Month: December 2023

  • St. Paul’s Newsletter – December 28

    Merry Christmas & Happy New Year, Everyone!

    Advent IV / Christmas Eve Service

    Last Sunday, December 24, we had a beautiful candlelight service of Lessons & Carols to mark the transition from Advent to Christmas. It was so good to see everyone there!This Sunday, December 31, we will return to our regular 9:30 a.m. service time for the First Sunday after Christmas. We hope you will join us – what a great way to end the year!

    Festive Decor & Safenet Christmas Tree

    Verna, Rick, and our “decorating crew” have turned our nave into a beautiful space for worship.

    In addition, the Christmas tree has been raised, under which you may make contributions of hats, gloves, and scarves for women and children. These items will then be delivered to Safenet, a local organization established to help individuals escape domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking.

    For more information about Safenet, visit Safenet Services – Helping Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault Victims

    Twelve Days of Christmas

    Be sure to follow us on Facebook, and tune in each day, now through Epiphany, for our special Twelve Days of Christmas posts! Check out each daily post and feel free to comment – either on the post itself, or on someone else’s comment. What a fun and interactive way to celebrate the season!

    Stewardship Campaign

    Stewardship forms for 2024 have been mailed; but – OOPS! – we forgot to include a return envelope! Our apologies for the oversight! You are certainly under no obligation; but if you would like to contribute to our 2024 budget, you may place your forms in the offering plate on Sundays, give them directly to Barbara, or mail them 

    Barbara Bajon, Treasurer

    c/o St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

    1310 N. Sioux Ave.

    Claremore, OK 74017

    If you have not received your form in the mail and would like to participate, you may request that a form be emailed to you by replying to this message.

    Faithful Innovation & God Chat

    How do we discover God’s mission in the world beyond our congregations? What is God calling us into? Where might we meet Lydia along the way? Faithful Innovation is a program designed to help congregations (especially small ones) discover new ways in which they might begin to move out into their communities. 

    As part of this initiative, St. Paul’s has a lay-led team which will be providing opportunities for the entire congregation to participate in a little “God chat.” What’s God chat, you say? It’s simply talking about where and how we can see God working in our personal lives, in our congregation, and in our community. Be on the lookout for ways that you can engage in this exciting and ongoing conversation! 

    Fr. Bill’s Retirement Celebration

    You are invited to join us next week on the first Sunday of the new year! That morning – Sunday, January 7, 2024 at 9:30am – we will celebrate with Fr. Bill and Carole as they move on to the next phase of their life in ministry. The Rev. Canon Betsy Randall will be with us; and, of course, there will be food – we are Episcopalians after all!

    Let Us Pray

    • We offer prayers of thanksgiving and praise for all that God has done – and continues to do – for us this year!
    • Lift up all those traveling throughout the holiday season
    • Pray for the victims of the war in Ukraine
    • Remember the victims of the war in Gaza
    • Pray for our congregation as we explore our dreams and discern and chat about what God is doing and where God is leading us next.
    • For the needs of the members, family, and friends of our congregation, specifically Miranda & Brayden/ Nancy S/ Velma/ Jim/ Judy/ Ani/ Aaron Blum/ Robert/ Jim Walker/ Lloyd/ Patricia/ Marie/ Russell/ Virginia/ Barbara/ Grace/ Lauren/ Cindy/ Anne & her family/ Sarah/ Matthew & Rushda/ Christoph & Jenn/ Teddy & family/ Linda, Ken, & their family/ Amy, Bill, & their family/ Stephen/ John/ Tom Patterson/ Jan/ Tom/ Bob & family/ Jean/ Al/ Carol W/ Mark/ Caroline & Rudy/ Bicky & Spencer/ Brian/ Pat/ Mark H/ Mike/ Chris

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

    Save the Dates 

    • Sunday, December 31 – 1st Sunday after Christmas (normal service time resumes); no Christian Formation class this day; women’s and children’s hats, gloves, & scarves collected for Safenet
    • Saturday, January 6, 2024 – Epiphany
    • Sunday, January 7, 2024 – 1st Sunday after Epiphany; Christian Formation resumes at 8:30 a.m.; Fr. Bill’s retirement celebration at 9:30 a.m.
    • Saturday, January 27, 2024 @ 10am – Faithful Innovation (location TBA)

    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

  • St. Paul’s Newsletter – December 21

    Advent and Christmas greetings to all!

    The Season of Love

    Last Sunday (12/17), was the third Sunday of Advent, and we lit the candle of Joy. Sometimes also called the “Shepherd’s Candle,” we are reminded of the joyful anticipation of the shepherds who journeyed to see Jesus in Bethlehem. Because of the joyous occasion, the third Sunday of Advent is also known as “Gaudete Sunday,” meaning rejoice or praise; and the candle is pink, the liturgical color for joy.

    This Sunday (12/24), marks the fourth week of Advent, when we light the candle of Love. Sometimes also called the “Angel’s Candle,” this fourth candle reminds us of the ultimate love of God that the only son was sent for us. In addition, we light the Christ candle as a reminder that all of God’s promises are fulfilled in the birth of the Christ child. (hallow.com)

    Advent IV / Christmas Eve Service

    Join us this Sunday, December 24 at 5:30pm for a special candlelight service of Lessons & Carols which will mark the transition from Advent to Christmas. “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 1:14

    ***Note: There will be no morning service or class this week.

    Festive Decor & Safenet Christmas Tree

    Verna, Rick, and our “decorating crew” have turned our nave into a beautiful space for worship.

    In addition, the Christmas tree has been raised, under which you may make contributions of hats, gloves, and scarves for women and children. These items will then be delivered to Safenet, a local organization established to help individuals escape domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking.

    For more information about Safenet, visit Safenet Services – Helping Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault Victims

    Way of Love in Advent – Week 4

    This final week of Advent, you are invited to focus on the birth of Jesus: journeying in the world (Luke 2:1-20). You are encouraged to read and reflect on this passage of scripture each day throughout the week.

    In this part of the story, the angels appear again, this time, not to a single person in private, but before the shepherds, proclaiming the good news of Jesus’ birth. The shepherds went in haste to see the infant Jesus and then told others what they had seen and heard. The Way of Love cannot be contained. The way of love bursts out into the world, crossing boundaries and offering blessings to many. It demands to be told.

     • Recall the following from the reading:

         -The angels praise God and proclaim the birth of Jesus

         -The shepherds run in haste to see the savior

         -The shepherds tell what they have seen and heard

         -Mary ponders all these things in her heart

              Which moment most reflects where you are today? Why?

    • What do you see as the gifts Jesus’ birth brings into the world?

    • Where, with whom, and how are you called to share about the good news of Jesus’ life and love?

    • What amazes you about God? About God’s love?

    Prayers for the Week: Shepherd of Israel, may Jesus, who is Emmanuel and son of Mary, be more than just a dream in our hearts. With the apostles, prophets, and saints, save us, restore us, and lead us in the way of grace and peace, that we may bear your promise into the world. Amen.

    God who makes the impossible possible, quicken our hearts to follow the shepherds who went with haste to see Jesus and told the world what they had heard and seen. Enliven our imagination to the many ways to walk the Way of Love with Jesus. Strengthen our resolve to remain on the journey with Jesus as individuals, with family and friends, and in community to proclaim your word in the world; through Jesus Christ, your Son, and with the power of the Holy Spirit, one God, whose way is love. Amen.

    The Way of Love is a program which emphasizes setting aside time each day to focus on living a Jesus-centered life. The seven practices of the Way of Love are

    • Turn – pause, listen, and choose to follow Jesus
    • Learn – reflect on scripture each day
    • Pray – dwell intentionally with God each day
    • Worship – gather in community weekly to thank, praise, and dwell with God
    • Bless – share faith, and unselfishly give and serve
    • Go – cross boundaries, listen deeply, and live like Jesus
    • Rest – receive the gift of God’s grace, peace, and restoration

    These last few weeks, multiple opportunities to participate in the Way of Love series have been offered. Ron Parker posted daily thoughts on Facebook and Instagram; both he and Shelby Mancell collaborated to post a devotional video on Wednesday of each week; and, together, we have journeyed through the first two chapters of the Gospel of Luke in these weekly newsletters. We hope that you have enjoyed these opportunities and that they have helped you to develop a deeper relationship with God!

    Twelve Days of Christmas

    If you have been enjoying our Facebook and Instagram posts during Advent, stay tuned for our Twelve Days of Christmas series which begins December 26! Check out each daily post, then feel free to comment – either on the post itself, or on someone else’s comment. What a fun and interactive way to celebrate the season!

    Stewardship Campaign

    Stewardship forms for 2024 have been mailed; but – OOPS! – we forgot to include a return envelope! Our apologies for the oversight! You are certainly under no obligation; but if you would like to contribute to our 2024 budget, you may place your forms in the offering plate on Sundays, give them directly to Barbara, or mail them 

    Barbara Bajon, Treasurer

    c/o St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

    1310 N. Sioux Ave.

    Claremore, OK 74017

    If you have not received your form in the mail and would like to participate, you may request that a form be emailed to you by replying to this message.

    Faithful Innovation & God Chat

    How do we discover God’s mission in the world beyond our congregations? What is God calling us into? Where might we meet Lydia along the way? Faithful Innovation is a program designed to help congregations (especially small ones) discover new ways in which they might begin to move out into their communities. 

    As part of this initiative, St. Paul’s has a lay-led team which will be providing opportunities for the entire congregation to participate in a little “God chat.” What’s God chat, you say? It’s simply talking about where and how we can see God working in our congregation and in our community. Like the shepherds in the Christmas story who, upon seeing Jesus in the manger, told what they had heard about the Christ child, we too can begin simple conversations that have huge ripple effects. Be on the lookout for ways that you can engage in this exciting and ongoing conversation! 

    Fr. Bill’s Retirement Celebration

    You are invited to join us in two weeks on the first Sunday of the new year! That morning – Sunday, January 7, 2024 at 9:30am – we will celebrate with Fr. Bill and Carole as they move on to the next phase of their life in ministry. The Rev. Canon Betsy Randall will be with us; and, in true St. Paul’s fashion, there will be wonderful food for this festive occasion!

    Let Us Pray

    • We offer prayers of thanksgiving and praise for the Christ child!
    • Lift up all those traveling throughout the holiday season
    • Pray for the victims of the war in Ukraine
    • Remember the victims of the war in Gaza
    • Pray for our congregation as we explore our dreams and discern and chat about what God is doing and where God is leading us next.
    • For the needs of the members, family, and friends of our congregation, specifically Miranda & Brayden/ Nancy S/ Velma/ Jim/ Judy/ Ani/ Aaron Blum/ Robert/ Jim Walker/ Lloyd/ Patricia/ Marie/ Russell/ Virginia/ Barbara/ Grace/ Lauren/ Cindy/ Anne & her family/ Sarah/ Matthew & Rushda/ Christoph & Jenn/ Teddy & family/ Linda, Ken, & their family/ Amy, Bill, & their family/ Stephen/ John/ Tom Patterson/ Jan/ Tom/ Bob & family/ Jean/ Al/ Carol W/ Mark/ Caroline & Rudy/ Bicky & Spencer/ Brian/ Pat/ Mark H/ Mike/ Chris

    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, December 24 @ 5:30pm – Advent IV/Christmas Eve Service (no AM service); women’s and children’s hats, gloves, & scarves collected for Safenet
    • Sunday, December 31 – 1st Sunday after Christmas (normal service time resumes); no Christian Formation class this day
    • Saturday, January 6, 2024 – Epiphany
    • Sunday, January 7, 2024 – 1st Sunday after Epiphany; Christian Formation resumes at 8:30 a.m.; Fr. Bill’s retirement celebration at 9:30 a.m.
    • Saturday, January 27, 2024 @ 10am – Faithful Innovation (location TBA)

    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

  • Sermon 12/17/23

    Reverend Nancy Gill’s Sermon

    Sunday, December 17, 2023

    Third Sunday of Advent – Year B

    St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Claremore

    Is. 61:1-4, 8-11 & Ps. 126 / 1 Thes. 5:16-24 / John 1:6-8, 19-28

    The Rev. Nancy Gill

    Advent III: Joy (I Hope, II Peace, IV Love)

    “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness,” John the Baptist declared in our Gospel lesson today, “‘Make straight the way of the Lord.’” (v23)

    Have you ever been in a wilderness? Sometimes translated “desert,” the wilderness is by definition “an uncultivated, uninhabited, and inhospitable region; a neglected or abandoned area; or, a position of disfavor.” (wilderness) Perhaps you have been physically present in a geographical wilderness; and perhaps you have dwelt for a time in a metaphorical wilderness – I would venture to say that we have all had this experience.

    According to statistics found in my research, it is estimated that approximately 300 million individuals suffer from depression. And would you believe that, even

    for folks who don’t normally suffer from this affliction, the holidays can be a particularly difficult time of year? That’s right, it’s not ‘the most wonderful time of the year’ for everyone. I certainly have, periodically, spent great chunks of time in spiritual and emotional deserts, even – maybe especially – during the holidays. I have gritted my teeth upon being reminded, as the writer of 1 Thessalonians exhorts us, to “rejoice always.” (5:16) I have actually shaken my fists and cried out to God, “I don’t feel grateful right now; but because you desire it, I’m saying ‘thank you’ anyway.”

    Maybe this is a little bit of what John the Baptist was feeling when he claimed to be ‘the voice of one crying out in the wilderness.’ As Fr. Bill reminded us last week, JB was not your typical prophet. He dressed funny and ate strange food, and he was generally misunderstood by the religious leaders who should have been the ones to ‘get it,’ if anyone was going to recognize him for who he was.

    But maybe there is a little clue for us in what he said: “Make straight the way of the Lord.”

    What is this “way of the Lord?” Let us look to our Advent wreath for some possible explanations.

    1. Two weeks ago, we lit the first candle, and we were reminded that the way of the Lord is a journey of Hope. We recall that throughout history God remains faithful. No matter what life’s circumstances may hold, God is with us.

    2. Last week, we lit the second candle which reminds us that the way of the Lord is Peace. Scripture tells us that this peace surpasses all understanding, for we can access it at all times, no matter what our circumstances.

    3. Today, we lit the pink candle, a reminder that the way of the Lord is Joy. This is not a toxic joy – the ‘in your face,’ ‘smile, it’s not that bad,’ kind of fake and fleeting happiness. This is a deep sense of God’s goodness, faithfulness, and care. God is our

    source of joy and delight. Like peace, we can tap into this source at all times.

    4. Next week, we will light the fourth candle, symbolizing Love. During this season of Advent, don’t we wait with anticipation for the coming of the Christ child? And didn’t that child ultimately give his life as proof of how much God loves us?

    Sometimes, when I pray, I like to go to a quiet little niche in my bedroom which I have set up especially for the purpose of spending time with God. When I sit in that chair, I imagine that I am leaning into God’s loving embrace. Perhaps I repeat a soothing mantra, such as God’s promise from the book of Jeremiah: “I know the plans I have for you…to give you a hope.” Or perhaps, I simply breathe, and focus on each inhalation and exhalation. I close my eyes and allow myself to feel how much I am loved by the God of eternity, by the God of all creation; and I remember that this same God desires personal relationship with me.

    And that is the key to accessing genuine Hope, Peace, and Joy. When you find yourself in the midst of the wilderness, be intentional about spending time in God’s loving embrace. Better yet, develop a habit of spending time with God before you wander into the desert and see how much better you are able to cope the next time life seems barren.

    Finally, remember that, like John the Baptist, yours may be ‘the voice of one crying in the wilderness’ for others to hear. You are God’s messenger. I encourage you to be so grounded in ‘the way of the Lord’ – in God’s Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love – that you cannot help but ‘make straight’ this path for those around you.

    I invite you to pray with me the words of this well-known prayer:

    Lord, make [us] an instrument[s] of your peace. Where there is hatred, let [us] sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith;

    where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy.

    Amen.

  • St. Paul’s Newsletter – December 14

    Sending you blessings as we enter the third week of Advent!

    The Season of Joy

    Last Sunday (12/10), was the first Sunday of Advent, and we lit the second candle in our Advent wreath – that which symbolizes peace. Often called the “Bethlehem Candle,” it reminds us of Mary and Joseph’s journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem before Mary gave birth to Jesus. It also builds on the meaning of the Hope/Prophecy Candle, recalling that after the division, destruction, and dispersion of the kingdom in the Old Testament, there might finally be peace on Earth.

    This Sunday (12/17), marks the third week of Advent, when we light the candle of Joy. Sometimes also called the “Shepherd’s Candle,” we are reminded of the joyful anticipation of the shepherds who journeyed to see Jesus in Bethlehem. Because of the joyous occasion, this third Sunday of Advent is also known as “Gaudete Sunday,” meaning rejoice or praise; and the candle for this week is pink, the liturgical color for joy. (hallow.com)

    ​***To mark this liturgical season, we will celebrate using Rite I during our Sunday Eucharistic services.

    Way of Love in Advent – Week 3

    This week, you are all invited to focus on the birth of John the Baptist: journeying with community (Luke 1:57-80). You are encouraged to read and reflect on this passage of scripture each day throughout the week.

    The witness of Zechariah and Elizabeth who bring infant John to the Temple to be circumcised reminds us of the importance of our faith community to sustaining the Way of Love. Just as the community did for John’s family, communities provide a place for discernment, sometimes challenging us and other times affirming us. Communities celebrate and mark important moments along the journey.

    The story of John the Baptist’s birth suggests that this journey of the Way of Love is best done and sustained in the context of our faith community. Zechariah’s song joins Mary’s voice in proclaiming the coming of a savior. The final verse in this passage “he grew and became strong” is echoed later in Luke about Jesus. Both reflect the reality that we grow in faith through the support of community.

     • Recall the following from the reading:

         -Elizabeth’s neighbors rejoiced with her

         -On the eighth day, they circumcised him

         -They asked the father what he wanted to name the child

         -They pondered Zechariah’s words

              Which moment most resonates with your own experience?

              What role was community playing in your life?

     • What was the role of the members of the community in this story, especially in the lives of Elizabeth, Zechariah, and John?

    • How does our community celebrate joy together? How does our community support others in their joy?

    • New phases of life may come unexpectedly. How does our community support those entering into a new phase of life, like parenthood, graduation, retirement, or a call to a new ministry?

    • Who in our faith community has a prophetic voice?

    • How are we as a faith community proclaiming the arrival of the Kingdom of God?

    Prayers for the Week: God of community, whose call is more insistent than ties of family or blood: May we so respect and love those whose lives are linked with ours that we fail not in loyalty to you but make choices according to your will. Amen.

    Merciful God of peace, your word, spoken by the prophets, restores your people’s life and hope: Fill our hearts with the joy of your saving grace, that we may hold fast to your great goodness and proclaim your justice in all the world.

    The Way of Love is a program which emphasizes setting aside time each day to focus on living a Jesus-centered life. The seven practices of the Way of Love are

    • Turn – pause, listen, and choose to follow Jesus
    • Learn – reflect on scripture each day
    • Pray – dwell intentionally with God each day
    • Worship – gather in community weekly to thank, praise, and dwell with God
    • Bless – share faith, and unselfishly give and serve
    • Go – cross boundaries, listen deeply, and live like Jesus
    • Rest – receive the gift of God’s grace, peace, and restoration

    The Way of Love invites us to a rule of life that leads to incarnating Divine Love in the world, so it is appropriate to initiate a journey on the Way of Love during Advent, the season we slow down to get ready to welcome Jesus, God incarnate, anew. Now, and through December 24, multiple opportunities to participate in the Way of Love series will be offered. Ron Parker will post daily thoughts on Facebook and Instagram; both he and Shelby Mancell will collaborate to post a devotional video on Wednesday of each week; and, together, we will journey through the first two chapters of the Gospel of Luke in these weekly newsletters.

    Faithful Innovation & God Chat

    How do we discover God’s mission in the world beyond our congregations? What is God calling us into? Where might we meet Lydia along the way? Faithful Innovation is a program designed to help congregations (especially small ones) discover new ways in which they might begin to move out into their communities. 

    As part of this initiative, St. Paul’s has a lay-led team which will be providing opportunities for the entire congregation to talk about what God is doing in our congregation as well as in our community. Be on the lookout for ways that you can engage in this exciting and ongoing conversation! 

    Advent IV / Christmas Eve Service

    Join us on Sunday, December 24 at 5:30pm for a special candlelight service of Lessons & Carols which will mark the transition from Advent to Christmas. “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 1:14

    ***Note: There will be no morning service or class on this day.

    Fr. Bill’s Retirement Celebration

    Make plans to join us on Sunday, January 7, 2024 at 9:30am to celebrate with Fr. Bill and Carole as they move on to the next phase of their life in ministry. The Rev. Canon Betsy Randall will be with us; and, in true St. Paul’s fashion, there will be wonderful food for this festive occasion!

    Let Us Pray

    • Lift up all those traveling throughout the holiday season
    • Pray for the victims of the war in Ukraine
    • Remember the victims of the war in Gaza
    • Pray for our congregation as we explore our dreams and discern where God is leading us next.
    • For the needs of the members, family, and friends of our congregation, specifically Miranda & Brayden/ Nancy S/ Velma/ Jim/ Judy/ Ani/ Aaron Blum/ Robert/ Jim Walker/ Lloyd/ Patricia/ Marie/ Russell/ Virginia/ Barbara/ Grace/ Lauren/ Cindy/ Anne & her family/ Sarah/ Matthew & Rushda/ Christoph & Jenn/ Teddy & family/ Linda, Ken, & their family/ Amy, Bill, & their family/ Stephen/ John/ Tom Patterson/ Jan/ Tom/ Bob & family/ Jean/ Al/ Carol W/ Mark/ Caroline & Rudy/ Bicky & Spencer/ Brian/ Pat/ Mark H/ Mike/ Chris/ the souls of Diana Reeves and Jean

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

    Save the Dates 

    • Sunday, December 17 – Third Sunday of Advent: Joy; Bishop’s Committee Meeting; Decorate for Christmas Eve service
    • Sunday, December 24 @ 5:30pm – Advent IV/Christmas Eve Service (no AM service)
    • Sunday, December 31 – 1st Sunday after Christmas (normal service time resumes)
    • Saturday, January 6, 2024 – Epiphany
    • Sunday, January 7, 2024 – 1st Sunday after Epiphany, and Fr. Bill’s retirement celebration
    • Saturday, January 27, 2024 @ 10am – Faithful Innovation (location TBA)

    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

  • Sermon 12/10/23

    Fr Bill Martin’s Sermon 12/10/23

  • St. Paul’s Newsletter – December 6

    Greetings and salutations as we approach the second week of Advent!

    The Season of Peace

    Last Sunday (12/03), was the first Sunday of Advent, and we lit the first candle in the Advent wreath – the candle of hope. Sometimes also called the Prophecy candle, it reminds us of the foretelling of the birth of Christ by the Old Testament prophets, and of all the promises God gave us which would be fulfilled in the birth of Jesus. Our sermon reminded us that even in a chaotic world, we do have hope in Christ, and this hope we have needs to be shared with the rest of the world!

    This Sunday (12/10), marks the second week of Advent. The second candle in our Advent wreath will be lit – that which symbolizes peace. Often called the “Bethlehem Candle,” it reminds us of Mary and Joseph’s journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem before Mary gave birth to Jesus. It also builds on the meaning of the Prophecy Candle, recalling that after the division, destruction, and dispersion of the kingdom in the Old Testament, there might finally be peace on Earth. (hallow.com)

    To mark this liturgical season, we will celebrate using Rite I during our Sunday Eucharistic services.

    Way of Love in Advent – Week 2

    This week, you are all invited to focus on Mary and Elizabeth: journeying with family and friends (Luke 1:39-56). You are encouraged to read and reflect on this passage of scripture each day throughout the week. Mary said “yes” to the call to birth Jesus, God’s Word, into the world and immediately went in haste to share her good news with her cousin, Elizabeth, who lived in the Judean hills, a four-day journey. Isn’t that what happens when we hear good news? We are driven to go and tell others. The Way of Love is good news that demands to be shared.

     • Mary notices that Elizabeth is on the journey of love. Whom can you invite on this journey on the Way of Love? Or, whom can you join on the Way of Love?

     • Mary runs to share her good news with Elizabeth. What good news do you have to share with one another?

     • In religious art, Mary and Elizabeth are often portrayed in a supportive embrace. How might you support one another?

     • Elizabeth says those who believe are blessed. How have you experienced your faith or trust in God as a blessing?

    Prayers for the Week: God made known in the friendship of women, the word of greeting and unseen life enwombed: give us the courage of the teenage mother who brings into the world a song of joyful revolt and a God who needs her love; through Jesus Christ, the one who is to come. Amen.

    O God of Elizabeth and Mary, you visited your servants with news of the world’s redemption in the coming of the Savior: Make our hearts leap with joy, and fill our mouths with songs of praise, that we may announce glad tidings of peace and welcome the Christ in our midst. Amen.

    The Way of Love is a program which emphasizes setting aside time each day to focus on living a Jesus-centered life. The seven practices of the Way of Love are

    • Turn – pause, listen, and choose to follow Jesus
    • Learn – reflect on scripture each day
    • Pray – dwell intentionally with God each day
    • Worship – gather in community weekly to thank, praise, and dwell with God
    • Bless – share faith, and unselfishly give and serve
    • Go – cross boundaries, listen deeply, and live like Jesus
    • Rest – receive the gift of God’s grace, peace, and restoration

    The Way of Love invites us to a rule of life that leads to incarnating Divine Love in the world, so it is appropriate to initiate a journey on the Way of Love during Advent, the season we slow down to get ready to welcome Jesus, God incarnate, anew. Now, and through December 24, multiple opportunities to participate in the Way of Love series will be offered. Ron Parker will post daily thoughts on Facebook and Instagram; both he and Shelby Mancell will collaborate to post a devotional video on Wednesday of each week; and, together, we will journey through the first two chapters of the Gospel of Luke in these weekly newsletters.

    Faithful Innovation

    How do we discover God’s mission in the world beyond our congregations? What is God calling us into? Where might we meet Lydia along the way? Faithful Innovation is a program designed to help congregations (especially small ones) discover new ways in which they might begin to move out into their communities. 

    This Saturday, December 9, The Rev. Canon Steve Carlson, Canon for Congregational Vitality, will meet with us in the Parish Hall from 10am – 2pm for the first of three Faithful Innovation training sessions. Subsequent meetings will take place at various locations on the following dates: Saturday, January 27, 2024, and Saturday, April 27, 2024. Between each meeting, participants will have community experiments to complete before attending the next session. This initiative is lay-led, clergy supported.

    Anyone interested in participating in this collaboration is welcome to join us. Lunch will be provided.

    Advent IV / Christmas Eve Service

    Join us on Sunday, December 24 at 5:30pm for a special candlelight service of Lessons & Carols which will mark the transition from Advent to Christmas. “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 1:14

    Fr. Bill’s Retirement Celebration

    Make plans to join us on Sunday, January 7, 2024 at 9:30am to celebrate with Fr. Bill and Carole as they move on to the next phase of their life in ministry. The Rev. Canon Betsy Randall will be with us; and, in true St. Paul’s fashion, there will be wonderful food!

    Let Us Pray

    • Lift up all those traveling throughout the holiday season
    • Pray for the victims of the war in Ukraine
    • Remember the victims of the war in Gaza
    • Pray for our congregation as we explore our dreams and discern where God is leading us next.
    • For the needs of the members, family, and friends of our congregation, specifically Nancy S/ Velma/ Jim/ Judy/ Ani/ Aaron Blum/ Robert/ Jim Walker/ Lloyd/ Patricia/ Marie/ Russell/ Virginia/ Barbara/ Grace/ Lauren/ Cindy/ Anne & her family/ Sarah/ Matthew & Rushda/ Christoph & Jenn/ Teddy & family/ Linda, Ken, & their family/ Amy, Bill, & their family/ Stephen/ John/ Tom Patterson/ Jan/ Tom/ Bob & family/ Jean/ Al/ Carol W/ Mark/ Caroline & Rudy/ Bicky & Spencer/ Brian/ Pat/ Mark H/ Mike/ Chris

    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 

    • Saturday, December 9 @ 10:00am-2:00pm – Faithful Innovation (Parish Hall)
    • Sunday, December 10 – Second Sunday of Advent: Peace
    • Sunday, December 17 – Bishop’s Committee Meeting; & Decorate for Christmas Eve service
    • Sunday, December 24 @ 5:30pm – Advent IV/Christmas Eve Service (no AM service)
    • Sunday, December 31 – 1st Sunday after Christmas (normal service time resumes)
    • Saturday, January 6, 2024 – Epiphany
    • Sunday, January 7, 2024 – 1st Sunday after Epiphany, and Fr. Bill’s retirement celebration
    • Saturday, January 27, 2024 @ 10am – Faithful Innovation (location TBA)

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  • Way of Love Advent

    This week Shelby continues our Way of Love Advent Series

  • Sermon 12/3/23

    Sunday, December 3, 2023
    First Sunday of Advent – Year B – Track 2
    St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Claremore
    Is. 64:1-9 & Ps. 80:1-7, 16-18 / 1 Cor. 1:3-9 / Mk. 13:24-37
    The Rev. Nancy Gill


    Advent I: Hope (II Peace, III Joy, IV Love)
    The author of our OT lesson sounds like he could be
    writing for a 21st-century audience. “O that you would
    tear open the heavens and come down,” (v1) he writes.
    With everything that is happening in our world today, we
    can certainly relate to that sense of desperation. War in
    Ukraine, war in Gaza, rises in the number of hate crimes,
    the growing political divide, the growing social divide,
    school children being shot down, going hungry, lacking
    clothing and shelter. It all makes us want to shake our
    fists and cry, “how much longer?” And yet, built into that
    expression of grief and frustration is also a statement of
    faith, an expression of hope. We know deep down that, as
    the old adage states, “this too shall pass,” and we trust
    that God will get us through.


    The writers of scripture are quick to remind us of this
    hope that we have. The author of our epistle lesson today
    declares confidently, “God is faithful.” (v9) The psalmist
    records the exhortation, “be still and know that I am
    God.” (46:10) The composer of Isaiah chapter 40 assures
    us that “those who wait on the Lord shall renew their
    strength.” (v31) And the prophet Jeremiah prompts us to
    remember God’s promise, “I know the plans I have for
    you…to give you a hope.” (29:11) Even our gospel lesson
    today, illudes to this concept when Jesus instructs his
    listeners to “keep awake!” (v37)


    Today, this first Sunday of Advent, we light the Hope
    candle. Sometimes called the Prophecy candle, this first
    candle reminds us of the foretelling of the birth of Christ
    by the OT prophets, especially Isaiah, and of all the
    promises God gave us which would be fulfilled by the
    birth of Jesus. (hallow)


    In preparation for today’s sermon, I read several
    articles about hope – one out of the University of
    California, Berkley, one from Harvard University, a
    couple out of Psychology Today – and each one discussed
    the importance of having hope. Dr. Adam P. Stern,
    professor at Harvard Medical School, writes that scientific
    studies are now beginning to recognize the value of hope:
    “Among young adults with chronic illnesses, greater
    degrees of hope are associated with improved coping,
    well-being, and engagement in healthy behaviors. It also
    protects against depression and suicide. Among teens,
    hope is linked with health, quality of life, self-esteem, and
    a sense of purpose. It is an essential factor for developing
    both maturity and resilience…. When grounded in
    realism,” he states, “hope serves many positive
    functions.” (Harvard Health)


    Dr. Everett L. Worthington Jr., professor emeritus at
    Virginia Commonwealth University, defines hope as “a
    motivation to persevere toward a goal or end state, even if
    we’re skeptical that a positive outcome is likely.” He goes
    on to say that “hope involves activity, a can-do attitude
    and a belief that we have a pathway to our desired
    outcome. Hope is the willpower to change and the way-
    power to bring about that change.” (berkeley.edu)
    Worthington suggests that there are practical ways to
    develop and build hope, among which are engaging with a
    spiritual or religious community, practicing forgiveness,
    and studying the lives of people whom he refers to as
    “heroes of hope,” such as Nelson Mendella (and I might
    also add Ghandi, the Dahli Lamma, Desmond Tutu,
    Michael Curry, Jesus).


    Writing for Psychology Today, Dr. Constance
    Scharff agrees that hope is something that can be
    developed. Some things she recommends include
    cultivating hope by focusing on what you can change,
    practicing Mindfulness (focusing on the here and now,
    rather than on the bad things that could happen),
    developing a spiritual life, being of service to others, and
    practicing gratitude. (7 Ways)
    With all of this talk about hope, is it possible to have
    too much – for hope to become toxic?

    Author Polly Campbell cautions that it is important to remember that
    “Hope [is not] delusional. It isn’t denial. It doesn’t ignore
    the real challenges, details of the diagnosis, or dwindling
    money in the checking account. It is not woo-woo
    thinking. It doesn’t ignore the trouble, or make excuses,
    or deny danger. It is not pretending. It is acknowledging
    the truth of the situation and working to find the best way
    to cope. It’s showing up and working through the hard
    stuff, believing that something better is possible.
    It’s resilient.” (Why Hope)


    For us as Christians, our hope – our faith in God’s
    promises of faithfulness – is what grounds us. It is also
    what motivates us. The world in which we live is in
    chaos, but we are a people who believe in the God who
    creates beauty out of chaos, and does so over and over
    again. And, we are a people who do our best to share that
    hope with those around us who are in such need of it. In
    the words of famed poet Emily Dickinson:
    “Hope” is the thing with feathers
    That perches in the soul
    And sings the tune without the words
    And never stops at all
    And sweetest in the Gale is heard
    And sore must be the storm
    That could abash the little Bird
    That kept so many warm
    I’ve heard it in the chillest land
    And on the strangest Sea
    Yet never in Extremity,
    It asked a crumb of me.
    There is hope! We have it within us; may we not
    hesitate to share it!

    There is hope! We have it within us; may we not
    hesitate to share it!

    https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/ending-addiction-good/202007/7-ways-cultivate-hope-even-in-trying-times

    https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_hope_can_keep_you_happier_and_healthier

    https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/imperfect-spirituality/201902/why-hope-matters

    https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/hope-why-it-matters-202107162547

    https://images.app.goo.gl/2Ld62GMZG1ML564Q8