First Steps – August 22, 2022

Miles Coverdale was a Bishop in the 16th Century to Exeter (Province of Canterbury). His claim to fame was a translation of the Bible into English during the tumultuous times of The Reformation. He wrote in his Prologue to the Bible, “Christian love will assume the best without any harsh judgment.” 
 
What a profound statement! For Coverdale, he was convinced that no single person could see everything or have complete knowledge. There are others who see more clearly, others who have more understanding or information. The temptation for all is that when one who can do better than others should, instead of denigration, remember that all that has been received is from God’s hand.
 
I wonder how easier life would be if we assumed the best about others. It would change our relationships or how we approached them. Unfortunately, many assume the worst and seldom give an opportunity for another person to change. If we believe that God is in the life-changing business, then perhaps God is working in the life of others and waiting for us to come alongside the Holy Spirit. 
 
If this is a struggle for you, ask God to teach you to assume the best about another person. Pray to see that person the same way God sees them—which will be the same way that God sees you.


 

This Week’s Readings:
*Monday – 2 Timothy 1
*Tuesday – 2 Timothy 2
*Wednesday- 2 Timothy 3
*Thursday – 2 Timothy 4
*Friday- Titus 1


Prayer Requests:
*Teachers, students, and parents as the school year continues.
*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


Announcements for Today and the Upcoming Week!

The Back to School Bash is later today at 5:30pm! Be ready for water inflatables, good food and fun!

Family Night Suppers returned this past week. Please come join us for fellowship and delicious food! Menu for 8/24 is pork loin, rice, green beans, rolls, full salad bar and assorted desserts. Supper starts at 6:00 p.m. Don’t forget to make your reservations by calling the church office or going online. Hope to see you there!

August 28th – Meet and Greet Jessica! This will be during the SS hour, in the large room upstairs in the Youth Building. Please stop by and welcome Jessica to our St. Paul Family! Come enjoy a donut and/or sausage biscuit.
Also.don’t forget the Back to School Bash will be Sunday 8/21 (today) afternoon at 5:30 p.m.! Supper, fellowship, water inflatables – what more could you ask for? Come celebrate the start of another school year with your church family.

New Fall Bible studies info can be found in your email box as well as handouts around the church. These are in addition to the 17 Small Group studies which started 2 weeks ago. Any questions? Please reach out to the leaders or Mary Lou.

As students go back to school, that means Pack 1 (Cub Scouts) and Troop 1 (Boy Scouts) kick off a new year. Cub Scouts are for ages K – 5th grade and will have an informational meeting @ 2:00 p.m on Sunday, August 28th. Please reach out to Patrick Knopf at pckopf@yahoo.com with your questions. Boy Scouts are for ages 6th grade – 18 years old and will begin their year with a Court of Honor @3:30 p.m. on Sunday, August 28th (same Sunday). Please reach out to Will Burgin at will@jackson-burgin.com with your questions.

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

Hope in the Face of Despair [WORSHIP]

Order of Worship
Holy Communion
Sunday, August 7, 2022
11:00 AM Traditional Worship

The Welcome & Announcements by Rev. John Fugh, Jr.
The Choral Call to Worship: “I Come With Joy”
The Prelude: “I Come, O Savior, to Thy Table” by Thomas Canning
The Cross and Flame Come to the Altar
The Hymn of Celebration: “Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty”
The Affirmation of Faith
The Gloria Patri
The Pastoral Prayer with The Lord’s Prayer by Rev. John Fugh, Jr.
The Offertory Prayer
The Offertory: “Come to the Table of the Lord” by J. Althouse
The Scripture Lesson: 1 Corinthians 11:23-25, Galatians 3:27, Ephesians 3:1-6
The Passing of the Peace
The Welcome & Registration of Attendance
The Children’s Moment by Rev. Dr. Shane Green
The Sermon: Holy Marks by Rev. Dr. Shane Green
The Service of Holy Communion
The Hymn of Consecration: “Here, O My Lord, I See Thee”
The Cross and Flame Go Before Us into the World
The Benediction and Choral Response: “Together Met”
The Postlude: “Sent Forth by God’s Blessing” by Welch Folk Tune