News and Announcements

Sunday, February 12, 2006

 

TODAY:

·          Pictorial Directory: (Photo Sessions 3/16, 3/17, 3/18) Thank you to the 77 families who have already signed up for their directory photographs! The rest of you may sign up before or after the 10:45 service in the Resource Lounge today or next Sunday, Don’t be left out! (If you have questions or need special arrangements, please call Bonnie Lockard, 410-848-5979.)

·          Eco-bags are here! They’re sturdy, machine washable, environmentally protective, and very good looking…featuring original artwork by Emily Murray and the slogan: “As God protects you and me, use this bag to spare a tree… Cost: $5. They’ll be on sale long-term in Fellowship Hall during coffee hour. Questions or comments: See Melissa Melum.

 

NEXT SUNDAY (February 19):

  • Lectionary Text: Isaiah 43:18-25, Psalm 41, 2 Corinthians 1:18-22, Mark 2:1-12. Focus: Giver of Life

 

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION:

Adult Education

Adult Issues Topics Schedule: During the time between the start of the new year and the beginning of Lent, 2006, the Adult Issues Program will facilitate a series of discussions revolving around United Church of Christ history and identity. (9:30 in the chapel)         

                Feb. 12 – St. Paul’s History

                Feb. 19 – Our Covenant for the Future

               

Feb. 26 – Eric Byrd, music professor from McDaniel College will speak on “Gospel Origins and Traditions.” His gospel choir will sing during worship at the end of the 10:45 service.

                                               

Adult Lectionary Class is held weekly in the Parish House Conference Room (9:30)

 

BEGINNING SUNDAY, MARCH 5 (12:30-2p, Adult Issues Room) – T.L.C. (Touch, Love, Care) a weekly group led by Pastor LoisAnn. If you are experiencing any grief or sorrow in your life due to a death, life changes, illness, divorce, job loss, etc. this group is available to you. The group is open to everyone and all sessions do not have to be attended. Please call Pastor LoisAnn (410-239-1515) for more information and to let her know you plan to attend. A light lunch will be provided. St. Paul’s members and friends, please be in prayer for this group.

 

MARDI GRAS PARTY: We will celebrate Mardi Gras with an intergenerational party/fundraiser for Hope Shall Bloom on February 28, 2006 from 6pm until 9pm in Fellowship Hall. Jambalaya and beignets (by Doug Crowl), the Dixie Cats, games for the children (and the childlike!) and prizes for all! Wear your favorite costume and support this very important fund with a great time. ($5/person, $2 for ages 5-12, and under 5 free, with a $20 maximum/family.) All donations gratefully accepted. All proceeds will be matched by St. Paul’s and donated to Hope Shall Bloom. Tickets at the door only. Sign up poster in the Resource Lounge for attendance and the Cakewalk! Laissez les bon temps roulez!

 

OUTREACH:

·          Thanks to all who contributed to the Souper Bowl pots. We collected 56 cans and $118.75 for Carroll County Food Sunday.

·          Worktrip to Mississippi: Pat Kellam made the commitment to go help with hurricane recovery in Mississippi two weeks ago. Now 3 more have decided to join the crew from St. Paul’s. They are Judy Gaver, Bill Kelly and Jim Gregory. The rest of the congregation can help support them by donating money for the supplies that will be needed to do the work. Donations can be made payable to St. Paul’s designated for the MS Mission trip. Other ideas to help support our crew are welcomed by the Outreach Committee.

·          One Great Hour of Sharing on March 26 helps in Sudan – the world’s gravest emergency: Asisa, a refugee from Darfur, comforts her baby at a camp in neighboring Chad. “I fled from my village when I saw the Janjaweed militia attacking the neighboring village. I heard the machine guns and bombs, and I could see the light from the burning houses in the dark night…Two of my brothers were killed during the attack, and my husband is not with me anymore,” she says.

 

By 2005, nearly two million people had fled their homes and villages in Sudan. About 180,000 had been killed in the attacks or have died from hunger and disease in makeshift camps, according to the U.S. Agency for International Development. Gifts to One Great Hour of Sharing help to meet the needs of 500,000 of the most vulnerable people, mostly women and children, who lack shelter, food, and clean water.