Copy
View this email in your browser
 

A Letter From The Rector

St. Paul's Weekly Update

February 3, 2023

Greetings,

I’m writing with a Stewardship update and request.  Last year we received 283 pledges totaling $1,056,290.  Our average pledge was $3,732 and the median was $2,100.   By the end of 2022, we received 100% of that amount pledged.  Thank you so much for your generosity.

At the writing of this letter St. Paul’s has received 261 pledges totaling $923,015.  To support the planned budget for 2023 an additional $200,000 is still needed.  
 
As we move into 2023 and the vestry finalizes the budget, there is an increase in expenses.  
  • Increases in personnel expenses due to rising health care costs and new positions that we have finally been able to fulfill.  (Invite, Welcome, Connect Coordinator; Facilities Manager; and Interim Youth Coordinator).  
  • Increased expenses as we try to do new things in areas like newcomer’s ministry and year-round stewardship. 
  • Increases in office expenses due to an overall increase in the cost of doing business. 
  • It is also the vestry’s intent to recognize the extraordinary work of our clergy and staff with a cost-of-living adjustment. 

I’m making two requests: 
  1. If you have not already made your pledge for 2023, please do so. Pledging is so much a part of being a member of St. Paul’s. While 261 pledges have been received there are 571 families who call St. Paul’s home.  Every pledge is important.  You may pledge right now by clicking on the Pledge Online button below, or by mailing in your pledge form. 
  2. I would also like to invite those who have already pledged to consider increasing that pledge for this year.  
 
We have a terrific year ahead of us.
  • Newcomers are joining us EVERY Sunday.  
  • Our facilities and grounds are being cared for like no other year previous with a dedicated staff position.  
  • Children and youth ministries are healthy and moving towards a post pandemic vibrancy. 
  • There is an energy in the air at St. Paul’s as we focus on leadership development this year as our primary goal.  
We ask you to respond by February 10, 2023, so the vestry can move forward with a budget supporting the mission and ministry of St. Paul’s. As we continue to Worship, Serve, and Grow your financial support is needed.
 
Faithfully,
 
The Rev. George Adamik

 
Pledge Online
Youth Coordinator
     I am pleased to announce that Ben Bricio has accepted the staff position of Part Time Interim Youth Coordinator.  Ben will be working with St. Paul’s Youth as well as the Youth Committee, clergy, and adult volunteers.  Ben grew up here at St. Paul’s and participated in youth ministry, and recently served as a summer counselor at Camp Trinity held each year at Trinity Center in Pine Knoll Shores, NC.  Please join me in welcoming Ben.
 
Adult Formation
     On Sundays from 10:15-11:00 a.m. in the St. Paul’s chapel, join the clergy for a conversation about our lectionary year as we navigate through the Gospel of Matthew.  How does this particular gospel shed light on our understanding of who Jesus is?  What does this have to tell us about who we are called to be today?  See below for the forum schedule.
     As we head back to the chapel for our forums, the sessions will no longer be available live via Zoom.  Instead, they will be recorded and posted to the St. Paul’s YouTube page afterward.  We appreciate your patience and understanding; the recordings should be available within a few days of when the particular forum takes place. 
Habitat for Humanity
     The Habitat for Humanity Episcopal Build project begins tomorrow, Saturday, February 4th, with the Wall Build at the Habitat Facility on Jones Sausage Road in Garner.  Volunteers will work to build all the interior and exterior walls for this new Habitat home.  Join us to witness the start of a better future for a local family.  You must sign up in advance here: Episcopal Build.  Contact Kevin McIntire at kvn.mcintire@gmail.com for more information about St. Paul's Habitat for Humanity ministry.
Communion Class
A reminder that Communion Classes begin this Sunday, February 5th.  The spring communion class is a three-session class designed to enrich a child's understanding of the Holy Eucharist.  The class is designed for 1st through 3rd graders.
     The completion of this class is not a prerequisite for receiving communion, but is designed to deepen a child's experience of it.  Communion classes will meet three times from 10:15 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., on the next three Sundays: February 5, February 12, and February 19. 
     We will culminate the class with a celebration at the 9:00 a.m. service on Sunday, February 26th.
Blood Drive Saturday, February 11, 2023 !
     For Valentines Day, why not give the ultimate gift of love and donate blood!  
     St. Paul’s is sponsoring a blood drive on Saturday, February 11, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.  Please consider donating!  This will be held in the St. Paul’s parking lot. 
Click on the image below to sign up. 
Annual Celebration of the Feast
of Blessed Absalom Jones

Historic Saint Augustine's Chapel
at Saint Augustine's University, Raleigh

February 11, 2023 | 10:00 a.m.

     The annual celebration of the Feast of Blessed Absalom Jones is taking place February 11 at Saint Augustine's University.  
     The service begins at 10:00 a.m. and will feature the preaching of the Rev. Dr. Allen Robinson, rector of Grace Church in Brooklyn Heights and an alum of Saint Augustine’s University.  A reception will follow.
     The service will be livestreamed on the diocesan
Facebook page and YouTube channel, but for those who would like to attend in person, please mark your calendars to join us and register to help with reception planning!
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper – Tuesday Feb 21st
     St. Paul’s Men’s Group will be cooking pancakes and sausage this year on Shrove Tuesday, February 21st, 2023. from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the parish hall.  Looking forward to having this wonderful fellowship event back.  All the pancakes you can eat.  $8 for adults and $5 for children (under 5 free). 
Sunday Worship Services
     Sunday services are held at 7:30, 9:00, and 11:15 a.m.  You may attend in-person or online at 9:00 a.m.  If you cannot attend in person, please join us this Sunday for worship at 9:00 a.m. on Facebook Live.  You do not need a Facebook account to participate!  Simply click here at 9:00 a.m. Sunday for the livestream, or click here to see videos of previous services.  
    You may also go to the following web page for the parish prayer list.  Click the “Continue Reading” button to see the names.
Join us in the parish hall from 10:10-11:00 a.m. for coffee and casual conversation.
Upcoming Events – Mark Your Calendars

February 11 -- Blood Drive Saturday

February 21 -- Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper

5:00 - 7:00 p.m.


February 22 -- Ash Wednesday Services
7:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Family Service - 7:00 p.m.

March 10 -- ASP Spaghetti Dinner

 
Details about these events can be found at www.stpaulscary.org
Join us Sunday Mornings at 9:00 a.m.
for a live stream of the Holy Eucharistic service at www.facebook.com/stpaulscary

You do NOT need a Facebook account to join us on Sunday morning or for Morning Prayer.

And join us M-F at 8:00 a.m. for Morning Prayer on Facebook Live.

See past services and other videos anytime HERE.


Get more information at our website
www.stpaulscary.org
Services are offered on Sundays
at 7:30, 9:00, and 11:15 a.m.

Office hours are 9 a.m. -  3 p.m. M-F
Call 919-467-1477 to learn more about St. Paul's.
Or go to our website at www.stpaulscary.org
To subscribe to the Weekly Update email, go to:
http://eepurl.com/bjbqmf.
Fill out the form and press "Submit."
Copyright © 2023 St. Paul's Episcopal Church, All rights reserved.


Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can
update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

Email Marketing Powered by Mailchimp