Our fellowship programs are one of the great joys of life at St. Paul’s! Our goal in these diverse events is the same—to foster an atmosphere in which a person can be known and appreciated as a child of God. There are a multitude of ways to be involved in the life of St. Paul’s. Some events are geared toward adults, others toward youth and children. In all of these, the goal is to connect the unique members of our community to one another and to Christ our Lord. Of course, volunteers are always welcome (and needed). All are welcome to join. A good sense of humor and a willingness to pitch in is all that is asked.
Sample fellowship activities
Knitting Group
Experienced and novice knitters are welcome to join the knitting group that meets at St. Paul's on the second Monday of each month at 7 PM. We knit a variety of items for the old and young from prayer shawls to gifts for new babies. Finished products are targeted for St. Paul's parishioners and the wider community. Many knitting experts are eager to share their skills with newcomers! Anyone with questions can contact Julia Prentice at jprentic10@gmail.com for more information.
Fellowship Hour
Our fellowship hour after the 10 o’clock services continue to be “ground zero” for parishioners and newcomers to connect and visit with each other. With parishioners paring up and taking turns hosting once a year, every Sunday brings a new menu of delicious treats in addition to an opportunity to make new friends and reconnect with established ones.
Sundae Sunday
We start off the fall with a special fellowship hour where you can talk with the leaders of various church groups while eating some amazing sundaes.
Blessing of the Animals
Once a year, usually in the fall after the 10:00 service, parishioner's pets are welcomed to receive a blessing. Many stuffed animals and pictures of pets are blessed as well. It's always fun to meet these furry family members typically at home on Sunday mornings!
Wardens Welcome Back Social
Every October, St. Paul's hosts a candlelit Friday evening cocktail party to welcome everyone back from their summer travels and start the academic year. Childcare is provided in the church school classrooms.
Trick-or-treating in the pews
Started in 2016, this fun tradition that helps mix the generations has our littlest ghosts and goblins process into the church, getting treats from parishioners.
Halloween party
Get ready for some old fashioned Halloween fun! Toilet paper mummy wrap, donuts on strings, graveyard scavenger hunt, costume parade - fun for all ages!
Potluck Thanksgiving dinner
The Saturday afternoon before Thanksgiving, parishioners of all ages gather to share their favorite Thanksgiving dishes and gratitude.
Carols and Candlelight
On a Sunday in December, we invite the community to an interfaith afternoon in the Episcopal tradition of Lessons and Carols. With a five piece brass ensemble, the children's and adult choirs, the church fills with the Christmas spirit. A reception follows in the parish hall.
Christmas Pageant
The Saturday before Christmas during the 10:00 service, hockey stick wielding shepherds, adorable little sheep and a feminist-before-her-time innkeepers wife join a cast of St. Paul's church school kids to tell the classic Christmas story interspersed with favorite Christmas carols.
Shrove Tuesday
The Tuesday before Lent, the tradition is to purge the pantry of all decadent foods. We combine this with a touch of Mardi Gras and pancake races for a celebration not to be missed.
Egg hunt
The Saturday afternoon before Easter, dedicated volunteers fill and hide hundreds of Easter eggs around the church and rectory grounds while the kids play games and make crafts in the parish hall. At the end of a dramatic countdown, the egg hunting frenzy is something these kids will never forget.
Guess Who's Coming to Dinner
This special event starts with a cocktail hour in the parish hall where you find out who will be hosting your dinner that evening. From the church, small groups go to parishioners homes for an intimate dinner with a cross section of the church you might not otherwise have met. This evening is a great opportunity to make new friends who also call St. Paul's home.
Church School Picnic
We cap off the church school year with an afternoon of fun and games at a local playground. Egg races, water balloon toss, and other classic picnic games make this a wonderful celebration of all our church school achieves every year.
Book Group
This monthly group of about 15 readers discuss everything from classics to historical fiction to religious works to mysteries. It's a wonderful opportunity to get to know people in a more intimate setting.
Movie Group
If you enjoy the movies, this is the group for you. Once a month, we will venture to the Dedham Community Theater see a movie. Following the movie we will adjourn to a local eating establishment to reflect on the themes, acting, directing of the movie. Join us for lively discussion and entertainment that supports our local community.