St Paul Church of Columbus – Growing the Faith of the People

December 2, 2024December 1, 2024

“First Steps,” by Rev. Dr. Shane Green, December 2, 2024

“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness, a light has dawned…For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.” Isaiah 9:2, 6-7.

I think every time a squirrel sneezes the power in my house goes out. The last time we lost power it was before the time changed, where daylight lasted well into the evening. I fell asleep, while still light outside, only to wake up in total darkness, for it was the middle of the night. It was strange and disorienting. Thankfully, I had a flashlight close and could navigate without tripping over what couldn’t be seen. It reminded me of the power of light. We need it to find our way.

Isaiah’s prophecy describes a hope that Jesus brings—a hope that is as certain as light breaking into darkness. God’s promise to send a Savior was fulfilled through Christ’s birth, and this gives us confidence as we wait on Him in our own lives. We wait for the one who fully identifies with us and ushers in the peace of God.

Can you hold onto this hope today? Allow the ‘light’ of God to break forth into your life, bringing hope and peace. Trust in the Lord.

Dear God, thank you for the light of hope You have given us in Jesus. As we prepare our hearts during this Advent season, help us to trust in Your promises and share Your hope with those around us.

This Week’s Readings:

Monday – Numbers 29
Tuesday – Numbers 30
Wednesday – Numbers 31
Thursday – Numbers 32
Friday – Numbers 33

We are reading the Bible in just a little over a year! We are now reading Numbers. You may join anytime. Just mark your Bible on the chapter you started and keep up with the weekly readings.

Things to Pray About:

Pray for a time of preparation during this Advent Season.
Pray for hope.
Pray for our absent members and those who are homebound.
Comfort for those who mourn.
Guidance and wisdom for our church, local, and world leaders.
Healing and forgiveness to restore families.
Continued strengthening of faith in our community.
Pray for a faith that transcends understanding.

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” – Philippians 4:6

November 25, 2024November 24, 2024

“First Steps,” by Rev. Dr. Shane Green, November 25, 2024

November 25, 2024

In between two appointments, I briefly caught part of an article that mentioned the top ten things most people are thankful for in their lives. They were:

Health – Being in good health or the ability to recover from illness is something to cherish.
Family and Friends – The support, love, and companionship of family and friends bring joy and comfort in life.
A Home – Whether large or small, having a place to call home provides a sense of security and stability.
Food and Water – Having access to nourishment and clean water is essential, and not everyone is fortunate enough to have it readily available.
Opportunities for Growth – Be it educational, professional, or personal, opportunities to improve yourself are invaluable.
Nature – The beauty of nature can bring peace and rejuvenation.
Freedom – Living in a society that allows personal liberties, it’s a privilege.
Learning and Knowledge – The ability to learn new things and expand your understanding of the world is a gift that enriches life.
Moments of Joy – From small pleasures to big celebrations, the moments that make you smile or laugh are worth treasuring.
Kindness and Compassion – Both giving and receiving kindness make the world a better place and provide a sense of connection to others.

The article was universal in nature. Yet, for the Christian, we see these as blessings, directed by God. We look through the lens seeing past the immediate to something greater. Our view is on the forest and not the trees. We see the one who gives health, friendship, shelter, sustenance, growth, freedoms, grace, compassion, and so much more. We see the supplier of life.

How about you? What do you see? Better yet, what are you most grateful for this year?

This Week’s Readings:

Monday – Numbers 24
Tuesday – Numbers 25
Wednesday – Numbers 26
Thursday – Numbers 27
Friday – Numbers 28

We are reading the Bible in just a little over a year! We are now reading Numbers. You may join anytime. Just mark your Bible on the chapter you started and keep up with the weekly readings.

Things to Pray About:

Lift up our veterans in prayer.
Seek spiritual maturity for all.
Pray for our absent members and those who are homebound.
Comfort for those who mourn.
Guidance and wisdom for our church, local, and world leaders.
Healing and forgiveness to restore families.
Continued strengthening of faith in our community.
Pray for a faith that transcends understanding.

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” – Philippians 4:6

November 18, 2024November 14, 2024

“First Steps,” by Rev. Dr. Shane Green, November 18, 2024

November 18, 2024

A Thanksgiving Prayer

Dear Gracious and Blessed Lord,

We come before You with hearts full of gratitude, lifting our voices in thanksgiving for Your steadfast love and abundant blessings. As Your Word says in Psalm 107:1, “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.” We acknowledge Your goodness and Your unchanging nature throughout the generations. From the days of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to our present time, You have been faithful, providing for Your people and guiding us with Your wisdom and grace. We thank You for the ways You have protected, provided, and sustained us, just as You sustained the Israelites in the wilderness, never leaving them in their time of need.

Lord, we are grateful for the greatest gift of all—Your Son, Jesus Christ. As the Apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” We thank You for the salvation we have in Him, for the forgiveness of our sins, and for the hope of eternal life. In Christ, we are new creations, and we praise You for the work You are continually doing in our hearts and lives through the power of the Holy Spirit. Thank You, Lord, for the new mercies You grant us every morning, as we strive to live in a way that reflects Your love and grace.

Father, as we gather during this season of thanksgiving, we also remember Your command in Deuteronomy 8:10, “When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the Lord your God for the good land He has given you.” Help us not only to express our gratitude with words but also with our actions. Teach us to share the blessings You have bestowed upon us with those in need, to live with open hands and generous hearts. May our thanksgiving not just be a once-a-year event but a daily posture of humble gratitude, glorifying You in all that we do. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen

This Week’s Readings:

Monday – Numbers 19
Tuesday – Numbers 20
Wednesday – Numbers 21
Thursday – Numbers 22
Friday – Numbers 23

We are reading the Bible in just a little over a year! We are now reading Numbers. You may join anytime. Just mark your Bible on the chapter you started and keep up with the weekly readings.

Things to Pray About:

Lift up our veterans in prayer.
Seek spiritual maturity for all.
Pray for our absent members and those who are homebound.
Comfort for those who mourn.
Guidance and wisdom for our church, local, and world leaders.
Healing and forgiveness to restore families.
Continued strengthening of faith in our community.
Pray for a faith that transcends understanding.

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” – Philippians 4:6

September 29, 2024 – “Family Ties & Racial Blurs” – Rev. Dr. Shane Green

Worship (SPUMCColumbus)

September 29, 2024 – “Family Ties & Racial Blurs” – Rev. Dr. Shane Green

00:00 / 00:22:37

Ephesians 2:11-22

September 22, 2024 – “But God…” – Rev. Dr. Shane Green

Worship (SPUMCColumbus)

September 22, 2024 – “But God...” – Rev. Dr. Shane Green

00:00 / 00:20:05

Ephesians 2:1-10

September 15, 2024 – “The Power of Your Faith” – Rev. John Fugh, Jr.

Worship (SPUMCColumbus)

September 15, 2024 – “The Power of Your Faith” – Rev. John Fugh, Jr.

00:00 / 00:25:44

Ephesians 1:15-23

"The Cost of Complaining and the Gift of Thanksgiving" - Rev. Dr. Shane Green
by STPAULCOLUMBUS on November 25, 2024 at 5:56 am
Order of Worship November 24, 2024 11 a.m. Traditional Service The Chiming of the Hour The Welcome & Announcements .........................................Rev. John Fugh, Jr. The Choral Call to Worship ..................................................We Gather Together The Cross and Flame Come to the Altar The Prelude............................................St. George's Windsor, arr. M. C. de Jong Hymn of Celebration.............................Come, Ye Thankful People, Come (#694) The Affirmation of Faith ............................................The Apostles’ Creed (#881) The Gloria Patri The Baptism of Henry Reeves Harper................................................(see insert) The Pastoral Prayer with the Lord’s Prayer.........................................Rev. Fugh The Leader: Let Us Worship God with His Tithes and Our Offerings. The Offertory Prayer The Offertory....................I Give You Thanks, by J.W. Lindh; the Covenant Choir The Doxology The Scripture Lesson..........Numbers 14 :17-25 (p. 116); Luke 17:11-19 (p. 852) The Passing of the Peace The Welcome and Registration of Attendance The Children’s Moment......................................................Mrs. Donna Hightower The Anthem........................Thanks Be to Thee, by G.F. Handel / arr. C. Lefebvre The Sermon......................The Cost of Complaining and the Gift of Thanksgiving, Rev. Dr. Shane Green The Hymn of Consecration............................zx (#102) The Cross and Flame Go Before Us into the World The Choral Benediction........................................................We Gather Together The Postlude........................................Ein’ feste Burg ist unser Gott, by A. Hesse The Church Returns to His World to Serve Him
"Finding Hope in Uncertain Prayers" - Rev. John Fugh, Jr.
by STPAULCOLUMBUS on November 18, 2024 at 5:59 am
Order of Worship November 17, 2024 11:00 A.M. The Chiming of the Hour The Welcome & Announcements .....................................Rev. Dr. Shane Green The Choral Call to Worship ...........................................................This Is the Day The Cross and Flame Come to the Altar The Prelude.........................................................Prelude in a minor, by J.S. Bach Hymn of Celebration.............................Come, O Thou Traveler Unknown (#386) Special Recognition of Riley Middleton.......................................Rev. Dr. Green The Affirmation of Faith ............................................The Apostles’ Creed (#881) The Gloria Patri The Pastoral Prayer with the Lord’s Prayer.................................Rev. Dr. Green The Leader: Let Us Worship God with His Tithes and Our Offerings. The Offertory Prayer The Offertory Anthem............Deep River, arr. H. Heavy; Soloist Tommy Bridges The Doxology The Scripture Lesson..........................................Ephesians 3:20-21 (p. 950-951) The Passing of the Peace The Welcome and Registration of Attendance The Children’s Moment.................................................................Rev. Dr. Green The Sermon....................Finding Hope in Uncertain Prayers, Rev. John Fugh, Jr. The Hymn of Consecration................................Great Is Thy Faithfulness (#140) The Cross and Flame Go Before Us into the World The Choral Benediction.................................................................Dresden Amen The Postlude...........................................................................Gloria, by A. Raison The Church Returns to His World to Serve Him
"When Life Doesn't Make Sense: God's Goodness and Pain" - Rev. Dr. Shane Green
by STPAULCOLUMBUS on November 11, 2024 at 6:01 am
11:00 A.M. Traditional Worship November 10, 2024 The Chiming of the Hour The Welcome & Announcements .........................................Rev. John Fugh, Jr. The Choral Call to Worship ...................................................................Be Joyful The Cross and Flame Come to the Altar The Prelude......................................................Partitas on Dennis, by F. Ashdown Hymn of Celebration.................................The Church’s One Foundation (#545) The Affirmation of Faith ............................................The Apostles’ Creed (#881) The Gloria Patri The Sacrament of Baptism..................................................................(see insert) The Pastoral Prayer with the Lord’s Prayer.........................................Rev. Fugh The Leader: Let Us Worship God with His Tithes and Our Offerings. The Offertory Prayer The Offertory Anthem.................................................Happy Land, arr. B. Harlan The Doxology The Scripture Lesson...........Genesis 50:15-21 (p. 42); Matthew 7:24-27 (p. 788) The Passing of the Peace The Welcome and Registration of Attendance The Children’s Moment......................................................Mrs. Donna Hightower The Sermon When Life Doesn’t Make Sense: God’s Goodness & Pain.....Rev. Dr. Green The Hymn of Consecration..............................Blest Be the Tie that Binds (#557) The Cross and Flame Go Before Us into the World The Choral Benediction and Amen...........................................Go Now in Peace The Postlude......................................................Trumpet Tune in D, by M. Sobaje The Church Returns to His World to Serve Him
"Living and Dying with Hope" - Rev. Dr. Shane Green
by STPAULCOLUMBUS on November 4, 2024 at 6:14 am
Order of Worship November 3, 2024 11 a.m. Traditional Service The Chiming of the Hour The Welcome & Announcements ............................................Mrs. Grace Bailey The Choral Call to Worship .........................Bretheren, We Have Met to Worship The Cross and Flame Come to the Altar The Prelude..................Largo & Minuetto from Sonata in E minor, by G.F. Handel The Processional Hymn..................................................For All the Saints (#711) The Affirmation of Faith ............................................The Apostles’ Creed (#881) All Saints’ Recognition............................................................. Recognition of The Communion of Saints Donald Leon Baggett Willard Alan Barnes James Edwin Cummings, Jr. Alicia Hendrick Hall Jane Dykes Herndon Mary Alice Humes Terry Bovard Hurley Sally Gordy Kenimer Phillip Elliott Kirven Clarence Robert Koon Lindsay Waddell Layfield Marsengill Lillie Mae Vinson Nelson George Fredrick Schladensky H. Dan Stallings James Clarence Walton Recognition of the Communion of Saints...........................Four Lighting Tables The Collect for All Saints...............................................Rev. Dr. P. Shane Green The Leader: Let Us Worship God with His Tithes and Our Offerings. The Offertory Prayer The Offertory/Anthem.................................................Celtic Laud, by C. Courtney The Doxology The Scripture Lesson.............1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 and Psalm 90:1-6, 10-12 The Passing of the Peace The Welcome and Registration of Attendance The Sermon...........................Living and Dying with Hope, Rev. Dr. Shane Green The Service of Holy Communion....................................................................#12 Recessional Hymn.........................................................Hymn of Promise (# 707) The Cross and Flame Go Before Us into the World The Choral Benediction and Amen...................................................3 fold Amen The Postlude.............................................................Ein' feste Burg, by C. Kuntze The Church Returns to His World to Serve Him
"The Power of Words" - Rev. Dr. Shane Green
by STPAULCOLUMBUS on October 28, 2024 at 4:56 am
Order of Worship October 27, 2024 11 a.m. Traditional Service The Chiming of the Hour The Welcome & Announcements ............................................Mrs. Grace Bailey The Choral Call to Worship .........................................................I Come with Joy The Cross and Flame Come to the Altar The Prelude...........................................La Fille aux cheveaudelin, by C. Debussy The Hymn of Celebration................................Grace Greater than Our Sin (#365) The Affirmation of Faith ............................................The Apostles’ Creed (#881) The Gloria Patri The Sacrament of Infant Baptism.................................Elizabeth Mayher Hamric The Pastoral Prayer with The Lord’s Prayer......................................Mrs. Bailey The Leader: Let Us Worship God with His Tithes and Our Offerings. The Offertory Prayer The Offertory.......................Open Our Eyes/Be Thou My Vision, arr. M. Hayes The Doxology The Scripture Lesson................................................Ephesians 4:17-32 (p. 951) The Passing of the Peace The Welcome and Registration of Attendance The Children’s Moment......................................................Mrs. Donna Hightower The Anthem.................................................O Lord Most Holy, by Franck/Hopson The Sermon......................................The Power of Words, Rev. Dr. Shane Green The Hymn of Consecration................................Great Is Thy Faithfulness (#140) The Cross and Flame Go Before Us into the World The Choral Benediction and Amen.................................................Together Met The Postlude......Variations on the Duet from LaMolinara, by Paisiello/Beethoven The Church Returns to His World to Serve Him

"The Cost of Complaining and the Gift of Thanksgiving" - Rev. Dr. Shane Green
by STPAULCOLUMBUS on November 25, 2024 at 5:56 am
Order of Worship November 24, 2024 11 a.m. Traditional Service The Chiming of the Hour The Welcome & Announcements .........................................Rev. John Fugh, Jr. The Choral Call to Worship ..................................................We Gather Together The Cross and Flame Come to the Altar The Prelude............................................St. George's Windsor, arr. M. C. de Jong Hymn of Celebration.............................Come, Ye Thankful People, Come (#694) The Affirmation of Faith ............................................The Apostles’ Creed (#881) The Gloria Patri The Baptism of Henry Reeves Harper................................................(see insert) The Pastoral Prayer with the Lord’s Prayer.........................................Rev. Fugh The Leader: Let Us Worship God with His Tithes and Our Offerings. The Offertory Prayer The Offertory....................I Give You Thanks, by J.W. Lindh; the Covenant Choir The Doxology The Scripture Lesson..........Numbers 14 :17-25 (p. 116); Luke 17:11-19 (p. 852) The Passing of the Peace The Welcome and Registration of Attendance The Children’s Moment......................................................Mrs. Donna Hightower The Anthem........................Thanks Be to Thee, by G.F. Handel / arr. C. Lefebvre The Sermon......................The Cost of Complaining and the Gift of Thanksgiving, Rev. Dr. Shane Green The Hymn of Consecration............................zx (#102) The Cross and Flame Go Before Us into the World The Choral Benediction........................................................We Gather Together The Postlude........................................Ein’ feste Burg ist unser Gott, by A. Hesse The Church Returns to His World to Serve Him
"Finding Hope in Uncertain Prayers" - Rev. John Fugh, Jr.
by STPAULCOLUMBUS on November 18, 2024 at 5:59 am
Order of Worship November 17, 2024 11:00 A.M. The Chiming of the Hour The Welcome & Announcements .....................................Rev. Dr. Shane Green The Choral Call to Worship ...........................................................This Is the Day The Cross and Flame Come to the Altar The Prelude.........................................................Prelude in a minor, by J.S. Bach Hymn of Celebration.............................Come, O Thou Traveler Unknown (#386) Special Recognition of Riley Middleton.......................................Rev. Dr. Green The Affirmation of Faith ............................................The Apostles’ Creed (#881) The Gloria Patri The Pastoral Prayer with the Lord’s Prayer.................................Rev. Dr. Green The Leader: Let Us Worship God with His Tithes and Our Offerings. The Offertory Prayer The Offertory Anthem............Deep River, arr. H. Heavy; Soloist Tommy Bridges The Doxology The Scripture Lesson..........................................Ephesians 3:20-21 (p. 950-951) The Passing of the Peace The Welcome and Registration of Attendance The Children’s Moment.................................................................Rev. Dr. Green The Sermon....................Finding Hope in Uncertain Prayers, Rev. John Fugh, Jr. The Hymn of Consecration................................Great Is Thy Faithfulness (#140) The Cross and Flame Go Before Us into the World The Choral Benediction.................................................................Dresden Amen The Postlude...........................................................................Gloria, by A. Raison The Church Returns to His World to Serve Him
"When Life Doesn't Make Sense: God's Goodness and Pain" - Rev. Dr. Shane Green
by STPAULCOLUMBUS on November 11, 2024 at 6:01 am
11:00 A.M. Traditional Worship November 10, 2024 The Chiming of the Hour The Welcome & Announcements .........................................Rev. John Fugh, Jr. The Choral Call to Worship ...................................................................Be Joyful The Cross and Flame Come to the Altar The Prelude......................................................Partitas on Dennis, by F. Ashdown Hymn of Celebration.................................The Church’s One Foundation (#545) The Affirmation of Faith ............................................The Apostles’ Creed (#881) The Gloria Patri The Sacrament of Baptism..................................................................(see insert) The Pastoral Prayer with the Lord’s Prayer.........................................Rev. Fugh The Leader: Let Us Worship God with His Tithes and Our Offerings. The Offertory Prayer The Offertory Anthem.................................................Happy Land, arr. B. Harlan The Doxology The Scripture Lesson...........Genesis 50:15-21 (p. 42); Matthew 7:24-27 (p. 788) The Passing of the Peace The Welcome and Registration of Attendance The Children’s Moment......................................................Mrs. Donna Hightower The Sermon When Life Doesn’t Make Sense: God’s Goodness & Pain.....Rev. Dr. Green The Hymn of Consecration..............................Blest Be the Tie that Binds (#557) The Cross and Flame Go Before Us into the World The Choral Benediction and Amen...........................................Go Now in Peace The Postlude......................................................Trumpet Tune in D, by M. Sobaje The Church Returns to His World to Serve Him
"Living and Dying with Hope" - Rev. Dr. Shane Green
by STPAULCOLUMBUS on November 4, 2024 at 6:14 am
Order of Worship November 3, 2024 11 a.m. Traditional Service The Chiming of the Hour The Welcome & Announcements ............................................Mrs. Grace Bailey The Choral Call to Worship .........................Bretheren, We Have Met to Worship The Cross and Flame Come to the Altar The Prelude..................Largo & Minuetto from Sonata in E minor, by G.F. Handel The Processional Hymn..................................................For All the Saints (#711) The Affirmation of Faith ............................................The Apostles’ Creed (#881) All Saints’ Recognition............................................................. Recognition of The Communion of Saints Donald Leon Baggett Willard Alan Barnes James Edwin Cummings, Jr. Alicia Hendrick Hall Jane Dykes Herndon Mary Alice Humes Terry Bovard Hurley Sally Gordy Kenimer Phillip Elliott Kirven Clarence Robert Koon Lindsay Waddell Layfield Marsengill Lillie Mae Vinson Nelson George Fredrick Schladensky H. Dan Stallings James Clarence Walton Recognition of the Communion of Saints...........................Four Lighting Tables The Collect for All Saints...............................................Rev. Dr. P. Shane Green The Leader: Let Us Worship God with His Tithes and Our Offerings. The Offertory Prayer The Offertory/Anthem.................................................Celtic Laud, by C. Courtney The Doxology The Scripture Lesson.............1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 and Psalm 90:1-6, 10-12 The Passing of the Peace The Welcome and Registration of Attendance The Sermon...........................Living and Dying with Hope, Rev. Dr. Shane Green The Service of Holy Communion....................................................................#12 Recessional Hymn.........................................................Hymn of Promise (# 707) The Cross and Flame Go Before Us into the World The Choral Benediction and Amen...................................................3 fold Amen The Postlude.............................................................Ein' feste Burg, by C. Kuntze The Church Returns to His World to Serve Him
"The Power of Words" - Rev. Dr. Shane Green
by STPAULCOLUMBUS on October 28, 2024 at 4:56 am
Order of Worship October 27, 2024 11 a.m. Traditional Service The Chiming of the Hour The Welcome & Announcements ............................................Mrs. Grace Bailey The Choral Call to Worship .........................................................I Come with Joy The Cross and Flame Come to the Altar The Prelude...........................................La Fille aux cheveaudelin, by C. Debussy The Hymn of Celebration................................Grace Greater than Our Sin (#365) The Affirmation of Faith ............................................The Apostles’ Creed (#881) The Gloria Patri The Sacrament of Infant Baptism.................................Elizabeth Mayher Hamric The Pastoral Prayer with The Lord’s Prayer......................................Mrs. Bailey The Leader: Let Us Worship God with His Tithes and Our Offerings. The Offertory Prayer The Offertory.......................Open Our Eyes/Be Thou My Vision, arr. M. Hayes The Doxology The Scripture Lesson................................................Ephesians 4:17-32 (p. 951) The Passing of the Peace The Welcome and Registration of Attendance The Children’s Moment......................................................Mrs. Donna Hightower The Anthem.................................................O Lord Most Holy, by Franck/Hopson The Sermon......................................The Power of Words, Rev. Dr. Shane Green The Hymn of Consecration................................Great Is Thy Faithfulness (#140) The Cross and Flame Go Before Us into the World The Choral Benediction and Amen.................................................Together Met The Postlude......Variations on the Duet from LaMolinara, by Paisiello/Beethoven The Church Returns to His World to Serve Him