July 20, 2020July 20, 2020 by Laura Marvets

First Steps – July 20, 2020

This morning while I spent time in quiet reflection, the word patience continually resurfaced. Much of my time centered around this question, “What is the best way to acquire patience?” I use the word acquire because it is not something one is born with but something that is developed or obtained over time.

Therefore, consider these two questions:

First – Are you willing to acquire it? It takes time and many will not complete the journey that is needed to develop their inward nature. Patience has to do with one’s heart and how one chooses to respond to things around them.

Second – Am I willing to let the past go and allow the future to take care of itself? Often, we are controlled by our past. We perpetually allow our past mistakes or regrets to dictate our lives. Forgiveness is not just something we receive from God, something we give and receive from others, but something we have to do to and for ourselves. If God has forgiven our past mistakes, meaning it is not something on His radar screen, then why can’t we follow suit? Receiving forgiveness from God is directly correlated to forgiving ourselves.

Likewise, the future has enough worry for itself. At least it did for Jesus (see Matthew 6:34). He didn’t want something to rob “the now” by introducing something from tomorrow. When you think about it, most of our fears are tied to false narratives about the future. Therefore, the key is to live just for this day, nothing more, nothing less.

I believe the key to patience is learning to live strictly in the present moment. Granted, learning to live this way takes time and discipline; but, if we are willing to acquire it, with prayer and reflection, it is something obtainable.

I think Paul had it right when he said, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:6-7). Acquire patience —Live for today.

This Week’s Readings:

Monday – Revelation 12
Tuesday – Revelation 13
Wednesday – Revelation 14
Thursday – Revelation 15
Friday – Revelation 16

Please Pray for:

Our ministers and their families.
Those who are unwillingly absent.
The United Methodist Church family.
Our nation and our leaders.
The World.
The Lost.
The lives of those touched by the Coronavirus.

Advent Sermon Series: Is It Better to Give than to Receive? (Part 4)
by STPAULCOLUMBUS on December 23, 2024 at 5:29 am
Order of Worship 11:00 a.m. Traditional Service December 22, 2024 The Chiming of the Hour The Welcome & Announcements .........................................Rev. John Fugh, Jr. The Choral Call to Worship .....................................Prepare the Way of the Lord The Cross and Flame Come to the Altar The Prelude..........................................................Noel sur les flutes, by L. Daqiun Hymn of Celebration..............................................O Come, All Ye Faithful (#234) The Affirmation of Faith ............................................The Apostles’ Creed (#881) The Gloria Patri The Lighting of the Advent Wreath.............The Maggie and Julio Portillo Family The Sacrament of Infant Baptism......................Turner Knight Stone (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.................Carol of the Bells, arr. M. Hayes | Pianist, Jill Honeycutt The Doxology The Scripture Lesson.......2 Samuel 24:18-25 (p. 263); Matthew 1:18-25 (p. 783) The Passing of the Peace The Welcome and Registration of Attendance The Children’s Moment......................................................Mrs. Donna Hightower The Anthem..................................Rejoice with Exceeding Great Joy, by T. Fettke The Sermon.............................If It Is, It Involves Sacrifice, Rev. Dr. Shane Green The Hymn of Consecration..............................Go, Tell It on the Mountain (#251) The Cross and Flame Go Before Us into the World The Choral Benediction......................................................................7-fold Amen The Postlude.............................Let Us All with Gladsome Voice, by R. Bessemer The Church Returns to His World to Serve Him
Sunday Morning Worship Service Cantata: O Holy Night
by STPAULCOLUMBUS on December 16, 2024 at 6:05 am
December 15, 2024 11:00 Traditional Worship The Chiming of the Hour The Welcome & Announcements .........................................Rev. John Fugh, Jr. The Choral Call to Worship .....................................Prepare the Way of the Lord The Cross and Flame Come to the Altar The Prelude...........................................Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring, by J.S. Bach The Choir Presentation..........................................O Come, O Come, Emmanuel The Affirmation of Faith ............................................The Apostles' Creed (#881) The Gloria Patri................................................................................(#71) The Lighting of the Advent Wreath....The Erin and Hunter Murphy Family Special Altar Guild Recognition.................................Mrs. Mary Pat King The Leader: Let Us Worship God with His Tithes and Our Offerings. The Offertory Prayer The Offertory...............................This Day Is so Rich in Joy, by J.S. Bach The Doxology...................................................................................(#94) The Welcome and Registration of Attendance Leader: The Peace of Christ be with you. Congregational Response: And also with you. (Children ages K4-2nd graders are dismissed to Children’s Church - Room M235; children 3 and younger are taken to the nursery by parents.) The Congregational Response: O Come, thou Dayspring come and cheer our spirits by their justice here; disperse the gloomy clouds of night and death’s dark shadows put to flight. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel. The Cross and Flame Go Before Us into the World The Choral Benediction.........................................Noel, Born Is the King of Israel The Postlude...........................................................Joy to the World, arr A. Fedak The Church Returns to His World to Serve Him O Holy Night Cantata.................................................Songs Listed Inside
Advent Sermon Series: Is It Better to Give than to Receive? (Part 2)
by STPAULCOLUMBUS on December 9, 2024 at 5:25 am
December 8, 2024 Order of Worship 11:00 a.m. Traditional Service The Chiming of the Hour The Welcome & Announcements .........................................Rev. John Fugh, Jr. The Choral Call to Worship .....................................Prepare the Way of the Lord The Cross and Flame Come to the Altar The Prelude................................................Infant Holy, Infant Lowly, arr. J. Goode Hymn of Celebration...............................Angels from the Realms of Glory (#220) The Affirmation of Faith ............................................The Apostles’ Creed (#881) The Gloria Patri The Lighting of the Advent Wreath.................................Julia and Connor Green The Pastoral Prayer with the Lord’s Prayer.........................................Rev. Fugh Hymn of Preparation...........................................There’s a Song in the Air (#249) The Leader: Let Us Worship God with His Tithes and Our Offerings. The Offertory Prayer The Doxology The Scripture Lesson 1Chronicles 16:37-43 (pp. 327-328); Matthew 2:1-12 (pp. 783-784) The Passing of the Peace The Welcome and Registration of Attendance The Sermon.......................If It Is, It Involves Commitment, Rev. Dr. Shane Green The Hymn of Consecration...........................................What Child Is This (#219) The Cross and Flame Go Before Us into the World The Choral Benediction.................................................................Dresden Amen The Postlude.....................................From Heaven to Earth I Come, by J.S. Bach The Church Returns to His World to Serve Him
Is It Better to Give than Receive? (Part 1) - Rev. Dr. Shane Green
by STPAULCOLUMBUS on December 2, 2024 at 5:25 am
The Chiming of the Hour The Welcome & Announcements .........................................Rev. John Fugh, Jr. The Choral Call to Worship .....................................Prepare the Way of the Lord The Cross and Flame Come to the Altar The Prelude....................................................................Polish Carol, by A. Jordan Hymn of Celebration........................Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates (#213) The Affirmation of Faith ............................................The Apostles’ Creed (#881) The Gloria Patri The Lighting of the Advent Wreath...........................Whitney and Shaun O’Hara 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...........................................Come, Emmanuel, by D. Besig The Doxology The Scripture Lesson....................Genesis 26:1-6 (p. 19); Luke 1:26-38 (p. 831) The Passing of the Peace The Welcome and Registration of Attendance The Children’s Moment......................................................Mrs. Donna Hightower The Sermon...........................If It Is, then It Involves Trust, Rev. Dr. Shane Green The Sacrament of Holy Communion............................................................(#12) The Hymn of Consecration..................Come,Thou Long-Expected Jesus (#196) The Cross and Flame Go Before Us into the World The Choral Benediction......................................................................3 fold Amen The Postlude...........................Wie schon leuchtet der Morganstern, by V. Klauss 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

Advent Sermon Series: Is It Better to Give than to Receive? (Part 4)
by STPAULCOLUMBUS on December 23, 2024 at 5:29 am
Order of Worship 11:00 a.m. Traditional Service December 22, 2024 The Chiming of the Hour The Welcome & Announcements .........................................Rev. John Fugh, Jr. The Choral Call to Worship .....................................Prepare the Way of the Lord The Cross and Flame Come to the Altar The Prelude..........................................................Noel sur les flutes, by L. Daqiun Hymn of Celebration..............................................O Come, All Ye Faithful (#234) The Affirmation of Faith ............................................The Apostles’ Creed (#881) The Gloria Patri The Lighting of the Advent Wreath.............The Maggie and Julio Portillo Family The Sacrament of Infant Baptism......................Turner Knight Stone (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.................Carol of the Bells, arr. M. Hayes | Pianist, Jill Honeycutt The Doxology The Scripture Lesson.......2 Samuel 24:18-25 (p. 263); Matthew 1:18-25 (p. 783) The Passing of the Peace The Welcome and Registration of Attendance The Children’s Moment......................................................Mrs. Donna Hightower The Anthem..................................Rejoice with Exceeding Great Joy, by T. Fettke The Sermon.............................If It Is, It Involves Sacrifice, Rev. Dr. Shane Green The Hymn of Consecration..............................Go, Tell It on the Mountain (#251) The Cross and Flame Go Before Us into the World The Choral Benediction......................................................................7-fold Amen The Postlude.............................Let Us All with Gladsome Voice, by R. Bessemer The Church Returns to His World to Serve Him
Sunday Morning Worship Service Cantata: O Holy Night
by STPAULCOLUMBUS on December 16, 2024 at 6:05 am
December 15, 2024 11:00 Traditional Worship The Chiming of the Hour The Welcome & Announcements .........................................Rev. John Fugh, Jr. The Choral Call to Worship .....................................Prepare the Way of the Lord The Cross and Flame Come to the Altar The Prelude...........................................Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring, by J.S. Bach The Choir Presentation..........................................O Come, O Come, Emmanuel The Affirmation of Faith ............................................The Apostles' Creed (#881) The Gloria Patri................................................................................(#71) The Lighting of the Advent Wreath....The Erin and Hunter Murphy Family Special Altar Guild Recognition.................................Mrs. Mary Pat King The Leader: Let Us Worship God with His Tithes and Our Offerings. The Offertory Prayer The Offertory...............................This Day Is so Rich in Joy, by J.S. Bach The Doxology...................................................................................(#94) The Welcome and Registration of Attendance Leader: The Peace of Christ be with you. Congregational Response: And also with you. (Children ages K4-2nd graders are dismissed to Children’s Church - Room M235; children 3 and younger are taken to the nursery by parents.) The Congregational Response: O Come, thou Dayspring come and cheer our spirits by their justice here; disperse the gloomy clouds of night and death’s dark shadows put to flight. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel. The Cross and Flame Go Before Us into the World The Choral Benediction.........................................Noel, Born Is the King of Israel The Postlude...........................................................Joy to the World, arr A. Fedak The Church Returns to His World to Serve Him O Holy Night Cantata.................................................Songs Listed Inside
Advent Sermon Series: Is It Better to Give than to Receive? (Part 2)
by STPAULCOLUMBUS on December 9, 2024 at 5:25 am
December 8, 2024 Order of Worship 11:00 a.m. Traditional Service The Chiming of the Hour The Welcome & Announcements .........................................Rev. John Fugh, Jr. The Choral Call to Worship .....................................Prepare the Way of the Lord The Cross and Flame Come to the Altar The Prelude................................................Infant Holy, Infant Lowly, arr. J. Goode Hymn of Celebration...............................Angels from the Realms of Glory (#220) The Affirmation of Faith ............................................The Apostles’ Creed (#881) The Gloria Patri The Lighting of the Advent Wreath.................................Julia and Connor Green The Pastoral Prayer with the Lord’s Prayer.........................................Rev. Fugh Hymn of Preparation...........................................There’s a Song in the Air (#249) The Leader: Let Us Worship God with His Tithes and Our Offerings. The Offertory Prayer The Doxology The Scripture Lesson 1Chronicles 16:37-43 (pp. 327-328); Matthew 2:1-12 (pp. 783-784) The Passing of the Peace The Welcome and Registration of Attendance The Sermon.......................If It Is, It Involves Commitment, Rev. Dr. Shane Green The Hymn of Consecration...........................................What Child Is This (#219) The Cross and Flame Go Before Us into the World The Choral Benediction.................................................................Dresden Amen The Postlude.....................................From Heaven to Earth I Come, by J.S. Bach The Church Returns to His World to Serve Him
Is It Better to Give than Receive? (Part 1) - Rev. Dr. Shane Green
by STPAULCOLUMBUS on December 2, 2024 at 5:25 am
The Chiming of the Hour The Welcome & Announcements .........................................Rev. John Fugh, Jr. The Choral Call to Worship .....................................Prepare the Way of the Lord The Cross and Flame Come to the Altar The Prelude....................................................................Polish Carol, by A. Jordan Hymn of Celebration........................Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates (#213) The Affirmation of Faith ............................................The Apostles’ Creed (#881) The Gloria Patri The Lighting of the Advent Wreath...........................Whitney and Shaun O’Hara 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...........................................Come, Emmanuel, by D. Besig The Doxology The Scripture Lesson....................Genesis 26:1-6 (p. 19); Luke 1:26-38 (p. 831) The Passing of the Peace The Welcome and Registration of Attendance The Children’s Moment......................................................Mrs. Donna Hightower The Sermon...........................If It Is, then It Involves Trust, Rev. Dr. Shane Green The Sacrament of Holy Communion............................................................(#12) The Hymn of Consecration..................Come,Thou Long-Expected Jesus (#196) The Cross and Flame Go Before Us into the World The Choral Benediction......................................................................3 fold Amen The Postlude...........................Wie schon leuchtet der Morganstern, by V. Klauss 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