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

Ask Great Things [Worship]

This Week’s Service:

Prelude: “Nun Bitten Wir” (Wayne Martz, Organ | D. Buxtehude)
Welcome / Announcements / Prayer with Lord’s Prayer (Mary Lou Jarrell)
Hymn: “Holy, Holy, Holy!” (Hymn 64)
Apostles’ Creed (Avery Ellis)
Reading of Scripture: (Laura Marvets)
Children Sermon (Sally Key Bowden)
Anthem: “For the Bread which You have Broken” (Wayne and Jeanne Martz)
Sermon: “Ask Great Things” (Rev. John Fugh, Jr.)
Hymn: “Spirit of the Living God” (Hymn 393)
Sacrament of Holy Communion
Benediction (Rev. John Fugh, Jr.)
Postlude: “Lord Dismiss Us With Your Blessing” (Wayne Martz, Organ | A. Fedak)

In Person Worship – January 3, 2021

Ask Great Things
Ephesians 1:3-10

We hold a current license from
Church Streaming and Podcast License
License Number: CSPL055770
http://streaming.ccli.com/

Additional License from One License #A-714141 and CCLI #2035791

January 3, 2021 – Ask Great Things

Worship (SPUMCColumbus)
Worship (SPUMCColumbus)
January 3, 2021 - Ask Great Things
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This Week’s Service:

Prelude: “Nun Bitten Wir” (Wayne Martz, Organ | D. Buxtehude)
Welcome / Announcements / Prayer with Lord’s Prayer (Mary Lou Jarrell)
Hymn: “Holy, Holy, Holy!” (Hymn 64)
Apostles’ Creed (Avery Ellis)
Reading of Scripture: (Laura Marvets)
Children Sermon (Sally Key Bowden)
Anthem: “For the Bread which You have Broken” (Wayne and Jeanne Martz)
Sermon: “Ask Great Things” (Rev. John Fugh, Jr.)
Hymn: “Spirit of the Living God” (Hymn 393)
Sacrament of Holy Communion
Benediction (Rev. John Fugh, Jr.)
Postlude: “Lord Dismiss Us With Your Blessing” (Wayne Martz, Organ | A. Fedak)

The Messiah in Six Parts: Part 5

Relive St. Paul’s 2019 presentation of Handel’s Messiah with special commentary from those who participated.

We hold a current license from
Church Streaming and Podcast License
License Number: CSPL055770
http://streaming.ccli.com/

Additional License from One License #A-714141 and CCLI #2035791