St. Paul's E-News December 18th - A Faith-full Man

A Faith-full Man

“But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.’” 

On Sunday we will learn that God moves in ways that we can never predict. God is very good at doing things we never see coming. Just when we think we have it all figured out, God does something beyond our limited imaginations. No matter how hard we try to tame God’s power with our own desire for control, or domesticate the Holy Spirit by insisting on predictability, God still penetrates our imaginations and takes us places we never thought we would go. God breaks into our world and lives with holy disruptions and changes us forever.

On the Fourth Sunday of Advent, Matthew introduces us to Joseph. Joseph was a good and ordinary man who had many ordinary plans for his life, but his faithfulness took him out of the ordinary and cast him into an entirely different, extraordinary life. 

Joseph was going to marry Mary. They are betrothed, which at the time was an official ceremony that contractually bound a couple together. And during that year, Joseph learns that Mary is pregnant and he knows that he is not the child’s father. What is he to do?

We are told that Joseph is “a righteous man,” which means he is scrupulous about keeping the commandments of God. Or maybe put in a way that is easier for us to understand, he is a person who sincerely strives to live his life in harmony with the will of God. And for Joseph, that meant following to the letter the provisions of Mosaic Law. 

But when confronted with Mary’s pregnancy, Joseph is also confronted with a profoundly spiritual crisis. The Law and Commandments appear to be so clear. He could denounce her publicly and expose her to at best shame and humiliation, or at worse, expose her to the threat of being put to death by stoning. And many men might have simply defaulted to this answer. 

But, for Joseph, even though “the letter of the Law” permits this, he simply cannot consider this option. Joseph’s love of God has made him a deeply compassionate man. In his view, it seems, God desires more than black and white religious observance, and so Joseph opens himself to God’s unpredictable will.

Initially he decides that he will quietly make some arrangements to break off the engagement that will not leave Mary facing an angry mob. In this way he would still be following the Law, but in a way that might allow him to sleep in the many restless nights to come.

And then, just as the matter is settled in his mind, in the form of a dream, God offers something that goes even further. In this dream Joseph perceives that God has another desire; he learns that what appears to be an outrage to the law is, in fact, an opportunity for God’s grace. Joseph perceives, against all odds, that the child in Mary’s womb is not a violation of God’s will at all, but is somehow the very fullest expression of God’s desire.

At this point Joseph, waking up to a bigger Truth, steps fully outside of the predictable and opens himself up to scandal and simply falls headlong into God’s unexpected will. He will take on the minor public dishonor of having everyone assume the child that would otherwise be born out of wedlock is his own. Joseph marries Mary, she has a child who Joseph names Jesus, which means “God saves.” 

God will save us from ourselves, and God will do it through Jesus. But Joseph and Mary are essential in this hope. Both of them could have said no to God’s outrageous, morality busting invitation, but they both said, “yes.” What opportunities do we miss when we say, “No” to God because we are afraid or it pushes us beyond our comfort zones?

 The astounding truth is that no matter how we like to think God is all powerful, Mary had to consent to this child and Joseph to the marriage. I think we can all agree that this is not the life of which either of these two people dreamed. It is not the direction they thought faith in God would take them.

When we keep our eyes shielded and our hearts shuttered, we stay asleep and miss seeing God in everything. But when our eyes and hearts are opened, like Joseph, we at last feel ourselves fully awake and alive and caught up in a sacred understanding. 

The Holy Spirit calls us out of a sterile faith and finds us waking up to grace and love, so we touch the untouchable, put away simple, sometimes harsh and unforgiving answers, which we assign to God, and instead embrace that God is bigger and wilder and more fantastic than we ever conceived.

Our time of holy waiting is drawing to a close, and God is once again preparing to give us precisely what is promised, but in ways that we can never predict. God is very good at doing things we never see coming. 

Happy Advent,

Mother Stephanie

**Please note that neither Mother Stephanie or St. Paul's will ever send out an e-mail or text communication requesting money, gift cards, etc. They are happening on a regular basis! If you receive any suspicious communications like this, please ignore and delete these communications. Contact the Parish Office at any time with questions or concerns regarding possible scams.**

Upcoming

Sunday Service:

The Fourth Sunday of Advent

Sunday, December 21st

9:30 in the Chapel

Greening the Church!

Greening the church for the Christmas Eve services, as well as the 12 Days of Christmas, is a long-time Episcopal tradition and serves as a wonderful fellowship opportunity. 

Please join us this Sunday, December 21st following the 9:30 service!

Christmas With Hospitality House Guests

Hello All,

We are being offered a lovely opportunity to support Hospitality House's current residents with bringing Christmas cheer.

We sincerely appreciation the donations of Christmas ornaments and lights for their Christmas tree, and we are now looking to receive donations for Christmas presents. Please see the requests below:

• Girl's clothing in size 7/8
• Dolls and small toys
• Baby boy clothing in size 19 months
• Cars and teething toys
• Women's clothing; size medium shirts, large pants, and size 9 shoes
• Men's clothing: medium size pants and shirts, and size 7.5 shoes.

In an effort to ensure that all requests are fulfilled, and that we don't receive too many duplicates, of one request,

we will be using "tickets".

These "tickets" are very similar to an Angel Tree in that they will state the requested item and any descriptions.

Please stop by the Parish Office anytime today, (12/18) between 8:00 A.M. and 3:30 P.M. to pick up a "ticket" before making any purchases.

If you cannot make it by the Parish Office today, please contact us by phone at (336) 667-4231 to reserve a "ticket".

Any remaining "tickets" for requests that have not been purchased will be available in the Commons on Sunday, (12/21).

All donations will need to be dropped off to the Parish Office by Noon on December 23rd.

Thanks to all of you for not only the way you respect the important boundaries that must be in place, but also for your clear and present love and generosity in those ways we can do more.

Blessings,

Mother Stephanie

Upcoming Closings!

The Parish Office will close at Noon on December 24th, and will remain closed until Monday, December 29th.

The Crisis Assistance/Step Ahead Ministry will be closed on Thursday, December 25th.

New Advent Vestments for the Chapel:

In Loving Memory of The Reverend Deacon Susan Whittington

These beautiful blue vestments and the altar hangings, burse and more are a lovely and generous gift from Reba Whittington in memory of our long-time Deacon and Reba's sister-in-law, Susan Whittington.

It was two years ago yesterday that Susan died unexpectedly and we miss her still. These beautiful vestments are an abiding sign that through the power of love and memory she is with us always.

Children & Youth Fellowship Opportunity Appreciation!

A huge thank you to the Parish for supporting the recent candy bag project.

Our children and youth packed over 100 treat bags to distribute to our neighbors during the Crisis Assistance Christmas Luncheon today, (12/18).

Thank You:

With Deep Gratitude in Remembrance of Rosie

A tremendous and fulsome thank you to all of you for your generous offering to Rosie's family. Your financial contributions were deeply reflective of your care and kindness to his family during a time of deep and unexpected loss.

Rosie is greatly missed not only by his family, but by all of us here and so many more out in our community. Your financial gifts provided an outward and visible sign that Rosie mattered.

Thank you. 

Christmas Flower Donations

If you would like to honor someone in Thanksgiving, or in memory this Christmas, please e-mail the Parish Office at office@stpaulwilkesboro.org, or call

336-667-4231, no later than December 22nd at Noon for insertion in the Christmas Eve Bulletins.

When submitting checks, please be sure to indicate "Christmas Flowers" in the memo area of your check.

If you have any questions about Christmas Flowers, please contact the Parish Office.

All funds go toward the flowers and decorations to make our church beautiful for the Christmas season.

St. Paul's Christmas Schedule

Annual Blue Christmas Labyrinth Walk

In anticipation of the "longest night" and the sadness that can descend on us during this season of the year. Grief and loss and isolation are experienced in different ways in all of us. Come walk with us in community. All are welcome. Be a light!

St. Paul's Episcopal Church --Coventry Chapel Labyrinth on the West side of the church. Saturday, December 20, 2025, at 4:00pm. This walk will be held weather permitting. 

If you have questions, please contact Sheree Sloop at sloopcat60@gmail.com, or (336)-984-8521.

St. Paul's Winter Coat Drive

The Annual Winter Coat Drive at St. Paul's continues in support of the members of our community that are in need.

We are currently accepting new or gently used sweaters, blankets, gloves, socks, coats, and hats for adults and children in all sizes.

Please drop off your donations in the Parish Office, or in the Commons.

Care for Creation

Keep Your Bags Coming!

Bedroll Report for November:

Completed: 17 

Distributed: 26

YTD:

Completed: 216

Distributed: 222

Since Starting in 2017:

Completed: 779

Distributed: 775

2025 Goal:

225 (only 9 more to complete!)

Thanks for bringing your grocery bags!

More Worship and Study Opportunities at St. Paul's:

~Centering Prayer meets every Tuesday in the Parish Office Conference Room starting at 1:30.

Scam Alert!

We continue to urge any recipients of questionable e-mails or texts to PLEASE DISREGARD these communications and contact the Parish Office with any concerns or questions regarding the validity of e-mail or text communications. Do not reply to these communications or provide any personal information.

^{OUTSIDE OUR WALLS}

Scripture for Upcoming Sunday Service:

Sunday, December 21st

The Fourth Sunday of Advent

9:30 in the Chapel

The First Reading: Isaiah 7:10-16

The Response: Psalm 80:1-7, 16-18

The Second Reading: Romans 1:1-7

The Gospel: Matthew 1:18-25

Processional Hymn: #54 Savior of the Nations, Come

Sequence Hymn: #56 O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

Recessional Hymn: #265 The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came

The First Reading: Isaiah 7:10-16

Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, saying, Ask a sign of the Lord your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven. But Ahaz said, I will not ask, and I will not put the Lord to the test. Then Isaiah said: “Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary mortals, that you weary my God also? Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel. He shall eat curds and honey by the time he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good. For before the child knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land before whose two kings you are in dread will be deserted.”

The Response: Psalm 80:1-7, 16-18

Qui regis Israel

Hear, O Shepherd of Israel, leading Joseph like a flock; *

shine forth, you that are enthroned upon the cherubim.

In the presence of Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh, *

stir up your strength and come to help us.

Restore us, O God of hosts; *

show the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved.

O Lord God of hosts, *

how long will you be angered

despite the prayers of your people?

You have fed them with the bread of tears; *

you have given them bowls of tears to drink.

You have made us the derision of our neighbors, *

and our enemies laugh us to scorn.

Restore us, O God of hosts; *

show the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved.

Let your hand be upon the man of your right hand, *

the son of man you have made so strong for yourself.

And so will we never turn away from you; *

give us life, that we may call upon your Name.

Restore us, O Lord God of hosts; *

show the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved.

The Second Reading: Romans 1:1-7

Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy scriptures, the gospel concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be Son of God with power according to the spirit of holiness by resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for the sake of his name, including yourselves who are called to belong to Jesus Christ,

To all God's beloved in Rome, who are called to be saints:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Gospel: Matthew 1:18-25

Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet:

“Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,

and they shall name him Emmanuel,”

which means, “God is with us.” When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus.

Prayer List

Please remember in your prayers: All who are ill or unemployed and those who are on our prayer list.

Short-term

The Albanil Family, Debbie Mckenzie, Jamie Tate, Rose Andrews

Long-term

Aliza Grace Mabie, Cade Gibbs, Ray Call, Shane Jenkins, Kaye Hall, Dot Beamon, Da'Shon Horton, Ken Asel, Steve Jackson, Doug Rhodes

Armed Forces

Let us pray for the safety of all our troops, especially John Craine, Micah Duerk, Faith Lankford, Cole Griffith, Jason Westmeyer, and all others who serve throughout the world.

Please send to the church office the addresses of troops with connections to

office@stpaulwilkesboro.org, especially those abroad.

Prayer Requests

To make a prayer request:

• E-mail the Parish Office at office@stpaulwilkesboro.org, or call the Parish Office at (336)-667-4231. The Parish Office is open Monday - Thursday from 8:00 to 3:30.

• Scan the QR code below to be taken directly to our Prayer Request Form.

• Visit our website here and find the "Prayer List Request" under the "About St. Paul's" section.

A Note on Prayer Requests

Bulletins are printed on Thursday mornings and requests submitted after that time will not be in the printed bulletin for that week, but they may still be spoken. 

Prayer requests received by noon on Wednesday will be included in the weekly e-newsletter.

Our short-term prayer list will be cleared at the beginning of each month, unless a request has been sent to the office to keep an individual on the short-term prayer list.

Our long-term prayer list will be cleared every three months, unless a request has been sent to the office to keep an individual on the long-term list.

Serving St. Paul's in

December

December 18th - John Oliver

December 18th - Naomi Faw

December 18th - Lisa Beard

December 20th - Caleb Hawkins

No anniversaries this week.

Use the St. Paul's Vestry link to directly access Vestry Meeting Minutes.

Use the link below to follow us directly on Facebook.