Click the "Monthly Newsletter" button to view the current St. Paul's Lutheran Church newsletter, Cross Connections, along with "Scoop" (education news) and the "Youth Page" for the current month. 

Click the "Service Assistants..." button to view the current schedule of volunteers for the month.

We invite you to worship with us...

• 5:30 pm Saturday Worship

• 8:30 am Sunday Worship

• 11:00 am Sunday Worship

Saturday evening worship we will be using "Unfailing Light" written by Marty Haugen and Susan Briehl

Sunday morning worship will be using setting I of the Evangelical Lutheran Worship

Sunday School classes for adults, confirmation class for grades 7-8, and SPARK for children happen on Sundays at 9:45-10:45 am.

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
Tuesday, February 21 at 6:00 pm
The annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper, being cooked by Duke Lutherans and Men of St. Paul’s, takes place at 6:00 pm on Tuesday, February 21 in Trinity Hall. Foods include a variety of pancakes, applesauce, and sausage. Mardi Gras beads, fun and laughter will abound at the tables. There will be a free-will offering to support the Duke Lutheran ministry.

What is the history of Shrove Tuesday?
The day before Lent begins is known as Shrove Tuesday. To “shrive” someone, in past history, is to hear an acknowledgment of sins and be assured of God’s forgiveness (this is the practice of Ash Wednesday worship today).
Shrove Tuesday is also called Fat Tuesday (in French, Mardi-gras) because on this day households use up the fatty foods and cooking fat which will not be used during the forty days of Lent. Since pancakes are a standard way of using up fat, the day is also called Pancake Tuesday.

Come and celebrate Shrove Tuesday at St. Paul’s, Tuesday, February 21 at 6:00 pm. Eat pancakes and sausage, help out the Duke Lutherans, and have a festive time!
 

Ash Wednesday Services
 

Wednesday, February 22 at 12:00 Noon and 7:00 pm. Come to Ash Wednesday Services at lunchtime or at 7:00 pm – Holy Communion and the imposition of ashes will take place at both services.

Lent Mid-Week Suppers and Worship

March 28: "The Silent Sermon" – Meditation on Jesus’ Words, "Come follow me."

Chili Cook-off!
Wednesday, February 1 at 6:00 pm
GREAT CHILI COOK-OFF that evening!

We had 14 people cook fantastic chili -- no two alike or even similar. There were over 90 people in attendance to sample the chili along with the other side dishes the kitchen crew prepared! Wonderful fellowship time! Many thanks!!!!

Valentine Swing Dance

February 10, 2012 - 7-9 pm
Come enjoy the sounds of Durham Jazz Orchestra, an 18 piece big band plus vocalists, on Friday, February 10, from 7 to 9 pm in Trinity Hall. Invite your family, friends, and neighbors. All ages will enjoy the music and the dance floor will be open if you are so inclined. Please bring finger foods/snacks to share with others. Beverages will be provided.

Durham Jazz Orchestra is a performing big band sponsored by the Durham Arts Council. During the summer and early fall of 2011, the Arts Council was undergoing some remodeling, so the rehearsal space for DJO was not available. St. Paul’s allowed the orchestra to use Whitesell Hall for several weeks to rehearse. The Valentine Swing Dance is DJO’s way of saying thanks to St. Paul’s for the use of the room. For more info about DJO, talk to Larry Grovenstein, or see their website at www.durhamjazz.com . This event is one you just don’t want to miss!

Fowler Memorial Library Sunday
February is National Library Lovers Month and you can show your love for St. Paul’s church library by making a special library offering on the second Saturday/Sunday of February (February 11/12). This offering will comprise the library’s total budget for the year of 2012 and will be used to purchase new materials and pay for magazine subscriptions.
The library also accepts donations of new and gently-used religious books and videos for adults and children. Any donations that are not added to the library’s collection are placed in the annual church yard sale.

When we consider Martin Luther we often think of 31 October – reformation Day or 10 November - Dr. Luther’s birthday, but the day of commemoration for Martin Luther is 18 February, the date of his death in 1546. Your church library has many works by and about Martin Luther including his complete works on CD-ROM, his COMMENTARY ON ROMANS, LUTHER FOR ARMCHAIR THEOLOGIANS by Steven Paulson, and the unique WHAT LUTHER SAYS: A PRACTICAL IN-HOME ANTHOLOGY FOR THE ACTIVE CHRISTIAN. This book has Luther’s thoughts and writings on various topics, such as worry, the devil, heaven and hell listed together for quick reference. For instance, under the topic BOOKS we find that Martin Luther wrote: “There never yet have been, nor are there now, too many good books.”
I’m sure Dr. Luther would have made a special contribution to support the library and I hope you will also! Thank you for your support of Fowler Memorial Library.
                                                                         By Roberta Lloyd, Church Librarian

Winter Craft Fest
Sunday, February 19
4:00-5:30 pm
Trinity Hall at St. Paul’s

The Winter Craft Fest is coming up on Sunday, February 19 from 4-5:30 pm in Trinity Hall at St. Paul’s.

One of the crafts being done is ‘ice candles’ for which we need containers – the cardboard type that cream, juices, and milk come in – quarts or gallons. Please bring clean boxes to the church office!
Then make plans to attend the Winter Craft Fest – fun for everyone!

Congregational Meeting
Sunday, February 26 following 11:00 am worship
We will have a congregational meeting on Sunday, February 26 at 12:30 pm in the sanctuary. The agenda is as follows:
▸ Call to Order and Opening Prayer
▸ Announcements
▸ Reception and Approval of 2012 Directory and 2011 Yearbook (including Annual Reports)
▸ Election of Synod Assembly Delegates
▸ Report of the Call Committee
▸ Adjournment and Closing Prayer

If you are interested and willing to attend the NC Synod Assembly which takes place June 1-3 at Lenoir Rhyne University, the theme of which is “Joyfully Serving Christ Together,” please contact a member of the church council before the February 26 meeting. We are in need of one male and one female delegate.
 

WELCA News

The Tabitha Circle will meet on Monday, February 6 at 7:15 pm at St. Paul’s. They will be making Valentines for Duke Students.

The Katherine Circle will meet on Tuesday, February 21 at 10:00 am at St. Paul’s. Doris Tilley is in charge of the program and Audrey Busch and Johanna Nikitscher will be hostesses. An Outreach Specialist from the Attorney General's Office will be the speaker on the topic of Identity Theft Protection. All are welcome!

Upcoming Calendar Dates and Deeds!

Christmas Pageant
“Pictures from the Manger”
Sunday, December 18th at 5 pm

(click on thumbnails to enlarge below)
 

Entry of the angels

Mary and the angel Gabriel

Mary with the baby

.

 

Preschool Pitter-Patter

Despite the rather warm January we’ve had so far, the children have been learning all about winter. They’ve been learning about the season of winter, making snowflakes of all kinds, tossing around "snowballs" and learning about the animals we associate with winter.

Enrollment for the fall has begun! Registration forms and enrollment procedures can also be picked up on the table in the atrium or can be downloaded from the church web site. We will be offering classes for children ages 1-4. If you are interested in our Preschool and PMO for next year or know anyone who may be, please contact me at the church or by email: amanda.stoen@gmail.com for more information.

Healing and Wholeness

A service of healing and wholeness takes place the second Monday of each month here at St. Paul’s. Consider joining us in the front rows of the sanctuary at 12:15 pm, as our hearts and minds are turned to God in hope.

Global Mission Gathering
ELCA Global Mission Gathering takes place at Christ the King Lutheran Church, Cary, NC on January 27 at 2-8:30 pm and January 28 at 8 am-5 pm. Workshops include: Growing a missional congregation; Music and Mission; Radical Hospitality; Short-Term Mission; Stewardship: embracing the gifts of diversity. Open to any one interested in learning about global mission and congregational mission. St. Paul’s church van will transport participants for the Saturday, January 28th event. Participant fees will be paid by St. Paul’s. See bulletin board display outside library to sign up to attend, or contact Diane Archer for more information.

St. Paul's T-Shirts are for sale in the church office

We have child through adult sized T-shirts available for $5. They are very attractive and many of us have received very nice compliments when they are seen in public! If there is nobody sitting at the table, seek out a staff member to help you get your shirt!

St. Paul’s A to Z
We hope you have taken some time to read through the “A to Z” booklet in the stewardship packets. Copies are still available in the foyer.

Pledges continue to be received for the Program for Ministry 2012 Annual Budget which support all ongoing ministries of St. Paul’s. This budget will be voted on at the December 11, 2011 congregational meeting held following the 11:00 worship in the sanctuary.

The Grace Year 2012 pledges, also being accepted, will be used to pay the mortgage in 2012.
Questions on either fund should be directed to a council member.

"Sacrament of Holy Baptism" 

For those interested in being baptized or having a child baptized, please download and complete this helpful information form.

BIBLE STUDIES
• Thursday Morning Bible Study

          
• Saturday morning Women’s Bible Study meets on the second Saturday of the month at 9:00 am. Contact Karen Hassett for details.

Handbells & Choirs!

Laudate Handbells practice every Tuesday, at 6:00 pm. September-May. They meet downstairs in the handbell room.

The Kids of the Kingdom Choir rehearse on Wednesdays, at 6:00 pm, weekly. The choir meets in the downstairs Genesis Hall. Remember that there is Wednesday Night suppers the first and third Wednesdays of each month at 6:00 pm.

The Senior Choir rehearses on Wednesdays, at 7:00 -8:30 pm, weekly.  The choir meets in the downstairs Genesis Hall.

If you have any questions regarding the choirs or handbells, please contact Mr. D. Brian Cash at the church (489-3214) or by email. You are welcome to come to any rehearsal to preview.

Nursery News
Would you enjoy being a part of our nursery caregiver ministry on a regular basis? Do you enjoy working the nursery but are unable to commit to serving on a regular basis? We are in need of more caregivers for the 8:30 am and 11am worship services as we move into our new nursery space. We are also in need of nursery substitutes, who would be willing to serve if a caregiver is unable to serve at the last minute. Please contact Diane Archer or by phone at 919-475-0514 if you are interested or need information.

During worship services every Saturday night and Sunday morning, our congregation is treated to fresh-cut flowers in two vases on stands behind the altar. While all of us enjoy these flowers during worship, we may not be aware that anyone may donate flowers for a given Sunday, and can do so as often as they wish.  If you would like to donate flowers, you may seek out the "Flower Box" in the foyer area of the church and follow the instructions on it -- it is

located by the door to the offices. You may also download the instructions and form here in PDF form and either send it or bring it to the church. You may fax the form and then send in your donation also. If you have any questions regarding the Altar Flowers, please email the church office or call 919-489-3214.

All Committee Meeting Night 

All Committee Night takes place on the first Tuesday of each month beginning at 7:00 pm. If you would like to participate with a committee, please feel free to come to the All Committee Night. Each and every committee needs additional members to join in, inspire, and inject ideas. Please join us. We meet in

Trinity Hall at 7:00 pm for opening prayer and comments, go to individual committee meetings (Communications, Electronic Media, Education, Social Ministry, Stewardship, Worship) and reassemble in Trinity  hall an hour later for a wrap-up and closing prayer.

The Tongue and Thimble group meets at 10:00 am on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month in the Eden Room downstairs at St. Paul’s. If you have an interest in sewing or needle crafts,
please consider coming on Wednesdays. If you have any questions about the group, contact Doris Tilley, Arloa Bittikofer, or Lois Kinzie. Take a look at our photos page and see some of the beautiful quilts they have created in the past. These quilts are presented to local hospitals to be given to children in long-term care situations.

The Chronic Illness and Healing Group meets on the second and fourth Mondays in the month

at 1:00-3:00 pm.  If you have any questions about the Chronic Illness group, please contact Pastor Kim Stover, or the church office.

St. Paul’s Youth  -- Click on the button above ("Monthly Newsletter") and scroll down to see the

monthly youth news page!  Also make sure you check the bulletin board for current updates when at the church!

Calendar of Regular Events (with exceptions as noted)

  Worship Services

    Saturdays at 5:30 pm, Sundays at 8:30 am & 11:00 am (Regular schedule in September-May)

    Saturdays at 5:30 pm, Sundays at 8:30 am & 10:00 am (Summer schedule in June-August)

            -- all services celebrate Holy Communion

  Service of Healing and Wholeness, Second Monday of every month at 12:15 pm - Sanctuary

  Chronic Illness Group, 2nd & 4th Mondays, 1:00-3:00 pm upstairs, The Nolte Conference Room

  Bible Study, every Thursday, 10:30-11:45 am upstairs, The Nolte Conference Room

  Tuesday Task Team every Tuesday at 9:00 am (volunteers who help keep our facility in good repair)

  All Committee Meeting Night is the 1st Tuesday of each month at 7:00 pm. 

  Committees which meet: Communications, Education, Property, Social Ministry, Stewardship, Worship  

  Tabitha Circle, Women of ELCA, 2nd Monday at 7:15 pm

  Katherine Circle, Women of ELCA, 3rd Tuesday, at 10:00 am  

  Laudate Handbell Choir,  Tuesdays at 6:00-7:00 pm weekly meeting in the music room

  Finance Committee, 2nd Tuesday at 6:00 pm

  Church Council Meeting, 2nd Tuesday, 7:00 pm, The Nolte Conference Room

  Tongue and Thimble Group, 2nd and 4th Wednesdays, 10:00 am, Eden Room downstairs

  Global Mission Committee Meetings, as called (see Parish Notes)

  Kids of the Kingdom Choir Rehearsal,  Wednesday at 6:00-6:30 pm in Genesis Hall

  Senior Choir Rehearsal, Wednesday at 7:00-8:30 pm

  Wednesday Night Fellowship, the First and Third Wednesdays of each month - supper at 6:00 pm!

  Grief Care Group, as announced monthly, see Parish Notes for schedule

  Youth Ministry events/meetings as announced

  Cross Connections Newsletter published monthly; deadline for articles/information is the third

Monday of the month. "Holy Folders" meet on the last Wednesday of the month at 1:00 pm to prepare

the newsletter for the Post Office.

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