SP4A! ST. PAUL FOR ALL DAY IS FINALLY HERE! We are packing the shelves at Wynnton Neighborhood Network and making food packages to be sent to the world with Rise Against Hunger!
First Steps – October 17, 2022
| What is the value of a calm soul? When we flee from meddling in the affairs of others, it is hard to own their anxiety. A patient person will outlive other people’s problems. Though it is impossible to live where nothing displeases or bothers you; however, we don’t have to feed it. When someone slanders, speaks harshly, or lashes out, no immediate response is needed. When we focus to calm our own souls, we are less likely to add fuel to the fire. Delay and pray normally is a good practice. God supports the meek. They are the ones that are not weak but have a controlled strength. They find solace in trusting God and relying on His care. Remember the words of the Psalmist (Psalm 37): “Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong; 2 for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away. 3 Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. 4 Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. 5 Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: 6 He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun. 7 Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. 8 Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. 9 For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land. 10 A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found. 11 But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy peace and prosperity.” These are words to live by and put into practice. So be it for you.  This Week’s Readings: *Monday – John 6 *Tuesday – John 7 *Wednesday – John 8 *Thursday – John 9 *Friday – John 10 Prayer Requests: *Teachers, students, and parents coping with anxiety. *Heal those who are sick and protect those who are not. *Comfort those who are grieving and in distress. *Wisdom for our leaders as they navigate through uncertain times. *Guidance for those seeking to find their way. *Continued Growth Inside and Outside the Walls of St. Paul UMC. |
| “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 |
Blessing of the Animals 2022!
Thank you for coming out this afternoon to have your beloved pets blessed by Rev. Dr. Shane Green.
SP4A Is Getting Closer!
Mary Lou has a reminder about St. Paul for All – SP4A – on October 23rd! Sign up for a shift at https://spumccolumbus.com/events/
October 9, 2022 – “Can It Really Be That Easy?” – Rev. Dr. Shane Green and Rev. John Fugh, Jr.
/
RSS Feed
Traditional Worship Service/Luke 15:11-32
First Steps – October 10, 2022
“Where is God in the middle of this?” This was the question a spiritual director asked a group of pastors discussing the state of affairs. Like the other pastors around me, I feigned interest for part of me didn’t want to consider the question. It is easier to blame someone or something for what one dislikes or disagrees with. Rarely does one take ownership. Rarer still is the one who will begin with his/her own actions to see how those actions have affected another. After a few moments, the director asked again, “Where is God in the middle of this…what does God want you to learn?” As I reflect upon this experience, I wonder how many arguments, frustrations, and disagreements would have instantly dissolved if I began with my part of the dysfunction or disagreement instead of pointing the finger at the other person. I wonder how much peace I have forfeited, how much time wasted by not first looking inward. There is a prayer exercise that I do either before I go to bed or when I wake up. I examine the past 24 hours of my life. I look for those places where I’ve added to another person, where I brought joy, and reflected the image of Christ to others. I pray for more of these events and opportunities. Likewise, I look for those times when I have detracted, not modeled Christ, and not put my best foot forward. I try not to offer excuses or justifications but simply own my intent and actions. Then, I pray for awareness to know when I’m not modeling my Lord. Awareness is the key, for I can’t mature or become the person I want to become without it. At some point, we all must become comfortable with answering the question, “Where is God in the middle of this?” Perhaps there lies the best opportunity to grow. This Week’s Readings: *Monday – John 1 *Tuesday – John 2 *Wednesday – John 3 *Thursday – John 4 *Friday – John 5 Prayer Requests: *Teachers, students, and parents coping with anxiety. *Heal those who are sick and protect those who are not. *Comfort those who are grieving and in distress. *Wisdom for our leaders as they navigate through uncertain times. *Guidance for those seeking to find their way. *Continued Growth Inside and Outside the Walls of St. Paul UMC. |
| “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 |