December 10, 2023
New to St. Paul’s? Please let us know you are here by filling out a visitor card in the pew. Stop by our Welcome Station in the narthex (lobby) to chat with Greeters and find materials that might help if you are new to St. Paul’s or the Episcopal Church. Contact Mary Kintz, our Community Connector, at mary.kintz@stpaulscary.org to learn more.
Children’s Chapel: Children ages 3 years old through 5th grade are invited to process to Children’s Chapel during the 9 a.m. service and return to their families during announcements.
Coffee Hour (Parish Hall): Hosted this week by the Eucharistic Ministers Ministry. Join us after the 9 a.m. service for coffee and conversation.
Adult Formation (Chapel, 10:15-11 a.m.): Our Advent series Waiting with the Great Cloud of Witnesses continues today with “The Holy Family” presented by Fr. Javier.
Children’s Sunday School (Education Building): Children are meeting in the church sanctuary from 10:15-11 a.m. for Christmas Pageant rehearsal.
Youth Sunday School (Youth Wing): Classes are meeting from 10:15-11 a.m.
Episcopal Youth Community (EYC): Meets this evening for fun and fellowship from 5-7 p.m. in the Youth Wing.
PARISH ANNOUNCEMENTS
Newcomer Tour: Those new or newly returned to St. Paul’s who wish to know more can join a tour of our campus on the third Sunday of the month at 10:15 a.m. No sign up is necessary; meet at the welcome area in the narthex (lobby).
Lessons and Carols: Mark your calendars for this evening at 4 p.m. as the St. Paul’s Choir and the Bells of St. Paul’s present the traditional Anglican service of Advent Lessons and Carols, directed by Minister of Music Rusty McKinney. A light reception will follow the service, presented by the Fellowship Events Team. Invite friends and plan to join us for this beautiful, peaceful celebration in Advent. Childcare is available from 3:45-5:30 p.m.
Wednesday Evening Contemplative Services in Advent: Join the clergy in the St. Paul’s Chapel at 7 p.m. on Wednesdays in Advent for a contemplative Eucharist service. We will use the readings for Advent as our guide and have ample time for meditation and reflection.
Donate a Christmas Poinsettia: Donate a poinsettia for our Christmas services to honor the special people in your life! Christmas poinsettia envelopes are available now in the pews. Fill out the envelope with your name and the information about your loved one(s), noting whether it is given in memory of or in thanksgiving for them. Enclose $35 per plant; drop the envelope in the collection plate or in the office by December 10; plants may be taken home after the Christmas Day service at 10 a.m.
Note in the Pocket Clothing Drive: Please help our Pre-EYC (4th and 5th graders) support Note in the Pocket by donating gently used clothing and shoes as well as new socks and underwear, now through December 17. All sizes (infant-adult) of garments are needed. The donation bin is located in the church hallway near the choir room.
Christmas Pageant: Children are hard at work on St. Paul’s annual Christmas Pageant, but it’s not too late to join in this treasured tradition! Rehearsals occur during Sunday School this morning, and on Saturday, December 16 from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. The pageant will take place during the 9 a.m. service on December 17, followed by a festive “cast party” coffee hour for the entire congregation. There is plenty of room in the stable for additional angels, shepherds and animals if you have not yet signed up. Contact Melanie Williams (melanie@moyer.net) for more information.
Heifer International Donations: During the Christmas season, you are invited to honor family and friends with an Alternate Gift Giving opportunity, donating to Heifer International to support their mission of working with communities to end hunger and poverty and to care for the earth. For every $10 donated, you may pick up a Heifer International Greeting Card (located in the narthex/lobby) for loved ones you wish to honor in this way. Donations can be placed in the Heifer Ark during the Offertory on Sunday mornings, mailed to the church office, or completed online through the St. Paul’s Heifer donation webpage. Please make out checks to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church with Heifer International written on the memo line. Questions can be directed to Alison Arnold at alisonearnold@gmail.com.
Upcoming Service Schedule
Fourth Sunday of Advent (December 24)
7:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite I
10 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II
Christmas Eve Services (December 24)
4 p.m. Holy Eucharist with Children’s Homily
7 p.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II
10:30 p.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II
Christmas Day (December 25)
10 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II
First Sunday after Christmas (December 31)
7:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite I
10 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II
If you have a name you would like to include on the prayer list, or a ministry event that you would like to announce in this printed bulletin, please send information to announcements@stpaulscary.org. Please note that there is a 2-week lead time on printed announcements.