Welcome to St. Paul's!
If you are looking for a church community, you may have just found it! St Paul’s has a long tradition of superb music, an inviting Sunday School, active youth group and effective outreach. This is a place where God is first and you can make a difference. "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice." Philippians 4:4 
Celebrate Christmas at St. Paul’s, Wickford!
Fourth Sunday of Advent, Sunday, December 23rd 5:15 p.m. Saturday, December 22nd, Holy Eucharist 7:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite I 9:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II Christmas Eve, Monday, December 24th 3:00 p.m. Pageant with Eucharist and Carols 5:00 p.m. Holy Eucharist and Carols 9:00 p.m. Choral prelude and Carols 9:30 p.m. Choral Eucharist with Carols Christmas Day, Tuesday, December 25th 9:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist First Sunday after Christmas, Sunday, December 30th 5:15 p.m. Saturday, December 29th, Holy Eucharist 7:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist 9:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist with Lessons and Carols YOU ARE MOST WELCOME TO JOIN US!! The Rev. Canon Virginia Heistand, Rector |
Third Sunday of Advent
Joy Sunday + Sunday Morning Bible Study: a study of scripture and Handel's Messiah! + Sunday School has a very special guest this week: St. Nicholas in person! + Youth Confirmation Class this Sunday a superb study on Spiritual Gifts. You have them! + December Food Pantry Requests: Cereal, beef stew, canned chicken, shampoo, grocery gift cards for Dave's and Stop& Shop in increments of $10; cloth shopping bags. + Parish Prayer Calendar for December is Outreach. (See Christmas Basket Photo :) and bulletin insert). + Pledge Update: As of Dec 12, 111 pledges received for a current total of $291, 406.00. + Are you or someone you know called to serve as a member of the Vestry? Nomination packets (with eligibility requirements & expectations) are in the narthex. + The Christmas Basket Gift Cards are available at Coffee Hour and in the Church Office. Cost is $25 each and goes toward food for the gift baskets. Perfect Christmas gifts. + New England Bible Study is getting a makeover! We are going to spend the next three sessions presenting the Prophets: their role, their message and how you know more about them than you think you do. So that, we will have more time this Spring to go deeply in the New Testament. + Cookies and Classics is reading "Revelations of Divine Love" by Julian of Norwich. Next meeting January 6. |
From Inside the Collar
The Advent Wreath is made of evergreens to point to eternal life. It is a circle for the same reason: no beginning and no end: God.
Hope is often the meaning assigned to the first candle. Hope is a gift given to us by God (often when we do not want it and haven't asked for it). It is implanted in us as energy to keep going, when we do not yet know what it is we are hoping for. It is the gift of Trust in God.
Faith is usually the meaning assigned to the second candle because faith is a gift that God gives us in the course of our relationship to God. It is given on the way. We have to be given hope before we find ourselves trusting in God and not a specific outcome.
Joy is the meaning of the third candle in just about every tradition. Joy is God's gift to us that surprises and delights us in the midst of what are often very dark moments. It is the natural response to the realization that God is not only involved, but bringing about a miracle better than you could have dreamed. Sometimes the third candle is the Mary candle. It can be a different color (usually pink), to acknowledge that Joy feels quite different than the penitential purple.
Peace is the meaning assigned to the fourth candle. The peace God gives us is not the absence of conflict, but the realization that we are in resonance with God's will for us. It is strength and a calming of heart and mind, so that the soul might become receptive.
Christ is the meaning of the fifth, white (both pure and all inclusive), and last candle; lit on Christmas. He is the fulfillment, of all: The One True Light.
Loaves & Fishes RI
Dear Friends,
As the last month of the year approaches, we are reminded of the gifts that three kings brought to a simple babe. We are blessed to give of our treasure to those less fortunate, and our Loaves & Fishes ministry enables us to give food and hope to our brothers and sisters here in Rhode Island. May we rejoice in the giving that is the gift, and pray blessings on those whose lives we share in the giving and receiving of food, caring and dignity. Thank you for your generous hearts; may your love be returned to you.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/904084cafaf2bab9-loaves24