Weekly News - Persistence

Weekly News for Oct. 9, 2022

A Message from Pastor Pat

Like a dog refusing to relinquish its grip, so is persistence. It is the refusal to stop pursuing the desired outcome. It is the unwillingness to be deterred by obstacles and naysayers. It is the unadulterated belief that giving up is not an option. Such is persistence.

While we have no problem pestering the store for the rain check or refund, or while we will doggedly remind those who have promised us of their need to deliver, we seem somewhat reluctant to keep after God. We become unabashedly ashamed to ask God more than once for what God has promised is ours. I suppose we don’t want to bother God or we somehow believe it is impolite to push the issue. After all, God is pretty busy.

Persistence with God is neither impolite or unholy. It is the sacred petitioning of the Holy One and the only One with authority and resources to respond. Who else can we go to to answer the questions that defy human explanation? Where else can we turn when our resources, emotions, and will are exhausted?

Let there be no mistake, unlike those of us who - when asked one time too many - respond just to make the questioning cease, God will still answer in God’s time. And God’s answer may not look anything like what we asked for. But our persistence will have been assuaged if not satisfied, proving once again, that God honors God’s promises.

And isn’t that worth not giving up?

--Pastor Pat

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Church Conference

Tuesday, Oct. 11

7:00 PM via Zoom

Our annual Church Conference is scheduled for Tuesday October 11, 2022 at 7:00pm via ZOOM. All members in attendance are welcome and will have voice and vote. The documents being voted on will be the Pastors Compensation Packages, the Inactive Membership Report, Lay Leadership and Nominations Slate, and the Simplified Accountability Model. Those wishing to attend may use the ZOOM link below. If you have questions please contact Pastor Pat or Pastor Joey.

Reports are available at stpaulsk.org/we-are-all-about/the-pastors-page

Zoom meeting info:

Church Conference Link: Oct. 11, 7-8:30pm

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84078453871?pwd=NHR0R0QxSFhidkpWc1p4VUM5UlVYdz09

Meeting ID: 840 7845 3871

Passcode: 474446

Dial by your location

+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)

Getting to Know Pastor Joey

Rev. Joey Heath-Mason, our Associate Pastor, invites all members and friends of St. Paul's to “open office hours,” an opportunity to visit a little and get to know one another. Stop by as you are able (no need to RSVP). Here are the dates and times:

Saturday October 15, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM in Reinhardt Park (directly across from St. Paul's front doors). Kids are welcome too!
Sunday October 16, 12:00-1:00 PM in the Octagon Room
Thursday October 20, 4:00-7:00 PM in Reinhardt Park
Sunday October 23, 3:00-4:00 PM by Zoom (email joeyhm@stpaulsk.org for the Zoom link).

Please email Pastor Joey at joeyhm@stpaulsk.org if you have any questions.

Attention All Crafters!

The annual St. Paul’s Craft Fair will be happening again this Fall on Sundays November 6 & 13. The Craft Fairs feature crafts created and donated by St. Paul’s members and friends.

All types of crafts are welcome including painting, needlework, photography, cards, jewelry, glass, pottery, and more. As in past years, all proceeds will be donated to charity.

If you have questions, suggestions for a designated charity, or need help with craft pick-up, please contact Karen Codner (kdc811@gmail.com) or Mary Revenis (mrevenis@cnmc.org).

Renovation News to Know

This Week: To access the building for worship, use the front doors on Armory Ave or office door on Mitchell St. The Men's, Women's, and Family restrooms on the office level are all open. (Minor repairs may still remain.) We have a working water fountain with a water bottle filling station in the office hallway. The "pick up counter" in the office is available for small items for drop-off/pick-up.

Out of Service: Parking lot areas closest to the church, the parking lot door, and nearby sidewalks are unavailable. The Memorial Garden is inaccessible. Phones are disconnected. We are unable to store items at the church.

Weekdays: The office is open for regular hours, Monday-Thursday, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM! Appointments are still strongly recommended. Find staff email addresses at https://stpaulsk.org/community/meet-the-staff

Masks Optional...

As of October 1, masks will be optional for in-person worship; meetings with staff; small groups; music ensembles; community events in St. Paul's spaces. (Masks are still required for staff & volunteers working in the Nursery.) We expect all members of the St. Paul's community to treat others with respect, whether mask-wearing or non-mask-wearing. You can read more mask-related FAQs at stpaulsk.org/worship. Thank you for showing care for one another throughout the pandemic and re-opening!

Celebrations in October

October is the month we observe:

● Hispanic Heritage

● Breast Cancer Awareness

● Domestic Violence Awareness

● Bullying Prevention

● Clergy Appreciation

Find a way during the month to educate yourself, honor those who have been affected, serve the cause or celebrate your pastors.

Apple Sale and Pancake Breakfast

The United Methodist Men are planning to have an Apple Sale in late October or early November and a Pancake Breakfast on December 3. We can only hold these events if we can secure a sufficient number of volunteers. Although the UMM sponsors these events, proceeds benefit St. Paul's and regional charities. There are plenty of volunteer spots for all men, women, youth, and even families.

Please contact Jerry Watkins (j50.09w@verizon.net) to find out more.

SAM (Simplified Accountability Model) Info

The Simplified Accountability Model (SAM) would allow St. Paul's to combine many current committees into two groups, with a goal of simplified communication and more effective ministry. The decision whether or not to restructure the committees will be voted on at the Church Council meeting on October 11. To read more, visit stpaulsk.org/community/calendar-events and click the button "SAM Guide."

UMCOR Hurricane Relief

We pray for all those affected by natural disasters, including recent hurricanes in the Atlantic. Donations to The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) this week will go to hurricane relief efforts in US states and territories, including Puerto Rico and Florida. Through local partners on the ground and its own trained early responders, UMCOR moves quickly to provide aid and remains in a community for rebuilding work that goes well beyond the initial response. Please make checks payable to St. Paul's UMC with "UMCOR - Puerto Rico" on the memo line, or donate by credit card at stpaulsk.org/giving.

UMM Driver Service

The United Methodist Men's group now offers a driver service to take adult St. Paul’s members to medical-related appointments in and around Montgomery County at no charge. A list of volunteer drivers is posted in the church office. Please keep in mind you may have to make more than one call to find a volunteer driver who is available for the specific day and time you need a ride. Contact Rich Higgins at rgh1954@verizon.net if you have UMM questions.

What Courses and Studies Would You Want?

As we emerge from all-things-virtual this fall, St. Paul’s anticipates launching a few course offerings in the coming months, with some offered in person and some online. For example, we are considering resuming Tuesday morning Lectionary Bible Study in person as well as Supper & Study class series in October. We want to hear about what offerings you would most likely participate in. Please use THIS LINK or go to https://stpaulsk.org/community/adult-education and click the button to share your feedback!

Still Wednesday Fall Schedule

Every Wednesday

7:00-8:00 PM

Meeting in-person outdoors as weather allows and/or by Zoom

Still Wednesday provides a space for quiet reflection, silent prayer, calm and connection in a busy, noisy world. The exact format changes weekly, but typically includes about 20 minutes of silent contemplative prayer, listening, and a chance to reflect privately or share. For up-to-date meeting news, contact Kenzie Raulin at 301-237-1520 or Kenzie@krdesign.net.

Lydia Circle

The Lydia Circle sisters will begin meeting the first Wednesday of each month at 7:00 PM starting in October. Location and details may change month to month. Ladies who are interested should contact Susan Schwarz at susan10748@aol.com or 301-339-8242 for more information.

Ongoing Activities - Click on each heading to learn more.

9:00 Lay Readers: You can assist with worship at 9:00 AM by serving as a lay reader. Go to stpaulsk.org/community/calendar-events and click the button. You’ll see available dates and can sign up by simply typing in your name.

Make Music with Us - The Sanctuary Choir is rehearsing Sundays 9:30 AM, and singing in worship at 10:30 AM. Joyful Ringers bell choir rehearses Wednesdays 7:00 PM and shares worship music a few times a year. Questions? Email music director Tom Pedersen at tpedersen@stpaulsk.org.

Read Through the Bible Q&A - We are on a two-year journey to read through the Bible together. You may jump in at any time. The reading schedule is available in the Epistle and at stpaulsk.org/community/adult-education.

Phone System Updates: We have selected a new phone system and are moving toward installation! Until then, please use email to reach the clergy and staff. You can find email addresses on our Meet the Staff page: stpaulsk.org/community/meet-the-staff

Second Saturday Bible Study:10:00-11:00 AM on the 2nd Saturday each month. Our Zoom gathering featuring the videos, studies, and podcasts from The Bible Project (www.bibleproject.com). Contact Dr. Meg Baker at mbaker@stpaulsk.org for the Zoom invite.

Wednesday Bible Study: Sermon Safari: 4:00 PM on Wednesdays. Each session will include viewing a sermon selected in advance by one of our participants, and then responding to the message. To participate, contact Dr. Meg Baker at mbaker@stpaulsk.org.

Daily Breath: Wednesdays, 9:00 AM. Enjoy a morning time of sharing, prayer, or music led by St. Paul’s clergy, staff, or volunteer leaders. It's usually 10-20 minutes designed to help keep us calm and connected in a social online space: facebook.com/stpaulskensington. No Facebook account required!

Assistance for Migrants: Support the ongoing work of Capitol Hill UMC and the BWC in offering immediate respite and helping meet basic needs of legal immigrants being bussed to Washington DC from Texas and Arizona. Read more at stpaulsk.org/service/justice-and-compassion and find links to donate or volunteer.

St. Paul's Online Shop: We're offering two colorful T-shirt designs. Visit stpaulsk.myspreadshop.com to see the options!

Yarn Ministry: Mondays, twice a month, 7:00-8:30 PM. All crafters welcome. Meeting by Zoom. Contact Karen Codner (kdc811@gmail.com) for details.

Prayerwaves: Wednesdays, 10am - During this time of Prayer over the Air Waves, we pray together over the phone. Call 425-436-6326 at 9:55 each Wednesday morning. When prompted for the “access code," type in 774042 followed by #.

Prayer Request Form: If you have a joy or concern, you can share it confidentially with St. Paul's ministers or share with the entire Prayer Team using our online prayer form.

Stephen Ministry: Trained lay-people provide comfort to those who need a listening ear as they navigate life challenges like birth and death, job changes, divorce, illness, or depression and stress. Contact Meg Baker (mbaker@stpaulsk.org) to learn more.

Scripture for October 9, 2022

Luke 17:11-19

¹¹On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee. ¹²As he entered a village, ten men with a skin disease approached him. Keeping their distance, ¹³they called out, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” ¹⁴When he saw them, he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were made clean. ¹⁵Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. ¹⁶He prostrated himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him. And he was a Samaritan. ¹⁷Then Jesus asked, “Were not ten made clean? So where are the other nine? ¹⁸Did none of them return to give glory to God except this foreigner?” ¹⁹Then he said to him, “Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well."