In my home, there is a silver tray that sits near the kitchen sink. It is a beautiful serving tray that has the single purpose of being used as the collection place for junk. On any given day, one could find letters, bills, cards, invitations, pens, paperclips, keys, and anything else that comes to mind. It is the perfect place for those things no one wants to address. One would think that when we have friends over for dinner, that it would be the perfect opportunity to clean the clutter off of the silver tray. As we clean and straighten up the house for guests, it would make sense that the tray would be a part of that process. Nothing could be further from the truth! We simply pick the tray up and move it to the laundry room, because that is the perfect hiding place. When friends leave, we bring it back out to collect more junk.
I wonder how often we give the appearance of our spiritual house being clean. Instead of doing what needs to be done, we just move it to a place that we think no one will be able to see or discover. We pose, posture, and hide. “If I fake it long enough, maybe no one will know,” is our mantra. Perhaps the Psalmist believed this only to discover there was nowhere he/she could go that God wasn’t (Psalm 139). If God knows, then what is needed is not hiding or pretending but “a cleansing.” 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
This week, tackle the silver tray in your life. God is gracious and merciful. Allow him to clean from the inside out.
This Week’s Readings:
Monday – Hebrews 7
Tuesday – Hebrews 8
Wednesday – Hebrews 9
Thursday – Hebrews 10
Friday – Hebrews 11
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
Sunday, April 25 | Traditional Service (In Person): 8:30AM // SANCTUARY (M260) – LIVE STREAMED 11AM // SANCTUARY (M260) – LIVE STREAMED Sermon: “Repeated Again and Again” (Rev. John Fugh, Jr.)
Sunday, April 25 | Contemporary Service (In Person): 11AM // FELLOWSHIP HALL (M220) Sermon: “Wait, What?” (Confronting Fears) (Rev. Dr. Shane Green)
Sunday, April 25 | Live Streaming Worship at 8:30 AM and 11 AM live.spumccolumbus.com or call (205) 825-9484
CONNECTING OUR YOUTH
Sunday, April 25 | SPY Sunday School w/ Laura Marvets & Logan Ogletree @10AM / Lounge downstairs in the Youth Building.
Sunday, April 25 | SPY Bible Study & Fellowship w/ Laura Marvets & Logan Ogletree @6PM / Lounge downstairs in the Youth Building.
Sunday. April 25 | UNITY Night w/ Laura Marvets, Logan Ogletree & Leadership @5:30PM – 7:30PM / 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, April 25 | 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, April 25 | Seekers Class (M234) w/ Mary Lou Jarrell @10AM. Contact Mary Lou for more information.
Sunday, April 25 | Bridges Class (M235) w/ Mark Ellis @10AM. Contact Mark for more information.
Sunday, April 25 | Wildwood Class (M232) w/ Evelyn Barfield @9:45AM. Contact Evelyn for more information.
Sunday, April 25 | Welcome In Class (Y104) w/ Buddy Cooper @10AM. Contact Buddy for more information.
Sunday, April 25 | New Covenant Class (Y101) w/ Michelle Hudson @10AM. Contact Michelle for more information.
Sunday, April 25 | Library Class (Y202) w/ Tim Farmer @10AM. Contact Tim for more information.
CONNECTINGTHROUGH BIBLE STUDIES
Tuesday, April 27 | 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, April 27 | 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, April 27 | 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, April 29 | Preschool Moms’ Bible Study w/ Grace Bailey @9:30AM in room M234.
Friday, April 30 | 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, April 28 | 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: Chicken Piccata, green beans, salad, rolls, and 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.
In my house, there are three dogs: Scout, Chloe, and Cooper. Scout is the oldest and has reached the age where his body is starting to deteriorate. His vision and hearing are not what they used to be. He is constantly anxious, and I’ve often wondered if he has the beginning of dementia. It is difficult to watch because he has been my sofa-buddy for a long time. Yet, I’ve also noticed that most of his anxiety is relieved if he can just be beside me or on my lap.
When I think about Scout’s condition, I think about the power of presence. Whenever there is a situation that is fueled by anxiety, many people don’t know what to do. We want to be helpful but think we are unqualified and don’t know what to say. Truthfully, words aren’t needed. The ministry of presence is enough. If words must be spoken, “I love you,” “I’m praying for you,” “I’m here,” are sufficient. Most people won’t remember the words spoken, but they will remember your presence.
If you have a friend or loved one who is in the middle of a difficult situation and you want to be helpful, just be present. Resist the temptation to try to explain it away. Just show up with loving arms and allow your presence to minister. It is more powerful than people think.
This Week’s Readings:
Monday – Hebrews 2
Tuesday – Hebrews 3
Wednesday – Hebrews 4
Thursday – Hebrews 5
Friday – Hebrews 6
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
Sunday, April 18 | Traditional Service (In Person): 8:30AM // SANCTUARY (M260) 11AM // SANCTUARY (M260) – LIVE STREAMED Sermon: “Over the Chaos” (Rev. John Fugh, Jr.)
Sunday, April 18| Contemporary Service (In Person): 11AM // FELLOWSHIP HALL (M220) Sermon: “Wait, What?” (Truth & Freedom) (Rev. Dr. Shane Green)
Sunday, April 18 | Live Streaming Worship at 8:30 AM and 11 AM live.spumccolumbus.com or call (205) 825-9484
Join us online if you cannot be here in person!
CONNECTING OUR YOUTH
Sunday, April 18| SPY Sunday School w/ Laura Marvets & Logan Ogletree @10AM / Lounge downstairs in the Youth Building.
Sunday, April 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, April 18 | 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, April 18 | Seekers Class (M234) w/ Mary Lou Jarrell @10AM. Contact Mary Lou for more information.
Sunday, April 18 | Bridges Class (M235) w/ Mark Ellis @10AM. Contact Mark for more information.
Sunday, April 18 | Wildwood Class (M232) w/ Evelyn Barfield @9:45AM. Contact Evelyn for more information.
Sunday, April 18 | Welcome In Class (Y104) w/ Buddy Cooper @10AM. Contact Buddy for more information.
Sunday, April 18 | New Covenant Class (Y101) w/ Michelle Hudson @10AM. Contact Michelle for more information.
Sunday, April 18 | Library Class (Y202) w/ Tim Farmer @10AM. Contact Tim for more information.
CONNECTINGTHROUGH BIBLE STUDIES
Tuesday, April 20 | 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, April 20 | 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, April 20 | 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, April 22 | Preschool Moms’ Bible Study w/ Grace Bailey @9:30AM in room M234.
Friday, April 23 | 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, April 21 | 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: Country Captain, rice, broccoli, dinner rolls, and cookies.
CONNECTING THROUGH OUTREACH/MISSIONS
Sunday, April 18 | American Red Cross Blood Drive 8:00AM – 12:30PM, in the Youth Building, upper level room Y210.
CONNECTING THROUGH GIVING
It is your generosity that allows us to do what we do. Every bit helps, so thank you so much for contributing to the ministries of St. Paul UMC. In order for you to make your online donation, click here.
Lately, I’ve welcomed the rain. Actually, something amazing happened when it rained, my “pollen colored” car was transformed back into its original navy blue. At the same time, after the midday shower, I went outside to feel the cooler temperature. The air was different. I could actually take a deep breath without the worry of congestion. Everything looked clean and fresh; however, about an hour later, my wife pulled out of our driveway and there was this greenish-yellow stained box in our driveway where her car had been parked. It was like the pollen residue resisted the rain. The flowers and shrubs looked alive and new. Everything looked new but that ugly residue.
As I’ve thought of this scene, I can’t help but draw some theological similarities. Similar to pollen, sin has the potential to cover everything. I once heard a definition for sin as something that has a good origin but becomes perverted or taken to the extreme so that it produces destruction. For instance, pride is rooted in self-love, a good thing, but when taken to the extreme, one overinflates at the expense of others. It then becomes unhealthy self-love.
Pollen, which is helpful to the plant kingdom, can cause havoc with people; however, when cleansed by the rain, can be restorative. One of the symbols for the Holy Spirit is water and often the image of rain is used to describe God’s forgiveness of sin. But just as there can be a pollen residue, there is often a sin residue left in a person’s life. The good news is that God’s forgiveness and the Holy Spirit continually work to bring about purity.
This week remember the work of God in your life. Trust in the cleansing power of the Holy Spirit and the promise that it is a continual work.
This Week’s Readings:
Monday – Titus 2
Tuesday – Titus 3
Wednesday – Jude 1 – 25
Thursday – Philemon 1 – 25
Friday – Hebrews 1
Please Pray for:
Our minister – Shane, John, and Buddy; our staff, our members, and their 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
Sunday, April 11 | Traditional Service (In Person): 8:30AM // SANCTUARY (M260) 11AM // SANCTUARY (M260) – LIVE STREAMED Sermon: “Having Loved, He Loved” (Rev. John Fugh, Jr.)
Sunday, April 11| Contemporary Service (In Person): 11AM // FELLOWSHIP HALL (M220) Sermon: “Wait, What?” (Rev. Dr. Shane Green)
Sunday, April 11| SPY Sunday School w/ Laura Marvets & Logan Ogletree @10AM / Lounge downstairs in the Youth Building.
Sunday, April 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, April 11 | 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, April 11 | Seekers Class (M234) w/ Mary Lou Jarrell @10AM. Contact Mary Lou for more information.
Sunday, April 11 | Bridges Class (M235) w/ Mark Ellis @10AM. Contact Mark for more information.
Sunday, April 11 | Wildwood Class (M232) w/ Evelyn Barfield @9:45AM. Contact Evelyn for more information.
Sunday, April 11 | Welcome In Class (Y104) w/ Buddy Cooper @10AM. Contact Buddy for more information.
Sunday, April 11 | New Covenant Class (Y101) w/ Michelle Hudson @10AM. Contact Michelle for more information.
Sunday, April 11 | Library Class (Y202) w/ Tim Farmer @10AM. Contact Tim for more information.
CONNECTINGTHROUGH BIBLE STUDIES
Tuesday, April 13 | 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, April 13 | 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, April 13 | 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, April 15 | Preschool Moms’ Bible Study w/ Grace Bailey @9:30AM in room M234.
Friday, April 16 | 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, April 14 | 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: Pork chops w/gravy, rice, tomato casserole, field peas, cornbread, and cake.
CONNECTING THROUGH GIVING
It is your generosity that allows us to do what we do. Every bit helps, so thank you so much for contributing to the ministries of St. Paul UMC. In order for you to make your online donation, click here.
