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