For the Love of Chocolate: Join Us at First Friday This Week

For millennia, February has been a time of public declarations of affection, sugar-coated gluttony and wild abandonment of resolutions. Your (loving) hosts of First Friday are fond of tradition, so we’re devoting our next gathering to CHOCOLATE. Bring us your most delectable, irresistibly, completely chocolicious dishes. We all shall vote on the best. The winner will take home an amazing prize. Join us this Friday, February 1, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., in Upper Norton Hall. Dinner is provided; please bring something to share – your favorite beverage, an appetizer, soda, a salad — or just come. If you'll need childcare, please contact ross@stpaulsalexandria.com.

Deepen Your Faith at Inquirers' Class

If you are new to St. Paul’s, seeking membership, or a longtime member looking to deepen your faith, the Inquirers’ Class is for you. Class begins Wednesday, Feb. 20 and meets each Wednesday from 7:30-9:00 p.m. through March 27. For more information and to sign up for the class, contact the Rev. Ross Kane at ross@stpaulsalexandria.com.

Volunteer Opportunities with Children & Youth

Sunday School and the youth group are always looking for adults to help teach lessons, chaperone trips and events, and to just have fun with the young people of St. Paul’s. The new year is always a great time to find out about volunteering and there are a variety of ways you can be involved. If you want to know more about how you can help, email ellen@stpaulsalexandria.com.

Diane Rehm to Speak at Martha J. Horne Lecture, Feb. 3

Please join us for the annual Martha J. Horne Lecture on Sunday, February 3 at 10:00 a.m. in the Nave. We are pleased that WAMU radio host Diane Rehm will be with us for this year’s presentation, entitled “I Have Called You Friends.” The presentation will consist of a conversation about friendship, with Diane Rehm and Oran Warder reflecting on their long-term friendship with the late Jane Holmes Dixon, Suffragan Bishop of Washington.

Theology on Tap: Justice and Christian Love

This month, Theology on Tap asks: "Are justice and Christian love in harmony or opposition?" Join us for the first of this two-part conversation this Sunday, Jan. 27 at 6:15 p.m. at O'Connell's Restaurant.

Tour St. Paul's This Sunday

Are you new to St. Paul's, or a long-time member wanting to explore the church's beautiful architecture and rich history? Enjoy a walking tour of St. Paul's this Sunday led by Heidi Schneble, parishioner and one of the leaders of the Alexandria Ghost Tours. No ghosts on this tour, just lots of interesting history about our parish. Please look for Heidi at the Weekly Welcome Coffee in the Johnston Room after the 9 or 11 a.m. service. Can't make it this week? Look for upcoming tours in March.

Gentle Yoga for All at St. Paul's

St. Paul's will be hosting a "Gentle Yoga for All" class for the next five Wednesdays from 4:15-5:15 p.m. Newcomers are always welcome! A percentage of the class fees will be donated to the Lazarus Ministry and Carpenter's Shelter. For more information, please contact Margaret Townsend.

Learn More About Upcoming Confirmation Classes

 

At confirmation class, middle school youth will learn what the Episcopal Church is all about, the many different parts that make up Sunday morning worship, the history of the church, and much more. This year we have incorporated some new lessons as well that will be taught through the characters and stories of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter. What can Harry, Ron, and Hermione teach us about the trinity, sacrifice, the church, and love? Join us for this year's Saturday morning confirmation classes starting Feb. 9 to find out.

Click here to read the letter sent to all potential confirmands and parents, and a detailed schedule of confirmation classes and events. Please contact Ellen King if you have questions.

Calling All Scout Leaders

All youth and adult leaders in Boy Scout programs (Cub Scout, Webelos, Boy Scout, Venture, Explorer, and Sea Scout), Girl Scouts programs (Daisies, Brownies, Juniors, Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors), American Heritage Girls, Camp Fire USA or any youth program that wish to be recognized on Scout Sunday, please come in uniform to the 9:00 a.m. family service on February 3. We will be recognizing leaders for serving in these fine youth organizations, building character, developing citizenship and leadership skills, and serving God and the community. Contact Steve Richardson at ristph@aol.com for additional details.

St. Paul's Book Group, "Think and Drink," Meeting Jan. 23

St. Paul’s Book Group, “Think and Drink,” will meet on Wednesday, Jan. 23 at 7:30 p.m. in the Vestry Room. We are reading Thomas Cranmer: A Life by Diarmaid MacCulloch. We will spend two months on this book: half in January and half in February. Newcomers are always welcome. The discussion is informal and we enjoy a little wine and cheese along with our fellowship. If you have any questions, contact Sam Mason.

Annual Meeting & 2013 Vestry Nominations

The Annual Meeting will be held on Sunday, February 24 at 10:00 a.m. in the Nave. There is a call for 2013 Vestry Nominations—the Nominating Committee will be accepting nominations until Tuesday, January 22. Nomination forms are available in the parish office or on the St. Paul's website.

Faith@Home Resumes Next Sunday

Rev. Dr. Rosemary Beales’ class will resume on Jan. 13 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. and will meet in the Choir Room below Norton Hall. The class will meet for six consecutive weeks from Jan. 13 till Feb. 17. Please plan to attend as many classes as possible to learn more about Faith@Home practices.

Next Adult Forum Jan. 13: Living the Scriptures with Diana Butler Bass

Diana Butler Bass leads our first forum of the New Year at 10:00 a.m. next Sunday, Jan. 13 in Upper Norton Hall. Join us for a new series, entitled Living the Scriptures, which explores how engagement with Holy Scripture can transform our everyday lives.

Youth and Children's Schedule

Youth group will resume this week with an Epiphany party. Middle schoolers will meet from 4:30 to 6:30 and high schoolers from 6 to 8. Regular Sunday School for children and youth will resume next Sunday, Jan. 13 at 10 a.m.

First Friday Tonight: B.Y.O.C. (Bring Your Own Chili)

Are you up to your ears in white lights, wrapping paper and the chorus of "All I Want for Christmas"? Are you craving not eggnog and candy canes, but perhaps, a heaping bowl of, say, chili? If so, dig out your best recipe -- be it Cincinnati style, Flamin' Texas, or veggie -- and bring your entry to First Friday. If you’re still honing your personal chili recipe, simply come and enjoy the chili of fellow parishioners. Tonight at 6 p.m. in Upper Norton Hall, childcare provided. If you'll need childcare, please email Rev. Ross Kane.