A Reconciling Congregation having
Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors
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There is a story told of a wise Rabbi meeting with a couple who were struggling in their relationship. The Rabbi listened to the complaint of one partner and then responded, “You’re partly right” and then listened to the other partner responding with, “You’re partly right” Both of them asked, “Well, which part is right? Who is right?” To which the Rabbi simply responded, “You have to figure that out by realizing that for every story there is always another side and you need to listen for it.”
We hear phrases like, “Look on the bright side” or “The grass is always greener on the other side” and we, like the advice given by that Rabbi, know that there is always another side to any story or situation we encounter in life.
In the book of Proverbs, we hear these words, “The person who tells one side of a story seems right, until someone else comes and asks questions.” (Proverbs 18:17) Our world can be so polarized at times with people lining up on any number of issues declaring who is right and who is wrong with absolute certainty. However, the world is often not that simple. The wisdom of this verse from Proverbs is all about seeking out that other side as we journey forward in faith being patient with each other, hearing the story of another person, and taking time to really talk with one another
The truth is that life can be hard and stressful at times, but in this Easter season we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus who shows through the empty tomb that just as death was turned into life, there is always another side to the story, if we are willing and faithful enough to seek it out. There is another side when we get sick, when we struggle, when we lose someone close to us. The Good News for us is that:
On the other side of worry lies relief.
On the other side of risk lies benefit.
On the other side of pain lies healing.
On the other side of weakness lies strength.
Because He lives we know there is always another side that leads us to hope and wholeness, grace and joy, peace and abundant life.
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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CELEBRATING CHRISTIAN
HOME MONTH
Connect with us this May as we celebrate and support the Christian home and its key role as a center of faith formation. Look for connections in our worship services, gathering area, online communications and more!
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LET'S CELEBRATE PENTECOST - CHURCH BIRTHDAY PARTY AND KITE FLY
Sunday, May 28th
Did you know the Church has a birthday? It does! The Church's birthday is called Pentecost. Pentecost is the day when the Holy Spirit came to the early believers. What an exciting day that was!
We celebrate Pentecost Sunday on May 28 with birthday cake, balloons, and special activities between the two worship services. And, we'll celebrate with a "Kite Fly" at 11:30am on the church grounds.
Bring a kite of your own, or decorate a kite at church to fly and keep. Please join us for the celebration!
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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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SPRING RUMMAGE SALE
May 16 & 17, 2023
• The Rummage Sale dates are: Tuesday, May 16th,
8 am-6 pm; and Wednesday, May 17th, 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 May 17th. Many hands are needed to make this a success. Whatever time you can donate to this event is much appreciated. Men, their trucks, trailers and muscles are needed on Wednesday, May 17th, 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. Thank you!
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It’s coming! Mark your calendars! ALL CHURCH YARD CLEANUP AND MULCH, SATURDAY, MAY 20th, 9:00 a.m.-Noon. Bring rakes, shovels, pruners, gloves, wheelbarrows. Folks will be cleaning out all beds and then mulching, if it is available. Let’s make St. Paul’s pretty. Contact person: Bonnie Lund, 715/345-0247 or bonnielund@charter.net. Thank you!
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GROWING KINDNESS SEEDLING SALE
Our Growing Kindness Gardens Seedling and Perennial Sale is on Saturday, May 20 from 10:00 am until
3:00 pm in our South parking lot at 600 Wilshire Blvd., Stevens Point. All seedlings will be priced at $2 or under. Seedlings will be targeted towards specialty cutting varieties (long stems and longer vase life) We would love to see you there!
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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.
NOTE: May blood pressures will be taken on May 21.
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SUMMER FAITH FORMATION OPPORTUNITIES
There will be a meeting on May 21 at 11:45 am for anyone interested in hearing more information and ways to support our intergenerational activities this summer. These include, but are not limited to: Vacation Bible School, Outdoor Worship activities, Artreach, Fun in the Sun, etc.
If you would like to be involved, but cannot make this meeting, please contact our Family Ministries director Laura Courtright at 715/340-4523 or lauracourtright@gmail.com.
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HELP WANTED
We are in need of two adults that would be available to provide childcare for children of clergy from 9am – 3pm on Thursday, June 1. The conference will do a background check and you would be paid for 5.5 hours. Children will eat lunch with their parent.
If you are able to help out with this request, please contact the church office at 715/344-3557. Thank you for your consideration of helping out the conference.
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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 Coins of Compassion for May is in support of Church Camp Scholarships. Donations collected will be used for scholarships for campers who need financial help in order to attend camp and to subsidize counselor/leader camp fees. 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 "Camp Scholarships" in the memo portion of the check. Thank you for supporting this important ministry that follows our mission statement of "Making Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World."
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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 will end this week. Our last meal will be served in fellowship hall from 5:15 – 6:00 pm this Wednesday (May 17). Please come with your family or friends to enjoy the fellowship and this simple meal together.
Next Open Door Bistro – May 17 – Picnic
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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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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
Mondays
7:00 pm - Women's Bible Study - Sanctuary (via ZOOM & In-Person) (Contact Audra audraobrien931@gmail.com if you would like to join)
Tuesdays
7:00 pm - Women's Bible Study - Sanctuary (via ZOOM & In-Person) (Contact Audra audraobrien931@gmail.com if you would like to join)
Fridays (thru 5/26)
12:00 pm - Fly High - "Verbs of God" by Margaret Feinberg (via ZOOM & In-Person) (Contact Yvonne ychojnacki@stevenspointumc.org if you would like to join)
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WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDY
Recently, I read an overview of the heavenly sanctuary and the earthly replica of that sanctuary.
I hope you’ll enjoy parts of it as much as I did as we introduce the newest area of Bible study that the Women’s Bible Study group will begin exploring.
“The studying of the sanctuary brings us close to the presence of the supreme and to the personality of our Savior drawing us into a deeper and closer relationship with Him. We will study both the earthly model and the heavenly original.”
Every lady, of every age, is invited to our study. We will meet on both Monday and Tuesday nights, both in a hybrid fashion, at 7:00 pm in the library at the church and on zoom. Each night will be identical to one another so attending on Monday, for example, you will cover the same material that will be covered on Tuesday night.
I look forward to studying with you :) Audra
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
When we look around at the pain, loss and hurt in our world and even in our own lives, we can’t help but wonder, “God, don’t you see this? Can’t you do something about this? Where are you?”
In this four-session study, Margaret Feinberg uses fresh insights and Biblical teaching to study four verbs that Scripture uses in connection with God. When we understand God’s active nature, we realize how God is always active and engaged in our lives. Even when we can’t see or feel him, God is constantly on the move and working.
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/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”
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.
Over this past year we have stood with our neighbors in need who …
- asked for help working with their landlord to prevent an eviction
- requested money for job training classes
- wanted bicycles to get to work
- needed assistance with transportation
- needed assistance in finding shelter and/or food resources in our community
- needed help with budgeting
- needed help filling out housing or job applications
- needed a shower, which we provide for free in our building along with shower supplies
- needed clothes such as t-shirts, socks, underwear or blankets, hats, gloves which have all been generously donated along with a storage unit for our office
- needed help washing their clothes which we do for free on Wednesdays through our Laundry Love ministry
- desired spiritual care and friendship
As you can see our main goal is to build relationships with those who come for help as we listen to their stories and walk with them in their need.
I would like to ask for your 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) 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
3) 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.
4) 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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MEET & GREET HOSTS NEEDED
@ 10:30 SERVICE
You would be responsible for set up and clean up. Before service you would need to make coffee as needed so it is ready. Make sure there is a pitcher of water in the refrigerator and there are utensils out for any treats that are there. After service you would need to wash up and put away the coffee pots, clean up the snacks and drinks area and wipe down areas & tables as needed.
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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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