StPaulsClaremore

Author: ronpar72

St. Paul’s Newsletter – 23 January 2025
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
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January 23, 2025
St. Paul’s Newsletter – 16 January 2025
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
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January 16, 2025
St. Paul’s Newsletter – 9 January 2025
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
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January 9, 2025
St. Paul’s Newsletter – 2 January 2025
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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January 2, 2025
Church Bulletin – 29 December 2024

The First Sunday after Christmas

         29 December 2024

            The Holy Eucharist – Rite II

      (Note: H=Blue Hymnal / BCP=Red Book of Common Prayer)

                 The Word of God

   Procession Hymn              H 450

   Acclamation                  BCP 355

   Gloria            H S280

Salutation and Collect                 BCP 325

Almighty God, you have poured upon us the new light of your incarnate Word: Grant that this light, enkindled in our hearts, may shine forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The First Lesson – Isaiah 61:10-62:3

I will greatly rejoice in the Lord,
my whole being shall exult in my God;

for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation,
he has covered me with the robe of righteousness,

as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland,
and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

For as the earth brings forth its shoots,
and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up,

so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise
to spring up before all the nations.

For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent,
and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest,

until her vindication shines out like the dawn,
and her salvation like a burning torch.

The nations shall see your vindication,
and all the kings your glory;

and you shall be called by a new name
that the mouth of the Lord will give.

You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord,
and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.

The Response – Psalm 147:13-21

Worship the Lord, O Jerusalem; *
   praise your God, O Zion;

For he has strengthened the bars of your gates; *
   he has blessed your children within you.

He has established peace on your borders; *
   he satisfies you with the finest wheat.

He sends out his command to the earth, *
   and his word runs very swiftly.

He gives snow like wool; *
   he scatters hoarfrost like ashes.

He scatters his hail like bread crumbs; *
   who can stand against his cold?

He sends forth his word and melts them; *
   he blows with his wind, and the waters flow.

He declares his word to Jacob, *
   his statutes and his judgments to Israel.

He has not done so to any other nation; *
   to them he has not revealed his judgments.
   Hallelujah!

The Second Lesson – Galations 3:23-25; 4:4-7

Now before faith came, we were imprisoned and guarded under the law until faith would be revealed. Therefore the law was our disciplinarian until Christ came, so that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer subject to a disciplinarian.

But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God.

Sequence Hymn                              H 632

The Gospel – John 1:1-18

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.

He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.

And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. (John testified to him and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’”) From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made him known.

Sermon                   The Rev. Nancy Gill

The Nicene Creed                    BCP 358

The Prayers of the People

After each petition,

Layreader: O living God,

People: glory and praise to you.

For the Universal Church, its members, and its mission:

For Sean, our Presiding Bishop; Poulson, our Diocesan Bishop; Nancy, our Vicar; the members of our Bishop’s Committee

   For the Claremore Ministerial Alliance

  For the Northeast Oklahoma Clericus

   For St. Paul’s, its mission, ministry, and people

   In the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer for St. James’, Oklahoma City

   In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer for The Episcopal Church

For the nation and all in authority:

   For Joe, our President, and the Congress; Donald, the President-elect, Kevin, our Governor and the Legislature; Debbie our Mayor and the City Counsel; and the judicial system

   For our service men and women around the world and all those in harm’s way, especially Connor, John, Josh, Steven, and Cooper

For this community:

   For all students, teachers, & administrators, especially Christina, Hannah, Zach, Cara, and Shelby

   For all public safety officers, especially Dale and Michael

For those who have asked for or are in need of our prayers:

   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/ Traci/ Rusti/ Joyce L/ Justin/ Robert/ Lenny

For those who have died:

The Confession of Sin                            BCP 331

The Peace                        BCP 360

         The Holy Communion

   The Offertory – Every 3^rd Sunday, all undesignated offerings in the offering plate go to the ministry fund (formerly the discretionary fund).

   Offertory Hymn H 437

   Doxology

(“Praise God from whom all blessings flow, Praise him all creatures here below, Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts, Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen”)

   Eucharistic Prayer B                       BCP 367

   Sanctus H S125

   Fraction Anthem                             BCP 364

The Invitation to Communion

All people are welcome to receive Communion at Saint Paul’s. This is the table, not of the Church, but of God. It is here for those who love God and who want to love God more. So, come, you who have much faith, and you who have little, you who have been here often and you who are new. Come, because it is our Lord who invites us. It is God’s will that those who want him should meet him here.

   Post-communion Prayer                       BCP 366

   Blessing

   Procession Hymn    H 631

December 26, 2024
St. Paul’s Newsletter – 26 December 2024
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

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December 26, 2024
Christmas Eve  12/24/24

Christmas Eve – 24 December 2024

            The Holy Eucharist – Rite II

      (Note: H=Blue Hymnal / BCP=Red Book of Common Prayer)

Prelude St. Paul’s Choir, and Mt. Zion Youth

The Word of God

   Procession Hymn                  H 93

   Acclamation                   BCP 355

   Gloria              H S280

Salutation and Collect                  BCP 357

O God, you have caused this holy night to shine with the brightness of the true Light: Grant that we, who have known the mystery of that Light on earth, may also enjoy him perfectly in heaven; where with you and the Holy Spirit he lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

The First Lesson – Isaiah 9:2-7

The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;

those who lived in a land of deep darkness–
on them light has shined.

You have multiplied the nation,
you have increased its joy;

they rejoice before you
as with joy at the harvest,
as people exult when dividing plunder.

For the yoke of their burden,
and the bar across their shoulders,
the rod of their oppressor,
you have broken as on the day of Midian.

For all the boots of the tramping warriors
and all the garments rolled in blood
shall be burned as fuel for the fire.

For a child has been born for us,
a son given to us;

authority rests upon his shoulders;
and he is named

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

His authority shall grow continually,
and there shall be endless peace

for the throne of David and his kingdom.
He will establish and uphold it

with justice and with righteousness
from this time onward and forevermore.

The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

     The Response – Psalm 96

Sing to the Lord a new song; *
   sing to the Lord, all the whole earth.

Sing to the Lord and bless his Name; *
   proclaim the good news of his salvation from day to day.

Declare his glory among the nations *
   and his wonders among all peoples.

For great is the Lord and greatly to be praised; *
   he is more to be feared than all gods.

As for all the gods of the nations, they are but idols; *
   but it is the Lord who made the heavens.

Oh, the majesty and magnificence of his presence! *
   Oh, the power and the splendor of his sanctuary!

Ascribe to the Lord, you families of the peoples; *
   ascribe to the Lord honor and power.

Ascribe to the Lord the honor due his Name; *
   bring offerings and come into his courts.

Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness; *
   let the whole earth tremble before him.

Tell it out among the nations: “The Lord is King! *
   he has made the world so firm that it cannot be moved;
   he will judge the peoples with equity.”

Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad;
   let the sea thunder and all that is in it; *
   let the field be joyful and all that is therein.

Then shall all the trees of the wood shout for joy
   before the Lord when he comes, *
   when he comes to judge the earth.

He will judge the world with righteousness *
   and the peoples with his truth.

      The Second Lesson – Titus 2:11-14

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly, while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds.

       Sequence Hymn                                 H 96

       The Gospel – Luke 2:1-20

In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see– I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace among those whom he favors!” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

Sermon

The Nicene Creed                    BCP 358

The Prayers of the People

After each petition,

Layreader: God of glory,

People: grant us your peace.

For the Universal Church, its members, and its mission:

   For Sean, our Presiding Bishop; Poulson, our Diocesan Bishop; Nancy, our Vicar; the members of our Bishop’s Committee

   For the Claremore Christian Ministerial Alliance

   For the Northeast Oklahoma Clericus

   For St. Paul’s, its mission, ministry, and people

   In the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer for St. Paul’s, Clinton, and for Whirlwind Mission, Watonga

   In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer for The Diocese of Kumasi – The Church of the Province of West Africa

For the nation and all in authority:

   For Joe, our President, and the Congress; Donald, the President-elect,

   Kevin, our Governor and the Legislature; Debbie our Mayor and the City Counsel; and the judicial system

   For our service men and women around the world and all those in harm’s way, especially Connor, John, Josh, Steven, and Cooper

For this community:

   For all students, teachers, & administrators, especially Christina, Hannah, Zach, Cara, and Shelby

   For all public safety officers, especially Dale and Michael

For those who have asked for or are in need of our prayers:

   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/ Traci/ Rusti/ Joyce L/ Justin/ Robert/ Lenny/ Rose Ridge

For those who have died:

   The Confession of Sin                            BCP 360

   The Peace                        BCP 360

         The Holy Communion

   The Offertory – Every 3^rd Sunday, all undesignated offerings in the offering plate go to the ministry fund (formerly the discretionary fund).

   Offertory Hymn      H 83

   Doxology

(“Praise God from whom all blessings flow, Praise him all creatures here below, Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts, Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen”)

   Eucharistic Prayer B                       BCP 367

   Sanctus H S125

   Fraction Anthem                                      BCP 364

   The Invitation to Communion

All people are welcome to receive Communion at Saint Paul’s. This is the table, not of the Church, but of God. It is here for those who love God and who want to love God more. So, come, you who have much faith, and you who have little, you who have been here often and you who are new. Come, because it is our Lord who invites us. It is God’s will that those who want him should meet him here.

   Post-communion Prayer                       BCP 365

   Blessing

   Procession Hymn    H 111

   Dismissal                       BCP 366

   Postlude Mt. Zion Youth



December 23, 2024
St. Paul’s Newsletter – 19 December 2024
Hello, Dear St. Paul’s Family and Friends,

As Advent draws to a close, I pray that you have found it a positive time of renewal and preparation for the coming of Christ.

Last week we observed the third Sunday of Advent, a day often associated with joy. This Sunday (12/22), the fourth Sunday of Advent, is associated with peace. Each week of Advent, we light a candle in the Advent wreath which symbolizes the drawing near of Christ. If you have not yet had opportunity to do so, I encourage you to be intentional about making time during this busy season to pause and reflect with genuine anticipation upon the impact Christ has on your own hope, faith, joy, and peace.

Christmas Eve Service

Next Tuesday, December 24, we will observe our annual Christmas Eve celebration at 5:00 pm. It promises to be an exciting service. As is our tradition, we will begin the evening with a beautiful musical offering from our St. Paul’s choir. In addition, our friends from Mt. Zion Baptist Church will be joining us and their youth will be providing special music. Rev. Nancy and Pastor Coulter will both share brief homilies; and, of course, we will all join in singing some of our favorite Christmas hymns. This is a service for the entire Claremore community, so we hope you will plan to attend and invite someone else along!

Special Offering for Medical Debt Relief

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, 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. What a fabulous way to kick off the year 2025! We hope you will join us!

Let Us Pray
- That this season of Advent will inspire us with renewed anticipation for the gift of Christ
- 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/ Traci/ 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 22 – Holy Eucharist @ 10:00 am; 4^th Sunday of Advent; Christian Formation @ 9:00 am
- Tuesday, December 24 – Christmas Eve service @ 5:00 pm
- 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
St. Paul’s Online

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December 19, 2024
Church Bulletin 12/22/24

The Fourth Sunday of Advent

         22 December 2024

The Holy Eucharist – Rite I

      (Note: H=Blue Hymnal / BCP=Red Book of Common Prayer)

        The Word of God

Procession Hymn                H 74

Acclamation                  BCP 323

Kyrie              H S91

   Salutation and Collect                 BCP 325

Purify our conscience, Almighty God, by your daily visitation, that your Son Jesus Christ, at his coming, may find in us a mansion prepared for himself; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The First Lesson – Micah 5:2-5a

You, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah,
who are one of the little clans of Judah,

from you shall come forth for me
one who is to rule in Israel,

whose origin is from of old,
from ancient days.

Therefore he shall give them up until the time
when she who is in labor has brought forth;

then the rest of his kindred shall return
to the people of Israel.

And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the Lord,
in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.

And they shall live secure, for now he shall be great
to the ends of the earth;

and he shall be the one of peace.

The Response – Canticle 15

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,

my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; *
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.

From this day all generations will call me blessed: *
the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name.

He has mercy on those who fear him *
in every generation.

He has shown the strength of his arm, *
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.

He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, *
and has lifted up the lowly.

He has filled the hungry with good things, *
and the rich he has sent away empty.

He has come to the help of his servant Israel, *
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,

The promise he made to our fathers, *
to Abraham and his children for ever.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

The Second Lesson – Hebrews 10:5-10

When Christ came into the world, he said,

“Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired,
but a body you have prepared for me;

in burnt offerings and sin offerings
you have taken no pleasure.

Then I said, ‘See, God, I have come to do your will, O God’
(in the scroll of the book it is written of me).”

When he said above, “You have neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings” (these are offered according to the law), then he added, “See, I have come to do your will.” He abolishes the first in order to establish the second. And it is by God’s will that we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

Sequence Hymn                               H 437

The Gospel – Luke 1:39-45

In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.

When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.”

     Sermon                   The Rev. Nancy Gill

     The Nicene Creed                    BCP 326

The Prayers of the People

After each petition,

Layreader: Stir up your strength, O Lord,

People: and come to help us.

For the Universal Church, its members, and its mission:

   For Sean, our Presiding Bishop; Poulson, our Diocesan Bishop; Nancy, our Vicar; the members of our Bishop’s Committee

For the Claremore Christian Ministerial Alliance

For the Northeast Oklahoma Clericus

For St. Paul’s, its mission, ministry, and people

In the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer for St. Paul’s, Clinton, and for Whirlwind Mission, Watonga

In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer for The Church of the Province of Uganda

For the nation and all in authority: For Joe, our President, and the Congress; Donald, the President elect, Kevin, our Governor and the Legislature; Debbie our Mayor and the City Counsel; and the judicial system

For our service men and women around the world and all those in harm’s way, especially Connor, John, Josh, Steven, and Cooper

For this community:

   For all students, teachers, & administrators, especially Christina, Hannah, Zach, Cara, and Shelby

   For all public safety officers, especially Dale and Michael

For those who have asked for or are in need of our prayers:

   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/ Traci/ Rusti/ Joyce L/ Justin/ Robert/ Lenny/ Rose Ridge

For those who have died:

   The Confession of Sin                           BCP 331

   The Peace                        BCP 360

         The Holy Communion

   The Offertory – Every 3^rd Sunday, all undesignated offerings in the offering plate go to the ministry fund (formerly the discretionary fund).

   Offertory Hymn H 436

   Doxology

(“Praise God from whom all blessings flow, Praise him all creatures here below, Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts, Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen”)

   Eucharistic Prayer I                       BCP 333

   Sanctus H S114

   Fraction Anthem                                      BCP 337

   The Invitation to Communion

All people are welcome to receive Communion at Saint Paul’s. This is the table, not of the Church, but of God. It is here for those who love God and who want to love God more. So, come, you who have much faith, and you who have little, you who have been here often and you who are new. Come, because it is our Lord who invites us. It is God’s will that those who want him should meet him here.

   Post-communion Prayer                       BCP 339

   Blessing

   Procession Hymn    H 657

   Dismissal                       BCP 340

At the end of the service, prayers for healing will be offered in the Narthex, and there will be a reception in the Great Hall.

December 15, 2024
St. Paul’s Newsletter – 12 December 2024
Advent greetings, dear friends!

Last week we observed the second Sunday of Advent, a day often associated with faith. This Sunday (12/15), the third Sunday of Advent, is associated with joy. Each week of Advent, we light a candle in the Advent wreath which symbolizes the drawing near of Christ. I encourage you to be intentional about making time during this busy season to pause and reflect with genuine anticipation upon the impact Christ has on your own hope, faith. and joy.

Special Offering for Medical Debt Relief

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

We will continue to collect special funds to contribute to medical debt relief for local families through Sunday, December 29, and, as added incentive, the Bishop’s Committee has agreed to match up to $1,000 of the funds given for this special offering.

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

Let Us Pray
- That this season of Advent will inspire us with renewed anticipation for the gift of Christ
- 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/ Traci/ Rusti/ Joyce L/ Justin/ Robert/ Lenny/ Rose Ridge
If you have prayer requests to add to the Newsletter, email them to Clergy@stpaulsclaremore.org or text them to +1-844-920-9109

Save the Dates
- Sunday, December 15 – Holy Eucharist @ 10:00 am; 3^rd Sunday of Advent; Christian Formation @ 9:00 am; Bishop’s Committee Meeting
- Sunday, December 22 – Holy Eucharist @ 10:00 am; 4^th Sunday of Advent; Christian Formation @ 9:00 am
- Tuesday, December 24 – Christmas Eve service @ 5:00 pm
- 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
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
December 12, 2024