Announcements & Events

WELCOME — and thank you for your presence and prayers this Sunday. Thank you to Darlene James for volunteering to play the 8:00 Prelude: Nun Komm, der Heiden Heiland BWV 659, by J.S. Bach. Thank you to Brian Sahlin (8:00 & 9:30 officiant) and Sunnie Scarpa for preaching at both services. Thank you to Steph Crump (8:00 crucifer), Carissa Neubig 8:00 1st reading), Maura Ryan (8:00 2nd reading), MaryLiz Williamson 8:00 3rd reading), Patti Cullen (8:00 intercessor), Gene Gervais (8:00 usher), Patti Cullen (9:30 crucifer), Sharon Turlis (9:30 1st reading), Meredith Lindsay (9:30 2nd reading), Chuck Maynard (9:30 3rd reading), Denise Adamczyk (9:30 intercessor), Tammy Napoli (9:30 usher) and Samantha Martinez (cantor). Thank you to the Tech team for tech support.

Changes to Sunday Prayer - As Advent begins on December 1, we will change how we lead prayers on Sunday. The biggest change will be eliminating the long list of people we have been praying for. We will start with a blank section. Therefore, if there is anyone you would like us to pray for, please contact the office or the priest in charge, and we will add the intention to our list. Our plan is to keep names on the list for two weeks. If you would like us to pray longer for someone, please inform us. We are not trying to erase people or to show lack of concern. Our intention is to lift up current prayers and keep a record of who is requesting so we can follow up as necessary. We will also change the format somewhat. Right now, we often bid prayers several times during the prayer, and it gets confusing. We hope to arrange the prayers so that it flows more clearly and you will not have to guess if you are being asked to voice your own prayers.

Advent Adult Forum - As we move through the season of Advent, we hope you’ll consider taking this opportunity to join in the Adult Forum. We are offering a three-week series on the Songs of Luke – 4 “songs” found in Luke’s gospel that provide wonderful perspectives for us to reflect on in this season of preparation and anticipation. The series will be co-facilitated by Fr. Greg and Amy Foster and will meet on Zoom at 7:00 pm on Wednesdays, Dec. 4, 11, and 18. If you are interested in participating, please let Amy know ([email protected]).

Christmas Memorials - Christmas is a special season to remember your loved ones. And what better way to honor their memory than with a Christmas memorial flower. If you would like to make a donation to the Christmas memorials, please submit a form with the names of those you would like remembered along with your check payable to St. Paul’s Flower Fund in the amount of $30.00. Forms can be found at both entrances. You may place your form in the collection plate or drop it off at the church office on Wednesdays or Fridays between 11:00 and 2:00, or at the Food/Diaper Drive on Saturday, December 14th. The deadline is December 14th. Please be sure to include your name, address and phone number. If you have any questions, please contact Sharon Rogalski.

Advent Altar Flowers - Advent is a four-week season beginning this year on December 1st, dedicated to anticipating the arrival or “advent” of Jesus of Nazareth. Each week of Advent focuses on a different theme -- hope, peace, joy and love. We will encompass those themes each week by having a simple arrangement on the altar with lavender, soft pink, white and green flowers. If you would like to donate altar flowers for one of the Sundays in Advent (December 15th, or 22nd) please submit your request indicating the names of those to be remembered and the date of the Sunday in Advent on which you wish the flowers to be on the altar. A $45.00 contribution is suggested. Altar flower forms are on the tables at the side and front entrances. Checks for the memorials should be made payable to “St. Paul’s Memorial Flower Fund” and submitted to the church office along with the form. Please be sure to include your name, address and phone number. If you have any questions, please contact Sharon Rogalski

HOLIDAY FOR GIVING - St. Paul’s will once again be partnering with Wallingford’s town wide “Holiday for Giving” to help those in need in our community have a wonderful holiday. Because Thanksgiving is late this year, the St. Paul’s Christmas Giving Tree will be up in the back of the church this Sunday, November 24th, and decorated with “wishes” ornaments. This will give everyone wanting to make a donation the opportunity to take advantage of the sales over Thanksgiving weekend. 

​We are asking for donations of new toys for children ages 2-12 and gift cards in $20 or $25 denominations for fast food restaurants, grocery stores, Walmart and Target. Please take a “wishes” ornament and bring back an unwrapped gift to place under the tree. We ask when you take a “wishes” ornament off the tree, you hang a shiny ornament on the tree so it will stay decorated throughout the Christmas season reminding us of the warmth and joy we brought to others this holiday season. This year the deadline for delivering gifts is December 14th. Gifts may be placed under the Christmas tree through Sunday December 8th. You may also leave gifts by the office during the week of December 8th thru 13th, or bring them to our drive-thru food/diaper drive on Saturday, December 14th from 9:00-12:00. Unfortunately, we will not be able to accept gifts after noon on December 14th.

Annual Reports due – Committee Chairs and others who wish to submit information, please have your annual reports in to the Parish Office by Tuesday, January 7. The Annual Meeting will take place on Sunday, January 26th, 2024. 

Contact information for the Rev. Greg Welin - I am happy to be serving as your priest, and our challenge will be our adjustment to half-time ministry. I will be in the office on Wednesdays and Thursdays until the early afternoon. It would be best to make an appointment to see me if you can. You can reach me at [email protected] . This is the same email that Rev. Dee Anne Dodd used, so you may have to make changes to your contact list.

​Prayer for the people of Ukraine - God of peace and justice, we pray for the people of Ukraine today. We pray for peace and the laying down of weapons. We pray for all those who fear for tomorrow, that your Spirit of comfort would draw near to them. We pray for those with power over war or peace, for wisdom, discernment and compassion to guide their decisions. Above all, we pray for all your precious children, at risk and in fear, that you would hold and protect them. We pray in the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Amen.
Archbishop Justin Welby
Archbishop Stephen Cottrell

The Church is open Wednesdays from 10:00 am to 1:00pm for prayer & reflection with healing prayers offered noon-1:00. 

The Parish Office Hours – The parish office is open to the public on Wednesdays and Fridays from 11AM-2:00PM. Please email or call the office at (203) 269-5050 to arrange any additional times to meet during the week. Calls, emails and other matters will generally be addressed during business hours of 9:00-3:00 Tuesday-Friday.

St. Paul’s is on Facebook and YouTube. Please follow us:
​
YouTube: Saint Paul's Episcopal Church
Facebook: St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Wallingford, CT ​​