Sometimes what we think is a disappointment, can actually be a blessing in disguise. Take the Covid-19 pandemic for example. At first glance, Covid-19 presents multiple disappointments to our Advent schedule and celebrations. Our personal and corporate norms are upended. At first glance, this is frustrating and saddening. We long for and need the emotional lift that this season naturally brings.
However, this year might hold something more beneficial when compared to previous years. This year affords us the opportunity to slow down and reset our priorities. In past years, we have a tendency to over-function by cramming our calendars with event after event. So much so, that when the season is over, we are completely exhausted. Due to this year’s limitations, we are forced to make things simpler. This is really a gift because it allows us to focus on what is most important—the birth of Christ, and to celebrate it in a more meaningful way.
Make up your mind now to approach this season for what it is: God’s gift of salvation to all people. Allow the basic, most fundamental gift of love to penetrate your heart. Trust God’s Spirit to reveal fresh ways to seeing Jesus this season. Sometimes we can’t see clearly until obstacles have been removed. O Lord, let it be.
This Week’s Readings:
Monday – 1 Corinthians 12
Tuesday – 1 Corinthians 13
Wednesday – 1 Corinthians 14
Thursday – 1 Corinthians 15
Friday – 1 Corinthians 16
Please Pray for:
Families in crisis.
Friends and family members 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
Sunday, November 29 | “We Need A Little Christmas” w/ Rev. Dr. P. Shane Green Online Pre-Recorded Worship @ 9AM, 11AM, & 1PM LIVE In-Person Worship @11AM in the Sanctuary (M260).
Sunday, November 29 | SPY Sunday School w/ Laura Marvets and Logan Ogletree @10AM / Patio outside 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, November 29 | Children’s Sunday School (All Ages) @10AM / Youth Building & Church Contact Sally Key Bowden for more information about class locations, teachers, etc.
Sunday, November 29 | “Seekers Class” (M234) w/ Mary Lou Jarrell @10AM. Contact Mary Lou for more information.
Sunday, November 29 | “Bridges Class” (M235) w/ Mark Ellis @10AM. Contact Mark for more information.
Sunday, November 29 | “Wildwood Class” (M220) w/ Evelyn Barfield @9:45AM. Contact Evelyn for more information.
Sunday, November 29 | “Welcome In Class” (M232) w/ Buddy Cooper @10AM. Contact Buddy for more information.
Sunday, November 29 | “New Covenant Class” (Y101) w/ Michelle Hudson @10AM. Contact Michelle for more information.
CONNECTINGTHROUGH BIBLE STUDIES
Tuesday, December 1 | Shane’s Women’s Group Books of Ephesians and 1st & 2nd Thessalonians w/ Rev. Dr. Shane Green @10AM – 11:30AM In-Person M220 (Fellowship Hall) & online on the St. Paul Website.
Tuesday, December 1 | Grace’s Group Francis Chan’s “The Gospel of Mark” w/ Grace Bailey @11AM – 12:15PM in room M232. Register In-Person attendance by email to Grace Bailey.
Tuesday, December 1 | 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, December 3 | Pre-School Moms’ Class Intentional Parenting w/ Grace Bailey @9:30AM– 11AM in Room M235 Register in-person attendance by email to Grace Bailey.
Friday, December 4 | 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, December 4 | “The Work of the Holy Spirit” On-Demand Study w/ Emily Trotter and Rev. John Fugh, Jr. Study will be posted on the St. Paul Website.
Friday, December 4 | “Celebration of Discipline” On-Demand Study w/ Tommy Bridges and Rev. John Fugh, Jr. Study will be posted on the St. Paul Website.
CONNECTING THROUGH FELLOWSHIP
Wednesday, December 2 | Wednesday Night Picnic on The Quad Enjoy the fellowship of church family while enjoying a picnic style meal at 6PM on The Quad in front of the Youth Building. Don’t forget to bring your lawn chairs or blankets. We have new light features so that we can still fellowship outside! Feel free to bring your own meal at no charge!
*If inclement weather, this event will be cancelled. Cost of St. Paul meal is $5.00 for all ages. No reservations needed.
Thursday, December 3 | “Wreath Making” REAL Event On December 3rd, we’ll start the Advent season off by making Christmas Wreaths with fresh greenery. We ask that you provide the greenery and we’ll provide some snacks. The cost of the oasis form is $25. We’ll meet in the Fellowship Hall at 6:30PM to create something beautiful for the season. RSVP to Grace Bailey to attend.
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.
“Jesus answered her, ‘If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.’” (John 4:10 NIV).
Lately I’ve been thinking of the Greek word, Dorea. Often translated Gift, it denotes a free gift, stressing its gratuitous character. In the New Testament, it is always used to describe a spiritual or a supernatural gift given by God. When God gives, it is not just the object that is given, but the character of the one giving the gift.
In the text, the woman is slow to realize the gift of God given, Christ, and what that gift could do for her. I wonder how often we are like the woman at the well, because we are slow to recognize the gifts that have been given to us. On a large-scale, the gift of Christ. On a small-scale, all the little ways God has blessed us.
Therefore, make a daily list for the next 30 days of the gifts that have been given to you. It will not be long before your thoughts will encompass the gifts and the one behind giving the gifts. Be fair warned! This will change your heart, for your cup will overflow with gratitude.
This Week’s Readings:
Monday – 1 Corinthians 7
Tuesday – 1 Corinthians 8
Wednesday – 1 Corinthians 9
Thursday – 1 Corinthians 10
Friday – 1 Corinthians 11
Please Pray for:
Families in crisis.
Friends and family members 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
Sunday, November 22 | “Unconditional Gratitude” w/ Rev. Dr. P. Shane Green Online Pre-Recorded Worship @ 9AM, 11AM, & 1PM LIVE In-Person Worship @11AM in the Sanctuary (M260).
Due to the Thanksgiving Holiday, we will not have in person studies this week. Have a safe holiday.
Sunday, November 22 | SPY Sunday School w/ Laura Marvets and Logan Ogletree @10AM / Patio outside Youth Building
Tuesday, November 24 | “BYOM SPYGIVING” w/ Laura Marvets and Logan Ogletree @6PM – 8PM / Youth Building Bring your own meat; We will provide the sides and desserts! We will have 9 square, frisbee, and Christmas ornament decorating for our SPY Christmas Tree.
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, November 22 | Children’s Sunday School (All Ages) @10AM / Youth Building & Church Contact Sally Key Bowden for more information about class locations, teachers, etc.
Sunday, November 22 | “Seekers Class” (M234) w/ Mary Lou Jarrell @10AM. Contact Mary Lou for more information.
Sunday, November 22 | “Bridges Class” (M235) w/ Mark Ellis @10AM. Contact Mark for more information.
Sunday, November 22 | “Wildwood Class” (M220) w/ Evelyn Barfield @9:45AM. Contact Evelyn for more information.
Sunday, November 22 | “Welcome In Class” (M232) w/ Buddy Cooper @10AM. Contact Buddy for more information.
Sunday, November 22 | “New Covenant Class” (Y101) w/ Michelle Hudson @10AM. Contact Michelle for more information.
CONNECTINGTHROUGH BIBLE STUDIES
Due to the Thanksgiving Holiday, we will not have in person studies this week. Have a safe holiday.
Friday, November 27 | “The Work of the Holy Spirit” On-Demand Study w/ Emily Trotter and Rev. John Fugh, Jr. Study will be posted on the St. Paul Website.
Friday, November 27 | “Celebration of Discipline” On-Demand Study w/ Tommy Bridges and Rev. John Fugh, Jr. 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.
1 Corinthians 3:5-6 says, “What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you came to believe, as the Lord assigned to each. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.”
Often when one thinks of their missional service, he/she thinks they have to do the work alone. One feeds and clothes the poor, another spreads the gospel, and still another one cares for the sick. What Paul reminds all is that God added to the work of Apollos and Paul or any person. Actually, the English version doesn’t fully express the thrust of the verse. It is more than a one-time past action. It is a continued action by God. A past action that continues and continues. The ripples never end.
In the text, God continually adds to the work of Apollos and the work of Paul so that it constantly grows. God does the same with us. Every good work, every gospel word spoken is added to by God and God continually adds and adds so that God’s Kingdom comes. The work of God never stops. I hope you take courage in everything you do in the name of God, regardless of how big or small, God will always add and add and add until it reaches its full effect. How great is His mercy for all—Thanks be to God!
This Week’s Readings:
Monday – 1 Corinthians 2
Tuesday – 1 Corinthians 3
Wednesday – 1 Corinthians 4
Thursday – 1 Corinthians 5
Friday – 1 Corinthians 6
Please Pray for:
Families in crisis.
Friends and family members 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
Sunday, November 15 | “What God Wants To Do In You” w/ Rev. John Fugh Online Pre-Recorded Worship @ 9AM, 11AM, & 1PM LIVE In-Person Worship @11AM in the Sanctuary (M260).
Sunday, November 15 | Sunday Night Picnic on the Quad Due the inclement weather on Wednesday, November 11, we rescheduled “Picnic on the Quad” to Sunday night at 6pm. Due to the time change, new outdoor lighting has been installed to allow us to continue to enjoy our weekly fellowship together! Hope to see you there!
Wednesday, November 18 | Wednesday Night Picnic on The Quad Our weekly fellowship gathering continues! Enjoy the fellowship of church family while enjoying a picnic style meal at 6pm on The Quad in front of the Youth Building. Don’t forget to bring your lawn chairs or blankets. Feel free to bring your own meal as well; no cost at all! *If inclement weather, this event will be cancelled.
Cost of St. Paul meal is $5.00 for all ages. No reservations needed.
CONNECTING OUR YOUTH
All SPY Online events will be posted on the SPY Instagram account each week – Be sure to check in online every week!
Sunday, November 15 | SPY Sunday School w/ Laura Marvets and Logan Ogletree @10AM / Patio outside Youth Building
Sunday, November 15 | High School Guys Bible Study (1) w/ Wyatt Detrick and Logan Ogletree @4PM / Youth Building.
Sunday, November 15 | High School Girls Bible Study w/ Laura Marvets and Emily Trotter @6PM / Home of Trotter Family.
Sunday, November 15 | Middle School Girls Bible Study w/ Tonya Badcock & HS Senior help @6PM / Youth Building.
Sunday, November 15 | Middle School Guys Bible Study w/ Logan Ogletree & HS Senior help @6PM / Youth Building.
Thursday, November 19 | High School Girls Bible Study (2) w/ Laura Marvets and Emily Trotter @7AM / Midtown Coffee
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, November 15 | Children’s Sunday School (All Ages) @10AM / Youth Building & Church Contact Sally Key Bowden for more information about class locations, teachers, etc.
Sunday, November 15 | “Confirmation Class” w/ Sally Key Bowden, Tammy and Matthew Reynolds @5:30PM / Fellowship Hall (M220).
CONNECTING THROUGH SMALL GROUPS
Sunday, November 15 | “Seekers Class” (M234) w/ Mary Lou Jarrell @10AM. Contact Mary Lou for more information.
Sunday, November 15 | “Bridges Class” (M235) w/ Mark Ellis @10AM. Contact Mark for more information.
Sunday, November 15 | “Wildwood Class” (M220) w/ Evelyn Barfield @9:45AM. Contact Evelyn for more information.
Sunday, November 15 | “Welcome In Class” (M232) w/ Buddy Cooper @10AM. Contact Buddy for more information.
Sunday, November 15 | “New Covenant Class” (Y101) w/ Michelle Hudson @10AM. Contact Michelle for more information.
CONNECTINGTHROUGH BIBLE STUDIES
Tuesday, November 17 | Shane’s Women’s Group Books of Ephesians and 1st & 2nd Thessalonians w/ Rev. Dr. Shane Green @10AM – 11:30AM In-Person M220 (Fellowship Hall) & online on the St. Paul Website.
Tuesday, November 17 | Grace’s Study Francis Chan’s “Gospel of Mark” w/ Grace Bailey @11AM – 12:15PM in room M232. Register In-Person attendance by email to Grace Bailey.
Tuesday, November 17 | 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, November 19 | ‘Pre-School Moms’ Class Intentional Parenting w/ Grace Bailey @9:30AM– 11AM in Room M235 Register in-person attendance by email to Grace Bailey.
Friday, November 20 | 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, November 20 | “The Work of the Holy Spirit” On-Demand Study w/ Emily Trotter and Rev. John Fugh, Jr. Study will be posted @8AM on the St. Paul Website.
Friday, November 20 | “Celebration of Discipline” On-Demand Study w/ Tommy Bridges and Rev. John Fugh, Jr. Study will be posted @8AM 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.
