Good morning, Dear Friends; and I hope this letter finds you staying safe and warm!
Glorify the Lord, O chill and cold,
drops of dew and flakes of snow.
Frost and cold, ice an sleet, glorify the Lord,
praise him and highly exalt him forever. ~ A Song of Creation, BCP 88
Even Greater Things
Last week (1/14), in spite of the cold, we read and learned about the story of Nathanael’s first encounter with Jesus whereupon Jesus tells him, “You will see greater things than these.” These words still ring true for us today!
This Sunday (1/21), join us at 9:30 a.m. as we learn more about how Nathanael and Jonah seem to have shared the same attitude; and yet God’s call to them persisted. And, the promise of “even greater things” continues for all who follow Christ.
Good Book Club & Christian Formation
Sunday morning formation class is back in full swing. Last week (1/14), we discussed chapters 2-10 of Genesis, and our study will continue throughout the season of Epiphany.
This coming Sunday (1/21), we will discuss chapters 11-21, which brings us out of the primeval history of the first 11 chapters and into a narrow focus on ancestral history – specifically the story of Abraham and Sarah. (A Journey through Genesis, xv) One of the themes we note in these stories is that God’s chosen people are not idealized; these characters are presented “warts and all.” What do you think is the effect of this approach? Does it ring true to you? (78, 83)
All are welcome to join us each Sunday at 8:30 a.m. as we discuss how this ancient work of literature is still relevant today. Plus, don’t miss our daily Facebook posts which correlate with this exciting book study.
Coming Soon to a Coffee Hour Near You: God Chat!
You’ve been reading about it, and now, beginning in February, your Faithful Innovation team will begin to lead you in discussions about where and how we can see God working in our personal lives, in our congregation, and in our community.
For example, peace of heart and mind come from a power greater than ourselves. Share about a time when you have felt the peace of Christ.
Perhaps you can think of some practice that links you closely to God or that makes you feel connected, loving and grounded. Share a story about engaging in that practice.
Think of ways that you might share your answers to these prompts with your fellow parishioners, family, or friends. And it’s as simple as that! Simple, yes; but the ripple effects of these conversations can be quite impactful! You definitely don’t want to miss the opportunity to be part of the dialogue!
Celebration of New Ministry
Join us Thursday, February 1 @ 6:30 p.m. as The Rt. Rev. Bishop Poulson C. Reed instills The Rev. Nancy Gill as Vicar of St. Paul’s Claremore. Reception to follow.
Let Us Pray
For our Bishop's Committee and congregation as we transition to new leadership, explore our dreams, and discern and chat about what God is doing and where God is leading us in 2024
For Miss Lillian as she has inner ear tubes implanted this coming week
For Tom as he prepares for knee replacement surgery
For Dellaura as she and her doctors decide upon a treatment plan
For the victims of the war in Ukraine
For Israel and Palestine, and for the victims of the war in Gaza
For the needs of the members, family, and friends of our congregation, specifically Lillian/ Rita/ Vernon/ Dellaura/ Miranda & Brayden/ Nancy S/ Velma/ Jim/ Judy/ Ani/ Aaron Blum/ Robert/ Lloyd/ Patricia/ Marie/ Russell/ Virginia/ Barbara/ Grace/ Lauren/ Cindy/ Stephen/ John/ Tom Patterson/ Jan/ Tom/ Bob & family/ Jean/ Al/ Carol W/ Mark/ Brian/ Pat/ Mark H/ Mike/ Chris/ Brady/ Patrick/ ZacharyIf you have prayer requests to add to the Newsletter, email them to Clergy@stpaulsclaremore.org or reply to this email.
Save the Dates
Saturday, January 20, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. - Bishop's Committee Retreat in the Parish Hall
Sunday, January 21 - Bishop's Committee meeting
Saturday, January 27 @ 10am - Faithful Innovation regional meeting @ Grace, Muskogee
Thursday, February 1 @ 6:30pm - The Rev. Nancy's Celebration of New MinistrySt. Paul’s Online
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