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" How will this be," Mary asked the angel...."
Luke 1.34
Christmas Travel
Many of you will travel for Christmas. I wish all of you safe and joyous travel and homecomings. When Mary learns that she will be the mother of Jesus she travels too. Not her trip to Bethlehem. Mary travels without moving her feet. Mary takes the trip that I hope all of us are making right now. Mary moves from "how can it be? " to "let be unto me according to Your word." This is real Christmas travel! From being perplexed about the things of God to partnering with God.
Mary starts like us with how, but because of God's favor and promise of companionship, not once but twice in just a few verses, Mary moves from how to now! And, because the angel reminds her that God just overcame the how question in her cousin Elizabeth by giving her a son in her old age, despite her infertility, Mary takes the leap. She travels from what she believes is impossible, to what the angel assures her has already happened and will happen again if she is willing. Look at the fruit of her travel...Jesus!
Are you stuck at how with God? This is your season! The angel has already told you of God's favor and companionship. Look around, there are plenty of Elizabeths who are telling you, 'nothing is impossible for God.' It's time for you to do some Christmas traveling.
Thought for today: We cannot please God if we are unwilling to travel with God.
Prayer for today: Help me Lord to move through the questions that hinder me from trusting you.
Rob+
To respond to Fr. Wright, please email him at stpauls696@aol.com.
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 Upcoming Bible Studies
December 14 & 18
Don't be afraid, it's God - Luke 1:26 - 38
Events December 15 - 21
Sunday, December 18
9am: Worship Service & Sunday School
10am: Adult Bible Study
10:15am: Drama Ministry Practice
11:15am: Worship Service & Sunday School
Wednesday, December 21
11:15am: Adult Bible Study
12:15pm: Eucharist & Healing Service
6:30pm: Adult Bible Study
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Stewardship Reflection
Every week a member of the St. Paul's congregation has shared their reflection on Stewardship. Below is an excerpt from the final installment in the series by Saritha Harden. Follow the link at the end to read the full offering. Over these past few weeks the Stewardship Journey has taken us down many paths, providing thought provoking insight into how one views and defines Stewardship. We have learned it is not all about money, while money is required to fulfill the operational needs of the church, gifts of time and talent are required, as well. My ministry as the Adopt A Family Program Coordinator for the Outreach Committee provides an opportunity to witness stewardship at its best: giving of time, talent and treasures. Before this stewardship journey I tended to focus on the monetary commitments we, at St. Paul, were making to these families; however, this year was different. I realized we are sharing more than just money with these families, we are sharing hope. 
Click here to read more >
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Christmas & New Year's Services
December 24 - 5pm & 10:30am
December 25 - 10:00 am
January 1 - 10:00am
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2012 Financial Peace University Are you looking for Financial Peace? Here's some good news: St. Paul's can help with that! Come to our FREE PREVIEW: Tuesday, January 3, 2012, at 6:30pm. You'll get a great introduction to Dave Ramsey's financial fitness course, "Financial Peace University."
Then, weekly, from January 16th to April 9th, you can attend Financial Peace University, a Biblically-based, 13-week, accountability curriculum that teaches you how to make the right decisions with your money, reduce debt and become fiscally fit. Course materials are $100.00 per family. The preview is free, but for first timers, course membership and materials can be purchased (at a cost of $100.00). For those who have already taken the course and are looking for a refresher, there is no cost to you. To sign up or receive more information, please e-mail Kim Adams (smadak@msn.com) by December 31, 2011
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Thank You!
"God is Good" My sincere thanks and appreciation to each of you, my church family, for your prayers, phone calls, visits and expressions of friendship during my surgery and recuperation. I am moved by the many acts of kindness and continued concern for a full recovery. I pray God's blessings on each of you. Sarah "Pinkie" Wood
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Looking to get rid of those winter coats, sweaters and hats that you no longer use or want?
The "Coolkids" of the Sr. EYC anounce
Our Annual Winter Clothing Drive
for the
Diocesan Emmaus House
Donations can be placed in the donation box outside the Library.
Campaign runs from Dec. 1st to the 18th
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2012 Church calendars have arrived - Cost $2.00 and Jean Simon-Hazzard will be in the Bowden Hall starting December 18th.
From the Daughters of the King:
The forms for the donation of Christmas poinsettias and altar flowers will be in the back of the church and in the bulletin.
Poinsettias: $15.00
Altar flowers $60.00.
Jean Simon-Hazzard (jshazz46@aol.com )
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Secret Santa Shop for Sunday Schoolers
The Secret Santa Shop for Sunday Schoolers
Opens this Sunday at St. Paul's
Santa's helpers will help your kids find that special little gift for Mom, Dad, Grandparents or friends.
Lots of gift choices, all priced from $1 - $5.
We'll even wrap your purchase to keep it a secret!!!
Secret Santa Shop located in the Sr. EYC Room
Open following 9 and 11:15 services - Dec. 4 thru 18
Sponsored by "The CoolKids" of the Sr. EYC
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Christmas & New Year Newsletter Break
 The newsletter will take a holiday break from December 23 until January 3. The last newsletter of the year will be on December 22nd.
Please plan your announcement submissions accordingly. Thank you! |
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Altar Flowers
 The flowers on the altar were arranged to the "Glory of God" by St. Paul's Flower Guild. |
Member Birthdays
December 15 December 19
Bob Johnson Ricky Wood
Ramona Jones Patrick Prince, Sr.
Tamaria Russell-Crese
Jessica Coleman December 20
Tanya Coleman
December 16
Pam Brathwaite December 21
Sala Hilaire
December 17 Gervis Manson
April Anderson Yvonne Davis
Selah Wright
December 18 Brandon Abram
Lawrence Campbell
Taylor Fleming
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St. Paul's Prayer List
 Please pray for the sick and shut in: Fr. Van Bird; William Epps, Sr.; Horace Goodlett; Charles Harding, Sr; Jorge Lawton; Mabel McCullough; Lorraine McIver; Gloria Poe; Rhoda Tolbert; Edward Williams; Beatrice Watley; Louise Williamson.
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If
you have events, meetings or anything that you would like to share with the St. Paul's community,
please make sure to send it to news@stpaulsatl.org by Tuesday of the week you
would like it published. Please limit your submissions to approximately 100 words and submit them in Word format. We look forward to your input
and ideas.
Looking
forward to hearing from you!
Sincerely,
Communications Committee
St. Paul's Episcopal Church
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