Author: Cindy Lee

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First Steps – October 11, 2021

While A friend of mine shared with me this prayer. He didn’t know the origin or author, but I’m glad he shared it with me. I have called it “A Prayer for a Quiet Heart in a World of Chaos.” Over the last few mornings, this has been my centering prayer for the day.

A Prayer for a Quiet Heart in a World of Chaos
by Author Unknown

Slow me down Lord
Ease the pounding of my heart
By the quieting of my mind
With a vision of the eternal reach of time.

Give me amidst the confusion of my day
The calmness of the everlasting hills
Break the tensions of my nerves and muscles
With the soothing music of the singing streams
That live in my memory.

Help me to know 
The magical restoring power of sleep
Teach me the art
Of taking minute vacations
Of slowing down to look at a flower
To chat with a friend
To pat a dog
To read a few lines from a good book.

Remind me each day of the fable
Of the hare and the tortoise
That I may know that the race
Is not always to be swift
That there is more to life 
Than measuring speed.

Let me look upward
Into the branches of the towering oak
And know that it grew great and strong
Because it grew slowly and well.

Slow me down Lord
And inspire me to send my roots
Deep into the soil
Of life’s enduring values
That I may grow towards the starts
Of my enduring destiny. 

 
Blessings,
 

 

This Week’s Readings:
  • Monday – Galatians 5 | Galatians 6
  • Tuesday – 1 Corinthians 1 | 1 Corinthians 2 | 1 Corinthians 3
  • Wednesday- 1 Corinthians 4 | 1 Corinthians 5 | 1 Corinthians 6
  • Thursday – 1 Corinthians 7 | 1 Corinthians 8
  • Friday- 1 Corinthians 9 | 1 Corinthians 10 | 1 Corinthians 11
 
Please Pray for:
  • An end to the Covid Crisis.
  • Our children as they cope with world issues.
  • All upcoming ministry events inside and outside the walls of St. Paul.
  • Families in crisis.
  • Loved ones battling illness.
  • Those seeking to find their way.
  • The St. Paul Church family. 
  • The United Methodist Church family.
  • Our leaders, our country, and our world. 

“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 

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First Steps – October 4, 2021

While driving my car the other day, I did something that I seldom ever do. I nearly ran out of gas. Normally, I’m the type of person who fills the tank when it reaches a certain level, where there are about 40 miles left before empty. I have a friend that doesn’t even think about filling the tank until it is less than 5 miles remaining. Frankly, that would drive me crazy.

However, while filling my tank, I wondered if people do the same with their faith. Do we wait until there is nothing left before we seek to fill it up again? Followers of Christ live with a “receiving and giving,” “inflow and outflow” type of rhythm. This means that there will be times where we give – which can empty the tank, but we are to fill it again with the sabbath, prayer, and personal study. When we don’t fill the tank up again, we are more prone to moral mistakes and faulty judgments.

In Mark 6, Jesus sent out the 12 Apostles (verses 7-12). They returned and reported to Jesus, and he immediately led them to a place of solitude (verses 30-31). How interesting that after giving themselves in ministry, Jesus wanted them to retreat to be restored.

So, as for our “gas tanks,” we don’t have to wait until we are bone dry to be filled.

 

This Week’s Readings:
  • Monday – Mark 11 | Mark 12
  • Tuesday -Mark 13 | Mark 14
  • Wednesday- Mark 15 | Mark 16
  • Thursday – Galatians 1 | Galatians 2
  • Friday- Galatians 3 | Galatians 4
Please Pray for:
  • An end to the Covid Crisis.
  • Our children as they cope with world issues.
  • All upcoming ministry events inside and outside the walls of St. Paul.
  • Families in crisis.
  • Loved ones battling illness.
  • Those seeking to find their way.
  • The St. Paul Church family. 
  • The United Methodist Church family.
  • Our leaders, our country, and our world. 

“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 

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Connect: October 2 – 9, 2021

CONNECTING THROUGH WORSHIP & PRAYER

Sunday, October 3 | Traditional Worship Services
8:30AM // ILLGES CHAPEL (M250)
11AM // SANCTUARY (M260) and LIVE STREAMED
Sermon Series: Questions I’ve Always Wanted to Ask:
“Sacraments – What and Why?”
(Rev. Dr. Shane Green)

Sunday, October 3 | Contemporary Service (In Person):
11AM // FELLOWSHIP HALL (M220)
Sermon Series: Questions I’ve Always Wanted to Ask:
“Blessed Are Those Who Mourn”
(Rev. John Fugh, Jr. )

Sunday, October 3 | Live Streaming Worship Online & Audio:
Only available for the 11AM Traditional Worship Service
live.spumccolumbus.com or for audio-only call (205) 825-9484

CONNECTING OUR CHILDREN

All Children’s Online events will be posted on St. Paul Kids Instagram account each week – Be sure to check in online every week!

Sunday, October 3 | Children’s Sunday School (All Ages)
@10AM / Youth Building & Main Church Building
Contact Grace Bailey for more information about class locations, teachers, etc.

Sunday, October 3 | Children’s Moment
w/  children meet Shane or John in the Chancel area for a devotional and prayer during the 11AM Traditional Worship Service in the Sanctuary (M260).

Sunday, October 3 | Cub Scout Meeting
@3PM/ Youth Building Porch/Hewitt Quad
Contact Will Burgin for more information.

Sunday, October 3 | Boy Scout Meeting
@3:30PM/ Main Building, Room M230
Contact Will Burgin for more information.

Sunday, October 3 | Acolyte Training
@4:30PM in the Sanctuary (M260).
Contact Grace Bailey for more information.

Sunday, October 3 | Carol Choir Rehearsal (Kindergarten & First Grades)
@5PM in the Contemporary Worship Center (M270)
Contact Wayne Martz for more information.

Sunday, October 3 | Covenant Choir Rehearsal (Second – Fifth Grades)
@6PM in the Contemporary Worship Center (M270)
Contact Wayne Martz for more information.

CONNECTING OUR YOUTH

Sunday, October 3 | SPY Sunday School
w/ Laura Marvets & Logan Ogletree
@10AM / Lounge downstairs in the Youth Building.

Sunday, October 3 | SPY Activities & Small Groups
w/ Laura Marvets & Logan Ogletree
@5:30PM in the Youth Building and on the Quad

Wednesday, October 6 | SPY Mid-week Bible Study
w/ Laura Marvets & Logan Ogletree
@5:30PM in Room Y206 located in the Youth Building.

CONNECTING THROUGH SMALL GROUPS

Sunday, October 3 | Seekers Class (M234)
w/ Mary Lou Jarrell @10AM. Contact Mary Lou for more information.

Sunday, October 3 | Bridges Class (M235)
w/ Mark Ellis @10AM. Contact Mark for more information.

Sunday, October 3 | College/Young Adult Class (Youth Office)
w/ Jay Marvets @ 10AM. Contact Jay for more information.

Sunday, October 3 | Wildwood Class (M150)
w/ Evelyn Barfield @9:45AM. Contact Evelyn for more information.

Sunday, October 3 | Welcome In Class (Y104)
w/ Buddy Cooper @10AM. Contact Buddy for more information.

Sunday, October 3 | New Covenant Class (Y101)
w/ Michelle Hudson @10AM. Contact Michelle for more information.

Sunday, October 3 | Library Class (M241)
w/ Tim Farmer @10AM. Contact Tim for more information.

Sunday, October 3 | Wesley-Miller-Wilson Class (M232)
w/ Joe Morrow @10AM. Contact Joe for more information.

CONNECTING THROUGH BIBLE STUDIES

Tuesday,  October 5  | Tuesday Morning Bible Study
1st & 2nd Thessalonians
w/ Rev. Dr. Shane Green @10A in M232 and live-streamed @spumccolumbus.com.
Contact Kathy Hollon for more information.

Tuesday, October 5 | Grace Bible Study
The Study of Deuteronomy
w/ Grace Bailey @11AM – 12:15PM in room M234
Contact Grace for more information.

Tuesday,  October 5 | Telephone Bible Study
The Book of Matthew
w/ Rev. John Fugh @4PM at By Phone – 205.825.9484
Contact John for more information.

Wednesday, October 6 | Online Bible Study: The Names of God
w/ Emily Trotter @10:00AM Online
Live on Instagram @Emily Trotter.

Thursday, October 7 | Preschool Moms’ Bible Study
w/ Grace Bailey @9:30AM in room M234.

Thursday, October 7 | The Book of Acts Bible Study
w/ Mary Lou Jarrell @12 Noon room M232.

Friday, October 8 | Men’s Morning Bible Study
Study of Corinthians
w/ Rev. Dr. Buddy Cooper @6:30AM in M232.
Contact Buddy for more information.

CONNECTING THROUGH BIBLE STUDIES ON DEMAND

“Trotter on JONAH”
w/ Emily Trotter.
Series can be accessed on the St. Paul Website.

“The Celebration of Discipline”
w/ Tommy Bridges and Rev. John Fugh, Jr.
Series can be accessed on the St. Paul Website.

“MAMA AND THE REV”
w/ Emily Trotter and Rev. John Fugh, Jr.
Series can be accessed on the St. Paul Website.

“Trotter on TITUS”
w/Emily Trotter.
Series can be accessed on the St. Paul Website.

“The Ragamuffin Gospel”
Hosts: Tommy Bridges and John Fugh, Jr.
Series can be accessed on the St. Paul Website.

CONNECTING THROUGH OUTREACH & FELLOWSHIP

Sunday, October 3, | Red Cross Blood Drive
Beginning @8AM and ending at 12:30PM
Location: Upper level of the Youth Building (Y201)

Wednesday, October 6 | Family Night Supper
@6:00PM in the Fellowship Hall (M220)
Reservations should be by noon Tuesdays by calling the Church Office (706-327-7419) or going online to spumccolumbus.com/supper/.
New prices for ages: (Family Max – $30)
– 10 years and older= $8
– 3 years – 9 years= $4
– Anyone under 3 years of age is free. 
Menu for this week: Meatloaf, lima beans, rice, cornbread, salad bar w/ grilled chicken, and assorted desserts.

Wednesday, October 6 | Family Night Supper Program/Bible Study
@6:30PM in the Fellowship Hall (M220)
Continuation of our 9-week Bible Study of the Book of Amos

CONNECTING THROUGH GIVING

It is your generosity that allows us to do what we do. Thank you so much for contributing to the ministries of St. Paul UMC. In order for you to make your online donation, click here.

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First Steps – September 27, 2021

Give me 5 minutes.  I think it will be worth it.

I know that so many are facing struggles, losses, oppositions, fear, anger, grief and so much more.  Often, we don’t know what to pray or what to do, and our cry is “please just show me the way because I’m hurting.”  We cry out, “What do I do, where do I go, how can I envision anything” …and our hope is just a glimpse, a fraction of where to go and what to do?  

The burden of life can be so daunting for any single person, how much more when we watch people hurt and suffer? How helpless do we feel when we love someone and watch them struggle to find their way?  How many times have you longed for firm footing for those you love, only to watch them fall again?

If I’m describing you, I want to offer you a first step.  It is a song.  St. Augustine said that when we sing, we pray twice.  If that is the case, then let this be your prayer.  I have sung—prayed—this about a hundred times over this past week.  It has been my prayer, my desire.  I hope it will be yours.

 

This Week’s Readings:
  • Monday – Mark 1 | Mark 2
  • Tuesday -Mark 3 | Mark 4
  • Wednesday- Mark 5 | Mark 6
  • Thursday – Mark 7 | Mark 8
  • Friday- Mark 9 | Mark 10
Please Pray for:
  • An end to the Covid Crisis.
  • Our children as they cope with world issues.
  • All upcoming ministry events inside and outside the walls of St. Paul.
  • Families in crisis.
  • Loved ones battling illness.
  • Those seeking to find their way.
  • The St. Paul Church family. 
  • The United Methodist Church family.
  • Our leaders, our country, and our world. 

“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 

Posted on

Connect: September 25 – October 2, 2021

CONNECTING THROUGH WORSHIP & PRAYER

Sunday, September 26 | Traditional Worship Services
8:30AM // ILLGES CHAPEL (M250)
11AM // SANCTUARY (M260) and LIVE STREAMED
Sermon: “The Darkside of Care” by Rev. Dr. Shane Green

Sunday, September 26 | Contemporary Service (In Person):
11AM // FELLOWSHIP HALL (M220)
Sermon: “Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit” by Rev. John Fugh, Jr.

Sunday, September 26 | Live Streaming Worship Online & Audio:
Only available for the 11AM Traditional Worship Service
live.spumccolumbus.com or for audio-only call (205) 825-9484

CONNECTING OUR CHILDREN

All Children’s Online events will be posted on St. Paul Kids Instagram account each week – Be sure to check in online every week!

Sunday, September 26 | Children’s Sunday School (All Ages)
@10AM / Youth Building & Main Church Building
Contact Grace Bailey for more information about class locations, teachers, etc.

Sunday, September 26 | Children’s Moment
w/  children meet Shane or John in the Chancel area for a devotional and prayer during the 11AM Traditional Worship Service in the Sanctuary (M260).

Sunday, September 26 | Cub Scout Meeting
@3PM/ Youth Building Porch/Hewitt Quad
Contact Will Burgin for more information.

Sunday, September 26 | Acolyte Training
@4:30PM in the Sanctuary (M260).
Contact Grace Bailey for more information.

Sunday, September 26 | Carol Choir Rehearsal (Kindergarten & First Grades)
@5PM in the Contemporary Worship Center (M270)
Contact Wayne Martz for more information.

Sunday, September 26 | Covenant Choir Rehearsal (Second – Fifth Grades)
@6PM in the Contemporary Worship Center (M270)
Contact Wayne Martz for more information.

CONNECTING OUR YOUTH

Sunday, September 26 | SPY Sunday School
w/ Laura Marvets & Logan Ogletree
@10AM / Lounge downstairs in the Youth Building.

Sunday, September 26 | SPY UnityNight
w/ Laura Marvets & Logan Ogletree
@6 PM in the Youth Building and on the Quad

Wednesday, September 29 | SPY Mid-week Bible Study
w/ Laura Marvets & Logan Ogletree
@5:30PM in Room Y206 located in the Youth Building.

CONNECTING THROUGH SMALL GROUPS

Sunday, September 26 | Seekers Class (M234)
w/ Mary Lou Jarrell @10AM. Contact Mary Lou for more information.

Sunday, September 26 | Bridges Class (M235)
w/ Mark Ellis @10AM. Contact Mark for more information.

Sunday, September 26 | College/Young Adult Class (Youth Office)
w/ Jay Marvets @ 10AM. Contact Jay for more information.

Sunday, September 26 | Wildwood Class (M150)
w/ Evelyn Barfield @9:45AM. Contact Evelyn for more information.

Sunday, September 26 | Welcome In Class (Y104)
w/ Buddy Cooper @10AM. Contact Buddy for more information.

Sunday, September 26 | New Covenant Class (Y101)
w/ Michelle Hudson @10AM. Contact Michelle for more information.

Sunday, September 26 | Library Class (M241)
w/ Tim Farmer @10AM. Contact Tim for more information.

Sunday, September 26 | Wesley-Miller-Wilson Class (M232)
w/ Joe Morrow @10AM. Contact Joe for more information.

CONNECTING THROUGH BIBLE STUDIES

Tuesday,  September 28 | Tuesday Morning Bible Study
1st & 2nd Thessalonians
w/ Rev. Dr. Shane Green @10A in M232 and live-streamed @spumccolumbus.com.
Contact Kathy Hollon for more information.

Tuesday, September 28 | Grace Bible Study
The Study of Deuteronomy
w/ Grace Bailey @11AM – 12:15PM in room M234
Contact Grace for more information.

Tuesday,  September 28 | Telephone Bible Study
The Book of Matthew
w/ Rev. John Fugh @4PM at By Phone – 205.825.9484
Contact John for more information.

Wednesday, September 29 | Online Bible Study: The Names of God
w/ Emily Trotter @10:00AM Online
Live on Instagram @Emily Trotter.

Thursday, September 30 | Preschool Moms’ Bible Study
w/ Grace Bailey @9:30AM in room M234.

Thursday, September 30 | The Book of Acts Bible Study
w/ Mary Lou Jarrell @12 Noon room M232.

Friday, October 1 | Men’s Morning Bible Study
Study of Corinthians
w/ Rev. Dr. Buddy Cooper @6:30AM in M232.
Contact Buddy for more information.

CONNECTING THROUGH BIBLE STUDIES ON DEMAND

“Trotter on JONAH”
w/ Emily Trotter.
Series can be accessed on the St. Paul Website.

“The Celebration of Discipline”
w/ Tommy Bridges and Rev. John Fugh, Jr.
Series can be accessed on the St. Paul Website.

“MAMA AND THE REV”
w/ Emily Trotter and Rev. John Fugh, Jr.
Series can be accessed on the St. Paul Website.

“Trotter on TITUS”
w/Emily Trotter.
Series can be accessed on the St. Paul Website.

“The Ragamuffin Gospel”
Hosts: Tommy Bridges and John Fugh, Jr.
Series can be accessed on the St. Paul Website.

CONNECTING THROUGH FELLOWSHIP

Wednesday, September 29 | Family Night Supper
@6:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall (M220)
Reservations should be by noon Tuesdays by calling the Church Office (706-327-7419) or going online to spumccolumbus.com/supper/.
New prices for ages: (Family Max – $30)
– 10 years and older= $8
– 3 years – 9 years= $4
– Anyone under 3 years of age is free. 
Menu for this week: Chicken Divan, green beans, tomato casserole, salad bar w/ grilled chicken, and assorted desserts.

Wednesday, September 29 | Family Night Supper Program/Bible Study
@6:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall (M220)
Continuation of our 9-week Bible Study of the Book of Amos

CONNECTING THROUGH GIVING

It is your generosity that allows us to do what we do. Thank you so much for contributing to the ministries of St. Paul UMC. In order for you to make your online donation, click here.

Posted on

First Steps – September 20, 2021

A few days ago, I was at a lunch with some friends and there was an isolated discussion between two of the individuals.  Though it never reached a level of concern, the discussion was a little “hotter” than a typical normal lunch conversation.  Strange as it may be, the parties were not too far from being in agreement; however, the struggle was that they were operating with different perceptions about one another.   This experience got me thinking about perceptions. 

Perceptions lead to assumptions and assumptions to actions.  In a high trust relationship, the underlying perception is one of value, appreciation, and belief in each other; therefore, it doesn’t require a great deal of conversation.  However, when a relationship is not characterized as high trust, conversations become the lifeblood of the relationship.  To some degree, one has to over-communicate to make sure all parties have the right perceptions and assumptions.  With low trust, the temptation is to not communicate enough to make sure all parties understand each other.

I wonder how often we miss this when we study the scriptures.  In both the Old and New Testament, God over-communicates His love and desire for people.  Certain scriptures like John 3:16 and Romans 8 are perfect examples.  The writers over-communicate so that we readers know beyond doubt what God thinks of us.

What perceptions do you bring to the scriptures?  Can you see God going to great lengths to say to you, “You are my beloved”?  I hope you can.  As you begin this week, open your heart to God’s Spirit and allow God to convey His heart to you.

 

This Week’s Readings:
  • Monday -Acts 17 | Acts 18
  • Tuesday -Acts 19 | Acts 20
  • Wednesday- Acts 21 | Acts 22 | Acts 23
  • Thursday – Acts 24 | Acts 25 | Acts 26
  • Friday- Acts 27 | Acts 28
Please Pray for:
  • An end to the Covid Crisis.
  • Parents, teachers, and students in the local area and abroad.
  • All upcoming ministry events inside and outside the walls of St. Paul.
  • Families in crisis.
  • Loved ones battling illness.
  • Those seeking to find their way.
  • The St. Paul Church family. 
  • The United Methodist Church family.
  • Our leaders, our country, and our world. 

“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 

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