Category: Newsletter

Greetings, St. Paul’s Family!

No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. ~ John 15:13

Recognition of Veterans

Veterans Day is celebrated on November 11. The day that honors those who served began in 1919 as Armistice Day. Veterans Day marks November 11, 1918, as the date – the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month – when fighting ceased and World War I ended.

Join us at 9:30 a.m. this Sunday, November 12, as we recognize and pray for our veterans during our service. 

Visit by the Canon to the Ordinary

Last Sunday (11/05), The Reverend Canon Betsy Randall, Canon to the Ordinary, was with us as we observed All Saints’ & All Souls Days. After the service, she stayed for an encouraging and informative conversation during coffee hour. She assured us that, from her observations, she believes that St. Paul’s Claremore is on a very exciting path of ministry within our community – with many opportunities yet to be discovered!

     Our prayer continues: Oh, that God will bless us indeed, and enlarge our territory, that God’s hand will be

     with us, and keep us from evil and harm. ~ 1 Chronicles 4:10

Way of Love

Last Wednesday (11/08) was the final session in the 9-week Way of Love series. Shelby Mancell led us in a concluding discussion on how committing to living this way of life has, and can continue to, change our lives and the lives of those with whom we come into contact.

Though this 9-week series has reached its conclusion, we will be learning more about the Way of Love during the season of Advent. Ron Parker and Shelby Mancell will be collaborating to present a series of videos and Facebook/Instagram posts which will take a closer look at the lectionary readings of Advent as they relate to the seven topics within the Way of Love curriculum. Stay tuned!

Sunday Morning Formation

On Sunday mornings at 8:30, Fr. Bill is leading discussions on the book The Practice of Prayer. According to author Margaret Guenther, you don’t have to be one of the great spiritual Mystics to reap the benefits of prayer.  Anyone interested in joining the class is welcome! 

Let Us Pray

• We offer prayers of thanksgiving for those who have served in our armed forces.
• Remember the victims of the Israel-Hamas war
• Pray for our congregation as we explore our dreams and discern where God is leading us next.
• Verna has requested prayer for Robert.
• Keep Lloyd Bajon in your prayers as he recovers from a horse riding accident.
• If you have prayer requests you’d like to add to the Newsletter, email them to Clergy@stpaulsclaremore.org or reply to this email

Save the Dates 

• Sunday, November 12 – Recognition of veterans
• Sunday, November 12 – Bishop’s Committee Meeting
• Sunday, December 3 – Advent begins

Greetings, Dear Ones!

This is the day that the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it! ~ Psalm 118:24

Welcome November!

Did you know… 

• In the Roman calendar, November was the ninth month until January and February were added, causing it to move to the 11th month.
• November got its name from “novem” which is Latin for the number nine.

Observed in November:

• World’s Diabetes Day
• Veterans Day
• American Indian Heritage Month
• Thanksgiving
• Aviation month
• National Peanut Butter Lover’s Month
• American Diabetes Awareness Month

For more fun facts, visit Fun November Facts & Trivia – Original Works

Which Commandment is the Greatest?

Last Sunday (10/29), our sermon was about what Jesus declared to be the greatest commandments: Love God, and love others as yourself – six simple words, easily memorized; not always as easy to do. But imagine how our world might be different if everyone were to strive to live by these commands. May we take them to heart and be the Christ we wish to see in our community.

All Saints’ Day & Visit by the Canon to the Ordinary

This Sunday (11/05), we will observe All Saints’ Day. Join us as we commemorate this “great cloud of witnesses” (Hebrews 12:1) by which we are surrounded.

The Reverend Canon Betsy Randall, Canon to the Ordinary, will be with us to preach and celebrate. She will also be available for a Q&A session during coffee hour after the service is concluded. We hope you are able to join us for this very special day. 

Recognition of Veterans

Join us Sunday, November 12, as we recognize and pray for our veterans. If you know anyone who has previously served in the Armed Forces that you would like to have mentioned during our prayers, please send their names to Clergy@stpaulsclaremore.org  

Sunday Morning Formation

On Sunday mornings at 8:30, Fr. Bill is leading discussions on the book The Practice of Prayer. According to author Margaret Guenther, you don’t have to be one of the great spiritual Mystics to reap the benefits of prayer.  Anyone interested in joining the class is welcome! 

Way of Love Wednesdays

The Way of Love is a formation series in which participants discover and discuss reasons and ways to intentionally live a Jesus-centered life.

This week (11/01), our discussion focused on how rest helps us to live a life more centered on Jesus. In rest, we receive the gift of God’s grace, peace, and restoration. From the beginning of creation, God has established the sacred pattern of going and returning, labor and rest. Especially today, God invites us to dedicate time for restoration and wholeness – within our bodies, minds, and souls, and within our communities and institutions. By resting we place our trust in God, the primary actor who brings all things to their fullness. 

Next Wednesday (11/08) will be the final session in this 9-week series. Shelby Mancell will be leading us in a discussion on how committing to living the Way of Love has, and can continue to, change our lives and the lives of those with whom we come into contact.

Join us, either in person or online through Facebook Live (Facebook) or via Google Meet (meet.google.com/kdu-asvd-ygy) at 7:00 p.m.

Spoiler Alert: In the coming weeks, be on the lookout for more Way of Love learning opportunities during the season of Advent.

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

Let Us Pray

• Pray for traveling safety for Canon Betsy as she comes to visit us this Sunday
• Lift up the victims of the mass shooting in Maine
• Remember the victims of the Israel-Hamas war
• Pray for our congregation as we explore our dreams and discern where God is leading us next.
• Remember Jim Walker as he recovers from knee replacement surgery.
• Verna has requested prayer for Robert.
• Keep Lloyd Bajon in your prayers as he recovers from a horse riding accident.
• If you have prayer requests you’d like to add to the Newsletter, email them to Clergy@stpaulsclaremore.org 

Save the Dates 

• Sunday, November 5 – Observation of All Saints’ Day; The Rev. Canon Betsy Randall, Canon to the Ordinary, will be celebrating with us
• Wednesday, November 8, 7:00 p.m. – Final session (for now) of Way of Love Wednesdays
• Sunday, November 12 – Recognition of veterans
• Sunday, December 3 – Advent begins

Happy Halloween (almost)!

A few fun facts: Halloween marks the start of Allhallowtide, a series of Christian holidays meant to remember the dead such as loved ones, saints, and martyrs. “Halloween” first appeared in Christian writings around 1745. It is a shortened form of the term Hallows evening, referring to the vigils and other activities the night before All Hallows Day (also called All Saints Day). Most celebrations of saints and martyrs were held from spring to summer. In 837, Pope Gregory IV moved All Saints Day to November 1 which coincides with Samhain (pronounced ‘sawin). This was a practical decision to decongest Rome from pilgrims during summers. In the Middle Ages, Christians would carry carved out turnips turned into lanterns while going around homes for traditional souling. These lanterns are thought to symbolize the souls of the dead.

Interested in learning more? Check out 62 Interesting Facts About Halloween – The Fact File

Prayer & Meditation Retreat

Need a break? Join us this Saturday morning as we intentionally take some time out. Use the time to focus on Allhallowtide; or use it to simply rest before the busy holiday season is upon us. Our retreat will take place in the Great Hall at St. Paul’s this Saturday, October 28, from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Shelby Mancell and Kaitlyn Rodwell will be our facilitators, and snack foods will be provided. Hope to see you there!

Which Commandment is the Greatest?

Last Sunday (10/22), based upon our Epistle lesson, Fr. Bill spoke about the value of Christ’s death as the agent of our salvation. 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10 – For the people of those regions report … how you turned to God from idols, to serve a living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath that is coming.

In this week’s (10/29) gospel lesson, Jesus condenses all of the law and prophets into two essential commandments. How is this relevant to us today? Come find out this Sunday morning during our Eucharistic service.

All Saints’ Day & CTO Visit

On Sunday, November 5, we will observe All Saints’ Day. If you have loved ones you wish to commemorate, please provide their name/s on the list available on the table at the back of the nave, or email your requests to Clergy@stpaulsclaremore.org. Please do this by Noon on Wednesday, November 1, so that we have time to print them for Sunday’s service.

In addition, The Reverend Canon Betsy Randall, Canon to the Ordinary (CTO) will be with us to preach and celebrate that day. She will also be available for a Q&A session during coffee hour after the service is concluded. If you have not had the chance to meet her, you are in for a real treat! We hope you are able to join us for this very special day. 

Recognition of Veterans

Join us Sunday, November 12, as we recognize and pray for our veterans. If you know anyone who has previously served in the Armed Forces that you would like to have mentioned during our prayers, please send their names to Clergy@stpaulsclaremore.org by Noon on Wednesday, November 8. 

Sunday Morning Formation

On Sunday mornings at 8:30, Fr. Bill is leading discussions on the book The Practice of Prayer. According to author Margaret Guenther, you don’t have to be one of the great spiritual Mystics to reap the benefits of prayer.  Anyone interested in joining the class is welcome! 

Way of Love Wednesdays

The Way of Love is a formation series in which participants discover and discuss reasons and ways to intentionally live a Jesus-centered life.

This week (10/25), Shelby led us in a discussion about what it means to Go: cross boundaries, listen deeply, and live like Jesus. As Jesus went to the highways and byways, he sends us beyond our circles and comfort to witness to the love, justice, and truth of God with our lips and with our lives. We go to listen with humility and to join God in healing a hurting world. We go to become Beloved Community, a people reconciled in love with God and one another. What is one thing you could do this week to help heal your world?

Next Wednesday (11/01) our discussion will focus on how Rest helps us to live a life more centered on Jesus. In rest, we receive the gift of God’s grace, peace, and restoration. From the beginning of creation, God has established the sacred pattern of going and returning, labor and rest. Especially today, God invites us to dedicate time for restoration and wholeness – within our bodies, minds, and souls, and within our communities and institutions. By resting we place our trust in God, the primary actor who brings all things to their fullness.  

Join us, either in person or online through Facebook Live (Facebook) or via Google Meet (meet.google.com/kdu-asvd-ygy) at 7:00 p.m. 

St. Paul’s Social Media

You’re invited to Follow us on Instagram! St Paul’s Episcopal Church Claremore (@stpaulsclaremore) • Instagram photos and videos

If you haven’t already seen it, be sure to check out – AND SHARE – our church web page! It includes information about our church, as well as links to previous newsletters, sermon videos, the prayer wall, and our Facebook page. Go to stpaulsclaremore.org 

Let Us Pray

• Lift up the victims of the mass shooting in Maine
• Remember the victims of the Israel-Hamas war
• Pray for our congregation as we explore our dreams and discern where God is leading us next.
• Remember Jim Walker as he recovers from knee replacement surgery.
• Verna has requested prayer for Robert.
• Keep Lloyd Bajon in your prayers as he recovers from a horse riding accident.
• If you have prayer requests you’d like to add to the Newsletter, email them to Clergy@stpaulsclaremore.org
  

Save the Dates 

• Saturday, October 28, 9:30-11:30 – Prayer & Meditation Retreat in the Great Hall
• Sunday, October 29 – Bishop’s Committee Meeting
• Wednesday, November 1, 7:00 p.m. – Way of Love Wednesday, Week Eight
• Sunday, November 5 – Observation of All Saints’ Day; and The Rev. Canon Betsy Randall, Canon to the Ordinary, will be celebrating with us
• Sunday, November 12 – Recognition of veterans
• Sunday, December 3 – Advent begins

Hello, One and All!

Jeremiah 29:11 reads, “I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Likewise, Romans 12:12 encourages us with these words: “Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; persevere in prayer.” We pray that this newsletter finds you well, and that God is blessing you in very special ways! May you become more and more aware of the Spirit’s presence in your life.

Render Unto Caesar

Last Sunday (10/15), the gospel lesson compared the Kingdom of Heaven to a king who was both generous and vindictive. We all hold within ourselves the capacity for good and for bad; our challenge is to choose to act as Jesus would have.

In this week’s (10/22) gospel lesson, Jesus tries to help his listeners discern the proper balance between, or reverence for, earthly and divine powers that be. What powers or influences might be competing for your attention?

Prayer & Meditation Retreat

Saturday, October 28, from 9:30-11:30 a.m., Shelby Mancell and Kaitlyn Rodwell will be facilitating a prayer and meditation retreat. Food will be provided so please sign up if you will attend so that we can plan accordingly. The sign-up sheet will be available on the table at the back of the nave, or email your RSVP to Clergy@stpaulsclaremore.org

All Saints’ Day & CTO Visit

On Sunday, November 5, we will observe All Saints’ Day. If you have loved ones you wish to commemorate, please provide their name/s on the list available on the table at the back of the nave, or email your requests to Clergy@stpaulsclaremore.org

In addition, The Reverend Canon Betsy Randall, Canon to the Ordinary (CTO) will be with us to preach and celebrate that day. She will also be available for a Q&A session during coffee hour after the service is concluded. If you have not had the chance to meet her, you are in for a real treat! We hope you are able to join us for this very special day. 

Sunday Morning Formation

On Sunday mornings at 8:30, Fr. Bill is leading discussions on the book The Practice of Prayer by Margaret Guenther. The author asserts that practicing prayer is similar to practicing law or medicine – it is something which improves over time and which shapes our beliefs. Anyone interested in joining the class is welcome! 

Way of Love Wednesdays

The Way of Love is a formation series in which participants discover and discuss reasons and ways to intentionally live a Jesus-centered life.

This week (10/18), we discussed the role that blessing plays in a life centered on Jesus. Jesus called his disciples to give, forgive, teach, and heal in his name. We are empowered by the Spirit to bless everyone we meet, practicing generosity and compassion and proclaiming the Good News of God in Christ with hopeful words and selfless actions. We can share our stories of blessing and invite others to the Way of Love. What is one act of generosity or compassion you can commit to trying this week?

Next Wednesday (10/25) Shelby will lead us as we discuss what it means to Go: cross boundaries, listen deeply, and live like Jesus. As Jesus went to the highways and byways, he sends us beyond our circles and comfort to witness to the love, justice, and truth of God with our lips and with our lives. We go to listen with humility and to join God in healing a hurting world. We go to become Beloved Community, a people reconciled in love with God and one another.  

Join us, either in person or online through Facebook Live (Facebook) or via Google Meet (meet.google.com/kdu-asvd-ygy) at 7:00 p.m. 

St. Paul’s Social Media

You’re invited to Follow us on Instagram! St Paul’s Episcopal Church Claremore (@stpaulsclaremore) • Instagram photos and videos

If you haven’t already seen it, be sure to check out – AND SHARE – our church web page! It includes information about our church, as well as links to previous newsletters, sermon videos, the prayer wall, and our Facebook page. Go to stpaulsclaremore.org 

Let Us Pray

• Pray for our congregation as we explore our dreams and discern where God is leading us next.
• Remember Jim Walker as he recovers from knee replacement surgery.
• Verna has requested prayer for Robert.
• Keep Lloyd Bajon in your prayers as he recovers from a horse riding accident.
• If you have prayer requests you’d like to add to the Newsletter, email them to Clergy@stpaulsclaremore.org
  

Save the Dates 

• Sunday, October 15 – Third Sunday Discretionary Offering (all undesignated funds collected in the offering plate go to the Discretionary Fund used for emergency benevolence requests).
• Wednesday, October 18, 7:00 p.m. – Way of Love Wednesday, Week Six
• Sunday, October 22 – Bishop’s Committee Meeting
• Saturday, October 28, 9:30-11:30 – Prayer & Meditation Retreat in the Great Hall (be sure to RSVP)
• Sunday, November 5 – Observation of All Saints’ Day, and The Rev. Canon Betsy Randall, Canon to the Ordinary, will be celebrating with us
• Sunday, December 3 – Advent begins

Greetings, St. Paul’s Family and Friends!

What kind of God do you have?

Last Sunday (10/08), the gospel lesson was on the parable of the wicked tenants and a vengeful landowner. Our sermon offered perspective on what this parable teaches us about the character of God – tradition may not be all that it’s cracked up to be.

This week (10/15), our gospel lesson compares the Kingdom of Heaven to a king giving a wedding banquet for his son. This king is both generous and vindictive. Come and hear how this parable applies to us today.

Diocesan Convention

When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter and our tongue with shouts of joy ~ Psalm 126:1. This was the theme of this year’s convention, encouraging all congregations to dream big and to discern where those dreams may coincide with where God is leading us.

St. Paul’s was represented at our Convention Business Meeting this year by Lay Delegate, Shelby Mancell, and Clergy Delegate, The Rev. Nancy Gill. In addition, Rev. Nancy attended the workshop Vital Signs: Moving from Data to Practice, about the practices of vital congregations. Meanwhile, Ron Parker attended Vital Practices: Sharing our Stories, about using social media for ministry. Both Ron and Nancy sat in on Vital Practices: Engaging Our Neighbors, about experimenting with community-specific ministries.

We look forward to sharing opportunities with you about how we can implement some of the ideas and strategies learned throughout the weekend.

Sunday Morning Formation

Last Sunday, Fr. Bill began leading discussions on the book The Practice of Prayer by Margaret Guenther. The author asserts that practicing prayer is similar to practicing law or medicine – it is something which improves over time and which shapes our beliefs. Anyone interested in joining the class is welcome! Books will be provided.

Third Sunday Discretionary Offering

This Sunday (10/15) will be the third Sunday of the month which means that all undesignated gifts in the offering plate will go towards our Discretionary Fund which is used for emergency benevolence requests.

As an aside, all donations placed in the Schoolhouse every week go to help local school children.

Way of Love Wednesdays

The Way of Love is a formation series in which participants discover and discuss reasons and ways to intentionally live a Jesus-centered life.

CORRECTION TO LAST WEEK’S NEWSLETTER: If you tried to join us for the Way of Love on Wednesday, October 4, you may be wondering what happened! Unfortunately, The Rev. Nancy had a flat tire on her way to the church, so the meeting was cancelled at the last minute. Many apologies for any inconvenience or confusion this may have caused!

However, classes did resume this week (10/11), when Shelby Mancell led us to focus on the role that worship plays in a life centered on Jesus. When we worship, we gather with others before God. We hear the Good News of Jesus, give thanks, confess, and offer the brokenness of the world to God. As we break bread, our eyes are opened to the presence of Christ. By the power of the Holy Spirit, we are made one body, the body of Christ sent forth to live the Way of Love.

Next Wednesday (10/18) our topic will be Bless. Jesus called his disciples to give, forgive, teach, and heal in his name. We are empowered by the Spirit to bless everyone we meet, practicing generosity and compassion and proclaiming the Good News of God in Christ with hopeful words and selfless actions. We can share our stories of blessing and invite others to the Way of Love.

Join us, either in person or online through Facebook Live (Facebook) or via Google Meet (meet.google.com/kdu-asvd-ygy) at 7:00 p.m. 

St. Paul’s Social Media

We’re now on Instagram – check us out!!! St Paul’s Episcopal Church Claremore (@stpaulsclaremore) • Instagram photos and videos

James 5:16b reads, “The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective.” You can now submit prayer requests on our church web page! Once submitted, they are added to a prayer wall for others to view. If you pray for one (or more) of the requests on the wall, you can let the requester know you’ve prayed for them by clicking on the “Pray” icon. So, our prayers can be powerful and effective… and efficient! 

If you haven’t already seen it, be sure to check out – AND SHARE – our church web page! It includes information about our church, as well as links to previous newsletters, sermon videos, the prayer wall, and our Facebook page. Go to stpaulsclaremore.org 

Let Us Pray

• Pray for our congregation as we explore our dreams and discern where God is leading us next.
• Remember Jim Walker as he undergoes knee replacement surgery on Wednesday, October 11, and for his subsequent recovery.
• Verna has requested prayer for Robert.
• Keep Lloyd Bajon in your prayers as he recovers from a horse riding accident.
• If you have prayer requests you’d like to add to the Newsletter, email them to Clergy@stpaulsclaremore.org
  

Save the Dates 

• Sunday, October 15 – Third Sunday Discretionary Offering (all undesignated funds collected in the offering plate go to the Discretionary Fund used for emergency benevolence requests).
• Wednesday, October 18, 7:00 p.m. – Way of Love Wednesday, Week Six
• Sunday, October 22 – Bishop’s Committee Meeting
• Saturday, October 28, 9:30-11:30 – Prayer & Meditation Retreat in the Great Hall
• Sunday, November 5 – The Rev. Canon Betsy Randall, Canon to the Ordinary, will be celebrating with us
• Sunday, December 3 – Advent begins

Hello, Dear St. Paul’s Family!

Philippians 1:9-10 reads “this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.”

In Whom or What Do You Believe?

Last Sunday (10/01), the sermon reflected on some of the questions Jesus asked. It seems that Jesus always encouraged his followers to discern what, and in whom, they believed, and how those beliefs were manifested in their everyday lives. This is still our challenge today. This week (10/08), our gospel lesson reminds us that Jesus is our cornerstone! Hallelujah! 

Jabez Prayer Initiative Ends

Though the initiative is over, you are still encouraged to pray this prayer for our parish – and for yourself! Oh, that you would bless [us] indeed, and enlarge [our] territory, that your hand would be with [us], and that you would keep [us] from evil ~ 1 Chronicles 4:10 (NKJV)

New Sunday Morning Formation Class Begins this Week

Beginning, Sunday, October 8, at 8:30 a.m., Father Bill will be leading discussions on the book The Practice of Prayer by Margaret Guenther. Anyone interested in joining the class is welcome! Books will be provided.

Did You Know?

All donations placed in the Schoolhouse during the offertory each week go to help local school children.

On the third Sunday of each month, all undesignated gifts in the offering plate go towards our Discretionary Fund which is used for emergency benevolence requests.

Way of Love Wednesdays

The Way of Love is a formation series in which participants discover and discuss reasons and ways to intentionally live a Jesus-centered life.

Wednesday, October 4, was the fourth of our 9-week Way of Love sessions. Our conversation focused on the practice of dwelling intentionally with God each day through prayer: Jesus teaches us to come before God with humble hearts, boldly offering our thanksgivings and concerns to God or simply listening for God’s voice in our lives and in the world. Whether in thought, word, or deed, individually or corporately, when we pray we invite and dwell in God’s loving presence.

Next week, we will discuss the role that Worship plays in a life centered on Jesus. When we worship, we gather with others before God. We hear the Good News of Jesus, give thanks, confess, and offer the brokenness of the world to God. As we break bread, our eyes are opened to the presence of Christ. By the power of the Holy Spirit, we are made one body, the body of Christ sent forth to live the Way of Love.

Whether you have been attending these events already, or this will be your first time, you are invited to join us, either in person or online through Facebook Live (Facebook) or via Google Meet (meet.google.com/kdu-asvd-ygy) at 7:00 p.m., next Wednesday (10/11). 

St. Paul’s Website

James 5:16b reads, “The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective.”

You can now submit prayer requests on our church web page! Once submitted, they are added to a prayer wall for others to view. If you pray for one (or more) of the requests on the wall, you can let the requester know you’ve prayed for them by clicking on the “Pray” icon. So, our prayers can be powerful, effective, and efficient! 

If you haven’t already seen it, be sure to check out – AND SHARE – our church web page! It includes information about our church, as well as links to previous newsletters, sermon videos, the prayer wall, and our Facebook page. Go to stpaulsclaremore.org 

Let Us Pray

• Pray for Shelby Mancell and The Rev. Nancy as they travel to St. Crispin’s to represent our parish at Diocesan Convention this weekend.
• Pray for the soul of Elizabeth Rhine, and remember to lift up her husband, Mark, and their family. Her ashes will be interred in the St. Paul’s columbarium this Sunday, October 8, at 1:00 p.m.
• Verna has asked that we pray for Robert.
• Remember Jim Walker as he undergoes knee replacement surgery on Wednesday, October 11.
• Keep Lloyd Bajon in your prayers as he recovers from a horse riding accident.
• Pray for Doris as she travels.
• If you have prayer requests you’d like to add to the Newsletter, email them to Clergy@stpaulsclaremore.org
  

Save the Dates

• Sunday, October 8, 8:30 a.m. – Formation class on The Practice of Prayer begins 
• Wednesday, October 11, 7:00 p.m. – Way of Love Wednesday, Week Five
• Sunday, October 15 – Third Sunday Discretionary Offering (all undesignated funds collected in the offering plate go to the Discretionary Fund, used for emergency benevolence requests).
• Sunday, October 22 – Bishop’s Committee Meeting
• Saturday, October 28, 9:30-11:30 – Prayer & Meditation Retreat in the Great Hall
• Sunday, November 5 – Canon to the Ordinary, The Rev. Betsy Randall, will be celebrating with us
• Sunday, December 3 – Advent begins

Greetings and Salutations, One and All!

This Sunday marks the first day of October!

“Listen! The wind is rising,

and the air is wild with leaves.

We have had our summer evenings,

now for October eves!”

– Humbert Wolfe

Jesus’s Authority Questioned

Last Sunday (9/24), our gospel lesson told the story of how a landowner’s authority to grant wages as he deemed appropriate was questioned. This week (10/01), Jesus is questioned about his authority – to which he responds with some questions of his own. Join us as we explore some of the questions Jesus asked.

Jabez Prayer Initiative

This Sunday (10/01) marks the beginning of our fifth and final week in the Jabez Prayer Initiative. Prayer for this Week (and beyond): Almighty God, please continue your cycle of blessings for St. Paul’s and its ministries.

Though this is the last week of the initiative, you are welcome (even encouraged) to continue to pray this prayer over our parish! The entire prayer: Oh, that you would bless [us] indeed, and enlarge [our] territory, that your hand would be with [us], and that you would keep [us] from evil ~ 1 Chronicles 4:10 (NKJV)

If you’re interested in learning more on the topic of Jabez and his short but powerful prayer, you are invited to join us in Sunday School this week at 8:30 a.m. for the final installment of the Jabez Prayer series.

Way of Love Wednesdays

The Way of Love is a formation series in which participants discover and discuss reasons and ways to intentionally live a Jesus-centered life.

Wednesday the 27th was the third of our 9-week Way of Love sessions. Our conversation focused on the concept of learning by reading and reflecting on Scripture, especially the life and teachings of Jesus. When we open our minds and hearts to Scripture, we learn to see God’s story and God’s activity in everyday life.

Next week, we will discuss the practice of dwelling intentionally with God each day through Prayer: Jesus teaches us to come before God with humble hearts, boldly offering our thanksgivings and concerns to God or simply listening for God’s voice in our lives and in the world. Whether in thought, word, or deed, individually or corporately, when we pray we invite and dwell in God’s loving presence.

You are invited to join us, either in person or online through Facebook Live (Facebook) or via Google Meet (meet.google.com/kdu-asvd-ygy) at 7:00 p.m., next Wednesday (10/04). 

St. Paul’s Website

If you haven’t already seen it, be sure to check out – AND SHARE – our parish web page! It includes information about our church, as well as links to previous newsletters, sermon videos, and our Facebook page. Go to stpaulsclaremore.org 

Let Us Pray

• Remember to keep Lloyd Bajon in your prayers as he recovers from a horse riding accident.
• Pray for Doris as she travels.
• If you have prayer requests you’d like to add to the Newsletter, email them to Clergy@stpaulsclaremore.org
  

Save the Dates

• September 3-October 7 – Five-week Jabez Prayer Initiative
• Wednesday, October 4, 7:00 p.m. – Way of Love Wednesday, Week Four
  
• October 6-7 – Diocesan Conference
• Saturday, October 28, 9:30-11:30 – Prayer & Meditation Retreat in the Great Hall
• Sunday, November, 5 – Canon to the Ordinary, The Rev. Betsy Randall, will be celebrating with us

Greetings, Dear Ones!
Happy Fall (in two days)! It is written somewhere that there are really only two seasons of the year: Fall, and Waiting-for-Fall.  This writer whole-heartedly agrees; Autumn is her favorite time of year!

So many shades of gold
Autumn
Another miracle we take for granted
Another expression of the artist’s vision
The blending of the autumn hues
with the setting sun
Warm
Comforting
Perfect
Thank you for autumn, Lord.

– Author Unknown

The Kingdom of Heaven is Like the Owner of a Vineyard

Last Sunday (9/17), we looked at Jesus’s challenge to forgive 77 (or 70×7) times – that is, as many times as it takes until the task is complete! This week (9/24), the gospel focuses on another parable on the Kingdom of Heaven – that it is like a landowner who pays the same wages to all who work for him in his vineyard, whether they worked the full day or only part.

Jabez Prayer Initiative

The prayer for week 4 (beginning 3/24) of the Jabez Initiative: Lord, we pray that you would keep St. Paul’s and those involved in its ministries from evil.

Similar to what we pray in the Lord’s prayer – “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil” – we are asking for God to protect our congregation and its ministries from harm. Can you remember a time when you felt that you were protected from harm?

If you’re interested in learning more on the topic of Jabez and his short but powerful prayer, you are invited to join us this week for Sunday School at 8:30.

Way of Love Wednesdays

Wednesday the 20th was the second of our 9-week Way of Love sessions. Several of us gathered for an evening of conversation about the concept of turning: pausing, listening, and choosing to follow Jesus. In this process, we turn from the powers of sin, hatred, fear, injustice, and oppression toward the way of truth, love, hope, justice, and freedom. We reorient our lives to Jesus Christ, falling in love with Jesus again, again, and again. 

Next week we will focus on Learning: By reading and reflecting on Scripture, especially the life and teachings of Jesus, we draw near to God and God’s word dwells in us. When we open our minds and hearts to Scripture, we learn to see God’s story and God’s activity in everyday life.

You are invited to join us, either in person at 7:00 p.m., or online through Facebook Live (Facebook) or via Google Meet (meet.google.com/kdu-asvd-ygy) at 7:30 p.m., next Wednesday (9/27). 

Volunteers Needed

To help with Social Media and IT, contact Ron Parker.

To volunteer as an acolyte or a lector, contact Tom Keenze.

Want to help, but don’t know what you might enjoy? Try something on for a few weeks and see how it fits!

St. Paul’s Website & Microsoft Office Suite

The Rev. Nancy has a new Pro-Priest email address! (That’s Pro-Priest as in professional, not as in the opposite of Anti-Priest!) Ron Parker has been working diligently to establish our online presence, and it is coming together beautifully! In addition to The Rev’s email, a few other key administrative folks will also have access to the office suite, which provides cloud storage and internet security. Check us out at stpaulsclaremore.org and be sure to update Rev. Nancy’s email address, from which all future newsletters will be sent. It is TheRevNancy@stpaulsclaremore.org

Let Us Pray

• Remember to keep Lloyd Bajon in your prayers as he recovers from a horse riding accident.
• Pray for Doris and Rev. Nancy as they are each traveling.
• If you have prayer requests you’d like to add to the Newsletter, email them to Clergy@stpaulsclaremore.org

Save the Dates

• September 3-October 7 – Five-week Jabez Prayer Initiative
• Wednesday, September 27, 7:00 p.m. – Way of Love Wednesday, Week Three
• October 6-7 – Diocesan Conference
• Saturday, October 28, 9:30-11:30 – Prayer & Meditation Retreat in the Great Hall
• Sunday, November, 5 – Canon to the Ordinary, The Rev. Betsy Randall, will be celebrating with us

Greetings, Beloved St. Paul’s Family!
I hope you have all had a chance to enjoy this wonderful weather we’ve had of late!

Accept, O Lord, our thanks and praise for all that you have
done for us. We thank you for the splendor of the whole
creation, for the beauty of this world, for the wonder of life,
and for the mystery of love. (BCP 836)

Forgiveness

Last Sunday (9/10), the Gospel lesson focused on best practices for handling disagreement. This week, Jesus offers some challenging advice on forgiveness – just do it! As Alexander Pope wrote, “to err is human; to forgive is divine.” Indeed, forgiving is often easier said than done, and can seem to require superhuman abilities! Join us this Sunday (9/17) morning to hear some practical suggestions for tackling this difficult task.

Jabez Prayer Initiative

The prayer for week 3 (beginning 3/17) of the Jabez Initiative: Merciful God, may your hand be with St. Paul’s and its ministries.

The “hand of the Lord” is a biblical term for God’s power and presence. Have you ever experienced the hand of the Lord in your own life?

If you’re interested in learning more on the topic of Jabez and his short but powerful prayer, you are invited to join us each week for Sunday School at 8:30.

Way of Love Wednesdays

Wednesday the 13th was the first of our 9-week Way of Love sessions. Several folks from within – and beyond – the St. Paul’s community gathered for an evening of conversation about who we are, what brought us here, and how we can learn to live our lives intentionally centered on the principles that Jesus taught – the way of love.

Next week we will be discussing the concept of Turning: pausing, listening, and choosing to follow Jesus. In this process, we turn from the powers of sin, hatred, fear, injustice, and oppression toward the way of truth, love, hope, justice, and freedom. We reorient our lives to Jesus Christ, falling in love with Jesus again, again, and again.

You are invited to join us next Wednesday (9/20) at 7:00 p.m. 

Volunteers Needed

We are still looking for more volunteers!

To help with Social Media and IT, contact Ron Parker.

To volunteer as an acolyte or a lector, contact Tom Keenze.

Want to help, but don’t know what you might enjoy? Try something on for a few weeks and see how it fits!

Save the Dates

• September 3-October 7 – Five-week Jabez Prayer Initiative
• Wednesday, September 20, 7:00 p.m. – Way of Love Wednesday, Week Two
• October 6-7 – Diocesan Conference
• Saturday, October 28, 9:30-11:30 – Prayer & Meditation Retreat in the Great Hall
• Sunday, November, 5 – Canon to the Ordinary, The Rev. Betsy Randall, will be celebrating with us

• Greetings, All!

I trust you all had a fun and safe Labor Day weekend!

Take Up Your Cross

Last Sunday (9/03), we looked at Jesus’s instruction to his followers to “take up [their] cross,” and what that might look like from a practical perspective – based upon our epistle lesson in Romans 12. The good news is that St. Paul’s Claremore already excels at practicing many of the things the Apostle Paul encouraged the church at Rome to do; and, like both Peter and Paul, we continue to grow into what God wants us to be!

Jabez Prayer Initiative

We also began our five-week emphasis on the prayer of Jabez. Everything we know about Jabez and the prayer he prayed is found in one verse – 1 Chronicles 4:10. The prayer may seem simple; but, as the scripture says, “God granted what he asked.”

Now, you are being invited to pray this prayer over St. Paul’s Claremore and its ministries. Each week, you are encouraged to join together with the entire congregation in praying one phrase of the prayer every day. The prayer for week one has been “Lord, we ask that you would bless St. Paul’s church and its ministries indeed!”

Beginning tomorrow (9/10), the prayer for week two will be “Gracious God, we ask that you would enlarge St. Paul’s territory.” We don’t know how God will choose to answer these prayers; but we know and trust that it will be in the way that is best for us and for the Claremore community!

If you’re interested in learning more on the topic, you are invited to join us each week for Sunday School at 8:30. Over the next several weeks, we will be taking a more in-depth look at Jabez, his prayer, and what else the Bible has to say about it.

Way of Love Wednesdays

This coming Wednesday (9/13) at 7:00 p.m., we will offer the first of nine lessons on what Presiding Bishop Michael Curry calls The Way of Love. Everyone is invited; and we are hopeful that this program will appeal to some who, for whatever reason, are unable to come on Sunday mornings. This Way of Love series lasts 9 weeks; and, as added incentive, we will offer FREE PIZZA this first week! Invite someone you know and join us!

RSU Campus Ministry

As you are probably aware by now, the Diocese is eager to establish a relationship with our local college students. As such, we participated in their annual Big Tent Day event – a way for the students to learn about the resources offered both on and off campus.

In addition, The Rev. Nancy was on campus yesterday (Friday, 9/08) handing out information about St. Paul’s and the upcoming Way of Love Wednesday programming. She will be on campus again this Monday (9/11) from 11:30-1:30. If you are free, you are invited to join her – the more the merrier!

Volunteers Needed

If you are looking for a way to do a little more at St. Paul’s, we are seeking volunteers to help with Social Media (including broadcasting and recording the sermons for Facebook Live), to serve as readers for the Lectionary Lessons, and to act as Acolytes. Training will be made available once we get enough volunteers. The goal is to get enough folks on board that we can establish a rotation so no one has to serve every week unless they so desire.

Save the Dates

• September 3-October 7 – Five-week Jabez Prayer Initiative
• Monday, September 11, 11:30-1:30 – RSU campus visit in the Dr. Carolyn Taylor Center
• Wednesday, September 13, 7:00 p.m. – Way of Love Wednesday, Week One
• October 6-7 – Diocesan Conference
• Saturday, October 28, 9:30-11:30 – Prayer & Meditation Retreat
• Sunday, November, 5 – Canon to the Ordinary, The Rev. Betsy Randall, will be celebrating with us