1. Christmas at St. Paul’s – As we begin the Advent Season, there are many things to look forward to as a congregation. Please schedule the following events in your calendar:

 
Saturday, December 14
2:30 p.m: Children’s Celebration
 
Sunday, December 15
Advent 3: Peace (Ian Shugart) with the Children’s Presentation
7:00 p.m. Joy to the World
 
Sunday, December 22
Advent 4: Love (Ian Shugart)
 
Tuesday, December 24
4:00 p.m. “A Christmas Prayer” – A Family-oriented Service
7:00 p.m. Candle Light Service
 

  1. This Sunday – Ian will be preaching from John 1:1-18.

 

  1. Photo Updates Until this Sunday – St. Paul’s Photo Directory needs to be updated. If you’re happy with your photo from the 2010 Directory, then we’ll reuse that photo – no need to let us know. Memory sticks of all of your photos taken will be available for $5.00. The new Photo Directory will cost $5.00. If you are new to St. Paul’s, we strongly encourage you to come and get your photo taken as this is a great way to get to know everyone. Starting in December, photos will be taken between the services as well, so do not delay and miss this wonderful opportunity.

 

  1. Prayer Fellowship Meeting – Our final Prayer Fellowship meeting for this year will be held in the Resource Centre at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 21. Please join us as we pray for personal concerns, members of our congregation and community, as well as national and global issues.

 

  1. Childcare for Christmas Eve Services – The 4:00 p.m. Christmas Eve service is a family-oriented service called "A Christmas Prayer". There will be a Candle-Light Service at 7:00 p.m. Childcare for children up to age 3 will be available in the nursery for both services.

 

  1. Single Services during the Holidays – for Sun. Dec. 29 and Sun. Jan. 5, we will have single services at 10:30am. Tina Arthur will share her testimony with us on Dec. 29. On Jan. 5, Rev. Terri Mazik will be our guest speaker. Rev. Mazik is a representative from First Place Options, a Christian support centre for unplanned pregnancies. 

 

  1. Thinking Ahead to 2014 – The deadline for Team reports for the 2013 Annual Report is WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15. If you submit your report electronically please use a plain font with no “fancy” formatting. It would be helpful if you could submit some photos to illustrate your report. If you have any questions, please contact Frances Cartwright in the church office.

 

  1. Search Committee Update – Over 35 individuals from around the world expressed an interest in the position of Senior Minister at St Paul’s. Of those, over 20 individuals submitted their resumes for consideration. The Search Committee has reviewed those resumes and identified several for further consideration. The Committee prepared a questionnaire, which was sent to this smaller group of candidates. Based on their answers to the questionnaire, the Committee will invite some candidates for an interview via “Skype”, as well as request they send us a DVD containing two or three examples of their sermons.  All of this will be done with much prayer, constantly seeking the Lord’s guidance. Please continue to pray for the work of the Committee, the individual God is calling to St Paul's and the ongoing ministry of our church. 

 

  1. Need some work done around the house – Looking for a gift to reach out to someone who may not attend St. Paul's?  Sign up for the Youth Work Projects on the bulletin board just outside the sanctuary.  The work projects are for about 3 hours – usually on a Saturday.  Once you sign up I will contact you to arrange a time and project details.  Some examples are painting, cleaning, yard work, small construction and appliance installations.  There is no cost for this work as it is an outreach mission of the Youth.  If you have any questions please call 613-513-3841 or email Ed Smith.

 

  1. CDs for Christmas – Are you looking for a meaningful Christmas gift for someone?  Several of Mark Thallander’s CDs are available from our organist, Ross Dixon.  They range from the contemplative (his “Grace and Peace” CD) to the stirring and majestic (his latest CD “Triumphant Tunes and Toccatas”). Contact Ross after Sunday services or at 613-727-8989.