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"REFORMATION 500: NOSTALGIC OR PROPHETIC?
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MINUTE MESSAGE
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Know God, Know Ourselves.
Reformation Sunday is packed with beautiful images, deep-seeded ideas, and a rich history. For life-long Lutherans, these things can provoke a sense of pride in our denomination, but Reformation Sunday is not "Lutheran Pride Day." Instead it is a day focused on knowing God truthfully and in the process understanding who we are as people of faith and children of God in light of God's unbelievable grace.
Luther spent a great deal of time trying to know who God was and to find ways of expressing what he came to know and believe so that others would know God too. He used coarse language, drank beer, and wrote hymns using tunes people knew and recognized. When he wrote his catechism he used language his small son could understand. He even translated the Bible into the language people spoke. Truth about God and our faith, as complex as it is, should be something we can grasp and wrestle with.
Reformation Sunday is certainly a festival day where we celebrate and remember our history, but it should also be a day to reexamine our faith. Part of that is recognizing the truth about our inadequacies, our failings, and our sinfulness. The law is like a mirror in a room with intense fluorescent lights; it shows us who we are with every flaw and wrinkle. But God doesn't look at us in that mirror. The truth about God brings us new knowledge about ourselves.
God shines a new light on us, where iniquities are forgiven and sins forgotten.
The message of Reformation Sunday is God's love for us. It is a love that frees us and redefines us as people of God and as members of the whole body of Christ. In God's eyes, we are beautiful.
On this same day Joe Sinibaldo will be making public affirmation of his baptism.
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"Finding Joy in Struggle"
Sunday's Sermon on Matthew 33:15-22
(Isaiah 45:1-7, Psalm 96 & 1 Thess 1:1-10)
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REFORMATION PARTY OCTOBER 28
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Meet friends and make new ones when we gather to celebrate the 500th year anniversary of the Reformation! We'll be having a Luther themed party with a German themed (or not) potluck and special music by John Banker! 10/28 5:30 IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO HELP SET UP FOR THE PARTY, SHOW UP AT CHURCH ON SATURDAY 10:00 AM!
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The poem
"Art of Reformation," by Michael Coffey, uses the image of modeling clay to think about how individuals and the church can become fixed and brittle, or stay malleable and open to ongoing reformation. Where do you fall?
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This Sunday keep a lookout for St Paul Youth Collecting donations for Operation Christmas Child. Once again we will be teaming up with First Congregational Church in town to pack Shoe Boxes to be distributed to kids around the world who may never have received a Christmas present or have even heard God's Good News! A $20 donation covers postage AND gifts to be packed inside.
Then, join us at First Congregational on Sunday November 12 after church to help pack boxes and write letters to the kids who will be receiving the boxes.
Contact Tammie with any questions or visit samaritanspurse.org for more info.
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Watch/listen
GATHERING HYMN "
A Mighty Fortress"
The third stanza of "A mighty fortress is our God" (ELW 503) describes "hordes of devils" and others engaged in battle against the people of God. In the face of all these powers we find hope because "God's judgment must prevail." But God does not prevail through greater force, a bigger army, or a more cunning strategy. Instead the final words of the verse remind us: "One little word subdues him." Jesus is the little word. Jesus is the one who appears weak and powerless. Jesus is the one who triumphs over Satan and the powers of evil in this world.
LEARN MORE
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SHAWL MINISTRY OCTOBER 28
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The next Shawl Ministry will be moved to Saturday, October 28. We will meet in the church. We will not be meeting in November as it conflicts with the Christmas Fair.
Our December 16 meeting will be in the church... location to be determined. If the church's renovations are completed, we can meet in one of the 'new' rooms.
LEARN MORE
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ST. PAUL CLEAN UP DAY NOVEMBER 4 |
Congregational Clean Up Day
Saturday, November 4 from 9 - noon. This is a great opportunity to roll up your sleeves and help with the renovation. Dusting, vacuuming,
window cleaning
, chair cleaning, storage of items, landscaping work, etc. No need to sign up- just show up ready to work! Contact Steve Hansel at a2hansels@yahoo.com with any questions.
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All Saints Sunday, November 5 |
All Saints' Sunday is November 5, one of the festival Sundays of the church year. All Saints' Sunday is a celebration to honor and remember saints who have been embraced by God's glory. As we sing the verses of "For All the Saints," all will be invited to light a small candle in memory of a departed friend or loved one and place it in a candle holder near the altar. Children, with the assistance of an adult, are encouraged to participate. It will be a meaningful and moving part of our service. In addition, we will remember by name those members of St. Paul who have been embraced by God's promise of eternal life since last All Saints' Sunday. You are encouraged to invite your family and friends, especially those who have experienced loss, to our worship to be part of the candle lighting as we remember the resurrection power of the one who is the Light of the World!
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On this same day Carson Dempsey, Luke Hanratty, Grace Hanratty and Allie Cody will be making public affirmation of their baptism at the 10:45 worship service. Braden Dempsey will be making his First Holy Communion.
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ST. PAUL BOOK CLUB NOVEMBER 11 |
NOVEMBER BOOK: The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George.
The main character, "Monsieur Perdu, calls himself a literary apothecary. From his floating bookstore in a barge on the Seine, he prescribes novels for the hardships of life. Using his intuitive feel for the exact book a reader needs, Perdu mends broken hearts and souls. The only person he can't seem to heal through literature is himself." MEETING:
Saturday, November 11 at 9:30AM at MaryHelen Braceland's home - 57 Coulter St. in Saybrook 203-415-7008. As always, we welcome anyone who enjoys a good read and discussing it with friends old and new.
LEARN MORE
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Save the Date!
BLOOD DRIVE 11/30
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Nov. 30 - Wed., from- 1-6:00. The American Red Cross is facing a blood shortage. Come and donate - bring some friends along as well! Let Regina know you can help with logistics and/or make finger sandwiches - 860-910-1873 or rmmoller@me.com
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Save the Date!
Old Lyme Soup Kitchen 11/18
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NOVEMBER 18 All are welcome and needed to prepare, serve and clean! Young people under the age 15 need to be accompanied by a parent or mentor. For more information email Linda at LaBrecfamily@att.net Hope you can join us! 8 - 10:30am - Old Lyme Congregational Church, 2 Ferry Road
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For Christmas Fair! Looking for:
Jewelry Pocketbooks, wallets Scarves Vases Puzzles Dinnerware, glasses Holiday items Small appliances (blender, slow cooker, etc) Other nice/saleable small items in new/good condition
As soon as we figure out space you can bring items to church. If you'd like to help out please contact Nancy 860-669-3454 nbailey@snet.net
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CHRISTMAS FAIR looking for BAKERS
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CHRISTMAS FAIR - Saturday, 11/19, 9-2. The planning team is winding down and would like to let you know how much your support is appreciated. We're adding food needs to the basket board and hope that you will be inspired to assist in some way with the items needed for lunch and baked goods which both have great success at the fair! Thanks!
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Birthdays come and go
And years may pass away,
But God's love and mercy,
You'll find will never fade
His love is always there
No matter what we do,
In our hearts forever,
His love remains true.
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FLOWER DATES OPEN
DECEMBER 3, 24 & 31
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St. Paul Calendar & Events
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Stay in the know by checking the church 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.
Bible Study
Thursdays, 1200 p.m. We meet at 12 noon each Thursday until 1:30 and study the Gospel of Mark. Bring your Bible and join us as we read the gospel and consider questions about the meaning, at the time it was written and about what it says to us today. This group is open to anyone with an interest in exploring their faith in light of the scriptures. No previous Bible knowledge is required. Call Carol Voigt with any questions: 860-388-3213.
Soup Kitchen
3rd Wednesdays Grace Church (lunch in Old Saybrook)
5th Saturdays Old Lyme Congregational Church (breakfast Old Lyme)
OA
Mondays 7:00pm Narthex
AA Mondays 7:00 pm Fellowship Hall
NA Thursdays 7:00 pm Classroom
AA Sundays 8:00 pm Fellowship Hall
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Let us know your joys and concerns
here
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