Greetings, Dear Siblings and Friends!
Even Greater Things
Last week (1/21), we read and learned about how Jesus’s disciple, Nathanael, and the Old Testament character, Jonah, seem to have shared the same attitude (that of skepticism). Yet, God’s call to them persisted – just as it does to us today – to proclaim the greatness and mercy of our Lord.
This Sunday (1/28), join us at 9:30 a.m. as we learn more about how God is powerfully doing “even greater things” in and through St. Paul’s Claremore. “Hallelujah! I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, in the congregation. Great are the deeds of the Lord!” ~ Psalm 111:1-2
Let Your Hospitality Shine!
Sadly, our siblings in Christ at FCC Claremore have suffered a recent catastrophe: their building was flooded, rendering their worship space unusable for a time. As such, they will be joining us this Sunday morning for worship and coffee hour. We are excited to be given this opportunity to extend a welcoming hand to our friends in need; join us in making them feel at home!
Good Book Club & Christian Formation
In our Sunday formation class last week (1/21), we discussed chapters 11-21 of Genesis, and our study of this Old Testament book will continue throughout the season of Epiphany.
This coming Sunday (1/28), we will discuss chapters 22-30, wherein we continue our journey with Abraham and Sarah and are introduced to their son, Isaac, and his sons, Jacob (later renamed Israel) and Esau. The Rev. Dr. Eric H. F. Law writes, “The story of Jacob expresses a fundamental aspect about the relationship between God and humankind. God gives us free will and makes a covenant with us to do good. We mess up. God still loves us and keeps the promise anyway. When we realize God’s love and reaffirm our covenant with God, we strengthen our faith, change our way, and then we give back.” In what ways have you messed up your God-given free will? …How [does] the presence and promise of God help you move forward? (A Journey through Genesis, 152-3)
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 (FINN) team will periodically present opportunities for you to participate in discussions about where and how we can see God working in our personal lives, in our congregation, and in our community.
Examples:
- Some people find it hard to believe in God. Share a story about an experience that taught you something about the power of faith in Jesus.
- Share a story about when you felt really connected to a community, the world, the universe, or something greater than yourself.
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 next Thursday, February 1 @ 6:30 p.m. as The Rt. Rev. Bishop Poulson C. Reed inducts 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 recovers from surgery
- For Tom as he prepares for knee replacement surgery
- For Dellaura as she works with home health care to build strength
- 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 The First Christian Church of Claremore/ Lillian/ 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/ Zachary
If you have prayer requests to add to the Newsletter, email them to Clergy@stpaulsclaremore.org
Save the Dates
- Saturday, January 27 @ 10am – Faithful Innovation regional meeting @ Grace, Muskogee
- Sunday, January 28 @ 9:30am – Fourth Sunday of Epiphany; Welcome our friends from FCC
- Thursday, February 1 @ 6:30pm – The Rev. Nancy’s Celebration of New Ministry
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