Preparing for Sunday, September 12, 2021
Sunday Worship Schedule 
Worship at 10 a.m. in Hickey Hall
Sunday worship live-stream at 10 a.m. on Facebook
The church office is open M - F; 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
The office is open to the congregation by appointment.

Join us! We are Better Together
Relaunch of Open Door Service
Sunday, September 12
10 a.m. in Hickey Hall
Welcome back, Open Door service! Join us at 10 a.m. and we will all be Better Together in Hickey Hall. This service will be live-streamed on Facebook. See more on our website
Rummage Sale Canceled
It is with deep disappointment that we have decided to cancel the in-person rummage sale.
We are planning a Treasures in the Trunk sale on Saturday, October 16 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the parking lot. More details will be available soon.
A Word from the Pastor
Sunday Worship
Join us for worship live-stream at 10 a.m. on Facebook
or Open Door Worship at 10 a.m. in Hickey Hall
Welcome back, Open Door service! This week we move indoors at 10 a.m. after a summer of fun with outside worship and we will all be Better Together in Hickey Hall. As we relaunch the Open Door Service, we begin our sermon series “I’ve Been Meaning to Ask…” Open Door worship seeks to provide a multi-sensory worship experience that invites us to revere all as beloved. While the challenges of becoming the beloved community are endless, these questions are simple. Courageous conversations often begin when we keep things simple and intentionally begin with curiosity in our connecting. May this series help us to strengthen our capacity for empathy and remind us of the power of asking unassuming questions. And through our authenticity, may our courageous conversations lead us to glimpse hope, joy and beauty as we grow into the community God created us to be.
Rev. April Gutierrez
Vesper Service Thursday
Join me Thursday at 7 p.m. for worship on Facebook
Unwind, relax, reflect, and connect with God.
Seasons in the Spirit: Outward
Many people find great satisfaction by focusing outwardly, serving God by serving others, advocating for others, and watching for the Spirit already at work. How can you maintain the upward and inward seasons in the Spirit when focusing outwardly?
Rev. Rick Kress
Prayer List
The following prayer requests have been received by our church. Please send your prayer requests to [email protected].
Healing & Comfort
Ginny Ames, Loraine Mazur, Beth Culp, David Beerer, Roger Roller, Carol Ann Wilke, Virginia Miller, Joyce Sherrod
News
Blessings in a Backpack Hygiene Kits
Donations Collected September 12:
toothpaste  ·  toothbrushes  ·  floss  ·  small hand sanitizer
small Kleenex packs  ·  travel size deodorant  ·  soaps
Ziplock bags—gallon size
 
Help Pack Kits September 19 · 11 a.m. under South Canopy
Blessings in a Backpack is a neighbor-helping-neighbor program. Volunteers distribute backpacks filled with non-perishable items for the weekend to “at risk” students to keep them from going hungry and remove barriers to academic success.
Tickets Available: Tiger's Home Plate Event
Saturday, September 25 at Comerica Park
St. Paul's youth were scheduled to attend the Tiger’s Home Plate event during our worktrip in June but this event was canceled. We have 15 tickets available for the rescheduled event. Please contact Jodi Stuermer for tickets.
Donation appreciated for Youth Worktrip 2022, but not required.
HOME PLATE - SEPTEMBER 25, 2021, Tigers Vs. Kansas City
  • Gates open early for Home Plate attendees – 2 p.m.
  • Seating in section 123
  • Home Plate Programming – 2:45 - 3:45 p.m.
  • Tigers Batting Practice – 3:45 p.m.
  • Home Plate attendees stay to watch batting practice
  • Concessions available near section 108
*No exit and re-entry *Comerica Park opens to the public – 4:30 p.m.
Cranberry Lake Farm Story Garden Open House
Friday, September 10; 2 - 5 p.m.
Rain date September 11; 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
388 W. Predmore Road, Oakland Twp.
Join us as we celebrate this great community garden which was the work project for the Youth Worktrip in June. The youth are excited to show off their accomplishments. Free book give away, one per family while supplies last. Bring a tea cup for some yummy cider or tea.  See flyer
All are welcome! You don’t have to do this alone!
Caregiver Support Group
Saturday, September 11
9:30 a.m. in Rickard Chapel
St. Paul’s has a group of caregivers that meet monthly to support each other emotionally, while renewing our spirits, as well as sharing care-giving ideas and new resources. We meet to share information and concerns as we take care of others in our lives. Contact Diane Donoghue at 248-872-7582 for more information.
Faith and Friends
Sundays, September 12 & 26
11 a.m. in Room 132
(Zoom participation also available)
Join us as we study the video and book, "Navigating Isaiah" that can be found on Amplifymedia.com. For further information contact Judy Smouter.
Seeker's Study Resumes
Mondays beginning September 13
1 - 2:30 p.m. in Room 132
(Covid concerns may require us to meet on Zoom)
Everyone is welcome to join our study of Convictions, How I Learned What Matters Most by Marcus Borg. Books can be ordered through Cokesbury, Barnes and Nobel or Amazon.
Women's LIFE Monday Night
Mondays, September 13 - October 18
7 - 9 p.m. in Room 128-129
Join us as we will study Max Lucado’s Anxious for Nothing: Finding Calm in a Chaotic World. With this study will dig deeper into Philippians 4:6-7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” For more information or to register please contact Rebecca Lawson.
2nd Tuesday of the month
Prayer Shawl Group
Tuesday, September 14
1 - 2:30 p.m. in Room 132
All are welcome to join us to create together or learn to create.
Quilt Group
Tuesday, September 14
2:30 - 3 p.m. in Room 132
It is a great time to meet together and share ideas or just share conversation. We all lay hands on completed projects at the end of the meetings. For quilting we sometimes sew on our machines, select projects, or cut fabrics to be completed.
UMW Annual Meeting
Tuesday, September 14
7 p.m. - Business Meeting in Hickey Hall
We are planning a short business meeting for the membership to vote on the 2022 budget and slate of officers, and induct new members. However, our plans depend on the changing Covid situation. It is possible we will meet outdoors or via Zoom. Kathy Swisher will email everyone with plans for the meeting as we get closer to mid-September. Not sure if she has your contact information? Contact Kathy Swisher.
Grief Support Group
Wednesdays, September 15 – November 3
7 p.m. in Lounge
If you are grieving the loss of a spouse or partner, you are not alone. We offer a grace filled space for you to share with others that know what you are going through. No matter where you are on your journey, we are there to support you. Sessions will meet weekly and are facilitated by a Social Worker and Stephen Minster. For more information please contact Rachel Henry.
Greater Detroit District Conference
Saturday, September 18
9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Online Event
St. Paul’s Rev. April Gutierrez and Rev. Dr. B. Kevin Smalls of Southfield Hope UMC, the co-conveners of the Anti-Bias/Anti-Racism Task Force of the Michigan Conference UMC, will be speaking on their work with ABAR and offering workshops. Join in this virtual event for conferencing and learning. You can register online at the district website gdd.michiganumc.info.
Confirmation Parent Meeting
Sunday, September 19; 5 - 6 p.m. in the Parlor
Confirmation Registration due September 10
We invite 7th graders to participate in this year’s Confirmation experience led by Rev. April Gutierrez and Rev. Judy May. During our studies throughout the year, we will work together to learn more about the United Methodist Church, take field trips to learn other religious practices, have entertaining lock-ins, all while learning more about the Bible and becoming closer to God and others. Classes begin October 17 and run through Confirmation on May 1. Cost for the class is $90. Register by September 10 by contacting Debbie Kelly. Any student 7th grade and older is welcome to participate.
Watch Party & Discussion - Part 1
Black Church
Sunday, September 19
Virtual viewing 3 - 5 p.m.; Onsite Discussion 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
St. Philips, 100 Romeo, Rochester
Join us at St. Philip’s for a 2-part watch party plus discussion on The Black Church: This Is Our Story, This Is Our Song on PBS. An intimate four-hour series from Henry Louis Gates, Jr., The Black Church will explore the 400-year-old story of the black church in America, the changing nature of worship spaces, and the men and women who shepherded them from the pulpit, the choir loft, and church pews. Part two will be viewed and discussed on October 17. Contact Stephanie Lange at 586-662-2566 with questions. Register at forms.office.com/r/Y3NEAaXmAc to receive links.
Third Grade Bibles
Wednesday, September 22
5 - 7 p.m. in the Garden of Hope
It is that special time of year where we celebrate your third grader with the presentation of their own Bible.
We have chosen to create an outdoor, evening presentation for your children and their families. Each family can choose a ten-minute time slot that works best. Please sign up, then invite your whole gang to be a part of the evening.
SkyCraft Theatre Works
Ordinary Days
October 1 - 10; Hickey Hall
We are happy to announce the arrival of SkyCraft Theatre Works. SkyCraft will be an ongoing production troupe offering performance in Hickey Hall and other spaces at St. Paul's. We hope to offer multiple productions each year. Our first musical Ordinary Days by Adam Gwon plays October 1 – 10. See more
We’ve begun fundraising to support production costs.
Please consider donating so that we may continue to support theatrical efforts long after this show closes. Donate now
Health Ministry Team has provided the following important information:
HELP
If you are need of help or have an urgent need, please email [email protected] or call the church office at 248-651-9361. 
Contact your pastors:
Rev. David Eardley - [email protected] 
Rev. April Gutierrrez - [email protected]
Rev. Judy May - [email protected]  
Rev. Rick Kress - [email protected]  
 
Church Office              248-651-9361 
 
Dr. Timothy R. Hickey  Pastor Emeritus