Author: Cindy Lee

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Connect: January 16 – January 23, 2021

CONNECTING THROUGH WORSHIP & PRAYER

Sunday, January 17 | “Love and Truth in Balance
w/ Rev. Dr. P. Shane Green
LIVE In-Person Worship @11AM in the Sanctuary (M260).

Online Pre-Recorded Worship @ 9AM, 11AM, & 1PM
Click here to join our online worshiping community.

CONNECTING OUR YOUTH

Sunday, January 17 | SPY Sunday School
w/ Laura Marvets and 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, January 17 | 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, January 17 | Children’s Sermon
w/ Sally Key Bowden @9AM, 11AM, & 1PM / Online Worship Service.

Sunday, January 17 | Confirmation Class
w/ Sally Key Bowden, Tammy and Matthew Reynolds @5:30PM / Fellowship Hall (M220).

CONNECTING THROUGH SMALL GROUPS

Sunday, January 17 | Seekers Class (M234)
w/ Mary Lou Jarrell @10AM. Contact Mary Lou for more information.

Sunday, January 17 | Bridges Class (M235)
w/ Mark Ellis @10AM. Contact Mark for more information.

Sunday, January 17 | Wildwood Class (M220)
w/ Evelyn Barfield @9:45AM. Contact Evelyn for more information.

Sunday, January 17 | Welcome In Class (M232)
w/ Buddy Cooper @10AM. Contact Buddy for more information.

Sunday, January 17 | New Covenant Class (Y101)
w/ Michelle Hudson @10AM. Contact Michelle for more information.

CONNECTING THROUGH BIBLE STUDIES

Tuesday, January 19 | 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-Line on the St. Paul Website.

Tuesday, January 19 | Grace’s Bible Study
Adam Hamilton’s “The Call: The Life and Message of the Apostle Paul”
w/ Grace Bailey @11AM – 12:15PM in room M232
Register in-person attendance by email to Grace Bailey.

Tuesday, January 19 | Spring Harbor Bible Study
The Book of Joshua
w/ Rev. John Fugh @4PM at Spring Harbor at Green Island.
Contact John for more information.

Wednesday, January 20 | Zoom Bible Study (8 weeks)
The Book of Philippians
w/ Mary Lou Jarrell @Noon – 1PM via Zoom
Register attendance by email to Mary Lou Jarrell (to get the Zoom link)

Friday, January 22 | 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.

Friday, January 22| “The Work of the Holy Spirit” On-Demand Study
w/ Emily Trotter and Rev. John Fugh, Jr.
The study will be posted on the St. Paul Website.

Friday, January 22 | “Celebration of Discipline” On-Demand Study
w/ Tommy Bridges and Rev. John Fugh, Jr.
The study will be posted on the St. Paul Website.

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.

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First Steps – January 11, 2021

Jesus said, 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
5 “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matthew 5:2b-12).

Continue to focus on The Beatitudes. It is a call to be a certain type of person. A Kingdom Person that sees the world the way God sees it. Granted, this can be frightening because it is counter to how so many live. For instance:

* In a world where wealth equals success, blessed are the poor.
* In a world where pride and assertiveness are prized, blessed are the meek.
* In a world where not getting caught is the aim, blessed are the ones who strive for righteousness.
* In a world where ruthlessness gets promoted to the top, blessed are merciful.
* In a world where ripping people off, lying, promiscuity, betrayal are common, blessed are the pure in heart.
* In a world that thrives on violence and hostility, blessed are the peacemakers.
* In a world where the goal is to live pain-free, blessed are the persecuted.

The Beatitudes call one to look at the values of his/her culture and compare it to God’s culture. As followers of Christ, we seek God’s culture—His Kingdom. Granted, it is counter to the world, but it is worth it. “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33).

This Week’s Readings:
  • Monday – Matthew 13
  • Tuesday – Matthew 14
  • Wednesday – Matthew 15
  • Thursday – Matthew 16
  • Friday – Matthew 17
Please Pray for:
  • Families in crisis.
  • Loved ones battling illness.
  • Those seeking to find their way.
  • The St. Paul Church family and our ministries.
  • 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

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Connect: January 9 – January 16, 2021

CONNECTING THROUGH WORSHIP & PRAYER

Sunday, January 10 | “Expect Great Things”
w/ Rev. John Fugh, Jr.
LIVE In-Person Worship @11AM in the Sanctuary (M260).

Online Pre-Recorded Worship @ 9AM, 11AM, & 1PM
Click here to join our online worshiping community.

CONNECTING OUR YOUTH

Sunday, January 10 | SPY Sunday School
w/ Laura Marvets and 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, January 10 | 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, January 10 | Children’s Sermon
w/ Sally Key Bowden @9AM, 11AM, & 1PM / Online Worship Service.

Sunday, January 10 | Confirmation Class
w/ Sally Key Bowden, Tammy and Matthew Reynolds @5:30PM / Fellowship Hall (M220).

CONNECTING THROUGH SMALL GROUPS

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

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

Sunday, January 10 | Wildwood Class (M220)
w/ Evelyn Barfield @9:45AM. Contact Evelyn for more information.

Sunday, January 10 | Welcome In Class (M232)
w/ Buddy Cooper @10AM. Contact Buddy for more information.

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

CONNECTING THROUGH BIBLE STUDIES

Tuesday, January 12 | 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-Line on the St. Paul Website.

Tuesday, January 12 | Grace’s Bible Study
Adam Hamilton’s “The Call: The Life and Message of the Apostle Paul”
w/ Grace Bailey @11AM – 12:15PM in room M232
Register in-person attendance by email to Grace Bailey.

Tuesday, January 12 | Spring Harbor Bible Study
The Book of Joshua
w/ Rev. John Fugh @4PM at Spring Harbor at Green Island.
Contact John for more information.

Wednesday, January 13 | Zoom Bible Study (8 weeks)
The Book of Philippians
w/ Mary Lou Jarrell @Noon – 1PM via Zoom
Register attendance by email to Mary Lou Jarrell (to get the Zoom link)

Friday, January 15 | 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.

Friday, January 15| “The Work of the Holy Spirit” On-Demand Study
w/ Emily Trotter and Rev. John Fugh, Jr.
The study will be posted on the St. Paul Website.

Friday, January 15 | “Celebration of Discipline” On-Demand Study
w/ Tommy Bridges and Rev. John Fugh, Jr.
The study will be posted on the St. Paul Website.

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.

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First Steps – January 4, 2021

Jesus said, 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
5 “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matthew 5:2b-12).

Philip Yancey said, “If I fail to understand this teaching, I fail to understand him (Jesus). The above passage is commonly called The Beatitudes. What strikes me is that Jesus began his teaching with a focus on people, not a place, a program, or a practice. With God, it is always about a person. The Children of Israel were called to be a unique people. The promised land, a place to call home, was secondary. Furthermore, in Matthew’s Gospel, the Kingdom of Heaven describes a type of person, not a place. Followers of Christ are Kingdom People first and foremost because they see the world the way God sees it.

I hope this brings you comfort. Holiness is about being the person God desires you to be. It is both who you are and what you do. The order is important—inside first, then outside. Many will reverse the order thinking it is what they do first that leads to holiness. This leads to failure. The heart has to change first, then actions. This week , focus on The Beatitudes. Allow the Holy Spirit to bring change from the inside.

This Week’s Readings:
  • Monday – Matthew 8
  • Tuesday – Matthew 9
  • Wednesday – Matthew 10
  • Thursday – Matthew 11
  • Friday – Matthew 12
Please Pray for:
  • Families in crisis.
  • Loved ones battling illness.
  • Those seeking to find their way.
  • The St. Paul Church family and our ministries.
  • 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

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Connect: January 2 – January 9, 2021

CONNECTING THROUGH WORSHIP & PRAYER

Sunday, January 3 | “Ask Great Things”
w/ Rev. John Fugh, Jr.
LIVE In-Person Worship @11AM in the Sanctuary (M260).

Online Pre-Recorded Worship @ 9AM, 11AM, & 1PM
Click here to join our online worshiping community.

CONNECTING OUR YOUTH

Sunday, January 3 | SPY Sunday School
w/ Laura Marvets and Logan Ogletree @10AM / Lounge downstairs in the YB.

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, January 3 | Children’s Sunday School (All Ages)
@10AM / Youth Building & Church
Contact Sally Key Bowden for more information about class locations, teachers, etc.

Sunday, January 3 | “Children’s Sermon”
w/ Sally Key Bowden @9AM, 11AM, & 1PM / Online Worship Service.

CONNECTING THROUGH SMALL GROUPS

Sunday, January 3 | “Seekers Class” (M234)
w/ Mary Lou Jarrell @10AM. Contact Mary Lou for more information.

Sunday, January 3 | “Bridges Class” (M235)
w/ Mark Ellis @10AM. Contact Mark for more information.

Sunday, January 3 | “Wildwood Class” (M220)
w/ Evelyn Barfield @9:45AM. Contact Evelyn for more information.

Sunday, January 3 | “Welcome In Class” (M232)
w/ Buddy Cooper @10AM. Contact Buddy for more information.

Sunday, January 3 | “New Covenant Class” (Y101)
w/ Michelle Hudson @10AM. Contact Michelle for more information.

CONNECTING THROUGH BIBLE STUDIES

Tuesday, January 5 | Spring Harbor Bible Study
The Book of Joshua
w/ Rev. John Fugh @4PM at Spring Harbor at Green Island.
Contact John for more information.

Friday, January 8 | Men’s Morning Bible Study
The Book of Acts
w/ Rev. Dr. Buddy Cooper @6:30AM in M220 (Fellowship Hall).
Contact Buddy for more information.

Friday, January 8| “The Work of the Holy Spirit” On-Demand Study
w/ Emily Trotter and Rev. John Fugh, Jr.
The study will be posted on the St. Paul Website.

Friday, January 8 | “Celebration of Discipline” On-Demand Study
w/ Tommy Bridges and Rev. John Fugh, Jr.
The study will be posted on the St. Paul Website.

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.

Posted on

First Steps – December 28, 2020

I have always enjoyed the week between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Everything seems to slow down and people seem to enjoy a different pace. It is relaxing and peaceful. Perhaps it is the calm after the storm. Whatever it is, I like it.

I think there is a lesson to be learned with what many call Margin. Most of our lives are spent or lived on the edge. We schedule every minute of the day. We run to the point of exhaustion, afraid to miss an event for fear we will miss out or be bypassed. We pretend our frantic pace doesn’t have its negative effects. We deny the toll from the lack of financial, relational, or physical margin takes on our lives.

Yet, God’s Word continually reminds us to embrace Sabbath, live within our means, and care for our bodies and souls. What if you made your top priority for the coming year Margin? I wonder what 2021 would be like if we embraced the concept of Sabbath in every aspect of our lives. Maybe it would be like that sacred time between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Dear Lord, may it be! Amen.

This Week’s Readings:
  • Monday – Matthew 3
  • Tuesday – Matthew 4
  • Wednesday – Matthew 5
  • Thursday – Matthew 6
  • Friday – Matthew 7
Please Pray for:
  • Families in crisis.
  • Loved ones battling illness.
  • Those seeking to find their way.
  • The St. Paul Church family and our ministries.
  • 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

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