Author: Cindy Lee

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First Steps – May 17, 2021

 

Recently, I read an article about how the names are listed on the 9/11 Memorial in New York.  Instead of listing the names by date-of-birth or in alphabetical order, they are listed by meaningful adjacencies.  Basically, the names are listed by their connection to each other.  For instance, firefighters are listed with other firefighters, first responders with other first responders, and people who worked together in an office are listed next to their co-workers.

Though a break from tradition, listing the names in a relational way is more therapeutic. I would argue that it gives a more accurate portrayal of the deceased. People define themselves through their connections. It could be family, friends, co-workers, or anything that is relational. People define themselves through their relational connections.

Naturally, as I read this article, I thought of baptism.  This sacrament reminds us of our connection to each other through the bonds of Christ.  We choose to love each other.  We intentionally connect to each other in faith.  This meaningful faith adjacency helps determine who we are and what we do.  

I hope today you will spend time reflecting on the connections you have in your life.  I hope you will give thanks for each one of them and how God has used them to help mold you into the person you are today.  

 

This Week’s Readings:

  • Monday – 1 Peter 4
  • Tuesday – 1 Peter 5
  • Wednesday – 2 Peter 1
  • Thursday – 2 Peter 2
  • Friday – 2 Peter 3
Please Pray for:
  • Our Ministers – Shane, John, and Buddy, our staff, and our members and families.
  • The High School Graduates in the Class of 2021
  • The eradication of Covid – 19.
  • Families in crisis.
  • Loved ones battling illness.
  • Those seeking to find their way.
  • 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: May 15 – May 22, 2021

CONNECTING THROUGH WORSHIP & PRAYER

Sunday, May 16 | Traditional Services (Both In-Person):
8:30AM // SANCTUARY (M260) – LIVE STREAMED
11AM // SANCTUARY (M260) – LIVE STREAMED
Sermon: “Directional Words” 
(Rev. Dr. Shane Green)

Sunday, May 16 | Contemporary Service (In Person):
11AM // FELLOWSHIP HALL (M220)
Sermon: “What Are You Still Doing Here?”
(Rev. John Fugh, Jr.)

Sunday, May 16 | Live Streaming Worship
at 8:30 AM and 11 AM
live.spumccolumbus.com or call (205) 825-9484

CONNECTING OUR YOUTH

Sunday, May 16 | SPY Sunday School
w/ Laura Marvets & Logan Ogletree
@10AM / Lounge downstairs in the Youth Building.

Sunday, May 16 | SPY Senior Celebration/Unity Night
@6:00PM in the Big Room of the SPY House/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, May 16 | Children’s Sunday School (All Ages)
@10AM / Youth Building & Main Church Building
Contact Grace Bailey for more information about class locations, teachers, etc.

Sunday, May 16 | Children’s Sermon
w/ Grace Bailey and Caroline Green @ 11AM Traditional Worship Service in the Sanctuary

CONNECTING THROUGH SMALL GROUPS

Sunday, May 16 | Seekers Class (M234)
w/ Mary Lou Jarrell @10AM. Contact Mary Lou for more information.

Sunday, May 16 | Bridges Class (M235)
w/ Mark Ellis @10AM. Contact Mark for more information.

Sunday, May 16 | Wildwood Class (M150)
w/ Evelyn Barfield @9:45AM. Contact Evelyn for more information.

Sunday, May 16 | Welcome In Class (Y104)
w/ Buddy Cooper @10AM. Contact Buddy for more information.

Sunday, May 16 | New Covenant Class (Y101)
w/ Michelle Hudson @10AM. Contact Michelle for more information.

Sunday, May 16 | Library Class (Y202)
w/ Tim Farmer @10AM. Contact Tim for more information.

Sunday, May 16 | Wesley-Miller-Wilson Class (M232)
w/ Joe Morrow @10AM. Contact Joe for more information.

CONNECTING THROUGH BIBLE STUDIES

Tuesday, May 18 | Tuesday Morning Bible Study (Fellowship Hall and on the )
The Book of Ephesians | 1st & 2nd Thessalonians
w/ Rev. Dr. P. Shane Green @10AM – 11:30AM
In-person (Fellowship Hall/M220) & on St. Paul Website.

Tuesday, May 18 | Grace’s Bible Study
Magrey R. deVega’s “Embracing The Uncertain”
w/ Grace Bailey @11AM – 12:15PM in room M232
Register in-person attendance by email to Grace Bailey.

Tuesday, May 18 | Spring Harbor Bible Study
The Book of Joshua
w/ Rev. John Fugh @4PM at Spring Harbor at Green Island.
Contact John for more information.

Thursday, May 20 | Preschool Moms’ Bible Study
w/ Grace Bailey @9:30AM in room M234.

Friday, May 21 | Men’s Morning Bible Study
The Gospel of John
w/ Rev. Dr. Buddy Cooper @6:30AM in M220 (Fellowship Hall).
Contact Buddy for more information.

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 FAMILY FELLOWSHIP

Sunday, May 16 | Family Fun Day
@4:30 pm on the Quad. The price is $8 per box.

Come join in the Family Fun to serve missions! There will be lots of activities, inflatables, yummy food, and fellowship – all in our beautiful Quad. If you can’t stay for the fun, please consider driving through and picking yours up “to go”. All proceeds will be split between Ukraine Missions and the local Methodist Children’s Homes. Bring your lawn chairs and your family (and your neighbors and friends) to put some fun in fundraiser!
Menu for this Sunday: BBQ chicken smoked on the grill, slaw, mac & cheese, and assorted desserts.


Wednesday, May 19 | Family Night Supper Take Out Style
5:30PM – 6:30PM, Drive-thru in the Wildwood Avenue Circle Drive.

Don’t forget that on Wednesdays, you can enjoy your takeout supper at home or have a “Picnic on the Quad,” when the weather permits. If your family plans to dine on the Quad, be sure to make your supper reservations as usual. You can still pay for and pick up your meals in the circle, then park to enjoy dining and fellowship in your lawn chairs or at the tables set up in the Quad. Or if you prefer to park first then walk to pick up your meals, that’s absolutely fine.

***Reservations required by 5:00PM on Mondays and can be placed by calling the Church Office (706)327-7419 or simply send an email to Kathy Hollon. The price is $8 per box (same box for adults and children) with a max of $25 per family.
Menu for this Wednesday: Lasagna, squash & zucchini, garlic bread, salad, and sugar cookies.

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 – May 10, 2021

 

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of officiating my nephew’s wedding. His aunt and I were married when he was 3 years old.  I have had the pleasure of watching him grow into a fine, hardworking man. He married a beautiful young lady and I’m excited to see their life together grow. Nonetheless, the venue for the wedding ceremony was picturesque. Planned as an outdoor wedding in a giant pasture with manicured grass, white seats, and a perfectly decorated arbor. Everything was stunning. However, two minutes before the ceremony was to start, the bottom fell out. Not just a little spring shower but a deluge. Noah would have approved. Then the wind started blowing the rain sideways, and to top it off, hail the size of quarters started to fall.  It would have been comical had it not been the culmination of months of planning and every day before this day was perfection. Eventually, everyone moved to Plan B – a service under a pavilion.  On one level, under the pavilion seemed better because it was a smaller setting which created more intimacy in the service. As you can imagine, thirty minutes after the service the sun broke through the clouds and the reception was an unspoiled celebration of the couple’s love for each other.   

What was interesting to me was as soon as the ceremony was over, the weather wasn’t mentioned again.  No one cared because everyone was there to celebrate the couple. Granted it was tense and anxious before the ceremony, but afterward, it was a passing thought.  The couple was married and people were happy.  

Often, we are enslaved by things we can’t control.  Sure, we plan but life is not controllable. The promise of God is not that life will be controlled but that regardless of what comes, he will guide us through to the other side.  I like how Jesus closed his greatest sermon, The Sermon on the Mount: “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise person who built a house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish person who built a house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law. (Matthew 7:24-29).

Faith is not the ability to control the uncontrollable but the assurance that one will guide through any and all circumstances. You will face storms in life, many will come without warning. The remedy is found in trusting in the one who holds you in the palm of his hands.  

This Week’s Readings:
  • Monday – James 4
  • Tuesday – James 5
  • Wednesday –  1 Peter 1
  • Thursday – 1 Peter 2
  • Friday – 1 Peter 3
Please Pray for:
  • Our Ministers – Shane, John, and Buddy, our staff, and our members and families.
  • The eradication of Covid – 19.
  • Families in crisis.
  • Loved ones battling illness.
  • Those seeking to find their way.
  • 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: May 8 – May 15, 2021

CONNECTING THROUGH WORSHIP & PRAYER

Sunday, May 9 | Traditional Service (In Person):
8:30AM // SANCTUARY (M260) – LIVE STREAMED
11AM // SANCTUARY (M260) – LIVE STREAMED
Sermon: “Wisdom’s Advice” 
(Rev. Dr. Shane Green)

Sunday, May 9 | Contemporary Service (In Person):
11AM // FELLOWSHIP HALL (M220)
Sermon: “Make Room for God”
(Rev. John Fugh, Jr.)

Sunday, May 9 | Live Streaming Worship
at 8:30 AM and 11 AM
live.spumccolumbus.com or call (205) 825-9484

CONNECTING OUR YOUTH

Sunday, May 9 | 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, May 9 | Children’s Sunday School (All Ages)
@10AM / Youth Building & Main Church Building
Contact Sally Key Bowden for more information about class locations, teachers, etc.

Sunday, May 9 | Children’s Sermon
w/ Sally Key Bowden @ 11AM Traditional Worship Service in the Sanctuary

CONNECTING THROUGH SMALL GROUPS

Sunday, May 9 | Seekers Class (M234)
w/ Mary Lou Jarrell @10AM. Contact Mary Lou for more information.

Sunday, May 9 | Bridges Class (M235)
w/ Mark Ellis @10AM. Contact Mark for more information.

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

Sunday, May 9 | Welcome In Class (Y104)
w/ Buddy Cooper @10AM. Contact Buddy for more information.

Sunday, May 9 | New Covenant Class (Y101)
w/ Michelle Hudson @10AM. Contact Michelle for more information.

Sunday, May 9 | Library Class (Y202)
w/ Tim Farmer @10AM. Contact Tim for more information.

CONNECTING THROUGH BIBLE STUDIES

Tuesday, May 11 | Tuesday Morning Bible Study (Hybrid)
The Book of Ephesians | 1st & 2nd Thessalonians
w/ Rev. Dr. P. Shane Green @10AM – 11:30AM
In-person (Fellowship Hall/M220) & on St. Paul Website.

Tuesday, May 11 | Grace’s Bible Study
Magrey R. deVega’s “Embracing The Uncertain”
w/ Grace Bailey @11AM – 12:15PM in room M232
Register in-person attendance by email to Grace Bailey.

Tuesday, May 11 | Spring Harbor Bible Study
The Book of Joshua
w/ Rev. John Fugh @4PM at Spring Harbor at Green Island.
Contact John for more information.

Thursday, May 13 | Preschool Moms’ Bible Study
w/ Grace Bailey @9:30AM in room M234.

Friday, May 14 | Men’s Morning Bible Study
The Gospel of John
w/ Rev. Dr. Buddy Cooper @6:30AM in M220 (Fellowship Hall).
Contact Buddy for more information.

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 FAMILY FELLOWSHIP

Wednesday, May 12 | Family Night Supper Take Out Style
5:30PM – 6:30PM, Drive-thru in the Wildwood Avenue Circle Drive.

Don’t forget that on Wednesdays, you can enjoy your takeout supper at home or have a “Picnic on the Quad,” when the weather permits. If your family plans to dine on the Quad, be sure to make your supper reservations as usual. You can still pay for and pick up your meals in the circle, then park to enjoy dining and fellowship in your lawn chairs or at the tables set up in the Quad. Or if you prefer to park first then walk to pick up your meals, that’s absolutely fine.

***Reservations required by 5:00PM on Mondays and can be placed by calling the Church Office (706)327-7419 or simply send an email to Kathy Hollon. The price is $8 per box (same box for adults and children) with a max of $25 per family.
Menu for this Wednesday: Fried chicken, collard greens, tomato casserole, cornbread, and assorted pies.

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 – May 3, 2021

 

The other day while cleaning out some folders, I found this piece from Living on the Ragged Edge by Chuck Swindoll.

“Are you enjoying life now, or have you put all that on hold? For most people, life has become a grim marathon of misery, an endurance test full of frowns, whines, groans, and sighs. And perhaps that explains why so many who were once close to them have a tendency to drift away. Can you think of anyone who would rather spend a lot of time with those who have stopped enjoying life? They’d probably rather invest their hours in a pet, an animal that can’t even talk, than in someone who resembles a depressing, dark rain cloud.

In his work Leaves of Grass, Walt Whitman confessed that was true of him:
I think I could turn and live with animals, they are so placid and self-contained.
I stand and look at them along and long.
They do not sweat or whine about their condition.
They do not lie awake in the dark and weep for their sins,
They do not make me sick discussing their duty to God,
Not one is dissatisfied, not one is demented with the mania of owning things,
Not one kneels to another, nor to his kind that lived thousands of years ago,
Not one is respectable or unhappy over the whole earth.

Maybe that explains the little bumper sticker, ‘Have you hugged your horse today?’ That used to make me smile; now I understand. Sometimes it’s easier to hug a horse than it is to stay close to another person. When you get next to a horse, it never says, ‘Man, have I had a rotten day!’ or ‘I’m depressed today.’ So, if we don’t want to drive others away with our groans and moans, we need to learn how to enjoy life.”

This Week’s Readings:
  • Monday – Hebrews 12
  • Tuesday – Hebrews 13
  • Wednesday –  James 1
  • Thursday – James 2
  • Friday – James 3
Please Pray for:
  • Our Ministers – Shane, John, and Buddy, our staff, and our members and families.
  • The eradication of Covid – 19.
  • Families in crisis.
  • Loved ones battling illness.
  • Those seeking to find their way.
  • 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: May 1 – May 8, 2021

CONNECTING THROUGH WORSHIP & PRAYER

Sunday, May 2 | Traditional Service (In Person):
8:30AM // SANCTUARY (M260) – LIVE STREAMED
11AM // SANCTUARY (M260) – LIVE STREAMED
Sermon: “What Does It Mean to Be a Christian?” 
(Rev. Dr. Shane Green)

Sunday, May 2 | Contemporary Service (In Person):
11AM // FELLOWSHIP HALL (M220)
Sermon: “Water In a Desert Place”
(Rev. John Fugh, Jr.)

Sunday, May 2 | Live Streaming Worship
at 8:30 AM and 11 AM
live.spumccolumbus.com or call (205) 825-9484

CONNECTING OUR YOUTH

Sunday, May 2 | SPY Sunday School
w/ Laura Marvets & Logan Ogletree
@10AM / Lounge downstairs in the Youth Building.

Sunday, May 2 | 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, May 2 | Children’s Sunday School (All Ages)
@10AM / Youth Building & Main Church Building
Contact Sally Key Bowden for more information about class locations, teachers, etc.

Sunday, May 2 | Children’s Sermon
w/ Sally Key Bowden @ 11AM / Online Worship Service.

CONNECTING THROUGH SMALL GROUPS

Sunday, May 2 | Seekers Class (M234)
w/ Mary Lou Jarrell @10AM. Contact Mary Lou for more information.

Sunday, May 2 | Bridges Class (M235)
w/ Mark Ellis @10AM. Contact Mark for more information.

Sunday, May 2 | Wildwood Class (M232)
w/ Evelyn Barfield @9:45AM. Contact Evelyn for more information.

Sunday, May 2 | Welcome In Class (Y104)
w/ Buddy Cooper @10AM. Contact Buddy for more information.

Sunday, May 2 | New Covenant Class (Y101)
w/ Michelle Hudson @10AM. Contact Michelle for more information.

Sunday, May 2 | Library Class (Y202)
w/ Tim Farmer @10AM. Contact Tim for more information.

CONNECTING THROUGH BIBLE STUDIES

Tuesday, May 4 | Tuesday Morning Bible Study (Hybrid)
The Book of Ephesians | 1st & 2nd Thessalonians
w/ Rev. Dr. P. Shane Green @10AM – 11:30AM
In-person (Fellowship Hall/M220) & on St. Paul Website.

Tuesday, May 4 | Grace’s Bible Study
Magrey R. deVega’s “Embracing The Uncertain”
w/ Grace Bailey @11AM – 12:15PM in room M232
Register in-person attendance by email to Grace Bailey.

Tuesday, May 4 | Spring Harbor Bible Study
The Book of Joshua
w/ Rev. John Fugh @4PM at Spring Harbor at Green Island.
Contact John for more information.

Thursday, May 6 | Preschool Moms’ Bible Study
w/ Grace Bailey @9:30AM in room M234.

Friday, May 7 | Men’s Morning Bible Study
The Gospel of John
w/ Rev. Dr. Buddy Cooper @6:30AM in M220 (Fellowship Hall).
Contact Buddy for more information.

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 FAMILY FELLOWSHIP

Wednesday, May 5 | Family Night Supper Take Out Style
5:30PM – 6:30PM, Drive-thru in the Wildwood Avenue Circle Drive.

Don’t forget that on Wednesdays, you can enjoy your takeout supper at home or have a “Picnic on the Quad,” when the weather permits. If your family plans to dine on the Quad, be sure to make your supper reservations as usual. You can still pay for and pick up your meals in the circle, then park to enjoy dining and fellowship in your lawn chairs or at the tables set up in the Quad. Or if you prefer to park first then walk to pick up your meals, that’s absolutely fine.

***Reservations required by 5:00PM on Mondays and can be placed by calling the Church Office (706)327-7419 or simply send an email to Kathy Hollon. The price is $8 per box (same box for adults and children) with a max of $25 per family.
Menu for this Wednesday: Cubed steak w/gravy, rice, steamed broccoli, carrots, dinner rolls, and brownies.

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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