Author: Cindy Lee

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First Steps – June 28, 2021

You have a choice. You can be evil or good. Both are possible for you. If you decide to curse God, brew poison, and kill another person, you can do it. If you want to live for God, control your emotions, and be a valuable member of the community, that can be yours as well. The capacity for either extreme is in you.

Young men and women work as servants in a great mansion. They are surrounded by valuable things made of gold and silver. The natural desire of these poorer servants is to have such things for themselves. Sometimes they steal, but ordinarily, they keep themselves in check. Because of fear of the consequences, they resist strong impulses to do the wrong thing.

An awareness of God is an even greater help in making better choices. It is entirely possible to keep God’s commandments. They are not beyond you. Other animals have little choice. Their behavior is fixed. Snakes bite. The wolf is ordinarily a hunter. All wolves are like this. Lambs and doves are harmless and do not engage in deception. It is different with people. One individual might be like a wolf—a predator. Another, lamblike, and victimized. Both belong to the same race of humans.

You will hear of a [person] who is unfaithful to [his/her] spouse. You will hear of another who is devoted. One person steals. Another person, touched by the love of God, gives generously to help others. Our human nature is pulled in two directions with more or less equal force. Whether it is for evil or good, our actions are made with our consent. Neither choice is forced on us. (4th Century Monk—Unknown).

An awareness of God is an even greater help in making better choices; therefore, cultivate an awareness of God in all things. Look for the ways God is working in you and in the world. Pray each morning for a sensitivity to God’s Spirit for the day. I like what the prophet Jeremiah said about God, “Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:12, 13).

 

This Week’s Readings:

  • Monday – 1 John 5
  • Tuesday – 2 John 1
  • Wednesday – 3 John 1
  • Thursday – Revelation 1
  • Friday – Revelation 2
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: June 26 – July 3 , 2021

CONNECTING THROUGH WORSHIP & PRAYER

Sunday, June 27 | Traditional Services (Both In-Person):
8:30AM // ILLGES CHAPEL (M250)
11AM // SANCTUARY (M260) – LIVE STREAMED
Sermon: “Memorable Moments Series: Jesus Takes Jerusalem”
(Rev. Dr. Buddy Cooper, Jr.)

Sunday, June 27 | Contemporary Service (In Person):
11AM // FELLOWSHIP HALL (M220)
Sermon: “Our Response to the Cross: Gratitude”
(Rev. John Fugh, Jr. )

Sunday, June 27 | 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, June 27 | SPY Sunday School
w/ Laura Marvets & Logan Ogletree
@10AM / Lounge downstairs in the Youth Building.

Sunday, June 27 | SPY Evening Studies and Activities w/ Snack Supper
w/ Laura Marvets & Logan Ogletree
@6:00PM//Downstairs Lounge 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, June 27 | Children’s Sunday School (All Ages)
@10AM / Youth Building & Main Church Building
Contact Grace Bailey for more information about class locations, teachers, etc.

Sunday, June 27 | Children’s Sermon
w/ Grace Bailey and Caroline Green @ 11AM Traditional Worship Service in the Sanctuary

CONNECTING THROUGH SMALL GROUPS

Sunday, June 27 | Seekers Class (M234)
w/ Mary Lou Jarrell @10AM. Contact Mary Lou for more information.

Sunday, June 27 | Bridges Class (M235)
w/ Mark Ellis @10AM. Contact Mark for more information.

Sunday, June 27 | Wildwood Class (M150)
w/ Evelyn Barfield @9:45AM. Contact Evelyn for more information.

Sunday, June 27 | Welcome In Class (Y104)
w/ Buddy Cooper @10AM. Contact Buddy for more information.

Sunday, June 27 New Covenant Class (Y101)
w/ Michelle Hudson @10AM. Contact Michelle for more information.

Sunday, June 27 | Library Class (Y202)
w/ Tim Farmer @10AM. Contact Tim for more information.

Sunday, June 27 | 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 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.

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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First Steps – June 21, 2021

“Don’t meddle in the business of others.  Don’t be an eavesdropper, attempting to overhear what is being said or done in your neighbor’s house.  Wide ears and long tongues come together.  Those who love to hear everything that may be told (to them) also love to blab it out.  

    “When everyone is busy looking into the affairs of others, trouble is near.  Busybodies will forever find fault with their neighbors, their families, with the government, and with the church.  They are an unquiet kind of people.  They are forever looking for something they can dislike.  They are never content.

    “From such people come private whispering, slander, backbiting, mutiny, conspiracy, treason, and the utter decay of society.”

The Bishop of Salisbury wrote this in the 16th Century.  Evidently, it was a problem for many during his day; likewise, it is a problem today.  The phrase “unquiet kind of people” is revealing.  One of the effects of the work of the Holy Spirit is to quiet the heart.  Inward fulfillment—a healthy love of God, self, and others—is the work of God through faith.  If one is whole on the inside, there is not a need to find something on the outside to bring fulfillment.  Therefore, seek the Holy Spirit, allow God to transform from the inside out.   

 

This Week’s Readings:

  • Monday – John 21
  • Tuesday – 1 John 1
  • Wednesday – 1 John 2
  • Thursday – 1 John 3
  • Friday – 1 John 4
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 

Posted on

Connect: June 19 – 26, 2021

CONNECTING THROUGH WORSHIP & PRAYER

Sunday, June 20 | Traditional Services (Both In-Person):
8:30AM // ILLGES CHAPEL (M250)
11AM // SANCTUARY (M260) – LIVE STREAMED
Sermon: “Wait. What? (Fears and Old Patterns)
(Rev. Dr. Shane Green)

Sunday, June 20 | Contemporary Service (In Person):
11AM // FELLOWSHIP HALL (M220)
Sermon: “Our Response to the Cross: Trust”
(Rev. John Fugh, Jr. )

Sunday, June 20 | Live Streaming Worship & Audio
Only available for the 11 AM Traditional Worship Services
live.spumccolumbus.com or call (205) 825-9484

CONNECTING OUR YOUTH

Sunday, June 20 | 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, June 20 | Children’s Sunday School (All Ages)
@10AM / Youth Building & Main Church Building
Contact Grace Bailey for more information about class locations, teachers, etc.

Sunday, June 20 | Children’s Sermon
w/ Grace Bailey and Caroline Green @ 11AM Traditional Worship Service in the Sanctuary

CONNECTING THROUGH SMALL GROUPS

Sunday, June 20 | Seekers Class (M234)
w/ Mary Lou Jarrell @10AM. Contact Mary Lou for more information.

Sunday, June 20 | Bridges Class (M235)
w/ Mark Ellis @10AM. Contact Mark for more information.

Sunday, June 20 | Wildwood Class (M150)
w/ Evelyn Barfield @9:45AM. Contact Evelyn for more information.

Sunday, June 20 | Welcome In Class (Y104)
w/ Buddy Cooper @10AM. Contact Buddy for more information.

Sunday, June 20 New Covenant Class (Y101)
w/ Michelle Hudson @10AM. Contact Michelle for more information.

Sunday, June 20 | Library Class (Y202)
w/ Tim Farmer @10AM. Contact Tim for more information.

Sunday, June 20 | 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 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 4 – 5 week study, from 12:00 noon – 1:00 PM, in room M232.
No reservations needed.

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.

Posted on

First Steps – June 14, 2021

 

“A vine planted among olive trees produces oily grapes with a tainted taste. In the same way, a soul that is often a companion with virtuous people will absorb their good qualities” (Francis de Sales).

I have often thought of this quote because we have a tendency to adopt many of the behaviors and characteristics of the people closest to us. Obviously, in this case, we hope for those closest to us to have holy and righteous qualities. Unfortunately, some of what we require (for self-growth) is not; therefore, the premium is on who we associate with and draw into our inner circles.

Now some would argue that as followers of Christ our mission is dedicated to those on the outside of God’s Kingdom, and that would be true. This raises the question of engagement—How does one engage a world that doesn’t reflect God’s image and not acquire its traits? The key lies in maintaining an inner self that is dependent upon God’s Spirit. If the inward nature of a person is continually formed by God’s Spirit, then there will be no room to absorb additional qualities from others that are around. Something can’t be absorbed if there is no room for it. A soaked sponge can’t ingest additional water. If one is whole, there is no need for acquisitions.

I think The Apostle Paul said it best, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:1-2).

 

This Week’s Readings:

  • Monday – John 16
  • Tuesday – John 17
  • Wednesday – John 18
  • Thursday – John 19
  • Friday – John 20
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 

Posted on

Connect: June 12 – 19, 2021

CONNECTING THROUGH WORSHIP & PRAYER

Sunday, June 13 | Traditional Services (Both In-Person):
8:30AM // SANCTUARY (M260) – LIVE STREAMED
11AM // SANCTUARY (M260) – LIVE STREAMED
Sermon: “Wait. What? (Truth and Freedom)
(Rev. Dr. Shane Green)

Sunday, June 13 | Contemporary Service (In Person):
11AM // FELLOWSHIP HALL (M220)
Sermon: “Our Response to the Cross: Decide”
(Rev. John Fugh, Jr. )

Sunday, June 13 | Live Streaming Worship & Audio
at 8:30 AM and 11 AM Traditional Worship Services
live.spumccolumbus.com or call (205) 825-9484

CONNECTING OUR YOUTH

Sunday, June 13 | SPY Sunday School
w/ Laura Marvets & Logan Ogletree
@10AM / Lounge downstairs in the Youth Building.

Sunday, June 13 | 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, June 13 | Children’s Sunday School (All Ages)
@10AM / Youth Building & Main Church Building
Contact Grace Bailey for more information about class locations, teachers, etc.

Sunday, June 13 | Children’s Sermon
w/ Grace Bailey and Caroline Green @ 11AM Traditional Worship Service in the Sanctuary

CONNECTING THROUGH SMALL GROUPS

Sunday, June 13 | Seekers Class (M234)
w/ Mary Lou Jarrell @10AM. Contact Mary Lou for more information.

Sunday, June 13 | Bridges Class (M235)
w/ Mark Ellis @10AM. Contact Mark for more information.

Sunday, June 13 | Wildwood Class (M150)
w/ Evelyn Barfield @9:45AM. Contact Evelyn for more information.

Sunday, June 13 | Welcome In Class (Y104)
w/ Buddy Cooper @10AM. Contact Buddy for more information.

Sunday, June 13 New Covenant Class (Y101)
w/ Michelle Hudson @10AM. Contact Michelle for more information.

Sunday, June 13 | Library Class (Y202)
w/ Tim Farmer @10AM. Contact Tim for more information.

Sunday, June 13 | 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 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 4 – 5 week study, from 12:00 noon – 1:00 PM, in room M232.
No reservations needed.

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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