St. Paul’s Newsletter – 14 March 2024

Greetings, Everyone, and Lenten blessings.

The Fifth Sunday in Lent

Last week (3/10), the fourth Sunday in Lent, Canon Steve reminded us that all of our sins, as well as all of the blame we place on others, was atoned for by Christ’s death on the cross.

In our Gospel lesson this coming Sunday (3/17), Jesus reminds his listeners that he will soon be lifted up, fulfillment of the promise prophesied centuries before: that God would establish a new covenant wherein all iniquity would be forgiven and sin remembered no more. Join us at 9:30 am for Holy Eucharist.

Lenten Meditational Thought

“Lent is the autumn of the Spiritual life during which we gather fruit to keep us going for the rest of the year.” ~ Saint Francis de Sales

May you find this to be a season in which you are drawn into a deep knowledge of, and love for, God.

Way of Love in Lent

If you haven’t already, be sure to check out our Facebook page for daily Lenten meditational thoughts and weekly videos.

Final Community-wide Lenten Service & Luncheon for 2024

Invite a friend and join us at St. Paul’s at Noon this Wednesday, March 20, for our final Lenten service of the year. It will be led by Pastor James Coulter of Mt. Zion Baptist Church and lunch provided by Claremore First Methodist (donations accepted).

Christian Formation

Last Sunday, the fourth Sunday of Lent (3/10), we discussed chapters 4 & 5 – The Rungs of Community and of Action – in the book Ladder to the Light by Steven Charleston. A Native American, former Episcopal Bishop of Alaska, and current resident of Oklahoma, Charleston shares insight he has gleaned about his Christian journey as related to his indigenous customs. The journey he guides us through in his book correlates beautifully with the journey upon which we embark during the Lenten season.

This Sunday, the fifth Sunday of Lent (3/17), we will discuss chapter 6 – The Rung of Truth. All are welcome to join us each Sunday at 8:30 a.m. as we discuss this indigenous elder’s meditations on hope and courage.

Holy Week Schedule

Mark your calendars for the following events during Holy Week!

  • Maundy Thursday Service – 7:00 pm at St. Paul’s
  • Good Friday Tenebrae Service – 6:00 pm at Grace Methodist Church
  • The Great Easter Vigil – 7:00 pm at St. Paul’s (with guests Canon Betsy, Grace Methodist, and First Christian)
  • Easter Day – Holy Eucharist at 9:30 am, followed by Easter dinner (Ham will be provided; feel free to bring a side item.)

Hospitality Continues

For the next several weeks, until they are able to repair the damage that flooding has done to their own building, our friends from First Christian Church will continue to utilize the nave for their worship services on Sunday mornings @ 11:00 a.m. 

Let Us Pray

  • For a holy Lent
  • For the repose of Velma Landley
  • For the repose of Dellaura Riggle
  • For those traveling to St. Crispin’s for Vestry Academy this weekend   
  • For Rick’s nephew, Corey
  • For Christina’s uncle, Johnny
  • For Tom Keenze
  • 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/ Rick/ Vernon/ Miranda & Brayden/ Nancy S/ 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, March 16 – Vestry Academy at St. Crispin’s, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  • Sunday, March 17 – Bishop’s Committee Meeting; Fifth Sunday in Lent
  • Wednesday, March 20 @ Noon – Final Lenten luncheon for 2024
  • Sunday, March 24 – Palm Sunday (kickoff to Holy Week)
  • Thursday, March 28 @ 7 p.m. – Maundy Thursday service
  • Friday, March 29 @ 6 p.m. – Good Friday Tenebrae service at Grace Methodist Church
  • Saturday, March 30 @ 7 p.m. – The Great Easter Vigil service
  • Sunday, March 31 – Easter Day!
  • Monday, April 1 – Sunday, April 7 – Clergy Vacation
  • Sunday, April 7 – Morning Prayer led by Ron Parker and Shelby Mancell

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