Community
The programs and ministries at St. Paul's serve all members of this community. We seek to provide programming and fellowship opportunities that engage all, from our youngest church-goers right up to our life-long parishioners. During this precedented time in which we find ourselves physically unable to be together, the community of St. Paul's gathers virtually as often as possible. Listed below are some of the various groups that gather in "normal" days.
Aging Gracefully with Spirit
Members over 60 are invited to be a part of the Aging Gracefully With Spirit fellowship group. The group meets monthly over lunch and with a speaker on a topic of interest. Check the Events Calendar to see the next meeting’s details.
Beefeaters
The St. Paul’s Beefeaters is a group of individuals who share membership in St. Paul’s and the need to occasionally lift, haul, demolish, build, or repair objects with the express purpose of improving the surroundings of their beloved church. The group also enjoys roasting meat and imbibing an occasional spirit; bartending church events; and endlessly quoting classic movie lines. If you are interested in joining this majestic group of fellows (and ladies), please contact Anthony Marasco. You can also follow us on Facebook at The St. Paul’s Beefeaters. The St. Paul’s Beefeaters: Shine as a light, and replace the bulb as needed.
Daughters of the King
The Daughters of the King (DOK), established in 1885, is a lay Order for women who are communicants of the Episcopal Church. Every Daughter pledges herself to a lifelong program of prayer, service, and personal evangelism, dedicated to the spread of Christ’s kingdom and to the strengthening of the spiritual life of the parish. We also have a Junior Daughters of the King chapter for young women.
Dinner Groups
Dinner groups are small groups of adults who sign up to meet with fellow parishioners for a social evening and dinner on a monthly basis from September to June. The groups are a fun and relaxed way to get to know other members of St. Paul’s. We encourage new members to join as a way of becoming involved in the life of the parish.
Lay Eucharistic Ministers
Lay Eucharist Ministers (LEM) assist the clergy by taking Holy Communion to those in our parish who are homebound, hospitalized, or otherwise unable to attend Sunday services. LEMs help maintain the connection between the congregation and the person being visited. Time commitments vary, but usually LEMs will make one visit a month. Special training and licensing by the Diocese of Virginia are provided for those who are part of this ministry team.
Meals Ministry
St. Paul’s Meals Ministry provides meals to St. Paul’s parishioners who are experiencing a time of illness, bereavement, or other emergency. By providing meals to parishioners at home, we hope to ease one of life’s daily burdens and provide a chance for individuals and families to focus on healing, both physically and spiritually. The time commitment for the meals ministry involves making or purchasing a meal or light fare and delivering the meal at a mutually agreeable time.
Memorial Flowers
Memorial flowers are a nice way to remember family and friends and to give thanks for various blessings in life. The flowers decorate the nave and chapel on Sundays.
New Baby Ministry
St. Paul’s New Baby Ministry assists St. Paul’s families who have a new baby in their lives by providing respite care and meals and offering other assistance as needed. Ministry volunteers also welcome each new child and give a gift of a hand-crafted “cradle-cross” in the name of the congregation.
Shrine Mont Parish Weekend
Every spring, St. Paul’s parishioners head to the Diocesan retreat center in the mountains of western Virginia for a weekend of fun. The weekend includes programs for adults and youth. Parishioners are welcome to participate in as much or as little as they like.
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
Every year on the night before Ash Wednesday, parishioners gather in Norton Hall for a pancake supper. Live music and entertainment are included. Come discover why this pre-Lent pancake supper is a parish favorite for church members of all ages. Children of all ages are also welcome.
Welcome Committee
The Welcome Committee focuses on visitors and new members. We enjoy hosting a coffee for parishioners and newcomers each Sunday. All are welcome to join us for this informal coffee in the Johnston Room after the 9 and 11 a.m. services. It is a great opportunity to introduce yourself and get questions answered, meet people, and pick up a welcome packet. The committee also works with the clergy and staff to contact those who have visited St. Paul’s and welcome them to our community. We strive to help these visitors become parishioners.
