Welcome to St Paul's Online Sunday School!
When we can't gather in person at St Paul's, let's learn and play in a virtual way! ( Let me know what you think! You are in my prayers - Linda)
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Sunday, June 28, 2020

The church color for this Sunday is green - for many, many weeks! This one's the fourth Sunday.
Here are the readings for Sunday, June 28:
The Free Gift

Romans 6:23: ". . .the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

God loves us so much that He gave us a present. An amazing and perfect present!

How come? What do we need to do to receive this present?

Nothing! It's a free gift: no need for a special occasion (like a birthday or holiday), and it's not a reward, award, or prize (you don't have to earn it, or be the best at something). You don't even have to be lucky! There are no strings attached.

All you have to do is. . . be!

God offers us this gift, freely, and all we have to do is accept it. (You can make the choice to say "thank you!" in return; more about that in a moment.)

God's free gift to us is this:
freedom from fear, from pain, from shame, from sin;
a gift of all goodness, peace, strength, serenity, and love. . . always - eternally! - through God's own Child, Jesus Christ.

And God said, "It is good."
Because we are children of God and followers of Jesus, receivers of God's free gift, let's have a conversation with God to say, "thank you!". A very nice way to give thanks is to pray - and to pray a lot . There are many ways to pray and every one of them is a good way. Maybe you will invent a new way to pray!

When you are praying - talking with God - if you find yourself at a loss for things to say (after saying these two words: Thank You), here's a handy chart with 101 ideas for a chat with God ! Click this link , pick a square, start wherever you are, and have a conversation! The author of the chart suggests that you pay attention to whatever God's reply to you may be: see if you can "catch it"!

Try this way of praying, too: The Silence Game (adapted from the teachings of Maria Montessori). It's a way of talking to God without using words.
A free gift to you from God , and a heart-felt thank you to God from you :
this is a relationship full of wonder.

What a gift!

"It's just what I always wanted!" - or even, "I never knew how much I wanted it - until I got it!"

What do you say?

"I thank you, I praise you. I love you."
Check our latest newsletter for some family anti-racism resources. Do you have recommendations?

Also, watch our church services online any time, on our Youtube channel . This growing season is a good time to learn and to share love!

How are you? I'm sending prayers for health and well-being, peace, love, and joy! - Linda