From the Pastor
Rev. Dr. Sonja Tobey
Happy New Year! I hope you and yours had a wonderful and blessed Christmas, and pray you have a very happy and blessed 2023. I am looking forward to the coming year at St. Paul's.
This Sunday our worship service will be online only and will be a Service of Lesson & Carols. You can see more about it below. It is a very meaningful service that goes through the story of God's saving acts in the history of humankind up to the promised child of the. manger. Join us online on Sunday, January 1st.
I will be gone for a couple of weeks and will have special guests to bring the message. On January 8th, Rev. Derrek Belase, Director of Connectional Ministries and frequent guest preacher at St. Paul's will be bringing the message "The Water is Fine." On the 15th, Rev. Michaela Drain, Director of Cameron Wesley Foundation will be bringing the message "Lord, it is Good to be Here." I know you will not want to miss either of these two preachers.
When I come back on the 22nd, I will be preaching on Fearless: The Power of a Praying Church. There will, of course, be homework and ways for you to develop your prayer life and pray for the St. Paul's community of faith.
As mentioned previously, we will not have daily readings coming up, but I encourage you to begin a new devotional for the new year. It is a time to try new things and stretch ourselves. I recommend The Upper Room Disciplines 2023. Additionally, you might like Daily Wisdom for Women 2023 and Daily Wisdom for Men 2023.
I hope you and yours have a safe and happy New Year!
Grace and peace,
Rev. Dr. Sonja Tobey
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 January 1st Online Worship Only
The Christmas Season is the 12 days between Christmas Day and the Day of Epiphany (January 6th). During this season, it is our duty and delight to prepare ourselves to hear the message of the angels once again, to go in heart and mind to Bethlehem, and see this thing which has come to pass, a Babe lying in a manger.
Therefore, in this service, we will hear again from Holy Scripture the story of the loving purposes of God from the first days of creation to the redemption of humanity brought to us by the holy Child of the manger. Let us make all our houses a house of prayer joyful with our songs of praise. Join us this Sunday, January 1, 2023, online only for a Service of Lessons and Carols.
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What if there had been three wise women?
Have you seen the sign that says, "Three Wise Women would have asked directions, arrived on time, help deliver the baby, brought practical gifts, cleaned the stable, made a casserole, and there would be peace on Earth!" Well, I don't know about all of these things, but I do believe if the visitors had been women, they would have brought diapers and casseroles!
Let us celebrate the birth of the Christ child by being practical in our assistance for those children and families in need. When my children were born over 30 years ago, diapers were a high-ticket item that seemed to be overwhelming. The cost of diapers has not decreased over the years, and families are even more overwhelmed by the cost of having a baby.
The United Women in Faith group will be collecting diapers from now until the end of January for local agencies who provide diapers to families. Let us be practical in our observance of the season and bring diapers! There will be a place for you to drop off diapers at the church. For more information, ask a member of United Women in Faith. |
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January Worship
New Year's Day Service will be online only at 11:00 a.m.
Service of Lessons and Carols
January 8, 2023 - Rev. Derrek Belase will be bringing the message "The Water is Fine"
Text: Matthew 3:13-17
January 15, 2023.- Rev. Michaela Drain will be bringing the message "Lord, It Is Good to Be Here"
Text: Matthew 17:1-9
Starting January 22, 2023 - New sermon series, "Fearless: The Power of a Praying Church."
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Coming Up
January 15th - Leadership Board Meeting at 1:30 p.m.
January 22nd - Ministry Meeting at 1:30 p.m.
January 29th - UWF Officer Installation, Pledge Service at Salad Luncheon following worship
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This week at St. Paul's
1/1-7/2023
The church is closed this week.
Sunday - Happy New Year!
9:30 a.m. - No Sunday school or In Person Worship
11:00 a.m. Online Worship
4:00 p.m. No Youth Group
Monday -
10:00 a.m. to Noon - Church Office Closed
Tuesday -
11:30 a.m. UWF at Tu Familia
6:00 p.m. Emmaus
7:00 p.m. Prayer
Wednesday -
10:00 a.m. to Noon - Church Office Open
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