St. Paul’s EpistleAdvent 2016

OUR PURPOSETo make disciples of Jesus Christ.

OUR MISSIONSt. Paul’s is a welcoming, broad-based community of faith, centered in Jesus Christ, engaging the spiritual gifts of our people, and sharing God’s grace with all persons.

OUR VISIONWe will be an inclusive, diverse church loving others according to the teachings of Jesus and working for justice and peace in our world.

OUR WELCOMING STATEMENTSt. Paul’s United Methodist Church celebrates the sacred worth and value of all individuals. We welcome all who seek a home in this house of God with open hearts, open minds, and open doors. We invite people of every age, race, ethnicity, economic reality, family status, sexual orientation, gender identity, diverse ability, or legal status to join us on a journey toward full participation and service in Christ’s church.

LEADERSHIP TEAMJEFF STERLING, Pastor

KAREN SLUSSER, Pastor

RON HOELLEIN Pastor Emeritus

FAITH GEER Administrative Director

TOM TAYLOR Director of Music and Worship Ministries

TAMI WEISNERDirector of Youth Ministries

ERIN SOZADirector of Children’s Ministries

ST. PAUL’S UNITED METHODIST1965 Ferguson RoadAllison Park, PA 15101412.486.7006WWW.STPAULSUMC.COM

“Where there is vision... the people prosper”Who said that? Actually, I did. In Proverbs 29:18, the Bible says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” So, I just stated a corollary. Vision is necessary for us to choose a direction. After many meetings, “listening posts,” surveys, and “word-smithing,” St. Paul’s has a new Mission and a new Vision to guide us into our next phase in shared ministry. These new statements join our Purpose (To make disciples of Jesus Christ) and our Welcome Statement, which have been retained.

Our new Mission (which is how we see ourselves, currently): St. Paul’s is a welcoming, broad-based community of faith, centered in Jesus Christ, engaging the spiritual gifts of our people, and sharing God’s grace with all persons.

Our new Vision (which is what we will become): We will be an inclusive, diverse church loving others according to the teachings of Jesus and working for justice and peace in our world.

This new Mission incorporates much of what was our former Vision. As the Vision Team reviewed the efficacy of our earlier statements, it became clear that we had successfully realized that Vision, and it now is central to the “DNA” of St. Paul’s.

The new Vision leads us into a very Christian—and a very Wesleyan—heritage of finding ways to demonstrate our love for others. This part of the Vision will also drive us to study the life and teachings of Jesus to see what he taught about love and how he personally demonstrated it. Working for justice can include many things: fairness and equal opportunities for God’s people; dismantling racism; looking for ways to fund and field a quality education for all children; aiding those in need; and addressing other issues that may present themselves from time to time. This new Vision Statement has the power to lead us forward as people of faith who care for our nation, our neighbors, and the unfolding Realm of God.

We are thankful for all of you who worked on these statements, and for each of you who shared your hopes and dreams with the Vision Team. At a time when our country has chosen a new chief executive in a contentious election, vision is even more important, and our desire to work together for peace in our world, our church, our communities, and in our homes, is paramount.

Shalom!

Advent Worship: Learning to Live in the Light of GODWe’re looking forward to a star-filled Advent worship season at St. Paul’s!

ADVENT I, Learning to Live in the Light of GOD: THE LIGHT OF HOPE November 26 & 27 Isaiah 2:1-5 and Romans 13:11-14

ADVENT II, Learning to Live in the Light of GOD: THE LIGHT OF PEACEDecember 3 & 4 Isaiah 11:6-9 and Romans 15:4-13

ADVENT III, Learning to Live in the Light of GOD: THE LIGHT OF LOVE December 10 & 11 Isaiah 35:1-10 and John 13:34-35

ADVENT IV, Learning to Live in the Light of GOD: THE LIGHT OF JOYDecember 17 & 18 Isaiah 9:2d-3:6-7 and Psalm 30

CHRISTMAS EVE, Learning to Live in the Light of GOD: THE LIGHT OF CHRIST Services at 5, 7, 9, and 11:00 pm Isaiah 9:2-7 and Luke 2:1-20

WORSHIP ON CHRISTMAS DAY AND NEW YEAR’S DAY

Christmas and New Year’s Day both occur on Sundays this year. St. Paul’s will offer a single Sunday morning service at 10:30 am on both days.

Christmas morning is always a special time, and this year it gets to be extra special! We will have a homey, Christmas morning worship service at 10:30 am with plenty of coffee, hot chocolate and home-made breads. Come in your casual clothes...kids, PJ’s are just fine! Bring your favorite toy and we’ll have a relaxing hour of singing carols and giving God thanks for our life together.

New Year’s Day is full of parades and football… start it off with worship, too. We will gather at 10:30 am to celebrate the New Year and pray for a New Year full of blessings and friendship. Plan now to come and worship!

JANUARY WORSHIP

On the weekend of January 7 and 8, we will celebrate Epiphany

and honor our “star” volunteers in worship. The weekend of January

14 and 15, we will celebrate the Baptism of the Lord.

BLUE CHRISTMAS SERVICEDecember 11, 7:00 pm

Tis the season of comfort and joy…but if the joy is hard to find this year for whatever reason, come and be a part of the Blue Christmas Prayer service on Sunday, December 11 at 7 pm. We will pray, bless some prayer quilts, and have communion together. Even when our world seems very dark, it is the light of Christ that gives us hope to wait and know that a new day awaits us.

VOLUNTEER THANKSJanuary 7, 8 & 11

Throughout the year volunteers share their time, talents and treasures in so many ways to support our ministries, making them dynamic, meaningful, compassionate, and Christ-like. We will recognize all our volunteers during the Worship services over the weekend of January 7-8 and on Wednesday, January 11.

Following the Inspire@10:30 service on Sunday, there will be a reception in Wesley Hall. Come and share your appreciation for all the ways we use our spiritual gifts to make disciples for Jesus Christ.

Christmas Eve WorshipCandlelight, special music, favorite carols, beautiful decorations, grace, love, great anticipation…whatever Christmas Eve means to you, come and share the mystery of the night as we celebrate the birth of our Savior. Our services will be at the following times:

• 5:00 pm Family Worship featuring Wrapping All the Way children’s musical

• 7:00 pm Youth-led Worship with selections from A Christmas Carol

• 9:00 pm Traditional Worship with Wesleyan Choir and Chapel Ringers

• 11:00 pm Candlelight Worship with Holy Communion

All services will include candle lighting (glow sticks for 4:00), scriptures, prayers, and preached word. Babysitting will be provided at all services except 11:00 pm.

Advent Music Ministries

ALAINE FINKOrganist

412.606.2292 alainefink@hotmail.com

J. THOMAS TAYLORDirector of Music and Worship

412.486.7006 x20412.417.8283

j.thomas.taylor@gmail.comwww.stpaulsumc.com

As we enter the church season of Advent, we await once more birth of the Light of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love into our world. The imagery of light will be a focus for our Advent worship as we combine liturgy, music, scriptures, and preaching to allow our community of faith to experience God’s most precious gift to us. Jesus is the Light of the World!

All are invited to use their talents and gifts to praise God as part of our Advent and Christmas worship. Our choirs, musical ensembles, and lay worship teams are open to anyone who would like to share their gifts as we “inspire our community of faith to deepen their worship, grow in discipleship, and reach out to others.” If you can’t participate year-round, perhaps Advent is the season for you to use your gifts for this specific month. New singers, ringers, and instrumentalists are always warmly welcomed to join us as we sing, ring, and play praises to God.

Have questions or need more information? Please contact Tom Taylor via phone/text or email (see below).

THREE RIVERS RINGERS IN CONCERTDecember 4, 7:30 pm

We are proud to announce that the Three Rivers Ringers, Pittsburgh’s premier handbell ensemble, will be presenting their 2016 Christmas concert, “Carols Around the World” here at St. Paul’s on Sunday evening, December 4 at 7:30 pm.

On this day, bells shall ring…with the sound of Three Rivers Ringers! All are invited to celebrate the holiday with the exquisite sounds of handbells played at a professional level. You will be enchanted by the international flair of Christmas carols from England, France, Austria, Spain, Scandinavia, South America, and China. Experience the unforgettable sounds of handbells with holiday favorites including “Angels We Have Heard on High,” a jazzy “Silent Night” (a la Brubeck), an exotic “We Three Kings,” and many more!

This concert is free to all; donations will be accepted to help defray costs.

Music Ministry Vision: The Music Ministry of St. Paul’s

welcomes persons of all ages to use their talents and gifts to inspire our

community of faith to worship God, grow in discipleship,

and reach out to others.

ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS MUSIC OPPORTUNITIES

Children’s Choirs for ages 4 – grade 5 meet on Wednesdays 6:00-6:30 as part of the Kids Grow and Go With God program. During Advent, the children will be preparing to lead the 5:00 pm Christmas Eve service by learning the musical, Wrapping All the Way. Contact Mary Polley (mpolley@aol.com) or Ann Montgomery (annkmont@aol.com) for more information.

Wesleyan Choir (for adults and senior high students) rehearses on Wednesday evenings, 7:00-8:45 pm in the Choir Room. The Wesleyan Choir sings weekly at Inspire@10:30 worship and is busy preparing a major work of Christmas music, “Candles & Carols,” for the December 18 Christmas Music Celebration. They will also sing at the 9:00 pm Christmas Eve service.

Chapel Ringers (for experienced adult and senior high players) rehearses on Thursdays 6:30-7:30 pm in the Sanctuary. This handbell group will play for morning services on Sunday, December 11, and for the 9:00 pm Christmas Eve service.

Aldersgate Ensemble rehearses at 8:00 am only on Sundays before they sing for the Connect@8:30 worship. All are welcome to join us for two- or three-part communion anthems. This ensemble will sing on November 27 and December 4, and are also invited to join with the Wesleyan Choir for the December 18 Christmas Music Celebration service.

Youth Worship Arts participants are preparing a presentation of the classic Charles Dickens tale, A Christmas Carol, as a featured part of the Dinner Theater fundraiser on December 16. Any youth who are interested are invited to contact Tami Weisner to get involved. tweisner@stpaulsumc.com

Lifeboat Praise Band leads worship at 7:30 pm on Wednesday evenings; they warmly welcome singers and instrumentalists to join them. Please talk with Craig Slusser to get involved! craigslusser@gmail.com. (Due to busy schedules, there will be no Wednesday night worship in December. Join us in January!)

Worship Support Team provides vital worship planning and support including communion stewards, tech, flower delivery to shut-ins, and seasonal decorating. Please contact Teresa Shepard, chairperson, at tshep1217@gmail.com if you’d like more information.

St. Paul's Christmas Music CelebrationDecember 18, 10:30 am

All are invited to St. Paul’s annual Christmas program during Inspire@10:30 worship on Sunday, December 18. Our Wesleyan Choir, Aldersgate Ensemble, Children’s Choirs, and Brass Ensemble will be joined by members of the Pittsburgh Youth Concert Orchestra to present beautiful music for Advent and Christmas.

This year’s celebration will feature many sing-along carols connected by narration and arranged by Mark Hayes. In addition, our children will highlight our program with a selection from their Christmas Eve musical, Wrapping All the Way. Beautiful anthems by John Rutter, Neil Harmon, and Joel Raney are guaranteed to get you into the Christmas spirit!

All are encouraged to invite friends, neighbors, and relatives to join in this beautiful and inspiring celebration of God’s greatest gift to the world—Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

Our Connect@8:30 service that day will be blessed with special music by the Brass Ensemble and orchestra members.

Spiritual Formation

PASTORS’ BIBLE STUDIES

All are welcome to join us- please come when you can!

Pastor Jeff’s Bible Study, Wednesdays at 9:00 am and 7:30 pm, continues to explore Disciple Lite.

Pastor Karen’s Bible Study, Thursdays at 9:00 am, will study While We Wait: Living the Questions of Advent in December.

Pastor Karen’s St. Barnabas Bible Study continues to meet the first and third Wednesday of the month at 2:00 pm, at the Meridian Road location. We will begin studying Adam Hamilton’s book, Half Truths in December. Her Arbors Bible Study & Communion continues to meet the fourth Wednesday of the month at the Valencia location.

I attended a meeting at Calvary United Methodist Church on the North Side recently. The meeting was slightly delayed, so the pastor, Rev. Larry Homitsky, offered to give a tour of the Sanctuary while we waited. Calvary UMC is a historic church, with spectacular stained glass windows, exquisite woodwork, and cathedral architecture.

As we entered the Sanctuary, I remembered that I had been in there before for a couple of other meetings. I thought to myself, yes this is a beautiful worship space. How lovely. But then Larry began telling the story of the construction of the Sanctuary. He told the story of the people who built the church in the 1890s. He talked about the stained glass and pointed out the gold and silver dust sprinkled into the glass to create a unique shimmer. He explained how Louis Comfort Tiffany had folded the glass on top of itself, giving it unique dimension, and encouraged us to touch the glass to better understand the layering. Larry talked about the hand-carving of the pews and pointed out the original pew cushions given by Joseph Horne Dry Goods Company. He pointed out a square on one wall preserving the original design of paint stenciled floor to ceiling. He showed us the St. Andrews crosses worked into the wood and called our attention to the seven-candle wall menorahs that honor our Judeo-Christian heritage.

Walking through the Sanctuary with Larry reminded me of walking through the woods at my parents’ farm with my mom; with delight, he pointed out the details and named the artistry so we could see it too, just like my mom points out the wildflowers and birds by name so we can share a deeper level of the joy of creation and share her delight. A familiar beautiful space becomes a holy place of wonder when we walk through it with someone like Larry or Mom who are willing to share what they see. As I looked on Calvary’s website to make sure I remembered the historic details correctly to share, I came across pictures of the outside of the church building as well. I realized that in my hurry to get to the meeting on my way in, and to my next appointment on my way out, I had not even noticed the ornate stone cathedral. I totally missed its wonder, without someone there to slow me down and help me see its beauty.

Advent is a familiar season. Houses in our neighborhoods will sparkle with twinkle lights; Christmas carols will play on the radio; our Sanctuary will fill with candlelight and greenery; McKnight Road will fill with brake lights as traffic backs up near the mall; and our calendars will be stuffed with celebratory gatherings. I hope I don’t miss the wonder and the holiness of the season. I hope I slow down enough to see its beauty. I hope when a Larry or Mom takes time to share what they see, I will take time to hear and see, too. I hope walking together through this season we can be Larry or Mom to each other, and to the world. I hope we will share our delight in the exquisite and continuing stories of God coming to be human with us in Bethlehem 2000 years ago, and of Christ alive with us still in acts of hope, joy, faith, peace, and love in our world today. I pray that as a church we will answer our holy calling to shine the light of Christ in the world, welcoming others to experience deeper beauty in the world through our delight in the wonder of God’s love.

The Stew on Stewardship…As the year is winding down, your tithes, offerings, and financial gifts to St. Paul’s are vital to our whole church life and the ministries we provide. Our regular giving to date is down over last year’s, mostly due to changes in the circumstances of some of our supporting families. Many of you have stepped up and increased your giving, which has bridged some of these gaps. Thank you for your generous support. Our staff has managed our resources well, and our expenses are actually well under budget, which has helped our “bottom line.” Still, we have “miles to go” if we are to finish the year without a deficit.

One important note: St. Paul’s receives financial gifts to many funds, including mission and VIM trips, and the music fund, but please understand that gifts to these funds, though important and welcome, do not help us with budgeted ministry and operating expenses. Only your gifts to Ongoing Ministries and Mission Share help us meet our budget.

Each person and family has received the Stewardship Team’s annual campaign material in a mailing sent out in early November. If you have not yet turned in your Estimate of Giving card, please do so. And If you find yourself in the position of being able to give a special year-end gift to Ongoing Ministries or our Mission Share fund, this would be greatly appreciated. As always, thank you for all you do to support the work of St. Paul’s!

GET ST. PAUL’S NEW SMARTPHONE APP!

For all of us who use an iPhone or Android smartphone, St. Paul’s has a wonderful new tool. Thanks to an affiliation with a church e-giving and communications firm called Pushpay, we now have a custom app that will serve as an easy and practical portal into all things St. Paul’s. Our events calendar, videos, weekly messages, Dr. Jeff’s blog, information about various ministries, and even an e-Bible are all accessible through the app.

Also, by setting up an electronic Pushpay account, you may make your contributions to St. Paul’s for Ongoing Ministries, Mission Shares, and special appeals such as UMCOR—in seconds! You can even set up weekly giving and auto-deductions right through your phone. Over 4,000 churches, nationwide, are using Pushpay.

The new St. Paul’s PA app is free, easy to download, and easy to use. If you have a QR code reader, just scan this QR code to be automatically routed to the proper download site:

To download the St. Paul's app manually, go to the Apple App Store on your iPhone or to Google Play on an Android phone. (Sorry, but the app is not available for Windows phones.) Do a search for “St. Paul’s PA,” and the app will come up for download.

Take a minute to browse through the menu options to find out all the tools the app brings you. As we have a chance to explore this new tool, we’ll find more ways to use it, and our content will expand.

When you're ready to try the new e-giving function, hit the “P” icon for Pushpay, and fill in the information to set up your e-giving account. You may link the account to a bank

account or a credit card. Pushpay is a highly secure service. When you make your initial gift, a confirmation code will be texted to your phone to complete the transaction. After confirming, you will be given the option to select a toggle that allows future gifts to be approved instantly without requiring the text code. If you regularly use an unlocking code on your phone (or fingerprint touch code), we recommend setting this toggle to make giving easy.

Each gift will be acknowledged with an email, and regular statements will be sent to you as well. If you have any questions, speak with Pastor Jeff.

GIVING TUESDAYNovember 29

Several years ago, a new “special day” was added to the holiday preparation season: Giving Tuesday, the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. This is a day when non-profits ask for a donation. The United Methodist Church has several hundred suggestions for you to consider! It is part of our long-standing Advance Special Offerings. We are a congregation of generous givers... please consider some of the special opportunities listed at http://www.umcmission.org/Giving-Tuesday. Your gifts will be matched by a grant. Thanks for caring!

Children’s Ministries

ERIN SOZADirector of Children’s Ministries

412.486.7006 x17esoza@stpaulsumc.com

www.stpaulsumc.com

Children’s Ministry Mission: St. Paul’s Children’s Ministry calls, equips, and deploys adults with a passion for Children’s ministries to

connect with children in diverse situations, nurturing the spirit within

children so that the awareness of God in their lives will lead them to faithful

service as disciples of Jesus Christ.

GET CURRENT INFORMATION

For the most current, detailed information about everything going on in Children’s Ministries, please go to www.stpaulsumc.com> our ministries>children’s ministries. There, you can access a weekly e-mail detailing events and options for children and families.

You can also register for Remind 101 to receive quick texts regarding weather closures and emergencies.

MAKE YOUR OWN ADVENT WREATH

On November 27, at 11:30 am, a family-friendly pizza luncheon and supplies will be available in Fellowship Hall for you to make your very own Advent Wreath using live pine. There will also be gingerbread house kits and supplies. If you have any extra Halloween candy that might be nice to use on Gingerbread houses, please bring it along!

The suggested price including lunch and supplies for 1 wreath and 1 gingerbread house is $20 per family. A wreath only is $10, and lunch only is $6. All proceeds will go toward The Sawyer Rebholz Memorial Fund. This fund offers financial support to families with children who are struggling with serious or unexpected diagnosis or illness.

THE SANTA EXPRESSDecember 3, 10:00 am & 1:00 pm

The Santa Express will be pulling into the St. Paul’s station on Saturday, December 3 at 10 am and 1 pm. This fun-filled event is one that you don’t want to miss! Visit www.santaexpress.weebly.com for information and to purchase tickets. All Aboard!

The Silent Auction is a great spot to get those special Christmas gifts and help the Preschool scholarship fund! Auction items will be displayed at the Santa’s Express event as well as listed in a booklet. Contact the Preschool Office for more details.

Children’s Calendar and Weekly ScheduleSundays: 9:15 am, Sunday Morning Classes (Age 2 through Grade 5)Wednesdays: 5:15 pm, Wednesday Night Dinner 6:00 pm, Kids Grow and Go With God (KG3) and Children’s

Choirs. Dismissal at 7:00 or 7:30, depending on age 6:00-7:00 pm, First Wednesday of the Month, Family First Night

November 27 10:30 am,Children’s Choir Sings (4 yrs-1st grade)November 27 11:30 am, Advent Wreath Making & Luncheon, Fellowship HallDecember 3 Santa Express Preschool Fundraiser, Tickets RequiredDecember 17 NOMIC LPCC Secret SantaDecember 21 NO WEDNESDAY EVENING CHILDREN’S MINISTRYDecember 22 6:30 pm, Preview & Dress rehearsal for Christmas Musical,

followed by Cookie ReceptionDecember 24 5:00 pm, Christmas Eve Musical & Worship for Children & FamiliesDecember 25 No Children's Church or Sunday Morning Classes.

One Worship at 10:30 am

December 28 6:00-9:00 pm, All-Church Ice Skating at PPG PlaceJanuary 1 No Children's Church or Sunday Morning Classes.

One Worship at 10:30 am

January 4 6:00-7:00 pm, Family First Night, Sanctuary

NO MISSION IMPOSSIBLE CLUB

There are many great missions on the calendar leading up to Christmas and beyond.

On December 17, NoMIC will host a Secret Santa Workshop at the Lincoln-Lemington Community Center. This is a fabulous opportunity to give as well as to allow others the opportunity to give gifts that they might not be able to share otherwise.

Contact Bob and Cindy White to be placed on the NoMIC e-mail list, Robert.T.White@highmark.com or cynthia.white@highmark.com.

REHEARSALS FOR CHRISTMAS EVE

The children of St. Paul’s are busy rehearsing the musical Wrapping All the Way. They will share this story on Christmas Eve at 5:00 pm, with a preview on Thursday, December 22, at 6:30 pm. Participating children will rehearse on Wednesday evenings in November and December during Kids Grow and Go with God and Children’s Choir. Younger children will participate with minimal rehearsal time during KG3.

Contact our volunteer director, Liberty Weyandt, if you can help or have questions, lweya7876@aol.com.

Upcoming Rehearsals, Grades 2-5

• Wednesday, Nov. 16, 6:00-7:30 pm (including choir)

• Wednesday, Nov. 23, NO EVENING ACTIVITIES, Happy Thanksgiving!

• Wednesday, Nov. 30, 6:00-7:30 pm, 2nd-5th graders: lines memorized!

• Wednesday, Dec. 7, 6:00-7:30 pm, all children in Sanctuary

• Wednesday, Dec. 14, 6:00-7:30 pm, all children in Sanctuary

• Sunday, Dec. 18, 11:30-3:00 pm, Gift Wrap Mission, lunch, rehearsal for all children

• Wednesday, Dec. 21, NO EVENING ACTIVITIES, school concerts

• Thursday, Dec. 22, Preview Night, 6:30 pm, Full Dress Rehearsal for family and friends.

• Saturday, Dec. 24, 5:00 pm, Christmas Eve Musical & Worship for Children & Families

CHILDREN & FAMILY CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP IS AT 5:00!

Please note the new time for our children-led 5:00 pm Family Worship Service on Christmas Eve. This family-friendly service includes lots of noise and excitement, so it's the perfect time to invite your family, neighbors, and friends. All will be delighted with the joy that children bring to Christmas. Children and adults will think about Christmas in a new and refreshing way as darkness turns to light.

We could not have this special time of worship for the children, by the children, if it weren’t for the many volunteers who devote countless hours to encouraging and leading during the many weeks before Christmas Eve. Please keep all the children and volunteers in your prayers over the next several weeks as they prepare to share the message of Jesus with the congregation.

GIFT WRAPPING MISSIONDecember 18, 11:30 am

The children participating in the Christmas Eve Worship musical will have a gift wrapping station after church on Sunday, December 18. Please bring your gifts to church during or after worship on December 18. Children will wrap your gifts for a small donation while you wait. If you have questions, or can donate gift wrap, bags or bows, please contact Erin Soza, esoza@stpaulsumc.com.

CHRISTMAS EVE MUSICAL PREVIEW & DRESS REHEARSALThursday, December 22, 6:30 pm

You’re invited to the Preview Night for Wrapping all the Way, this year’s Christmas Eve Worship Musical. The musical itself is about 30 minutes long and includes an interactive DVD with visual effects. On Thursday, December 22, at 6:30 pm, please bring family, friends and neighbors who might not be able to worship with us on Christmas Eve. People of all ages will enjoy this musical. This is a great experience for the children to be in front of a crowd before the actual Christmas Eve worship. Large groups welcome!

We will follow this exciting evening with a cookie and punch reception. If you are able to donate cookies, please drop them off in the Wesley Rooms before 6:30 pm that evening.

ALL-CHURCH ICE SKATINGDecember 28

What fun it is to skate and play together on Wednesday, December 28, at PPG Place in downtown Pittsburgh. Grab your skates or rent a pair and come anytime 6-9 pm. We’ll have a table with hot chocolate to keep us warm and perhaps some cookies, too! Come as early as you want…the lines are often long! Tell the ticket person that you are with St. Paul’s UMC to get a discount ticket rate. Bundle up and come on down!

Need a ride? Call the Church Office (412.486.7006) to reserve one of the 16 seats on our school bus! The bus will meet in the Church parking lot at 4:45 pm and leave no later than 5:00. Parents, please come along with your child(ren); teens (6th grade and up) may come alone. Seating is limited; RSVP if you need a ride.

Youth Ministry & Mission

TAMI WEISNERDirector of Youth Ministries

412.486.7006 ofc.412.760.9989 text

tweisner@stpaulsumc.comwww.stpaulsumc.com

SPUMCanchor on facebook

CHRISTMAS EVE YOUTH-LED WORSHIPDecember 24, 7:00 pm

This year’s youth-led Christmas Eve worship service will include scenes from A Christmas Carol, and all youth are invited to participate. We will need youth for reading, singing, drama, and more; so please let Tami know if you are interested in participating. Practices will be held on Monday, December 19 & Wednesday, December 21 at 6:00 pm. Please mark your calendars now for rehearsals and Christmas Eve Worship at 7:00 pm.

ALL-CHURCH ICE SKATINGWeds., December 28, 6:00-9:00 pm

Grab your skates or rent a pair for the All-Church Skate at PPG Place. Bus rides are available. Call the Church Office to reserve a spot on the bus if you need a ride!

AWARD-WINNING RECIPES!

The Chili/Soup Cook-off was a huge success, thanks to all of our chefs, bakers of pies and the great turnout of tasters! Special congratulations to Chili Champion Jeannie Schott with her delicious “Taco Chicken Chili” and Soup Champion Christy Rosso with her delicious “Vegetable Beef & Barley Soup.” You will find both recipes on the youth page of the St. Paul's website and in the Communication Centers.

St. Paul’s UMC Youth Ministry Presents:

Charles Dickens’

Adapted for radio-on-stage by ANTHONY E. PALERMOMusical score composed and arranged by ANTHONY E. PALERMO

We invite you to join us for a Dinner Theater and festive Christmas celebration. Bring your kids, family, and friends. We will have dinner, a show, caroling, a photo booth with characters, and strolling instrumentalists. This will surely be an evening to enjoy the blessings of our talented youth as they bring this traditional story to life on stage!

Friday, December 16, 6:30 pmAdults, $20 Kids 5-12, $5

Kids 4 & Under, Free

Please make reservations with Carla in the Church Office, 412.486.7006, or at www.stpaulsumc.com, choose Registration.

What's Happening

in Youth Ministry?Please read Tami's weekly emails for times and details. Not receiving Tami's emails? Let her know at tweisner@stpaulsumc.com.

Sundays: ANCHOR at 9:15 am Confirmation at 5:00 pm

619 at 6:00 pm ; SRHI at 7:00–9:00 pm

Wednesdays: MIDHI & Club Worship at 6:00–8:00 pm Thursdays: Coffee Hour at 4:00 pm

November 24: Thanksgiving Day – Harvest Hustle 5KDecember 1: KLOVE Christmas ConcertDecember 2-4: SRHI Retreat at Ligonier CampDecember 7: MIDHI Christmas PartyDecember 11: SRHI Ice Skating at North ParkDecember 14: Full Dress Rehearsal for A Christmas CarolDecember 16: A CHRISTMAS CAROL Dinner Theater FundraiserDecember 18: SRHI Christmas PartyDecember 24: 7:00 Youth-Led Christmas Eve WorshipDecember 28: All Church Ice Skating at PPG Ice Rink downtown January 4: MIDHI & Club Worship start againJanuary 22: Workcamp MeetingJanuary 27-29: Confirmation Retreat, Jumonville

MARCH MAD DASH DONATION OPPORTUNITIES

Looking for a way to support the youth of St. Paul’s this Christmas season? Consider becoming a sponsor of the March Mad Dash!

The 7th Annual March Mad Dash will be held Saturday, March 11, in North Park. The event attracts runners and walkers from the greater Pittsburgh region to compete in three distances: 5k, 5 miles, and 10 miles. This event includes a DJ, wellness fair, and a post-race buffet and raffle. The March Mad Dash is organized by Youth Reach, Inc., a non-profit entity that supports our teens’ relief work in the Pittsburgh area and nationally. If you work for or own a company that supports community outreach, please consider making a tax-deductible donation. There are several levels of sponsorship. Please see Tami for details.

Another way to support our youth is by donating gift cards that will be used as prizes for race participants. Gift cards to restaurants, iTunes, amazon, and sporting goods stores make great prizes! Gift cards should not exceed $25 dollars in value.

A third way to support the youth in this fundraiser is to make a donation to Youth Reach, Inc., in honor or memory of someone special to you.

ANCHORSunday Mornings at 9:15 am

This season, we will be challenging our students to wrestle with questions of who they are by thinking for themselves and asking the hard questions of life and faith. As they begin to dig in and peel off the layers of expectations, lies, and experiences that their past has possibly allowed them to believe, they will be encouraged to form strong and healthy relationships with God and others. This next series is called CORE: Dig In, and it is designed to help our teens discover their value and worth as God’s children and to empower them to reach their full potential in faithfully following Jesus Christ. We’ve just gotten started with this series, so if you’re new to youth ministry, now is a great time to check in with us on Sunday mornings.

COFFEE HOUR Thursdays at 4:00 pm

Coffee Hour is an event you can drop into anytime. So if your after-school activities are done and you’re looking for something to do, come join us on Thursdays in the Youth Room Café from 4:00-5:30. Drinks are $1. We’ll chat, play games, listen to music, and just hang out with great people. We do have cold drinks available, too!

CONFIRMATION RETREAT AT JUMONVILLE January 27-29

Mark your calendars for this awesome adventure in your faith journey. We will intentionally focus on prayer and your individual relationship with Jesus. More information to come in class, please make sure it’s on your calendar!

Mission & Outreach

CHRISTMAS SHARE AND CARE SHOPDecember 6, 3:00-8:00 pm

Do you have some Christmas decorations that you just don’t use anymore? Are they still pretty nice, but you don’t have space for them? Why not share them with another family? On Tuesday, December 6, from 3:00-8:00 pm, we will display donated decorations so that Food Bank families can come and “shop.”

Are you able to help set up? We will need volunteers to arrange display tables beginning at noon. Additional volunteers will help folks out to their cars. Go to St. Paul’s website>Get Involved and sign-up for Christmas Share and Care.

Please bring donations for the Christmas Share and Care Shop to the Ministry Center beginning the week of November 27. If possible, wait and bring them on December 4-6… storage may become a challenge! Thanks for sharing and caring!

ALTERNATIVE CHRISTMAS SHOPPING LIST

Please consider these gift-giving ideas for the person who has everything—and you can make a big impact in someone's life!

Look for the Mission Christmas display in the Ministry Center in Wesley Hall and labeled baskets for donations. When writing a check, please make your check out to St. Paul’s UMC and memo the gift of your choice. The Mission and Outreach Ministries Team has gift cards in the Ministry Center for you to personalize and present to your gift recipient. Please note that some of the ministries have specific deadlines for donations. Thank you and Merry Christmas!

Christmas Gifts for Bethlehem Haven: Bethlehem Haven is a women’s shelter in downtown Pittsburgh. Gift suggestions: women’s nightgowns, pajamas, sweaters, sweatshirts, fleece, gloves, hats, slippers, socks, body spray and lotions. Items should be new. LARGE sizes are especially needed. Gift bags are also welcome. Donations are being accepted through Sunday, December 11. Please do not wrap your gifts. CONTACT – Sue English

Angel Tree: You can shop for others and help fill a variety of needs by selecting an ornament from the Angel Tree outside the Sanctuary. Your gifts are due by Sunday, December 4. CONTACT – Cindy and Bob White

Mitten Tree: Mittens, gloves, hats, and scarves for children and adults can be placed on the Christmas Mitten Tree in the CLC entranceway until Monday, December 14. These gifts of warmth will be delivered to New Hope United Methodist Church on the North Side. CONTACT – Jacque Lang

Postage for Prisoners: The Chaplain’s Office at the Allegheny County Jail seeks to impact those in prison with a generous dose of God’s love. To help, place your pocket change in the jar in the Ministry Center. This enables each inmate to send a Christmas card to their family. CONTACT – Barbara and Tom Greway

Bibles for Jail Ministry: Your $5 donation will provide a new soft-cover Bible for an inmate at the Allegheny Country jail. CONTACT – Mary Ellen Dickson

Share the Winter Warmth: Gifts of fuel, food, and light can be given to our North Hills neighbors through donations to NHCO. Select an ornament from the tree and place the ornament on your family’s Christmas tree. Donations are due by January 31. CONTACT – NHCO

Blankets: The need for blankets is never-ending. Your $5 donation will provide warmth to someone in our world who is a victim of war, catastrophic weather, or related losses. CONTACT – Jacque Lang

Nyadire United Methodist Hospital (NUMH) & Orphanage, Zimbabwe: Part of the larger Nyadire Mission complex, NUMH strives to improve the quality of life in a community that faces serious social and political pressures with severely limited resources. Nyadire Mission gift cards are available in the Ministry Center. CONTACT – Tom Greway

Daily Bread (Formerly, North Side Meal Ministry): This meal ministry serves people in need at New Hope UMC on the North Side. St. Paul’s provides a hot lunch on the fourth Thursday of each month. In addition, we now also collect travel-sized toiletries [unopened] and new socks for the clients. Look for the basket in the Ministry Center.

’TIS THE SEASON AT NORTH HILLS COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Hello St. Paul’s friends! If you happen to drive past the NHCO office on weekdays, you would think it’s business as usual. And it is…except much busier! The holidays and colder weather bring more families to our offices in search of help, more donors to our doorstep to share with those in need, and more volunteers hoping to give their time in the spirit of the season.

Vehicle Donations

Your unwanted running vehicle can help a low-income individual get to work! Vehicles donated to Community Auto (an NHCO program) are repaired and sold at below-market value to local working families in need. Cars not suitable for repair are sold at auction, and the money is used for the program. Please contact NHCO or Community Auto at 724.443.8300 or www.communityauto.org. You could change a life and get the maximum year-end tax deduction! FREE pickup and notary. Ask us about donating fleet cars!

New Toy Donations

NHCO is accepting gift cards, new toys, games, sporting equipment and other new gifts for children and teens through December 14; earlier donations are encouraged. Gift cards and gifts appropriate for teens are especially needed. Donations can be taken to NHCO or placed in the Ministry Center in Wesley Hall.

SHARING JOY AT CHRISTMAS

Sponsor an orphan’s education!

As you prepare your Christmas list, why not consider sponsoring an orphan’s education at the Nyadire United Methodist Mission in Zimbabwe?

Through the Nyadire Home of Hope Outreach (HOHO) program, hundreds of vulnerable orphans are able to attend school. Each sponsor of a HOHO orphan provides $75 annually, which covers the child’s school fees for an entire year. Additionally, each sponsor provides a backpack filled with school supplies for the child. A list of Items for the backpack will be included when you receive the name and picture of your orphan. In lieu of providing a stuffed backpack, a sponsor could donate an additional $25 so that a backpack with school supplies can be given to your orphan in your name.

Sponsors receive the name, age, and a picture of “their” orphan. Sponsors are encouraged to write letters and sometimes receive responses in return. Letters to and from orphans are usually hand-carried by mission-trip members. For a first-hand testimony of the impact these sponsorships have on the children in Nyadire, talk to St. Paul’s members Sandy McKnight, Faith Geer, Natalie Geer, Pat Cook, Jackie Schaefers, Erin Bishop, Jennifer Schmidt, Jillian Schmidt, or Tom Greway.

If you wish to become a new sponsor for an orphan, please pick up the brochure entitled “Home of Hope Outreach: School sponsorship Program for Orphans in Zimbabwe.” They can be found in the Communication Centers or Ministry Center in Wesley Hall or next to the NoMIC Christmas tree outside the Sanctuary.

To ensure the enrollment of your child at the start of school in January 2017, we ask that you submit the form found in the brochure along with your check for either $75 or $100 by Monday, December 19.

If you would like additional information, please contact Tom Greway at 724.444.3070 or at tennis2tom@aol.com.

Moving Toward Health: A Wellness MinistrySt. Paul’s Wellness Ministry invites you to think about your health in relation to God’s plan for your well-being. Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life and have it to the full” (John 10:10). The Wellness Ministry Team is hoping to assist you in achieving and maintaining optimal health.

We would like you to join us is in the program, Love Your Body, a 90-day challenge to help you move toward healthy diet and exercise. The complete outline is located on the Wellness bulletin board in the hallway outside the Youth Room. The Love Your Body 90-day challenge is slated to begin February 2017.

In addition, all are invited to take advantage of our Wellness-Sponsored resources and several ongoing St. Paul's health-related programs. Contact Kathy Belcastro at 412.487.3678 for more information.

Other Wellness-sponsored Materials and Events:

• Mental Health Awareness materials on Wellness bulletin board

• Care Notes in the Welcome Center

• Medical Equipment Lending, contact Kathy Belcastro

• Blood Pressure Monitoring, first Sunday of the month, Church Office

St. Paul’s Ongoing Health-Related Programs:

• Wholeness and Healing Service, the Second Sunday of the month at 7:00 pm

• Prayer Quilts, blessed and distributed at Wholeness & Healing Services

• Tai Chi classes, Tuesdays & Thursdays at 11:30 am

• Yoga classes, Wednesdays at 6:15 pm

• Stephen Ministries

Adult MinistriesTHE CARING MINISTRIES OF ST. PAUL’S

St. Paul’s offers a variety of ministries to care for members and friends needing support in times of personal or health challenges, bereavement, or in bringing life and faith together in a meaningful way when confronted with changes in circumstances.

An enclosed brochure gives details of the various ways we compassionately reach out. Please save it for reference when a friend, associate, neighbor or family member may need some extra love. Our clergy, staff, and trained volunteers offer the following types of support: Pastoral care and counseling, prayer letters, Care Team, Stephen Ministries, Wholeness and Healing service, prayer quilts, and grief guidance. Additional information is available by calling the Church Office or talking with Jeff, Karen, or Ron.

CARE TEAM NEWS

We are blessed to have Ann Cadman and Ann Pennie making caring phone calls and keeping our weekly and ongoing prayer lists updated. Thank you, Ann & Ann!

Do you love to write notes, pray, and reach out to others with a word of encouragement? We'd love to have you join the ministry of the Care Team. Our next meetings are December 10 and January 13 at 11:00 am. Can't make the meetings? See Pastor Karen for details on how you can still participate.

STEPHEN MINISTRY TRAINING

Our Stephen Ministers are confidentially matched with a person facing life's challenges, to visit once a week. We have been amazed at the blessings both our Stephen Ministers and their care receivers have experienced in this ministry of supportive listening, presence, and prayer. Our Stephen Ministers are vetted, trained, and participate in ongoing supervision. We currently have six Stephen Ministers serving; we would love to expand this ministry to serve more people.

Might God be calling you to use your spiritual gift of compassion by serving as a Stephen Minister? See Paster Karen to apply; we will receive

applications through January and hope to begin training February 2.

Here’s the great news! With one year of Stephen Ministry under our belt, we have been able to streamline and tailor the training to fit St. Paul's context and vision for caring ministry. Training will run February through May on the 1st and 3rd Thursday afternoons of the month.

PAINT PARTYSunday, November 27, 6:30 pm

Looking for a fun night to do something unique? Come paint a picture with friends! Boyd Dawson will direct us, similar to “Painting with a Twist.” Cost $10 per picture.

WE EXTEND OUR SYMPATHY TO:

Marilyn Spohn and family in the death of her cousin, Vera Andes, on August 19.

Dolly Pink and family in the death of her brother, Larry Warych, on August 20.

Sherry Rusiski and family in the death of her mother, Shirley Willis, on September 1.

Karen and Don Williams and family in the death of their son-in-law, Jim Carmody, on September 3.

David and Marlene Graham and family the death of David’s father, David, Sr., on September 8.

Carol and Steve Radi and family in the death of their brother-in-law, Charles Price, on September 10.

Scott Syglowski and family in the death of his wife, Allyson, on September 12.

The family of Robert Stoyer in his death on September 22.

Penny Marconi and family in the death of her nephew, Aaron Haddix, on September 23.

Linda Hawksworth and family in the death of her mother, Lois Hawksworth, on October 4.

Bev Mello and family in the death of her brother-in-law, Frank Como, on October 7.

Dave Schuetz and family in the death of his father, Ralph, on October 13.

Tom Culley and family in the death of his cousin, David Culley, Jr., on October 18.

The family of Norman Brugger in his death on October 19.

Therma Strickler and family in the death of her daughter, Barbara Peshkin, on October 20.

WE SHARE IN THE JOY OF BIRTH:

Madeline Louise Shumway on July 14, daughter of Robyn and Clay Shumway; granddaughter of Sonya and John Shumway.

Henry Christopher Covelli on October 3, son of Jaclyn and Bryant Covelli, grandson of Jamie and John Covelli.

Taylor Lee Fogle on November 4, daughter of Lisa and Brian Fogle; granddaughter of Donna and Tom Fogle.

Richard Clayton Polley, III, on November 5, son of Ran and Rich Polley; grandson of Mary and Rick Polley.

Ronna Cullen Doyle and family in the death of her husband, Bill Doyle, on October 21.

Family and friends of Glee Smith in her death on October 23.

Marcia Coleman and family in the death of her nephew, Joshua Weymouth, on October 23.

Haydn, Susan, Liberty Weyandt and family in the death of Haydn’s father, Jack D. Weyandt, on October 23.

Jackie Schaefers and family in the death of her grandmother, Mary Ann Rummell, on October 28.

Barry Banasik and family in the death of his mother, Joan, on October 29.

Jim Nelson and family in the death of his aunt, Sally Kittner, on October 31.

Sheila Hanley and family in the death of her brother, Donald Braun, on November 2.

Teresa Shepard and family in the death of her aunt, Ellen Nash, on November 7.

Norma Dodge and family in the death of her mother-in-law, Ann Cutting, on November 8.

Joan Slaughter and family in the death of her aunt, Margaret Bunnell, on November 9.

The Barbor and White families in the death of Jim’s brother, John Barbor, on November 13.

WORSHIP TIMES

SATURDAY EVENING

Saturday@6:00 Wesley Hall

SUNDAY MORNING

Connect@8:30, Sanctuary

Grace Cafe@9:30, George Crooks Dining Area

Inspire@10:30, Sanctuary

MID-WEEK

Wednesday@7:30, Wesley Hall

SUNDAY MORNING CLASSES9:15 am, All Ages, September–May

CHURCH OFFICE412.486.7006

FAX412.486.8801

PRESCHOOL412.486.5591

DROP-IN CHILD CARE412.486.4595

KIDZ KORNER412.334.8193

NORTH HILLS COMMUNITY OUTREACH CENTER412.487.6316

NEED MORE INFORMATION?

Call the church office between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm Monday through Friday. We’ll be glad to share the details!

Visit our website for more information:www.stpaulsumc.com.

MINISTRY PLANNING

All are encouraged to use their God-given gifts in ministry. When you have an idea for a new ministry, please contact Faith Geer. Together we can plan the best way to get your idea off the paper and into action.

COMMUNICATION CENTERS

These are located in the Wesley Hall and CLC Entranceways. They are places to hang 8½” x 11” posters, find out about events, and sign up for activities. Building maps are also available here.

MINISTRY CENTER

It is located inside the Worship Center door. There you can give items for collections, share foodbank donations, buy FACE Certificates, and purchase items sold by groups: tickets, cookies, etc.

WELCOME CENTER

It is located in Wesley Hall. Guests can find a host to answer questions, give information about St. Paul’s, find Care Notes, and get worship guides for children.

PLANNING A PERSONAL EVENT?

Contact Carla in the church office to schedule your date!

EPISTLE ARTICLES

Articles for the next Epistle are due January 4. Copies will be mailed January 17. Be sure to watch for weekly updates in the Friday emails. Register online at www.stpaulsumc.com/news.

Advent Calendar HighlightsNovember 27 11:30 am, Advent Wreath Making

November 29 Giving Tuesday

December 2-4 SRHI Retreat at Ligonier

December 3 Santa Express Preschool Fundraiser

December 4 7:00 pm, Three Rivers Ringers Concert

December 6 Christmas Share and Care Decoration Shop

December 11 7:00 pm, Blue Christmas Healing Service

December 17 NOMIC LPCC Secret Santa

December 18 Inspire@10:30, Christmas Music Celebration 11:30 Children's Gift Wrapping Mission

December 21 NO Wednesday Evening Children’s Ministry

December 22 6:30 pm, Preview & Dress rehearsal for Christmas Musical, Cookie Reception

December 24 Christmas Eve

5:00 pm, Family Worship & Children’s Musical

7:00 pm, Youth-led Worship

9:00 pm, Traditional Worship

11:00 pm, Holy Communion

December 25 No Children's Church or Morning Classes One Worship at 10:30 am

December 28 6:00-9:00 pm, All-Church Ice Skating, PPG Rink

January 1 No Children's Church or Morning Classes One Worship at 10:30 am

January 8 11:00 am, Volunteer Appreciation Reception

January 27-29 Jumonville Confirmation Retreat

ST. PAULSUnited Methodist Church