A Reconciling Congregation having
Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors
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What are your plans for the new year? Have you planned for the new year with reflection and care? Or have you, like millions of others, not given a thought to the months lying ahead of you?
For me, the new year was always about making resolutions. I would resolve in January to make various “improvements” in my life. By February, however, my best intentions would result in very little change.
So, what are we to do when we are excited about a new chapter in life, but our failed attempts and old thought patterns seem to clutter up the pages?
This week, as I was reflecting on this I re-read one of my favorite Bible passages from the Gospel of John about a little boy who handed over his lunch, two fish and five loaves of bread, to Jesus. It was certainly not enough to make much of a difference. However, Jesus gave thanks for them, broke them into tiny pieces, and served over 5,000 hungry people. As we look down at our plans, hopes, and dreams that we carry into the new year, they may not be all thought out and may be more fragments and left overs than a complete meal. However, I invite us to lift our heads and look into Jesus’ eyes, as we feel his hands around ours saying to us, “I love you. Give all these things to me.” Remember, even a mustard size faith, so tiny, only whisper thin, can move mountains when we offer it and our whole hearts to God.
So, as we move into this new year let’s not be hesitant to go for the blessings God has put on our hearts. We have no reason to hold ourselves back because of history or any shortcomings in our view. Jesus isn’t looking for perfect people. He’s eager to show us that he can make something beautiful out of our lives this year. I invite us to give Jesus all that we have as we place ourselves in his hands. For in these loving hands of grace, he accepts us, give thanks for us, and blesses our gifts, our passions, and our lives to feed the people around us: friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, and even strangers. May God’s blessings flow through each one of us as we journey through this new year.
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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TAKE NOTE
In observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the church office will be closed Monday, January 16.
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QUILTING MINISTRY
In recognition of the 20th anniversary of the Quilting Ministry at St. Paul's, we are putting together a display of Prayer Quilts on January 22nd. If you have a Prayer Quilt and would like it to be part of the display, please drop it off at the church office before the 22nd. Be sure to put your name on the back of the quilt so we know to whom it should be returned.
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FAMILY CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE
Thank you to the congregation for their participation in the building of a live nativity during this service. The following people were the main characters - Jim and Cathy Martin - narrators, Steve Faber - Angel Gabriel, the Francis family - shepherds,
Jay Carter family - wise folk and angels, the Jarabek family - Joseph and Mary, angel, and youth reader, the O'Brien youth as wise folk, shepherd and usher/Advent candle participant. There were many other children, youth, and adults who came forward at the end to join the nativity as animals, angels, and wisemen. It was wonderful to hear the Christmas carols sung by the congregation.
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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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THANK YOU DAVE!
As many of you know, our longtime Facility Associate, Dave Patterson, is retiring on Thursday, January 12. We are so grateful for all the time, love, and care Dave has shown in cleaning and maintaining our building as well as setting up/taking down for our many ministries and groups that utilize our space. We had a great celebration of Dave on Sunday, January 8. We wish him all the best in his new endeavor of being retired.
Please join us in welcoming our new Facility Associates Tom Johnson and Tom Riley to our church family.
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THANK YOU!
For all the wishes to have a happy Christmas season, for the most generous presents, and for the love you continue to show our family, there aren’t enough words to express our feeling of thankfulness. As we enter into this New Year, we are sincerely looking forward to being in service and ministry with you.
In God’s love,
Pastor Tim, Audra, Alyssa, Connor, and Madelyn
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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, February 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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PLEDGE CARDS
Please remember to turn in your pledge card indicating your estimated giving for 2023. This helps us to be able to keep our finances in order so we can continue to support our many ministries. You can either drop it in the offering plate or turn it into the church office. There are extra pledge cards on the Welcome Center in the Gathering Area. Thank you!
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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 January will be in support of Interfaith Food Pantry of Portage County. The money collected will support this food pantry that helps Portage County residents. 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 "Interfaith Food Pantry" 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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GOING AWAY THIS WINTER?
If you will be gone for a time this winter please let the office know when you will be gone. If you would like any communication sent to you, please give us the address of where you will be staying. We can also send any communication via email.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. This will help the church to not have to pay for return postage on items sent while you are away.
Any questions, contact the church office (715/344-3557).
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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)
Wednesdays
6:00 pm - Beginnings The Spiritual Life (via ZOOM & In-Person) Beginning January 25 (Contact Pastor Tim tobrien@stevenspointumc.org if you would like to join)
Fridays
12:00 pm - Fly High - "Unwrapping Martha's Joy" by Brenda Poinsett (via ZOOM & In-Person) (Contact Yvonne ychojnacki@stevenspointumc.org if you would like to join)
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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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WINTER BIBLE STUDY
“Beginnings: The Spiritual Life”
Wednesday’s – Starting on January 25 at 6:00 p.m.
in person and on Zoom
At the heart of our journey as disciples, are the habits we develop around how we practice and live out our faith. Through our video and discussion we will look at some question such as: “How can I find balance in a whirlwind world?”, “What is most important to me?”, “What do I do with my doubts?”, and others. All these questions relate to the spiritual disciplines and practices such as centering, serving, questioning, trusting, and giving that help us develop the spiritual habits of the heart that lead us toward a fuller faith life. This study will be on Wednesday’s at 6:00 p.m. starting on January 25 both in person and online using Zoom. Please use the link below to connect with this class. Everyone is welcome.
Topic: Beginnings: The Spiritual Life
Wednesday’s at 6:00 pm
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 886 5836 9777
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FLY HIGH
The more elaborate the wrapping and package, the greater the anticipation and excitement to unwrap the gift and see what’s inside. Looking at Luke 10 and the beloved sisters Mary and Martha, enjoy a fun and lighthearted look at Martha’s personality and how her homemaking skills were an actual benefit and how yours can be too. Embrace and adapt your own Martha-like characteristics as you create a Mary-inspired Christmas-a season where Christ is the center of the holiday season.
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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SAVE THE DATE
SCOUT PANCAKE BREAKFAST
February 5, 2023 @ 11:30 am
Hazel Calkins Fellowship Hall
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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 the past year our joint ministry of reaching out to our neighbors in need known as One Big Tent has been operating out of our offices in downtown Stevens Point. This ministry which we are doing cooperatively with other congregations in Stevens Point and Plover has helped over 90+ individuals. Here are just a few numbers to describe our ministry.
Throughout 2022:
- We have distributed 85 gas cards and 65 grocery cards.
- We have helped 47 families with rent assistance totaling over $28,000 who were at risk of being evicted.
- We have referred 19 people to the Rent-Ready program helping them fill out the application to be included in this program that helps move people from homelessness to finding a stable home.
- We have referred 11 people to the Portage County Financial Wellness Program as we continue to work with them on budgeting.
- We have referred dozens of people to local non-profit agencies such as Salvation Army, CAP services, ADRC, Emergency Services, and Operation Bootstrap helping them fill out applications and following up when they run into roadblocks.
Behind each of these numbers is a relationship we have built as we have taken the time to listen to their stories and done what we can to walk with them in their need. Our main goal is always to connect them with our local non-profit agencies and community resources 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 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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