Dear Friends in Christ:
St. Paul’s is a lively gathering of God’s people around the Gospel-centered promise of grace, a “Reconciling in Christ” congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in NW Washington, DC.
St. Paul’s is focused on living thankfully in light of God’s gracious love, gathered in prayer for the world, and actively working for justice and peace locally and globally. Join us for outdoor worship this Sunday and often!
To join our mailing list, please click HERE.
Simply Giving: Click Below
CONTACT INFORMATION
| Phone | 202-966-5489 |
| office@stpaulslutherandc.com | |
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Address
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4900 Connecticut Ave. N.W. We are located between Ellicott & Everett Streets NW, between Murch Elementary School and the Fire Station.
 St. Paul's Podcasts available online! |
From Pastor Walker's Desk:
"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved by him, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly explaining the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15)
In the translation of the Bible (KJV) my grandmother read to me, this passage reads "Study to show thyself approved..." That was what I thought of as I prepared this e-news; I suppose that is what we will be doing beginning next Wednesday at 6:30. We will continue our study of the catechism. If you didn't know that was what you were doing when we studied The Lord's Prayer together in Lent, well, we pastors have a way of sneaking stuff in.
We will continue with the Ten Commandments and move in the Spring, onto the Creed and the Sacraments. These studies will be a good refresher as we examine what the Bible says and what Luther said.
We will also examine what these ancient text mean for how we live today. So, join me Wednesdays Sept. 23, 30, Oct.* 21, 28, Nov. 4, 11, 18.
Be well, be safe, be blessed
Pastor Andrea
*There is a space in our weeks of study because I will be taking a vacation Oct. 6-16
Zoom Link
Topic: The Ten Commandments
Time: Sep 23, 2020 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Sep 30, 2020 06:30 PM
Oct 21, 2020 06:30 PM
Oct 28, 2020 06:30 PM
Nov 4, 2020 06:30 PM
Nov 11, 2020 06:30 PM
Nov 18, 2020 06:30 PM
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88394472706?pwd=THpaNDdvby82dDRLR2FIVy8rWWZRZz09
Meeting ID: 883 9447 2706
Passcode: 558364
One tap mobile
+16468769923,,88394472706#,,,,,,0#,,558364# US (New York)
+13017158592,,88394472706#,,,,,,0#,,558364# US (Germantown)
Click here to view the Phase 2 Guidance for Places of Worship in DC.
" For more information from the DC Metro Synod on Coronavirus, please click HERE.
For up to date information in the District of Columbia: dchealth.dc.gov/coronavirus
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Groundskeeping Volunteers Welcome
The lawnside services that we have been enjoying the past few months require that our current lawn crew--Anya Burt, Bob Hershey, and Neil Berger--mow the grass and edge the walks every week before Sunday. Along with Cynthia Jensen, we also take care of the parsonage grounds.
If you would like to help or become part of the crew, please join us at 9 am on every Thursday or Friday (or even on both days), unless rain is in the offing. We will supply the lawn mowers and all other necessary tools...and we will show you how to use them safely and efficiently. You might even learn how to handle our riding lawnmower like Anya.
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Helping Hands - Prayer Shawls Available!
Do you have a friend, family member or neighbor struggling at this time?
Weather permitting, we are worshipping outdoors on Sundays and now beginning this Sunday, we will have a table at services with prayer shawls that you can take for yourself, or a family member, neighbor or friend that could use some comfort at this time. If you are unable to come to services and would like one dropped at your home (contact free delivery), please email Amy ( amy.mbaumgardner@yahoo.com) or the church office.
Would you like to get involved?
If you would like to participate in this ministry - please reach out to Amy (amy.mbaumgardner@yahoo.com) or Nancy Shearer (nancykshearer@aol.com)
We can teach knitting or crochet, or tell you about the quilts a congregation member prepares for Lutheran World Relief. We would also like volunteers to reach out to or deliver to local organizations in need.
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Adult Sunday School (on zoom) Sundays at 8:30 am
The book we are reading is "Inspired: Slaying Giants, Walking on Water and Loving the Bible Again" by Rachel Held Evans. As always, reading the book ahead of time is not required in order to join the discussion! All are welcome - we hope you'll consider joining us! Use this link to join our zoom discussion on Sunday at 8:30 am:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81179051247?pwd=Ykh1Y1RFM2JFS0pjMUJicmo5VkQ0UT09
Meeting ID: 811 7905 1247
Password: 855174
Here is a link to purchase and/or read more about the book.
https://rachelheldevans.com/inspired
It is also available to download for free from the DC Public Library and on Kindle for $2.99
Hope to see you all on Sunday at 8:30am!
- Donna
Send Us Your Selfies and Family Photos!
We are still hanging your pics in the Church's Chancel, so you can "be" in church, even though you can't be in church! We will continue to do this as long as we can't be together physically! Send your selfies to Lisa Wackler!
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You have this, because God has YOU.
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Confirmation News and Notes
While we've had to delay affirming the baptism of this year's Confirmation Class until October, we will start our new class in September! Confirmation is a two-year program for students in Grades 7 and 8, and is where we learn about our faith, what Lutherans believe, and the stories in the Bible that inspire us.
This year we'll be studying the Reformation and the Reformers (especially Martin Luther!), Luther's Small Catechism, and just what it means to be a Lutheran. You don't want to miss it! In response to the continuing pandemic, Confirmation classes will be a combination of independent study, Zoom sessions on Tuesdays (4:45--6:00 pm), and (hopefully) some small (and socially distanced) group study. Your class syllabus will have more information.
If you are a rising 7th grader, and are planning on joining the class, or if you (or your parents) have questions about the class, please contact Lisa Wackler.
If you do not receive an email from Lisa by Sunday, September 13th (Rally Day) about the class, please contact her, because she may not have you on her class list.
NOTE: There will be a parent/child zoom meeting at 5 pm on September 13th. Please contact Lisa for the Zoom link to the meeting!
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Parents of College Students
Please let Lisa Wackler know your college student's school address. Now more than ever we want to let them know that their church is praying for them!
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 Youth Group is comprised of youth from St. Paul's, Reformation, and Augustana Lutheran Churches.  Join us this year as we discuss the Beatitudes and what they mean for us in our lives today! Contact Lisa Wackler if you'd like more information about how YOU can stay connected with youth group during this time of social-distancing! ___________________________ Worship Assistants It's never too early to think about ways that you can serve the church when we can gather again! Complete a survey to let us know your interest by clicking HERE. ___________________________  Prime Time Center Canceled Until Further Notice. We will be providing updates as we know them. If you would be interested in reaching out to Prime Time attendees to see how they're doing, please let Lisa or Joy know! ___________________________
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Youth Choir Practice on Hold Until Further Notice
If you wish to join the youth choir or would like more information, please contact director Marcia Perez .
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MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOLERS LOOKING FOR SERVICE HOURS: Please contact Lisa Wackler Community Service or SSL hours!
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Website Work for St. Paul's
We are planning for some web redesign and expansion. Please let us know what you would find useful on the congregation's website. What's missing? What do you use? If there is old and bad info, please continue to point us to that as well. But do talk to us! It makes our work better.
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New Benches for Portico Garden
We would like to thank both Lynn Adkins and Bruce Pihlstrom for their wonderful generosity in the purchase of the two new black steel memorial benches that were installed recently in the Portico garden. Not only do they look perfect in their setting, but the benches are also comfortable and functional. In fact, we are pleased to note that many visitors to St. Paul's have already been able to enjoy using the two benches.
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Christ is Risen!
ALLELUIA!
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Sunday, September 20 2020 at 11 am
All are welcome but everyone must wear a mask and appropriately distance.
Please click HERE for the service bulletin. (Bulletin will not be distributed. Please print prior to the service or follow along on your cell phone. )
Please click HERE to access a previously recorded podcast of the readings and the sermon.
NEW! We will post a video of the outdoor service on You Tube each Sunday afternoon.
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Rally Day is Sunday, September 13th!
Mark your calendars!
Sunday School Chapel at 10:30 am (see note below); Morning Church Service at 11 am. (All outdoors, weather permitting).
Please note that the church's service will move to 11 am beginning Sunday, September 13th.
And while we can't have our usual Rally Day picnic, the congregation is encouraged to bring a picnic lunch to have on the church's lawn at the conclusion of the 11 am service. (Please note that everyone must bring their own picnic, and that we cannot share food. In the event of inclement weather, we will not gather for the service or picnic.)
In case of inclement weather, there will be a videotaped Sunday School lesson available as well as a video of a Service of the Word. The bring your own food Rally Day picnic would then be September 20th.
Hello Sunday School families!
Your teachers are looking forward to starting up this year's Sunday School on Rally Day, Sunday September 13th.
When the weather is good, we will meet as one group outside the church at 10:30 am ( before the 11 am service) for Sunday School Chapel. Masks are required as well as appropriate distancing. If the weather does not cooperate, we will have a video taped lesson available for you to access on St. Paul's You Tube channel. We are still working on a plan for Sunday School once the weather turns cold and will keep you posted.
------ Ms. Liz, Ms. Kim, Mr. Peter, Ms. Tammy and Ms. Christy are excited to see you soon!
God's Work, Our Hands Sunday is September 13th, 2020
Every year, we observe and celebrate God's Work, Our Hands Sunday with a special service project to remind ourselves that while good works aren't how we get into heaven, they are a great way to help our neighbors in need.
During the pandemic we've seen changes to the way we worship and the way we serve, and we've seen the needs of our community change in response.
"As church, we are guided by our life in Christ to share the love of Jesus, and serve our neighbors-even if such acts of service look different this year."
--The ELCA Website
Because there have been numerous recommendations about the nature of gathering and physical contact, St. Paul's has decided to honor God's Work, Our Hands Sunday this year by supporting the terrific work of World Central Kitchen (WCK).
World Central Kitchen, founded by chef José Andrés and based here in Washington, DC, has been working across the United States to prepare and distribute fresh meals for communities needing support: at-risk children and their families, homebound seniors, and front-line hospital and emergency care workers. WCK has also been instrumental in providing jobs for restaurant workers who have lost their jobs due to the pandemic.
St. Paul's will collect a special offering for WCK, now through Monday, September 21st. Please make out your check to St. Paul's, and put "WCK" or "GWOH" in the memo line. We will send a single contribution to WCK from the church. Click here for more information on WCK.
If you have any questions about God's Work, Our Hands Sunday, please contact Lisa Wackler at
lwackler@stpaulslutherandc.com
For more information on World Central Kitchen, visit their website here.
And celebrate these last days of summer by trying José Andrés' recipe for gazpacho by clicking this link: https://www.washingtonpost.com/recipes/jose-andress-gazpacho/16508/
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St. Paul's Racial Equity Group
Movements for Awareness
As the world continues to discuss and debate matters of racial equity and inequity, what do we as Christians understand our call to be? What do we mean by racial equity or inequity? Where do our scriptures guide us? How can prayer lift us?
Over the next several months we will have a wonderful opportunity - together or individually - to explore this call we have to love our neighbors as ourselves.
We will share a resource collection curated by Pastor Walker to guide reflection. There will be at least one prayer, scripture reading and video or reading/book - and a short set of reflection questions. You are invited to immerse yourself in the materials and reflect using the questions.
Approximately a month after the materials are shared we will have
A live (weather permitting and socially distant) outdoor session for interested individuals to come and share and discuss reflections and questions and
a zoom call for those more comfortable staying remote to discuss and share.Pastor Walker will join us and we will have a moderator to help guide us through the reflections.
A new set of resources will be shared each month, and we will continue into early 2021. All are welcome at any time - if September doesn't work for you, a new set of resources will be provided for the next month.
The First Movement
September 16 - October 15, 2020
Opening prayer:
Gracious God in your mercy, I know that you attend to our thoughts, desires, and our needs. I experience your blessings as I kneel to pray and so, I call upon you now. I am surrounded by hurt and pain because of injustice. I ask that you remove all pride, suspicion, and prejudice as I seek justice in my community and world. Strengthen me so that I might follow your will. Be present Gracious God in my attempts to understand. Hold me, guide me, walk with me, I ask in the precious name of Jesus the Christ. Amen
Scripture: Micah 6:6-8
"With what shall I come before the LORD, and bow myself before God on high? Shall I come before him with burnt offering, with calves a year old? Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand of rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"
Sometimes as people of God, we wonder what it is that we can do to be right with God. Must we come to church regularly? Must we give a tithe in the offering plate? Must we volunteer our service to the church or community? Must we never lie, cheat or steal? These are good questions. Questions akin to the questions the religious leaders ask in the book of Micah. The answer surprises them all. Of course, God wants us to be in community; of course, God wants us to give to the work of the church; of course, we are to help as we can. And yet, what good are these things when we live our lives in ways that intentionally or unintentionally hurt others. This prophet Micah explains to the people that God is more interested in how they live their lives than in religious practices. God is interested how the people of God affect the society in which they live.
I suppose God is still interested in the way those who call upon God's name live their lives. What influence does each of us have on the society in which we live? So, as we embark on these movements for awareness, we ask ourselves: Are our religious practices accompanied by justice, and equity?
Activity Options: (Please choose one are more of these options. Each option is easily found with a google search). Use reflection questions after each activity.
Listen:
The 1619 Project Podcast-Episode 1: The Fight for a True Democracy (42minutes)
Watch:
TEDTalk - Understanding My Privilege TEDxPasadenaWomen (12:49 minutes)
Read:
Living Lutheran Article, January 17, 2020 "Unpacking White Privilege: "The Important Work of Making the Church Less Harmful"
So You Want To Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo - Introduction - Chapter 2
Reflection Questions: (please use a notebook or journal to write down your reflections)
1. How did the activity make you feel?
2. What was new to you?
3. What surprised you?
4. What made you feel uncomfortable? Why do you think that is?
5. What does any of this have to do with your faith?
6. Write a brief synopsis of your chosen activity.
What do you want to do after hearing/reading/watching this?
Closing prayer: Loving God, may my heart continue to be open. Amen
Amy Baumgardner
Sue Hollar
Church is open for Prayer and Meditation.
As the pandemic continues we are holding worship services outside as the weather permits.
If you miss being in the church, please contact Joy Belew to set up a time to come inside for quiet meditation and prayer.
Please don't forget to wear your mask, and wipe down any surfaces in which you make contact (wipes will be provided)!
If you have any questions about using the space, please contact Joy in the church office at 202.966.5489.
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WEEKLY SCHEDULE AT ST. PAUL'S
While we are physically away from each other there are ways that we have decided to be church together during this time.
Every Sunday, there will be one outdoor worship service at 10 am. Please bring your own chair or blanket and wear a mask. Each Sunday, there will also be a video and podcast of some music and the readings and sermon for those who are unable to be there or in cases of inclement weather. Also on Sunday mornings at 8 am, Adult Sunday School is available on Zoom (see article for more information).
Mondays at 3 pm - Storytime with Pastor Andrea (for children) via Facebook Live. Friend her at Pastor Andrea Walker to listen in.
Tuesdays and Thursdays at 12 noon via Facebook Live - Prayers and devotions with Pastor Andrea. Friend her at Pastor Andrea Walker to participate.
Mondays thru Fridays: The Church is now open for quiet meditation and prayer. You must sign up! We ask that you limit your visit to 30 minutes, and that you stay in the church nave. You may enter through the handicapped entrance on the south side of the church (up the ramp, and by the side doors of the main church) and exit through the Portico door. (Slots are 45 minutes long to give everyone time to clear the space before the next person or family. Please don't be late!) Please don't forget to wear your mask, and wipe down any surfaces in which you make contact (wipes will be provided)!
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Introducing GivePlus Text! You can now make a contribution with text!
Simply send a text message to St. Paul's GivePlus Text number, 844-262-6943, with the amount you would like to contribute. Within a few minutes, you'll be sent a text with a link to register. Click on the link and enter your cardholder name and debit or card information. Once your registration is complete, you will receive a text verification and a receipt of your donation via email.
For future giving, send a text with the amount you wish to give, and it will process automatically! You can even text "repeat" to make it a recurring donation. Text giving is one of the fastest and easiest ways to give.
To learn more watch this video or click here to view a pdf "Quick Guide to GivePlus Text".
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Save the Date!
Blessing of the Animals
Sunday, October 4th at 3 pm
There will also be a virtual option to participate - details to come!
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FOOD PANTRY UPDATE
The Food Pantry at St. Paul's continues to serve the community on the first and third Saturdays of the month, from 10 am until 12 noon.
We've seen an increase in demand for our services, as we see the pandemic's The Food Pantry at St. Paul's has been able to continue to serve the community on the first and third Saturdays of the month, from 10 am until 12 noon. Thank you for your continued support--you are providing valuable assistance to our community!
Current Needs:
At this time, we have had difficulties in procuring canned beans (any kind) and canned meat (especially tuna) from the food bank. Any donations of these items are greatly appreciated!
Donate money. To make a donation to the St. Paul's Food Pantry, please visit our donations page by clicking HERE.
Questions? Contact Lisa Wackler
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ST PAUL'S PRIME TIME CENTER IS CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
Click HERE for more information about the Prime Time Senior Center.
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TEXT MESSAGE FROM A VISITOR TO ST. PAUL'S
Recently we received an interesting text message about St. Paul's from a work friend and colleague of Matt's; he was one of the numerous visitors who attended the cantata service on November 24, Christ the King Sunday. With his permission, we quote it below.
But first, a little background. This friend trots the globe for Internet work. He loves classical music and will travel a distance to hear music that interests him. He and his family live in Loudoun County, VA.
On October 28th, 2018 he drove in to St. Paul's to hear the Reformation cantata service. He heard Pastor Omholt preach a quite ecumenical, next-to-last sermon at St. Paul's. On November 24th, 2019, the day after returning from a trip abroad, this friend once again drove in to St. Paul's to take in the music. A few days later he texted Matt:
"So I went to a funeral mass today in Pennsylvania. Boy, what a difference from St. Paul's. The way I explained it to my wife, at St. Paul's there was (for me) a palpable sense of community. The congregation, the musicians, the chorus, and the clergy all pray together as a family. At this Pennsylvania church, it was a priest and deacon and a singer (not sure of the title; in Judaism she would be called the cantor) all talking TO the mourners. Very aloof and cold compared to what I, a stranger and a non-Christian, felt at St. Paul's."
This friend visited St. Paul's in appreciation and anticipation of fine music, and he left additionally impressed by the participatory power of the liturgy. He will return again for music, and because he is now interested to hear our new pastor...
-Sonja Kahler & Matt Larson, music directors
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