Special events for all ages
The whole church family enjoys several opportunities each year to celebrate the seasons of the Christian year and the seasons of nature. Special gatherings often include fun, food and fellowship. Many outreach and mission projects are planned as intergenerational events.
Fellowship Fridays
Meet your St. Paul's neighbors at a church-wide potluck dinner at least twice a year.
The first Fellowship Friday in October 2010 was a rousing success. Members from The Woodlands to Pearland, Sugar Land to Friendswood and lots of places in between opened their homes to host their St. Paul's *neighbors. The second Fall Fellowship Friday was October 21, 2011.
Plan now to be part of the next Spring Fellowship Friday. For more information, contact Kim Mabry.
*Some neighbors enjoyed the evening so much that they're planning to continue their own St. Paul's Neighborhood dinners throughout the year.
Blessing of the Animals
The Blessing of the Animals celebrates the important place that pets hold in the lives of our families. It reminds us of the wonder of God’s creation and our role as stewards of the earth and all of its creatures. This annual service has become a truly intergenerational and community event.
The service, led by Rev. Shelli Williams, begins with a procession of the animals in the Jones Plaza area, usually led by a representative of the Houston Police Department's mounted patrol, and ends with an opportunity for each pet to receive an individual blessing. The service also features music by St. Paul's children's choirs.
Each species is asked to bring food for its species -- pets bring pet food (cats for cats, dogs for dogs, etc.) for local animal rescue organizations and humans bring food donations for the Emergency Aid Coalition.
Those whose pets do not travel well or do not get along well with other animals may bring a photograph of their pet. All pets should be held or remain on leashes or in crates, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Also, children may bring stuffed animals.
Pictures from the 2010 Blessing of the Animals by Elaine Matte Mut
Pictures from the 2010 Blessing of the Animals by Mario Kapusta, Chris Newlin, and Cordelia Price
Pictures from the 2010 Blessing of the Animals by Donna V. Adair
Fall Family Festival
One of our most popular annual events at St. Paul's is the Fall Family Festival, usually held on a late October Sunday from 4 to 6pm. There is always plenty of fun for all ages -- games, rides, clowns, animals, refreshments, face-painting, pumpkin-painting, and decorating a trick-or-treat bag. Children (and parents if they like) are invited to wear Halloween costumes to add to the fun. Activity tickets are purchased at the door.
As usual, lots of volunteers are needed to help with planning, set-up and to work brief shifts at the game and craft booths. (Childcare with entertainment is available during shift.) To support this event, sign up on the poster in the Jones Building Lobby a couple of weeks prior or contact Ellen Edwards for more information on how to help. Sponsors are needed to help defray the cost of the children of our Rutabaga after-school program attending as our guests. Your donation will be greatly appreciated!
Sights, Sounds, and Smells of Christmas
One of St. Paul’s most cherished holiday traditions, Sights, Sounds and Smells of Christmas, usually is held on the first Sunday evening (4-6 p.m.) in December. It’s the perfect time for children and families to have fun with activities that include making ornaments and gifts, decorating cookies, visiting with Santa, and singing favorite carols.
