VOLUME 34, ISSUE 9 DECEMBER 2009 - JANUARY 2010 ST. PAUL’S LETTER ST. PAUL'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Cary is home to an active, caring, and diverse congregation of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina. Through corporate worship, spiritual development, fellowship, and service we continue to grow together in faith. We strive to be Christ's welcoming, reconciling, and transforming presence in the world through our many and varied ministries. What’s Inside About Our Church 3 Letter From The Rector Alternative Gift: Heifer Int. 4 The Rev. George Adamik Blood Drive 10 Building & Grounds: 15 Dear Friends, Center for Hope & Healing “It’s the most wonderful time of the year” are the words to a popular Update 5 Christmas song. Whether that is your experience or not I believe a Children’s Ministries 6, 7 verse could be added that says “it’s the most stressful time of the year.” Christian Social Ministries 11 It seems to be a season of the year when we are pulled in so many Christmas Poinsettias 12 directions as we try to fulfill expectations that are either self imposed, or Choir sings Vivaldi’s Gloria 13 Communications Meeting 3 imposed upon us by others. Elderberries 4 Without sounding like I am adding Episcopal Youth Community 9 to the stress I would like to offer, not an Fellowship Events 4 expectation, but an invitation to join us Food Collection: Results 13 during these days and weeks leading Green Brigade 8 up to Christmas. Below is a listing of Knitting Ministry 12 Musically Speaking 12 - 15 the various opportunities offered for Music Schedules 15 worship. Pre-EYC 6 Pre-School News 8 HOLIDAY WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES St. Nicholas Ministry 10 Thanks from BJ Owens 3 November 29 First Sunday of Advent Thanksgiving Choir Festival 12 December 6 Second Sunday of Advent and St. Nicholas Day 20s & 30s Events 5 December 13 Third Sunday of Advent: Christmas Pageant at 9:00 a.m. Vestry: Endowment Fund 2 Service Warden’s Corner 2 December 20 Fourth Sunday of Advent December 24 Christmas Eve 5:00 p.m. Child friendly service — with a special homily designed children and children’s choirs Remember the 7:00 p.m. Christmas Eve liturgy with Youth and Jubilate choirs 10:30 p.m. Gather for a half hour of wonderful Christmas music Bishop’s Visit followed by a festive celebration of the Eucharist. December 25 Christmas Day on February 21 10:00 a.m. A contemplative celebration of the Christmas Eucharist December 27 First Sunday after Christmas 7:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite I 10:00 a.m. A service of Lessons and Carols followed by Eucharist Next Newsletter Deadline: Come and be renewed and nourished as we celebrate the birth of Jan. 20 the incarnate one, Jesus Christ. at 10:00 a.m. George Vestry Page 2 Warden’s Corner ADVENT is here. Please take the time to introduce yourself to someone 2009 has just flown by! It is hard to you don’t know this Advent believe that I have served on vestry for season. Try sitting in a different three years and will finish my term in section. As we exchange peace, January. It has been an honor to work seek out someone you might not know closely with our vestry, clergy, and and let them know that you are glad they staff. I thank God and you for this came. wonderful privilege. I am grateful for all the blessings of I wanted to remind you that, during 2009 and am excited about what 2010 the Christmas season, St. Paul’s has in store for St. Paul’s. attendance has traditionally gone up (especially Christmas Eve.) Please May the God of hope fill you with all remember to wear your nametag! It joy and peace this Advent season. will help us all recognize newcomers so Faithfully, that we can welcome them and make Mary Wood, Senior Warden them feel comfortable. Mark your calendar for St. Paul’s Annual Meeting January 10, 2010 at Noon Vestry establishes Endowment Fund On November 16, 2009, St. Paul's however, there is a minimum amount set vestry approved the establishment of an for designated gifts, and the vestry must endowment fund — money that will be accept the gift for the named purpose. set aside and invested to provide a Undesignated gifts to the endowment reliable source of income to the parish allow the church to address future needs for generations to come. Income from as they arise without restrictions. the endowment fund will help St. Paul's Details on the investment policies more completely fulfill its mission by and guidelines will soon be available developing its ministries beyond what is through the church office and in the possible through annual operating Planned Giving area of the parish funds. Distributions from the fund shall website (www.stpaulscary.org). For be used for purposes such as: more information about the endowment • outreach ministries and grants, fund or to express an interest in making • seed money for new ministries and a donation, please contact the clergy, special one-time projects, wardens, or a member of the • maintenance and enhancement of Endowment Board. Endowment Board the physical plant and grounds, and members include Kay Burgess, Paul • purposes that are specifically Gregg, Dan Loughlin designated by donors; ([email protected]), Mike Donors interested in a particular McInerney, and Doug Riddle. ministry or need of St. Paul's may Submitted by Dan Loughlin designate their gift for that purpose: Hospitality, Parish Life, and Pastoral Care Page 3 A Word of Thanks from BJ Jo, Amelia, and I would like to thank our family. the people of St. Paul's for all their We would especially like to thank prayers and support during Jo's Care n Share for coordinating meals, as pregnancy and Amelia's grand arrival. well as all those who offered to bring Mom and baby are doing very well, and food. Thanks to everyone for their we are enjoying (almost) every minute prayers and support. St. Paul's has once of it. The time I spent at home on family again outdone itself in modeling God's leave was very special to me, and it grace and hospitality. helped us to adjust to the new rhythm of B. J. Owens About Our Church We express our sympathy to Ann We rejoice in the baptisms of Oliver Hunt for the death of her friend, Carol Alexander Gatchalian, son of Oliver and Cox; to Chuck and Marcia Masser for the Nicole Gatchalian; Ryan Matthew King death of their sister-in-law, Janet Masser; and Audry Nicole King, children of to Sally Thorn for the death of her Matthew and Kimberly King; Cooper husband, Les Thorn; to Malcolm Thomas Riesenberg, son of Andrew and Lockhart for the death of his father, Dr. Katherine Riesenberg; and Addison David Lockhart; and to Joy Moshakos for Grace Keiswetter and Chloe Elizabeth the death of her mother, Dorothy Babb. Keiswetter, daughters of Dean and Carol Keiswetter. We celebrate the birth of Ella Marianne Springfield, daughter of We welcome our new Harrison and Christi Springfield; communicants Brooks and Patricia Catherine Anne Ingram, daughter of Harris, and Michael and Ann-Marie Daniel and Christine Ingram; and Taranto and their children Caitlin Bridget Nicole Deese, daughter of Taranto, Mark Taranto, and Anna Vickie and Nathan Deese. Taranto. Submitted by Melanie Fairbrother Communications Meeting Parishioners who are interested in already about communications as well St. Paul’s communications efforts are as look at how we have seen other planning to gather at 12:30 p.m. on organizations communicate (what we Sunday, December 6, in the youth wing have seen work well or not so well). to discuss communications at St. Paul's. What ways of communicating would be The meeting will conclude by 2:00 p.m. helpful to St. Paul's different ministries? Please bring a bag lunch. We will have It is not our intent to resolve how or tea and water available for you. whether these ideas are viable solutions The purpose of this initial meeting is at this initial meeting. to begin a conversation about continued We would love for you to join us! development of communications at St. Any questions? Contact Mary Wood at Paul’s in the midst of an ever changing 919-462-1999 or at [email protected]. world. We want to gather together Submitted by Mary Wood ideas that parishioners are suggesting Hospitality, Parish Life, and Pastoral Care Page 4 Elderberries The elderberries are planning a All St. Paul’s seniors are invited to Christmas luncheon on Wednesday, attend. Reservations will be accepted December 16, at 12:00 noon. It will be until December 12. We look forward to held at Gregory’s on Kildaire Farm your participation. Contact Joe or Becky Road. A sign up sheet will be posted in Furno if you have any questions. the narthex to accept your reservations. Alternative Giving Choice Over the years, St. Paul's has been their honor. So, if you are at a loss for blessed with the generosity of gift ideas or in need of a gift for parishioners in their donations to Heifer someone who has “everything," please International. Contributions to Heifer consider contributing to Heifer buy animals for families in need International and sending a card to that around the world, and offerings are person. You'll be pleased at how much made at St. Paul’s during Sunday your family and friends will enjoy morning services. This year St.