Children and Family Ministry Updates
Week of 11/25 - 12/2

Hello, parents and families of St. Paul's! Here's what's on the horizon for children + family ministry for the next few weeks: the dawning of Advent, opportunities for fellowship, and more!

If you have questions, comments, or suggestions, please feel free to email lwillis@stpaulsrva.org and we'll talk.

Thanks!

Linda Willis, Director of Children's and Family Ministry
Sarah A. Foote, Director of Communications
Advent Arts + Crafts is THIS Sunday!

This Sunday, please join us for Advent Arts + Crafts following the 10 a.m. worship service for children, youth and parents.  Come make an ornament, eat some finger foods and snacks, and let us begin our Advent journey together. 

Plus: the ornaments and crafts will be given to homebound seniors to brighten up their holidays. Come be part of the fun!
What are you Thankful For?



Just because Thanksgiving has happened, doesn't mean we have to quit being thankful! Please take a moment to add to our "Thankfulness Tree" up near the Youth Room and Nursery. We invite ALL parishioners -- those young AND young at heart! -- to write things and people you are thankful for on paper leaves, and stick them up on the tree. Please use as many leaves as you like. 
Advent Observance: 
Way More than  Just Pretty Candles


By now, more of us are pretty familiar with the wreaths, calendars, and festive candles that usher in the season of Advent. But how else do you observe Advent in your house? Are your kids a part of this process? 

If you're stuck, never fear: here are some good ways ( dozens, in fact!) to involve kids in this special season of watching and waiting. 
Giving Tree for Woodville Elementary & Emmaus Ministries

Beginning this week, we will be ready to accept donations for our Emmaus ministry and for the children at Woodville E.S. under our "Giving Tree"!

Please consider bringing one of the following items for donation:

For adults: socks and travel size toiletries

For kids: belts (medium or large youth sizes), new stretchy pants (like joggers, leggings, sweatpants in all sizes), new tee shirts (all youth sizes, especially girls)

Thank you for your generosity! 
Special Parent's Meetup: 
Sue Eaves Discusses 
"Keeping the Christ in Christmas"

On Sunday, December 9 during the 9 a.m. Sunday School hour, Rev. Sue Eaves will join the Parent's Group to talk about the "reason for the season" and slowing down during Advent. All are invited, and this event is for all ages, so please join us!
Sunday Morning Parent's Meetup


Join us as we dive into what it means to stop struggling so hard against (and within) ourselves, reading our new book  Dropping the Struggle: Seven Ways to Love the Life You Have by Roger Housden. 

"In our culture of "get more, have more, be more," is there any place for "thanks, I'm good"? Bestselling author and acclaimed teacher Roger Housden says yes in this alternative to nonstop striving and self-criticism."

We meet Sundays at 9 a.m. in the Youth Room, next door to the nursery. This group is always open to everyone.
Connect with 
St. Paul's:
815 E. Grace Street
Richmond, VA 23219