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Ministry of Hospitality

At St. Paul's we know that ALL the time we spend together is important –not just the time we spend together in worship.  So we put a lot of energy and enthusiasm into our "Ministry of Hospitality" – our commitment to ensuring that everyone who walks through our doors is welcomed warmly into our fellowship.

Following each service, we serve coffee, donuts and other refreshments in the Parish Hall. We invite you stay and enjoy good food and conversation with us. Look for the people wearing big bright flowers – these are members of our hospitality ministry and they are there to answer your questions and help you find your way around.

We really mean it when we say that St. Paul's is "A place to belong, whoever you are, just as you are"!
   
 

Children’s Christmas Sale

St. Paul's first "Children's Christmas Sale” will be held on Sunday, December 2.

 

1. Children (ages 3-12) make out their gift list and gift tags.

2. Parents wait in the “Coffee Room” while their children shop. A “Santa Helper” will escort young children (with gift list and money) to help them buy presents, while older children can shop without escorts.

3. Children then go to the “Wrapping Room” where their gifts are wrapped, the tags are attached, and everything is placed in a shopping bag to take home.

4. Children return to their parents in the “Coffee Room” with their shopping treasures.

Santa Claus will be here that day too! Get a photograph of Santa with your child(ren) or yourself for a suggested donation of $10 to our Outreach Ministries.
 
 
Rally Day

 

St. Paul's first annual Rally Day took place on September 9, 2012.  Following the 10:00 service, we had all kinds of fun events on the State House Lawn, including tasty home-made pies, balloons, games, entertainment, and much more, including a visit from our new Bishop! 

 

Come join in the celebrations on September 8, 2013, as we launch another great year of programs and ministry.

 

 
 
Fall Fair

Every year an energetic group of volunteers puts together this extraordinary event that takes up the whole building.  The 2012 Fair took place on October 20, with the usual great bargains in our wonderful Chapter Two thrift shop, at the Christmas table, the jewelry stand, the book sale, and all sorts of other tantalizing displays.  Delicious lunches and other tasty treats were also available.

Look out for the 2013 Fall Fair on November 9!

 

Thanksgiving Lunch

Thanksgiving is an important family holiday – and it is an important church family holiday too.  In 2008 St. Paul's held its first Thanksgiving lunch and it has already become a much-loved tradition!  On November 18, 2012, we will gather again to share turkey and pumpkin pie, to enjoy one another's company, and celebrate our pledge ingathering.

 

Parish Potluck

Here's how it works:

Every third Tuesday members of St. Paul's, along with their families and friends, gather in the Upper Parish Hall to share a meal together.  Everyone brings a contribution of food and there is always plenty to go around.  There are some excellent cooks at St. Paul's – and those of us who are better at eating than cooking simply bring bread or cookies so everyone is happy!

 

Parish Picnic

One of the most popular annual events at St. Paul's is the Parish Picnic which takes place in Rollins Park in June.  It starts with an outdoor service of Holy Eucharist – which may even include baptisms! – after which the grills are fired up and hot dogs, hamburgers and veggie-burgers are served.  Everyone brings salads, chips and desserts to share, and we all relax on our lawn chairs and blankets for a summertime treat of food, fellowship and fun.

 

Blessing of the Animals

At St. Paul's we know that the animals in our lives are important and beloved.  Every year, on a Sunday in early October (on or close to October 4, the day we remember St. Francis) there is a service to bless our pets.  In 2013 the service will be on October 6.  Dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, reptiles, even fish, are brought to church and every one of them receives a special prayer of blessing.  Owners of animals who prefer to stay home bring photographs of their pets and they too are blessed.  And of course there are always prayers for animals who have died.  Even stuffed animals can be blessed at this service at which everyone is welcome – whether you have two feet or four, feathers or fur, skin or scales!