Author: ronpar72

Dear Friends,

I invite you to a Holy Lent. 

Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts… ~ From the Ash Wednesday Liturgy, BCP 264

May you find this to be a season in which you are drawn into a deep knowledge of, and love for, God.

Into the Wilderness of Lent

Last week (2/11), the last Sunday of Epiphany, our Gospel lesson reminded us that we cannot simply bask in the glory of former experiences. God still has more work for us to do; but we have listen for the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

This Sunday (2/18), join us at 9:30 a.m. as we learn from Jesus’s example of how to survive the emotional deserts of life. 

Annual Meeting & Potluck

Our annual meeting and potluck dinner will take place THIS Sunday, February 18, after our morning worship service. This year, please be in prayerful consideration, as we will be accepting nominations for the position of Junior Warden on the Bishop’s Committee. If you know of an individual who you feel would like to fill this position, or if you personally are interested, please let us know. Nominations and voting will take place during the meeting.

Community-wide Lenten Services & Luncheons

Join us at St. Paul’s at Noon each Wednesday during Lent for a service led by various churches from the Claremore Ministerial Alliance. Each service is followed by lunch (donations appreciated) in the Parish Hall. Next Wednesday, February 21, our service will be led, and lunch provided by, Grace Methodist Church.

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper

Our pancake supper last Tuesday was a rousing success! The men’s group cooked up a marvelous feast! Several guests joined us, including Carole and Fr. Bill Martin, who was presented with a plaque proclaiming him “Vicar Emeritus” of St. Paul’s! Let the good times roll indeed! Many thanks to Dale Johnson, the men’s group, and all who helped to make this event happen!

Christian Formation During Lent

Beginning this Sunday, the first Sunday of Lent (2/18), we will turn our attention to the Introduction and 1^st chapter of the book Ladder to the Light by Steven Charleston. A Native American, former Episcopal Bishop of Alaska, and current resident of Oklahoma, Charleston shares insight he has gleaned about his Christian journey as related to his indigenous customs. The journey he guides us through in his book correlates beautifully with the journey upon which we embark during the Lenten season.

All are welcome to join us each Sunday at 8:30 a.m. as we discuss this indigenous elder’s meditations on hope and courage.

Let Your Hospitality Continue to Shine!

For a couple of weeks now, we have opened our space and our arms to our friends from FCC Claremore. They are extremely grateful; and it is such a joy for us to be available to help them! For the next several weeks, until they are able to repair the damage that flooding has done to their own building, they will continue to utilize our sanctuary for their worship services on Sunday mornings @ 11:00 a.m. 

This does not change our normal schedule. We will still meet at 9:30 a.m. for Holy Eucharist followed by Coffee Hour in the Parish Hall. It does, however, give us continued opportunity to extend hospitality to our friends in need!

Let Us Pray

• For our Bishop’s Committee and congregation as we transition to new leadership, explore our dreams, and discern and chat about what God is doing and where God is leading us
• For Tom as he prepares knee replacement surgery on February 26
• For Dellaura
• For the victims of the war in Ukraine
• For Israel and Palestine, and for the victims of the war in Gaza
• For the needs of the members, family, and friends of our congregation, specifically The First Christian Church of Claremore/ Vernon/ Dellaura/ Miranda & Brayden/ Nancy S/ Velma/ Jim/ Judy/ Ani/ Aaron Blum/ Robert/ Lloyd/ Patricia/ Marie/ Russell/ Virginia/ Barbara/ Grace/ Lauren/ Cindy/ Stephen/ John/ Tom Patterson/ Jan/ Tom/ Bob & family/ Jean/ Al/ Carol W/ Mark/ Brian/ Mark H/ Mike/ Chris/ Brady/ Patrick/ Zachary

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

Save the Dates 

• THIS Sunday, February 18 – Annual Meeting and Potluck; First Sunday in Lent
• Wednesday, February 21 @ Noon – 2^nd Community-wide Lenten service and luncheon 

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The Rev. Nancy Gill, Vicar

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

1310 N Sioux Ave, Claremore, OK 74017

918-341-0168

Greetings, Friends!

In Celebration of the Life of Pat Hanks

Our condolences to the family and friends of Patricia Robinson Hanks who passed from this life on February 3, 2024. Several of you may have known her as an active member of St. Paul’s who served on the Altar Guild for many years. For those who wish to attend, there will be a brief service in celebration of her life at the Rose Hill Cemetery located at 1461 E. Admiral Place, Tulsa. The service will take place graveside at 11:00 am on Friday, February 9.

Even Greater Things

Last week (2/04), our Gospel lesson taught about the important role that prayer and quiet time played in the life of Jesus as greater things continued to unfold for him and his disciples in their ministries.

This Sunday (2/11), join us at 9:30 a.m. as, with a few select disciples, we see Jesus transfigured. 

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper

Lent is just around the corner! As such, you are invited to join us this Tuesday, February 13 at 6:30pm as we indulge in one last big splurge! The Men’s Group will be cooking for us, and they have invited the entire community; so, bring your family, friends, and neighbors, and we’ll ‘let the good times roll’ with pancakes!

Let Your Hospitality Continue to Shine!

Last Sunday, we opened our space and our arms to our friends from FCC Claremore; and their gratitude for our hospitality was overwhelming – what a joy! For the next several weeks, until they are able to repair the damage that flooding has done to their own building, they will continue to utilize our sanctuary for their worship services on Sunday mornings @ 11:00 a.m. 

This does not change our normal schedule. We will still meet at 9:30 a.m. for Holy Eucharist followed by Coffee Hour in the Parish Hall. It does, however, give us continued opportunity to extend hospitality to our friends in need!

Annual Meeting

Our annual meeting and luncheon will take place on Sunday, February 18, after our morning worship service. This year, please be in prayerful consideration, as we will be accepting nominations for the position of Junior Warden on the Bishop’s Committee. If you know of an individual who you feel would like to fill this position, or if you personally are interested, please let us know. Nominations and voting will take place during the meeting.

Christian Formation

In our Sunday formation class last week (2/04), we discussed chapters 31-38 of Genesis, and our study of this Old Testament book concludes this week (2/11), the last Sunday after the Epiphany.

Beginning the first Sunday of Lent (2/18), we will turn our attention to the book Ladder to the Light by Steven Charleston, a Native American, former Episcopal Bishop of Alaska, and current resident of Oklahoma.

All are welcome to join us each Sunday at 8:30 a.m. as we discuss this indigenous elder’s meditations on hope and courage.

Let Us Pray

• For our Bishop’s Committee and congregation as we transition to new leadership, explore our dreams, and discern and chat about what God is doing and where God is leading us
• For Miss Lillian as she recovers from surgery
• For Tom as he prepares knee replacement surgery on February 26
• For Dellaura
• For the victims of the war in Ukraine
• For Israel and Palestine, and for the victims of the war in Gaza
• For the repose of Pat Hanks
• For the needs of the members, family, and friends of our congregation, specifically The First Christian Church of Claremore/ Lillian/ Vernon/ Dellaura/ Miranda & Brayden/ Nancy S/ Velma/ Jim/ Judy/ Ani/ Aaron Blum/ Robert/ Lloyd/ Patricia/ Marie/ Russell/ Virginia/ Barbara/ Grace/ Lauren/ Cindy/ Stephen/ John/ Tom Patterson/ Jan/ Tom/ Bob & family/ Jean/ Al/ Carol W/ Mark/ Brian/ Pat/ Mark H/ Mike/ Chris/ Brady/ Patrick/ Zachary

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

Save the Dates 

• Sunday, February 11 @ 9:30am – The Last Sunday after Epiphany
• Tuesday, February 13 @ 6:30pm – Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
• Wednesday, February 14 @ 7:00pm – Ash Wednesday service
• Sunday, February 18 – Annual Meeting and Luncheon; First Sunday of Lent

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, Dear Friends, and happy February!

“The February sunshine steeps your boughs and tints the buds and swells the leaves within.” 

~ William C. Bryant

Celebration of New Ministry

Join us THIS EVENING – Thursday, February 1 @ 6:30 p.m. – as The Rt. Rev. Bishop Poulson C. Reed inducts The Rev. Nancy Gill as Vicar of St. Paul’s Claremore. Reception to follow.

Even Greater Things

Last week (1/28), our friends from First Christian Church joined us for worship, and we learned more about how God is powerfully doing “even greater things” in and through St. Paul’s Claremore. “Hallelujah! I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, in the congregation. Great are the deeds of the Lord!” ~ Psalm 111:1-2.

This Sunday (2/04), join us at 9:30 a.m. as we see the important role that prayer and quiet time played in the life of Jesus as greater things continued to unfold for him and his disciples in their ministries.

Let Your Hospitality Continue to Shine!

Sadly, our siblings in Christ at FCC Claremore have suffered a recent catastrophe: their building was flooded, rendering their worship space unusable for a time. As such, they will be utilizing our sanctuary for their worship services on Sunday mornings @ 11:00 a.m. for the next several weeks until they are able to repair the damage to their own building. 

This does not change our normal schedule. We will still meet at 9:30 a.m. for Holy Eucharist followed by Coffee Hour in the Parish Hall. It does, however, give us continued opportunity to extend hospitality to our friends in need!

Good Book Club & Christian Formation

In our Sunday formation class last week (1/28), we discussed chapters 22-30 of Genesis, and our study of this Old Testament book will continue throughout the season of Epiphany.

This coming Sunday (2/04), we will discuss chapters 31-38, wherein we continue our journey with Jacob, Leah, and Rachel as they struggle with the family dynamics of living in Laban’s house. The Rev. Dr. Gregory Mobley writes about the fact that Jacob’s life is “framed by struggles with three characters:” his twin, Esau, his father-in-law, Laban, and even God. In this part of the story, Jacob physically wrestles with God and “triumphs not because he is stronger, wiser, or more righteous than his opponent but because of spiritual tenacity. Wounded Jacob refuses to let go of this experience, no matter how arduous, until he receives a blessing from his pain.” This blessing from pain is not a passive, facile acceptance of trauma but the difficult soul-work of mining even negative experiences for the gold of meaning and insight. How does this idea resonate in you? (A Journey through Genesis, 177-9)

All are welcome to join us each Sunday at 8:30 a.m. as we discuss how this ancient work of literature is still relevant today. Plus, don’t miss our Facebook posts which correlate with this exciting book study.

Coming Soon to a Coffee Hour Near You: God Chat!

You’ve been reading about it, and now, beginning this month, your Faithful Innovation (FINN) team will periodically present opportunities for you to participate in discussions about where and how we can see God working in our personal lives, in our congregation, and in our community.

Examples: 

• Some people find it hard to believe in God. Share a story about an experience that taught you something about the power of faith in Jesus. 
• Share a story about when you felt really connected to a community, the world, the universe, or something greater than yourself.

Think of ways that you might share your answers to these prompts with your fellow parishioners, family, or friends. And it’s as simple as that! Simple, yes; but the ripple effects of these conversations can be quite impactful! You definitely don’t want to miss the opportunity to be part of the dialogue!

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper

Join us Tuesday, February 13 at 6:30pm as we indulge in one last big splurge before Lent begins! The Men’s Group will be cooking for us, and they have invited the entire community; so, bring your family, friends, and neighbors, and we’ll ‘let the good times roll’ with pancakes!

Let Us Pray

• For traveling safety for all who will be attending the Celebration of New Ministry
• For our Bishop’s Committee and congregation as we transition to new leadership, explore our dreams, and discern and chat about what God is doing and where God is leading us
• For Miss Lillian as she recovers from surgery
• For Tom as he undergoes knee replacement surgery, and for both he and Barbara as they travel
• For Dellaura
• For the victims of the war in Ukraine
• For Israel and Palestine, and for the victims of the war in Gaza
• For the needs of the members, family, and friends of our congregation, specifically The First Christian Church of Claremore/ Lillian/ Vernon/ Dellaura/ Miranda & Brayden/ Nancy S/ Velma/ Jim/ Judy/ Ani/ Aaron Blum/ Robert/ Lloyd/ Patricia/ Marie/ Russell/ Virginia/ Barbara/ Grace/ Lauren/ Cindy/ Stephen/ John/ Tom Patterson/ Jan/ Tom/ Bob & family/ Jean/ Al/ Carol W/ Mark/ Brian/ Pat/ Mark H/ Mike/ Chris/ Brady/ Patrick/ Zachary

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

Save the Dates 

• TONIGHT!!! Thursday, February 1 @ 6:30pm – The Rev. Nancy’s Celebration of New Ministry
• Sunday, February 4 @ 9:30am – The Fifth Sunday after Epiphany
• Tuesday, February 13 @ 6:30pm – Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
• Wednesday, February 14 @ 7:00pm – Ash Wednesday service
• Sunday, February 18 – Annual Meeting; First Sunday of Lent

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, Dear Siblings and Friends!

Even Greater Things

Last week (1/21), we read and learned about how Jesus’s disciple, Nathanael, and the Old Testament character, Jonah, seem to have shared the same attitude (that of skepticism). Yet, God’s call to them persisted – just as it does to us today – to proclaim the greatness and mercy of our Lord.

This Sunday (1/28), join us at 9:30 a.m. as we learn more about how God is powerfully doing “even greater things” in and through St. Paul’s Claremore. “Hallelujah! I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, in the congregation. Great are the deeds of the Lord!” ~ Psalm 111:1-2

Let Your Hospitality Shine!

Sadly, our siblings in Christ at FCC Claremore have suffered a recent catastrophe: their building was flooded, rendering their worship space unusable for a time. As such, they will be joining us this Sunday morning for worship and coffee hour. We are excited to be given this opportunity to extend a welcoming hand to our friends in need; join us in making them feel at home!

Good Book Club & Christian Formation

In our Sunday formation class last week (1/21), we discussed chapters 11-21 of Genesis, and our study of this Old Testament book will continue throughout the season of Epiphany.

This coming Sunday (1/28), we will discuss chapters 22-30, wherein we continue our journey with Abraham and Sarah and are introduced to their son, Isaac, and his sons, Jacob (later renamed Israel) and Esau. The Rev. Dr. Eric H. F. Law writes, “The story of Jacob expresses a fundamental aspect about the relationship between God and humankind. God gives us free will and makes a covenant with us to do good. We mess up. God still loves us and keeps the promise anyway. When we realize God’s love and reaffirm our covenant with God, we strengthen our faith, change our way, and then we give back.” In what ways have you messed up your God-given free will? …How [does] the presence and promise of God help you move forward? (A Journey through Genesis, 152-3)

All are welcome to join us each Sunday at 8:30 a.m. as we discuss how this ancient work of literature is still relevant today. Plus, don’t miss our daily Facebook posts which correlate with this exciting book study.

Coming Soon to a Coffee Hour Near You: God Chat!

You’ve been reading about it, and now, beginning in February, your Faithful Innovation (FINN) team will periodically present opportunities for you to participate in discussions about where and how we can see God working in our personal lives, in our congregation, and in our community.

Examples: 

• Some people find it hard to believe in God. Share a story about an experience that taught you something about the power of faith in Jesus. 
• Share a story about when you felt really connected to a community, the world, the universe, or something greater than yourself.

Think of ways that you might share your answers to these prompts with your fellow parishioners, family, or friends. And it’s as simple as that! Simple, yes; but the ripple effects of these conversations can be quite impactful! You definitely don’t want to miss the opportunity to be part of the dialogue!

Celebration of New Ministry

Join us next Thursday, February 1 @ 6:30 p.m. as The Rt. Rev. Bishop Poulson C. Reed inducts The Rev. Nancy Gill as Vicar of St. Paul’s Claremore. Reception to follow.

Let Us Pray

• For our Bishop’s Committee and congregation as we transition to new leadership, explore our dreams, and discern and chat about what God is doing and where God is leading us in 2024
• For Miss Lillian as she recovers from surgery
• For Tom as he prepares for knee replacement surgery
• For Dellaura as she works with home health care to build strength
• For the victims of the war in Ukraine
• For Israel and Palestine, and for the victims of the war in Gaza
• For the needs of the members, family, and friends of our congregation, specifically The First Christian Church of Claremore/ Lillian/ Vernon/ Dellaura/ Miranda & Brayden/ Nancy S/ Velma/ Jim/ Judy/ Ani/ Aaron Blum/ Robert/ Lloyd/ Patricia/ Marie/ Russell/ Virginia/ Barbara/ Grace/ Lauren/ Cindy/ Stephen/ John/ Tom Patterson/ Jan/ Tom/ Bob & family/ Jean/ Al/ Carol W/ Mark/ Brian/ Pat/ Mark H/ Mike/ Chris/ Brady/ Patrick/ Zachary

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

Save the Dates 

• Saturday, January 27 @ 10am – Faithful Innovation regional meeting @ Grace, Muskogee
• Sunday, January 28 @ 9:30am – Fourth Sunday of Epiphany; Welcome our friends from FCC
• Thursday, February 1 @ 6:30pm – The Rev. Nancy’s Celebration of New Ministry

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