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