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Weekly News for Nov. 22, 2020 |
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Worship-at-Home Livestreaming
Sunday, November 22
11:00 a.m.
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Pastors' Weekly Message: From Pastor Pat
But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were in dread of the children of Israel. (Exodus 1:12 NKJV)
In this opening chapter of Exodus we see the transformation of God’s people from welcome neighbors to feared as potential threats. Pharaoh's paranoid tendencies invite an onslaught of oppression upon people who are simply minding their own business. Yet despite Pharaoh’s best efforts God’s people, as my grandchildren would say, have “bounce back, that's fiyah!”
In other words, they have a resilience that cannot be denied. Against the most formidable odds, they keep getting up. And not only do they get up, they get up with a renewed spirit that cannot be defeated.
In this stage of life’s game, given all that this year has imposed upon us, your bounce back may seem to be anything but fiyah! Your get-up-and-go may have gotten up and gone.
But the fact that you are alive to read this message is a living witness to the indestructible faith you have in God. The year is not even over and every day God gives us living proof that you have already survived 100% of your worst days.
The story of Exodus is truly about a community of people who have endured the unimaginable being invited into the unfamiliar. It is the story of people who have every reason to give up, but instead keep going. It is the indisputable account of what God can and will do, if we just trust God in the midst of all.
So as you go about this day remember we know a God who guarantees that with God no matter what we face our bounce back is fiyah!
-- Pastor Pat
pallen@stpaulsk.org
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Sunday, Nov. 22
11 a.m.
Join us this Sunday for our livestream service. It is Christ the King Sunday and we will not only celebrate our Lord, but will give thanks for the servant leadership of those ministry leaders whose terms conclude at the end of this year. Join us as we say "thank you" to Steve Lillie, Anne Rush, John Seabreeze, and Tim Simpson.
This week also features music from 14 musicians and singers under the direction of Music Director Tom Pedersen, in celebration of Thanksgiving. This music is made possible through the Anne and Gene Garrett Memorial Music Fund, named in loving memory of generous donors and life-long music supporters whose legacy provides St. Paul’s UMC with the ongoing gift of music.
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Tuesday, Nov. 24
7:30 pm
For over 35 years this annual service, celebrated by 17 of the religious congregations in the Kensington - North Chevy Chase area, has allowed community members to come together in fellowship, faith, and thanksgiving. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 Service will be held virtually over Zoom on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. All are welcome.
To join the Zoom meeting:
Meeting ID: 811 5954 5874
Passcode: Gratitude
By phone: +1 301 715 8592 (US)
Meeting ID: 811 5954 5874
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Tuesdays at 4pm starting Dec. 1
Wednesdays at 4pm starting Dec. 2
In a four-session DVD-based study, Incarnation: Rediscovering the Significance of Christmas, pastor and best-selling author Adam Hamilton examines the many different names of Christ used by the gospel writers, exploring the historical and personal significance of his birth.
This study will be offered virtually at two different days/times. All are welcome to participate on a regular or drop-in basis. Read more by clicking here or go to https://forms.gle/FwQitjAZZtmjbnyE9 to sign up. Please contact Meg Baker at mbaker@stpaulsk.org or 301-933-7933 ext. 104 if you have any questions.
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Online Now
Prayerfully you’ve had the opportunity to view the most recent “Let’s Talk” video about our church finances. If you have not already pledged you are encouraged to do so.
Sometimes we think what we have to give won’t make a difference. The Bible reminds of the widow who, in giving what she could, touched the heart of Christ.
Your giving helps us feed approximately 150 families through the Hunger Ministry and that number continues to grow. Your giving allows us to help support the families at Veirs Mill Elementary and to feed Montgomery County families we adopt for the holidays. You make it possible for us to support community efforts such as Bethesda Help, the Women’s Shelter, and our local libraries.
Difficult times invite difficult decisions. Understandably in times such as these, charitable giving may be the first item to be eliminated from many family budgets. But without your giving, we may need to consider the difficult decisions of who we will be unable to serve going forward.
It’s not too late to give. Give what you can. And when you do, know that you have touched the heart of Christ by so doing.
"Let's Talk About... Money" is a discussion with Grey Emmons (Finance Chair), Bill Butz (incoming Church Council Chair for 2021), and Pastor Pat, moderated by Pastor Kate. This is part of an effort for transparency about giving trends, financial circumstances, and mission impact. Click HERE to find the video.
Although we celebrate pledges on Stewardship Sunday, we gratefully accept pledges year-round. You can use the online pledge form found here: http://stpaulsk.org/giving or contact the church office.
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Register now-Nov. 30
O, Come, Let Us Adore Him… together! The children of St. Paul’s will present the joyful celebration of the birth of Christ during our first-ever virtual Christmas pageant, Do Not Be Afraid. The script has flexibility to allow for a truly inter-generational experience, however, so kids-at-heart of all ages are invited to participate as well! Pageanteers will perform their lines in front of their own recording devices, complete with costumes and custom-made backgrounds. To join the cast of characters, please register by November 30 at https://forms.gle/oB5aDPkTXmtL6qSo6. For more information, contact Meg Baker at mbaker@stpaulsk.org
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Saturdays, Nov. 21 & 28
11:00 a.m. -12:00 noon
via Zoom
This study uses the Church at Home Small Group Bible Study program. Each week features new audio & video study resources and group discussions, and each session has its own theme. You can read all the topics for November and sign up to participate by clicking here: http://stpaulsk.org/community/adult-education All are welcome to join this one-hour, no-prep weekly study opportunity on a regular or drop-in basis. If you have questions, please contact Meg Baker at mbaker@stpaulsk.org or 301-933-7933 ext. 104.
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Sunday, Nov. 29
On Sunday, Nov. 29, you are invited to worship via a special worship service created by Bishop Easterling and the Cabinet. You will be able to access the link to that service at 11am from http://stpaulsk.org/worship/worship-at-home. That will be the only worship service available on that day. We will return to our livestream worship on Sunday Dec. 6.
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cards due by Dec. 11
For 2020, we will be sending department-store gift cards and grocery gift cards by mail to area families in our Hunger Ministry and those referred to us by through the Montgomery County Department of Health & Human Services. Although we will deeply miss the annual Cookies & Carols party and stacks of donated gifts under the tree, this gives the families maximum flexibility to select meaningful presents and prevents any possible spread of covid-19 among our families and volunteers.
As with our Thanksgiving program, we welcome Christmas cards with your hand-written notes so our personal touches reach the card recipients. Please click HERE to read more! Cards are due by December 11.
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Available online Nov. 30- Dec. 10
Scattered for Service is St. Paul's Alternative Gifting program. A Scattered for Service gift is really three gifts in one: It's a gift to the beneficiaries you choose, whether you're supporting local charities or global programs. It's a gift to those in whose honor you make your choice and who receive acknowledgement cards. And it's a gift to yourself, saving you from the hassle of shopping for "stuff" when you can give to worthwhile efforts to bring about comfort, cheer, and peace on earth.
The program will look different in 2020, and will feature an online selection of the most popular gifts. You will still select a ministry or agency from our list and 100% of your financial contribution will be sent to them for use as directed. You will receive personalized acknowledgement cards, which you may in turn give to loved ones in whose honor each contribution was made. We will also include an order form and instructions in the December edition of The Epistle newsletter for those who prefer to use paper forms and checks. Please contact the church office if you have questions.
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We regret to announce that we will not be holding a sale of the collectible White House Historical Association Christmas Ornament this year. The White House Historical Association, an independent non-profit founded in 1961, is dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of the White House for all people to enjoy. The WHHA commemorative ornament for 2020 features John F. Kennedy; individuals can purchase ornaments directly from the WHHA by going here: https://shop.whitehousehistory.org/collections/ornaments/products/official-2020-white-house-christmas-ornament
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Seeking craft leaders now!
Videos available Saturday, Nov. 28
St. Paul’s is working to bring many elements of our annual Advent Craft Workshop to you virtually. Our virtual experience will include a variety of short videos and craft-making demonstrations featuring some familiar faces! The video will be posted at stpaulsk.org and will remain accessible throughout the season of Advent. If you enjoy making, sharing, and leading family-friendly seasonal crafts, please consider being part of the Workshop video series. (Videographer can be provided upon request!) Contact Meg Baker at mbaker@stpaulsk.org or 301-933-7933 ext. 104. Thank you!
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Monday, Nov. 30
6:30 pm
Our reading for November is Mere Christianity, by C. S. Lewis. Rejecting the boundaries that divide Christianity’s many denominations, Lewis finds common ground on which all those who have Christian faith can stand together. Please join us in reading this thought-provoking, forceful, and accessible work. For the Zoom log-in, contact Cathy Knepper directly (books@cathydknepper.com).
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It was our sincerest hope that we would be able to celebrate worship in-person on Christmas Eve. However, the rising number of COVID cases statewide, state and local government re-imposition of more restrictive measures, the onset of the flu season, and concern for each of you has led to a difficult yet responsible decision. We will not be gathering for in-person worship on Christmas Eve. Please click HERE to read more about this decision on the Pastors' Page.
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Ongoing Activities - Click on each heading to learn more.
Still Wednesday: Wednesdays, 7pm. - All are welcome for this time of prayer, connection, and quiet contemplation in a busy world. We are meeting each week by Zoom. Email kenzier@rcn.com or call Kenzie Raulin at 301-237-1520.
Card Ministry: Congregational Care Log - Anyone who wishes to send cards to friends experiencing times of grief, change, or celebration can access the Congregational Care (aka "Sick List") online. Please contact Erin Steele at stpaulsunited@stpaulsk.org
Prayer Requests - Use our secure online form to share your joys and concerns. Submit Prayer Requests at stpaulsk.org/community/prayer-requests
Prayerwaves: Tuesdays, 9:45 am - During this time of Prayer over the Air Waves, we pray together over the phone. Call 425-436-6326 at 9:45 each Tuesday morning. When prompted for the “access code," type in 774042 followed by #.
Sunday School: Sundays, 9:30 am - Classes are available for children in preschool through 12th grade. Contact Meg Baker at mbaker@stpaulsk.org or 301-933-7933 ext 104.
Daily Breath: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, 9am - St. Paul's staff take turns offering a live meditation, reading, music, or message reminding us to start our day by taking a breath. Go to https://www.facebook.com/stpaulskensington/ - no account required!
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Scripture for November 22, 2020
Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24
11For thus says the Lord GOD: I myself will search for my sheep, and will seek them out. 12As shepherds seek out their flocks when they are among their scattered sheep, so I will seek out my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places to which they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness. 13I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries, and will bring them into their own land; and I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, by the watercourses, and in all the inhabited parts of the land. 14I will feed them with good pasture, and the mountain heights of Israel shall be their pasture; there they shall lie down in good grazing land, and they shall feed on rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. 15I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I will make them lie down, says the Lord GOD. 16I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak, but the fat and the strong I will destroy. I will feed them with justice.
20Therefore, thus says the Lord GOD to them: I myself will judge between the fat sheep and the lean sheep. 21Because you pushed with flank and shoulder, and butted at all the weak animals with your horns until you scattered them far and wide, 22I will save my flock, and they shall no longer be ravaged; and I will judge between sheep and sheep.
23I will set up over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he shall feed them: he shall feed them and be their shepherd. 24And I, the LORD, will be their God, and my servant David shall be prince among them; I, the LORD, have spoken.
Ephesians 1:15-23
15I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason 16I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. 17I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, 18so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, 19and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power. 20God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come. 22And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, 23which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
Matthew 25:31-46
31“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. 32All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, 33and he will put the sheep at his right hand and the goats at the left. 34Then the king will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; 35for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’ 37Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? 38And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? 39And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’ 40And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’ 41Then he will say to those at his left hand, ‘You that are accursed, depart from me into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; 42for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not give me clothing, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ 44Then they also will answer, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not take care of you?’ 45Then he will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ 46And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
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Contact us! ● 301-933-7933 ● stpaulsunited@stpaulsk.org ● stpaulsk.org
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