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:
""Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you." (Isaiah 60:1)
Yes, I know that this year has been unbearably hard. Yes, I know that we want to go Christmas Shopping and on our long-distance seasonal vacations and some of us can't. What we can do is celebrate what God has done for us in the coming of the Christ.
So, put on your pajamas, get the hot chocolate or eggnog, that first batch of cookies out of the oven and please join us for a virtual Advent Lessons and Carols Service. The date is Wednesday December 16 at 6:30 p.m. Scripture readings and music as we count down the days until the coming of the Lord.
Be well, be safe, be blessed
Pastor Andrea
Link below:
Pastor Andrea Walker is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Advent Lessons and Carols
Time: Dec 16, 2020 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85160864642?pwd=ZkZlemxBdHRCNGlSTVRqdThVMk5VZz09
Meeting ID: 851 6086 4642
Passcode: 915362
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+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
Meeting ID: 851 6086 4642
Passcode: 915362
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kdi3fSOPXP
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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Check out St. Paul's Advent 2020 Playlist on Spotify
The perfect music for lighting your Advent wreath
or decorating your tree!
CLICK HERE!
A playlist featuring Concordia Publishing House, Sufjan Stevens, St. Olaf Choral Ensembles, and others
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Sponsor a Christmas Wreath!
We've seen many changes in our traditions and routines at St. Paul's during this pandemic and the Hanging of the Greens is no exception. While we have decided to reduce (not eliminate) the amount of decoration inside the church this season, we do want to continue with our tradition of hanging wreaths on the church doors.
Would you like to sponsor one of our wreaths? The cost is $20, and checks may be made payable to St. Paul's. Wreaths may be purchased in memory or honor of a loved one, however, wreaths will not be available for pick-up.
If you have any questions, please contact JOY .
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St. Paul's is Looking for a Media Intern!
Do you like to video edit and work on social media content? Do you need Community Service or SSL hours? Are you looking to build a portfolio of your work to use for a class, a college application, or resume?
Then we are looking for YOU!
St. Paul's is looking for someone who is willing to join our team as a media intern. Ideally, this person would join us every week to video record our services (and do any necessary post-edit), manage the church's social media presence on Instagram and Twitter, and keep our website up-to-date.
Basic video editing skills are highly desirable (for example, experience with iMovie on a Mac), but extensive knowledge is not required.
This position could be shared by more than one person. Approximate number of hours required each week: 4.
All ages are welcome to apply!
If interested, please contact Pastor Andrea.
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Comfort is being spread!
Seven prayer shawls were delivered in the past two weeks. Members of the prayer shawl ministry offer these gifts to those for whom they would be a comfort. One member of the congregation said a prayer shawl is like a hug from St. Paul's on the couch any time it is needed. Indeed!
Please reach out to have one for your home, a neighbor or a loved one that could use such a hug.
Church office (delivery usually possible too)
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Adult Sunday School will resume in January, 2021
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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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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 News On Sunday, October 18th, our Youth Group gathered at Reformation to continue discussion on Jesus' Beatitudes, and what it meant when Jesus said Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit and Blessed Are Those Who Mourn. What do those things mean to us today? We had a great discussion while we carved our pumpkins outside in the fantastic weather! Youth Group is for youth grades 7-12, and we meet once a month-in person, if the weather is good, and on Zoom if it isn't! Join us! Contact Lisa Wackler for more info.   Youth Choir Practice on Hold Until Further NoticeIf you wish to join the youth choir or would like more information, please contact director Marcia Perez . _______________________________
MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOLERS LOOKING FOR SERVICE HOURS: Please contact Lisa Wackler Community Service or SSL hours!_______________________________
Website Work for St. Paul'sWe 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.______________________________
New Benches for Portico GardenWe 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. _______________________________ 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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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)!
Sunday, December 6, 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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Gifts Needed for Friendship Place's Annual Holiday Wish List!
Once again, Friendship Place is having their annual gift drive for participant families in their programs. And once again St. Paul's is offering to help!
Please read the following carefully:
Deadline for gifts to be received at St. Paul's is Sunday, December 13th. St. Paul's will deliver the items all at one time to Friendship Place's programming offices. (Most of the requested items are gift cards and should be easy to procure!)
Please include the Family # and ID # on all gifts. This is the only way we will have to identify which gift goes to which family member. For protection and privacy reasons Friendship Place cannot provide names. Only initials can be provided.
Please do not wrap gifts in wrapping paper!
We recommend gift card values be less than $50. $20 - $30 is ideal
If you have any questions about the program, please contact Lisa Wackler
To sign up for gifts, please click HERE
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FOOD PANTRY UPDATE
Food Pantry -
Our Food Pantry continues to provide for many in our community, and with the arrival of cold weather we expect to see even higher demand.
The things that will help us the most at this time are:
- Hearty soups
- canned protein (meat, fish, beans)
- pasta
- pasta sauce
- peanut butter
- healthy cereal
- full size toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, soap, body wash, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, toilet paper
Starting this month, the St. Paul's Food Pantry, with the help of the Capital Area Food Bank and Ward 3 Mutual Aid, will increase our Food Pantry days to include the 2nd Saturday of the month (and the 2nd and 4th Saturdays starting in January). Stay tuned to find out how you can help us with this endeavor!
And finally, the Washington Humane Alliance will be at the Food Pantry the first Saturday of every month starting THIS SATURDAY, December 5th, distributing pet food for DC residents in need.
If you have any questions, about the St. Paul's Food Pantry, please contact Lisa Wackler .
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Advent-to-Go
Advent has begun, and there's still time to prepare for our Savior's birth with an "Advent to Go" bag! The bags contain materials and instructions on how to make your own Advent wreath for home use, along with a book of Advent devotions. (We also offer Advent Candles and devotion books separately, if you already have an Advent wreath at home.) These items are at no cost, but a free will offering is appreciated.
The church has a limited supply of these bags, so please let Lisa Wackler know if you would like to make arrangements to pick one up.
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St. Paul's Virtual Christmas Pageant!
Sunday, December 20th at 7 pm via Zoom
We are not able to have our usual pageant in person at church this year, so we're taking our "show" on the road...or at least virtual... And everyone is invited!
Here's how it will work:
- Sign up on the link below by Sunday, December 13th at 8 pm to let us know that you're interested in participating. By signing up you're telling us that you want a speaking part, although EVERYONE in the congregation is invited to join in on Zoom that evening to be a part of the "audience." Anyone can sign up from youngsters to seniors, and everyone in-between.
- Parts will be assigned on Monday, December 14th. The script will be sent to you if you have a speaking part, and available for download for everyone who tunes in.
- There will be no practice, which will be part of the fun!
- Extra Bonus Points if you show up on the Zoom in costume! Even if you don't have a speaking part, you can still show up on Zoom dressed as an angel, shepherd, sheep, or one of the animals at the manger!
- We may even explore putting some carols in there for you to sing at home...stay tuned for more info on this.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Lisa Wackler.
Link to the Signup Genius
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83778526994?pwd=enh1K0toZU9OOVIzSU1Hb3JTRmFTQT09
Meeting ID: 837 7852 6994
Passcode: 201596
One tap mobile
+13126266799,,83778526994#,,,,,,0#,,201596# US (Chicago)
+16468769923,,83778526994#,,,,,,0#,,201596# US (New York)
Dial by your location
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 646 876 9923 US (New York)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington D.C)
+1 408 638 0968 US (San Jose)
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
Meeting ID: 837 7852 6994
Passcode: 201596
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kyUlmtQyD
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2nd Sunday in Advent: Love
"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you." --John 15:12
Participating in the Gifts of Hope program translates into loving our neighbors. When our congregation gives Gifts of Hope, we support children, the homeless, those seeking work or education, people who need medical or dental care, and those seeking to improve their lives. This Advent season, love to a stranger who is in need? Visit www.giftsofhopedc.org for more information.
Catalog: Click here for PDF of Catalog
URGENTLY NEEDED: help with recording Sunday services
We are urgently seeking volunteers to help record Sunday services. Since the end of the summer, the staff has handled all aspects of recording the Sunday services by ourselves. There's a fair amount of work required: we need to set up and run an iPhone to capture the video and adjust the audio levels of the sound system during the service to ensure good-quality sound. After the service we edit the video and upload it to YouTube. It has been very challenging to lead the worship service while simultaneously handling all the audio/video logistics.
It will soon be too cold to worship outdoors on Sunday mornings. Before the summer weather enabled us to gather outside (as we have done since July), we recorded services in advance (first audio only, then video, too) to be available on Sunday morning. But going forward, when outside worship is no longer feasible, the staff wants to lead the worship service at 11:00 on Sunday mornings and simultaneously livestream to YouTube. This change will allow all of St. Paul's members plus the many additional virtual visitors who have discovered our church during the pandemic to all worship together at the same time. We cannot do this without additional help, however.
It is clear that we need some helpers to manage the audio and video during the livestreaming. We are looking for multiple people to volunteer to be trained and be available to help on a rotating basis. Just as there are many people who volunteer to be lectors, ushers, acolytes, and Communion assistants, there is now an immediate need for audio/video helpers to join that list. The responsibilities aren't difficult, but they are critical, especially now. All ages are welcome, particularly high school or college students.
Please let us know you're interested by emailing Sonja and Matt. Or email us if you just have questions or want more information.
We cannot extend our ministry at St. Paul's to include livestreaming without your help.
Thank you, and we look forward to hearing from you!
Sonja and Matt
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Congratulations to the 2020 Confirmation Class!
On Saturday, October 24th, nine young people will affirm their baptism at St. Paul's. Originally, their Confirmation Day was to be at Pentecost last May, but the pandemic postponed those plans. Now on the eve of Reformation Sunday, we are waiting no longer!
We ask that you lift up these Confirmands in your prayers:
Sarah Jane Beebe
Jacob Cantwell Dueholm
Kieran Thorle Gjersvold
Grace Lillian Heffley
Thomas Merrill Kolasky
Carol Li
Britt Marie Nordquist
Alia Jane Rihani
Colin David Shantz
Almighty God, thank you for this special time. We ask that the Holy Spirit come and dwell among us. Amen.
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Wednesday Night Bible Study will resume on October 21st.
We will discuss 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:
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)
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Racial Equity
Movement 2
- Members of the St. Paul's congregation gathered in person (10/18) and on zoom (10/19) to discuss racial equity using the prayer, scripture and activities of movement 1.
- Each movement can stand on its own and you are invited to experience this on your own or in one of our group settings.
- We are in this process of listening, learning and leading and all are welcome.
- Information on the second movement is below and the discussions will be Sunday 11/8 after worship (weather permitting) and Sunday 11/8 at 4pm on zoom (and please remember you can dial into a zoom call from a regular phone - smartphones/video are not required). Zoom details below.
Opening prayer:
Merciful God, you, who created ALL people in your likeness, give me a sense of your compassion as I hear the stories of the past. I bring before you the suffering and pain of those who are oppressed. I live in hope that all will be lifted from despair. I confess my complicity in systems that hurt and harm and ask your forgiveness. In your love walk with me as I journey toward a just future.
Scripture: Isaiah 1:17
". . . Learn to do good; seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow."
Activity Options: (Please choose one or all of these options)
Listen: The 1619 Project Podcast Episode 2 - The Economy That Slavery Built
Watch: TEDTalk - Color Blind or Color Brave with Mellody Hobson (14:50)
Read: White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack by Peggy McIntosh
Or/and: So You Want to Talk About Race Chapters 3,4,5
Reflection Questions:
How did the activity make you feel?
What was new to you?
What surprised you?
What made you feel uncomfortable? Why do you think that is?
What does any of this have to do with your faith?
Write a brief synopsis of your chosen activity.
What do you want to do after hearing/reading/watching this?
Closing Prayer: Compassionate God teach me to love like you.
Stay tuned for discussion of Movement 2.
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Cultivating Evangelism - Starting with some questions:
St. Paul's is Welcoming to All . . .
We have said we are welcoming; we have said we want to be more welcoming. Where do we go from here?
Please consider joining a discussion of evangelism - how we reach out as church. Come and share your thoughts on our evangelism in our immediate neighborhood and to guests to worship and our church. There will be a call this coming Sunday October 23 at 3pm; or reach out individually (amy.mbaumgardner@yahoo.com).
Did you know you don't need anything other than a phone to join a zoom call? The video is optional!
For this discussion you can dial 301-715-8592. When asked for the meeting code it is 851 9185 5653, and the passcode is 723 060.
Zoom information:
Topic: Cultivating Evangelism - A St Paul's Lutheran Discussion
Time: Oct 25, 2020 03:00 PM US/Eastern
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85191855653?pwd=WGxURUlYR3BIM2xoaEhwcE5iNHFEQT09
Meeting ID: 851 9185 5653
Passcode: 723060
One tap mobile
+13017158592,,85191855653#,,,,,,0#,,723060# US (Germantown)
+16465588656,,85191855653#,,,,,,0#,,723060# US (New York)
Dial by your location
+1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown)
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
Meeting ID: 851 9185 5653
Passcode: 723060
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/k8KkDxLt3
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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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Blessing of the Animals
Thank you to everyone who attended either our virtual or in-person Blessing of the Animals on October 4th. Our virtual blessing included our first fish, who just might be swimming in holy water now!
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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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