Resource of the Month

8th Annual Fair Housing

Art and Poetry Contests!

Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission

The Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission has launched its 8th Annual Fair Housing Art and Poetry Contests! Check out the link to the flyers below for more information. Submissions due by April 7, 2023. They are looking forward to seeing your submissions!

• Art Contest: Learn more
• Poetry Contest: Learn more

Service Opportunity

Would you like to be a Diakonos?

Have you ever wanted to be a part of something bigger than the local church? Have you ever wanted to serve your church brothers and sisters in Christ? This opportunity might be for you!

The Diakonos (Greek for a servant) Leadership Development program application is open for 15 high schoolers (entering 9th grade in 2023 – 12th grade graduates) from around the state to assist during the Iowa Annual Conference 2023 session from June 1-4 at the RecPlex in West Des Moines, IA.

Diakonos will help deliver communications, directions, aide and assist those attending, learn about the United Methodist Church and its processes, have fun, and do lots of other activities. 

The application, letter of reference, health form, and housing deposit check must be mailed and postmarked by Monday, May 1, 2023. Candidate selection will be announced after May 6. 

Please mail all forms to Pastor Steve Braudt, P.O. Box 57, Wilton, IA 52778. The original documents with signatures are needed. Essays can be emailed to Pastorstevebraudt@gmail.com.

Download the application here.

Scholarships

One of the blessings of our St. Paul’s UMC Foundation is that many people have given gifts so that we have scholarships to offer church members and others. This year, like last year, we have $18,500 available. Applications should be completed by April 15. Apply here.

In addition, a variety of scholarships and loans for students attending United Methodist and other accredited colleges and universities are available to our church members. Check this resource:

• United Methodist Church General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (Deadline March 30)

Youth Co-op

• April 2 - Czech Museum Visit – 2:30-4:00pm 
• April 16 - Youth Co-Op Hangout, board games and movie. 3:00-6:00pm 

Wednesdays

Originally Lent was the period before Easter when converts were instructed in the Christian faith to prepare them for baptism on Easter. For the Western church, Lent now begins on Ash Wednesday and is often used as a season to study the life, teachings, and miracles of Jesus. Through God’s World in Community: Lent participants of all ages explore sessions titled Treasure, Bread, Shrine, Fruit, Robe, Perfume, and Thorns. 

Confirmation

Youth Music

Youth Music rehearsal is moving on Sunday mornings to the education time (10:10-11:10 am). Currently, students have spent most of the time playing handbells to participate in worship. Have you not played bells before? That is OK. Do you have little musical experience? That is OK. There is a place for anyone who wants to participate, no matter what skill level you have. 

The Spirit of God will lead the way and other experiences, such as drumming, drama, etc., may become a part of Youth Music. This is a time to come and fellowship with other students and invest yourself in the worship life of the congregation. Worship is the part of the Christian experience that has been with us since the beginning of Christianity. Come and try it out! We cannot do it without you!! Contact Mark Baumann for more information.

Opportunities for Parents

Books & Bites—a book club where we also eat supper!

Come chat about books and share in a bite to eat this Spring! ANYONE who hasn’t read a good book lately and wants to try is welcome! Copies are available at the St. Paul’s library cart and the CR/Marion/Hiawatha Metro Library system or you can purchase online. This is a Young Adult book so families with readers might also like to try it! Discussion and light supper provided! Contact Nancy AntonJensen if you are interested so we can prepare, 319-360-4144 or (nantonjensen@gmail.com). 

Tentative times and book titles:

• March 26 5:00-6:00 pm - Ida B. the Queen: The Extraordinary Life and Legacy of Ida B. Wells by Michelle Duster
• April 30 5:00-6:00 pm - All We Can Save: Truth, Courage, and Solutions for the Climate Crisis by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson (Editor), Katharine K. Wilkinson 

Youth Mission Trip 2023

Every four years, youth from throughout The United Methodist Church have gathered for four days of discipleship, fun, and fellowship at the YOUTH event. The event is filled with interactive learning, worship, Bible study, service opportunities, and fellowship time. YOUTH 2023 is a chance for your church to again experience cutting-edge speakers, amazing artists, and broaden youth’s understanding of what they and their church are capable of! We will also be working alongside the North Central Jurisdiction in service work on our way to Daytona. More information about Youth 2023 can be found at here.

St. Paul’s Registration 

7th Grade through High School Seniors

July 22-29, 2023

Registration Deadline May 24th, 2023

CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION FORM

 $375 until January 18th, 2023

$425 from January 19th- March 22nd , 2023

$475 from March 23rd- May 24th, 2023

$75 registration fee *Non-Refundable*

Full amount due before July 2023 

*Scholarships Available*