A Reconciling Congregation having
Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors
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Happy Lent!!! Not a phrase you are probably used to hearing very much. When compared with some of the other seasons of the church calendar like Advent, Christmas, or Easter, Lent is often the most overlooked. Lent does not have any presents, candy, or decorated trees associated with it. There is no jolly figures like Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny associated with it. Just think about the last time that you saw a Lent greeting card in the store?
Even though the commercial world does not recognize Lent, it is one of the most sacred times of the church year. During these next forty days from Ash Wednesday on
February 22 to Good Friday on April 7 we prepare ourselves for the Good News of Easter.
Lent is a time for self-examination and renewal. A journey we take as people of God to re-energize our faith life as we set aside time to truly stop for a moment and allow the power of God’s Spirit to enliven us in new ways.
This Lenten season there are many opportunities for spiritual growth and transformation. Here is just a small sampling of some practices to help us on this journey of faith. Feel free to add to this list as we prayerfully move through this season and beyond.
- Slow down and take a “prayer break”. Whether this time is one hour in a day or a
24 hour period, take time to intentionally stop “working” and spend time in worship, prayer, and family time.
- Spring cleaning can be more than a way to get rid of “stuff.” Along with asking yourself “what don’t I want” also practice asking “what don’t I need?” Invite God into these questions and explore together a journey of letting go of the excess in your life. Donate what you don’t need to Goodwill or another worthy cause.
- Follow your breath as it leads to God. Simply observe your breath. Inhale God’s love and peace and exhale all your stress and burdens. Recognize how your breathing is not only life sustaining but also a Spirit-infused action. Take time as you breathe to reflect on Psalm 46:10 - “Be still and know that I am God.”
- Call or visit someone who is lonely. This might include an elderly shut-in, stay-at-home parent, someone who has recently lost their job or someone who is grieving a loss.
- Practice resurrection. We are the people of resurrection and hope. Make a commitment to do something that is life-giving – plant a garden, give a compliment, or pray about ways to make God’s love real.
My prayer for this season of Lent is that it will be a reflective time as well as a time of reconnection as we journey with Jesus toward a deeper relationship with God and awareness of our hope and new life offered to us all in this time.
In God's love,
Pastor Tim
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WORSHIP TIME
We are holding two in-person worship services on Sundays at 8:30 am and 10:30 am.
If you are not able to watch the service live on Sunday morning, there are several ways you can watch it later:
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All of our worship services are saved and posted on our Facebook page - www.facebook.com/StPaulsUMC.Point.
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Our worship services are also on Youtube. Just go to our church website – www.stevenspointumc.org and click on "Worship" from the drop-down menu of the "About" tab on the top of the home page. It will take you to our YouTube channel that has a collection of our worship services
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SAVE THE DATE!!!!
Ash Wednesday – February 22nd
Worship Service – 6:00 PM
Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent, the 40 days that precedes Holy Week and Easter. The Season of Lent is an invitation to renewal ("Lent" means "spring"). This is our time to prepare ourselves to take in the Good News of Easter through deeper disciplines of prayer, fasting, and service. And so we begin this season with Ash Wednesday. Ashes are the traditional sign of sorrow and repentance and are also a sign of our mortality. Join us for our Ash Wednesday worship service as we start our journey through Lent reminding ourselves that in the midst of our fragileness and mortality, we are held up in the hands of God’s grace and love.
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MARK YOUR CALENDARS
MIDWEEK INTERGENERATIONAL LENT EXPERIENCES
March 1, 15, 29 at 6:00 pm. A meal will be provided at 5:15 pm.
We will be doing an Intergenerational Lenten Worship Experience for all ages with readings, reflections, music, and activities centered on the theme of cultivating and letting go. Join us for any or all - ALL are welcome!
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Youth Ministry Service-Mission
Hand-Made Blessings
Fleece Blankets for Project Linus
The youth and their adult leaders want to thank you for your donations of fleece fabric for this year's "Blessing Blankets" Service-Mission Project. The blankets will be donated to "Project Linus", a nation-wide non-profit organization providing new handmade blankets to children and families in need. The blankets made by our youth group will go to the North Central Wisconsin Chapter serving Lincoln, Langlade, Marathon, Oneida, Portage, Taylor, and Wood Counties.
Valentines for Veterans
For February's service project the youth and their leaders created hand-made Valentines for Veterans living in the skilled-care homes in our state, Chippewa Falls, King, and Union Grove. Our youth took great care in crafting the cards and messages to care for our veterans.
Youth Group meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month from 6-8 PM. All Youth in Middle School, Jr and Sr High are welcome.
If you'd like to know more about St. Paul's-The Springs Youth Ministry, please contact Laura Courtright at lauracourtright@gmail.com or 715/340-4523.
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CHILDREN'S FAITH FORMATION CHAPEL TIME
following the Children's Moment
at the 10:30 am Worship Service
Age-Based Lessons and Activities
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VISITATION
One of the responsibilities, among many, that I take very seriously as a pastor is visitation. I consider it a sacred time to visit someone in the hospital, nursing home, or in their own home. It is time where I can get to know someone better and really talk about spiritual issues one on one.
During the pandemic, I needed to shift how I connected with people since I could not always visit in person. This is why I began to call people so that I could visit by phone. This was a good compromise, however, for 2023 I would like to return to more in person visits.
And this is where I need your help. Please let me know if you have gone into the hospital, are in need of a home visit, or what your specific needs are that I can help you with. I’m also willing to bring communion to any of my visits.
I want you all to know that I am here for you. If you are struggling, need to talk, or have any need whatsoever for a pastoral visit please call me on my cell phone (262/388-4635), at the office (715/344-3557), e-mail me (tobrien@stevenspointumc.org) write me a note (600 Wilshire Blvd.), or mark that you would like a visit on one of the attendance cards in the pew on Sunday morning.
I will continue to make visitation my top priority and continue to respond to every request as quickly as possible. It is an honor to be here as your pastor and I’m committed to being here for you as a pastoral presence representing the Good News of Jesus Christ that gives us hope and heals us all.
Pastor Tim
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BLOOD PRESSURE CHECKS
Blood pressure checks will be held the second Sunday of each month between services in the church library by one of our parish nurses. Short sleeves helpful.
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BOOK REVIEW GATHERING
We will have a gathering on Thursday, March 9 at
1:00 p.m. in the church library. If you can't come, let Bonnie Lund know that you are interested at 715/345-0247 or at bonnielund@charter.net.
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HOLIDAY BASKETS-THE THREAD-YOU
50 some years ago, Rev. Herb Thompson started the Holiday Basket program at St. Paul’s. I was on staff at the time and Herb asked for my assistance with the program. That started my passion for mission outreach. It was a different time. The program was small. There was no way of checking to see if recipients were double dipping and using the system.
Today, Operation Bootstrap uses technology and a small staff to filter names out. I applaud them for all their diligence and hours of hard work. I inform Bootstrap of how many families we would like to serve; small, medium or large size. I sign a contract, and we are off and running. Each family is called, basic questions are asked. The past couple of years we have used gift cards for food (they choose the store) and gift cards for children up to 18. Gone are the days of hands-on shopping, packing, and distribution due to lack of enough volunteers to make the program run effectively.
Each year I never know how much money the church will receive for this program. I always go on FAITH——the thread——that our needs will be met. This year we ministered to 50 families, including some church members. We spent just shy of $14,000. Last year $20,000. How do we do this? YOU! You have always been so supportive of this mission program. YOU have enabled St. Paul’s to reach out and serve in the Portage County area. My heart soars by your generosity.
We go forth in Faith, in Hope, that we will continue to be light to those in need.
I am forever grateful! Thank you, two small words, but deeply felt.
Blessings, Bonnie Lund, Holiday Basket coordinator
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PLEASE REMEMBER TO CONTINUE
TO SUPPORT OUR MINISTRIES
You can give by one of the following:
1. You can mail your check to the church office at 600 Wilshire Blvd., Stevens Point, WI 54481
2. You can use ACH. If you don’t have that set up & would like to, please contact the church office (715/344-3557) and we will help you with that or email us at finance@stevenspointumc.org.
3. You can use Bill Pay through your bank. This is a free service through your bank. They draw the money from your bank account and send the church a check as you direct them to, whether that be weekly or monthly. This way would save you on postage.
4. You can go to our website www.stevenspointumc.org and there is a button that says “Donate”. That will take you through the steps to use your credit or debit card. If you continue down on that page, you can also text on your phone to give.
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LOOSE COINS
The Loose Coins for February will be in support of Operation Bootstrap. Be sure to label your envelope so your coins/currency will be deposited into the correct account. If you are submitting a check, please write "Operation Bootstrap" in the memo portion of the check. Thank you for supporting this important ministry.
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SENIOR TIME BY SENIORS
Please consider joining this group. They meet on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 11:00 am. Bag lunch at noon. Discussions are wide ranged. If you have a particular request, we’ll do our best to work it into a session.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact:
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OPEN DOOR BISTRO!
The Open Door Bistro season has begun and will continue throughout the school year. Meals will be served in Hazel Calkins Fellowship Hall from 5:15 – 6:00 pm on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. Please come with your family or friends to enjoy the fellowship and simple meals together. Brochures listing service dates and other program details are available at the Welcome Center in the Gathering Area. Individuals interested in serving in the Bistro ministry are always welcome. Please contact Sandy Shave at 715/592-4346 or sandra.shave@gmail.com to volunteer or for further information.
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Spiritual Formation Team
Spiritual formation is growing and being formed in our faith. It is becoming more and more like the image of Jesus we reflect to our world. This happens in many ways through prayer, Bible study, small group discussion, retreats, devotionals and many other ways. As part of our Revitalization Plan we would like to form a new team that would lead us on the journey of growing in our faith. Some of the tasks of this new team would include:
a. Developing a Discipleship Pathway for our church community as the guiding resource to help people grow deeper in their faith.
b. Working with the Worship Team to utilize the labyrinth during Advent/Lent/Other times.
c. Developing spiritual formation retreats – speakers, authors, musicians, etc.
d. Assessing interest and offering training to begin small groups – for families – men’s small group – women’s small group – topical small groups.
e. Offering resources to equip people to discuss Jesus out in the community.
f. Encouraging and providing resources to groups/ministries that meet or use the building, and to incorporate a time of spiritual formation in their agenda
g. Producing bi-monthly programs in the Plover area focusing on faith and life. Examples: worship for seniors who are in care facilities, outreach to ethnic groups, a program featuring a speaker with a faithful message, etc.
If you are interested in serving on this team, please talk with Pastor Tim.
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GROWTH GROUP STUDIES
Tuesdays
7:00 pm - Women's Bible Study - Ephesians (via ZOOM & In-Person) (Contact Audra audraobrien931@gmail.com if you would like to join)
Fridays
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WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDY
The Women’s Bible Study resumed our weekly study on Tuesday nights at 7:00 pm. We meet in the following three ways: by zoom (link, meeting id, and passcode below), by phone (numbers below), and in person (at the church in the Thomas Coke room).
We are exploring the letter from Paul to the Ephesians. This is a wonderful letter as its purpose was to strengthen the believers in Ephesus in their Christian faith by explaining the nature and purpose of the church, the body of Christ. This is just as fitting for us today. We will take our time and explore Paul’s message of unity in Christ and also what it means to have unity in the body of Christ.
We have a lovely group of ladies who are happy to welcome every lady to join the study when able.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 847 9226 9693
Passcode: 270660
Dial by your location
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
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FLY HIGH
In Chasing Vines, Beth Moore gives us fresh hope, revealing the abundant secrets of a fruitful, God-delighting life. Tracing the images of vine, branch, and fruit through Scriptures, Beth shows us that nothing in our lives is wasted. Join Beth on her journey of discovering the delights of bearing fruit, and fully embrace God’s brilliant design for us to live a fruitful, abundant, meaningful life.
Fly High meets on Fridays at noon in the Thomas Coke Room and also on zoom. If you would like to join this study, please contact Yvonne at 715/344-3557 or ychojnacki@stevenspointumc.org.
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ITEMS NEEDED FOR REFUGEE FAMILIES
Please bring items to Rooms D/E in the Discovery Zone and
place on tables in front of the table signs.
Shampoo
Ethnic shampoo- for our African families
Conditioner
Ethnic conditioner
Deodorant- men and women
Body Wash for shower
Laundry Detergent
Bleach
Dryer Sheets
Dish Soap
Diapers- size 4
Baby Wipes
Paper Towel
Toilet Paper
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KWIK TRIP CARDS
Our fundraising program will be changed. Kwik Trip is selling a new Grocery Only, used in the store card that will give us 15% back for Holiday Baskets.
Regular and Fuel Only cards will still be offered at 5% profit for us. You can continue to use your gas card in the store also.
If you normally buy grocery or snack items at Kwik Trip, we suggest you buy the Grocery Only as we will raise money faster for Holiday Baskets. Thank you for helping us with this mission. As always, you receive 100% of your purchased card to spend.
We are grateful for church members who have purchased Gas Only cards for people in need in our community who come to our church for help. You can buy a $10 card to help others by giving that money to Yvonne in the office or Cathy. Then the cards are ordered.
You may purchase your Gas or Grocery cards in the office or contact Cathy Martin, 715-340-8426 or jcmartin@charter.net for assistance.
Thank you for your giving.
Helping others on a mission,
Mary Martha Circle
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FUEL ONLY GAS CARDS
We give $10 gas cards to people who need help getting to a doctor’s appointment, job interview, etc. If you would like to donate toward gas cards that are given to those in need, please write “Gas Cards” in the memo section of your check payable to “UMC.”
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ONE BIG TENT
“Connecting the church to the community through the love of God”
For over a year our joint ministry of reaching out to our neighbors in need known as One Big Tent has been operating out of our offices (1039b B Ellis St.) in downtown Stevens Point. This ministry which we are doing cooperatively with other congregations in Stevens Point and Plover has helped over 80+ individuals who are in various forms of crisis from homelessness, domestic violence, threats of eviction, illness, to a loss of a job.
Our main goal in all our work is to build relationships with those who come for help as we listen to their stories and walk with them in their need. We have also worked hard to be the clearinghouse for our community connecting people who need help with local non-profit agencies and community resources/information that exist to support people when they are struggling. However, when no one can help then we are the safety net to keep people from sinking deeper into crisis situations like homelessness.
I would like to ask for your continued support of this important ministry in our community in the following ways.
1) Please pray for those in need as we work with them and for the companions and clergy who give their time to help find solutions.
2) Prayerfully consider if you would like to be a companion talking with and working with our neighbors who need help. We offer training and only ask people to volunteer for a 3-4 hour shift once a week. Also, we pair you with a clergy person who is there to support you. For example, I (Pastor Tim) volunteer every Wednesday with a member from Beloved Community from 8:00 a.m. to Noon. If you are interested, please talk with Pastor Tim
3) When it is appropriate, we do provide financial support to help with rent assistance, car repair, buying medicines, etc. We work with people to identify what they can contribute and we make up the difference with what they owe. We could use your financial support to help us meet these ongoing needs. If you would like to make a financial contribution, please make the check out to our church and put, “One Big Tent” in the memo line.
Thank you for your prayerful and generous support of this important ministry to make God’s love real to all our neighbors.
Pastor Tim
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MEET & GREET
Meet and Greet at both services is open to all. We are asking that if you attend that you provide a treat once in a while. You would also be responsible for clean up as needed. The leftover snacks need to be consolidated, refrigerated or frozen and labeled M&G. Dave makes the coffee, but you would need to clean up the snacks and drinks area and wipe down areas & tables as needed. Thank You.
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BROWN PAPER BAGS
Operation Bootstrap is in need of brown paper bags. If you have any you would like to donate, please bring them to the church and place in the south coatroom. If you have any questions, please call the church office (715/344-3557).
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FAIR TRADE COFFEE SALE
You can find all Fair Trade products in the church office. Call the church office (715/344-3557) if you would like an item pulled for you and placed in the church exchange box outside of the church building for you to pick up.
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WAYS TO HELP
We are all looking for ways to share God's love. Here are some samples of things you can do:
Interfaith Food Pantry – We have the grocery cart in between the entrance doors on the south side (school side), Monday through Thursday, 9am-3pm. Here is a list of their urgent needs: Canned Fruit, Canned Vegetables, Cereal, Pasta, Pasta Sauce, Peanut Butter and Jelly.
Call church people or neighbors – Just a friendly phone call can make someone’s day.
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If you or a loved one are in the hospital and would like a visit from Pastor Tim or a lay person, please contact the church office at 715/344-3557. If this happens on a weekend, please contact Pastor Tim (262/388-4635). |
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St. Paul’s-The Springs UMC
600 Wilshire Blvd
Stevens Point, WI 54481
(715/344-3557)
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Campus Ministry - UWSP
Stevens Point, WI 54481
(715/340-4523)
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