LOVE God and all others unconditionally
SEEK answers to our questions
SERVE God by serving others
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Last week I made a Target run to grab a few things, and I was stunned to walk in and find those dollar bins filled with Christmas stuff. There were little tree figurines and stocking stuffers and dish cloths with those crisp reds and greens. I pawed through the items but made myself refrain from buying anything. I’m barely ready for November day-to-day operations, let alone looking ahead to Christmas!
So I walked on and went about gathering my list of items I came for (plus a new sweater and that candle I decided I needed that was in an end of the aisle display…Target is a dangerous place for me). As I walked through the store, I was a bit surprised by how many red-shirts-and-khaki-pants people (the Target employee uniform) were walking around. I’d never seen that many people!
Then I realized why.
I got to the back of the store and dozens of employees were frantically removing the Halloween costumes and replacing them with aisles and aisles of wrapping paper, Christmas trees, ornaments, lights, wreaths, and more. It was chaotic but there was also an anticipatory energy among them as they prepared for this new season.
Christmas is coming!
Sigh.
I love Advent and getting ready for Christmas, but it was November 1. And I don’t want to be one of those people who gets angry at the early Christmas festivities—I can respect people who love the joy and spirit that it brings. I’m just not there yet. I have a million things to do at work and at home and with my people before we get there. I wasn’t quite ready to run into Christmas in Target (I literally ran into a guy carrying a Christmas tree back there, so perhaps I’m a bit traumatized from the experience.)
It’s scenarios like this that make me glad for our sermon series right now at St. Paul’s. We are working on being grounded right where we are. We are about to hit this busy season (if we haven’t already) where we have more time commitments and emotional energy on our plates. So this series is working on giving us the tools to find God in those regular, ordinary places that are already a part of our lives.
This Sunday we talk about finding God at home—finding God where we live. Maybe it will help you, like me, be a little more grounded where I want to be rather than finding myself running into Christmas and feeling overwhelmed by my to-do list.
See You Sunday,
Pastor Lora
PS – It’s not too late to turn in your 2020 estimate of giving cards! We also would invite you to pray for Church Council as they attend our network Charge Conference at St. Paul’s on Sunday afternoon at 2pm.
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Brunch with Friends
from Pat Cooper
Janean Grogan hosted a group of women (and four adorable children!) from St. Paul's and the Dialogue Institute on Friday, Nov. 1. Once again it was a good morning with delicious food and interesting conversation. We plan to continue this event every few months; our next one will be in January. If you'd like to get involved and are not on our email list, please contact Pat Cooper or Janean Grogan.
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Corn, Coats, and Cross-Lines Collections
Get involved in #GiveHope by bringing canned corn to church through November 20 and/or signing up to volunteer. More info, including a video featuring Jamie Turk, available on our website.
We’re collecting winter coats, hats, scarves, and gloves for students at Wyandotte High School through December 1. The school has a large refugee population and the school clothing closet can't keep up with demand for warm outer wear. Bring gently used coats (youth size XL and adult sizes XS to L), hats, gloves, and scarves to church, and provide warmth for students in our community.
Cross-Lines Christmas store is gearing up for another season! As in years past, St. Paul's is providing clothing - jeans and hoodies - and set up for the boys size 12 department. If you're not into shopping, cash donations are welcome, too, just indicate "Christmas Store" on your contribution. There will also be volunteer opportunities at the store; contact Janet Podoll or see the tear-off in this week's bulletin.
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Our annual holiday fundraiser is this Sunday! It's at the store this year, 7947 Santa Fe, Overland Park, KS. 15% of profits from sales from 4 - 7 p.m. on November 10 will benefit St. Paul's Peace & Justice causes. Enjoy refreshments, support fair trade artisans, and socialize with your friends!
Would you like to carpool from St. Paul's? Contact Pat Cooper to make arrangements. Can't wait to see you there!
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Join us for a night of homemade chili and cookies at St. Paul’s! We’ll be cooking up our favorite recipes and voting in a little friendly competition. All are welcome. Sign up at church or just show up and enjoy!
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You can save a life! Sign up at the Connections Center or online with Group Code KC4A. For more info, contact contact Bob Casey at 913-541-9949.
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Center yourself in the season with an evening of soup, sandwiches, and crafts for all ages. We'll sing carols and children will perform a Christmas song! Make an advent wreath to take home and enjoy throughout the month. Sign up to make an advent wreath, bring food, or lead an activity. Everyone is welcome!
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Share your love for the church with future generations. Leave a legacy gift to the St. Paul’s Legacy Fund.
-- A reminder from your Legacy Fund Program Committee
Learn more >
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Presence Worship: Small group worship offsite Wednesday evenings at 7:30pm at CommuniTea in downtown Overland Park. Contact Pastor Mike Marcus, mike@stpaulslenexa.org, for more information.
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FAITH FORMATION & FELLOWSHIP
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A nursery for infants and toddlers, staffed by certified caregivers, is available downstairs all morning on Sundays. Parents, please bring your cell phones to nursery check-in; we will text you if your child needs you.
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Adult Faith Formation
Sundays @ 9:30, lower level classrooms
Advent Series: “The Gift of Understanding.” Share your favorite Bible passage, prayer, or hymn. We will use the works of John and Charles Wesley to better understand what they might have felt about our favorites. Send your Biblical favorites to Tracy Dawson to add your favorites.
Thursdays beginning November 14, 6:30 - 8 p.m.
“Faithful: Christmas Through the Eyes of Joseph” by Adam Hamilton, Back Bridge Classroom. All are welcome! Judy Christiansen will begin as leader. Sharry Lockhart will be placing an order for books on November 1 or you can purchase on your own. Cost is $14.15 per book. Contact Sharry with questions or to request a book.
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Youth: Middle School/High School
Sundays @ 11a.m., Student Center, Lower Level
G.I.F.T. Growing in Faith Together: Engaging our Faith with Current Events
Sunday, November 10
4 - 6 p.m. Youth Group: How do we budget our money? How we give is an act of worship.
November 15-17
Fall Retreat. Enjoy a fun and meaningful weekend at Wilderness Retreat Center! Find registration forms at the Connections Center.
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Children PreK - Grade 6
Dive into Bible stories and explore faith with fun and age-appropriate activities!
Sundays @ 9:30 a.m.
PreK-K, 1st-3rd grade, and 4th-6th grade kids meet in small groups, then come together for a portion of the hour to participate in a large group session called Kids’ Church. Activities include Bible lessons, games, crafts, songs, and more! Visit the website to learn more.
KIDS456 (4th-6th Grade Group)
1st & 3rd Sundays, 6-7p.m. in the Tween Classroom, lower level
Bring $5 for pizza and your friends!
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God is with us every day of the week! From small group studies and service opportunities to band practice and yoga, there is always something going on. Check out the calendar.
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Are you or a loved one participating in a community activity you'd like your St. Paul's family to know about? Tell us about it!
Note: Submissions are subject to review and approval prior to publication.
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St. Paul's member and Shawnee City Council member Lindsey Constance is fighting climate change. Read about it here, then visit her website to learn more. Thanks for all you do, Lindsey!
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