Parish Notes, November 2022

Parish Notes November 2022 • Vol. 65 No. 3

ALL SAINTS’ SUNDAY

Clergy Jeanne Leinbach, Rector jleinbach@stpauls-church.org Jessie Dodson, Associate Rector jdodson@stpauls-church.org Brandon Ashcraft, Assistant Rector bashcraft@stpauls-church.org

John Kennedy, Assistant Rector jkennedy@stpauls-church.org

Staff Lauren Dockery Director of Children’s & Youth Min. Kevin Jones Director of Music Kelsey Ferguson Director of Children’s & Youth Choirs Karel Paukert Organist Lois Bell Handbell Choir Director David Osburn Carillonneur Nathaniel Powell Director of Communications Pam O’Halloran Director of Operations Brenda Burton Controller

A Feast for All the Saints The Rev. Brandon Ashcraft On All Saints’ Sunday, November 6, we will gather as one St. Paul’s community for a festive combined worship service at 10 a.m.

This is the perfect day for the entire community to come together, for it’s a feast that celebrates all the saints of God, both the great heroes of the faith and the lesser known saints from our own lives.

All Saints is a welcome celebration amid the long season of ‘ordinary time’ - a day when we trade in our green vestments and bring out the celebratory whites we put away at Easter. Indeed, the liturgy of All Saints is an Easter liturgy, shot through with reminders of Christ’s victory over death and the glory we will one day share with him. It is also a baptismal feast, reminding us that we, too, are saints even now. Through the waters of Holy Baptism, we have been grafted into the body of Christ and made members of the fellowship of believers across all times and places, the Communion of Saints.

So let all the saints of St. Paul’s gather to keep this great feast of All Saints!

To welcome new saints in the rite of Holy Baptism.

To remember the saints who have gone on to glory.

And to receive the sacrament of the Eucharist — the feast that unites all the saints, both in heaven and on earth.

Jenni Thomas Administrative Coordinator Lysa Kenney Administrative Assistant Paul McCuen Steve Halasz Fred Tucker Ethan Greenberg Sextons

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church 2747 Fairmount Boulevard Cleveland Heights, OH 44106 (216) 932-5815 www.stpauls-church.org info@stpauls-church.org Pastoral Care Line: (216) 238-4001

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Cover Photos This month’s cover photos are from some of our worship services and events this October: Jazz Vespers, Trunk or Treat, and the St. Francis Pet Blessing. If you, dear reader, have a photo or photos you’d like to share? Send them to Nathaniel, and you just might see them here, on social mdeia, or around the building: npowell@stpauls-church.org.

ELECTION SEASON

All Will Be Well The Rev. Jeanne Leinbach

The mid-term elections are upon us. With our divisive politics these days, we may be feeling angst around the election and possible outcomes. We may have decided to simply “wash our hands” of the discord and stay out of the fray. Yet, voting is a sacred right. So, how do we engage and, at the same time, rest in “all will be well”?

Let’s start with a look at our political parties. The Democratic and Republican parties in the U.S. have differing views on policy. Broadly, “Republican philosophy leans more towards individual freedoms, rights, and responsibilities. In contrast, Democrats attach greater importance to social/community responsibility” (www.diffen.com). Broadly, Republicans favor a small government and Democrats favor a large government. Neither philosophy is right nor wrong. In fact, we need both perspectives to bring wisdom to our solutions. Simply, and, yet, complex, our two political parties have differing perspectives on how we best achieve liberty, equality, and justice.

Let’s focus on this commonality: the goals for all of us are liberty, equality, and justice. We might have differing perspectives on how to achieve these goals, but they are the same goals. So, our work is to plow through all of the divisive rhetoric and listen for a candidate’s authentic desire to work for liberty, equality, and justice and listen for a well-thought-out plan to achieve these goals.

We have another election this month, and perhaps we can learn from this election process. On November 19, lay and clergy delegates from across the Diocese will be voting on a new Bishop. On the Diocesan website, you can learn about the three candidates (www.dohio.org/ bishop-search). We had the opportunity at the end of October to meet the candidates and ask them questions

at gatherings across the Diocese. I attended two of these gatherings and listened for how the candidates’ faith informs their life and their leadership. I listened for how their particular passions and gifts match the needs of the people and ministries of this Diocese; how they will care for and inspire the parishioners and the clergy; how they will hope, imagine, and transform.

In all elections, we can be informed voters. We can read about and hear from candidates. We can listen for a desire to serve and collaborate vs. an obsessive desire for power. We can recognize the needs of our fellow citizens and determine the ability of the candidate to meet those needs. We can seek assurance that the candidate will inspire and engage constituents, effecting positive change for all. We can let our faith lead in choosing our candidates. After all, our faith is not just for Sunday morning but for how we live our life each and every day.

“Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?” “Will you strive for justice and peace among all people and respect the dignity of every human being?” “I will, with God’s help.”

When we are informed voters, we can rest assured that we have fulfilled our sacred right, and, then, regardless of outcome, continue to live our faith. Even in our small corner of the world, striving for justice and peace among all people, respecting the dignity of every human being, and loving our neighbor as ourselves are integral to fulfilling God’s Kingdom. All will be well.

Let us pray. Almighty God, to whom we must account for all our powers and privileges: Guide the people of the United States in the election of officials and representatives; that, by faithful administration and wise laws, the rights of all may be protected, and our nation be enabled to fulfill your purposes; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. — BCP, p. 822

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NEWCOMER MINISTRIES

Welcome Steven and Carolyn!

Submitted by Judy Stuelpe

Every St. Paul’s newcomer is offered an EpiscoPAL for their first year here. Existing parishioner Pals get to know the newcomer, invite them to events, and welcome them into our parish life. Contact Rev. Jessie at jdodson@stpauls-church. org to learn more.

Active in their church their whole lives, Steven and Carolyn Mawhorter were looking for a more inclusive, justice-seeking community. They have neighbors who are members here, at St. Paul’s, and started coming about 18 months ago.

Steven grew up in Greenhills, Ohio, a suburb of Cincinnati. Carolyn grew up in New Hartford, New York, which is in the central part of the state. Both were raised in the Baptist church. They met and married in

Rochester, New York, and lived in Bethesda, Maryland, before moving to Shaker Heights 27 years ago for Steven’s work. He is an infectious disease physician at the Cleveland Clinic, and Carolyn is a retired pediatric research nurse from the Cleveland Clinic.

The couple has three adult children living in Minneapolis, Minnesota; Hershey, Pennsylvania; and Cairo, Egypt. They enjoy traveling, particularly to see their family, and spending time outdoors — camping, hiking, fly-fishing, and gardening.

At St. Paul’s, Carolyn enjoys the Altar Guild and Loaves and Fishes ministry. At the same time, Steven likes assisting in the children’s ministry on Sunday mornings and contributing to the Regathering Task Force. They are attending the Fall Book Group and look forward to their new Foyer Group.

The Mawhorters live in Shaker Heights with their cat, Frodo.

Call for Vestry Nominations At the Annual Parish Meeting on January 22, 2023, we will elect four Vestry members for 3-year terms and one Vestry member for a 1-year term. Following our parish bylaws, the Rector appoints a Nominating Committee, which delivers to the Rector, by the December Vestry Meeting, a list “setting forth the names of as many qualified members of the Parish as needed to fill the positions in the Vestry to be voted upon at the succeeding annual meeting of the Parish.” This year’s Nominating Committee consists of Kirsten Radivoyevitch, Chair, Jenny Azouri, Liz Patterson, Jim Ptacek, and William Vodrey. They welcome nominations from the Parish. A form for nominations is available on our website along with a Vestry position description: www.stpauls-church.org/vestry/. Address nominations to Committee Chair, Kirsten Radivoyevitch, and deliver them in a sealed envelope to the Parish Office or send them by email to radivok@gmail.com. All nominations should be received no later than Wednesday, November 23.

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MINISTRY SPOTLIGHT

ACT II’s New Scene Pam O’Halloran

Have you been to the Act II Shop lately? If not, you’re missing out!

In the winter of 2020, the Act II Shop moved from its cramped basement spaces to the “west wing” following the preschool’s departure for another location. After muchneeded renovations to the space, the shop was finally ready for its grand reopening—just as the COVID pandemic was shutting everything down. Undaunted, the volunteers and staff did not miss a beat and figured out they could sell merchandise through their creative window displays. Eventually, Act II fully reopened, though without the big community celebration that had been planned. Since then, the shop has been very active with a steady stream of shoppers during its operating hours on Thursdays and Fridays, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Sales have increased almost 20% since the relocation!

The new Act II is spacious, bright, and welcoming. The well-organized displays of clothing and merchandise make it easy and enjoyable to browse for hidden gems. The shop’s clientele includes parishioners, neighbors, bargain shoppers, and those on tight budgets. Act II has been an important resource for many

households for affordable clothing, kitchen and housewares, and gift items. Donated items not sold by the shop are given to organizations like Goodwill, St. Luke’s, EDWINS, 2100 Lakeside, and St. Malachi Center. Shop proceeds are used to support special parish projects and programs, with a minimum of 10% directed to St. Paul’s outreach partners.

Are you looking to donate? Act II is an excellent option for your donations of clothes and household items no longer wanted or needed.

Act II gratefully accepts clean, gently

used clothes as well as household items that are in good condition.

Please—nothing broken, damaged, torn, stained, or overly worn.

Are you interested in volunteering?

If you are looking for an opportunity to volunteer some time at St. Paul’s, please consider the Act II Shop.

They are always looking for help sorting donations and working in the shop during opening hours.

It is a great way to get to know some parishioners and neighbors.

Please get in touch with Kirsten Radivoyevitch at radivok@gmail. com.

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2023 ANNUAL STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN

When the Plate Passes By Pam O’Halloran

There’s an old stewardship joke that goes something like this: As a family was driving home from church one Sunday, the husband said, “I was disappointed in the sermon today. It didn’t do anything for me.” The wife responded, “The communion bread seemed a bit stale.” “And the treats were a bit skimpy at coffee hour,” added the husband. “The bulletin had so many typos”, the wife sighed. Then from the back seat, their son said, “Huh… that seemed like a pretty good deal for only a dollar.”

While not a particularly good joke, it raises important questions about how we model generosity and stewardship — not only when our children sit next to us in the pews but also what we expect from the church. In Matthew, Jesus says that when giving alms, one should not let the left hand know what the right hand does. Still, perhaps that speaks more to boastful or hypocritical giving than to simply modeling Christian charity and responsibility. Recognizing that

all that we have is a gift from God, demonstrating our obligation to be generous to those in need, and sharing that with which God has blessed us—are these not the lessons we would like to be imparting to our children, parish newcomers, and younger parishioners?

Automatic debits and electronic giving have created a particular challenge for active modeling of

Commitment Sunday How do we express our faith? We worship, we serve those in need, we teach and learn, we care for each other, and we give.

Through our gifts, we actively return a portion of our blessings to support the work of Christ’s hands in the world. Each fall, we offer our collective symbol of faith and support of the church by making a pledge for the coming year. Through this act, we commit to the importance of the church in our lives and the lives of all the church serves. Please offer your support of the 2023 annual fund by returning your pledge form on or before our celebration of Commitment Sunday, on November 6.

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generosity on Sunday mornings.

We enjoy the ease of giving online or sending a year-end gift, yet feel uncomfortable as the plate goes by and we put nothing in it. The passing of the plate feels like it should be a community activity. By participating, we visibly demonstrate to our children, our neighbors, and our visitors that this is our church, and we support its ministries.

So here are a few suggestions for those who give online or in other ways. 1. Put something in the plate on Sunday morning. Using the envelopes, if you prefer, put in a dollar or two to symbolize your active support of the church. 2.

Discuss with your children (or your spouse or your friends) what your pledge to the church symbolizes to you. 3. Be intentional about your giving; as the plate passes, remember that our gifts are about our relationship with God, not about what we receive in return.

PARISH CALENDAR

Around the Parish Worship Annual Service of Remembrance Wednesday, November 2, 6 p.m.

Recognizing the loss and grief so many of us carry privately, St. Paul’s will hold its annual Service of Remembrance to honor those whose deaths have touched our parish family this past year. Through gentle music, prayer, readings, and a candle-lighting ritual, we will hold our loved ones and one another in God’s presence. The service will be held in St. Martin’s Chapel on Wednesday, November 2, at 6 p.m. All are welcome to attend. Contact Rev. Jessie with any questions: jdodson@stpauls-church.org.

All Saints Combined Service November 6, 10 a.m.

On this feast that celebrates the great fellowship of saints, we’ll gather as one St. Paul’s community for a festive combined worship service at 10 a.m. Following the service, gather in Tucker Hall for the Saints Hall of Fame, a time of fellowship and snacks.

Thanksgiving Eve Holy Eucharist Wednesday, November 23, 6 p.m.

Join us for a special service in St. Martin’s Chapel to start Thanksgiving. We’ll give thanks to God for the splendor of creation and the many blessings of our lives with a celebration of the Holy Eucharist and Thanksgiving hymns.

Parish Notes Online Edition Need a clickable link? Head on over to our website! stpauls-church.org/parishnotes/

Music and Art Choral Evensong

Sunday, November 6, 4 p.m.

On All Saints’ Sunday, November 6, at 4 p.m., Choral Evensong will be offered featuring the Senior Choir and organist Karel Paukert. Music of Thomas Tomkins, Kenneth Leighton, C.V. Stanford, and Victoria will be sung at this 45-minute service of sung prayer and meditation.

Choral Evensong, originally crafted by The Book of Common Prayer author Thomas Cranmer, can allow us to find deeper spiritual connection by participating in this centuries-old Anglican tradition. All are invited.

Apollo’s Fire Presents Storms & Tempests

Saturday, November 12, 8 p.m., and Sunday, November 13, 4 p.m.

The wild power of nature inspires this program of orchestral showpieces, including Vivaldi’s Tempesta di Mare (Storm at Sea) concerto featuring violinist Alan Choo; Marais’ tempest scene from Alcione; and gorgeous arias sung by Amanda Forsythe. For more information, visit our website: www.stpauls-church.org/apollosfire.

Youth Evensong at Trinity Wednesday, November 16, 6 p.m.

The St. Paul’s Youth Choir will offer a service of Choral Evensong at Trinity Cathedral on Wednesday, November 16, at 6 p.m. Accompanied by Todd Wilson on the organ, they will present works by Stanford, Lloyd, Archer, and Webster. The Rev. Jeanne Leinbach will officiate. We hope you will join us for this contemplative evening service. For more information and to access the livestream, visit Trinity’s website: www.trinitycleveland.org.

Deadlines For the December edition of Parish Notes, please notify Nathaniel Powell of any submissions as soon as possible. Submissions are due Monday, November 14: npowell@stpauls-church.org

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PARISH CALENDAR

Around the Parish Christ the King Mozart’s Coronation Mass Sunday, November 20, 11:15 a.m.

On the Last Sunday after Pentecost, more commonly known as Christ the King, St. Paul’s Senior Choir, soloists, and chamber orchestra will offer Mozart’s Coronation Mass, KV 317, in a liturgical setting for the 11:15 a.m. service of Holy Eucharist. The work was composed in 1779 while Mozart was court organist and composer to the Archbishop of Salzburg.

It was sung at many royal and imperial coronations in the 19th century and retains its popularity today as a favorite of the 17 masses that Mozart composed during his life (1756–1791).

Christian Formation In the Adult Forum Sundays, 10:15 a.m.

Unless otherwise noted, all forums will take place in Tucker Hall and be livestreamed to our website: www.stpauls-church.org/live.

November 20 | The Great Thanksgiving Eucharistic Prayers Past and Present The Rev. John Kennedy Forums on the sacraments will continue in January with guests the Very Rev. Andrew McGowan and Professor Alan Kolp. To learn more about our Advent Forum series, see page 10.

Archive Work Session

Saturday, November 12, 10 a.m.

The Archives Committee invites you to participate in a work session on Saturday, November 12, at 10 a.m. Come learn how documents and other historical items are stored and inventoried by helping review and verify documents in our collection. Contact David Sloan to RSVP and with any questions: sloan.david@yahoo.com.

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Outreach GCC Action for Children Tuesday, December 6, 7 p.m.

Your support is needed! St. Paul’s GCC Core Team has committed to having 45 members of our congregation present (inperson or on Zoom) for the GCC Action on December 6. This is an easy “good deed” that can help change the trajectory of young lives, families, and the community. Please join us to learn more about Discretionary Youth Bindover and its negative effects, to hear the evidence of its abuse in Cuyahoga County, and to learn of state-of-the-art reforms used in similar counties in Ohio to reduce the use of discretionary bindover. We’ll meet on Tuesday, December 6, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Olivet Institutional Baptist Church or via Zoom. Please register on our website before the event and indicate that you are from St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Your presence is our strength! Contact Julie Micheletti or Jamie Hogg for more information. www. stpauls-church.org/gccdecember2022.

Fellowship Herb Harvest Sale Sunday, November 13

Mark your calendars for the annual Herb Harvest Sale coming to Tucker Hall on November 13, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. St. Paul’s Lay Weeders have been busy harvesting and preparing products for you to purchase! Many items will make lovely hostess gifts for the upcoming holidays.

All of your favorites will be back, including jams and jellies, homemade breads and bakery, chutneys, herb flavorings, soup mixes, moth chasers, lavender sachets, and other decorative and gift items. This sale provides funds to sustain the beauty of St. Paul’s gardens.

Young Adult Friendsgiving Sunday, November 13, 1 p.m.

You (and kiddos!) are invited to join the Young Adult Group (those in their 20’s and 30’s) on Sunday, November 13, from 1 to 3 p.m. in the St. Paul’s Coventry House for a Friendsgiving potluck! We will have the main protein covered. To RSVP and to sign up to bring a dish, visit our website: www.stpauls-church.org/friendsgiving2022.

Advent Newcomer Reception Wednesday, November 16, 6:30 p.m.

All newcomers (those who have joined in the past two years or so) are invited to attend an Advent Reception in Tucker Hall on Wednesday, November 16, at 6:30 p.m. We’ll share in a time of fellowship over appetizers and drinks, learn about the meaning of Advent, and hear about the many ways to participate in the seasonal festivities at St. Paul’s. RSVP to Rev. Jessie by November 11: jdodson@stpauls-church.org.

Children and Youth C.A.S.T. Winter Play

Friday, December 2, and Saturday, December 3, 7 p.m.

The young people of St. Paul’s and their friends are taking on Greek mythology in this year’s winter play — The Greek Mythology Olympiaganza. Two battling narrators attempt to cover the entirety of Greek mythology with chaotic and crazy interpretations of your favorite myths. We have Pandora and the infamous box, Jason and his best buds, The Argonauts, and Hercules: Intern to the Gods. Come see Shaker Heights freshman Morgan Azouri’s directorial debut with this epic mythic mania. Performance Friday, December 2, and Saturday, December 3, at 7 p.m. in Tucker Hall. Suggested donation of $12 per ticket.

Help Tell the Christmas Story!

Sunday, November 13, 11 a.m.

St. Paul’s Christmas Pageants are a wonderful tradition and a fantastic opportunity for all of us to live into the Christmas story. Children and youth of all ages are invited to participate, and adult volunteers are warmly invited to help. As in years past, we will have two pageants on Christmas Eve. Youth in grades 7 and up are invited to participate in the 2 p.m. pageant. This pageant is narrated, so there is no memorization necessary! Please email Lauren Dockery if you are interested in narrating or performing in the 2 p.m. pageant: ldockery@stpauls-church.org.

Kids in grades 4 to 7 grade are invited to audition for the lead roles in the 4 p.m. pageant. Auditions for lead roles will be held on Sunday, November 13, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Rehearsals for lead roles will be held on December 4, 11, and 18, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

All children in kindergarten and up are invited to play angels, shepherds, and sheep in the 4 p.m. pageant — no auditions necessary. Rehearsals for both pageants will be on Friday, December 23, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

In the Diocese 2022 Diocesan Convention Beginning Friday, November 18

The 206th Annual Diocesan Convention will be held from November 18 to 19 in Cleveland, Ohio, where we will elect our next Bishop of Ohio. In the interest of health and safety, Alternates, Visitors, and Guests are invited to view the Convention proceedings via livestream. If you attended one of the Bishop Candidates Meet and Greet sessions, be sure to share your thoughts with the clergy or your lay delegates: Sam Hartwell, and Dave and Diane Banyard. For more information, visit the Diocese’s website: www.dohio.org/convention.

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Advent at St. Paul’s www.stpauls-church.org/advent

Formation Advent Book Group On the Incarnation

Sundays, December 4, 11, and 18, 3:30 p.m.

On the Incarnation is a classic of Christian theology. Written by St. Athanasius in the fourth century, it articulates the theological vision of the Councils of Nicaea: that the Son of God became fully human so that we might become god. Its influence on all subsequent theology, East and West, makes it one of the few “must-read” books for all who want to know more about Christian faith and life. Join us for a three-session exploration of the life and thoughts of Athanasius of Alexandria and his friend St. Anthony the Great, the father of desert spirituality. On the Incarnation can be purchased from the publisher (svspress.com) or Amazon as a paperback or e-book, and financial assistance is available. All meetings will be from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Brooks Room, and virtual participation is an option. Contact Rev. John to sign up or learn more: jkennedy@stpauls-church.org.

Advent Forums on Theological Dramas Sundays, 10:15 a.m.

Forums will take place in Tucker Hall and be livestreamed: www.stpauls-church.org/live.

December 4 | J.R.R. Tolkien and Theology The Honorable William F.B. Vodrey December 11 | Medieval Mystery Plays, Part 1 John Orlock, Ph.D. December 18 | Medieval Mystery Plays, Part 2 John Orlock, Ph.D.

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Fellowship All Things Advent

Sunday, November 27, 5 p.m.

All Things Advent is back! Join us for fellowship and fun. There will be a soup supper, dessert, and all your favorite Advent activities. Make your Advent wreaths, plant waiting bulbs, play games, and wrap gifts for our outreach partners! We’ll also welcome our friend the Rev. Leah Romanelli DeJesus, curate at St. Luke’s on the Near West Side, to talk about her parish’s outreach ministries and the ways we can get involved. Mark your calendars for Sunday, November 27, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. We suggest you donate $5 per individual or $25 per family.

Greens Workshop

Thursday, December 8, 5:30 p.m.

The Eliza Backus Guild is proud and excited to announce its annual Greens Workshop will be held in the Dining Room on Thursday, December 8, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Instructors will guide you in making a holiday centerpiece, a boxwood tree, and/or a swag for your door. Everyone goes home with a unique and beautiful decoration for their home. The workshop is open to all, including children. The cost is $30 for one arrangement and $50 for two. If you prefer to make a boxwood tree or holiday centerpiece at home, you can preorder a to-go bag of greens and trimmings for either project for $25. One dollar from each arrangement will go to St. Luke’s Episcopal Church for outerwear for children in need. To register for the Greens Workshop, preorder, or ask a question, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Sally Bosley (440-289-9044 or bosley.sally@gmail.com) or Lee Deininger (440-289-9044 or leedeininger@ ameritech.net).

Outreach Fairhill Partners

For more than 20 years, St. Paul’s has partnered with Fairhill Partners’ Kinship Care program to provide holiday gifts to children being raised by their grandparents.

In the coming weeks, we will have names and wish lists of the children available on designated Sunday mornings. Once you have a wish list, you can purchase, wrap, and deliver the gifts to the vestibule outside the Parish Office. Julie Dornback and Jennie Kaffen will take it from there, ensuring your generosity brings Christmas joy to its intended recipient! Watch for more information to come in St. Paul’s Weekly and Sunday Notes.

Habitat for Humanity

We’re partnering with faith communities across Cleveland for the 2022 Faith Build.

This annual event makes affordable homeownership a reality for a low-income family, furthering Habitat’s mission of bringing people together to build homes, communities, and hope. What better way to give back during the holidays than to help build a new home for a family? We will be volunteering on November 10 and December 17 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with the possibility of morning and afternoon shifts. No construction experience is necessary – there’s a job for everyone. Join us for fun, fellowship, and faith in action! Contact Kathy Hogg for more information: khogg75@gmail.com.

St. Luke’s Episcopal Church

For many years, St. Paul’s has partnered with St. Luke’s Episcopal Church to purchase Christmas gifts for young people whose families are confronting financial hardship. We will procure the gifts this year but need your help to wrap them! Join us at All Things Advent on Sunday, November 27, at 5 p.m. for some gift-wrapping fun, as we welcome St. Luke’s curate, the Rev. Leah Romanelli DeJesus, as a special guest. Leah is known to many in our community from her time as our Director of Youth Ministries. It was also our privilege to sponsor Leah for ordination. Learn from Leah about her ministry at St. Luke’s and the many ways St. Paul’s can support its outreach initiatives on the Near West Side.

Loaves & Fishes

Wednesday, December 14, 5:30 p.m.

The Loaves and Fishes ministry will serve its annual festive Christmas Dinner on Wednesday, December 14, at 5:30 p.m.

This year, for the first time, we’ll serve the residents of Lutheran Metropolitan Ministries Men’s Shelter, 2100 Lakeside Avenue, partnering with volunteers from St. Christopher by-the-River Episcopal Church of Gates Mills. We’re seeking volunteer casserole makers, cookie bakers, transporters, and servers. To learn more about this event and how you can participate in joyous Christian community this Advent/Christmas season, please contact ministry co-chairs Carol and Jeff Spero: cjmspero@gmail.com.

Open Doors Academy

The Holiday Heart Giving program, formally known as Adopt-a-Family, matches individuals to ODA families to help provide gifts during the holiday season. Your generosity will give an ODA family the kind of holiday we would want to provide for our own families. On average, most donors spend $75 - $150 per family member, depending upon items on their wish list. Though this option is great for individuals, it is also an opportunity for families, friends, and colleagues to sponsor an ODA family together. Once you confirm, please expect to receive information about your selected family and their wish list no later than the week of November 21. Sign-up to support by going to the St. Paul’s Advent Outreach page: www.stpauls-church.org/adventoutreach. Within the form, you can also sign up to volunteer in person and help the ODA team at their gift-wrapping party!

For more information, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Joe Postwaite via email at jpostwaite@odacle.com or phone at (216) 407-4555.

Want the most up-todate information?

Then be sure to visit our Advent and Advent Outreach Hubs on our website: www.stpauls-church.org/advent www.stpauls-church.org/adventoutreach

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2747 Fairmount Boulevard Cleveland Heights, Ohio 44106

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