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 not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God." (Philippians 4:6)
The first day of November is All Saints Sunday. In the life of the Church it is the day we remember all those we have lost in the last year. It is also the beginning of a new month.
This November our country will hold one of the most contentious presidential elections in recent memory. November also comes with a day of giving thanks for all that we have and remembering that St. Paul's sits on the land of the Nacotchtank and the Piscataway; November is church budget season and the beginning of a new liturgical year.
In this month that is so full, it is indeed right and salutary to spend intentional time as a congregation in prayer. What this means is that on All Saints Sunday along with the prayers of the church, I am asking you to send your prayer petitions for our nation, for St. Paul's, and for the world. We will speak most of these prayer petitions aloud during worship in lieu of a sermon.
Send your prayer petitions by Oct 28 so they may be included in the pre-recorded worship.
Please be sure that your prayer petitions are kind, non-partisan and thoughtful.
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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October Yard Cleanup
Please come for the cleanup of the church grounds from 9 a.m. to noon this Saturday, 24 October. This is a healthy non-Zoom activity for everyone. We will rake leaves and spruce up the flowerbeds in the Portico courtyard. In case of rain, the cleanup will take place the following Saturday.
We have sacks, rakes (sanitized and ready to use) and plenty of leaves. All we need is you with garden gloves and face masks. For questions, please text Neil Berger at 202-669-2962.
Cynthia Jensen, as shown in our photo, has gotten a jump on the work over at the parsonage and has already started cleaning out leaves, weeds, and hundreds of acorns from the flowerbeds. *******************************************************
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, amy.mbaumgardner@yahoo.com, nancykshearer@aol.com (delivery usually possible too)
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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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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 at lwackler@stpaulslutherandc.com 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. _______________________________
********************************************************  Christ is Risen!ALLELUIA!****************************************************** in 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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Sunday, October 25, 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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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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All Saints Sunday November 1, 2020
This is the day when we remember those who have died, and who still live on in God's heavenly kingdom. It is also the day when we will specifically lift up the names of those members of St. Paul's who have died since the last All Saints Sunday. As is our custom at St. Paul's, we will include the Commemoration of the Saints in the worship service. We invite you to send in the names of loved ones who have died to be placed on the All Saints Banner. (Joy Belew or Lisa Wackler )
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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: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)
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Racial Equity
Movement 2
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 last Sunday. Our virtual blessing included our first fish, who just might be swimming in holy water now!
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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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FOOD PANTRY UPDATE
News from the Food Pantry
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:
hearty soups (i.e., Campbell's Chunky Soups)
canned veggies (all kinds)
canned beans (all kinds)
canned tuna or chicken
peanut butter
toilet paper
other toiletries: soap/body wash, toothpaste, shampoo/conditioner, deodorant (regular sizes only, please)
These items have been unavailable in our latest attempt to order from the Food Bank, so these needs are critical now.
Please note that regular-sized items are the most useful, as most of our patrons take public transportation to and from the Food Pantry, and don't have the ability to transport heavy or large items.
Another way to help is to 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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