Announcements

The Way of Love: Following Jesus & Changing the World – This week’s word is: REST. "The difference between blessed and stressed is often just rest.”- Rick Warren

Thank you to all helping lead today’s worship –– Thank you to Bob Bartosiak (8:00 crucifer/intercessor), Maryliz Williamson (8:00 reader), Helen Stowe (9:30 crucifer), Wendy Oestreicher (9:30 reader), Carol Gervais (9:30 intercessor), and Tammy Napoli (9:30 usher). Thank you to the Tech team for tech support.

Worship Signup to Lent Now Available - Please Sign up here to serve liturgically (as a reader, crucifer/carry cross, usher, etc.) or contact the parish office and Jen Parsons will sign you up for the appropriate role and date. Help us start the year off right worshiping God together -- and maybe even trying something new! Thank you.

NEW February Newsletter Deadline is Tuesday, January 31 by noon. Thank you!

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

Regathering Update - Out of courtesy and care for all, we encourage wearing face masks especially while singing.

Five minutes to make a difference? - If you can spend just five (more) minutes a week on your computer, we have a job for you to help spread the news of things happening at St. Paul’s. See the Rector for details.

Coffee Hour is Back! - A perfect time to visit with old and new friends after the 9:30 service. Please consider hosting a coffee hour this winter. A sign-up sheet has been posted on the easel in the back of the church with available dates through March.

Summer Camp at Camp Washington – Early Bird Special – MUST register by 1/31/23! Camp runs June 30 - August 11, offerings by age. Camp Washington is the official ECCT summer camp/retreat center. See: https://www.campwashington.org/summercamp. St. Paul’s camperships available; contact the parish office to inquire.

Director of Religious Education & Formation Needed – Know someone loving, creative and faithful who’d be a good candidate for this important position? Please note that while ECCT Safe Church Guidelines strongly discourage hiring parishioners, we invite you to help publicize this position to those outside the parish who might be interested. Contact the Rector or email stpaulswallingford@gmail.com for details.

Adult Forum, Winter Session – Does everything happen for a reason? Many of us can be heard to say “everything happens for a reason,” especially when facing a challenging time or a situation that doesn’t seem fair or make sense. But what do we really mean when we say this? And is it the right way to think about events in our lives? This winter the Adult Forum will explore these questions by reading Kate Bowler’s book Everything Happens for a Reason and Other Lies I’ve Loved. The Forum will run through Feb. 19 and will meet on Sunday mornings at 9:00 in the Common Room. We will discuss chapter 4 & 5 on 1/29. All are welcome to join in! If you need assistance in ordering a copy of the book, please contact Amy Foster.

Helping Our Neighbors - Columbus House Meals - Currently the folks who would normally stay at the Wallingford Emergency Shelter run by Columbus House are being housed at a hotel in Middletown. Various groups are providing dinners on Sundays, including our friends at First Baptist Church here in Wallingford. Here at St. Paul’s we are looking for volunteers to help the First Baptist group on February 5 and March 5. There are also some Sundays in March that need a group to take the lead, so if you feel called to help in this effort here at St. Paul’s, then perhaps you can volunteer on one of the First Baptist dates to learn the ropes and then we can commit to providing a dinner from St. Paul’s in March. If you would like to volunteer and/or have questions, please contact Amy Foster

“Souper” Bowl Sunday - What could be more comforting than a hot bowl of soup on a cold winter day? Although there will not be any food drives until spring, we want to support Master’s Manna during the winter months with a “Souper Bowl Sunday” to be held on February 12th -- the date of this year’s Super Bowl. Please take advantage of the sales during the next couple of weeks and help feed those in need in our community by donating cans of soup or stew for Master’s Manna. You are welcome to bring your donations in before February 12th. We will have boxes set up in the church starting January 29th for donations.

CT Food Share is seeking volunteers to man its farmers-market style food distribution starting October 25 at South Side Terrace (off Wharton Brook Drive) Volunteers are being asked to arrive at South Side at 8:30 to help unload the truck. Distribution will run from 9:00- 9:45. Volunteers will help put food and tables back in the truck once the distribution is over. Food Share is anticipating serving approximately 100 people. Food Share distribution will then continue every other week. PLEASE CONTACT, Helen Stowe or Roger Sylvestre. Thank you so much for considering helping out at this very worthwhile venture! Plus, it's fun and a great way to meet some wonderful people.

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper February 21 5:00-7:00PM - Price is $7 for adults and kids over 12, $4 for kids 5-12, kids under 5 still eat free! All proceeds will go toward parish outreach. On the menu this year will be pancakes with all the toppings, bacon, sausage, fruit salad that can’t be beat and the company of some really great people. New this year – Take out is available. All are welcome. To donate specific items, sign up list on the easel. For more information of if you are able to help out at this event contact Bill Merrick.

“Food for Friends” - It is always a comfort to know others care and are willing to help in times of need. We would like to continue our ministry of providing a meal for parishioners who are unable to cook for themselves or their family following recuperation from an illness or injury and/or birth or death of a family member. Also, there are times when parishioners may need a ride to a medical appointment. To continue to care for our fellow parishioners, we need your help. If you would like to be part of our “Food for Friends” ministry, please sign up on the easel in the back of the church. If you have any questions please contact the church office.

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

Help Ukrainian Families - As we pray for an end to violence and for those fleeing Ukraine, please also pray for Episcopal Relief & Development and other ecumenical agencies working to respond to the current crisis. Specific needs will change as the crisis evolves. As of right now, there is a need for cash, blankets and hygiene supplies. Please consider partnering with Episcopal Relief & Development in this response. Visit episcopalrelief.org for more information.

Parish Office Hours -The Parish office will be open to the public on Wednesdays 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM (and by appointment). Wearing face masks will be required while visiting the office. As always, you can reach the office at (203) 269-5050 or contact here.

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