All Are Welcome

Infamous (yet belated on the Secretary's fault) pictures of the Turkey Cook this year!

Giving Statements for Pledge 2024: In the Narthex for Sunday, December 8th, you will find giving statements for pledges that are still unmet. If you are unable to pick up (or simply forgot) your statement, no worries as they will be mailed out Monday, December 9th 😊; if you receive your statement in the mail and know you have already met your pledge, please disregard- Katie

Pledge 2025: When you share your gifts with your neighbors, every step is walking in love. We invite you to share your time and talents by signing up for Lay Ministries, or participation in church groups.

We also invite you to share your treasure by turning in your pledge. A pledge is not a contract, but a goal. By turning in your pledge, the Vestry can plan 2025. So far, we have received 43 pledges; last year, we had a total of 64. Pledges can be turned in at the church office, on Realm or in the offering plate. Thank you for walking in love with us.

Angel Tree: We have 15 children still needing Christmas “angels.” If you would like to sponsor a child, please write you name on the back of one of the construction paper tags and take the loose slip with your child’s name and wish list. Gifts are to the turned in with your child’s tag in the Citizen’s Bank lobby. If you are unable to drop them off there, please contact the church and we will arrange drop off.

Vestry Nominations: The vestry is seeking nomination for three members to serve three-year terms on our vestry beginning in February. Candidates must be confirmed members and must attend regularly and pledge. You may submit your name or the name of another member to a member of the vestry. A slate of candidates will be presented to the membership prior to our annual meeting on January 26th. 

Confirmation Class: Cade Archer will be leading a series of classes for those who would like to prepare for Confirmation or simply learn more about the Episcopal Church. If you think you might be interested you can meet with Steve Massey today during coffee hour after the 10:30 service, or contact Cade Archer at cadearcher1@gmail.com or (832) 289-5002.

Christmas Flowers & Greenery: If you would like to contribute to decorating our church for Christmas in memory or honor of someone, please email the information to stpaulsbatesville@gmail.com or fill out the form in the bulletin. Please make your donation by Friday, December 20th. Names received by that date will be included in our Christmas bulletins.

Gingerbread Houses: Granny has made 3 beautiful gingerbread houses! We will have a silent auction running Sunday, December 15th during Coffee Hour and during the reception after the Batesville Choral Society Lessons & Carols. The top 3 bidders will win, with the highest bidder getting first pick. Proceeds will go to the church discretionary fund, ECW, and the choir.

Rector Search Update: We have begun to receive rector applications and will be scheduling interviews this month and in January. We will continue to accept applications until the call for our next Rector has been made so if you are aware of an interested candidate, please let a member of the Search Committee know. Thank you for your continued support and prayers for the search committee, the Vestry and Wardens.

Mark Your Calendar:

• Coffee Hour: After the service, everyone is invited to the Parish House (two lefts at the bottom of the steps) for refreshments and fellowship
• Children’s Sunday School: Sunday, December 8th & 22nd at 9:45 am
• Care Team Meeting: Sunday, December 8th after the 10:30 am service
• Batesville Community Choir Concert: Sunday, December 15th at 5:00 pm at St. Paul’s
• Mahjongg Lessons: Every Sunday at 2:00 pm in the Parish Hall
• Adult Sunday School: Sundays, 9:30 am in the Parish Hall
• The Chosen Discussion Group: Every Monday from 5:30-7 pm

Blessing Box: Looking for ideas about what to donate for the Blessing Box? Rice Krispie treats, pop tarts, ramen noodles, fruit snacks, granola bars or chips work! These items will go in the Blessing Box, and will also be shared with our Lyon College students when the Care Team makes “snack bags” to pass out monthly. Thank you! 😊

If you were unable to attend the potluck we had with Bishop Harmon, please refer to the attachment below of notes that were taken of things that were discussed as a group:

Notes Taken at the Potluck w/ Bishop Harmon

EfM Collect from 12/3/2024

Most Merciful God, you strengthen us so we can overcome our fears.

We thank you for your love, protection, and guidance when our fears overwhelm us.

We pray that your love will continue to conquer our fears and let our hearts not be troubled.

Help us remember that you are with us, so that we can freely share your love with others.

Amen.

Celebrant: Rev. Dr. Natalie Molineaux (Mò-lé-nō)

Eucharistic Minister (8:00): Mike Schmidt

Eucharistic Minister (10:30): Paul Hance

Lector: Pam Baxter

Acolyte: Steve Massey

Ushers: Brenda & Nikki Bittle

Technical Support: David Taverner

Coffee Hour: Beverly Grigsby

Altar Guild: Ardis Gillespie & Donna Fagan

Community Meal (12/11/2024):  Team Kipfer

If you made it all the way to the end, yay! Maybe you have it in yourself to read one more segment that your secretary worked on 🙂. I've been reading from a devotional book at home called Live in Grace, Walk in Love by Bob Goff. Last night I was reading the daily devotional and I wanted to share it with you all. The tagline at the beginning reads: Getting annoyed or losing patience is normal. Giving away love regardless is holy. Be like Jesus this holiday season. The following verse is from 1 John 2:10: Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble.

The part I wanted to share with you is as follows, enjoy: Don't let minor details make you veer off course. God has an unending, deep, abiding love for you, even when you spill the milk, drop the special plate, knock over the vase, or miss the turnoff. Go into the holiday season ready to show a deep love for others that doesn't get irked by the little stuff. If you want to go big, decide you won't let the big stuff bug you either. And remember, just like a real human family, when you become a part of God's family, you'll be around people who are on a trip. They might be in a moment of anticipation, they might be in a moment of dread, they might be dealing with crippling self-doubt. Jesus came to show them love in every moment-and it's often through us.

Again, this is coming from me, Katie, because I felt like I needed to share it with you all. I hope it wasn't too much to read and that you all have a good weekend. Thank you 🙂- Katie