Dear Friends,

 

This weekend we begin the holy season of Advent. You will find two inserts in the bulletin and online, the first taking up two spiritual initiatives starting this week, and the other laying out clearly the schedules and activities for Advent and Christmas at St. Paul’s. I’d like to remind you that Advent candles and wreaths are available in the Parish Gift shop, as well as terrific Christmas presents!

 

Two fine traditions at St. Paul’s during Advent involve outreach to others, as Christ would have us do. First, our Jesse, or Giving Tree, located in the foyer. Tags for gifts needed are there, with instructions. Also, we begin our Wednesday Community lunches this week. (Dec. 3, 10, and 17.) Come and support our unhoused sisters and brothers and others, helping by setting up, cleaning up, serving food, bringing food, or simply sitting and chatting with our guests.

 

We have begun the Parish Grand Annual. This yearly initiative helps the parish to meet its financial responsibilities that are not covered by the weekly offertory. I am asking for your consideration of a $450 gift, payable over four months if that is easier; you should have received an envelope in the mail, or they can be found in the church vestibule. You are also welcome to donate online and at the kiosk in the foyer.  My greater plea for this collection is that everyone participates, at whatever level you can, large or small. Last year, we had just under 200 people who responded. Can you help us to boost that this year?

 

The Choir Boys’ Christmas Concerts will be on the next two Sundays, December 7 & 14 at 3:00. What a grand tradition this is!  There is free parking available at the Broadway Street Garage, just a ten-minute walk from the church. Please plan on coming and bring a lot of friends.

 

God bless,

Fr. Kelly