Anyone who has ever just dropped by my house unexpectedly and unannounced knows that housekeeping is not my strong suit. It's not unusual to find things all over the place........strewn from one end of the house to the other. It's just so 'convenient' to have everything out!! More than once a less-than-tactful visitor has asked me, "Doesn't all of this mess bother you?" My answer is always the same. "Nope. I guess I just don't see it!!" So, what are you 'not seeing' in your life? .......maybe because it's just too familiar or perhaps just too overwhelming to really notice.
            The  Rev. Liz Tomlinson
To read recent sermon transcripts,  click here

StPaulsSnow

September 22, 2016
No eyes to see 
The sin of doing nothing
 
Jesus presents us with another parable of the rich and the poor. In this parable, we are the rich man's brothers who still have time to change our ways and secure our eternal life. Jesus challenges us about not responding to what is going on around us.......to fail to notice others and what they need. Sometimes it's a little scary to really look. It can be overwhelming and frightening. Sometimes we think that the little that we can do is not nearly enough. Really? Maybe God has another plan. Come join us for Sunday morning worship to find out! 
The Romans are here........
Adult Christian Formation next session is October 2

We started our study of St. Paul's letter to the Romans on Sunday, September 18. Our next session will be on October 2 at 9:00am in Fleming Hall. To prepare for this session, please read Romans Chapter 1 and pay particular attention to verses 1-17.  Please also read Chapter 1 of   The Story of Romans by A. Katherine Grieb. Bring your questions with you. You might find it helpful to read "Suggestions for reading Romans" located at the end of this first chapter. The book is available on Amazon. Recommended study Bibles are the Harper Collins Study Bible and The New Oxford Annotated Bible. If you need some help securing these books, please let Rev. Liz know.   
Next Vestry Meeting rescheduled
October 9, 2016

Our Vestry's regularly scheduled meeting date is the third Sunday of the month, but on October 16 the Rev. Dr. Katherine Grieb, New Testament professor at Virginia Theological Seminary will be with us to teach our Adult Formation Class, to preach and celebrate, and to have an informal forum with us during Fellowship Hour. Therefore, the Vestry has rescheduled the Vestry meeting for Sunday, October 9 at 12:30pm. 
New Parish Directory
Ready Now

Things change......and so do phone numbers, addresses and e-mail addresses, so we have updated the Parish Directory with what we believe to be the most up-to-date information. If there is an error, please let us know. The new Directory will make it easier for all of us to stay in touch with one another. You can pick up your Directory this Sunday from an usher or on the table beneath the banner outside the Office. 
ECW Annual Meeting and Fall Ingathering 
Thursday, October 13, 2016

If you are a female member of an Episcopal Church, you are automatically a member of ECW. This fall the meeting will be held at Aquia Episcopal Church in Stafford, Virginia. The program is "Walk in Love" and will be presented by the Right Rev. Susan Goff who will share her experiences in Guatamala, her meeting with Pope Francis, and her ongoing relationship with the Diocese of Liverpool. Breakfast is at 8:30am followed by the business meeting, then the program and then a buffet luncheon. Holy Eucharist will be celebrated at 1:30pm. If you would like to attend and represent St. Paul's at this meeting, please speak to Rev. Liz. 
Handbell Choir
Looking for volunteers

The handbell choir adds another dimension to the music during our morning worship. There's nothing quite like it!  If you read music and you are interested in learning how to be part of the handbell choir, even if you have never done it before, please speak to our Music Director, Anna Ko. She can get you all set!!
Outreach Opportunity
St. Paul's can help local school children

At our last Vestry Meeting, the Vestry decided to pursue an outreach opportunity to help children in a local elementary school. The program is sponsored by Britepaths (formerly Our Daily Bread). The commitment for us is to make food packets for the weekend for children who are on free/reduced price lunches at school. There is an elementary school in our area that has 80% of its students in this category. Our contact person is Dave Parkerton at Epiphany Episcopal in Herndon. He is the lay person in charge of this program for them. They assemble these packets after church every second Sunday of the month. If you are interested in helping to get this project started for St. Paul's and are willing to visit Epiphany to see how it's done, please contact a member of the Vestry or Rev. Liz. 
                           
FEED THE HUNGRY

The summer months are no easier than any other months for those that are hungry. Don't forget to replenish the Food Pantry sponsored by ACCA. You can leave your donations in the large wicker basket at the rear of the Sanctuary. And give thanks to Dick and Mary Lou Runyon who make sure that your offerings to the hungry get safely to ACCA. As always, your generosity helps so many and is greatly appreciated.
Homeless Shelter
Toiletries needed

When you are out shopping this week, please remember our neighbors at the homeless shelter and pick up a few toiletries for them. Particularly needed at the moment are disposable razors, shaving cream, small tubes of toothpaste and individual travel sizes of soap/body wash. Your generosity is appreciated and your donations are put to good use!
Drivers needed 

This is the perfect outreach opportunity for any of you who are retired or who have a flexible work schedule. Drivers are needed to take elderly clients to doctors' appointments, the grocery store, the pharmacy and other local errands that most of us take for granted. There is no long term commitment involved. You will be asked to drive at a time and on a schedule that is convenient for you. Remember, one day each one of us may need this kind of outreach done for us. Imagine that it is your Mom or your Dad or your favorite aunt or uncle and call the Center number at (703) 506-2199 or e-mail them at  info@scmafc.org .  To visit the Center's website for more information  CLICK HERE .  
Contact
The Rev. Elizabeth W. Tomlinson
Priest-in-Charge
3439 Payne Street, Falls Church, VA. 22041
703-820-2625
Stay Connected
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"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit"   
                                                                                                ~Romans 15:13