A Reconciling Congregation having
Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors
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Have you had a hard week lately? A week where there is too much to do and not enough time to fit everything in. Maybe, it was a lonely week where the minutes seemed to click by on the clock slower and slower throughout the day. Perhaps, you had a week, and we all do, where you struggled with the doubts, hurts, and pains in your life and in the world around us. Weeks like these leave our faith tested and our souls tired. At the end of them we scream out to God like the Psalmist, “Why?!” Why O Lord, do you stand far off? Why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from helping me?"
As isolated as we may feel at times I don’t believe that God sits in heaven with a control panel of buttons deciding what hurtful thing should happen to whom next. I just can’t believe that God enjoys seeing his beloved creation suffer and struggle. As much as we may not like it or understand it, life happens. Life – with its ups and downs, joys and sorrows, dances and tears, happens.
What does God do? God happens right along with life. Let me tell you how God has happened in the midst of this week. God happened in a group of people praying for friends and strangers through the prayer chain. God happened in a coffee shop were I sat and listened to a person struggling with their faith. God happened in a hospital room as I visited with someone struggling with their health. God happened on the side of the road where strangers stopped to help someone involved in an accident. God happened in a feeling of peace and comfort that washed over me while reading scripture. God happens every time we stop focusing inward on our problems and start focusing outward to help, to pray, to get involved, to lend a hand, and embody the mission and ministry of Jesus Christ for our world to see and experience.
I know that we all have days, weeks, and situations that make us question our sanity, our faith, and our ability to go on. But we need to go on, putting one foot in front of the other and trusting that when life happens, God happens, too.
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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WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDY INVITATION
We welcome every lady of any age to study the book of Hosea with us. Pastor Tim preached a sermon that made us want to dig deeper into the prophet’s life and story, prompting us to explore Hosea’s personal account of his prophetic messages to the children of God and to the world.
Hosea wrote this book to remind the Israelites—and us—that ours is a loving God whose loyalty to His covenant people is unwavering. In spite of Israel’s continual turning to false gods, God’s steadfast love is portrayed in the long-suffering husband of the unfaithful wife. Hosea’s message is also one of warning to those who would turn their backs on God’s love. Through the symbolic presentation of the marriage of Hosea and Gomer, God’s love for the idolatrous nation of Israel is displayed in a rich metaphor in the themes of sin, judgment, and forgiving love.
Join us this Tuesday, September 19, and each week on Tuesdays at 7:00 pm, in the Thomas Coke room. We meet in a hybrid fashion of in person, by phone, and zoom.
We can’t wait to study with you!
If you have any questions please contact Audra at 262-388-0366 or by email at: audraobrien931@gmail.com
Join us virtually by using the information below:
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 927 321 8018
Passcode: 5986234
Dial in:
1-312-626-6799 US (Chicago)
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FLY HIGH HAS RETURNED
In Twelve Women of the Bible, we will learn about the triumphs and failures of Mary Magdalene, Rebekah, Hannah and nine other women, learning how to: apply biblical lessons to our own modern-day struggles, live through our failures as well as our successes, draw near to God in a world filled with trials, find lasting contentment in every situation and much more. We will discover new insights and be challenged, encouraged, and empowered to face trials in our own lives by drawing nearer to God.
Fly High meets on Fridays at noon. Feel free to bring a sack lunch. Come for a time of learning, laughter and fellowship. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Yvonne Chojnacki at 715/340-9333 or ymchojnacki@gmail.com.
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FALL BIBLE STUDY
“REVIVAL: FAITH AS WESLEY LIVED IT”
Wednesday’s – Starting on October 11 at 6:00 p.m. in person and on Zoom
Sometimes in life our passions wane and we become disengaged and disconnected from the things that used to be meaningful to us. We can get burned out in our relationships, work, and even in the church. What we need is a revival of our heart and soul. This is what John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement, was all about. As an Anglican priest and Oxford professor, John began preaching a message that started a new movement that touched and transformed people’s lives throughout the British Isles and America. In this study we will discuss and look at Wesley’s life and faith that continues to speak to us today as well as the scriptures that inspired him. Through the DVD portion of our study we will travel throughout England to see the places where John Wesley lived, preached, and inspired a people to passionately live out their faith.
This study will be on Wednesday’s at 6:00 p.m. starting on October 11 both in person and online using Zoom. Please use the link below to connect with this class. Everyone is welcome.
Topic:
Revival: Faith as Wesley Lived It
Wednesday’s at 6:00 PM
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 830 6479 7772
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STARTING IN OCTOBER
MONTHLY PRAYER BREAKFAST
Thursday, October 12 @ 7:00 a.m.
Everyone is invited to gather at 7:00 a.m. on October 12 for a simple breakfast, time of prayer, and a short devotion. We will conclude our time together with open Communion. Our time together will last about 45 minutes to an hour, at the most, so it is the perfect way to start your day with prayer. Moving forward we will meet on the first Thursday of each month.
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THANK YOU FOR A SUCCESSFUL ART IN THE PARK!
Thank you to all the families and volunteers who participated in our children's activity at Art in the Park, last Saturday.
We were blessed to have served our community by providing a fun watercolor art project for children at the event and were impressed by the creativity of everyone who joined in--even the parents took part!
We hope to see everyone next year!
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YOUTH MINISTRIES OF
ST. PAUL'S-THE SPRINGS
Connecting young people and those in ministries with young people to each other, to the church, and to God.
The Youth of St. Paul's-The Springs UMC are actively involved in service, missions, discipleship, fellowship and fun.
Youth Group meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month, from 6-8PM. All Youth in Middle School, Jr. and Sr. High are welcome - Join us!
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FALL RUMMAGE SALE – October 31st & November 1st
Set up is Monday, Oct. 30th, 9 am-6 pm. The Rummage Sale dates are: Tuesday, Oct. 31st, 8 am-6 pm; and Wednesday, Nov. 1st, 8 am-11 am. The sale will be held both in Fletcher Hall and Hazel Calkins Fellowship Hall. Clean up follows the end of the sale on Nov. 1st. Many hands are needed to make this a success. Whatever time you can donate to this event is much appreciated. Trucks, trailers and muscles are needed on Wednesday, Nov. 1st, after the sale ends, to help pack, move tables and haul leftovers to Community Thrift Store (St. Vinnie’s) or Goodwill.
Questions or if you are able to help volunteer for any of this time (setup or sale), please contact Bonnie Lund (715/345-0247) or bonnielund@charter.net. Feel free to start bringing in your items!
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POTLUCK SUNDAYS
New this fall, starting in October, through May, on the 3rd Sunday of the month.
Workers are needed! Sign up in the Narthex.
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MEET & GREET
Meet & Greet workers are needed!
Fall sign-up sheets are located in the Narthex.
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2023-2024 CONFIRMATION CLASS
Confirmation for the 2023-24 year is starting in September!
The first class is on September 24. Classes will run through May. Confirmation is open to all youth in seventh grade and above. If you have a youth who has not been confirmed in seventh grade or above please contact Pastor Tim (tobrien@stevenspointumc.org) or Laura (lauracourtright@gmail.com)
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WELCOME BACK TO
THE OPEN DOOR BISTRO!
Plan to come for the first night of Open Door Bistro on Wednesday, October 4, to enjoy the fellowship and a varied menu of casseroles. Meals will be served in fellowship hall from 5:30 – 6:00 pm on the first Wednesday of each month through May 1. Brochures listing service dates and other program details are available at the Information Center in the gathering area and are attached to this communication. THANK YOU to all the volunteers who have committed to serve in the Bistro ministry this season. Others interested in participating are welcome. Please contact Sandy Shave (715-592-4346) or Stephanie White (715-347-0367) for further information. We look forward to seeing you at the Open Door Bistro.
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OFFICE UPDATE
Just a friendly reminder that there have been slight changes to the office hours starting. See the new hours below:
Monday - Thursday: 9:00am - noon, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Friday: Office will be closed
Though the office will be closed on Fridays, the building will remain open for those who need to use the space. Please call the office if you'd wish to use the church building on a Friday.
Thank you,
Kristen Deadwyler
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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.
Our Director of Finance is Ardis Burke. If you have any questions or problems, please let us know at finance@stevenspointumc.org or 715/344-3557.
PLEASE NOTE: Ardis’ office hours will be Monday and Wednesday 11:00am – 2:00 pm.
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LOOSE COINS
The Loose Coin Offering for September is in support of UMCOR. The money collected will help our neighbors in need. 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 "One Big Tent" 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. The next meeting will be on October 3.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact:
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NEEDED: Would you like to recycle your empty prescription bottles to a good cause? Just rinse and remove labels and deposit them in the box in front of the office. Ghana Clinic LOVES them!
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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.
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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REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT TEAM UPDATE
Our Refugee Resettlement Team, which is a combined team of our congregation with Good Shepherd Lutheran church and members of our community, is continuing to work with the Bipendu family who are from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
It has been a busy time as all six kids started school along with three of them being active in sports. Our mom, Jane, has found a job at Metro Market and the oldest daughter is working at the YMCA. We continue to take them to appointments and help them on their journey of being independent.
It has also been a joy to welcome them into our church family as they worship with us and get involved in the life of our church community. If you haven’t introduced yourself to them yet, please take time of Sunday to let them know who you are. We made sure they all have name tags so you can call them by name.
We will continue to work with the family in our six areas:
• Housing and welcome
• Transportation
• Health
• Education
• Cultural adjustment
• Jobs and finance
This has been an amazing ministry of extending the hospitality, grace, and light of God’s love and hope to those most in need. However, we could always use more help, so if you are interested please talk with Pastor Tim or Mary Schultz who are the team coordinators. If you would like to make a financial contribution to support our refugee family, that would be appreciated. Please put Refugee Help on the memo line of your check. Please continue to pray for our new family and all the refugee families in our area they are working hard to adjust and make a new life in our community.
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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/Conditioner
Ethnic shampoo/Ethnic conditioner- for our African families
Body Wash for shower
Hand Soap
Laundry Detergent
Bleach
Dryer Sheets (Not bleach dryer sheets)
Dish Soap
Cleaning Supplies
Paper Towel
Toilet Paper
Diapers- size 4
Baby Wipes
Pillows
Twin Sheets
Plastic Bags (garbage/food size)
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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”
One Big Tent, our joint ministry of area congregations reaching out to our neighbors in need, continues to grow as we are helping more people out of our offices (1039b B Ellis St.) in downtown Stevens Point.
As many of you know, one of our most popular ministries, our shower ministry, was shut down. If you didn’t read the public statement released by the One Big Tent board you can read it on our public Facebook page (www.facebook.com/StPaulsUMC.Point). The statement from the One Big Tent board clearly summarizes our vision of working for the dignity, health, and wholeness of all our neighbors. Which means they all deserve the same basic rights we sometimes take for granted. The right to be clean, have clean clothes, and be treated with respect. So, whether or not we are able to provide showers moving forward we will continue living out our vision as we reach out to all our neighbors, listening to their stories and walking with them in their need. As we work to connect them with local non-profit agencies and community resources/information that already exist to support people when they are struggling.
I would like to ask for your continued support of this important ministry in our community in the following ways:
- 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.
- Consider if you would like to be a companion talking with and working with people to help them. 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
- Consider being a member of our One Big Tent Board as a representative of our congregation helping to guide our organization. This board meets on the fourth Thursday of every month at 5:15 p.m. here at our church.
- 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 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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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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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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