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:
“I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”
--(Psalm 139:14a)
March is Women’s History Month. It began with a week-long celebration in 1978. Since 1987, it has been a month that has been set aside in the United States to celebrate the accomplishments of women throughout history. It is also a month to encourage women and girls to be all that they can be.
The theme for 2021 is “Valiant Women of the Vote: Refusing to Be Silenced.”
This all started with the celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8. This celebration has been in place since 1911.
I remember celebrating International Women’s Day as I traveled in Africa. It is a day when groups of women wear clothes made of the same colorful cloth and have parades to show their pride in just being women. It is a day when all over the globe the brilliance, the intelligence, the creativity of women is joyfully recognized.
What should you do to celebrate Women’s History Month? How about telling the women in your life they are appreciated? What if we listen to the music of women? Or perhaps read the books of women? Or watch movies that celebrate women?
In recognition of this month, I would like to appreciate and celebrate all the brilliant women of St. Paul’s! You are amazing! I am honored to be among you.
Be well, be safe, be blessed.
Pastor Andrea
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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Give to St. Paul's by shopping at Amazon Smile!
Amazon Smile is a simple way for you to support your favorite charitable organization every time you shop, at no cost to you. On all eligible purchases, the Amazon Smile Foundation will donate a portion of your purchase to the charity of your choice. Please make St. Paul's your charity of choice! Shop for St. Paul's here, enter your email and amazon password and shop away to benefit St. Paul's English Lutheran Church (bookmark the tab so it will always be easy to find!).
For more information about the program, click here.
Let's Go Shopping!!!!
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Apple Computer Fund continues as Worship technology fund.
We exceeded the goal of $1270 by $800+ and are now forging ahead with a worship technology fund. Here are some items that we need to pay for:
- Microphones to capture the choir and organ in high quality for recorded and livestreamed services (purchased in 2020)
- An audio mixer to combine music and spoken word for recorded and livestreamed services (purchased in 2020)
- Microphone stands and cables (purchased in 2020)
- Sturdy tripods for outdoor worship.
- Eventually we will need cameras for the sanctuary for a permanent video presence. (Currently we are using cameras on loan).
- Ongoing maintenance on all the equipment.
If you are able, keep the donations coming and mark them for worship technology!
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Vacation Bible School--Let Us Hear From YOU!
We're starting to see more new information about the pandemic, especially as it relates to vaccine distribution, and so we're thinking about what summer may look like at St. Paul's, including Vacation Bible School. Please participate in a short poll telling us what's on YOUR mind regarding VBS by clicking HERE.
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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Adult Sunday School continues on March 7th via Zoom.
The class will be led by Ted Wackler and will explore the Old Testament from biblical, historical, and social perspectives; one book at a time. We hope to gain a better perspective on how it all fits together and why it remains important in our lives today.
St. Paul's Lutheran is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Bible Study
Time: March 7, 2021 09:30 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81874690961?pwd=bGo5NWpadFNRZk5LWVJtM2xDbVl1QT09
Meeting ID: 818 7469 0961
Passcode: 948193
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High School Students--We Need To Hear From YOU!
The DC Youth Group needs your responses to our survey (below) about a possible youth service trip this summer to Appalachia. We need your responses BY THIS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26TH.
Please note:
- The Appalachian Service Project needs our commitment by the first week of March. (For more info about the program, please click on this link: https://asphome.org/).
If we reach "critical mass," we will proceed with signing a contract, and ask that you give us a deposit. IF we reach this point, and you pay the deposit, it is NON-REFUNDABLE. The only exception to this is if the program has to cancel on us because of Covid, then your deposits would be refunded.
That's a lot, we know. But the first step is knowing who would be seriously interested in going. So please take the survey: I've created this INTEREST AND FEEDBACK FORM
Thanks, everyone--please reach out to Lisa Wackler at if you have questions.
(Side note: the actual working part of this trip would count for SSL or Community Service hours.)
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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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News from Lutheran World Relief
On behalf of Lutheran World Relief, I want to reach out one last time to update your congregation about the quilts and/or kits that you had in the Beirut port when the blast shook the city on August 4. As you recall, we originally thought all was lost and only later discovered that the LWR supplies were protected.
Thanks to the love of your congregation and other Lutherans across the U.S., over 11,500 people in Lebanon have received these quilts and kits! All 21,433 quilts and kits were distributed to families (many households receiving multiple items).
A video has been created to share with your congregation, accessible either on YouTube or via download.
YouTube: https://youtu.be/JIrXrgGbB5U
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| Bringing Christ's light to life in Beirut |
Download: https://photos.lwr.org/?r=32494&k=932ca74359
Additionally, thanks to the love of Lutherans and our staff on the ground, we've been able to meet more needs in Beirut:
- We have finished 290 household repairs and another 810 are in progress to be completed by Christmas. We're exceeding our target of 742 households ... and yet there are so many more to whom we could respond.
- We are in discussions with partners on a mental health/psychosocial training for those who are still struggling with the impact of the blast, coupled with the COVID-19 lockdown (much like the US, Lebanon experienced spikes in November and the government has severely limited movement as a result).
Once again, thank you for bringing the light of Christ to our neighbors this Advent. If you ever have any questions about your partnership with Lutheran World Relief, please don't hesitate to reach out to me.
In gratitude,
Emma Wagner
Associate, Congregational Engagement
Lutheran World Relief
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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 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)!
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Sunday, March 7, 2021:
Please join us at on YouTube!
Please click HERE for the service bulletin.
Please click HERE for today's Children's Bulletin.
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Wednesday Evenings in Lent
6:30 pm via Zoom (details below)
Book Study and Reflections.
Let us take on 'sacrificial giving and works of love.' We will discover what this means in a time of study and reflection of the book Giving to God, by Mark Allan Powell. (if you use Amazon, please don' forget to use smile.amazon.com/ch/53-0196496)
Rev. Dr. Andrea Walker is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Giving to God
Time: Feb 24, 2021 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Mar 10, 2021 06:30 PM
Mar 17, 2021 06:30 PM
Mar 24, 2021 06:30 PM
Mar 31, 2021 06:30 PM
Apr 7, 2021 06:30 PM
Join Zoom Meeting HERE.
Meeting ID: 873 2038 8557
Passcode: 193556
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40 Days of Prayer for All Ages
Lent is a time of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. As we make the journey to the Cross, let's explore some new ways to pray!
Here is a document for download that you can use throughout the season of Lent. These are prayer activities that are suitable for all ages and can be done by yourself or with others.
Let us know which ones are your favorites, and if you have any that you would like to include!
AND
Watch Lisa Wackler's video on What is Fasting? Why do we do it?
For ideas about what you can "give" or "give up" for Lent, click HERE.
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Please Send Us Your Favorite Soup Recipes!
Over the years, there have been some delicious home-made soups shared at St. Paul's, especially on Wednesday evenings during Lent. While we won't be together in person on Wednesday evenings during Lent this year (Ash Wednesday is February 17th), let's keep up the tradition of enjoying these soups but in our own homes. There will be activities offered on Wednesdays during Lent (details to come...) so why not have a St. Paul's inspired soup for dinner on Wednesdays as well! Beginning next Wednesday and continuing during Lent, we will publish at least one soup recipe via e-news for you to prepare and enjoy the following Wednesday of Lent. Please send your recipes to Joy.
- Thank you to Jacqui Lainez Flanagan for sharing her recipe for Exotic Mayan Stew.
- Thank you to Cynthia Jensen for sharing these two recipes with us: Lemony white bean soup with turkey and greens and Black bean soup with sweet potato's
- Thank you Amy Baumgardner for sharing this Butternut Squash soup recipe with us!
Happy Cooking!
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WHERE In the Church is our BANNER?
Kids, you may recall from our Children's Sermon a couple of weeks ago that there is a certain word that we don't use during the season of Lent. This word is on one of our banners, which has been hidden away until Easter.
Can you guess where our banner is? We need your exact guess--(in other words, you can't say "the church" or "the hallway," for example). Send your guesses to Lisa Wackler at lwackler@stpaulslutherandc.com and if you guess correctly, we will put your name in a drawing for a prize!
Since the church is a big place, we will give you a clue each week. Here is today's clue:
There are places to sit, that's also true, but that doesn't mean you'll sit in a pew.
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Food Pantry News-
As we approach the season of Lent, we once again will collect toiletries for our Food Pantry. These items are not covered by benefits, so having a supply of these on hand will help us meet the needs of our patrons.
If you would like to order items directly from Amazon, please CLICK HERE to see our shopping list.
We continue to accept your donations of hearty foods and paper grocery bags (Whole Foods, Trader Joes) with handles. When shopping, please consider low-sodium options for canned foods (if available) and healthy cereals.
Look for information coming soon about how you can volunteer for the Food Pantry. (High School Students: This is a GREAT way to get community service, or SSL, hours!)
If you have any questions, about the St. Paul's Food Pantry, please contact Lisa Wackler .
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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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Racial Equity
Movement 3
Meetings:
Tuesday Feb 23 at 7:30 pm
Opening prayer:
God of love, help me value the diversity in your creation and in the human family. Help me to love others and send your Holy Spirit to transform my life. I pray for your unfathomable grace to touch me so that I am energized to work toward dismantling white supremacy. Help me to know more clearly who I am and to live out your compassion and justice in my life, through Jesus the Christ. Amen
Scripture:
Amos 5:23-24
"Take away from me the noise of your songs; I will not listen to the melody of your harps. But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream."
Activity Options:
(Please choose one or all these options)
Listen
The 1619 Project Podcast - Episode 3 The Birth of American Music (35minutes)
Watch:
TEDTalk - How to Deconstruct Racism One Headline at a Time Baratunde Thurston
(6:51minutes)
Read:
10 Habits of Someone Who doesn't Know They're AntiBlack. (www.welcometostratagem.com/post/10-habits-of-someone-who-doesn-t-know-they-re-anti-black)
Or/and- So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo Chapters 6,7,8
Watch:
The Oprah Conversation on Apple TV "Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man" episode 1 (39.37 minutes)
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:
Peacemaking God help me discover what makes for peace. Amen
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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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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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