What a wonderful time of year around St. Paul’s. You can feel the excitement in the air. In December, we collected food for the Christmas baskets and spoke about the importance of feeding the hungry in North Kingstown. Thank you to Bonnie Smith for sharing your expertise on this subject. Christmas cards were made for the baskets. These children really love sharing their time and talents with others. The highlight of the month is the children’s Christmas Pageant on Christmas Eve. As of this writing, we have 50 children signed up to participate in this event. We have been practicing our songs and are looking forward to sharing this special message with the congregation. A big “thank you” is owed to Buddy Cavaleri and Kevin O’Connor for providing the music for the Pageant. I would also like to thank all the parents who have offered to assist with the rehearsal and costumes. This is always a big undertaking and I am thankful for all the extra hands, especially during the Pageant itself. It’s hard to keep those sheep moving in the right direction.

Thank you to Father Phil for performing an instructed Eucharist with the fifth grade “Emmaus Class”. It was our first clergy-led class for the year and the students really enjoyed it. It is always a thrill to see the kids make the connection between what they have always seen or heard and bring that message to their daily lives. For example, during the class Phil was speaking about Jesus washing the disciples feet and asked the question of why Jesus would do this. One boy was quick to answer, “so we learn the importance of doing things for others, like helping others.” Exactly. The message we try to teach our students every week and it’s the message we all can learn by watching these wonderful children here at this parish.

I wish you a wonderful, peaceful holiday season.

Sunday school is still looking for donations of snacks, and drinks. If you are able to help us out, please bring items to the Parish Hall, marked Sunday school. Thank you for your assistance in providing a special coffee hour for the children.