Thanksgoween

What is Thanksgoween?

Thanksgoween combines the best parts of Thanksgiving (huge turkey dinner) with the best parts of Halloween (costumes) and benefits the St. Paul's Lazarus Ministry. Thanksgoween is sponsored by the St. Paul's Unencumbered and St. Paul's Beefeaters.

Rules and Traditions

• Bring a dish to add to the Thanksgoween potluck dinner.
• You must wear a costume. If you aren't wearing a costume, you will be provided a costume or make one from construction paper and scissors.
• Costumes should be loosely associated with Thanksgiving. The looser the ties, the more frequently hilarious.
• Prizes will be given for the best and worst costumes. Since we live in a world of order and this is a democracy, everyone gets one vote for every can of food they bring in for the Lazarus pantry. The goal: To shovel at least an average Beefeater's body weight in canned goods into the Lazarus pantry.

Details

Contact Paul Schurke at paul.w.schurke@gmail.com for more information and to reserve your spot. Please RSVP by Friday, November 2.

Thanksgoween is the celebration of the season. Don't miss out on all the fun and a chance to support Lazarus ministry.

All Saints' Day Evensong

On Thursday, November 1, at 7:30 p.m., All Saints' Day will be celebrated with an Evensong with St. Paul's Choir singing. Music will be by Victoria, Stanford, Ayleward, Wood, and Alain. Candles will be available for lighting in memory of loved ones. A reception will follow in Norton Hall.

Theology on Tap

Theology on Tap will meet on Sunday, October 28th.  The Rev, Richard Jones, retired from VTS, lead a discussion on "Pastoral Care for Muslims and Christians:  The Life Cycle."  We will meet at O'Connell's on King Street after the 5 p.m. service. Everyone is welcome.

Club 45 Meets This Sunday

Club 45, our youth group for 4th and 5th graders, takes place Sunday, October 28th, at 3:00 p.m. We'll meet in Norton Hall for games, fun, snacks, and conversation. If you have any questions, please e-mail ellen@stpaulsalexandria.com.

Photo Album: Art on the Avenue

It was a great turnout for pumpkin painting at Del Ray's Art on the Avenue festival on October 6!

Art on the Avenue 2012

Lots of people say Art on the Avenue is their "all-time, absolute, hands-down favorite things to do in Alexandria." The near-overwhelming amount of art and jewelry vendors, plus local food offerings and multiple live music stages makes this a day well-spent.

Photo Album: Blessing of the Animals

All creatures, great and small, came to St. Paul's playground on September 30 for the Blessing of the Animals. Pets of all sizes, shapes and kinds received a blessing for good health and good behavior. We also remembered by  name our animal friends who died in the past year.

Also sharing the day with us was the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, which provides care for more than 3,500 animals every year--strays, lost pets, local wildlife, rescue animals, and pets surrendered by their owners. You can make a difference in the life of a homeless animal by giving them a forever home. Please contact www.AlexandriaAnimals.org.

Blessing of the Animals

Photo Album: Shrine Mont 2012

Thanks to everyone who made this year's Shrine Mont weekend a great success! Particular thanks go to the planning team, which was ably led by Tara Foscato, and to the Rev. Sean Cavanaugh for leading a thought-provoking discussion on “Jesus in the Age of Narcissism.”

It was a wonderful weekend of relaxation and fellowship in the Shenandoah Valley. We had about 140 people, many who came for the first time. Click below a few photos from the weekend:

Shrine Mont 2012

Next year's Shrine Mont will be September 13-15. Mark your calendars and watch this space for more information!

VTS Dean Ian Markham on Diane Rehm Show

Today at 11 AM on WAMU's Diane Rehm show, Virginia Theological Seminary dean The Very Rev. Ian Markham will participate in a panel to discuss the impact of Vatican II:

"When the Second Vatican Council opened 50 years ago this month, many called it the most important religious event of the 20th century. The council expanded church teaching on ecumenism and religious freedom, and had a major impact on liturgy and church life. But its repercussions reached far beyond the Catholic Church. Champions of Vatican II often see it as having liberated Catholics from the oppression of church leaders. Detractors blame it for shattering unity and order in the church -- and introducing an era of doubt."

 Listen today on 88.5 FM or On Demand at WAMU.

First Friday/The Dog Days of Fall - October 5

Don't forget!!

Help us celebrate "The Dog Days of Fall" to honor our hometown baseball team making it to the playoffs--Go Nats!--and Germany's Oktoberfest. Bring yourselves, a beverage, and an appetizer, salad or dessert.

Catering is by Rocklands BBQ and child care is provided by weeSIT. Please RSVP to stpaulsfirstfriday@gmail.com by October 4 to let us know you're coming.

See you at 6 PM in Norton Hall!

St. Paul's Saints and Singers

The 5th Annual Saints and Singers Circle Cocktail Party in support of St. Paul's Music Program and Organ Repair Fund on Saturday, October 13 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the home of Lisa Brock and Craig Miller. If you have not yet received an invitation, please call the St. Paul's office.