Author: ronpar72

Hello, All!

I hope this letter finds you safe and warm during this spell of wintry weather.

Last Sunday (2/09), the fifth Sunday after Epiphany, the gospel lesson took us to the beginning of Jesus’ ministry and the calling of fishermen Simon Peter, James, and John. We discussed how Jesus calls us to keep casting our nets.

This coming Sunday (2/16), the sixth Sunday after Epiphany, we will learn more about the blessings of trusting in the Lord. Bring a friend and join us at 10:00 am for Holy Eucharist as we discuss the beatitudes.

Inclement Weather

As we face this winter season, we want to be sure that you are receiving information about last-minute changes to our service schedule. As such, we have implemented an emergency notification system wherein parishioners can receive text messages about service cancellations, as well as various other information. If you have not already given us your updated contact information – especially your cell phone number – be sure to do so as soon as possible (we promise not to spam your inbox!). Current information may be given to Ron Parker, our IT, PR, and social media coordinator or email him admin@stpaulsclaremore.org

Volunteers Needed

We are excited to announce that some of the positions have been filled; but it’s not too late to volunteer for these remaining openings (see list below). If you would like to serve in any of these positions, please let someone on our Bishop’s Committee know (Shelby Mancell, Danny Haden, Kaitlyn Rodwell, Christina McMahan, Joyce Landrum, Barbara Bajon, or Rev. Nancy).

Safety Officer

-Maintains fire extinguishers

-Maintains exit signs

-Replaces light bulbs inside and outside the church building

-Reports to Junior Warden

Maintenance Officer

-Maintains building: paint, grout, stucco repair

-Fencing repair

-Schedules heat & air maintenance Spring and Fall

-Schedules bug exterminator Spring and Fall

-Maintains smoke detectors

-Changes clocks Spring and Fall

-Winds grandfather clock in Parish Hall weekly

-Reports to Junior Warden (Danny Haden)

Supplies Manager

-Maintains cleaning supplies for janitorial service: paper goods, toilet paper, hand towels, Pinesol, Scrubbing Bubbles, Lysol toilet cleaner

-Maintains kitchen supplies: paper towels, napkins, dishwasher, soap, coffee, filters, creamer, sugar, paper plates, cups, bowls

-Reports to Junior Warden (Danny Haden)

Offering Bearers

-2 people per service

-Collects offerings during services

-Counts collections for that day after services

-Reports to Treasurer (Barbara Bajon)

Altar Guild

-Maintains sacristy and supplies: Communion elements, instruments, and linens, and the cleaning and upkeep of these items

-Sets up for Communion each week before the Eucharistic service

-Cleans up the Communion elements after each Eucharistic service

-Reports to Altar Guild Director (Kaitlyn Rodwell)

Mt. Zion Chili Challenge

Saturday, February 22, from 11 am – 1 pm, our friends at Mt. Zion Baptist Church (805 N Oseuma Ave, Claremore) are holding a chili cook-off fund raiser. There is a $10 entry fee for those who wish to compete, and taste hits are $5 each. The 1st-Prize winner will receive a $50 gift card. To enter, contact Sandra, the church secretary, at 918-342-2799 or 918-639-9092 or mtzionclaremore.secretary@gmail.com no later than February 17.

Lenten Book Club

During Lent this year, we will be participating in a nation-wide book club. We will meet on Sunday mornings at 9:00 am for coffee (and food if you wish) and conversation about the book The Ungrateful Refugee by Dina Nayeri. Our first discussion will take place Sunday, March 16, and will continue through Palm Sunday (April 13). If you wish to read along and/or participate, please sign up on the bulletin board at church or reply to this email no later than Sunday, March 2, so we know how many books to order for everyone.

Lenten Dinner Worship

Our weekly Lenten offerings to the community for this coming season will be in the form of Dinners and Worship on Thursday evenings at 6:00 pm. We are collaborating with the Claremore First Christian Church, Grace United Methodist Church, and Verdigris United Methodist Church. The first Lenten Dinner Worship will take place on Thursday, March 13, at Grace UMC. The rest of the services will be held at different church campuses. Here is the schedule:

March 13 – Grace UMC

March 20 – St. Paul’s 

March 27 – Verdigris UMC

April 3 – Claremore First Christian Church

April 10 – Verdigris UMC

April 17 (Maundy Thursday) – Grace UMC

Let Us Pray

• That our parishioners will exemplify God’s love and peace during this time when so much religious, social, and political unrest plagues our community, nation, and world
• For all individuals living in fear due to new executive orders and mandates being imposed
• For all students and school personnel 
• For Ukraine and Russia
• For Israel and Palestine
• For Tammy Morales/ Cynthia Woods/ Chris/ Rose/ Brady/ Zachary/ Donna/ Justin/ Robert/ Lenny/ Gabriel/ John/ Cooper/ Josh/ Steven/ Connor/ Jace/ Rose Ridge/ Bertha Boyles/ Pastor James Coulter and Mt. Zion Baptist Church

If you have prayer requests to add to the Newsletter, email them to Clergy@stpaulsclaremore.org 

Save the Dates

• Sunday, February 16 – Holy Eucharist @ 10:00 am; 6^th Sunday after the Epiphany; Bishop’s Committee Meeting
• Sunday, February 23 – Holy Eucharist @ 10:00 am; 7^th Sunday after the Epiphany
• Sunday, March 2 – Holy Eucharist @ 10:00 am; Last Sunday after the Epiphany
• Wednesday, March 5 – Ash Wednesday service @ 6:00 pm
• Sunday, March 9 – Holy Eucharist @ 10:00 am; 1^st Sunday in Lent
• Wednesday, March 12 – Grace UMC Mobile Food Pantry at St. Paul’s from 3-6 pm
• Thursday, March 13 – Lenten Dinner Worship @ 6:00 pm at Grace UMC
• Sunday, March 16 – Holy Eucharist @ 10:00 am; 2^nd Sunday in Lent; Lenten book club @ 9:00 am; Bishop’s Committee Meeting

St. Paul’s Online

Check us out! Like us! Share us! Follow us!

Find us on Facebook at St Paul’s Episcopal Church | Facebook

Follow us on Instagram at St Paul’s Episcopal Church Claremore (@stpaulsclaremore) • Instagram photos and videos

Greetings, Friends!

Last Sunday (2/02), the fourth Sunday after Epiphany and the Presentation of our Lord, our gospel lesson told the story of Mary and Joseph’s encounter with Simeon and Anna at the temple in Jerusalem. The two prophets were both moved to much rejoicing and proclamation upon meeting young Jesus, the long-awaited Messiah.

This coming Sunday (2/09), the fifth Sunday after Epiphany we fast forward to the beginning of Jesus’ ministry and the calling of fishermen Simon Peter, James, and John. Bring a friend and join us at 10:00 am for Holy Eucharist as we discuss how Jesus also calls us to cast our nets.

Mini-Concert this Sunday Morning

Professional harpist and retired deacon, Linda Barton Paul, will be with us at St. Paul’s this coming Sunday morning. She will present a brief concert before the service beginning at 9:30 am, then play again for Offertory and Communion. This concert is free and open to the public though donations will be accepted to help cover the expenses of the musician.

Annual Meeting Review

Last Sunday (2/02), we held our annual pot luck luncheon and church-wide meeting. Among other things, we elected a new Junior Warden and two new Members at Large to the Bishop’s Committee. Be sure to congratulate our new members and thank them for their willingness to serve St. Paul’s.

Senior Warden – Shelby Mancell

Junior Warden (provisionally) – Danny Haden

Secretary – Kaitlyn Rodwell

Members at Large – Joyce Landrum and Christina McMahan

Treasurer – Barbara Bajon

In addition, Shelby Mancell was elected to serve as our Lay Delegate at Diocesan Convention this year, and Christina McMahan was elected as our Alternate Delegate.

Finally, revisions were approved for the St. Paul’s by-laws. The Junior Warden’s position was modified and broken down into separate volunteer positions (see list below), and the size of the Bishop’s Committee was changed to accommodate the current size of our congregation.

Here is a list of volunteer positions to be filled. If you would like to serve in any of these positions, please let someone on our Bishop’s Committee know.

Safety Officer

-Maintains fire extinguishers

-Maintains exit signs

-Replaces light bulbs inside and outside the church building

-Reports to Junior Warden

Maintenance Officer

-Maintains building: paint, grout, stucco repair

-Fencing repair

-Schedules heat & air maintenance Spring and Fall

-Schedules bug exterminator Spring and Fall

-Maintains smoke detectors

-Changes clocks Spring and Fall

-Winds grandfather clock in Parish Hall weekly

-Reports to Junior Warden

Lawn Care Supervisor

-Services mower: change oil & filters, air tires, charge battery, fill gas tank & can

-Mows and weed eats lawn

-Picks up tree limbs and trash

-Trims trees and hedges

-Weeds and mulches flower beds

-Maintains sprinkler systems

-Removes snow & ice, applies ice melt

-Reports to Junior Warden

Supplies Manager

-Maintains cleaning supplies for janitorial service: paper goods, toilet paper, hand towels, Pinesol, Scrubbing Bubbles, Lysol toilet cleaner

-Maintains kitchen supplies: paper towels, napkins, dishwasher, soap, coffee, filters, creamer, sugar, paper plates, cups, bowls

-Reports to Junior Warden

Offering Bearers

-2 people per service

-Collects offerings during services

-Counts collections for that day after services

-Reports to Treasurer

Altar Guild

-Maintains sacristy and supplies: Communion elements, instruments, and linens, and the cleaning and upkeep of these items

-Sets up for Communion each week before the Eucharistic service

-Cleans up the Communion elements after each Eucharistic service

-Reports to Altar Guild Director

Lenten Book Club

During Lent this year, we will be participating in a Church-wide book club. We will meet on Sunday mornings at 9:00 am for coffee (and food if you wish) and conversation about the book The Ungrateful Refugee by Dina Nayeri. Our first discussion will take place Sunday, March 16 and will continue through Palm Sunday (April 13). If you wish to read along an/or participate, please sign up on the bulletin board at church or reply to this email so we know how many books to order for everyone.

Lenten Dinner Worship

Our weekly Lenten offerings to the community for this coming season will be in the form of Dinners and Worship on Thursday evenings at 6:00 pm. We are collaborating with the Claremore First Christian Church, Grace United Methodist Church, and Verdigris United Methodist Church. The first Lenten Dinner Worship will take place on Thursday, March 13, at Grace UMC. The rest of the services will be held at different church campuses. Here is the schedule:

March 13 – Grace UMC

March 20 – St. Paul’s 

March 27 – Verdigris UMC

April 3 – Claremore First Christian Church

April 10 – Verdigris UMC

April 17 (Maundy Thursday) – Grace UMC

Let Us Pray

• That our parishioners will exemplify God’s love and peace during this time when so much religious, social, and political unrest plagues our community, nation, and world
• For all individuals living in fear due to new executive orders and mandates being imposed
• For all students and school personnel 
• For Ukraine and Russia
• For Israel and Palestine
• For Tammy Morales/ Cynthia Woods/ Dana/ Chris/ Rose/ Brady/ Zachary/ Donna/ Justin/ Robert/ Lenny/ Gabriel/ John/ Cooper/ Josh/ Steven/ Connor/ Jace/ Rose Ridge/ Bertha Boyles

If you have prayer requests to add to the Newsletter, email them to Clergy@stpaulsclaremore.org 

Save the Dates

• Sunday, February 9 – Holy Eucharist @ 10:00 am; 5^th Sunday after the Epiphany; Mini-concert by Professional Harpist Linda Barton Paul @ 9:30 am
• Sunday, February 16 – Holy Eucharist @ 10:00 am; 6^th Sunday after the Epiphany; Bishop’s Committee Meeting
• Sunday, February 23 – Holy Eucharist @ 10:00 am; 7^th Sunday after the Epiphany
• Sunday, March 2 – Holy Eucharist @ 10:00 am; Last Sunday after the Epiphany
• Wednesday, March 5 – Ash Wednesday service @ 6:00 pm
• Sunday, March 9 – Holy Eucharist @ 10:00 am; 1^st Sunday in Lent
• Wednesday, March 12 – Grace UMC Mobile Food Pantry at St. Paul’s from 3-6 pm
• Thursday, March 13 – Lenten Dinner Worship @ 6:00 pm at Grace UMC
• Sunday, March 16 – Holy Eucharist @ 10:00 am; 2^nd Sunday in Lent; Lenten book club @ 9:00 am; Bishop’s Committee Meeting

St. Paul’s Online

Check us out! Like us! Share us! Follow us!

Find us on Facebook at St Paul’s Episcopal Church | Facebook

Follow us on Instagram at St Paul’s Episcopal Church Claremore (@stpaulsclaremore) • Instagram photos and videos

Greetings, One and All!

Last Sunday (1/26), the third Sunday after the Epiphany, our gospel lesson was the story of Jesus reading from the scroll of Isaiah in the temple. “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,” he read, “because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” We discussed how this is now our mission; as followers of Christ, it is our privilege and responsibility to continue proclaiming the good news to everyone.

This coming Sunday (2/02) we rewind the story and return to the time when, according to Jewish custom, the baby Jesus was presented at the temple. His appearance in Jerusalem sparked much rejoicing, praise, and promise. Bring a friend and join us at 10:00 am for Holy Eucharist as we discuss how the promise of Jesus continues through us.

Annual Meeting THIS Sunday

After Holy Eucharist this Sunday, February 2, we will share a pot luck luncheon before commencing business. This year, we will introduce our new Senior Warden, and we will vote on three openings on the Bishop’s Committee (see below). In addition, there are several new volunteer positions available – lots of exciting opportunities for our laity to get involved! 

The following positions require nominations and votes for approval. Nominations/volunteers will be accepted now through Sunday, February 2, at the Annual Meeting. Voting will take place at the meeting. To nominate someone, or to volunteer for any of these positions, please notify anyone on the Bishop’s Committee (Rick Wilcox, Barbara Bajon, Kaitlyn Rodwell, Shelby Mancell, or Rev. Nancy) before February 2, or voice the nomination at the Annual Meeting. (Note: Nominees reserve the right to decline, so it is recommended that you speak to the individual before nominating them.)

Junior Warden

-Oversees Safety Officer, Maintenance Officer, Supplies Manager, and Lawn Care Supervisor

-Serves as a control officer on bank accounts

-Attends monthly Bishop’s Committee Meetings

-Reports to Senior Warden and Vicar

Members at Large (2 needed)

-Attends monthly Bishop’s Committee Meetings

-Serves in the capacity as leadership for the St. Paul’s community

-Reports to Senior Warden and Vicar

The following positions do not require nominations or votes, but do need to be filled:

Safety Officer

-Maintains fire extinguishers

-Maintains exit signs

-Replaces light bulbs inside and outside the church building

-Reports to Junior Warden

Maintenance Officer

-Maintains building: paint, grout, stucco repair

-Fencing repair

-Schedules heat & air maintenance Spring and Fall

-Schedules bug exterminator Spring and Fall

-Maintains smoke detectors

-Changes clocks Spring and Fall

-Winds grandfather clock in Parish Hall weekly

-Reports to Junior Warden

Lawn Care Supervisor

-Services mower: change oil & filters, air tires, charge battery, fill gas tank & can

-Mows and weed eats lawn

-Picks up tree limbs and trash

-Trims trees and hedges

-Weeds and mulches flower beds

-Maintains sprinkler systems

-Removes snow & ice, applies ice melt

-Reports to Junior Warden

Supplies Manager

-Maintains cleaning supplies for janitorial service: paper goods, toilet paper, hand towels, Pinesol, Scrubbing Bubbles, Lysol toilet cleaner

-Maintains kitchen supplies: paper towels, napkins, dishwasher, soap, coffee, filters, creamer, sugar, paper plates, cups, bowls

-Reports to Junior Warden

Offering Bearers

-2 people per service

-Collects offerings during services

-Counts collections for that day after services

-Reports to Treasurer

Altar Guild

-Maintains sacristy and supplies: Communion elements, instruments, and linens, and the cleaning and upkeep of these items

-Sets up for Communion each week before the Eucharistic service

-Cleans up the Communion elements after each Eucharistic service

-Reports to Altar Guild Director

Let Us Pray

• That our parishioners will exemplify God’s love and peace during this time when so much religious, social, and political unrest plagues our community, nation, and world
• For all individuals living in fear due to new executive orders and mandates being imposed
• For all students and school personnel 
• For Ukraine and Russia
• For Israel and Palestine
• For Dana/ Chris/ Rose/ Brady/ Zachary/ Donna/ Justin/ Robert/ Lenny/ Gabriel/ John/ Cooper/ Josh/ Steven/ Connor/ Jace/ Rose Ridge/ Bertha Boyles/ Pastor Coulter and the Mt. Zion congregation/ and for the repose of Charles Ziriax and Alberta Hardy

If you have prayer requests to add to the Newsletter, email them to Clergy@stpaulsclaremore.org

Save the Dates

• Sunday, February 2 – Holy Eucharist @ 10:00 am; Presentation of Jesus in the Temple; Annual Meeting and pot luck luncheon
• Sunday, February 9 – Holy Eucharist @ 10:00 am; 5^th Sunday after the Epiphany
• Sunday, February 16 – Holy Eucharist @ 10:00 am; 6^th Sunday after the Epiphany; Bishop’s Committee Meeting
• Sunday, February 23 – Holy Eucharist @ 10:00 am; 7^th Sunday after the Epiphany
• Sunday, March 2 – Holy Eucharist @ 10:00 am; Last Sunday after the Epiphany

St. Paul’s Online

Check us out! Like us! Share us! Follow us!

Find us on Facebook at St Paul’s Episcopal Church | Facebook

Follow us on Instagram at St Paul’s Episcopal Church Claremore (@stpaulsclaremore) • Instagram photos and videos

Hello, St. Paul’s Family and Friends!

Last Sunday (1/19), the second Sunday after the Epiphany, we did a deep dive into what it means that God calls us each by name – indeed, gives us a new name: My Delight. Each and every one of us – without exception – is a source of gratification, extreme satisfaction, and great happiness to God…a precious treasure that is loved and honored! Now, more than anything, people need to hear this message.

This coming Sunday (1/26), the third Sunday after the Epiphany, our gospel lesson is the story of Jesus reading from the scroll of Isaiah in the temple – the record of the first time he publicly proclaims his deity. Join us, and bring a friend, as we learn the relevance of this story for those of us living in this age and time.

Annual Meeting

Our annual meeting is just around the corner. After Holy Eucharist on Sunday, February 2, we will share a pot luck luncheon before commencing business. This year, we have a couple of openings on the Bishop’s Committee as well as several new positions which need to be filled. 

The following positions require nominations and votes for approval. Nominations/volunteers will be accepted now through Sunday, February 2, at the Annual Meeting. Voting will take place at the meeting. To nominate someone, or to volunteer for any of these positions, please notify anyone on the Bishop’s Committee (Rick Wilcox, Barbara Bajon, Kaitlyn Rodwell, Shelby Mancell, or Rev. Nancy) before February 2, or voice the nomination at the Annual Meeting. (Note: Nominees reserve the right to decline, so it is recommended that you speak to the individual before nominating them.)

Junior Warden

-Oversees Safety Officer, Maintenance Officer, Supplies Manager, and Lawn Care Supervisor

-Serves as a control officer on bank accounts

-Attends monthly Bishop’s Committee Meetings

-Reports to Senior Warden and Vicar

Member at Large

-Attends monthly Bishop’s Committee Meetings

-Serves in the capacity as leadership for the St. Paul’s community

-Reports to Senior Warden and Vicar

The following positions do not require nominations or votes, but do need to be filled:

Safety Officer

-Maintains fire extinguishers

-Maintains exit signs

-Replaces light bulbs inside and outside the church building

-Reports to Junior Warden

Maintenance Officer

-Maintains building: paint, grout, stucco repair

-Fencing repair

-Schedules heat & air maintenance Spring and Fall

-Schedules bug exterminator Spring and Fall

-Maintains smoke detectors

-Changes clocks Spring and Fall

-Winds grandfather clock in Parish Hall weekly

-Reports to Junior Warden

Lawn Care Supervisor

-Services mower: change oil & filters, air tires, charge battery, fill gas tank & can

-Mows and weed eats lawn

-Picks up tree limbs and trash

-Trims trees and hedges

-Weeds and mulches flower beds

-Maintains sprinkler systems

-Removes snow & ice, applies ice melt

-Reports to Junior Warden

Supplies Manager

-Maintains cleaning supplies for janitorial service: paper goods, toilet paper, hand towels, Pinesol, Scrubbing Bubbles, Lysol toilet cleaner

-Maintains kitchen supplies: paper towels, napkins, dishwasher, soap, coffee, filters, creamer, sugar, paper plates, cups, bowls

-Reports to Junior Warden

Offering Bearers

-2 people per service

-Collects offerings during services

-Counts collections for that day after services

-Reports to Treasurer

Altar Guild

-Maintains sacristy and supplies: Communion elements, instruments, and linens, and the cleaning and upkeep of these items

-Sets up for Communion each week before the Eucharistic service

-Cleans up the Communion elements after each Eucharistic service

-Reports to Altar Guild Director

Let Us Pray

• That our parishioners will exemplify God’s love and peace during this time when so much religious, social, and political unrest plagues our community, nation, and world
• For all individuals living in fear due to new executive orders and mandates being imposed
• For all students and school personnel 
• For Ukraine and Russia
• For Israel and Palestine
• For Chris/ Rose/ Brady/ Zachary/ Donna/ Justin/ Robert/ Lenny/ Gabriel/ John/ Cooper/ Josh/ Steven/ Connor/ Jace/ Rose Ridge/ Bertha Boyles/ Pastor Coulter and the Mt. Zion congregation/ and for the repose of Charles Ziriax and Alberta Hardy

If you have prayer requests to add to the Newsletter, email them to Clergy@stpaulsclaremore.org 

Save the Dates

• Sunday, January 26 – Holy Eucharist @ 10:00 am; 3^rd Sunday after the Epiphany
• Sunday, February 2 – Holy Eucharist @ 10:00 am; Presentation of Jesus in the Temple; Annual Meeting and pot luck luncheon
• Sunday, February 9 – Holy Eucharist @ 10:00 am; 5^th Sunday after the Epiphany
• Sunday, February 16 – Holy Eucharist @ 10:00 am; 6^th Sunday after the Epiphany; Bishop’s Committee Meeting

St. Paul’s Online

Check us out! Like us! Share us! Follow us!

Find us on Facebook at St Paul’s Episcopal Church | Facebook

Follow us on Instagram at St Paul’s Episcopal Church Claremore (@stpaulsclaremore) • Instagram photos and videos

Greetings, Friends and Family!

Last Sunday (1/12), the first Sunday after the Epiphany, our gospel lesson was the story of Jesus’ baptism as recorded in the book of Luke. We looked at the small and seemingly insignificant word also. “Jesus had also been baptized.” We discussed the ramifications of Jesus simply being one of a crowd of regular people lined up to be baptized; yet, when he was, the voice of God was heard declaring him God’s Son. Looking also at our other lessons (from Isaiah, Psalms, and Acts), we were reminded that God’s voice is incredibly powerful, and that same God also claims each of us as God’s own. God knows each of us by name and proclaims us honored, loved, and precious. Because of that, we have all been given the gift of love with which to bless others just as the apostles Peter and John blessed the believers in Samaria. Now, that’s worth sharing!

This coming Sunday (1/19), the second Sunday after the Epiphany, we will be delving more deeply into what it means that God calls us each by name. Bring a friend and join us at 10:00 am for Holy Eucharist!

Annual Meeting

Our annual meeting is just around the corner. After Holy Eucharist on Sunday, February 2, we will share a pot luck luncheon before commencing business. This year, we have a couple of openings on the Bishop’s Committee as well as a few new positions which need to be filled, so be on the lookout for details about the details of those positions as well as how to nominate someone you think might be a good fit.

Funeral for Charles Ziriax

Please keep Pam Ziriax and all family and friends of Charles in your prayers. St. Paul’s will be hosting a viewing and a Celebration of Life service this Saturday, 18 January. The viewing begins at 11:30 am; the service will take place at 1:00 pm. After the service, there will be a brief graveside ceremony at the cemetery, after which they will return to the Parish Hall at St. Paul’s for refreshments. Friends of the Ziriax family are invited to use this post-service refreshment time to visit with the family.

Let Us Pray

• That our parishioners will exemplify God’s peace during this time when so much religious, social, and political unrest plagues our community, nation, and world
• For all students and school personnel 
• For Ukraine and Russia
• For Israel and Palestine
• For Chris/ Mike/ Brian/ Mark H/ Ron H/ Rose/ Brady/ Zachary/ Donna/ Vernon/ Corey/ Janie/ Rick/ Lillian/ Carol Sue/ Erin/ Mike/ Don/ Pauline/ Doris/ Stephen/ Jim/ Tjode/ Rusti/ Joyce L/ Justin/ Robert/ Lenny/ Rose Ridge/ Bertha Boyles/ Alberta Hardy/ Gabriel/ Michael/ and for the repose of Charles Ziriax

If you have prayer requests to add to the Newsletter, email them to Clergy@stpaulsclaremore.org

Save the Dates

• Saturday, January 18 – Ziriax viewing @ 11:30; service for the Burial of the Dead @ 1:00 pm; refreshments to follow
• Sunday, January 19 – Holy Eucharist @ 10:00 am; 2^nd Sunday after the Epiphany; Bishop’s Committee meeting
• Sunday, January 26 – Holy Eucharist @ 10:00 am; 3^rd Sunday after the Epiphany
• Sunday, February 2 – Holy Eucharist @ 10:00 am; Presentation of Jesus in the Temple; Annual Meeting and pot luck luncheon

St. Paul’s Online

Check us out! Like us! Share us! Follow us!

Find us on Facebook at St Paul’s Episcopal Church | Facebook

Follow us on Instagram at St Paul’s Episcopal Church Claremore (@stpaulsclaremore) • Instagram photos and videos

Last Sunday (1/05) was a fantastic day of worship with our bishop! We celebrated the confirmation of Joyce Landrum and shared a marvelous pot luck lunch – kudos to all the chefs!

This coming Sunday (1/12), the first Sunday after the Epiphany, we will hear about the blessing of belonging to God who calls each of us by name. Bring a friend and join us at 10:00 am for Holy Eucharist!

Annual Meeting

Our annual meeting is just around the corner. After Holy Eucharist on Sunday, February 2, we will share a pot luck luncheon before commencing business. This year, we have a few openings on the Bishop’s Committee, so be on the lookout for details about descriptions of those positions as well as how to nominate someone you think might be a good fit.

Let Us Pray

• That our parishioners will exemplify God’s peace during this time when so much religious, social, and political unrest plagues our community, nation, and world
• For all students and school personnel 
• For Ukraine and Russia
• For Israel and Palestine
• For Chris/ Mike/ Brian/ Mark H/ Ron H/ Rose/ Brady/ Zachary/ Donna/ Vernon/ Corey/ Janie/ Rick/ Lillian/ Carol Sue/ Erin/ Mike/ Don/ Pauline/ Doris/ Stephen/ Jim/ Tjode/ Rusti/ Joyce L/ Justin/ Robert/ Lenny/ Rose Ridge/ Bertha Boyles/ Alberta Hardy/ Gabriel/ Michael/ and for the repose of Charles Ziriax

If you have prayer requests to add to the Newsletter, email them to Clergy@stpaulsclaremore.org 

Save the Dates

• Sunday, January 12 – Holy Eucharist @ 10:00 am; 1^st Sunday after the Epiphany
• Sunday, January 19 – Holy Eucharist @ 10:00 am; 2^nd Sunday after the Epiphany; Bishop’s Committee meeting
• Sunday, January 26 – Holy Eucharist @ 10:00 am; 3^rd Sunday after the Epiphany
• Sunday, February 2 – Holy Eucharist @ 10:00 am; Presentation of Jesus in the Temple; Annual Meeting and pot luck luncheon

St. Paul’s Online

Check us out! Like us! Share us! Follow us!

Find us on Facebook at St Paul’s Episcopal Church | Facebook

Follow us on Instagram at St Paul’s Episcopal Church Claremore (@stpaulsclaremore) • Instagram photos and videos

Happy New Year, one and all!!!

Last Sunday, we were reminded of some of the many ways in which St. Paul’s has “received grace upon grace” (John 1:16) in the last year. During 2024, we had several opportunities to serve the Claremore community in collaboration with our brothers and sisters in Christ at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, at Claremore First Christian Church, and at Grace United Methodist Church – from shared services during holy week to Trunk or Treat at Halloween, and from hosting the mobile food pantry to combined worship on Christmas Eve. We celebrated three confirmations (and have another just around the corner), and we have seven new and returning parishioners – most of whom have started attending in the last few months. “Grace upon grace,” indeed! Furthermore, we were privileged to hear from Ron Parker and from Tjode Favier as they shared some of the ways they experienced God moving in their own lives throughout the year. How fitting that our Old Testament lesson was from Isaiah 61: “I will greatly rejoice in the Lord!” (v10)

God is definitely alive and well and working in and through St. Paul’s Claremore! We look forward with great anticipation to what is to come in 2025!

Bishop’s Visit and Confirmation THIS Sunday!

This coming Sunday, January 5, will be an exciting day at St. Paul’s. Not only is it the second Sunday after Christmas and the first Sunday of the new year, it is also the day that Diocesan Bishop, The Rt. Rev. Poulson Reed, will be visiting St. Paul’s. While he is with us, he will serve as both preacher and celebrant for the Eucharistic service. In addition, our own Joyce Landrum will be confirmed during this special service.

After the service, we will enjoy a scrumptious pot luck luncheon during which time the bishop will share in a Q&A discussion with all of us. If there is a question you’ve always about our theology or traditions, this Sunday will be a great time to find out the answer. The bishop is especially fond of answering questions about the Book of Common Prayer and about liturgy. What a fabulous way to kick off the year 2025! We hope you will join us!

Note: Following lunch, Bishop Poulson will meet with the Bishop’s Committee. 

Mobile Food Pantry to Return to St. Paul’s

Wednesday, January 8, the mobile food pantry from Grace United Methodist Church will, once again, be in the St. Paul’s parking lot from 3-6 pm (note that this a different time frame than previously advertised). Parishioners are invited to help set up beginning at 2:00, and to help fill, carry, and load grocery bags for local residents. Come for 30 minutes, an hour, or the whole time – whatever time you have available is greatly appreciated. This is a fun way to spread Christ’s love and minister to our local community! We hope to see you there. 

Let Us Pray

• For the safety of Bishop Poulson as he travels from Oklahoma City this weekend
• That our parishioners will exemplify God’s peace during this time when so much religious, social, and political unrest plagues our community, nation, and world
• For all students and school personnel 
• For Ukraine and Russia
• For Israel and Palestine
• For Chris/ Mike/ Brian/ Mark H/ Ron H/ Rose/ Brady/ Zachary/ Donna/ Vernon/ Corey/ Janie/ Rick/ Lillian/ Carol Sue/ Erin/ Mike/ Don/ Pauline/ Doris/ Stephen/ Jim/ Tjode/ Rusti/ Joyce L/ Justin/ Robert/ Lenny/ Rose Ridge/ Bertha Boyles/ Alberta Hardy/ Gabriel/ Michael/ and for the repose of Charles Ziriax

If you have prayer requests to add to the Newsletter, email them to Clergy@stpaulsclaremore.org

Save the Dates

• Sunday, January 5 – Holy Eucharist @ 10:00 am; Confirmations with Bishop Poulson; Pot luck Q&A with Bishop; Bishop’s Committee meeting with Bishop
• Wednesday, January 8 – Grace UMC Mobile Food Pantry at St. Paul’s from 3-6 pm
• Sunday, January 12 – Holy Eucharist @ 10:00 am; 1^st Sunday after the Epiphany
• Sunday, January 19 – Holy Eucharist @ 10:00 am; 2^nd Sunday after the Epiphany; Bishop’s Committee meeting

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Merry Christmas, one and all!

I do hope that your holiday season is filled with laughter, love, and the wonder and joy of Christ, God’s gift to us all!

Christmas Eve with Mt. Zion

What a marvelous blessing it was to share an evening of celebration with all of you! Our choir did an outstanding job of opening the service with a combination of special music and congregational sing-alongs. I, for one, am very grateful for the friendship we share with our beloved brothers and sisters in Christ at Mt. Zion Baptist Church. Their youth enhanced the service with their beautiful music and Pastor Coulter brought us a profound message based on our epistle reading from the book of Titus. It was truly a delightful experience!

5th Sunday Service

You won’t want to miss our service this coming Sunday (12/29). As you have probably noticed, each time we have a month with five Sundays, we are trying to do something special on that 5^th Sunday, and this month will be no exception. We will be hearing testimonials (yes, you read that correctly…testimonials in the Episcopal church!) from Tjode Favier and Ron Parker. Both of these parishioners have been through some inspiring experiences this year, and they have agreed to share a bit of their stories with us. This should be a fantastic way to observe the final Sunday of 2024! Join us! 

Special Offering for Medical Debt Relief 

This Sunday, December 29, will be the last day that we collect funds for this seasonal offering to help relieve local Rogers County residents of undue medical debt. As an added incentive, the Bishop’s Committee has agreed to match up to $1,000 of the funds given for this special offering.

Medical debt has become a crippling burden to many in our country, and we have the opportunity to offer some relief to our neighbors. If you wish to contribute to this special project, simply designate your offerings as “medical debt relief” and/or place them directly into the little hospital offering house.

To read more about this debt relief program, visit Undue Medical Debt — Donor-powered medical debt relief, liberating everyday people.

Bishop’s Visit and Confirmation 

January 5 will be an exciting day at St. Paul’s. Not only is it the second Sunday after Christmas and the first Sunday of the new year, it is also the day that Diocesan Bishop, The Rt. Rev. Poulson Reed, will be visiting St. Paul’s. While he is with us, he will serve as both preacher and celebrant for the eucharistic service. In addition, our own Joyce Landrum will be confirmed during this special service. Afterwards, we will enjoy a scrumptious pot luck luncheon during which time the bishop will share in a Q&A discussion with all of us. Following lunch, Bishop Poulson will meet with the Bishop’s Committee. What a fabulous way to kick off the year 2025! We hope you will join us!

Mobile Food Pantry to Return to St. Paul’s

Wednesday, January 8, the mobile food pantry from Grace United Methodist Church will, once again, be in the St. Paul’s parking lot from 5-8 pm. Parishioners are invited to help set up beginning at 4:00, and to help fill, carry, and load grocery bags for local residents. Come for 30 minutes, and hour, or the whole evening – whatever time you have available is greatly appreciated. This is a fun way to spread Christ’s love and minister to our local community! We hope to see you there. 

Let Us Pray

• That during this Christmas season Christ’s gift will be shared by all
• For the safety of those traveling during the holiday season
• That our parishioners will exemplify God’s peace during this time when so much religious, social, and political unrest plagues our community, nation, and world
• For all students and school personnel 
• For Ukraine and Russia
• For Israel and Palestine
• For Ani/ Chris/ Mike/ Brian/ Mark H/ Ron H/ Rose/ Brady/ Zachary/ Donna/ Vernon/ Corey/ Janie/ Rick/ Lillian/ Carol Sue/ Erin/ Mike/ Don/ Pauline/ Doris/ Stephen/ Jim/ Tjode/ Rusti/ Joyce L/ Justin/ Robert/ Lenny/ Rose Ridge/ Bertha Boyles/ Alberta Hardy/ Gabriel/ and for the repose of Megan Henshaw and Traci Owens

If you have prayer requests to add to the Newsletter, email them to Clergy@stpaulsclaremore.org 

Save the Dates

• Sunday, December 29 – Holy Eucharist @ 10:00 am; 1^st Sunday after Christmas; no Christian formation this day
• Sunday, January 5 – Holy Eucharist @ 10:00 am; Confirmations with Bishop Poulson; no Christian formation this day
• Wednesday, January 8 – Grace UMC Mobile Food Pantry at St. Paul’s from 5-8 pm
• Sunday, January 12 – Holy Eucharist @ 10:00 am; 1^st Sunday after the Epiphany
• Sunday, January 19 – Holy Eucharist @ 10:00 am; 2^nd Sunday after the Epiphany; Bishop’s Committee meeting

St. Paul’s Online

Check us out! Like us! Share us! Follow us!

Find us on Facebook at St Paul’s Episcopal Church | Facebook

Follow us on Instagram at St Paul’s Episcopal Church Claremore (@stpaulsclaremore) • Instagram photos and videos