friday, February 13, at 7-9 pm in Trinity Hall. The Durham Jazz Orchestra is an eighteen piece band with vocalists. They have been here several years and it has proven to be a wonderful evening of entertainment. You will hear the sounds of yesteryear and are invited to take a spin on the dance floor if you are so inclined. It is a great time to invite your loved ones to a fantastic event. If able, please bring some sweet or salty treats or desserts to share. A free will offering will be taken to offset the cost of the band.
Wednesday Night Suppers Chili Festival!
We already had a great supper on January 7 -- Chicken Pot Pie (homemade), salad bar, and desserts. Now we get to look forward to our Chili Festival on January 21. This is a name change for our Chili Cookoff (everybody's was so good we couldn't award winners) so it is time for you to dust off those favorite chili recipes and cook them up. Supper begins at 6:00 pm so the chili should be here by 5:30-5:45 pm in crock-pots. Indicate if it is hot or mild, vegetarian or meat. We'll supply the corn bread, salad and desserts. Ya'll come out and enjoy our Chili Festival!
Bible Studies
We have two Bible Studies each week: Mondays at 7:00 pm with Vicar Daniel and Thursdays at 10:30 am with Pastor Scott. Hope to see you here!
Worship
Our Sunday worship continues at 8:30 and 11:00 am using Setting 3 of the ELW. Holy Communion is celebrated at each service.
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.
