Month: May 2024

Greetings, One and All!

I was pleased to hear from many of you that you survived last weekend’s tornado without physical injuries or structural damage to your homes. I hope that, by now, you have also managed to clean up the destruction to your yards, and that your electricity has been restored.

Several of us gathered at the church property on Monday morning to clean up the carnage there. While there, we experienced an unexpected blessing: the appearance of three Good Samaritans who helped with much of the work and hauling away of debris. These were not people we knew; but they saw us out working and simply offered to help. I believe we may have entertained angels in human clothing! May God bless them!

A Grain of Wheat, A Withered Hand, and Clay Jars

Last week (5/26) Trinity Sunday services were cancelled due to the aftereffects of the tornado. As of yesterday afternoon, power had not been restored at the church; but we know that the electric companies are working diligently to get everything back up and running. As such, if we still have no power this Sunday (6/02), we may worship al fresco; but we will have service nonetheless! 

Please join us for worship at 9:30 a.m. We’ll hear about what a grain of wheat, a withered hand, and clay jars have in common. 

Christian Formation

***Note: We will NOT have Sunday School this Sunday, June 2.​***

This summer, our focus in Christian formation will be on Spiritual Gifts. We’ll find out what they are, how you can discover which of these gifts you have, and how you can put them to practical use. Stay tuned for more information about this exciting curriculum. 

Visits with the Vicar

I have enjoyed visits with a couple of you so far; and I look forward to more to come! This invitation is for all of you: I want to get to know you better, to share your joys and concerns, and simply to hear your stories! Be on the look-out for a “Visits with the Vicar” sign-up sheet on our church bulletin board. If you are unable get to the church, feel free to contact me via email to set up a visit. I will gladly come to you at a location of your choosing – whether at a restaurant (my treat) or in your home. This is not a formal affair; we’ll keep it simple (i.e. coffee, tea, or my drink of choice: water). My goal is to visit with everyone by the end of the summer season!

Let Us Pray

• For those who sustained injuries and/or lost homes and loved ones in last weekend’s tornado
• For those who continue to work to clean up their properties, and for the workers who are trying to get electrical services restored
• For the victims of the war in Ukraine
• For Israel and Palestine, and for the victims of the war in Gaza, and the hostages held by Hamas
• For Ani/ Chris/ Mike/ Brian/ Mark H/ Carol W/ Ron H/ Rose/ Brady/ Patrick/ Zachary/ Donna/ Vernon/ Miranda & Brayden/ Corey/ Janie/ Rick/ Lillian/ Aaron Blum/ Carol Sue/ Erin/ Mike/ Don/ Pauline

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

Save the Dates

• Sunday, June 2 – Second Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 4): Holy Eucharist at 9:30 a.m. (No Sunday School)
• Sunday, June 9 – Third Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 5): Holy Eucharist at 9:30 a.m.
• Wednesday, June 12 – Claremore Area Ministerial Alliance at Noon
• Sunday, June 16 – Father’s Day; 4^th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 6)
• Sunday, June 23 – Bishop’s Committee Meeting; 5^th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 7)

Church on the Lake

Last Sunday, May 19, we journeyed to Claremore Lake to have our Pentecost service outside – and what a glorious service it was! Our chefs provided quite a feast afterwards. Some might say that on Pentecost this year the Holy Spirit visited us in the form of smoke from a charcoal grill! What a marvelous way to celebrate the birthday of the Church – I am already looking forward to doing it again next year! 

Trinity Sunday

Last week (5/19) our Gospel lesson revealed Jesus foretelling the coming of the Holy Spirit: the Spirit of Truth, and we learned some of the mighty ways in which the Holy Spirt works.

Apropos of the Spirit’s coming, this week (5/26) we celebrate Trinity Sunday, and our lesson from Romans tells us that this “Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God…joint heirs with Christ.” (Rom. 8:16-17) What a privilege!

Please join us for worship at our regular time and place – 9:30 a.m. in the nave.

Memorial Day

This weekend, or more specifically, next Monday, we observe Memorial Day, a time set aside to honor the memory of military personnel who have died while serving in the armed forces. If you know someone who has served, be sure to thank them and to let them know how glad you are that they are still with us.

Christian Formation

***Note: We will NOT have Sunday School this Sunday, May 26.​***

This summer, our focus in Christian formation will be on Spiritual Gifts. We’ll find out what they are, how you can discover which of these gifts you have, and how you can put them to practical use. Stay tuned for more information about this exciting curriculum. 

Visits with the Vicar

This invitation is for all of you: I want to get to know you better, to share your joys and concerns, and simply to hear your stories! Be on the look-out for a “Visits with the Vicar” sign-up sheet on our church bulletin board. If you are unable get to the church, feel free to contact me via email to set up a visit. I will gladly come to you at a location of your choosing – whether at a restaurant (my treat) or in your home. This is not a formal affair; we’ll keep it simple (i.e. coffee, tea, or my drink of choice: water). My goal is to visit with everyone by the end of the summer season!

Let Us Pray

• With gratitude for the gift of the Holy Spirit!
• With gratitude for those whose lives were lost in service to our country, and for the repose of their souls
• For the victims of the war in Ukraine
• For Israel and Palestine, and for the victims of the war in Gaza, and the hostages held by Hamas
• For those travelling over Memorial Weekend/ Ani/ Chris/ Mike/ Brian/ Mark H/ Carol W/ Ron H/ Rose/ Brady/ Patrick/ Zachary/ Donna/ Vernon/ Miranda & Brayden/ Corey/ Janie/ Rick/ Lillian/ Aaron Blum/ Carol Sue/ Erin/ Mike/ Don/ Pauline/ Lloyd/ for the repose of Johnny, of Jerry, and of Dougie

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

Special Location & Time Change for This Sunday’s Service 

This Sunday, May 19, is Pentecost. In recognition of this special day in the season of the Church, several changes to our regular schedule will be in place. Rather than meeting at our normal time at the church building, we will worship and celebrate the eucharist at Claremore Lake at 10:00 a.m. The service will take place in Shelter 1, the shelter near the restrooms. (Shelter 2 is near the swings, so don’t get them confused.)After the service ends, stick around for the annual church picnic. The church will provide grilled burgers and hot dogs and buns. It’s a great opportunity to invite someone new to gather with us – good food and good fun!

***Note: We will not have Sunday School Formation Class this day.***

Spirit of Truth

Last week (5/12) in our gospel lesson, Jesus prayed for his disciples – that includes us! – that we “may be one as [the Trinity] is One,” that we be “protected from the evil one,” and that we be “sanctified in truth.” 

This Sunday, May 19, Jesus tells the disciples about the coming of the Holy Spirit: the Spirit of Truth – an apt lesson for Pentecost! Join us at Shelter 1 on Claremore Lake at 10:00 a.m. as we celebrate this holy day!

Christian Formation

***Note: We will NOT have Sunday School on Sundays, May 19 or 26.​***

This summer, our focus in Christian formation will be on Spiritual Gifts. We’ll find out what they are, how you can discover which of these gifts you have, and how you can put them to practical use. Stay tuned for more information about this exciting curriculum. 

Visits with the Vicar

This invitation is for all of you: I want to get to know you better, to share your joys and concerns, and simply to hear your stories! Be on the look-out for a “Visits with the Vicar” sign-up sheet on our church bulletin board. If you are unable get to the church, feel free to contact me via email to set up a visit. I will gladly come to you at a location of your choosing – whether at a restaurant (my treat) or in your home. This is not a formal affair; we’ll keep it simple (i.e. coffee, tea, or my drink of choice: water). My goal is to visit with everyone by the end of the summer season!

Let Us Pray

• With gratitude for the gift of the Holy Spirit!
• For Lloyd Bajon
• For the victims of the war in Ukraine
• For Israel and Palestine, and for the victims of the war in Gaza, and the hostages held by Hamas
• For Ani/ Chris/ Mike/ Brian/ Mark H/ Carol W/ Ron H/ Rose/ Brady/ Patrick/ Zachary/ Donna/ Vernon/ Miranda & Brayden/ Corey/ Janie/ Rick/ Lillian/ Aaron Blum/ Carol Sue/ Erin/ Mike/ Don/ Pauline/ for the repose of Johnny, of Jerry, and of Dougie

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

Save the Dates

• Sunday, May 19 – Pentecost Sunday: worship at Shelter 1 on Claremore Lake at 10:00 a.m., followed by a picnic. (***No Sunday School on Pentecost***)
• Sunday, May 26 – Trinity Sunday: Holy Eucharist at 9:30 a.m. in the nave. (No Sunday School)

Happy (almost) Mother’s Day!

Sanctified in Truth

Last week (5/05) in our gospel lesson, Jesus urged his disciples, “abide in my love.” We discovered some of the ways that accepting this invitation may affect what we say and do in our own lives.  That lesson also revealed another of the seven “I Am” statements made by Jesus in the Gospel of John: “I Am the true vine.” Just as the branches cannot produce fruit unless they abide in the vine, neither can we love as we are called to love unless we abide in God, who IS love. To abide in God, we must spend quality time meditating on the life, words, and actions of Jesus who is God Incarnate.

This Sunday, May 12, Jesus prays for his disciples – that includes us! – to be “sanctified in truth.” We’ll find out what else he prayed, and how that applies to us today. Join us at 9:30 for Holy Eucharist II, followed by Coffee Hour.

Christian Formation

Our book study during the season of Eastertide is A Journey with John, part of the 50 Day Challenge collection from Forward Movement. This Sunday (5/12), in our final session with this text, we will discuss some of the highlights from Days 36-42. All are welcome to join us this Sunday at 8:30 a.m. as we discuss the Gospel of John and its relevance to us today.

***Note: We will NOT have Sunday School on Sundays, May 19 or 26.​***

This summer, our focus in Christian formation will be on Spiritual Gifts. We’ll find out what they are, how you can discover which of these gifts you have, and how you can put them to practical use. Stay tuned for more information about this exciting curriculum. 

Special Location & Time Change for Pentecost Service & Picnic

Next Sunday, May 19, is Pentecost. In recognition of this special day in the season of the Church, several changes to our regular schedule will be in place – weather permitting. Specifically, we will worship and celebrate the eucharist at Claremore Lake at 10:00 a.m. After the service ends, stick around for the annual church picnic – good food and good fun! It’s a great opportunity to invite someone new to gather with us!

Visits with the Vicar

One visit has been made – and what a wonderful conversation we had! I am excited about the prospect of more! As your new vicar, I invite you to meet with me for coffee (or your beverage of choice) and conversation at a local restaurant or at your home – wherever you feel most comfortable. Please reply to this email to set up a time when we can chat. My goal is to visit with everyone by the end of the summer season!

Let Us Pray

• With gratitude for the gift of Christ and the redemption provided by his death and resurrection!
• For Lloyd Bajon
• For the victims of the war in Ukraine
• For Israel and Palestine, and for the victims of the war in Gaza, and the hostages held by Hamas
• For Ani/ Chris/ Mike/ Brian/ Mark H/ Carol W/ Ron H/ Rose/ Brady/ Patrick/ Zachary/ Donna/ Vernon/ Miranda & Brayden/ Corey/ Janie/ Rick/ Lillian/ Aaron Blum/ Carol Sue/ Erin/ for the repose of Johnny and of Dougie

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

Save the Dates

• Saturday, May 11 @ 6:30 p.m. – Free Disaster Preparedness Seminar at St. Cecilia Catholic Church
• Sunday, May 12 – Mother’s Day
• Sunday, May 19 – Bishop’s Committee Meeting cancelled for this month due to Pentecost Picnic and Memorial weekend. June meeting date TBD
• Sunday, May 19 – Pentecost Sunday: worship at Claremore Lake at 10:00 a.m., followed by a picnic. (***No Sunday School on Pentecost***)
• Sunday, May 26 – Trinity Sunday: Holy Eucharist at 9:30 a.m. in the nave. (No Sunday School)