St. Paul s Epistle. St. Paul s Episcopal Church. Advent Wreath Making and Parish Dinner. Parish Notes. Congratulations to:

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1 St. Paul s Episcopal Church 510 West Main Street Franklin, TN November 2017 Advent Wreath Making and Parish Dinner Save the date for Wednesday November 29th at 6 pm. We will make advent wreaths and enjoy a spaghetti dinner together in Otey Hall. The cost for dinner is $5 per person with a $20 family max. If you d like to make a wreath, we will have all the supplies you need for $5. Watch for an with an RSVP later in November. Dinner at Bethlehem Join our church family for lunch on Christmas Day in Otey Hall. See the board in the Narthex to let us know you are coming and to bring a dish if you can. It is a relaxed meal with shared joy and laughter.for more information, contact Donna Stokes-Rogers at donnastokesrogers@ gmail.com Worship Services Schedule Sunday 7:30 am Holy Eucharist 8:45 am Holy Eucharist (with Children s Chapel) 11:00am Holy Eucharist (with Children s Chapel) 6:00 pm Holy Eucharist Wednesday 12:05 pm Holy Eucharist The Mission of St. Paul s Episcopal Church is to Proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ and Care for All Parish Notes Congratulations to: Lane Summers and David Patterson who were married on September 23rd. Sam and Brad Williams on the birth of their daughter, Eliot Clare. Debra and John Brake onthe birth of their grandson, Wiley Matthew Merritt. Our Sympathy to: Margaret Dyer Brown for the loss of her husband, Larry Brown; to Laura Medlin for the loss of her husband, David Medlin; to Lance Respess on the loss of his aunt, Sue Foshee; and to Murray Huber on the loss of his father, Leonard Huber.

2 2 From the Rector Giving Thanks In 1863, Abraham Lincoln didn t seem to have many reasons to be thankful. If we look at that year Lincoln was at a low ebb in his life. His political future looked bleak to say the least. The Civil War was not going well for the Union. Many in his own party openly hated him and joked about him in public. His wife was being investigated as a traitor. Even so, Lincoln called for a national day of Thanksgiving. But Thanksgiving at a time like that? What was he thinking of? During those trying days of the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln had the integrity to stop and remind the nation of God s goodness, even in crisis. I won t give you his entire proclamation, but one paragraph states: we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us, and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us. Pretty tough words. But they seem very new and fresh even after all these years. Lincoln s tough but courageous words remind us not to forget where our blessings come from; not from us or within us but from God and God alone. During the month of November, we are reminded of our opportunity and our charge to give thanks. While we make plans for the holidays and gather together as families let s not forget the one from whom all blessings flow. Between the parades, the football, and the food let us all take a moment to remember the goodness of God in all things great and small. Let us give thanks for the sacrifices that have been made for us. Let us be grateful for all that God has given us this year, in years past and look forward to those blessings continuing in the future. It is God s gracious hand at work that gives us peace, joy, and strength. We can take heart knowing our loving God is there for us each and every day. Happy Thanksgiving. Thanks be to God. Peace, Rusty+ It s in the bag! The Women of St. Paul s need your swag. Every year we put together fabulous goody bags for our annual retreat at Mo teagle. This year we re asking retreat goers (and if you haven t been to the retreat yet, come on) to contribute something small to our bags for 110 women. It can be something you make (sachets, refrigerator magnets, bookmarks and the like) or store-bought (individual tissue packs, snack crackers, travel-sized lotions and toothpaste). Use your imagination and creativity. Keep in mind that we will need 110 of the items you might donate. If you can contribute, please contact Katie Faulkner at peppyf@comcast.net and let her know what swag you plan to add to the bags. We ll see you On The Mountain!

3 WITS: Women in Theological Study WITS Women in Theological Study We will meet two times in November. On Thursday November 2, we will gather in Barnabas to finish our study based on the book, An Altar in the World, by Barbara Brown Taylor. On Thursday November 9, we will meet at Bicentennial Park in Franklin (weather permitting). Both times will be from 9:30 11:00am. Even if you have not come before, each week is different, and not dependent on having come the week before. Somehow we always have coffee and something to nibble on! If you have any questions about WITS, please contact Monna Mayhall at stpaulsfranklin.com or Women s Social Friday, November 10, 2017 Make plans to join the Women of St. Paul on Friday, November 10th at the Clubhouse at Villages at Morningside One hosted by Judy Stockton and Judith Atkinson. The Clubhouse is located at 101Sunrise Circle it is the 1st building on the left as you enter Morningside One. The social begins at 5:30 Bring an appetizer, something to drink or just bring yourself!! Hope to see you there!! If you need directions, call Judy Stockton at Moses Basket St. Paul s Epistle The Women of St. Paul s have started a new ministry called the Moses Basket. It is our hope to welcome the newest members of our congregation with a basket containing items for the new baby and their family. Please contact Fran Osteen at or fwosteen@comcast.net with questions and /or suggestions. Most importantly, please share any news of a new baby so we can welcome him or her. Bad Girls Book Club The Bad Girls Book Club meets the fourth Tuesday of each month (unless noted otherwise) from 6:30 to 8:00 pm in Founders Hall. We all bring a light appetizer and/ or drink (or both) to share and enjoy an informal and lively discussion about our current title. Their next book for November 28th is The Residence: Inside the World of the White House by Kate Andersen Brower. All are welcome!! Christmas Music Memorials and Thanksgivings Christmas Music Memorials and Thanksgiving Offerings help us pay for the beautiful music on Christmas Eve. If you would like to make a contribution, please contact Donna and let her know. Thank you for you continued support, encouragement, and prayers. 3

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5 realm software St. Paul s is moving to a new kind of church record keeping solution called REALM. REALM is a 100% web-based solution that is easy to use with a fresh and intuitive interface. It primarily serves the administrative needs of our staff, but it also offers some exciting opportunities to support the way you our members are involved in the church. Not only will this improve work life for our staff, it will make it easier for our parish family to connect with each other, keep up with what s going on and grow as a connected community. Children s Ministry Children s Chapel on Sunday Mornings St. Paul s Epistle Children s Chapel provides an opportunity for children to hear the Gospel lesson in child-friendly language that usually includes a lively discussion as well as some artwork. Children ages 3-5th grade are invited to follow the cross to Founder s Hall during the Sequence Hymn and return to their pew during the Peace so they may receive communion with their family. 5

6 English Tea Volunteers Servers are needed for the English Tea which will be held on December 9th. There are two seatings - 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm. You may serve at both seatings or just one. No experience is necessary! Contact Becky Farmer at or mrspiggy2@yahoo.com. A Big Thank You to my St. Paul s Family PFLAG PFLAG Franklin will hold its monthly meeting on Monday, November 13 at 7:00-8:30pm, in Otey Hall. This month we will begin with a service for Transgender Day of Remembrance to honor the memory of those who have lost their lives because of discrimination against the transgender community. Following this time together, the meeting will continue with general discussion and sharing. 6 Since my knee replacement seven weeks ago, I have been the beneficiary of amazing love in action by my friends at St. Paul s. My family members had to leave after a couple of weeks but that was not the end of my need for support. Rides to PT, helping with groceries, supportive phone calls, throwing a pizza party, etc. My surgery was not life-threatening but it was life-changing and my family at St. Paul s took care of me. A special shout-out to some of the angels around me: Elizabeth Morrow, Beverly Headley, Ellen Kirk, Martha Basenberg, Barbara Williams, Margaret Ann Horn, Kelly Pitsenberger, Phyllis Gray and the Monday night Centering Prayer Group. With gratitude to God for my healing, Barbara Green "It Takes a Flock!" Women of St. Paul's Annual heart and Soul Retreat - Feb. 2-4, 2018 Registration forms are available in the narthex, the church office or on the church website. You don't want to miss this one! Come "Fla-mingle" with fellow St. Paul's women and their guests! More information to follow in the upcoming weeks. PFLAG is a national non-profit, support, education, and advocacy organization founded 45 years ago with the purpose of helping people understand and accept everyone equally, including those of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. At every meeting we focus on sharing issues, concerns, successes and celebrations surrounding our LGBT friends and families. Meetings are held in a confidential setting. All are welcome and invited to join the conversation. For more information, see our Facebook page: If you have any questions, contact Sharon Collins at or sharoncollins715@gmail.com PFLAG is the extended family of the LGBTQ community. We are made up of LGBTQ individuals, family members and allies. Together we are stronger. Newsletter Address Please send all submissions for Epistle editions by the 20th of the month to newsletter@stpaulsfranklin.com

7 St. Paul s Epistle St. Paul s Outreach Opportunity Love Thy Neighbor For I was hungry and you fed me, I was thirsty and you gave me drink. (Matthew 25:35) What We Are: A partnership with a local non-profit to provide meals for those in need in our community. What We Do: Prepare Meals and/or Desserts to be delivered to approx. 110 of our Senior or Disabled neighbors. How You Can Help: Wednesday, November 15th- Hope Mobile will be Grilling Burgers in front of Barnabas! 2:00-4:00- Cooking and Prepping 4:00-5:00- Bagging the Burgers Bake and Bring- Cookies or Brownies Stay Tuned.we will be: Planning and Looking ahead Helping with THURSDAY Meals after Thanksgiving Love Thy Neighbor is open to ALL Men and Women of St. Paul s!! Just let us know if you would like to jump in!! Contact: Mishelle Phillips shellbokey@gmail.com or (call or text ) 7

8 A Dancing Monkey As the temperature drops and we break out our warm clothes, let us remember that we are not alone. Through no fault of their own or through bad choices with no margin for failure, the homeless and less fortunate need your help. St. Paul s will be collecting thick socks, sock hats and winter gloves to pass along to Church In The Yard and The Jefferson Street Bridge ministries who feed some of the homeless of Nashville. Our Sunday to serve in November falls close to Thanksgiving and our December date on Christmas Eve. What a blessing to have the opportunity to serve as we enjoy our own blessings. There are many needs in the news during this season but one that gets little air time is a diaper shortage. St.Paul s is a supporter of The Nashville Diaper Connection with the slogan, No Child Wet Behind. To my knowledge, you can not purchase diapers with food stamps so mothers with very young are in desperate need of diapers. So, as you plan your parties, dinners and celebrations, add a box of diapers (all sizes) to your list of supplies and drop the diapers off at the church in Founder s Hall. Collection boxes are located to the right of the TV monitor. The last item is a little sensitive. Our homeless have no place to store seasonal clothes as most of us do. They don t have closets or plastic containers to keep cold weather clothes in the summer or hot weather clothes in the winter so there is a constant seasonal need as they discard most everything they re not wearing for that season. There is a year round need for clothing. If you have moved a love one into assistedliving, etc. and extra clothes not needed, I will pass them along. If you have down sized and have more than you have space for, I will pass the extra along. If a loved one has passed and it s time, I ll help in any way I can and pass those items along. Contact me with any questions or gwlwhancock@comcast.net Peace and Love, G.Hancock, TSSF Advent Lessons and Carols and Sweets and Treat Party Sunday, December 3, 2017 Sweets at 5:00 p.m. in Otey Hall Service at 6:00 p.m. in Church The Festival of Lessons and Carols is a service of Scripture and song that dates to the late 19th century. In this Advent version of Lessons and Carols, we listen to nine Scripture lessons that recount the Fall, the promise of a Messiah, and the Annunciation. Each lesson is followed by a carol or hymn that reflects on the lesson s message. Please join us for this special service which will be immediately followed by a festive Sweets and Treats reception in Otey Hall. Everyone is encouraged to bring a holiday treat to share. Coffee and Hot Chocolate will be provided. 8

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10 A Publication of St. Paul s Episcopal Church 510 W. Main Street Franklin, TN Visit us on the web at: Our address is info@stpaulsfranklin.com St. Paul s Episcopal Church 510 W. Main Street Franklin, TN (615) info@stpaulsfranklin.com The Clergy and Staff of St. Paul s The Reverend W.R. Rusty McCown Rector The Reverend Monna Mayhall Associate Rector Donna Stokes-Rogers Music Minister Rick Jackson Organist Carl Freeman Youth Minister Libby Sullivan Children s Minister Ana Enriquez Sexton Claire Gaddis Parish Administrator Leena Mondal Nursery Care Vestry Members Jay Fahey, Senior Warden Jim Miller, Junior Warden Julie Reinhardt, Clerk Tim Armstrong Vanessa Bateman Debra Brake Charles Carlisle Sarah Hardee Lori Macdonald Sharmila Patel Kathy Ulezelski Bob Van Dervoort Mark Hyssong, Treasurer Michael Walters Young, Assistant Treasurer The mission of St. Paul s Episcopal Church is to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ and care for all