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St. Paul's UMC
Weekly Update
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April 28 - The Heart of the Gospel
Preaching: Pastor Karen
8:30 am Service of Word & Table
9:30 am Classes/Groups for All Ages
10:30 am Worship in the Sanctuary + Livestream
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Earth Day Event
Working for Justice is sponsoring an Earth Day Event this Sunday, April 28. Stop by Wesley Hall between services and visit the informational tables addressing gas leaks from abandoned wells, forest stewardship, and environmental legislation. All are local issues that impact our faith community.
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Did you know?
In Pennsylvania, there are hundreds of thousands of abandoned wells leaking massive amounts of methane into our ground, our water, and our air. In addition, we have coal beneath our ground. Between wells, coal, and natural sources combined, we live in an area with a higher risk of methane infiltrating our homes. More often than you might think, methane gas enters houses. Your home could be at risk from methane leaking from an old abandoned well that is not even on your property. Methane is only explosive after it builds to 5-15% of your air. Therefore, houses rarely explode even if they are infiltrated. However, with methane gas from wells, carcinogens and other toxins hitch a ride. You probably don't want them in your house.
What can you do?
Buy an explosive gas detector for your home. It is like fire and carbon monoxide detectors, the risk is small, but infiltration happens enough to justify the cost. If your detector alarms, call 911. If emergency response determines there is a gas problem vs. a defective detector, the gas company will be called to find the source(s). If it is a methane infiltration, not a gas company pipe leak, alert nearby neighbors. Suggest they buy an explosive gas detector. Look on your property and other places you go for evidence of abandoned wells. If you see something, take a picture and report it to the DEP. They will investigate. To see just how many abandoned wells there are and learn if there is one near you, stop by our table during the Earth Day event this Sunday! Be sure to take home a handout with information you can use.
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General Conference
The United Methodist General Conference gathering began in Charlotte, NC on Tuesday, April 23 and will continue their work through Friday, May 3. While there is much still to be done, participants report a general spirit of cooperation and goodwill among delegates this year, and the Conference is moving quickly through the massive amount of legislation that they must tackle. Early votes approved by a wide margin the first steps toward reorganization of the denomination into regional conferences, with the United States forming its own region. This significant change in our structure will allow for more contextual decision making so that leaders can shape ministry to their own context. Other business included the approval of Russian and Eurasian United Methodist Churches departing the denomination to form a separate regional denomination. As a reminder, here are reliable news sources to follow the work of General Conference through the second week:
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North Hills Handbell Festival
Enjoy a public concert in Fellowship Hall tomorrow, Saturday, April 27 at 5:30 pm. Admission: $5 at the door.
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Pastors' Sunday School Class
Rev. Dr. Steve Tuell will lead the Pastors’ Sunday School class at 9:30 am from April 28 – May 19. (He will also be our guest preacher on May 5!)
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United Women in Faith Spring Meeting
The United Women in Faith (UWF) will be hosting their annual spring meeting on Monday, April 29 from
7:00-9:00 pm in George Crooks Dining Area. We invite all women and men to attend to learn more about
Living in Liberty (LIL) whose mission is to restore dignity, freedom, and a new life to victims of commercial sexual exploitation by creating a safe, secure, loving, and nurturing community where healing occurs, and a new life begins. Please come and hear Elizabeth Echevarria’s inspired story of how she started LIL, and how you can help this important cause.
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Summer Epistle
Our next Epistle will highlight ministries from Memorial Day through August. Please submit materials to Carla Porterfield by Tuesday, April 30!
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Pastor’s Bible Study: Colossians
Join on May 1, 8, 22, and 29 at 9:00 am in-person in New Horizons, or 7:30 pm on Zoom (contact Pastor Karen for a link). Come explore the new life we are called to live in Jesus Christ! All are welcome! Bring your Bible! Please note we will not meet on May 15.
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Abundant Wellness Ministry Lunch Bunch
Bring a bagged lunch and join us on May 1 from 12:00-1:30 pm in the Wesley Rooms for conversation, fun, and fellowship. We'll share ideas for healthy aging and offer short gentle movement activities, such as mindful walking and Qi Gong. All are welcome and activities are geared to any level of fitness. For more information, please contact Rosemary Hanrahan or Dianne Buirge.
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National Day of Prayer
Thursday, May 2 is the U.S. National Day of Prayer. Please join the witness of prayer with people of all faiths across the nation!
Prayer for the Nation #515 United Methodist Book of Worship:
Teach Us, God of every nation,
to see every question of national policy in the light of our faith,
that we may check in ourselves and others every passion that makes for war,
all ungenerous judgment, all promptings of self-assurance, all presumptuous claims.
Grant us insight to recognize the needs and aspirations of other nations,
and remove our suspicions and misunderstandings,
that we may honor all people in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Anchorpoint Counseling Ministry Celebration of Hope Gala
We would love to show our support for the excellent work of Anchorpoint Counseling Ministry by filling a Gala table with St. Paul’s people on Thursday, May 2 from 5:00-9:00 pm at LeMont Restaurant! Tickets are $150, and this investment will provide direct help and services to neighbors who are uninsured, underinsured, or under-resourced. This year’s Gala will feature Christy Porter and honor Suzanne Alexander. For more information, please visit https://anchorpoint.org/gala, or contact Diane Zebrine.
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CHILDREN & YOUTH MINISTRIES | |
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Sunday School
For the remainder of the season, children’s classes (age 4 through 5th grade) will meet together as a community for weekly lessons and hands-on fun! All 9:30 am classes/groups for children, youth, and adults will continue through May 19.
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Vacation Bible School & Creative Arts Camp: June 17-21
All children entering Kindergarten through entering 6th Grade are welcome. Register today! Many volunteer opportunities are available and help is needed! Please contact Erin Soza for details.
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In This Together
- Loss of a Parent grief education with Dr. Michele Reiss will meet this Tuesday, April 30 from 7:00-9:00 pm in the Library Resource Center.
- Parenting Through Challenges, a confidential conversation group for parents whose kids (all ages) have mental health challenges, will meet Saturday, May 4 from 10:00 am-12:00 pm in the Library Resource Center.
- Grieving Spouses grief education with Dr. Michelle Reiss will meet on Monday, May 5 from 9:30-11:30 am.
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Wholeness and Healing
Our next Wholeness and Healing Service will be on Sunday, May 5 at 6:00 pm. This special service will be focused on mental health, led by our confirmation students. Please note the date change for May and come join us!
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Silent Retreat
Ready for a bit of peace and quiet? How about a 2-night stay at Olmsted Manor amidst the beauty of spring! There are still a few spots left for the 2-night silent retreat at Olmsted Manor, May 8-10. Pastor Amy is part of the leadership team for this annual event. She won’t be in attendance this year, but she promises that you are in good hands and will be blessed by this time away! Reach out to Pastor Amy with questions. Register today!
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Donations Urgently Needed
The Nyadire Connection (TNC) is requesting financial donations in response to a severe drought that is impacting the Country of Zimbabwe, leaving many without enough food. TNC partner churches, including St. Paul’s, have set a goal of raising a total of $100,000 by May 31, in order to provide basic food supplies for 350 families who live and work at the Nyadire Mission from June through December 2024. A contribution of $41 will provide a month of food for one family of 5 (or $287 for the full 6 months). Donate today (note that the donation is for “Nyadire Hunger Relief”), or through St. Paul’s, with your donation marked “Nyadire Hunger Relief.”
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Contribution Statements
Thank you for your continued support. First quarter contribution statements were emailed on April 17. If you did not receive an emailed statement or would like to have a paper copy, please contact Donna Barto or Linda Penley.
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Drivers Needed
Drivers are needed to help provide rides to worship and church events! Please contact Anne Nelson to
volunteer. Need a ride? Please contact the church office.
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Introducing St. Paul’s UMC Abundant Wellness Ministry!
Scriptural Foundation: Jesus said, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10)
Purpose: to follow Jesus into abundant life together.
Mission: St. Paul’s Abundant Wellness Ministry creates opportunities for people to grow in wellbeing through Faith, Community, Nutrition, and Movement. All are welcome and our focus is on persons who are 50+.
Vision: St. Paul’s Abundant Wellness Ministry will nurture spiritual, emotional, mental, physical, nutritional, social, and intellectual wellbeing in our community.
St. Paul’s Abundant Wellness Ministry began with three focus groups, out of which a core leadership group formed to develop programming. We have several initial goals: to coordinate transportation for worship services and church events, arrange friendly phone chats to foster community connection, and organize a monthly “Lunch Bunch.” Please watch for more updates! Questions? Suggestions? Want to help? Contact Linda Cox or Pastor Karen.
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End Gun Violence Advocacy Day
St. Paul's Working for Justice (WFJ) will be traveling to Harrisburg to participate in CeaseFirePA's Advocacy Day to End Gun Violence on May 7. The group will be meeting with legislators and participating in advocacy discussions related to ending community violence via firearms. Click here for more information and to register. For questions and to arrange travel with others from St. Paul's, contact WFJ Chairperson Michael DiMonte.
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Pittsburgh Mandolin Orchestra Concert
The Pittsburgh Mandolin Orchestra invites you to their spring concert on Saturday, May 11 at 7:00 pm in the Sanctuary. $15 for general admission, $12 for seniors, and children under the age of 12 are free. Tickets are available online or at the door.
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St. Paul’s Concert Series: Deanna Witkowski Trio
Join us for sacred jazz music on Sunday, May 19, 3:00 pm. Admission by freewill offering.
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Music in World Cultures Benefit Concert
A special concert will be presented by Janet Harris on Thursday, May 23 at 7:00 pm in the Sanctuary. Donations are welcome and will be used to help fund an upcoming mission trip. Janet is traveling with the Music In World Cultures mission team whose passion is supporting the global church by working with musicians and helping them to strengthen the worship life of their local congregations through music. MIWC began in 1996 and has ongoing missions in The Balkans, Caucasia, Ukraine, Jamaica, Kenya, Nepal, Northern Europe, Zambia.
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Book Club
Save the date and start reading! We will discuss a New York Times Editors’ Choice and USA TODAY Bestseller, Shark Heart by Emily Habeck on Tuesday, June 4 at 7:00 pm. Please RSVP to host, Rosemary Hanrahan.
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Chancel Flowers
Please sign up by the Tuesday before the weekend of your choice. Arrangements are $47.
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Church Office Hours
Monday - Thursday, 8:30 am - 4:00 pm, Friday by appointment
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We are Blessed by a Full Building of Ministry
Please continue to enter through the main church entrance (Wesley Hall) for worship and Sunday morning ministries. As a security measure, other entrances will remain locked.
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Video Recording and Photography
Those in the sanctuary and throughout the building may appear on camera, and we may use these images in print or electronic media and on our weekly livestream. Contact the church office if you wish to opt out from having your picture shared.
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