- 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