DECEMBER 2017 JANUARY 2018

ST. PAUL'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

Rector’s Letter

DECEMBER 2017 – JANUARY 2018 VOLUME 42, ISSUE 9

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Cary is home to an active, caring, and diverse congregation of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina. Through corporate worship, spiritual development, fellowship, and service we continue to grow together in faith. We strive to be Christ's welcoming, reconciling, and transforming presence in the world through our many and varied ministries.

What’s Inside

About Our Church 5

Adult Formation 9

Advent Offerings 4

Advent Play 8

Altar Flower Memorials 19 Arts & Crafts Festival 8 Associate Rector’s Message 2 Calendar: Dec. & Jan. 20-21 Children’s Ministries 10-11 Christmas Poinsettias 19 Episcopal Youth Community 12-14 Greening of the Church 7 Holiday Worship Schedule 3 Ministry of the Week: Coffee Hour 6

Mystery Book Club 7

Music Ministry News 17-19 Newsletter Deadline in Jan. 6

Note from Nursery 2

Outreach: Dorcas 16

Outreach: Family Promise 15

Outreach: Heifer 17

Outreach: St. Nicholas 15

Parents Night Out 6

Preschool News 9

Senior Ministry 7

Vestry - Transitions 5

Warden’s Corner 4

Dear Friends,

Richard Rohr describes the liturgical year as a way of taking “big mysteries” and placing them on small stages. These small stages we call the seasons of the liturgical year. The liturgical calendar is a way of inviting us to dwell on “big mysteries” by focusing on them for a

season.

Advent, the first season of the liturgical year, is therefore not just a season, but a big mystery that is a part of our everyday life as we seek to open our lives in hope and anticipation to the fullness of the wisdom of the eternal Christ. It is a season to ask: “What are the blockages that keep me from that wisdom? What is my resistance to that wisdom?

What is my stubbornness? What is my closed mindedness that keeps me from welcoming the wisdom of the eternal Christ?” You see,

Advent is

ALWAYS

, it’s not just a season. To think of it only as a season of preparation for Christmas is a very limiting understanding. I invite you to a holy Advent.

There are four Sundays in the Advent season, and this year is unique because the fourth Sunday of Advent also falls on the same day as Christmas Eve. Let me explain what that means for us at St. Paul’s on Sunday, December 24.

On Sunday morning, December 24, we will have a service at 7:30 a.m. and another at 10:00 a.m. celebrating the Fourth Sunday of Advent.

There will not be a 9:00 a.m. or 11:15 a.m. service.

Then that evening we will have services at 4:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m., and 10:30 p.m. celebrating Christmas Eve. And on Christmas Day, we will have a service at 10:00 a.m.

The reason I am addressing this is not to confuse folks who may think that by coming to a Sunday morning service they are coming to a Christmas Eve service. Not the case. There will be no Christmas music or Christmas celebration during the December 24 morning services because it will still be the Fourth Sunday of Advent. The Christmas Eve service schedule is shown in the adjacent box to the left.

(Also, check out the listing of services on page 3.)

I wish you a holy Advent and blessed Christmas.

George

December 24 Christmas Eve Services 4:00 p.m. Child friendly

celebration of the Eucharist with a special homily for all the children.

7:00 p.m. A celebration of the Eucharist filled with wonderful Christmas Carols.

10:30 p.m. A celebration of the Eucharist that concludes near midnight making this service our

“Midnight Mass”

December 25 Christmas Day 10:00 a.m. Gather on

Christmas Day for a quiet, contemplative celebration of the Eucharist.

Page 2

Racial Justice and Reconciliation: A More Excellent Way

1 Corinthians 13 is often heard at weddings: “If I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal …” (1 Cor 13:1). Paul calls this the “more excellent way” of Christian discipleship – we may have all the skills necessary to obtain acclaim, respect, and honor in the eyes of others, but if we do not have love, we have effectively gained nothing.

The passage is, of course,

appropriate for weddings, yet its context is much larger than a couple’s

relationship. Paul wasn’t speaking about a lifelong commitment between two people; he was talking about a way of life for the Christian community. Love is “a more excellent way” in the face of injustice, division, and distrust. Love is not simply a feeling, but a firm

commitment – one that we are all called to undertake as members of the Body of Christ.

This coming year, I have been asked to co-chair the Bishop’s Committee for Racial Justice and Reconciliation (RJR) alongside Monnie Riggin, a member of St. Luke’s in Durham. The committee’s purpose is to help Episcopalians in our diocese pursue a “more excellent way”

through racial injustice and division. The primary way that we undertake this task is by offering our diocesan anti-racism training, “Seeing the Face of God in Each Other.” Additionally, the RJR Committee provides scholarships for any

Episcopalian interested in attending the Racial Equity Institute (REI) training. The REI training is a highly-effective

supplement to our diocesan work: it delves deeply into issues of systemic and structural racism, and it brings people together from a variety of churches and community organizations.

In the coming year, we hope to explore what other needs or issues the minority communities in our diocese would like to address. Training is a necessary and beneficial starting point, but sometimes our efforts to be inclusive shift the focus away from those most likely to be affected by these issues.

Ultimately, our hope is to do both: we can provide an avenue for new people to engage in conversations about racial justice and reconciliation, while also providing support for those communities that have historically borne the brunt of racial bigotry and discrimination.

In the words of Cornel West, Martin Luther King, Jr. “called for us to be lovestruck with each other, not

colorblind to one another.” I hope that you will take this opportunity to check out the resources for racial justice and reconciliation available through our diocese. There is a more excellent way available to us, and we are all – each and everyone one of us – an integral part of that journey.

The Rev. Javier Almendárez Bautista

FOR MORE INFORMATION: http://

www.dionc.org/Ministries & Mission/

racial-justice-reconciliation.html

A Note from the Nursery

On Sunday December 24^th, Kids’ Club will be open during the 10:00 a.m. Advent IV service and for the 4:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Family-Friendly service.

Kids’ Club will be closed Dec. 31^st for the holidays.

The cry room / bride's room is readily available on the 31^st for families with little ones.

May your holiday season be filled with wonder! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Submitted by Laura Gorman

Page 3

Service Schedule

Date Service Times

Nov 29 The Word in Advent Eucharist at 12:00 noon and 7:00 p.m.

Dec 3 First Sunday of Advent Eucharist at 7:30, 9:00, and 11:15 a.m.

Dec 6 The Word in Advent Eucharist at 12:00 noon and 7:00 p.m.

Dec 10

Second Sunday of Advent S

T

. N

ICHOLAS

S

UNDAY

L

AST

D

AYOF

S

UNDAY

S

CHOOL

Eucharist at 7:30, 9:00, and 11:15 a.m.

Dec 13 The Word in Advent Eucharist at 12:00 noon and 7:00 p.m.

Dec 17

Third Sunday of Advent C

HRISTMAS

P

AGEANT AT

9:00

AM

A

DVENT

L

ESSONS

& C

AROLS

Eucharist at 7:30, 9:00, and 11:15 a.m.

Advent Lessons & Carols at 4:00 p.m.

Dec 20 The Word in Advent Eucharist at 12:00 noon and 7:00 p.m.

Dec 24

Fourth Sunday of Advent

Christmas Eve

Eucharist at 7:30 and 10:00 a.m.

Family Friendly Eucharist at 4:00 p.m.

Christmas Eve Eucharist at 7:00 p.m.

“Midnight Mass” Christmas Eve Eucharist at 10:30 p.m.

Dec 25 Christmas Day Contemplative Christmas Day Eucharist at 10:00 a.m.

Dec 31

First Sunday after Christmas C

HRISTMAS

L

ESSONS

& C

AROLS

Rite I Eucharist at 7:30 a.m.

Christmas Lessons & Carols at 10:00 a.m. .

Jan 7 The Baptism of our Lord

S

UNDAY

S

CHOOL

R

ESUMES

Eucharist at 7:30, 9:00, and 11:15 a.m.

Page 4

Warden’s Corner

Hope for Tomorrow!

Looking back at 2017 might, to some, seem depressing. In the United States alone we have suffered through

hurricanes that have devastated Texas, Florida, and Puerto Rico, and, wild fires that have decimated big parts of the West Coast. We have suffered innumerable acts of violence, most recently in Las Vegas, Manhattan, and Sutherland Springs. In addition, there have been horrific and shameful

incidents of racism in Charlottesville and elsewhere. There have been threats of nuclear war, political shenanigans, allegations of criminal misconduct at the highest levels of government, and allegations of sexual misconduct in Hollywood, the national news media, and in politics. It must seem like the end of days are near.

However, I see signs of hope in the dreary landscape of 2017. The nation has really started to pull together in the wake of the many natural disasters and violent events. Many conversations have started because of Charlottesville and the Hollywood allegations. Both political parties show signs of rallying and, perhaps, working together in the future to bring about a joint solution to some very troubling issues.

While some might accuse me of overt optimism in seeing hope in the broader, national picture, hope is unmistakable when considering our situation closer to home. Our diocese elected a new Bishop, Samuel Rodman, who will be leading us into 2018 and beyond. New leaders always make the future brighter because you can’t grow if nothing ever changes. St. Paul’s is busier than ever, not only with worship but in fulfilling God’s commandment to love one another and to help those in need or distress.

Things have been so busy at St. Paul’s that we have grown out of our space, so we are looking to expand and enhance our current facilities. Amid all the travesty of 2017, St. Paul’s and our Episcopal community has been a beacon of hope for the future. May that beacon shine bright worldwide in 2018.

This year has been a pleasure for me to serve on St. Paul’s Vestry. I am particularly grateful to Jeff Kager, who already does so much for the church and will continue to provide leadership for the vestry next year. Merry Christmas, St. Paul’s, and a very hopeful 2018.

Sherri Hubbard Senior Warden

All Are Welcome

Advent Offerings

You will soon be receiving a letter and special envelope in the mail for Advent offerings. Each year, the vestry designates where the Advent offerings will be used: this year, these specific funds will be go to hurricane relief efforts through Episcopal Relief and

Development. Should you wish to make

an Advent offering, please place your offering in the special envelope and return to the church or simply designate

“Advent Offering” on the memo line of your check and drop it in the offering plate. Advent offerings will be accepted through the end of the calendar year.

Submitted by Sherri Hubbard

Page 5

Vestry

About Our Church

We rejoice in the baptism of Clark Robert Hauser, son of Brent and Jillian Hauser.

We express our sympathy to Kelly Gregg for the death of her father, Croson

Burns "Burnie" Miller, Jr.; and to the family of John White, former member of St. Paul’s.

Submitted by Melanie Fairbrother Office Manager

Vestry Members – Transitions

Congratulations, and “thank you” to the four parishioners elected to the Vestry Class of 2018-2020 at the annual meeting on November 5^th. They will begin their new roles in January.

“Thank you” also to the four faithful stewards completing their 3-year terms on the vestry at the end of this year:

Carter Collins, Ralph Greco, Frank Laney, and Sherri Hubbard.

Hospitality, Parish Life, and Pastoral Care

Welcome to Vestry Members Elect – Class of 2018

These four new vestry members will take their seats on the Vestry in January.

Nicole

Gatchalian Rob

Johnson Mary

Kintz Kristen

Walker

Thank You to our Retiring Vestry Members

Thank You for your faithful service, 2015 – 2017.

Carter

Collins Ralph

Greco Frank

Laney Sherri

Hubbard

Page 6

The deadline for the next Newsletter is Wednesday, January 16^th

at 10:00 a.m.

[email protected]

NEWSLETTER DEADLINE

Ministry of the Week

Dec 3 Youth Ministry Dec 10 Mystery Book Club /

Women’s Study Group Dec 17 Children’s Ministry /

Fellowship Event Dec 24 No Coffee Hour Dec 31 No Coffee Hour

Page 7

Hospitality, Parish Life, and Pastoral Care

Hello Mystery Book Lovers

Our book for December is A Christmas Message by Anne Perry. We will meet at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 5^th.

We decided Pei Wei was too noisy to be able to discuss the book in comfort.

I have reached out to the manager at IHOP on Kildaire Farm Road, and we have a room booked for our December meeting.

As long as we all eat or drink something, there is no minimum limit on participants. Having a separate room will definitely be better.

Any questions or concerns, please contact Sarah Collins at 919-757-2086.

For January, we will be reading Murder at the 42nd Street Library: A Mystery by Con Lehane. We will meet on the 1^st Tuesday at IHOP.

Submitted by Sarah Collins

Women’s Study Group

The Women’s Study Group will meet Tuesday, December 13^th, from 12:00 noon - 1:30 p.m. in the bride’s room to discuss An Altar in the World: A Geography of Faith by Barbara Brown Taylor. Marcus Borg writes about this book, “Elegant, wise, and insightful, this book is also sacramental: it mediates the life it describes.” This will be a

wonderful book to read and discuss.

Come join us to learn ways to “do church” anywhere.

Our upcoming books are:

• January: Homegoing by Yaa Hyasi,

• February: Between the World and Me by Ta-Nahisi Coats.

We would love to have you join us for our discussions – even if you haven’t finished the book! If you have any questions, contact Leah Dail at [email protected].

Submitted by Leah Dail The Senior Ministry Committee is

planning events for 2018 starting the year with a drama-themed activity.

Tentatively, the event will involve an event at the Cary Theater or a local movie theater. Unfortunately, venue schedules for January offerings won’t be

published in time to put the information in the December-January newsletter! So please keep your eyes peeled for updates in St. Paul’s E-news and the Sunday bulletin.

Submitted by Gerri Batchelor

Senior Ministry Plans for 2018 Greening of the Church

Because the Fourth Sunday of Advent and Christmas Eve are on the same Sunday this year, the Greening of the Church will be held in two parts. Part one will be Thursday, December 21, from 7:00 until 8:30 p.m. We will be

decorating the organ platforms, hanging the roping, and decorating the window sills.

The Altar Guild is responsible for preparing the church for our Christmas services, but we always welcome the help of members of the congregation.

And, we need fresh greenery to fill the various areas around the church -

boxwood, cedar, magnolia leaves, holly, etc. Please bring some when you come to Green the Church on Thursday.

Greening part two will occur immediately after the 10:00 a.m. service on December 24. We will be changing decorating the altar area with poinsettias, changing the wreath bows to red and putting out the crèche. Everyone is

invited to stay after the service and help.

Submitted by Anne Babb

Page 8

The Arts & Crafts Festival for Outreach took place on Saturday, November 4. It was a great shopping opportunity, as dozens of artisans sold their handmade items. Festival goers enjoyed the soup, bake sale, and coffee, bought books at bargain prices, won a variety of raffle prizes, and were treated to concerts by the Celtic Collective, the St. Paul’s Carolers, and the Bells of St.

Paul’s. Our planning committee wishes to thank the many volunteers who contributed to the success of our event this year. We received generous

donations of beautiful handmade items and delicious baked goods. Volunteers staffed the different areas of the festival, transported tables, put out signs,

distributed fliers, kept our website up to date, counted the proceeds, and helped out with numerous other tasks. Thanks to all of you, we raised over $5000 for outreach. Special thanks go to Prayer Stitchers, our biggest contributor, and to Fellowship Events for their delicious homemade soup, which was a big hit.

Thank you, all! Thank you, all!

Submitted by Sally Moller

Arts & Crafts Festival – Thank You to All!

Sunday, December 3 ^rd 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.

In the Chapel

They are, without a doubt, the worst kids in the history of the world. So, no one is prepared when this outlaw family invades church one Sunday and

decides to take over the annual Christmas pageant. None of the Herdmans has ever heard

the Christmas story before. Joseph, Mary, the baby Jesus – it's all news to them.

Come see the youth of St. Paul’s perform this funny and heart-warming drama – our gift to the parish as we all wait during this Advent season for the birth of our Savior.

Shazaaammmm!

Education and Spiritual Development

Page 9

Adult Formation in Advent

SUNDAY FORUM:

Approaching the Holy – What do We Do In Worship? Advent is a season of preparation in the church, a time when we ready our hearts and minds for the incarnation, the coming of Jesus Christ into human reality. In that spirit of expectation, join us on Sunday mornings as we continue exploring our Episcopal tradition: what do the various elements of our worship – the worship space, the reading of Scripture, and sharing bread and wine – indicate about the God whom we worship? What do these elements say about us and our faith in Jesus, who took on human flesh and lived among us?

The Sunday forum will address these and related questions as we explore the mystery of the incarnation (Dec 3, 10, and 17 from 10:15-11:00 a.m. in the Chapel).

WEDNESDAY EUCHARISTAND

CONVERSATION (NOONAND 7:00 P.M.):

Engaging the Word in Advent. In seasons

of preparation in the church, it is

customary, not simply to fast from things which may distract us, but also to take up practices which will help us focus on the meaning behind our worship and

prayers. On Wednesdays in Advent, you are invited to delve deeper into our Sunday readings alongside other members of St Paul’s. These mid-week Eucharist services will be meditative and include an opportunity for reflection and conversation. (Wednesdays at noon and at 7:00 p.m. in the Chapel – November 29 and December 6, 13, and 20.)

Adult Formation needs your help with setting up coffee hour. Minimal commitment one Sunday per month and training is available. Interested

volunteers can contact Andrea Johnson at [email protected] or call/text 919-348- 9599.

The Rev. Javier Almendárez Bautista

Preschool News

November was a time of thanks at the preschool. The children are thankful for their wonderful teachers, friends, family and toys! The annual Thanksgiving Feast with the 4- and 5-year old children was a success. Special thanks to all the parents who helped with the feast.

December is such a special month at the preschool. The children are full of excitement about Jesus’ birthday! The 3, 4, and 5 year olds are busy practicing for our Christmas program which is

Tuesday, December 19^th at noon. This year’s theme is Snowflakes. The TK children will recite “The Legend of the Snowflake” and all the children will sing a variety of songs. All are welcome to see the precious preschool children singing Christmas songs. After the program, we will proceed to the parish hall to enjoy yummy Happy Birthday Jesus cake.

The preschool will be closed

December 16^th - January 1^st for Christmas break. We will return to school on Tuesday, January 2^nd, 2018.

As the 2017 year comes to a close, 2018 brings us registration for the 2017- 2018 school year.

Registration information will be sent home in January and open house tours will

occur the week of January 15^th. Please pass this information on to any friends who are In search of a warm, nurturing and loving environment for their preschool child.

We would like to wish you all a sparkling Christmas and a glittering New Year! Enjoy all those special holiday moments with your loved ones.

Blessings,

Brooke Bowersox and Laura Gorman

Dec 19^th: Christmas Program at Noon

Dec 19^th - Jan 1^st: No School / Christmas Break

January 2^nd -First Day back after Christmas Break

January 15^th -No School WCPSS Holiday

January 16^th- Thursday, January 18th- Open House tours January 22^nd -No School WCPSS

Workday

January 25th- Snow BALL

Upcoming Events

Teddy Bear Tea-Feb. 3

Looking for something special to do with your younger child or grandchild?

Join us on Feb. 3 at 10:30 a.m. in the parish hall for our third annual Teddy Bear Tea. Children are welcome to bring their favorite doll or stuffed animal and

enjoy some special treats and fun with you and their “stuffed” friends. More information about this fun event will be available after Christmas in the St. Paul’s E-news or your weekly Children’s Ministries email.

Christmas Pageant – December 17, at the 9:00 AM Service

Come one, come all!

Come big and small!

Come hear the story of Christmas! Please join the children of St. Paul’s as they present “The Story of Christmas” on Dec. 17 at the 9:00 a.m.

service. Angels, shepherds, wise men, animals, soldiers and the Holy Family will all be

ready to share their talents and excitement with you as they tell the story of Jesus’ birth. After the pageant, join us in the parish hall for a festive coffee hour. We still have openings for non-speaking actors and actresses (no prior experience necessary), so please contact Christine Ingram if your child would like to participate in the pageant.

Page 10

Sunday School/Children’s Chapel on

“Vacation”

The fall semester of Sunday school will conclude on December 10, 2017, and Sunday school will resume on January 7, 2018. 9:00 a.m. Children’s chapel will be on vacation starting Dec. 17 through January 7, 2018.

Thank you for your understanding as we give our Sunday school teachers and children’s chapel volunteers a much- needed holiday break.

Christine Ingram Children’s Ministries

Director 919-467-1477, ext. 19

Children’s Ministries

Children’s Stewardship is Growing

A huge thank you to our children for their growing generosity! Their “little brown” stewardship basket has collected over $800! All money collected in this

basket goes toward the donation fees required to host our on site Note in the Pocket Sort Day on June 3, 2018! Keep those dollars rolling in!

Crafts and Cookies Coffee Hour – Nov. 26 at 10:10 ^AM

Please join Children’s Ministries for the annual “Crafts and Cookies” Coffee Hour! Formerly known as the

Intergenerational Coffee Hour, this is a

festive morning of freshly baked

chocolate chip cookies and craft making.

All ages and stages are welcome – bring your visiting family and friends.

Communion Classes

Communion classes will be taught April 15, 22, and 29 during the Sunday school hour (place to be announced).

Classes are taught by clergy and are open to all children in 1^st grade and up that have not received prior communion education. Classes are cumulative and children are encouraged to attend all three classes. Class participant

registration will be available in February (watch the weekly Children’s Ministries email for additional information).

Participants must be baptized prior to communion class participation.

During the Sunday school hour April 22, a parent communion class, also taught by the clergy, will be offered to all parents of children participating in communion classes. However, everyone is welcome to attend!

A special communion celebration will be held on May 6 at the 9:00 a.m.

service for those children that have complete the classes (dress attire is recommended) and a coffee hour to honor the children will immediately follow the service.

Pre-EYC Update

Our growing group of Pre-EYCers has been very busy this fall! After

Reverse Trick or Treating in October, this energetic group volunteered at Note in the Pocket, sorting clothing for children in need in Wake County! In December the Pre-EYCers will perform some outreach projects at their Christmas party (Dec. 4). More outreach projects are planned for the spring, including an afternoon of volunteering at the food bank and helping around the church.

And, don’t forget our annual overnight retreat, scheduled for April 14-15, 2018!

Pre-EYC is open to all 4^th and 5^th graders. We meet on the 2^nd and 4^th Sundays of each month, late September through mid-May. Meetings are held in the parish hall from 11:15 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

and include lunch. We focus on fellowship, food, fun, and outreach.

Please contact Christine Ingram if your child would like to participate.

Education and Spiritual Development

Page 11

Date Event

Dec. 3 Clergy Led Chapel 9am

Dec. 10 Pre-EYC Christmas Party/St. Nicholas Sunday-Last Day of Sunday School Dec. 15 Christmas Pageant Rehearsal

5:30-7:30pm

Dec. 16 Christmas Pageant Rehearsal 9am-12 noon

Dec. 17 Christmas Pageant 9am Service/No Sunday School, No Children’s Chapel, No Pre-EYC

Dec. 24 Worship Services at 7:30am, 10am, 4pm, 7:30pm and 10:30pm Dec. 25 Christmas Service 10am

Dec. 31 No Sunday School / No Children’s Chapel

Jan. 7 Sunday School / Children’s Chapel Resume

Jan. 14 Pre-EYC Meets Jan. 21

Jan. 28 Pre-EYC Meets11:15am / Quarterly Update 10:15am

Feb. 3 Teddy Bear Tea 10:30am-12noon Feb. 4

Feb. 11 Pre-EYC Meets Feb. 13 Pancake Supper 5-7pm

Feb. 14 Ash Wednesday Service for Families 5:45pm

Feb. 18

Feb. 25 Pre-EYC Meets

Date Event

Mar. 4

Mar. 11 Pre-EYC Meets/Note in the Pocket Drive Begins/PJ Sunday

Mar. 18 Note in the Pocket Drive

Mar. 24 Pre-EYC Volunteers at Food Bank of NC 2-4pm/Note in the Pocket Drive Mar. 25 Palm Sunday/Note in the Pocket Drive Mar. 30 Good Friday Service for Children

10am

Apr. 1 Easter Sunday/Easter Egg Hunt/Note in the Pocket Drive Ends/No Sunday School

Apr. 8 Spring Break Sunday-No Sunday School

Apr. 14-15 Pre-EYC Retreat Apr. 15 Communion Class #1 Apr. 22 Communion Class #2

Apr. 29 Communion Class #3/Pre-EYC Meets May. 6 Communion Celebration 9am Service/

Last Day of Sunday School May. 13 Mother's Day

May. 20

May. 27 Memorial Day/No Children’s Chapel June. 3 5th Grade Recognition/Note in the

Pocket Sort Day

June. 10 Summer S(f)undays Begin

Children’s Ministries Calendar

Page 12

Fostering the love of Christ in the youth of

St. Paul’s.

Youth Coordinator Leah Dail [email protected]

Please check the youth page on the St. Paul’s website

(www.stpaulscary.org/ministries/youth/) for registration forms or contact Leah Dail ([email protected]) for hard copiesforms.

The following must be turned in to participate in any youth events:

information form, youth covenant, medical release, media release, and behavior agreement.

Registration

The mission of the Youth Ministry is to develop a spiritually rich community of young people through fellowship, fun, education, service, and worship. Our Core Development Values are the foundation of our

ministry and define what is most important. They are:

 Fellowship  Education  Fun  Growth

 Spiritual Development  Service  Inclusiveness  Respect

Youth Formation

Come join us for Youth Faith Formation! There is a middle school class for 6^th-8^th graders and another for high schoolers, grades 9-12. The Formation hour is from 10:15-11:00 a.m. (between services). Middle

schoolers meet in the youth wing – and no need to go by coffee hour. We will have snacks for you there. High schoolers meet in Room 10 of the education building.

Episcopal Youth Community

Every young person in grades 6-12 who attends St. Paul’s is welcome to be a part of the Episcopal Youth Community (EYC). The youth group is divided into

middle school and high school programs, though sometimes activities are combined. Friends are always welcome to attend. EYC gathers on Sunday nights for fellowship and fun activities from 5-7 p.m. with a shared meal at 6:30 p.m. We combine lots of zaniness – games, songs, lots of action – with worship and service. Our mission is to develop a spiritually rich community of young people through our programming and the presence of faith-filled adults. It’s

organized chaos, but it works!

Our curriculum is Episcopal Curriculum for Youth, from Virginia Theological Seminary. The upcoming lessons are:

12/3 Peace & Justice: Bless Those Who Persecute You

12/10 Peace & Justice: God’s Ethics 12/17 Peace & Justice: Selling a Birthright 12/24 & 31 No Church School 1/7 Peace & Justice: Temptation 1/14 Peace & Justice: Controlled by

Possessions

1/21 Peace & Justice: God’s Creation 1/28 Peace & Justice: Strength from the

Advent Prayer Stations: Advent helps us get ready to enter the mystery of Christmas. But December is often so full of so much busy-ness and activity that it’s hard to make time to stop and watch, to ready our hearts for the

gift that God gives us at Christmas. So, I invite all youth to come on Tuesdays in Advent to spend time at prayer stations that we will create and use. There will be some art, music, and mediation, and lots of contemplative prayer. It will be a wonderful way to spend quiet time together awaiting the Christ Child. We will meet in the

youth wing.

Advent Series: Tuesdays, Dec 5, 12, & 19 from 6-7 PM

We’re hosting coffee hour and promoting the Advent play this Sunday, so please sign up to help:

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090c4eaaae22aafd0-youth.

December 3 – Youth Ministry Hosts Coffee Hour

December 3, 5-7 PM : Advent Play:

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

Even if you’re not performing, come help usher and hand out candy canes and then watch the production.

We’ll have dinner together afterwards.

Youth Ministry December Events

Education and Spiritual Development

Page 13

December 17 – Christmas Party & Caroling

It’s our Annual Christmas Party! Here’s what to do:

•

Wear your most “memorable” (the tackier, the better!) Christmas sweater, shirt,

sweatshirt, or “outfit” for our 5th Annual Crazy Christmas Sweater / Sweatshirt Competition

•

Bring a wrapped gift (worth no more than $10 – something fun, but not gross) for our Silly Gift Exchange.

•

Have your singing voice and good cheer – we will also be going out to carol. Dress for the weather and bring a flashlight.

Epiphany is observed on January 6, so we will celebrate it at EYC tonight. We will learn more about this Feast Day through crafts, games, and skits. Since the magi brought gifts to Jesus, please bring gifts of

canned food / staples for Urban Ministries.

January 7 – Epiphany Party & Winter Kickoff 5-7 PM December 10: No EYC

January 15 – MLK Day Convocation Event

This is being planned now, so look for details soon, but go ahead and mark your calendar for this full day event. There will be service, learning, worship, and fellowship with other churches.

January Schedule

January 14: Regular EYC 5-7 pm

December 8, 6-9 p.m. – Babysitting Fundraiser and Lock-in Afterwards

We will provide babysitting for children of the parish as a Youth Ministry fundraiser from 6-9 p.m. Youth come at 5:30 for set-up. Then, after babysitting, the lock-in! We’ll start off with bowling. We’ll also play some games or

watch a movie, and SLEEP – really! Pickup will be 9:00 a.m. Saturday.

January 21: No EYC December 24 & December 31: No EYC

Jan. 19-21 - Kanuga Snowtubing

Trip

See article on next page for details.

We will prepare and deliver flyers in the neighborhood to advertise our Souper Bowl Food Drive scheduled for February 4t^h. Wear comfortable shoes and warm clothes – we’ll be outside regardless of the weather.

January 28 – Souper Bowl

Flyer & Bag Distribution

Page 14

This diocesan event is full of awesome activities and workshops – and the bishops are there. There is a formal dinner, followed by a celebration Eucharist and dance with a DJ Saturday night. Most participants dress up for Saturday

evening’s festivities. The cost is $100 and some scholarships are available. Register online: http://www.dionc.org/Youth/

youth-main.html. This is an amazing event!

Looking Ahead: Bishop’s Ball February 23-25

Looking Ahead

We’re going back to the mountains! Come snowtube with us and enjoy a fun weekend at Kanuga in Hendersonville, NC.

We stay in a lodge and eat our meals at Kanuga Conference Center (http://www.kanuga.org/camps-and-outdoor- education/camp-kanuga/). We’ll fellowship together, visit downtown Hendersonville, and worship Saturday night at St.

James. The cost is $135.00 per person, which includes lodging and meals, snow tubing, and transportation.

Additional money will be needed for lunch on Sunday. For information on where we snowtube: http://

www.moonshinemountain.com/.

The trip is open to any middle school or high school student who is currently involved in Youth Ministry. Each student should also be able to demonstrate appropriate behavior and

conduct during the trip. A Youth and Adult Covenant must be signed

before the trip.

Registrations must be made by January 8, 2018 and payments must

be received by January 12, 2018.

Questions? Contact Leah at [email protected] or 919-467

-1477.

Kanuga Snowtubing Weekend

January 19-21, 2018

Education and Spiritual Development

Page 15

This year our Advent tree bears 394 names and gift ideas from Santa’s “nice list” provided to us by four agencies that serve children and families in our community: CommWell Health, West Haven Housing Ministry, Healing Transitions, and Families Together.

December 10^th is the day to bring your gifts and present them to St.

Nicholas! If you are unable to attend services on this

day, please deliver your gifts to the office BEFORE then so they will reach the children on time. Gifts

received after noon on Sunday will be saved and used for a child next year.

Remember, the tags are actually self-adhesive labels. Peel off the backing and attach the label securely

and easily visible on the box or bag

containing the present or presents for each child. If you need a second label (for example, if you also purchase a large additional gift like a bike), please photocopy the tag, clearly label both of the tags (e.g., 1 of 2 &

2 of 2), and securely attach the second tag to the oversized item.

Thank you for your generosity and kindness. Every year the congregation’s support for this ministry seems to

blossom wider. It is immense,

astonishing, and appreciated by people from all across North Carolina!

Submitted by Colette Hibberd

St. Nicholas is coming to St. Paul’s December 10 ^th

Family Promise Ministry to the Homeless is a coalition of faith

communities that helps families without homes achieve independence by providing temporary housing, lodging, meals, case management and

educational services. St. Paul’s serves as a host congregation, providing meals, supplies, and volunteer support to families temporarily residing at White Plains United Methodist Church in Cary several times each year.

St. Paul’s 1^st week for this year is January 21-28. Family Promise is a wonderful “hands-on” outreach opportunity, both for adults and for families.

Some volunteer opportunities you can sign up for HERE are:

1. Room set up: Sunday, January 21 at 2:00 p.m.

2. Social hosts: 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, & Saturday.

3. Overnight hosts: A couple will work for any of these nights (Sunday through Saturday), and it’s OK to have two men or two women on any given night. We just try to have one of each if we can. This is from 8:30 p.m. to around 6:30 a.m.

4. Saturday morning hot breakfast:

Saturday, January 27 at 7:30 a.m.

5. Cleanup: Sunday, January 28 at 6:30 a.m.

Submitted by Myrna Belingon

& Kathleen Neff

Family Promise Homeless Ministry

Week (January 21-28, 2018)

Page 16

Toilet Paper Collection News St. Paul’s has signed up for half a shelf of toilet paper for the Dorcas Food Pantry which equates to 200 rolls a month (or 2,400 a year). As of Nov. 12^th, we have collected 2,888 rolls of toilet paper and 12 boxes of Kleenex for the Dorcas Food Pantry for 2017. Thank you for supporting this effort. Our normal collection is the 2^nd Sunday of each month but you can donate any time since we have a permanent collection box located in the hallway outside the choir room.

Thanksgiving Breakfast

I would like to extend a special thank you to all those who attended the Dorcas Ministries 6^th Annual Thanksgiving Breakfast. Through donations, pledges and sponsorships, they were able to raise $217,350 for the programs and services provided by Dorcas Ministries.

Calling All Quilters

Dorcas Ministries will celebrate its 50^th anniversary in 2018, and the

celebration theme is “Stitching Together A Community - 50 Years of Service.”

Dorcas is named after a woman from the Bible who made garments for the poor and became notable for her charitable work. (Acts 9:36-42). Today, Dorcas Ministries provides crisis relief to western Wake County residents who seek stability and sufficiency through food and financial aid, scholarships, training programs, referrals, and an affordable thrift shop.

As a part of the 50^th anniversary celebration, we are looking for volunteer quilters to sew a quilt inspired by our 50 years of service to the community. We are asking quilters to donate quilts to be auctioned off at the commemorative event in November 2018. The funds raised will support our outreach services.

To support our effort, Dorcas Ministries will:

• Provide sketches, pictures and themes to assist in the creation of quilts;

• Assist in the cost of quilting supplies if a quilter is unable to afford the quilting materials;

• Acknowledge quilters for their gift of

time and talent at our commemorative event.

Cary Quilting Company will provide a 10% discount on quilting supplies for Dorcas quilts. Please see Ellen Frazier at Dorcas Ministries or email Bob Stapleton at [email protected] to get your 10% discount coupon.

Thank you for considering being a Dorcas Quilter Volunteer to celebrate our 50^th year! If you are interested in volunteering to make a quilt, please contact Bob Stapleton at quilt@dorcas- cary.org.

Career Advancement Program Dorcas Ministries can help you with tuition for training to get a better job, qualified living expenses, and career coaching. The goal is to help you qualify for a better paying job and career path!

Interested? Give Craig a call on 919-469- 9861, ext 206 or email ctownley@dorcas- cary.org or visit dorcas-cary.org/

services/education/.

Jobs for Life

The Jobs for Life (JfL) class takes the students on a journey – a journey to discover who they are, their unique value, and the principles they need to overcome roadblocks in their lives. The class equips students with core work readiness skills such as presenting their 60-second commercial, developing a vocational plan, building a resume, learning effective interviewing skills, and many others.

The next Jobs for Life class at Dorcas Ministries will be March 1^st to April 26^th on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

You can find the JfL Application at http://dorcas-cary.org/services/job- training-center/. Applications will be accepted through February 21^st.

——————————————

The Dorcas Thrift Shop is located at 187 High House Road in Cary. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer or learning more about Dorcas Ministry, contact me at [email protected] or call me at 919-467-8807.

Submitted by Nancy Fierke Dorcas Ministry Leader

Dorcas Ministry Update

Outreach

Page 17

Advent Lessons and Carols

The St. Paul’s Choir will present Advent lessons and Carols this year on

December 17, 2017 at 4:00 p.m. This year the music includes works by Felix Mendelssohn, Peter Warlock, and Will Todd, as well as the live premiere of

“There is No Rose of Such Virtue” by Rusty McKinney.

The Bells of St. Paul’s will also be featured in the prelude music that uses various techniques and colors unique to handbells.

The service follows the traditional pattern of Anglican lessons and carols, presenting scriptural readings with music that expands and reflects on the themes of those readings. The event includes congregational hymn singing as well as the music presented by the choir. This is a

wonderful service to bring friends and neighbors to.

All are welcome!

St. Paul’s Choir CD – Get Yours Soon!

St. Paul’s Choir CD A Babe is Born is available for purchase at only $10 per CD. We will be in various places over the next few Sundays between the 9:00 and 11:15 a.m. services, and after the 11:15 a.m. service. Or contact Rusty in the Music Office at (919) 467-6241, or email [email protected] to arrange a pick-up.

The album contains music for Advent and Christmas some of which has been featured at St. Paul’s for Lessons and Carols in the past two years, including

works by John Rutter, Will Todd, G.F.

Handel, William Mathias, Carson Cooman, and Charles Ives. Also found on the CD is the premiere recording of a new setting of “There is No Rose of Such Virtue” written by Rusty McKinney for the St. Paul’s Choir. There is a great variety of music on this album, all well performed by the choir and wonderfully recorded by our engineer and producer Nathaniel Yaffe of the NC Symphony.

Here’s a great Christmas gift that you can only get from the music ministries at St.

Paul’s!

Heifer International sends livestock and training to families in need around the world, to provide them with sustainable agriculture, food, and reliable income. St.

Paul’s invites everyone to donate to Heifer International every Sunday during morning services, in celebration of special people, times, and events in our lives.

Christmas presents a special opportunity to honor those we know and love by giving alternative holiday gifts – Heifer donations – “outside the gift-wrapped box.”

You can place your donations in the Heifer Ark during the offertory on Sunday mornings. Checks should be made out to “St. Paul’s Episcopal Church” with “Heifer International” written on the memo line. For each $10 you donate, you can pick up a Heifer greeting card in the church narthex and mail it to the family member or friend you wish to honor this Christmas. Cards and envelopes will be available in the church narthex on Sunday mornings between Thanksgiving and Christmas. All donations through St. Paul’s help us to reach our annual goal of $5000, which buys a Heifer Gift Ark consisting of two water buffalo, two cows, two goats, two sheep, two chickens, and many more pairs of animals. For more information, please see: www.heifer.org.

If you have any questions, contact Alison Arnold at [email protected] or 919-605-0761.

Heifer at Christmas

Liturgy

Page 18

Changes in Music Ministries Schedule Changes – December and January

There are a number of changes that happen this time of year to the music ministries schedule. There is a new and improved Google calendar that the Minister of Music is trying to keep accurate, and it can be found on the church website. But if in doubt, contact Rusty! See below for specifics.

 Tuesday, December 12, rehearsals will all move to the same times onto Thursday, December 14.

 On Sunday, December 24^th, and December 31^st, the 9:00 and 11:15 a.m. services are combined into one 10:00 a.m. service. On Dec. 24^th, the St. Paul’s Choir will sing. On

December 31^st, all members of 9:00 Choir, St. Paul’s Choir, and

Canterbury Choir that are available will gather at 9:30 to warm-up, and then we will lead the congregation in the carol singing for a Christmas

Lessons and Carols with Eucharist.

 There will be no rehearsals for ANY ensembles on December 26, 27, or January 2.

 There will be no rehearsals for Children’s Music Ensembles (Advent

& Epiphany Choirs, Advent Bells) on January 3.

 St. Paul’s Choir resumes regular Wednesday night rehearsals on January 3, 2018.

 9:00 Choir resumes regular 8:30 a.m.

rehearsals on Sunday, January 7, 2018.

 Bells of St. Paul’s, Canterbury Bells, and Canterbury Choir resume on January 9, 2018.

 Epiphany Choir, Advent Choir, and Advent Bells resume on January 10, 2018.

Music Ministries Weekly Schedule

Tuesdays

6:00 - 7:00 p.m. Bells of St. Paul’s (Adult) Church Adults 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. Canterbury Bells (Youth Gr. 6-12) Church Grades 6-12 8:00 - 9:00 p.m. Canterbury Choir (Youth Gr. 6-12) Choir Room / Church Grades 6-12

Wednesdays

6:00 - 6:45 p.m. Epiphany Choir (Children Gr. K- 2) Choir Room / Church Grades K-2 6:00 - 6:45 p.m. Advent Choir (Children Gr. 3-5) Choir Room / Church Grades 3-5 6:45 - 7:15 p.m. Advent Bells (Children Gr. 3-5) Church Grades 3-5 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. St. Paul’s Choir Choir Room / Church Adults

Sundays

8:30 a.m. 9:00 Choir

No mid-week rehearsals Choir Room

10:30 a.m. St. Paul’s Choir Choir Room / Church

Liturgy

Page 19

Christmas Poinsettias

Christmas poinsettia envelopes will be available in the pews between November 12^th and Dec. 3^rd this year.

Giving a poinsettia that will decorate the altar and worship spaces for the

Christmas services is a beautiful way to remember and/or give thanks for the special people in our lives. The Altar Guild requests a donation of $20.00 per plant. Checks may be made payable to St. Paul’s with Altar Guild poinsettia noted on the memo line. Please make sure the outside of the envelope is filled out with your name and the name of the

person(s) for whom the poinsettia is being given. Also indicate whether the poinsettia is being given in memory of, or in thanksgiving for, that person. All requests must be received by Sunday, December 3^rd, in order to be included in the Christmas bulletin. Requests / donations may be placed in the collection plates or dropped off at the church office. Christmas poinsettias may be taken home following the Christmas Day service.

Submitted by Anne Babb

Altar Flower Memorials

The Altar Flower Chart for 2018 will be placed in the narthex in mid-

December. If you would like to give flowers that will decorate the altar area for the Sunday services, please sign up for the Sunday of your choice. Flowers are usually given in memory of / thanksgiving for loved ones or to commemorate special occasions in our

lives. The Altar Guild requests a donation of $45.00. Checks may be made payable to St. Paul’s with Altar Guild flowers noted on the memo line.

Requests must be received at least 3 weeks in advance to appear in the appropriate Sunday bulletin.

Submitted by Anne Babb

A New Year’s Resolution Join the Choir!

We welcome choir members to all of the choirs at almost any time, but January is definitely a good time to get into a choir. Advent and Christmas and all of the special preparation and extra music is over and done, and for a moment, we get a chance to collect ourselves a bit before we set our sights on the next period that has intensified musical needs – Lent through Easter.

While all voice parts are welcome in all of the choirs, there is a particular need for sopranos and male voices in the 9:00 Choir, and for alto and bass singers in the St. Paul’s Choir at this time. If you

have talent for and experience with choral singing, or are an instrumentalist with a good choral singing voice, we need you. Likewise, youth who sing or want to learn should join Canterbury Choir. And it is a good time for children to join Advent and Epiphany Choirs.

They will be our adult singers in the future. See elsewhere in this section for rehearsal schedules.

Contact Rusty McKinney, Minister of Music at

[email protected] or call 919-467-6241 the music office. (Please leave a message if no answer.)

Permit #38 Cary, NC 27511

Clergy

The Rev. George Adamik, Rector x 13 | [email protected] The Rev. J. Carr Holland III, Associate Rector

x 12 | [email protected]

The Rev. Javier Almendárez Bautista, Associate Rector x 12 | [email protected]

The Rev. Antoinette Wike, Priest Associate [email protected]

The Rev. Candy Snively, Deacon [email protected]

Vestry

Senior Warden: Sherri Hubbard Junior Warden: Jeff Kager Carter Collins, Ralph Greco, Frank Laney, Rick Bradley, LaQuinta Yvette Jernigan, Karen Smith Ron Barbee, Olivia Delahaye, Bill Gautier, Victor Talbird

Treasurer: John Goehrke — Clerk: Lanny Wase

Staff

Christine Ingram, Parish Administrator / Director of Children’s Ministries

Church School Office 467-2578 x 19 | [email protected]

[email protected] Christa Magee, Assistant to Children’s Ministries

[email protected] Brandy Satterfield, Financial Assistant x 36 | [email protected]

Rusty McKinney, Music Minister Music Office 467-6241

x 15 | [email protected] Joanna Li, Organist

Andrea Dreier, Music Associate Brooke Bowersox, Preschool Director

Preschool Office 467-3788 x 16| [email protected] Laura Gorman, Nursery / Kids’ Club Director

[email protected] Leah Dail, Youth Coordinator x 23 | [email protected] Melanie Fairbrother, Office Manager x 10 | [email protected]

Church Phone: 919-467-1477 Fax: 919-467-0152 Web Site: www.stpaulscary.org THE PEOPLEOF ST. PAUL’S

Return Service Requested

221 Union Street Cary, NC 27511

Mailing Label

7:30 a.m. Eucharist Rite I 8:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Kids’ Club 9:00 a.m. Eucharist Rite II 9:00 a.m. Children’s Chapel 10:00 a.m. Coffee Hour / Fellowship

10:10 a.m. Education Hour

11:15 a.m. Eucharist Rite II 11:15 a.m. Children’s Chapel

Sunday Service Schedule