Author: Cindy Lee

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First Steps – July 19, 2021

Very early on Sunday mornings, one can find me on the sanctuary balcony.  Often, I will retreat there before services when the sanctuary is empty.  I like it when the church is quiet and still.  It is peaceful.  Normally, I think of the people who will enter the sanctuary, sit in the pews, and worship.  I pray for the encounter that all will have as they worship.  

On a recent trip to the balcony, I noticed some little nameplates on the outer end of each pew.  I’m sure this was part of a building or renovation project from the past.  There were gifts given to meet a need and the plaques honor those gifts.  However, they are part of a larger story, a legacy of faith with a connection to a particular community.  Larger still, they are part of a meta-narrative of a universal Church that rests under the feet of Jesus Christ.

Sometimes people forget the connection they have with Christ and each other.  That connection transcends a particular time or a particular place. It is eternal.  Our individual story is part of a larger narrative, a collective story of faith.  I’m certain there will be a day when my name will only be a name listed in a journal or maybe on a plaque—granted, I want that to be a long time from now, but I’m sure that day will come.  I’m comforted by the knowledge that I’m part of a larger story, a narrative that is unending and sits in the palm of God’s hand. 

I hope you know you are part of that story as well.  This week, I hope you will reflect on the vastness of The Gospel of Jesus.  See with the eyes of faith your part in the narrative.  You are not alone.  God has invited you to be a part of the story of faith.  

 

This Week’s Readings:

  • Monday – Revelation 13
  • Tuesday – Revelation 14
  • Wednesday – Revelation 15
  • Thursday – Revelation 16
  • Friday – Revelation 17
Please Pray for:
 
  • Families in crisis.
  • Loved ones battling illness.
  • Those seeking to find their way.
  • The St. Paul Church family.
  • The United Methodist Church.
  • 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: July 17 – July 24, 2021

CONNECTING THROUGH WORSHIP & PRAYER

Sunday, July 18 | Traditional Services (Both In-Person):
8:30AM // ILLGES CHAPEL (M250)
11AM // SANCTUARY (M260) and LIVE STREAMED
Sermon: “Hidden in Plain Sight”
(Rev. John Fugh, Jr.)

Sunday, July 18 | Contemporary Service (In Person):
11AM // FELLOWSHIP HALL (M220)
Sermon: “The Possibility of Peace”
(Rev. Dr. P. Shane Green)

Sunday, July 18 | 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, July 18 | SPY Sunday School
w/ Laura Marvets & Logan Ogletree
@10AM / Lounge downstairs in the Youth Building.

Sunday, July 18 | SPY Bible Study & Fellowship
w/ Laura Marvets & Logan Ogletree
@6PM / 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, July 18 | Children’s Sunday School (All Ages)
@10AM / Youth Building & Main Church Building
Contact Grace Bailey for more information about class locations, teachers, etc.

Sunday, July 18 | Children’s Sermon
w/ Grace Bailey and Caroline Green @ 11AM Traditional Worship Service in the Sanctuary

CONNECTING THROUGH SMALL GROUPS

Sunday, July 18 | Seekers Class (M234)
w/ Mary Lou Jarrell @10AM. Contact Mary Lou for more information.

Sunday, July 18 | Bridges Class (M235)
w/ Mark Ellis @10AM. Contact Mark for more information.

Sunday, July 18 | Wildwood Class (M150)
w/ Evelyn Barfield @9:45AM. Contact Evelyn for more information.

Sunday, July 18 | Welcome In Class (Y104)
w/ Buddy Cooper @10AM. Contact Buddy for more information.

Sunday, July 18 | New Covenant Class (Y101)
w/ Michelle Hudson @10AM. Contact Michelle for more information.

Sunday, July 18 | Library Class (Y202)
w/ Tim Farmer @10AM. Contact Tim for more information.

Sunday, July 18 | Wesley-Miller-Wilson Class (M232)
w/ Joe Morrow @10AM. Contact Joe for more information.

CONNECTING THROUGH BIBLE STUDIES

Tuesday, July 20 | Summer Brown Bag Bible Study (M232)
w/ Shane and John @ 12 noon as they lead us in a study on the Book of Jonah.
Bring your own lunch. No reservations are needed and all are welcome!

CONNECTING THROUGH BIBLE STUDIES ON DEMAND

“Trotter Talks Parables”
w/ Emily Trotter.
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.

“The Celebration of Discipline”
w/ Tommy Bridges 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 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 – July 12, 2021

By definition, a Milestone is a stone set up beside a road to mark the distance in miles to a particular place. It can also be an action or event marking a significant change or stage (occurring) in development. In Genesis 12:7, Abraham built an altar alongside the great tree of Moreh at Shechem because God appeared to him with a promise. Abraham would build another altar alongside the trees of Mamre (Genesis 15-18). These altars were not only Milestones but Faithstones. They marked a change in his life that he would later visit for encouragement. It was a reminder of God’s presence in his life.

Everyone needs milestones and faithstones in their lives. They are the visual reminders of change and development. Like Abraham, they can also be a place of safety and comfort when tossed about due to the storms of life or missteps. Do you have any known faithstones? How do you mark those pivotal faith developments in your own life? Find a way to mark where God has shown up in your life. It doesn’t have to be a huge altar, just a personal visual reminder. They will serve you well in the days to come.

 

This Week’s Readings:

  • Monday – Revelation 8
  • Tuesday – Revelation 9
  • Wednesday – Revelation 10
  • Thursday – Revelation 11
  • Friday – Revelation 12
Please Pray for:
 
  • Families in crisis.
  • Loved ones battling illness.
  • Those seeking to find their way.
  • The St. Paul Church family.
  • The United Methodist Church.
  • 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: July 10 – July 17, 2021

CONNECTING THROUGH WORSHIP & PRAYER

Sunday, July 11 | Traditional Services (Both In-Person):
8:30AM // ILLGES CHAPEL (M250)
11AM // SANCTUARY (M260) and LIVE STREAMED
Sermon: “Don’t Underestimate God”
(Rev. John Fugh, Jr.)

Sunday, July 11 | Contemporary Service (In Person):
11AM // FELLOWSHIP HALL (M220)
Sermon: “Grace Has a Purpose”
(Rev. Dr. P. Shane Green)

Sunday, July 11 | 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, July 11 | SPY Sunday School
w/ Laura Marvets & Logan Ogletree
@10AM / Lounge downstairs in the Youth Building.

Sunday, July 11 | SPY Bible Study & Fellowship
w/ Laura Marvets & Logan Ogletree
@6PM / 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, July 11 | Children’s Sunday School (All Ages)
@10AM / Youth Building & Main Church Building
Contact Grace Bailey for more information about class locations, teachers, etc.

Sunday, July 11 | Children’s Sermon
w/ Grace Bailey and Caroline Green @ 11AM Traditional Worship Service in the Sanctuary

CONNECTING THROUGH SMALL GROUPS

Sunday, July 11 | Seekers Class (M234)
w/ Mary Lou Jarrell @10AM. Contact Mary Lou for more information.

Sunday, July 11 | Bridges Class (M235)
w/ Mark Ellis @10AM. Contact Mark for more information.

Sunday, July 11 | Wildwood Class (M150)
w/ Evelyn Barfield @9:45AM. Contact Evelyn for more information.

Sunday, July 11 | Welcome In Class (Y104)
w/ Buddy Cooper @10AM. Contact Buddy for more information.

Sunday, July 11 | New Covenant Class (Y101)
w/ Michelle Hudson @10AM. Contact Michelle for more information.

Sunday, July 11 | Library Class (Y202)
w/ Tim Farmer @10AM. Contact Tim for more information.

Sunday, July 11 | Wesley-Miller-Wilson Class (M232)
w/ Joe Morrow @10AM. Contact Joe for more information.

CONNECTING THROUGH BIBLE STUDIES

Tuesday, July 13 | Summer Brown Bag Bible Study (M232)
w/ Shane and John @ 12 noon as they lead us in a study on the Book of Jonah.
Bring your own lunch. No reservations are needed and all are welcome!

CONNECTING THROUGH BIBLE STUDIES ON DEMAND

“Trotter Talks Parables”
w/ Emily Trotter.
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.

“The Celebration of Discipline”
w/ Tommy Bridges 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 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 – July 5, 2021

I’m American. I love living in the United States where freedom is welcomed and celebrated. I’m humbled by the road of freedom that has been paved for me. Yesterday, the U.S. celebrated the Fourth of July—one of my favorite holidays. As I reflected upon the many freedoms I’ve inherited, I also thought about the freedoms one has with God.

Here are a few:

1. Freedom from Guilt (Romans 8:1)
2. Freedom from Shame (Romans 10:11)
3. Freedom from Fear (2 Timothy 1:10)
4. Freedom from Bondage of Sin (Romans 6:14)
5. Freedom to Approach God (Hebrews 10:19)
6. Freedom to Pray (Philippians 4:6)
7. Freedom of Salvation over Death (John 14:2,3)

I’m sure you can think of some additional freedoms. What did I miss? As you make your list, I hope you will reflect on God’s goodness and cry out in gratitude.

 

This Week’s Readings:

  • Monday – Revelation 3
  • Tuesday – Revelation 4
  • Wednesday – Revelation 5
  • Thursday – Revelation 6
  • Friday – Revelation 7
Please Pray for:
 
  • Families in crisis.
  • Loved ones battling illness.
  • Those seeking to find their way.
  • The St. Paul Church family.
  • The United Methodist Church.
  • 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: July 3 – July 10, 2021

CONNECTING THROUGH WORSHIP & PRAYER

Sunday, July 4 | Traditional Services (Both In-Person):
8:30AM // ILLGES CHAPEL (M250)
11AM // SANCTUARY (M260) and LIVE STREAMED
Sermon: “Memorable Moments Series: The Hiding Place of Jesus”
(Rev. Dr. Buddy Cooper, Jr.)

Sunday, July 4 | Contemporary Service (In Person):
11AM // FELLOWSHIP HALL (M220)
Sermon: “The Wall of Underestimating”
(Rev. John Fugh, Jr. )

Sunday, July 4 | 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, July 4 | 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, July 4 | Children’s Sunday School (All Ages)
@10AM / Youth Building & Main Church Building
Contact Grace Bailey for more information about class locations, teachers, etc.

Sunday, July 4 | Children’s Sermon
w/ Grace Bailey and Caroline Green @ 11AM Traditional Worship Service in the Sanctuary

CONNECTING THROUGH SMALL GROUPS

Sunday, July 4 | Seekers Class – Not Meeting this Sunday

Sunday, July 4 | Bridges Class (M235)
w/ Mark Ellis @10AM. Contact Mark for more information.

Sunday, July 4 | Wildwood Class (M150)
w/ Evelyn Barfield @9:45AM. Contact Evelyn for more information.

Sunday, July 4 | Welcome In Class (Y104)
w/ Buddy Cooper @10AM. Contact Buddy for more information.

Sunday, July 4 | New Covenant Class (Y101)
w/ Michelle Hudson @10AM. Contact Michelle for more information.

Sunday, July 4 | Library Class (Y202)
w/ Tim Farmer @10AM. Contact Tim for more information.

Sunday, July 4 | Wesley-Miller-Wilson Class (M232)
w/ Joe Morrow @10AM. Contact Joe for more information.

CONNECTING THROUGH BIBLE STUDIES

Summer Brown Bag Bible Study Coming Soon!!!
Starting next Tuesday, July 13th, come join Shane and John as they lead us in a study on the book of Jonah. What a perfect summer topic – ships, whales, and more! Bring your own lunch for this 5-week study, on Tuesdays from 12:00 noon – 1:00 PM, in room M232.
No reservations needed. All are welcome!

CONNECTING THROUGH BIBLE STUDIES ON DEMAND

“The Work of the Holy Spirit”
w/ Emily Trotter and Rev. John Fugh, Jr.
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.

“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 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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