February 27, 2021

Dear Beloved St. Paul’s UMC and Wesley Foundation Family,

Grace and peace to you on this second weekend of Lent, as we continue our journey in “the broken way.” This week in our worship we are thinking about “yes,” “no,” and what it means to rebuke the easier way for the way that leads to life. This life, the life we all long for, is found in the gritty, often broken, moments of our lives. We find them in the crucibles – the daily crosses – of our hopes and disappointments, our successes and failures. These intersections are a daily part of the broken way, and it is in the midst of them that we meet the God who walks the broken way of wilderness and pain with us. You can worship with us by clicking here.

Small Group Discussion
I want to remind you that we are still growing closer to one another in this time of physical separation. We invite you to spend some valuable time together on Zoom at 11:00 AM on Sunday, February 28. Many folks have reflected about this weekly time of conversation and relationship building, and found it to be one of the most meaningful parts of their journey during the pandemic. Join us this weekend, as we discuss the themes of this weekend’s worship. We would love to have you! You can join us by clicking here (if you are using the Zoom App, the meeting ID is: 859 0584 5591 and the Password is: stpauls).

Children's Sunday School
We continue to learn about the events in the last days of Jesus' life. Today's lesson is about Jesus washing his disciples' feet prior to sharing in the Passover meal with them. Remember to have the egg carton ready for your children to open Egg #3. Enjoy the egg activity together later that day or week! Click here for the lesson.

Other Updates

  • Our Bishop has written a pastoral letter to all the churches in our conference as we reflect on the many lives lost to COVID-19 so far.

  • As we finish Black History month, we must continue the important work of racial justice. You can use these weekly video devotionals by United Methodist Bishops as part of your Lenten journey.

  • If you are reading through Luke Powery’s book “Were You There? Lenten Reflections on the Spirituals,” I urge you to check out the St. Paul’s Music Ministry Facebook page, where they are posting the spirituals each day for you to listen as you continue your Lenten journey. 

As we continue this broken journey, let us remember that we walk with the one who became broken for us, and who is the healer of every brokenness. 

Grace|Peace,
Pastor Greg.
Order of Worship
Greeting

Prayer of Confession*
Leader: Merciful Lord, sometimes it seems like we can’t help but lose our way again and again. Our hearts long to follow you but you know the way of the human heart. You know how in our misguided longings we veer off our journeying to you and begin to chart our own ways by false stars and distorted visions.
All: Forgive us.
Leader: Forgive us for all the times we are tempted by the hints of light Instead of remaining steered by the assurance of Light.
All: Forgive us when we forget that we are claimed by you, loved by you, and purposed for you. 
Leader: Forgive us when we allow ourselves to shape and be shaped by voices and words that do not bring life, create life, nurture life, sustain life, or resurrect life.
All: Merciful God, forgive us. Help us find our way back again.
Leader: Remind us of your faithfulness as you forgive us our short memory In your immeasurable love, grace, mercy, and wisdom do not abandon us regardless of how often we lose our way. Place your wounded hands upon our broken hearts and turn us towards you. God who meets us where we are. Amen.

Opening Hymn: “Your Love, O God” (verses 1, 2, and 4) – UMH 120

Passing the Peace

Children’s Message: Sally Herdman

Scripture: Mark 8:31-38, NRSV – Justin Frear

Message: “The Broken Way: Rebuke” – Rev. Sarah Voigt

Prayer Song: “I Shall Not Want”

Pastoral Prayer

Offering

Closing Hymn: “Lord I Want to be a Christian” – UMH 402

Benediction

Postlude

*A Prayer for When We’ve Lost our Way Again, by Enuma Okora
Discussion Questions:

  • Are you more of a "yes" or a "no" person? How do you think this tendency shapes your understanding and practice of Lent?

  • Read Mark 8:22-26: What are some of the connections you see between this passage and our passage from today (Mark 8:30-38)? How does the theme of blindness flow through both?

  • In Mark, Jesus shocks and surprises the disciples with his declarations about the Messiah and the path of discipleship. What surprises you about what Jesus says in this text?
St. Paul's United Methodist Church and Wesley Foundation
250 East College Avenue | State College, PA 16801 | 814-237-2163 | stpaulsc.org