Dear Friends in Christ:
You are welcome here, every Sunday at 8:30 am and 11 am!
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 a gospel centered gathering of God’s people, 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 worship this Sunday and often!
John R. Spangler, Interim Pastor
Simply Giving: Click Below
Contact Information
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202-966-5489 |
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Address
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4900 Connecticut Ave. N.W.
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Generosity in our Lutheran DNA: The pull factor
Generosity is a value, a characteristic and a practice that lies at the heart of what it means to be a Christian.
- Rev Rob Blezard
We may conclude that this generosity is deeply embedded in the bones of Christian identity, because we can't read scripture without seeing it. In a most obvious example, St. Paul wrote an effusive thank you note to the Macedonian churches because even though these churches, like Corinth were not wealthy, they took up a large offering to be shared with the poor and suffering Christians in Jerusalem.
In Luther's time, the community chest concept came into being. It was a big locked box where people could put something into the box for distribution to those who needed it. It was a sharing mechanism, a way to provide a little welfare for people in need.
And so the awareness of need is one major force that pulls generosity from us. We see need around us, and we respond. We know that people are hungry, we know the cost of living in our neighborhoods, we see people just getting by. As followers of Christ, being aware of need is a gift and an opportunity to make the world a better place.
At the recent council and church leader retreat, we spent time exploring the pull and the push factors of generosity. (Next week, we will talk about the push factor)
So value that generosity of spirit, that awareness of human need and a natural urge to help. That spirit sets us apart for a purpose. And that spirit is of Christ, and for Christ.
John R. Spangler, Interim Pastor
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Join the YOUTH CHOIR !
The St. Paul's youth choir has begun its 2019-2020 season!
New this year, we will meet to rehearse in the downstairs choir room, opposite the kitchen (conveniently close to Epiphany Chapel for the chapel gathering before Sunday School classes).
We'll practice as usual for 30 minutes-from 9:15-9:45am-to work on vocal warmups and technique, learn new music and incorporate Orff instruments to accompaniments.
We have planned our anthem schedule through the spring: our first anthem for a church service will be October 20th.
The Youth Choir is open to young people ages 7-high school.
If you wish to join the youth choir or would like more information, please contact director Marcia Perez .
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Families: Are you looking for a good way to introduce devotions into your Family Time this Advent?
Augsburg Fortress offers Families Celebrate Advent & Christmas as an easy, fun, and flexible way to take time to stop and enjoy the seasons of Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany! Each deck of cards offers rituals, prayers, and reflections that are perfect for young children.
There is always high demand for these cards when they come out every year, and Augsburg always sells out early. If you're interested in one for your family, please let Lisa Wackler know by Sunday, October 20th.
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Parents of College Students!
Please make sure that the church office has your son's or daughter's college address so we can reach out to them periodically.
If you have any questions, please contact Lisa Wackler.
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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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Reclaiming a Vision of Global Unity
A "Forgotten Luther" Symposium to be held at Saint Luke Lutheran Church, Silver Spring, Maryland on October 25th (4pm-9:30pm) and 26th (7am-1:30pm). Hosted by Global Mission, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America; ELCA World Hunger; ELCA Metro D.C. Synod; and Saint Luke Lutheran Church.
Topics include:
* Luther's Theology of the Cross: Africa and Beyond
* The Immigrant Luther: Servant or Prophet?
* When Governments and Politicians Fail: The Role of the Church
* Re-Shaping the World in Hope: Luther, Palestine, and the Global Society
* Polarization in Church, Society, and the World Today: Can Luther Help?
For more information and/or to register, please visit www.fliii.us.
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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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Introducing the
St. Paul’s Call Committee:
Sue Hollar—Chair
Peter Guerber
Donna Hershey
Jeff Koch
Bruce Morrison
Liz Rihani
Jason Stonerook
Caitlin Thistle
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Confirmation at St. Paul's
Grades 7-8
Join us as we journey toward the Affirmation of Baptism!
Confirmation is a time for thinking about our Baptism, for learning about the Bible, for understanding what the Bible says about our faith, for talking about what we believe as Lutherans and why, and --most important of all--for asking questions about our faith!
Confirmation class meets September--May, Sundays 9:45 am--10:45 am, and Tuesdays 4:45 pm--6:00 pm. There will be a mandatory meeting for ALL students (including second-year students) and parents on Sunday, September 8th, 9:45 am--10:45 am.
If your child is a rising 7th grader and is planning on joining us in the fall, please let Lisa Wackler know.
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Seeking Confirmation Sponsors
This year we are blessed to have sixteen students in our Confirmation class. The Confirmands are a combination of first-year students in the 7th grade, and second-year students in the 8th grade.
Confirmation students will spend this year learning about The Bible, starting with the Old Testament and continuing through the New Testament and the Life of Jesus.
One of the most important things we can do as a congregation is support these students as they make this journey toward the Affirmation of their Baptism. We hope to pair each one of our Confirmation students with a Confirmation Sponsor from the congregation.
What does a Confirmation Sponsor do? It's very simple!
Confirmation Sponsors will periodically reach out to their Confirmand by phone, text, email, or snail mail. Extensive knowledge of the Bible or the Confirmation process is not required...just a desire to help and get to know your Confirmand, and a commitment to keeping him or her in your prayers! If interested, please contact Lisa Wackler.
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Donors Needed for Altar Flowers
There are several dates available to donate altar flowers. The cost of the flowers is $65. Flowers can be donated in memory of a loved one, in honor of someone's special event, or in thanksgiving for something special to you. Dates available: Dates available: Dates available: October 13th and November 17th. Please contact Joy Belew to reserve a date. Thank you.
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TELLERS NEEDED!
We are looking for people interested in volunteering for this very important church function. It consists of a two member team that works on Sundays after church or Monday for about 1 or 2 hours collecting, counting and recording the offering. The teams are assigned a month at a time, usually 3 or 4 months a year (depending on how many teams we have). Sundays can be switched with other teams. Training and written instructions are provided. Please contact Paula Stewart 410-956-7117 or the church office to volunteer.
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Thank you for supporting Gifts of Hope during our 2018 Advent campaign in which we raised $119,038.00 from online giving and from congregation members across the Synod, including $3,760.00 from members of St. Paul's. These funds have been distributed to our 19 beneficiary organizations to support their work in our community. Thanks to the volunteers who present this alternative gift-giving option to your congregation.
Your support helps the elderly, adults, and children served by our ten social-service organizations, four ministries, three international synods, and two church camps. These agencies work with people in and recently released from prison, those who want to improve their lives, those who need help with transportation, housing, school supplies, job-readiness, clothing, food, medications, wellness, and relief from homelessness. Your support helps those who are discerning God's call and answering that call. Your support helps kids go to camp and enjoy activities with other children. Your support helps people outside our borders: creating businesses, at children's orphanages, providing pastoral support, and aiding church building repair.
Our gifts are available year-round-not just during the Christmas season-via our website: giftsofhopedc.org. We are a faith community helping each other and making our community stronger. Thank you for providing hope for today and hope for tomorrow.
Carolyn Sowinski, Director
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Worship Times at St. Paul's
8:30 am--Early Service with Holy Communion
9:45 am--Sunday School
11:00 am--Service with Holy Communion
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And don't forget! The church nursery is available in room 111 every Sunday during the 11 am worship service. Let us give you a break when you need it!
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Prime Time had a great time on the Olde Town Trolley in September!
Click HERE for more information about the Prime Time Senior Center.
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Saturday, October 19th at 6:00 pm
Stories, S'mores (and More!) at St. Paul's!
Our Stories and S'mores Event was such a success in July, we're going to do it all again this month! But this time we want to invite EVERYONE to join us for an old-fashioned weenie roast at St. Paul's!
The church will provide hot dogs, buns, condiments, and all the stuff to make S'mores. Please sign up to bring side dishes to share, and don't forget your blanket or a chair, so you have a comfortable place to sit outside!
Please RSVP--Sign Up HERE.
If you have any questions, contact Lisa Wackler.
Hope to see you there!
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St Paul's Nursery School is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year!
Festivities will be held on October 19, 2019 from 1:00 pm-4:00 pm at the nursery school. This is truly a most wonderful occasion.
It was a very special undertaking that St Paul's Lutheran Church began 50 years ago and it is also memorable that the Church has continued to make this long-time commitment to serve the children and families in the neighborhood as a community outreach and as part of the Church's ministry to children. The nursery school would like to honor and give thanks for that. We will also honor our own wonderful Kay Cartwright, who founded the nursery school in 1969. It was her vision, generosity and determination that first convinced the Church fathers about the importance of this investment. And, of course, we will celebrate the many, many wonderful children and families that have come through the doors of this very special place. We would be most honored by your presence and hope to see you at the celebration. Please RSVP HERE.
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THIS SUNDAY!
Please join us the third Sunday of each month for our shawl ministry. We typically meet in the dining area next to the kitchen from 10 to 10:45 am. We are also interested in hearing if you would like to meet other dates/ times that better suit your schedule
Novices and all skill levels are welcome! While members have been providing their own supplies, please reach out if you would like to contribute but would like to partner on supplies. The focus has been knitting and crochet, and this fiber arts ministry is open to other suggestions.
Over the years the shawl ministry has provided handcrafted comfort to those in need in our community including members of the congregation and their families, women's shelter residents, individuals in hospice, patients at Children's hospital and others. New ideas are welcome! There are also volunteer opportunities to deliver our offerings and contribute in other ways.
Any questions or suggestions please don't hesitate to reach out to Amy Moorhus Baumgardner.
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StLuthRefA (SLRA) Youth Group
Our next meeting is Sunday, October 20th, 1-4 pm at Reformation Lutheran Church on Capitol Hill. Join us as we explore the many gifts of the Holy Spirit in slightly unconventional ways. This month we are focusing on Goodness: Trick or Treat? Please RSVP by October 17th to Lisa Wackler if you need a ride, and to help us get a count for lunch.
NOTE: LOOKING FOR SHOE BOXES for a Youth Activity - PLEASE BRING ANY YOU MAY HAVE!
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Special Music Coming Up at St. Paul's 
While we strive always to make the music special in our liturgies-with excellent help from our fine choir- there are Sundays where guest musicians make the music extra special. Three such mornings are coming up in the next several weeks!
Please invite others to come listen to these fine professionals, & to experience more of what our church offers on so many fronts. Musicians of this caliber are an inspiration to hear-without pricey concert tickets!-& we should share these opportunities more widely.
-Sonja Kahler & Matt Larson, Music Directors
11am Sunday, October 27th (Reformation Sunday):
Brass quintet for a morning of festival music -wear red to celebrate the birthday of the Lutheran church!
11am Sunday, November 24th: Christ the King Sunday (Sunday before Thanksgiving)
Cantata & orchestral suite by J.S. Bach with the St. Paul's choir, strings, oboes, trumpets, timpani, harpsichord, both organs.
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Thank you for coming to our annual Blessing of the Animals service last weekend!
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Hurricane Dorian Relief Efforts
If you would like to assist with relief efforts for those affected by Hurricane Dorian, please go to Lutheran Disaster Relief (www.elca.org/ldr) or the Florida Bahamas Synod (www.fbsynod.com) to make online contributions. Donations can also be sent to the Florida Bahamas synod office (3838 W. Cypress St, Tampa, FL 33607). More information is available on flyers located in the portico and narthex.
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St. Paul's Reformation Day Lunch
Sunday, October 27th
Please join us immediately after the 11 am Service (please note, only one service that day) on Sunday, October 27th for a German-inspired luncheon (prepared on our brand new grill) and the opportunity to celebrate the 502nd Reformation Day!
We will gather outside, weather-permitting (and inside in the Fellowship Hall, if not). We need volunteers to help with set-up and breakdown for this event. Please contact Lisa Wackler if you are able to assist. (lwackler@stpaulslutherandc.com).
This is not a potluck, so you don't need to sign up to bring anything-just come and enjoy each other's company!
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Mark Your Calendars and Spread the Word! 
November 24th at the 11 am festival service St. Paul's Lutheran presents "Music of Thanksgiving"
Cantata No. 137 ("Praise to the Lord") & Orchestral Suite No. 3, by J.S. Bach with the choir & organs of St. Paul's plus a 12-piece orchestra.
Please plan to attend, & invite friends & neighbors, colleagues & strangers to join us. This is grand music to close the church year on Christ the King Sunday, the weekend before Thanksgiving. Last year several dozen visitors attended our Reformation Sunday cantata service; this year we should aim for 100 visitors or more. Please help publicize this! Watch the church publications in the coming weeks for more about these musical works & how you can help invite repeat & future visitors directly.
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Six Sundays of Summer Service
Thank you from the Social Ministry Committee
THANK YOU ST. PAUL'S! The Social Ministry Committee would like to thank you for your support during the Six Summer Sundays of Service! A number of St. Paul's volunteers helped a variety of organizations around the themes of caring for the elderly, welcoming visitors, promoting education, supporting immigrants and refugees, and uplifting people experiencing food insecurity. In the process we made 25 bouquets of flowers; stuffed 15 welcome bags, filled 10 backpacks with school supplies, and decorated 57 reusable shopping bags, and wrote 70 cards for immigrant families! The organizations we supported include Forest Hills Inclusive Senior Living, SPLC Prime Time, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services, SPLC food pantry, and Friendship Place. If you're interested in joining the Social Ministry Committee to continue work like this, contact Lisa Wackler.
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Reminder!
Please return your intention cards for 2019 Annual Giving!
Year- end statements of giving were mailed to households on January 30th. In that same envelope was a letter from stewardship chair Mike Charlton along with an intention card to be returned to the Treasurer indicating your intentions for giving to the church in 2019. To date, 63 households have responded. Please take the time to return your card!
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Thank You to the Members of the Transition Team for All of Their Hard Work These Last Few Months:Christi Barnhart (chair)Gail FerrisRebecca HighsmithSarah HinesPaul Reichert |
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Advocacy Job Opening
Job opening in DC to lead Lutheran Capitol Hill efforts to support migrants, refugees, and immigration reform. LIRS is an independent Lutheran organization that works with the ELCA and other Lutherans. This position is also a key leader in the ecumenical and interfaith religious community on Capitol Hill. For 80 years Lutherans have been at the front to welcome immigrants and refugees into our communities. We have been richly blessed by our new neighbors. Share and consider this position so you can help Lutherans and our allies keep open the doors of mercy. Follow the link to the position description and for more information:
. http://lirs.iapplicants.com/ViewJob-775354.html
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