November Trumpet Blast 2016

Trumpet Blast

Newsletter

St. Paul's Church

November 30, 2016

"A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit." Isaiah 11:1

Dear St. Paul's,

The season of Advent has officially arrived! The word Advent comes from a Latin word which means "coming." These four Sundays leading to Christmas are a vital time of preparation, as we await the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. It's a beautiful time of quiet reflection. Listen for His voice. It's a precious time to reestablish Jesus as our top priority. Put Him first in everything. We light candles on the Advent wreath as a sign of our deep longing for the Righteous Branch of Jesse, the Desire of Nations, and the Light of the World to scatter the darkness from before our path.

This is, as the song goes, "the most wonderful time of the year." The smell of pine needles and cranberry. Gingerbread and peppermint. The sound of sleigh bells and brass. The sight of twinkling lights and wide-eyed children. It's the time when families come together, break bread, sing songs, exchange gifts, and express our love for one another. Soak it all in. Relish every minute. Ultimately, it's all a celebration of Him-His goodness, faithfulness and love for all of us.

And on Christmas Eve, look up into the night sky and say a quiet word of thanks. Thanks for the shepherds who saw the Heavenly Host, and believed what the angels had told them. Thanks for Mary who gave birth to her firstborn in a cave. Thanks for Joseph who stood by her side. Thanks for the Newborn King, who exchanged a throne in Heaven for a straw-filled manger, to draw near to you.

Come Lord Jesus!

Gratefully in Christ,

Pr. Jon

*Picture on the right was taken on the Holy Land trip last month of a cave said to be similar to the one where Christ was born.

CONGREGATIONAL

CHRISTMAS PARTY

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9

5:30 PM

AT THE GARDEN CLUB

Please see the sign-up sheet in
church, Debbie Walker or call the church office to bring your favorite side dish and to help with decorations or clean-up.

Note: The thumbprint tree gift for Robin Hanson will be available at the party for those who have not had the opportunity to sign it. You can also see Norma in the office.

St. Paul's Church 2016

C H R I S T M A S S T O C K I N G

G I F T C O L L E C T I O N

For Children At The

CHILDCARE RESOURCES CENTER IN VERO BEACH

We are collecting now through Sunday, December 11th.

Please see Robbie or Debbie Walker to choose a

stocking and fulfill one of their Christmas wishes.

SPC FARMER'S MARKET BOOTH 

WILL BE IN HUMISTON PARK

SATURDAY

DECEMBER 10TH

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

COME OUT & JOIN US AS WE MEET THE COMMUNITY.  WE WILL BE HANDING OUT FREE GOSPEL BRACELETS TO EVERYONE WHO COMES BY.

~ JAMAICA MISSION TRIP ~

THANK YOU FOR THE GIFTS PURCHASED FOR THE CHILDREN AT ST. MONICA'S CHILDREN'S HOME IN JAMAICA. PLEASE PRAY FOR AMANDA ROBBINS AS SHE TRAVELS WITH THE MISSION TEAM TO DELIVER THE GIFTS DECEMBER 9TH - 11TH.

CHRISTMAS WORSHIP SCHEDULE

Sunday, December 18, 8 & 10:00 AM Services

Saturday, Dec. 24, 4:00 PM -

"Lessons & Carols" Christmas Eve Program

Sunday, Dec. 25, 10 AM - Christmas Day Service

Sunday, Jan. 1, 10 AM - Morning Prayer Service

If you would like to contribute to Staff Christmas Gifts, place it in the designated basket in church Sunday, Dec. 4th or 11th, separate from your tithe, and we will add it to the gifts of all the other parishioners.

Please make your checks payable to St. Paul's Church and write "Staff Gift" on the memo line. Your donated amount will be added to your yearly contributions. The collection deadline is Dec. 11th.

Thank you.

Sunday Morning Bible Study

St. Paul's Church launched a new adult Fall Bible study series with an in-depth exploration of the Old Testament Book of Ruth. The class, entitled Wonder Women of the Bible: Esther the Rescuer, is led by Bill Proctor and meets at the Garden Club at 9:00-9:50 AM. Honest discussion and even debate are encouraged - and all are welcome! Note: the class will not meet on Sunday Dec. 25 or Jan. 1.

Wednesday Night Bible Study

The Wednesday evening Bible study will resume on January 18th. The study will focus on the Old Testament prophecies of the Messiah. Dean Sparks will facilitate the study.

Men's Ministry -"Promise Keepers "- Fridays

Come join us for "Promise Keepers" men's ministry which meets at C.J. Cannon's at the Vero Beach Regional Airport, 3414 Cherokee Dr., Vero Beach, 32960, every Friday 8:00 - 9:30 AM. We will share breakfast together and read the inspiring "Game Plan for Life" by Joe Gibbs, 3-time Super Bowl and NASCAR Champion. Very informal. No homework required. Great friends, food and fun! Note: the group will not meet on Dec. 23 or 30.

WOMEN'S PRAYER GROUP

Ladies of all ages meet for fellowship and prayer every Thursday morning at 10:00 AM. They are currently meeting at the home of Sally Wyer, 950 Regency Square #317-E, VB, 32967, ph#778-1255. Please join us!

LATEST PICTURES FROM THE

FLAMEVINE CHURCH PROPERTY

11/3/2016

11/10/2016

11/18/2016

11/29/2016 - 2nd floor

See our Facebook page for more pictures.

Click here for Church Property article in 32963 newspaper 10-27-16

2017

Your box of 2017 offering envelopes are available for pick up this coming Sunday. (Even if you don't use them, we have to order them.) Please save us the postage and pick yours up. Thank you.

* SAVE THE DATE *

Women's Seminar

Saturday, February 18, 2017

"Further UP - Further IN"

Living in the greatest story ever told

Leigh McLeroy, guest speaker, writes and speaks with a passion

for God and a keen eye for His presence in everyday life.

Building Faith. Transforming Lives.

Campaign Update

As of Sunday, November 27, we have received Building Fund pledges totaling $552,100, representing 15 family units, toward our goal of $1,350,000. Thank you so much to everyone who has given so generously thus far.

Fortunately, the Internal Revenue Code provides some real tax breaks for charitable giving, in addition to donation deductibility for those who itemize.

For example, donations to St. Paul's Church property, such as stocks, bonds, real estate and the like, held for more than one year, which has appreciated in value over the years, may escape both capital gains and estate taxes.

For more info, please contact the church office or Dean Sparks 772.234.2398.