Family Resource of the Month

The earth is so beautiful that we can all have different favorites.

Some love animals, while others like looking at the stars. Some grow plants, and others watch birds. Some like their feet in beach sand, while others like the campfire smell. Some enjoy the heat of summer, but others prefer winter's cool.

No matter which is your favorite, God says all of creation is "supremely good." That includes you! God has made us reflect God's beauty, just like the animals, stars, plants, birds, and all the rest. Part of our job is to care for all God has created.

Use this family devotion to have conversations about the beauty of the earth and the role of taking care of it. Read more

Announcements

General Conference

From April 22 to May 4, Becca Nims will be out of the office for the General Conference. Keep her and the members at General Conference in your prayers.

Follow along with all things General Conference here.

Democracy and the Dream

The Purpose of Democracy and the Dream is to celebrate and advance Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s vision through civic engagement, democratic processes, and collaboration in greater Cedar Rapids. This event is a FREE Family May Day Celebration. People can make May Day baskets, register to vote in a kid-friendly election, and learn about poll worker training. Join us on April 27 from 10:00 am-12:00 pm at Beems B Auditorium at the Cedar Rapids Public Library (450 5th Avenue SE). All are welcome. View flyer

Compassion Camp (VBS) : What Every Living Thing Needs



• June 10-13, 2024 
• Open to ages 4 years old-5th grade
• 9:00 am-12:00 pm 
• $25 registration fee per family *financial assistance available* 
• Extended Care available from 12:00-3:00pm (lunch included) $75 per child. 
• To register contact Julie Hanlin.

Through Compassion Camp: What Every Living Thing Needs, participants will explore what all living things need to live—shelter, food, water, air, and community—and how they can have compassion for the living earth, especially in their local ecosystems. Through awareness, gratitude, wonderment, reciprocity, and kinship, participants will consider how to become co-sustainers and participants in the work of God’s creation. Using Psalm 104 as the grounding text and additional supporting scripture, participants will closely examine the interconnectedness of the whole earth—humans alongside the more-than-human world.

Volunteers Needed for Compassion Camp

Help make Compassion Camp a success, Monday-Thursday, June 10 – 13th, 8:30 am-12:30 pm! Volunteers are the heart and soul of Compassion Camp, making it possible to share God’s love with all children participants. Adults and youth (6th grade and older) can sign up to volunteer for various roles, whether leading kids or behind the scenes. Pre-Compassion Camp, week off, and Post-Compassion Camp opportunities available. See all volunteer descriptions here. Contact Becca to sign up. 

Sundays

Kids Sunday School

St. Paul's Kids is where it all begins at St. Paul's! Every Sunday at 10:10 am, children aged 4 through 5th grade learn about faith and start their path to a relationship with God. Kids are introduced to Bible stories and explore how those stories fit with our Methodist traditions.

• April 28: Visit from Jennifer Miller and Bleu! 
• May 5: Join us as we take a visit to our Youth Music programing. Mark Baumann and students will introduce us to how to play bells!

Wednesday Kids Mid-Week

Wednesday nights are full of exciting spiritual formation activities for kids ages four – 5th grade. At St. Paul’s, children have varied opportunities for faith formation, fellowship, and music- something for everyone! Join the fun! Drop-off is at 6:15 pm, activities are at 6:30 pm, and pick-up is at 7:30 pm. 

• April 24: Plant and Food Stories : Manna & Quail, Exodus 16 
• May 1: Plant and Food Stories: Rest for the Land, Leviticus 25:1-7 
• May 8: Animal Stories: Creation of Animals, Genesis 1:20-25
• May 15: End of Year Celebration! Stay tuned for details.

Summer Camp 2024

Say goodbye to the school year and hello to a summer adventure! Our United Methodist Church Camps have many different summer camp options at two locations- Wesley Woods in Indianola, Iowa, and Okoboji, just off the shores of West Lake Okoboji. Each offers a unique experience for ages 4-17. 

Learn more about IAUMC Summer Camps by visiting here.

Scholarships are available through St. Paul’s and the Iowa UMC Camp and Retreat ministries. For more information about Scholarship opportunities, contact Becca Nims.

Visit us online at stpaulsumc.org