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Parish Hall Prayer/Reflection
We give thanks that we are finally able to gather again in our parish hall, having adapted to, and navigated through, a multiple year pandemic. And we give thanks that in the midst of all that, we were blessed with the gifts offered in our successful Capital Campaign that provided us the resources to renovate, renew, and expand this building. In the midst of a pandemic, we continued to build a church, to build upon a building set aside for mission and ministry every day of its life.
A building blessed with the sounds and beauty of children almost every day in its hallways, classrooms, Kids’ Club and in the parish hall, especially on rainy days.
An expanded kitchen that can invite us into expanded hospitality, community, and great food enjoyed in the parish hall.
A parish hall where we gather for celebrations of new life at Baptism.
A parish hall where over coffee and cake and pictures, we congratulate those confirmed.
A parish hall where we celebrate the wedding receptions of many who once walked these hallways as children and grew up here.
A parish hall where we gather with food and beverage to remember loved ones of our community who have passed away.
A parish hall where we enjoy pancakes, lobsters, murder mystery dinners, and ASP dinners with that unforgettable spaghetti sauce.
A parish hall where over a simple cup of coffee we welcome those new to our parish and catch up with friends.
A parish hall where St. Nicholas stores the gifts we’ve given him until he departs to bring them to so many children.
A parish hall where Vacation Bible School fills this space with laughter, story and song.
A parish hall known to so many in the community who gather for meetings, youth orchestra rehearsals, arts and crafts festivals, and so many more.
May the parish hall, and that entire building, remind us of who we are, remind us of our mission to WORSHIP, SERVE and GROW. As we gather and are sent forth each Sunday from this worship space, may we also remember as we walk through the new lobby of the parish hall the gathering and sending forth that happens every day in that building.
Thank you, source of life and light, for this faith community of St. Paul’s. Amen.
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