Church Tours 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.

Lenten Adult Forum: Poetry as Spiritual Practice

This Sunday, our Lenten Series Get a Faith Lift: Holy Practices of Lent continues. We welcome Kathleen Staudt of Wesley Seminary and Virginia Theological Seminary, who will speak on poetry as spiritual practice. Next week, join the Rev. Ross Kane for “Reading and Study as Prayer.”

Please Complete our Communications Survey

We have issued a communications survey to give you a chance to provide us with feedback on how we’re doing in spreading the good news of the Gospel and the good works our many ministries are providing. This survey is anonymous, and your input will assist us in most effectively forging the path ahead. Surveys can be found in the pews, or online at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/stpaulscomm. We greatly appreciate your input and will use it to shape existing and future communications efforts.

Save the Date! Silent Auction on April 20

This year’s Children & Youth Silent Auction will be Saturday, April 20 from 7:00-9:00 p.m. in Norton Hall. The evening will include light refreshments and a chance to bid on exciting items including food and wine, tickets to Redskins and Nationals games, concerts and shows, gift certificates to local restaurants and much more. Invitations with reply cards will be sent soon, but mark the date on your calendar now! For more information, or if you want to help, contact Ellen King or Corinne Marasco.

"Think and Drink" Book Group Meeting This Tuesday

St. Paul’s Book Group will meet this Tuesday, Feb. 26 to finish our discussion of Thomas Cranmer by Diarmaid MacCulloch. We will meet in the vestry room at 7:30 p.m. Our usual meeting night is Wednesday, but we are changing it this time to accommodate those who wish to attend the Regional Lenten Program on Wednesdays. All are invited to join. If you have any questions, contact The Rev. Sam Mason.

Theology on Tap This Sunday

Join Theology on Tap for Part II of the question “Are Justice and Christian Love in Harmony or Opposition?” Participants are encouraged to read this story as preparation. All are welcome; no need to have attended the first part of this conversation to attend the second. We meet this Sunday evening at O’Connell’s Restaurant in Old Town at 6:15 p.m.

Wednesday Lenten Series: Is There a Science of Evil?

The Episcopal churches in Alexandria are hosting a joint Lenten Series entitled Science and Faith. This Wednesday, join VTS Professor Rev. Dr. Kate Sonderegger for a discussion of the topic “Is there a Science of Evil?” at Church of St. Clement, 1701 N Quaker Lane, Alexandria. The evening consists of Holy Eucharist at 6:30 p.m., a Simple Supper at 7:00 p.m., and the program from 7:30-8:30 p.m. Child care will be provided.

Lenten Adult Forums Continue Next Sunday, 3/3

Our Lenten Adult Forum Series Get a Faith Lift: Holy Practices of Lent continues next week on Sunday, March 3, with Kathleen Staudt of Wesley Seminary and Virginia Theological Seminary speaking on poetry as spiritual practice.

Missed an Adult Forum? Audio recordings are now available via the St. Paul’s website, on the Ministries/Adult Education page. If you miss a forum or want to hear one again, download an mp3 of our wonderful speakers. Links to other Lenten Adult Forum resources are also available on the website.

Wednesday Lenten Series: Are Science and Faith Compatible?

The Episcopal churches in Alexandria are hosting a joint Lenten Series entitled Science and Faith. This Wednesday, join Dr. Paul Julienne, Physics Professor at University of Maryland, for a discussion of the topic “Are Science and Faith Compatible?” at Emmanuel Church, 1608 Russell Rd, Alexandria. The evening consists of Holy Eucharist at 6:30 p.m., a Simple Supper at 7:00 p.m., and the program from 7:30-8:30 p.m. Child care will be provided.

Middle and High School Volunteers Needed for ALIVE Food Distribution, Feb. 23

St. Paul's is actively involved with ALIVE, an organization that distributes food to the less fortunate members of our community. On Saturday, February 23, we will be working with ALIVE to distribute food to the Ladre Apartments in Northern Old Town. We welcome all Middle and High Schoolers to attend as well as parents to chaperone. We will meet at the church at 7:30 a.m. and will be back no later than noon. Please RSVP to Alex Holm at c.alex.holm@gmail.com or Ellen King at ellen@stpaulsalexandria.com.

Help Wanted for Feb. 27 Carpenter’s Shelter Dinner

St. Paul’s will host dinner at the Carpenter’s Shelter on Wednesday, Feb. 27. We need servers and donations of salads and dessert at the shelter by 5:45 p.m. If you would like to help, please email Pam Wright at pamela.mars-wright@effem.com.

Reminder: Vote for 2013 Vestry Candidates by Feb. 21

Don't forget to cast your vote for the 2013 Vestry members. Bios and photos of nominees are available on the homepage of the St. Paul's website. Be sure to either drop off your ballot at the parish office by Thursday, February 21, or place it in the collection plate during church services until February 17.

Science & Faith? Region 4 Lenten Series 2013

The Episcopal churches in Alexandria are hosting a joint Lenten Series entitled Science and Faith. The programs, held each Wednesday from February 20 - March 20 at 7:30 p.m. (with Holy Eucharist preceding at 6:30 p.m. and a "Simple Supper" at 7:00) will cover topics including the science and faith behind miracles, evil, the afterlife, and more. Find more details in this Region 4 Lenten Series flyer.

It's Syrup Time! Pancake Supper on Feb. 12

Mark your calendars for the St. Paul’s Pancake Supper and Mardi Gras festivities, on “Fat” Tuesday, Feb. 12. Seatings will be at 5:30 and 6:30 p.m.; there’s plenty of food and fun for all ages. If you can, please let us know which seating you prefer. Brought to you by your Vestry, wearing aprons! Donations of $5 per person or max of $12 per family will be appreciated. Questions? Contact Diana Forbes at 703-836-3203 or dianatforbes@gmail.com.

Come Ring With Us!

St. Paul’s Hand Bell Choir (adults and older teens) needs more ringers so we can explore more of the music in our library. Rehearsals are on Wednesdays 7:45-9:00 p.m. in the church. No previous bell choir ringing experience necessary; we’ll teach you how to play hand bells. Hand bell choir will next play on February 10, Easter Day, and May 12 at the 11 a.m. services. To join us (it’s a fun group of people) or for more information, contact Grant Hellmers at grant@stpaulsalexandria.com.

Ash Wednesday Services at St. Paul's

Ash Wednesday services at St. Paul’s will take place on Wednesday, February 16 at 7:30 a.m, 12:00 p.m., 5:30 p.m., and 7:30 p.m. in the church. Please join us.