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First Steps – October 21, 2019

On some Wednesday evenings, I lead a contemplative worship service.  I am particularly fond of these services because they lend themselves to meditation and reflection, and I’m convinced we must do both to grow in faith.  In a recent contemplative service, I introduced this quote from Thomas Merton:

The more fruitful and healthy are our lives as members of Christ, the more we are able to communicate the Christ-life to others, in and through the Holy Spirit. The more we are able to give to them, the more we receive from Christ. All the secret influx of mystical life into our souls is intended not only for ourselves but for others. Those who receive the most are those who have the most to give. . . . They have a greater capacity to love Christ in their neighbor because they have a deeper and more intimate experience of their own sorrow and of his mercy.

This week, I invite you to focus on this quote…those who receive the most are those who have the most to give…give out of what you have received.  

This week’s reading:

  • Monday –  Mark 14
  • Tuesday – Mark 15
  • Wednesday – Mark 16
  • Thursday – Galatians 1
  • Friday – Galatians 2
Please Pray for:
  • The St. Paul Church family – members and staff.
  • Those who are unwillingly absent.
  • Those who are grieving and depressed.
  • Ongoing Building Renovations, Modifications.
  • The United Methodist Church.
  • Our nation and our leaders.
  • The World.

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First Steps – October 14, 2019

In a few weeks, many will observe All Saints’ Day. Depending on denominational practices, it is observed either the last Sunday in October or the first Sunday in November. Normally this is a high Sunday of the church; it is for me. I have a profound gratitude for all those who have gone on before me. The path they laid, I walk today. It is humbling when you think about it.

Regardless if you practice All Saints’ Day, I hope you will take a few moments to remember those shoulders you stand on today. Some you knew, but there are millions that you didn’t know but reap where they planted. On this Monday, I invite you to pray with me this prayer:

Almighty God, you have knit together all past and present followers of You, in one sweet communion of fellowship in the mystical body of your Son Christ our Lord. Grant us grace so to follow your holy saints in all virtuous and godly living, that we may come to those unspeakable joys, which you have prepared for those who sincerely love you.

We pause in awe, reflecting on all those who have traveled this road of faith before us. We join their voices of praise of the God who holds us all together. It is through your Son, Jesus Christ, that we live, breath, and have our being. Amen.

This week’s reading:

  • Monday – Mark 9
  • Tuesday – Mark 10
  • Wednesday – Mark 11
  • Thursday – Mark 12
  • Friday – Mark 13

Please Pray for:

  • The St. Paul Church family – members and staff.
  • Those who are unwillingly absent.
  • Those who are grieving and depressed.
  • Ongoing Building Renovations, Modifications.
  • The United Methodist Church.
  • Our nation and our leaders.
  • The World.

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Wednesday Night Studies Continue Tonight

Unstuck: Moving from Mundane to Meaningful
6:00 – 7:00 p.m. / Room M234

Are you stuck in a rut? It’s easy for Christians to find themselves caught up in the life of cluttered schedules, rhythms, and routines dictated by our culture. And they feel stuck in a life yearning for deeper meaning. Due to the length of the videos, participants are invited to go through the supper line as soon as it opens and eat/study starting at 6:00.

No More Perfect Moms
6:15 – 7:00 p.m. / Room M232

No More Perfect Moms – Learning to Love your Real Life by Jill Savage is a RightNow video series. All moms struggle. We fall short of our own standard of excellence, and then we feel insecure about so many things… Jill speaks to the root of the insecurities mothers feel and points to a better way.

Word Study
6:30 – 7:00 p.m. / Room M235

This group will study passages of the Bible that are part of future Sunday morning Worship services.

Worship and Prayer
6:30 – 7:00 p.m. / Illges Chapel

This mid-week worship provides the boost that many need between Sundays. Based on contemplative worship and prayer, these services devote themselves to singing, reflective prayer, and Lectio Divina (Divine Reading). The goal of each service is to create a space to connect to God and all the Holy Spirit to meet us right where we are. Communion will be offered.

Reservations for dinner are not needed, but they are certainly appreciated. Dinner is served at 6:00PM in the Fellowship Hall (M220).

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