Weekly News - Hope in the Midst of Tragedy

Weekly News for Jan. 11, 2026

Hope in the Midst of Tragedy

Every single day, it’s something. We don’t get enough time to process one thing before the next horrific event takes place. Tragedy has a way of shaking the ground beneath our feet. When a suddent loss strikes a family or community, the pain is not just emotional — it is spiritual, physical, and most importantly deeply human. Lives are disrupted, futures are altered, and the sense of safety we so often take for granted is shattered. In moments like these, hope can seem distant, almost out of reach. And yet, Scripture reminds us that hope is not the absence of suffering — it is God’s presence within it.

Psalm 34:18 tells us, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” This is not a promise that tragedy will be avoided, but that God steps into the very center of our grief. God does not stand far off. God draws near.

Hope, then, is not a fragile wish. It is the steady assurance that God is present even when circumstances feel unbearable. It is the quiet strength that allows us to breathe again, to take the next step, to believe that healing is possible. Hope does not erase the unbelievable injustice or the sorrow of what has happened, but it anchors us so that sorrow does not have the final word.

In the midst of ICE-involved tragedies -- like the killing in Minnesota, previous killings in Los Angeles and Chicago, or non-fatal shootings around the country even in Glen Burnie MD, wherever families are separated and communities are shaken -- God’s heart bends toward those who suffer. Jesus himself was a refugee as a child, carried by Mary and Joseph across borders for safety. Surely he understands displacement, fear, and uncertainty. And he speaks peace into those places.

We can debate the facts. We can talk about policies, procedures, or self-defense. We can agree to disagree on tactics. But today, hold onto this truth: God sees every tear, hears every cry, and walks with every wounded heart.

Hope is not naïve — it is courageous. It is the belief that God is already at work, bringing comfort, justice, and restoration in ways we may not yet see.

May God’s hope hold you steady, even here.

Peace,

Pastor Sheridan

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Bible & Brews

Sunday, January 11

Join us for family-friendly interfaith conversations with Rabbi Adam and neighbors from Temple Emanuel. This month we’ll meet at Knowles Station Wine & Co. (10414 Detrick Ave, Kensington, MD); feel free to purchase food or beverages as you wish. Full schedule at stpaulsk.org/community/calendar-events or contact Pastor Joey: joeyhm@stpaulsk.org.

Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend Connected Church Events

Sunday, January 18, 2026

Come together with churches in our Montgomery Southwest UMC Hub for service and worship.

Sandwich-Making: Jan. 18, 11:45 AM (immediately following worship). Meet at Bethesda United Methodist Church (8300 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda MD 20817) in the downstairs Fellowship Hall. Please bring bread, ham, cheese, and sandwich-size plastic bags to support this effort! RSVP to Pastor Sheridan (sallmond@stpaulsk.org) or Pastor Joey (joeyhm@stpaulsk.org).

Community Worship Service: Jan. 18, 3:00 PM. Hosted at Silver Spring UMC (8900 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20910) with guest preacher Rev. Dr. Giovanni Arroyo, General Secretary of the General Commission on Religion and Race.

SPY

Jan. 11, 7:00-8:20 PM, Multi-Purpose Room

St. Paul’s Youth is back! All youth in grades 6-12 are welcome at our weekly Sunday night meetings. Register now for the IGNITE conference. Regular price registration ends January 15! The BWC’s Ignite conference will be March 20-22, offering a mix of worship, concerts, and youth-focused activities. We already have a block of hotel rooms reserved in Ocean City MD! Interested? Contact Megan Montgomery megan.w.montgomery@gmail.com for info. Financial assistance available.

Worship & Weekday Hours

Worship is held at 9:00 and 10:30 AM on Sundays. The office is open for drop-in and phone calls Monday-Thursday, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Clergy, staff, and building access hours may vary, so we encourage appointments! Contact info is on our Meet the Staff page. If you have a pastoral emergency when the office is closed, please dial the emergency line for Rev. Sheridan Allmond at 410-205-5568 and she will be notified of your call.

Human Trafficking Awareness Month

Over 50 million persons are trafficked worldwide, including forced labor, domestic servitude, or coerced sex work in our own communities. Blue ribbons to bring awareness to this human justice tragedy will be available in the Narthex starting January 11. Learn more about what human trafficking looks like at humantraffickinghotline.org/en/human-trafficking/recognizing-signs. The Hotline number 1-888-373-7888 is available 24/7 in 200 languages for victims, concerned citizens, and anonymous tips, and to provide connections to resources and support services.

This Week: Sunday School News

Sunday, Jan. 11

All children are invited to attend Sunday School this week during the 10:30 worship service. Children in Pre-K and younger will be in the Nursery. Grades K-2 meet in Room 200. Grades 3-5 meet in the Parlor. Parents and guardians should drop off at the classroom and pick up at the classroom immediately after worship. Please find more info, register, and provide emergency contact info using the form at https://stpaulsk.org/community/children

This Week: Sipping Ministry Time

Sunday, Jan. 11

Visit the Octagon after the 10:30 service for drinks, treats, and a time of fellowship hosted this week by the Smith family. Sipping Ministry time happens whenever a family, group, or individual wishes to sponsor it. If you would like to host, sign up on the office bulletin board and take a "how to" sheet.

SPY Events

St. Paul’s Youth for grades 6-12 has several exciting events planned! We return to our regular schedule on January 11, meeting 7:00-8:30 PM in the Multi-Purpose Room. Register now for the IGNITE conference. Regular price registration ends January 15! The BWC’s Ignite conference will be March 20-22, offering a mix of worship, concerts, and youth-focused activities. We already have a block of hotel rooms reserved in Ocean City MD! Interested? Contact Megan Montgomery megan.w.montgomery@gmail.com for info. Financial assistance available.

Feeding People Every Month

Every month, year-round, St. Paul's provides grocery resources for hungry neighbors. Donate non-perishable grocery items (un-expired, in good condition) in the bins in the Narthex or make a monetary donation to help provide grocery store cards so recipients can purchase fresh and frozen foods and hygiene products. Find the full list of requested food items and info about volunteering at stpaulsk.org/service/hunger-ministry.

Ongoing or Regularly Scheduled Activities.

Sanctuary Choir Sundays, 9:30 AM. Open to adults and youth Grades 7+ who enjoy singing in an ensemble and leading worship. We meet each Sunday at 9:30 AM in room 211 and then sing for the 10:30 AM worship service. Singers are welcome on a week-to-week or continuing basis! Questions? Contact Mr. Tom Pedersen, Director of Music, at tpedersen@stpaulsk.org.

St. Paul's Youth Most Sundays, 7:00-8:30 PM All youth in grades 6-12 are invited to SPY for faith, friendship, and fun. We have an exciting season of activities and outings in the works. Find the full schedule and the permission/registration form at https://stpaulsk.org/community/youth Questions? Contact Pastor Sheridan at sallmond@stpaulsk.org.

Children's Choir - Most Sundays, 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM in the MPR. For kids in grades K-6 who are eager to grow in faith, learn some music skills, and sing together. Contact Ms. Christina Griffin, Children's Choir director, at childrenschoir@stpaulsk.org.

Prayerwaves - Wednesdays, 10:00-10:30 AM. On Wednesdays, dial 425-436-6326 a few minutes before 10:00 AM, then enter access code 774042 followed by the # sign. We take turns praying for those on our prayer list. To receive the prayer list by email, contact Erin Steele at stpaulsunited@stpaulsk.org.

Zoom Sermon Safari - Wednesdays, 4:00-5:00 PM returning from Winter Break on January 7, 2026. In this drop-in Zoom study, we watch a sermon from a notable speaker and then discuss. To receive the Zoom link, contact Dr. Meg Baker at megbaker@verizon.net.

Still Wednesday - Wednesdays, 7:00-8:00 PM. Come to the Sanctuary or Octagon room, light a candle, and welcome a quiet spirit. The exact format changes as leaders rotate, but typically includes guided time for poetry, scripture, or art, with 20 minutes of silent prayer. Questions? Contact Beth Dennard at beth.dennard@gmail.com.

Joyful Ringers: Wednesdays, 7:00-8:00 PM. An exciting handbell choir for adults that promises fun and fellowship. We are looking for new ringers and those interested in learning about bells! Contact director of music Tom Pedersen: tpedersen@stpaulsk.org

Pancake Breakfast - first Saturday of the month serving 8:00-10:30 AM. Bring friends and enjoy all-you-care-to-eat breakfast in the Fellowship Hall (suggested $20 for family of four).

Bible & Brews: Saturday or Sunday, once a month. All are welcome for this time of casual interfaith conversation with Pastor Joey, Rabbi Adam, and neighbors from Temple Emanuel. Meetings at local restaurants are family friendly and you can purchase food or beverages as you like. Contact Pastor Joey with questions (joeyhm@stpaulsk.org).

Taste & Sing: Third Tuesday of each month, 12:00-1:30 PM. Enjoy a casual hymn sing, short program, and tasty lunch ($5 donation) in the Octagon with Tom Pedersen at the keyboard and Erin Steele leading the singing.

Pancake Breakfast: first Saturday of the month, 8:00-10:30 AM - serving hours. Bring friends and enjoy all-you-care-to-eat breakfast in the Fellowship Hall with pancakes, fresh sage sausage, scrambled eggs, fruit, and other breakfast dishes. Instead of a fixed price, diners are encouraged to make a generous goodwill donation.

Yarn Ministry - Mondays twice a month, 7:00-8:30 PM. Bring your knitting, crochet, or other craft project and craft alongside friends. We will meet in the Library at St. Paul’s. Contact Karen Codner with questions at at KDC811@gmail.com. Find the full schedule for Fall 2025 at stpaulsk.org/community/calendar-events

Lydia Circle Sisters Meeting - the first Wednesday of each month at 2:30 PM. All ladies interested in being part of the Lydia Circle are welcome to contact Susan Schwarz at 301-339-8242 or susan10748@aol.com to get updates or more information.

Sponsoring Flowers - Sponsor the Sanctuary flowers ($45) and make a dedication in celebration, honor, or memory of a loved one. Simply add your name on the Flower chart in the main office and fill out a form, or contact Erin Steele at stpaulsunited@stpaulsk.org to inquire about a date.

Stephen Ministers - These trained lay people provide a listening ear for those experiencing life changes or turmoil. Please contact Martha Lipscomb (301-518-1642) to be connected to a Stephen Minister for confidential care.

Scripture for January 11, 2026

Matthew 3:13-17

¹³Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. ¹⁴John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” ¹⁵But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. ¹⁶And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw God’s Spirit descending like a dove and alighting on him. ¹⁷And a voice from the heavens said, “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.”

(New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition)

Worship Schedule for the 2025-2026 Programming Year

Worship Sundays at 9:00 with Communion each week (some exceptions apply)
Worship Sunday at 10:30 with Communion on the first Sunday of the month and music from the Sanctuary Choir each week
The 10:30 AM service will continue to be available by livestream at stpaulsk.org/worship/worship-at-home.