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Music This Sunday

Hymns :
#616
Come, Sinners, to the Gospel Feast
#620
One Bread, One Body
#622
There Is a Fountain Filled with Blood
 

Organ:

There Is a Fountain Filled with Blood
Jean Langlais

One Bread, One Body
Ron Schmoltze

Trumpet Tune in E-flat
David Johnson 


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August 19, 2018

Rev. Adam B. Snell, preaching
John 6:51-58

51I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh."
52The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, "How can this man give us his flesh to eat?" 53So Jesus said to them, "Very truly, I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. 54Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood have eternal life, and I will raise them up on the last day; 55for my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink. 56Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them. 57Just as the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever eats me will live because of me. 58This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like that which your ancestors ate, and they died. But the one who eats this bread will live forever."
Questions to Ponder
In this week's text Jesus tells the people what to eat and drink in order to live forever. In this final week of our sermon series on bread, ponder these questions:

With its focus on eating flesh and drinking blood, this passage sounds a bit repulsive to ears unused to the language of the church. What food is most repulsive to you? What would it take to get you to eat it?

By referring to himself as "true food" and "true drink," Jesus is really talking about himself as sustenance for "true life." What habit or practice do you have that is truly life-giving?

What habit or practice do you have that is destructive to true life?

In John's majestic prologue (John 1:1-18), "... the Word became flesh and lived among us." If God's Word of truth lived inside of you, what would it find in you that others do not see?

 

Dear friends:
 
I ran into Jenny Smith in the church parking lot this morning. Jenny owns JennyCakes, the local bakery located just a couple of doors down from the church, and was getting something from her car. She and I chatted for a bit and she mentioned she had some pies in the oven. She was trying a new baking technique, she said, and would let me know how it turned out. I love pie, and I was eager to learn a tip or two from the master.
 
The opportunity to learn from others is a great gift, and this week St. Paul's is eager to offer that gift to you. For many years this church has been known for its program of Christian Education, and we are continuing that legacy with six adult studies that will begin this fall. Four of these classes are short term (6-week) studies, the other two will continue longer into the program year. All, however, will expose you to deeper learning about our faith, our Scriptures, and the immense satisfaction of growing in your Christian walk. These classes are held concurrently on Tuesday nights, an evening when St. Paul's will soon fill with eager learners. Complete course descriptions and opportunities to sign up will be found in the bulletin and in the Narthex this Sunday. If you're really eager, you may also sign up and pay for the courses online through the church website.
 
On my way out for lunch this afternoon I ran into one of the bakers at JennyCakes. This particular employee had evidently been on the losing end of a fight with a batch of batter, for she was splattered with chocolate. Knowing there had been pies in the oven that morning, I asked this baker how they turned out. She said she didn't know because she doesn't eat sugar while at work. Given my weakness for sweets, I was in awe of the willpower required to work in a bakery and never taste any of the goods. I have much to learn from those with such self-discipline.
 
We have much to learn at St. Paul's this year, too. See you Sunday, friends, as we finish our series on bread and anticipate the new season of spiritual nourishment that will soon be upon us. Take a look at these Christian Education opportunities, and taste and see that the Lord is good.

Peace,
 
A.B. Snell
Upcoming Events


Sunday
8/19/2018
9:00 am
Worship with Communion - Sanctuary
9:00 am

Nursery - 202
10:30 am

Worship  - Sanctuary
All children ages 2-10 are invited to attend Summer Sunday School in Rooms 200 & 203. Older children and youth will be in worship.
10:30 am
Nursery - 202
10:30 am
Summer Sunday School (ages 2-10) - 200, 203
4:30 pm
Middle High SPY - Youth Lounge, MPR
6:30 pm
Senior High SPY - Youth Lounge, MPR
Monday

8/20/2018


No church activities scheduled.
Tuesday

8/21/2018

No church activities scheduled.
Wednesday

8/22/2018


No church activities scheduled.
Thursday

8/23/2018


No church activities scheduled.
Friday

8/24/2018


No church activities scheduled.
Saturday

8/25/2018

No church activities scheduled.
Sunday

8/26/2018
9:00 am
Worship with Communion - Sanctuary
9:00 am
Nursery - 202
10:30 am
Worship - Sanctuary
All children ages 2-10 are invited to attend Summer Sunday School in Rooms 200 & 203. Older children and youth will be in worship.
10:30 am
Nursery - 202
10:30 am
Summer Sunday School (ages 2-10) - Rooms 200, 203
12:00 pm
Windows with a Message: Stained Glass Window Talk - Sanctuary
4:30 pm
Middle High SPY - Youth Lounge, MPR
6:30 pm
Senior High SPY - Youth Lounge, MPR

Museum of the Bible Trip

Reminder! The St. Paul's field trip to the Museum of the Bible, in Washington, DC, is coming up this Saturday, August 18. See www.museumofthebible.org for more about this new museum. Please contact Meg Baker at mbaker@stpaulsk.org or 301-933-7933 ext. 104 with questions about St. Paul's tickets or transportation.
Important SPY News!

Welcome, new and returning SPYs!  Both Middle High and Senior High youth groups will be meeting on Sundays this year! We're starting weekly programming this Sunday, August 19.  Middle High will meet 4:30-6:00 p.m.  Then there's a half hour grace period for pick-ups and drop-offs before the Senior High meeting time, 6:30-8:30 p.m. We know several families are still traveling during these last few days of summer, so our "formal" kick-off weekend will be coming in September. Please note, there will be no SPY on Sunday, September 2 (Labor Day weekend). The big kickoff event for Senior High SPY is an overnight lock-in at St. Paul's beginning September 7 and ending with the Pancake Breakfast on September 8. Middle High's big kick-off event is a Pizza & Laser Tag party on September 8 at 6:30 p.m., right here in St. Paul's. Parents and guardians: we've scheduled a special time just for you to come talk about SPY with Youth Pastor Micah Smartt and others. Join us in the Youth Lounge (lower level, next to the Multi-Purpose Room) on Sunday, September 9, at 11:30 a.m. for the SPY Open House. We also have dates for Fall Retreat for the Middle High ( September 28-30) and Senior High ( November 9-11) at the West River Center. There are even more details available in the newest SPY Briefing newsletter, available in the church office or online at stpaulsk.org/community/youth. If you have any questions, you can reach Micah at msmartt@stpaulsk.org or 301-933-7933 ext. 111.
Fall Study Classes: Sign Up Now

You can now sign up for one of the short-term or long-term adult classes being offered this Fall. Our popular "Supper and Study" program begins on September 11 with four classes available: Making Sense of the Bible, The Synoptic Gospels, The Lord's Prayer, and Invitation to the New Testament. The longer-term Disciple I class (34 weeks) will be taught over the course of the year by Rev. Adam B. Snell. We will also offer Disciple IIA (16 weeks starting October 2), co-led by Vern Schinski and Meg Baker. We are offering an option for catered meals at 6:30 p.m. with classes starting at 7:00 p.m.; class fees vary. For full descriptions or to register and pay, go to http://stpaulsk.org/community/study-classes-2018, see the insert in Sunday's worship bulletin, or visit the table in the Narthex. For more information, contact Meg Baker at mbaker@stpaulsk.org or 301-933-7933 ext. 104.
Sunday School Details

All children ages 2-10 are invited to join Summer Sunday School classes in Rooms 200 & 203 starting at 10:30 a.m. on Sundays from now through September 2. We are enjoying a brand new summer curriculum from Children's Illustrated Ministries with lots of coloring and fun activities. Older children and youth will be in worship in the Sanctuary.
Windows with a Message

Please join us for a guided tour of our Sanctuary's beautiful stained glass windows on Sunday, August 26, starting at 12:00 p.m.  Rev. Adam Snell will lead participants through the many artistic representations of scriptures, symbols, stories, and historic figures that adorn our sacred space. Registration is not required but RSVPs are appreciated; please sign up in the Narthex or online at http://stpaulsk.org/community/adult-education. For more information, contact Meg Baker at mbaker@stpaulsk.org or 301-933-7933 ext. 104.
Summer Teachers are Great Teachers!

We are in particular need of Summer Sunday School volunteer teachers for August 26. If you can spare an hour of your time, please contact Meg Baker at mbaker@stpaulsk.org or go to http://stpaulsk.org/community/children to sign up. Thank you!
Church Directory

The most recent, updated version of the St. Paul's Photo Directory of members and friends is now available in the Narthex and the church office. Please take one!
Pie with the Pastors

Thinking about becoming a member or just want to learn more about life at St. Paul's?  Plan to join the pastors at 10:00 a.m. in Room 109 on Saturday, September 1 for homemade pie and relaxing conversation about the Christian faith and this church we call home. Please RSVP using the insert in Sunday's worship bulletin, or by contacting the church office (stpaulsunited@stpaulsk.org, 301-933-7933) no later than Thursday, August 30. Childcare is available upon request.
Labor Day Hours

St. Paul's will operate on our regular worship schedule on Sunday, September 2. The church building and offices will be closed on Monday, September 3 in observance of Labor Day, and we will return to regular office hours on Tuesday, September 4.
Pancakes on Sept. 8

Pancakes are back! Due to the Labor Day holiday, the UMM-sponsored September Pancake Breakfast will be held Saturday, September 8 in Heavener Hall. All are welcome! (Other pancake breakfasts will be on the first Saturday of the month, starting in October.) Serving hours are 8:00-10:30 a.m. and we offer pancakes, eggs, sausage, ham, fruit, and other dishes. Donations from the September 8 breakfast will benefit the Camping Ministries of the Baltimore-Washington Conference, the Noyes Library Foundation, and the Kensington Historical Society.  Plus, when you're finished with pancakes, you can step next door to visit the Kensington Train Show at the Town Hall.
Sunday School Leaders

It takes a big heart to help shape little minds. We are still seeking a few volunteers who are willing to lead a Sunday School class two times a month throughout the 2018-2019 school year.  If you've never done this before, that's okay - training, materials, snacks, and support will all be provided. Raising children of faith takes a village, so please prayerfully consider becoming a member of the teaching community at St. Paul's. If you can't teach on a regular basis but would be able to substitute on occasion, you are most welcome to join us! Sunday School starts on September 9. Contact Meg Baker at mbaker@stpaulsk.org, 301-933-7933 ext. 104 for more information. 
Food with Friends

Want to meet and better get to know some of those who are sitting with you at St. Paul's? How about during dinner?  Here's your chance. Join us Sunday, September 9 starting at 5:00 p.m. as the Food with Friends dinner group kicks off the 2018-2019 season with a large-group dinner at the Hitchcock home in Rockville MD. This is open to all! To RSVP or for more information, please contact Beth Hitchcock at 301-871-5055 or jhitch77@gmail.com.
Bible Study & Prayer Lift

After a summer break, our regular Tuesday morning activities return in September. Prayer Lift will gather each Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. in the DuVall Chapel starting September 11 to lift up the prayer requests of the St. Paul's community. Bible Study sessions will be held each week on Tuesday mornings at 10:30 a.m. in the Cleveland Library starting September 11. All are welcome at this drop-in Bible study led by Rev. Kate Mackereth Fulton - there is no registration or fee, and visitors are welcome.
Stillness in September

Although we are currently on a summer break, Still Wednesday will return on September 12 at 7:00 p.m. to begin a new season of weekly stillness, reflection, prayer, and quiet spiritual time. We also have a new Still Weekend retreat coming up at the Dayspring Silent Retreat Center in Germantown MD, October 19-21. Look for registration details in the September edition of the Epistle or contact Kenzie Raulin (kenzier@rcn.com) with questions!
Taste & Sing

This monthly time to enjoy music, prayer, and lunch returns starting Tuesday, September 18. We open with an opportunity to share a few of our favorite hymns, then move into a short program focused on the life and work of a specific composer or lyricist behind some of the most beloved and interesting worship songs. Join Rev. Kate Mackereth Fulton and Meg Baker in the Octagon at 12:00 p.m. (no musical experience needed!), and stay for a tasty lunch provided by Ginny Hagberg. There is no registration and no cost to attend, although donations for lunch are welcome.
Backpack Build Thanks!

Thanks to all who donated supplies, financial support, and time to build backpacks! Coordinators Angela Harvey and Leigha Gordillo delivered over 100 full packs and extra supplies to Interfaith Works, to be distributed to area children in need before the start of the school year. You can read more here:  http://stpaulsk.org/service/justice-and-compassion
Liturgists & Communion Stewards

We welcome Liturgists to read Scripture and Communion Stewards to help serve communion during the first worship service on Sunday mornings at 9:00 a.m. Spots are now available for all Sundays in September and October. To sign up, simply add your name and email address to the sign-up sheet found here: goo.gl/Xz5T79.
Online Prayer Requests

Upcoming surgery? Have a joy or concern? In need of prayer support? Submit a prayer request online, day or night. You have the option to share your request with the Prayer Lift team or only share directly with the pastors. Visit our online prayer request form linked on our website at:  http://stpaulsk.org/community/prayer-requests.
Photo and Publications Policies

We want to show the world what the people of St. Paul's are doing, and we encourage our members to share our news and spread the Word as well. Our bulletins and the Epistle newsletter are available to the public, from visitors who walk through our doors to those visiting us through stpaulsk.org, and we use photos of St. Paul's building and people on our bulletin boards and on our website. As a rule, we do not identify children or youth by name, and we will not publish home addresses. We do list email and phone numbers for leaders and event coordinators unless you make prior arrangements to use the church office as your point of contact. We are currently working to revamp St. Paul's social media presence on Facebook, Instagram, and other platforms, and these guidelines will apply there as well. If you prefer your likeness not to appear in any of these places, please contact the church office to let us know. And of course, St. Paul's has no requirement that members participate in any online activity, nor control over what individual members choose to share on their personal social media platforms.  Thanks for staying connected with St. Paul's, in so many different ways!
Announcements & Epistle Articles

The Epistle
If you have an upcoming St. Paul's-related event and want to let church members and friends know about it with an announcement in the Sunday bulletin, please email Erin Steele in the church office at stpaulsunited@stpaulsk.org. All bulletin announcements must be received by 12:00 noon on Wednesday. The suggested length is 75 words and should include date, time, and contact information. If you have an article to go in the monthly Epistle Newsletter, please help us by submitting Epistle items to Erin Steele at stpaulsunited@stpaulsk.org no later than the 15th of the month. Please send Epistle content as a Word doc attachment with "Epistle Item" in the subject line. Each article should be about 250 words or less. Paper submissions may be placed in the yellow "Epistle" folder on the desk in the main office. Please note that Epistle articles are not automatically included in the bulletin announcements, or vice versa, so be sure to submit items separately if you want them to appear in both places. Thanks for staying connected to all that St. Paul's has to offer!
 

Thank you for staying connected to St. Paul's UMC through this weekly publication.  The email addresses used in this mailing were provided by the addressees for church use.

 

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