Connect: September 18-25, 2021

CONNECTING THROUGH WORSHIP & PRAYER

Sunday, September 19 | Traditional Services (Both In-Person):
8:30AM // ILLGES CHAPEL (M250)
11AM // SANCTUARY (M260) and LIVE STREAMED
Sermon: “The Solution for the Human Heart”
(Rev. John Fugh, Jr.)

Sunday, September 19 | Contemporary Service (In Person):
11AM // FELLOWSHIP HALL (M220)
Sermon: “Religion and Altruism”
(Rev. Dr. Shane Green)

Sunday, September 19 | Live Streaming Worship & Audio:
Only available for the 11 AM 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 19 | 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 19 | 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 19 | Cub Scout Meeting
@3PM/ Youth Building Porch/Hewitt Quad
Contact Will Burgin for more information.

Sunday, September 19 | Acolyte Training
@4:30PM in the Sanctuary (M260).
Contact Grace Bailey for more information.

Sunday, September 19 | Carol Choir Rehearsal (Kindergarten & First Grades)
@5PM in the Contemporary Worship Center (M270)
Contact Wayne Martz for more information.

Sunday, September 19 | Covenant Choir Rehearsal (Second – Fifth Grades)
@6PM in the Contemporary Worship Center (M270)
Contact Wayne Martz for more information.

CONNECTING OUR YOUTH

Sunday, September 19 | SPY Sunday School (Pancakes & Prayer)
w/ Laura Marvets & Logan Ogletree
@10AM / Lounge downstairs in the Youth Building.

Sunday, September 19 | SPY Fellowship /Study Groups/ Activities
w/ Laura Marvets & Logan Ogletree
@5:30PM in the Youth Building and on the Quad

Wednesday, September 22 | 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 19 | Seekers Class (M234)
w/ Mary Lou Jarrell @10AM. Contact Mary Lou for more information.

Sunday, September 19 | Bridges Class (M235)
w/ Mark Ellis @10AM. Contact Mark for more information.

Sunday, September 19 | College/Young Adult Class (Youth Office)
w/ Jay Marvets @ 10AM. Contact Jay for more information.

Sunday, September 19 | Wildwood Class (M150)
w/ Evelyn Barfield @9:45AM. Contact Evelyn for more information.

Sunday, September 19 | Welcome In Class (Y104)
w/ Buddy Cooper @10AM. Contact Buddy for more information.

Sunday, September 19 | New Covenant Class (Y101)
w/ Michelle Hudson @10AM. Contact Michelle for more information.

Sunday, September 19 | Library Class (M241)
w/ Tim Farmer @10AM. Contact Tim for more information.

Sunday, September 19 | Wesley-Miller-Wilson Class (M232)
w/ Joe Morrow @10AM. Contact Joe for more information.

CONNECTING THROUGH BIBLE STUDIES

Tuesday,  September 21 | 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 21 | Grace Bible Study
The Study of Deuteronomy
w/ Grace Bailey @11AM – 12:15PM in room M234
Contact Grace for more information.

Tuesday,  September 21 | 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 22 | Online Bible Study: The Names of God
w/ Emily Trotter @10:00AM Online
Live on Instagram @Emily Trotter.

Thursday, September 23 | Preschool Moms’ Bible Study
w/ Grace Bailey @9:30AM in room M234.

Thursday, September 23 | The Book of Acts Bible Study
w/ Mary Lou Jarrell @12 Noon room M232.

Friday, September 24 | 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.

“The Work of the Holy Spirit”
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 22 | 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: Boston Butt, corn on the cob, turnip greens, rolls, salad bar w/ grilled chicken, and sweet potato pie.

Wednesday, September 22 | 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.

First Steps – September 13, 2021

Luke 7:1-10

After Jesus had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum. 2A centurion there had a slave whom he valued highly, and who was ill and close to death. 3When he heard about Jesus, he sent some Jewish elders to him, asking him to come and heal his slave. 4When they came to Jesus, they appealed to him earnestly, saying, ‘He is worthy of having you do this for him, 5for he loves our people, and it is he who built our synagogue for us.’ 6And Jesus went with them, but when he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to say to him, ‘Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; 7therefore I did not presume to come to you. But only speak the word, and let my servant be healed. 8For I also am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to one, “Go”, and he goes, and to another, “Come”, and he comes, and to my slave, “Do this”, and the slave does it.’ 9When Jesus heard this he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, he said, ‘I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.’ 10When those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the slave in good health.

This passage has always intrigued me because Luke chose the Greek word thaumazo which is translated “marveled” or “amazed,” to describe Jesus’ response to the centurion’s faith. The only other time this word is used to describe Jesus’ response to someone else’s faith is in Mark 6 when he marvels at the lack of faith in the people of Nazareth, those who knew him best.

The fact that one would act without hesitation or justification in relation to Jesus is noteworthy. How often do we rationalize or look for ways to not act? There are so many imperatives-commands in the New Testament that we consider to be optional. Forgiveness, Love, Kindness, Patience are just a few that we are commanded to do because we are a follower of Christ. No justification, no rationalization…just obedience. We are to just do it.

What would your week be like if you woke up this morning and prayed, “Lord, I know you have commanded me to love (you could substitute to forgive, to be kind, to be patient, or any of the other imperatives in the New Testament) so I’m going to do it.” Sure, there might be the occasion where we fall short, but I would imagine that if we started where the centurion started we would be quick to seek forgiveness as soon as we were convicted.

I long to be like the centurion. How about you?

 


This Week’s Readings:

  • Monday – Acts 8, Acts 9
  • Tuesday – Acts 10, Acts 11
  • Wednesday – Acts 12
  • Thursday – Acts 13, Acts 14
  • Friday – Acts 15, Acts 16
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 

Connect: September 11-18, 2021

CONNECTING THROUGH WORSHIP & PRAYER

Sunday, September 12 | Traditional Services (Both In-Person):
8:30AM // ILLGES CHAPEL (M250)
11AM // SANCTUARY (M260) and LIVE STREAMED
Sermon: “How to Pray Series: A Prayer for Boldness”
(Rev. John Fugh, Jr.)

Sunday, September 12 | Contemporary Service (In Person):
11AM // FELLOWSHIP HALL (M220)
Sermon: “How to Pray Series: A Prayer for Boldness”
(Rev. Dr. Shane Green)

Sunday, September 12 | Live Streaming Worship & Audio:
Only available for the 11 AM Traditional Worship Service
live.spumccolumbus.com or for audio-only call (205) 825-9484

CONNECTING OUR YOUTH

Sunday, September 12 | SPY Sunday School
w/ Laura Marvets & Logan Ogletree
@10AM / Lounge downstairs in the Youth Building.

Sunday, September 12 | SPY Fellowship /Study Groups/ Activities
w/ Laura Marvets & Logan Ogletree
@5:30PM in the Youth Building and on the Quad

Sunday, September 12 | SPY Activities/SNY
w/ Laura Marvets & Logan Ogletree
@5:30 p.m. in the Youth Building.

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 12 | 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 12 | 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).

CONNECTING THROUGH SMALL GROUPS

Sunday, September 12 | Seekers Class (M234)
w/ Mary Lou Jarrell @10AM. Contact Mary Lou for more information.

Sunday, September 12 | Bridges Class (M235)
w/ Mark Ellis @10AM. Contact Mark for more information.

Sunday, September 12 | College/Young Adult Class (Youth Office)
w/ Jay Marvets @ 10AM. Contact Jay for more information.

Sunday, September 12 | Wildwood Class (M150)
w/ Evelyn Barfield @9:45AM. Contact Evelyn for more information.

Sunday, September 12 | Welcome In Class (Y104)
w/ Buddy Cooper @10AM. Contact Buddy for more information.

Sunday, September 12 | New Covenant Class (Y101)
w/ Michelle Hudson @10AM. Contact Michelle for more information.

Sunday, September 12 | Library Class (M241)
w/ Tim Farmer @10AM. Contact Tim for more information.

Sunday, September 12 | Wesley-Miller-Wilson Class (M232)
w/ Joe Morrow @10AM. Contact Joe for more information.

CONNECTING THROUGH BIBLE STUDIES

Tuesday,  September 14 | 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 14 | Grace’s Bible Study
The Study of Deuteronomy
w/ Grace Bailey @11AM – 12:15PM in room M234
Contact Grace for more information.

Tuesday,  September 14 | 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 15 | Online Study: The Names of God
w/ Emily Trotter @10:00AM Online
Live on Instagram @Emily Trotter.

Thursday, September 16 | Preschool Moms’ Bible Study
w/ Grace Bailey @9:30AM in room M234.

Thursday, September 16 | The Book of Acts Bible Study
w/ Mary Lou Jarrell @12 Noon room M232.

Friday, September 17 | 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.

“The Work of the Holy Spirit”
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 15 | 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: Spaghetti w/ meat sauce, broccoli and carrots, garlic bread/rolls, salad bar w/ grilled chicken, and assorted desserts.

Wednesday, September 15 | Family Night Supper Program/Bible Study
@6:30 p.m. – 9-week Bible Study of the Book of Amos (M220).

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.

First Steps – Monday, September 6, 2021

Today’s reflection is a post from my journal from a few weeks ago:

I’m genuinely sad. I pastor a congregation that lost a fine man yesterday. I’ve known him for 10 years, so I don’t assume my grief compares to those who knew him longer. Furthermore, my sadness is a small reflection of the pain and grief his family feels. Nonetheless, I feel the loss of someone who was a good human being who always sought to see the best in people. He treated people with dignity and respect. I wish the world was filled with those gregarious, fun-loving, kind souls that go about their day wanting others to feel love and validation. I’m certain life would be better if my wish was reality. Who knows, maybe one day.

Over the next few days, I’m certain that many will draw strength from telling stories about this dear soul. I’m certain many will find comfort in being together sharing their grief. I hope all who loved him will find a sense of peace in expressing their faith in God. One of the things I count on is the ability of God to reach down into the depths of a person’s being and hold him/her so that rest can be experienced. The way a child curls up in the arms of a parent is the image I envision. Everyone needs this security when faced with loss and grief. Frankly, I pray for that comfort for all who grieve.

Maybe today you find yourself experiencing loss and grief. If so, I hope you know there is a God willing to carry your burden. Reflect on his words, “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart; and you will find rest. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).


 

This Week’s Readings:

  • Monday – Acts 2
  • Tuesday – Acts 3
  • Wednesday – Acts 4
  • Thursday – Acts 5
  • Friday – Acts 6, Acts 7
 
Please Pray for:
 
  • Our world as we are still dealing with the Covid Crisis.
  • Parents, teachers, and students as the 2021-2022 school term gets underway.
  • 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 

Connect: September 4-11, 2021

CONNECTING THROUGH WORSHIP & PRAYER

Sunday, September 5 | Traditional Services (Both In-Person):
8:30AM // ILLGES CHAPEL (M250)
11AM // SANCTUARY (M260) and LIVE STREAMED
Sermon: “How to Pray Series: A Prayer for Sabbath”
(Rev. John Fugh, Jr.)

Sunday, September 5 | Contemporary Service (In Person):
11AM // FELLOWSHIP HALL (M220)
Sermon: “How to Pray Series: A Prayer for Sabbath”
(Rev. Dr. Shane Green)

Sunday, September 5 | Live Streaming Worship & Audio:
Only available for the 11 AM Traditional Worship Service
live.spumccolumbus.com or for audio-only call (205) 825-9484

CONNECTING OUR YOUTH

Sunday, September 5 | SPY Sunday School
w/ Laura Marvets & Logan Ogletree
@10AM / Lounge downstairs in the Youth Building.

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 5 | 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 5 | 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).

CONNECTING THROUGH SMALL GROUPS

Sunday, September 5 | Seekers Class (M234)
w/ Mary Lou Jarrell @10AM. Contact Mary Lou for more information.

Sunday, September 5 | Bridges Class (M235)
w/ Mark Ellis @10AM. Contact Mark for more information.

Sunday, September 5 | College/Young Adult Class (Youth Office)
w/ Jay Marvets @ 10AM. Contact Jay for more information.

Sunday, September 5 | Wildwood Class (M150)
w/ Evelyn Barfield @9:45AM. Contact Evelyn for more information.

Sunday, September 5 | Welcome In Class (Y104)
w/ Buddy Cooper @10AM. Contact Buddy for more information.

Sunday, September 5 | New Covenant Class (Y101)
w/ Michelle Hudson @10AM. Contact Michelle for more information.

Sunday, September 5 | Library Class (M241)
w/ Tim Farmer @10AM. Contact Tim for more information.

Sunday, September 5 | Wesley-Miller-Wilson Class (M232)
w/ Joe Morrow @10AM. Contact Joe for more information.

CONNECTING THROUGH BIBLE STUDIES

Tuesday,  September 7 | 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 7 | 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 8 | Online Study: The Names of God
w/ Emily Trotter @10:00AM Online
Live on Instagram @Emily Trotter.

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

Thursday, September 9 | The Book of Acts Bible Study
w/ Mary Lou Jarrell @12 Noon room M232.

Friday, September 10 | 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.

“The Work of the Holy Spirit”
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 8 | 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:
10 years and older=$8
3 years – 9 years= $4
Anyone under 3 years of age is free. 
Family Max is $30. 
Menu this week: Oven-roasted chicken breasts, yellow rice, steamed spinach, salad bar w grilled chicken, and assorted desserts.


Wednesday, September 8 | Family Night Supper Program
@6:30 p.m. – Birthday Celebrations & Trivia in the Fellowship Hall (M220)

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.

First Steps – Monday, August 30, 2021

In a few days it will be Labor Day –  a holiday born out of the late 1800’s to honor the American worker.  For me, Labor Day is an opportunity to reclaim the importance of Sabbath.  Though many reduce Sabbath to a single day of rest, the concept is larger than a day.  It was given to help establish a proper rhythm for life.  Sabbath is about boundaries and margins. Both work and rest complement each other and hold each other in check.  We need them both but, in an appropriate balance.

In Genesis, God is seen as working and resting—a rhythm (Genesis 1 & 2). In Exodus 20, the Children of Israel are commanded to “remember the Sabbath day.”  This practice was to help them remember that they were no longer a commodity—they once were in Egypt under Pharaoh.  They lived as commodities for so long that they saw themselves as only the product of their hands.   

Everyone needs a rhythm and to be reminded that they are not a commodity.  Work, Rest, Work, Rest…that is the rhythm.  You are more than a commodity; therefore, why live beneath what God desires for you? This week reclaim your true value as a person in God.  Work and Rest are equally valuable, especially when they are held in balance.  


 


This Week’s Readings:

  • Monday – Luke 21
  • Tuesday – Luke 22
  • Wednesday – Luke 23
  • Thursday – Luke 24
  • Friday – Acts 1
 
Please Pray for:
 
  • Our world as we are still dealing with the Covid Crisis.
  • Parents, teachers, and students as the 2021-2022 school term gets underway.
  • 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