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 Seeing and Telling Who Jesus Is
The time after Epiphany is the
church's time to invite us to come and see who this one born in a manger will be, and to discover what this one born to a young woman might mean for us and for the world. Sunday's gospel tells us that Jesus is the "
Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world," "
the Son of God," and "
the Messiah." These appellations show us that the coming of Jesus has meaning not just for those who follow him, but for
all people and
all the world. In the gospel, neither John nor Andrew can contain their testimony about who Jesus is. They have had an encounter with Christ that has had such an impact on their lives that they cannot help but tell others about it. John tells his disciples and everyone else within earshot about Jesus. Andrew runs to find his brother, Peter, and brings him to Jesus so that Peter might have the same life-changing encounter he himself has experienced.
We are invited to "
come and see" who Jesus is. We are reminded that God's forgiveness and love proclaimed in Jesus Christ is meant to be
good news for us and
for all people. As we encounter Christ, our lives are changed. Like John and Andrew in today's gospel, we are called to share with others who we have seen Jesus to be.
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In today's culture we are often told to point to ourselves
through our own blogs,
Facebook, Twitter, and other social media.
John points to Jesus throughout the gospel.
How might we, as the body of Christ,
be more like John in giving witness to the Lamb of God?
Could these same tools that we often use to boost our own statuses and titles
also be used to point to Jesus, the light and salvation of the world?
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 Sunday's Adult Learning Forum will include a presentation/discussion on "What Makes it Lutheran?: Everything Points to the Cross". Bring your drink & snack down the hall to the classroom and join Tim Kellogg for some lively conversation. 9:30 or so.
JANUARY 15 & 22
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renewer of society, martyr, died 1968
An American prophet of justice among races and nations, King was an eloquent preacher, a leader of the nonviolent resistance to race-segregated society, and recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. Born on this date, he was assassinated on April 4, 1968.
LEARN MORE
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WATCH/LISTEN:
"Do you know who you are?"
A sermon on Matthew 3:11-4:1
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Call for Nominations: Elections for congregation positions
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There are openings in congregation positions that will be called at the Annual Meeting on
February 12, 2017.
The openings are:
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Congregaton Council, 3-year term -
4
positions
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Fund for Mission, 3-year term -
2
positions
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Nominatng Commitee
, 1-year term-
6
positions (for 2018 election)
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Congregation Reps. to Synod Assembly
, 1-yr term-
2
positions
Anyone may nominate any one - even yourself. Please prayerfully consider who can best fill these positions and drop their names in the blue box located on the round table in the narthex.
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| SHAWL MINISTRY JANUARY 14 |
Compassion and the love of knitting/crocheting
ha
ve b
een
combined into a prayerful ministry and spiritual practice which reaches out t
o those in need of comfort and solace, as well as in celebration and joy. Many blessings are prayed into every stitch!
The shawl maker begins with prayers and blessings for the recipient. The intentions are continued throughout the creation of the shawl. Upon completion, a final blessing is offered before the shawl is sent on its way. Both the giver and receiver feel the unconditional embrace of a sheltering, mothering God!
All are welcome! Saturday Jan. 14 9:30 Classroom by Fellowship Hall
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 If you would like to participate in a brainstorm session for Vacation Bible Camp this summer, interested persons are meeting up Tuesday January 17th at 7pm in Tammies office. All are welcome! |
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SAYBROOK SOUP KITCHEN JANUARY 18
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Please join us at Grace Church on Main Street on Wednesday, 1/18 at 10:00 to prepare and serve the noon meal for the Shoreline Soup Kitchen. It's a popular, delicious meal that we serve, many helpers are needed, so invite a friend! Questions? Give Bill Neuman a call - 860.434.9316
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RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE JANUARY 28
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SATURDAY, 1/28 from 9AM - 2PM. Come and donate - bring some friends along as well! Let Regina know you can help her with logistics and/or make finger sandwiches-860-691-1674 or rmmoller@me.com. To make appt - CLICK HERE
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NIGHTFLIGHT CONCERT FEBRUARY 3
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Dave Morretti's band, NightFlight, will be performing a concert to raise funds for the youth mission trip to Brooklyn, NY in July. No tickets are required, doors open at 6:30. A free will offering of $10 is suggested. 7:00 - Fellowship Hall
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ONE SERVICE SUNDAY at 10! FEBRUARY 12
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 We're worshiping as one BIG happy faith family on this Sunday to accommodate the plan for our annual business meeting of the church. We'll start with lunch following the 10:00 service. We'll elect folks to serve on the Council, Nominating Committee, Fund for Mission and adopt a budget for 2017. C U THERE |
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NEW ADVENTURES Luncheon FEBRUARY 13
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 The next New Adventures Luncheon for community members 60 years old and older will be held on Monday, February 13 from 12 - 2 and will feature a presentation/discussion led by Chip Rutan, a local fine art photographer who will talk about his six-month long photographic journey with a homeless women in New York City. Some of the photos from his journal are currently on display in the narthex. $5 for lunch. RSVP to Mike Grannon at 860-661-59544 or glpct@aol.com. All are welcome - members and non-members of St. Paul. Bring your friends!
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The Blessing Box
You might be surprised to know of the amount of homeless folks that stop by the church looking for refuge or food. The Mission team is developing a new mission project to address this issue. Called The Blessing Box, the project consists of a simply constructed box mounted on a pole that will be filled, according to the season, with items that folks in need can help themselves to. If you would like to be a part of this project or would like more information talk to a Mission Team member or Kim in the office.
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| TAKE a WALK DOWN the AISLE |
Cheri Toman is looking for an usher partner for the following dates:
February 12 and April 2 for the
10:45 worship service. Click
here to say you'd love to.
Training available.
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LINK TO CALENDAR.
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Ongoing & upcoming:
Breakfast Club Wednesdays, 7:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.
We eat, read & talk about the scripture for the coming Sunday - meets in classroom by kitchen. 1st Wednesday at OS Diner.
Prayer Circle Wednesdays, 8:45 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Join Pastor Geoff for a brief, spoken, opportunity for morning prayer.
Thursday Bible Study Thursdays, 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Bring a lunch as we read & discuss Corinthians - Farview House
Soup Kitchen
(Lunch in Old Saybrook) 3rd Wednesdays Grace Church
Register for ST. PAUL RETREAT An adult retreat is being planned for 6/2 - 6/4 at Mercy Center, Madison. If you are interested in going or need more info contact Dicie at dicie204@gmail.com or 860.989.0532.
Register for
ADULT MISSION TRIP
Mission Trip opportunity to travel to Portland, ME - July 9-14. for more info, contact: Regina at rmmoller@me.com. $345. 1/2 deposit due ASAP.
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 Phyllis Fowler, charter member of St. Paul Church is turning
90 on Saturday! Send her a card at 27 Mares Hill Road, Ivoryton, 06426.
Let us know your joys and concerns
here
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CHURCH STAFF: Pastor-Rev. Geoff T. Sinibaldo Director of Youth & Family Ministries-Tammie Sinibaldo Parish Administrator-Kim Meadows Music Director-Al LaPorte Sexton-Dave Moretti
OFFICE HOURS :Tuesday - Thursday 9am-1pm. Pastor Geoff is available by appointment past regular office hours. Please contact the office or email him at pastorggeoff@gmail.com to schedule an appointment. |
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