Hello, All, and happy October!
I don’t know about you, but the excitement of the past two Sundays combined with the anticipation of this coming Sunday’s festivities have your vicar positively giddy! First, we celebrated the confirmations of three of our valued members on September 22. Then, what a joy and an honor it was to worship with Pastor Coulter and the people of Mt. Zion Baptist Church last Sunday. Finally, we look forward to this coming Sunday and the ecumenical communion and luncheon with several congregations from the Claremore area.
We Don’t Get to Choose Whom God Uses
Pastor Coulter’s sermon, drawn from Luke 9:49-50 (a parallel to our Gospel lesson for the day – Mark 9:38-40), was a rousing reminder that we don’t get to choose whom God uses; that choice belongs solely to God. Rather than criticizing or complaining about others through whom God is working, he reminded us of the importance of working together in the unity of Christ. Along those lines, Pastor Coulter had “two ‘don’ts’ and one ‘do’ and then he was through.”
- Don’t ever jump to assumptions based on preconceived notions.
- Don’t be jealous of the accomplishments of others.
- Do join together in unity to advance God’s kingdom here on earth.
Following Holy Eucharist at St. Paul’s, several of us traveled to Mt. Zion to share together in that worship service wherein Rev. Nancy based her sermon on Jeremiah 29:4-9 and Isaiah 6:1-9 and spoke about answering God’s call. The reminders were that all believers have a calling from God whether to ordained ministry or otherwise, and the challenge is to listen for that call and answer, “Yes. Here I am, Lord, send me.”
Many who attended these services expressed a desire to plan more similar events in the future. How good it is to be a part of the family of God!
October 6: New Service Times & Ecumenical Communion and Pot Luck
Beginning this Sunday (10/06), our new times will be as follows:
Christian Formation (aka Sunday School) @ 9:00 am
Holy Eucharist @ 10:00 am
In addition to the time changes, we will also participate in the Pot Luck Luncheon & Ecumenical Communion at Grace United Methodist Church (9472 Hwy 20, Claremore) @ Noon. We will be joined by members of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, First Christian Church, and the Indian Missionary Church as we celebrate God and our unity with each other on this World Communion Sunday.
Upcoming Community Service Opportunity
Wednesday, October 23, the mobile food pantry from Grace United Methodist Church will be in the St. Paul’s parking lot from 5-8 pm. They invite our parishioners to help as greeters, welcomers, and grocery carriers. What a fun way to collaborate with each other to serve our community! Anyone wishing to volunteer for this event may notify Rev. Nancy.
Let Us Pray
- For the safety of those traveling to St. Crispin’s for Diocesan Convention this weekend
- For the Community Communion on October 6, that God will use it to show our community that we can focus on what is most important about our shared faith – gratitude to Christ our savior
- That our parishioners will exemplify God’s peace during this time when so much religious, social, and political unrest plagues our community, nation, and world
- For all students and school personnel
- For Ukraine and Russia
- For Israel and Palestine
- For Ani/ Chris/ Mike/ Brian/ Mark H/ Carol W/ Ron H/ Rose/ Brady/ Zachary/ Donna/ Vernon/ Miranda & Brayden/ Corey/ Janie/ Rick/ Lillian/ Carol Sue/ Erin/ Mike/ Don/ Pauline/ Mimi/ Doris/ Stephen/ Jim/ Tjode/ Tony/ Traci/ Pam Carbin/ the repose of Aaron Blum and Dustin Barr
If you have prayer requests to add to the Newsletter, email them to Clergy@stpaulsclaremore.org
Save the Dates
- Friday-Saturday, October 4-5 – Diocesan Convention at St. Crispin’s
- Sunday, October 6 – Service time change: Holy Eucharist @ 10:00 am; 20th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 22); Christian Formation @ 9:00 am; Pot Luck & Ecumenical Communion at Grace United Methodist @ 12
- Sunday, October 13 – Holy Eucharist @ 10:00 am; 21st Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 23); Christian Formation @ 9:00 am
- Sunday, October 20 – Holy Eucharist @ 10:00 am; 22nd Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 24); Christian Formation @ 9:00 am; Bishop’s Committee Meeting
- Wednesday, October 23 – Grace UMC Mobile Food Pantry in St. Paul’s parking lot from 5pm-8pm
- Sunday, October 27 – Holy Eucharist @ 10:00 am; 23rd Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 25); Christian Formation @ 9:00 am
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