|
|
|
Weekly News for May 5, 2024
| |
|
Greetings Beloved,
I recently completed The Non-Anxious Leader: Family Systems Basics series, which was offered through the Baltimore Washington Conference Center for Vital Leadership. The information this course provided is undisputedly applicable beyond the church leadership setting.
A few of the pearls of wisdom gleaned from this experience are “you cannot fix a relationship you do not belong to” and “the most difficult decision is to push someone toward the responsibility best for you.” The one pearl I chose as the focus of this message: “fed up is a gift.”
It’s safe to say that understanding "being fed up" as a gift is a bit of a stretch. Most times when we’re fed up, what results is more like an explosion than a gift. There is usually some type of eruption or outburst, perhaps even a tantrum of sorts, none of which is a gift I would welcome.
But in the context of this course, it represents the tipping point, the place where the one who is fed up makes the decision they have been long avoiding. And in that respect, it is a gift.
Sometimes God has to literally push us into the corner for us to have no other options than to take the step we’ve been trying very hard not to take. What is the one decision that you have been avoiding, the one step you’ve been trying not to make? Where is your Red-Sea-moment with God?
Beloved, no matter how daunting it looks, the first step will be the best step into God’s next for you. Are you fed up enough to trust God?
Peace,
~ Pastor Pat
| |
|
Pancake Breakfast
Saturday, May 4
serving 8:00-10:30 AM.
Our all-you-care-to-eat Community Pancake Breakfast, sponsored by our United Methodist Men's group, serves breakfast in the Fellowship Hall. Enjoy pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, and other breakfast foods. Families are asked to make a generous donation at the door to support St. Paul's and worthy local charities. NOTE: Howard Avenue will be closed for the Kensington Car Show on May 4; use an alternate route to the church.
| |
|
Educational Award
Apply by May 5
These modest but meaningful monetary awards are a sign of St. Paul’s support for our graduating high school seniors entering their next phase of education or training. The application deadline is Sunday, May 5, and only those who apply can be considered! Go to stpaulsk.org/community/youth to apply. To make a donation to the Educational Award fund, please make checks payable to St. Paul’s or use the Miscellaneous option at stpaulsk.org/giving with “Ed Award” in the memo.
| |
|
Pastor Joey's General Conference Q&A
May 8, 2024
7:00-8:00 PM by Zoom
Rev. Joey Heath-Mason is attending the United Methodist Church’s General Conference in Charlotte NC and is offering a post-UMC-General-Conference Q&A session by Zoom! This is an opportunity to bring your questions about what has just happened and changes that have been made.
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87301455402
Meeting ID: 873 0145 5402
| |
|
This Sunday: Children's News
Sunday, May 5
Children attend worship in the Sanctuary with their families this week, as is usual for the first Sunday of the month. We will have a Children's Moment during the service. “Busy Bags” with quiet children’s activities can be found at the welcome desk. Childcare for infants and preschoolers is available in the Nursery on the second floor at 10:30. To receive Sunday School updates by email, contact Dr. Meg Baker (mbaker@stpaulsk.org). For news about Children's Choir, contact Christina Griffin directly (clgriff18@gmail.com).
| |
|
This Sunday: Sipping Ministry Fellowship
Sunday May 5, following 10:30 AM worship
Enjoy a time of fellowship in the Octagon with a sipping ministry hour sponsored by volunteers who lead the Hunger Ministry. A Sipping Ministry gathering happens any time a family, class, or group offers to host; see the sign-up chart on the office bulletin board for available dates, and take an instruction sheet.
| |
|
Next Week: Committal Service for Ida DeVierno
Sunday, May 12, 11:45 AM
A Service of Committal will be held in the Columbarium to celebrate the life of Mrs. Ida DeVierno, who was a member of St. Paul’s from 1960 to her death on March 8, 2024. This service of committal will take place immediately following the regular 10:30 Sunday worship service.
| |
|
Next Week: RSVP for the African American History Museum Trip
RSVP by May 13
Timed entry tickets for 10:30 AM on Saturday, May 18
All members and friends are invited to explore the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC. We will meet directly at the museum. RSVP by May 13 using the form here: https://tinyurl.com/stpaulsaamuseum and Rachel Stalcup will coordinate obtaining the required timed-entry tickets. Contact Rachel at rachelstalcup@gmail.com with any questions.
| |
|
Yarn Ministry
Monday, May 13, 7:00-8:00 PM
Bring your knitting, crochet, or other projects to the church library and craft along with friends. Contact Karen Codner for details: kdc811@gmail.com. After meeting May 13, we will be taking a break until the Fall. The meeting schedule for 2024 is available at stpaulsk.org/community/calendar-events.
| |
|
Love Offering For Pastor Pat
Now-June 2
To commemorate all of the blessings Pastor Pat has brought to St. Paul's, we are collecting a Love Offering as she moves into retirement. You may contribute by check made out to St. Paul's UMC with “Pastor Pat Love Offering” in the memo, or online using the miscellaneous option at stpaulsk.org/giving. Gifts received on or before June 2 will be presented to Pastor Pat on her last Sunday, June 9.
| |
|
Food Drive for the Hunger Ministry
On your next grocery run, consider picking up some extra items and dropping them in the donation bin in the Narthex by the office. We particularly need cold cereal, instant oatmeal, soup, rice, beans, pasta, pasta sauce, peanut butter, canned fish, canned chicken, canned fruit, applesauce, and canned vegetables. Please, no items past their sell-by/use-by date, and no glass. (Glass breaks and poses a hazard for our volunteers and recipients.) Financial contributions also welcome at stpaulsk.org/giving or by check.
| |
|
New Pastoral Appointment
St. Paul's leaders are delighted to announce Bishop LaTrelle Easterling has appointed Rev. Sheridan B. Allmond as the next senior pastor of our congregation. She will begin her new responsibilities with us on July 1, 2024. Read more about Rev. Allmond at stpaulsk.org/we-are-all-about/the-pastors-page For questions about appointment process and clergy transitions, contact Jenny Lipford, SPRC chair, at jennymariev@hotmail.com.
| |
|
Looking Ahead: Book Drive
June 16-July 7
St. Paul’s will be collecting new and "like-new" gently used books for the Montgomery County Correctional Facility Library. We seek current best-sellers and popular authors and nonfiction published in the last five years. A drop-off table will be in the Narthex June 16-July 7. Contact Travis Stalcup with questions: travisstalcup@gmail.com.
| |
|
Register Now for Vacation Bible School
June 17-21, 9:00AM-12:00 noon, at Bethesda UMC.
St. Paul’s is partnering with Bethesda UMC and Chevy Chase UMC to bring Vacation Bible School to kids age 3 through Grade 5. All activities will take place at Bethesda UMC (8300 Old Georgetown Rd., Bethesda, MD). Go to https://vbspro.events/p/events/d42030 to register. Contact Meg Baker at mbaker@stpaulsk.org if you have questions.
| |
|
Ongoing Activities - Click on each heading to learn more.
Sermon Safari Bible Study Wednesdays, 4:00-5:00 PM by Zoom, led by Dr. Meg Baker. Join us for this come-when-you-can drop-in Bible Study via Zoom. We will view and discuss a sermon by a different speaker each week. For more information or to receive the Zoom link, contact Meg at mbaker@stpaulsk.org.
Feeding Hungry Neighbors - This signature ministry provides resources for over 130 families each month facing food insecurity in the 20895 ZIP code. Volunteers, financial contributions, and/or donations of shelf-stable pantry staples are welcome! (Please, no glass and no expired items.) Pick up a flyer in the Narthex or visit stpaulsk.org/service/hunger-ministry for details.
Church Directory: Copies of the church directory are available for pick-up. Visit the Epistle stand by the Narthex exterior doors or the wall rack by the main office door. Please take one!
Taste & Sing: Third Tuesday each month, September-May. Enjoy a casual hymn-sing with favorites by request, a short program about the stories behind some of our worship songs, and a tasty lunch. ($5 donation.) No musical expertise necessary!
Sipping Ministry Fellowship Time: A Sipping Ministry gathering happens any time a family, class, or group volunteers to hos after worship. If you would like to host, please see the sign-up chart on the office bulletin board for available dates, and take an instruction sheet. https://stpaulsk.org/community/calendar-events.
Music: Sanctuary Choir for adults and advanced youth rehearses each Sunday at 9:30 AM, sings at 10:30, and continues to welcome new members! Joyful Ringers bells welcome all ringers with rehearsals 7:00-8:30 PM on most Wednesdays. Contact Tom Pedersen, director, at tpedersen@stpaulsk.org. Children's Choir rehearsal happens during the school year after the 10:30 service in the Multi-Purpose Room, 11:45-12:30 - for the current schedule, please email Christina Griffin at clgriff18@gmail.com.
Sanctuary Flower Sponsors: To sponsor flowers, add your name to an open spot on the flower chart in the main office, then provide your dedication wording using the yellow form. The cost is $45.
Still Wednesday: Meets most Wednesdays, 7:00-8:00 PM in the Sanctuary. Give yourself the gift of stillness and calm with this hour of contemplative communal prayer. Read more at stpaulsk.org/worship/still-wednesday or contact Kenzie Raulin (kenzier@rcn.com)
Lay Readers Wanted: If you would like to assist in worship by serving as lay reader for 9:00 service, please Click HERE to go to the 9:00 sign up sheet. If reading at the 10:30 service appeals to you, please email Meg Baker at mbaker@stpaulsk.org.
Epistle Announcements: Announcements and news for our large-format monthly newsletter should be submitted by the 15th of each month in order to appear in the next issue. Visit stpaulsk.org/community/epistle-weekly-news and use the form.
Lydia Circle: The Lydia Circle sisters are meeting the first Wednesday of each month at 2:30 PM. Ladies should contact Susan Schwarz at susan10748@aol.com or 301-339-8242.
St. Paul's Online Shop: We're offering two colorful T-shirt designs. Visit stpaulsk.myspreadshop.com to see the options!
Prayer Request: 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. You can also contact Meg Baker at mbaker@stpaulsk.org. Prayerwaves meets every week by phone to pray for members, friends, and any who request prayer.
Stephen Ministry: Trained lay-people provide comfort and a confidential listening ear for those who are navigating life challenges like birth and death, job changes, divorce, illness, or depression and stress. Contact Meg Baker (mbaker@stpaulsk.org) to learn more.
Inclement Weather Policies: St. Paul's follows Montgomery County Schools students' schedule announcements for weather-related delays or closures. You can read more here: stpaulsk.org/we-are-all-about For Sunday worship, the pastors will make a determination about in-person worship by 5:00 PM the night before.
| |
|
Scripture for May 5, 2024
Luke 1:67-79
67Then his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied:
68“Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
for he has looked favorably on his people and redeemed them.
69He has raised up a mighty savior for us
in the house of his child David,
70as he spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old,
71that we would be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us.
72Thus he has shown the mercy promised to our ancestors
and has remembered his holy covenant,
73the oath that he swore to our ancestor Abraham,
to grant us 74that we, being rescued from the hands of our enemies,
might serve him without fear, 75in holiness and righteousness
in his presence all our days.
76And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High,
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,
77to give his people knowledge of salvation
by the forgiveness of their sins.
78Because of the tender mercy of our God,
the dawn from on high will break upon us,
79to shine upon those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the way of peace.”
(New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition)
| |
Contact us! ● 301-933-7933 ● stpaulsunited@stpaulsk.org ● stpaulsk.org
| | | | |
