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Weekly News for Feb. 28, 2021
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Worship-at-Home Service
February 28 at 10:30 a.m.
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Pastors' Weekly Message: From Pastor Pat
Webster defines the word listen as “paying attention or being alert to catch an expected sound.” How much of our time is vested in hearing but not listening? You may think the two actions are identical. I would offer that they are not. Hearing is the reverberation of sound upon our eardrums. Hearing is the first step toward listening. Listening is the interpretation and translation of what has been heard. To listen requires the intentional commitment of paying attention to the sound, translating the sound for our understanding, and then interpreting what the sound is requiring.
I would imagine that in an atmosphere filled with the sounds of many voices all demanding equal attention, it is difficult to determine what should be listened to. Sometimes, when what we’ve heard strikes us a certain way, we resist the invitation to sit with that response, to discern why we feel that way; we resist the opportunity to keep listening.
In this season of introspection you are invited to focus on listening, in some specific ways.
Please listen for the voice of God, which may require you to silence everything around you (literally or mindfully) and enter into the sacred practice of listening.
Listen to the voices that fill your day and notice your response to those voices. What happens within you when you hear the voices of: co-workers, family members, neighbors, those you disagree with, God?
No matter how you respond to what you have listened to, go deeper by asking yourself, why did I feel that way? And if you stopped listening, what was it that I heard that made me stop listening? And why am I afraid to hear it?
Again and again God speaks through many voices; may we be willing to hear what God is saying.
-- Pastor Pat
pallen@stpaulsk.org
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upcoming: March 3
Every Wednesday
7pm
Join us for an hour of spirit-led quiet, allowing for sacred listening to our own hearts.
If you miss seeing some familiar faces, email kenzier@rcn.com or call Kenzie Raulin at 301-237-1520 for the Zoom link.
The facilitators and prayer forms rotate weekly. A typical session looks like this:
- Opening
- Contemplative prayer form (scripture, music, poetry, or art)
- 20 minutes of silence
- Reflection, journaling
- Optional sharing
- Closing prayer
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now open
The Baltimore-Washington Conference of the UMC awards scholarships for qualified high school seniors who plan to attend college in the fall of 2021. The application process is now open and closes March 24.
A variety of scholarships are offered. To be considered for a scholarship, students must complete the full online application, which includes uploading their current transcripts and providing references from their pastor and another person in their church. For more information or to apply:
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March 10
It has been a long tradition at St. Paul’s UMC to prepare and provide meals for the shelters in Montgomery County operated by our partners at Interfaith Works. We have committed to meals for about 50 women at the IW Silver Spring shelter, one meal a month for six months. Our next assignment is March 10.
Anyone who would like to join the St. Paul’s men and women already committed to this initiative should contact coordinator Lyn Walker directly (lwalker60@hotmail.com). You can make deliveries to the shelter, prepare salads, entrees, pastas, boil eggs, cut up oranges, shop for supplies, etc. Please let Lyn know if you wish to serve.
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There are several updates for activities that are underway or are forthcoming. Here is what we can share as of February 25, 2020:
In-Person Worship
I want to take a moment to share an update on where we are with returning to in-person worship. We have prepared a plan for submission to our Re-Entering Well Team. Once the Re-Entering Well Team has reviewed, commented, and decided upon our plan, then we will share what you can expect.
While I am certain that hearing this invites the vision of returning to what “used to be” please understand that COVID is still present and therefore our re-entering will involve precautions and practices that all attendees will be expected to adhere to. Again, all of this will be spelled out for you once we have the decision of the Re-Entering Well Team. We do appreciate your patience, but most importantly your care and concern for your fellow members, understanding that none of our actions should impose harm or risk to those we are so anxious to see.
Building Project
Yes, the Building Project is still moving forward. Though you are not seeing shovels in the ground and other signs of construction, the work that is taking place is the necessary and behind the scenes work of conversations with the various entities of this process. So don’t worry, we are still moving forward.
Finances
We are truly grateful for the way in which St.Paul has embraced the invitation to give. Thank you for pledging and for honoring your pledge commitment. Thank you for understanding that the work of the church is seeded through giving. Thank you for loving God enough to give God your best. Look for a more specific financial update in upcoming editions of The Epistle newsletter. But for now, thank you!
Stay tuned for more information coming soon!
-- Pastor Pat
pallen@stpaulsk.org
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Saturdays
11:00am-12:00 noon
Each week’s session includes a brief audio talk, a short video about a biblical book or theme, and a time of interactive Bible study and discussion guided by the BibleProject’s Church at Home: Small Group Bible Study. All are welcome to participate in this one-hour, no-prep study weekly opportunity on a drop-in or regular basis.
Remaining topics for this month are: February 27 - Rescued for a Purpose
Questions? Contact Meg Baker at mbaker@stpaulsk.org or 301-933-7933 ext. 104.
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Sundays now through March 28
On the 10th anniversary year of the renovation of St. Paul's magnificent pipe organ, Marvin Mills will present a special musical offering each Sunday of Lent. Expanding on the decade's long tradition of Fugues by J. S. Bach as postludes, a complete Prelude and Fugue will be offered this year, preceded by a contrasting short chorale prelude. These will be available at stpaulsk.org/worship/worship-at-home in tandem with (but separate from) the streaming worship service.
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Class meets Wednesdays, now - March 31
4:00-5:00 pm
Living Well Through Lent 2021: Listening with All Your Heart, Soul, Strength, and Mind, led by Dr. Meg Baker, is a new study series that includes the voices and deep reflections of ten writers of diverse backgrounds. To participate either on an ongoing or a drop-in basis please visit https://forms.gle/dwp8kS98Uoe8rZvbA or contact mbaker@stpaulsk.org to receive the Zoom link and the downloadable study materials.
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Part Two: March 25, 6:30pm
Pastor Pat leads the next Book Club discussion as we examine the final chapters of Toxic Charity: How Churches and Charities Hurt Those They Help, And How to Reverse It. Author Robert Lupton asks us to wrestle with questions about the best way to help those in need and how to increase dignity while reducing dependency. The first 6 chapters were discussed on Feb. 25. Contact Travis Stalcup directly or email Erin Steele in the church office (stpaulsunited@stpaulsk.org) for the Zoom link. The Better Humans Book Club is under the umbrella of our Justice & Compassion team and is open to all!
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Sunday, March 28
10:00-10:30 am
Following the success of our February virtual coffee hour, we've scheduled one for March.
Looking for an informal way to connect before church? Set a reminder now so you can grab your coffee (or tea or cocoa or water) and head over to the virtual Octagon for the next coffee hour. Come in your PJs or your Sunday best. Bring the kiddos or cats or come alone! Everyone is welcome.
Topic: Virtual Coffee in the Octagon
Time: Mar 28, 2021 10:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Meeting ID: 975 6645 7215
Passcode: 000075
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Since we are doing so much from home this season, the pastors at St. Paul's have designed Lenten packets for our members and friends. We are hearing reports that the post office is delivering them but there have been delays in some areas. If you haven't received yours yet, please contact Erin Steele in the church office (stpaulsunited@stpaulsk.org) and we'll find a way to get it to you! There are materials for prayer, worship, and reflection, including symbolic sackcloth and ashes, a booklet with devotionals for Lent, and a postcard with information about Easter.
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July 25 - 30
Wilderness Trail is currently planning to take groups out on the Appalachian Trail in 2021, and we've reserved spots for two groups! This trip allows youth to spend time in God's creation by backpacking for 4 days along sections of the AT in Virginia and/or Tennessee. This year, each group on the trail can consist of up to 7 youth, 2 adults, and a Wilderness Trail staff guide. This trip is open to all youth in grades 6-12, plus any seniors from the class of 2020 that were not able to attend this past year. Of course, there will be some changes to the program to keep us safe and healthy. The total cost of the trip is $305 per participant and a sign-up/payment form will be online soon! As always, camperships are available to provide financial aid - simply reach out to Micah for a completely confidential conversation about what needs you may have. If you'd like more information, please contact Micah at msmartt@stpaulsk.org.
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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.
Daily Breath: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays at 9am - Use your social media time for good! Take a deep breath and deepen your spiritual well as staff take turns offering a short meditation, music, a reading, or reflection. www.facebook.com/stpaulskensington/ - no Facebook account required!
SPY Zoom: Sundays, Middle High 4:30pm, Senior High 7pm - St. Paul's Youth (open to all St. Paul's friends in grades 6-12) will be sticking with our weekly Zoom meetings for the immediate future. Add yourself to the SPY email list to get the Zoom link; enter your email in the form found HERE or contact Micah Smartt (msmartt@stpaulsk.org).
Prayerwaves: Wednesdays, 10am - During this time of Prayer over the Air Waves, we pray together over the phone. Call 425-436-6326 at 9:55 each Wednesday morning. When prompted for the “access code," type in 774042 followed by #.
Prayer Request Form: Our new prayer form is available right on the stpaulsk.org website! If you have a joy or concern, you can share it confidentially with St. Paul's ministers or share with the entire Prayer Team.
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 Dr. Meg Baker at mbaker@stpaulsk.org
Sunday School: Sundays, 9:30 am - Virtual classes for children in grade 5 and younger can be found at stpaulsk.org/community/sunday-school. Contact Meg Baker (mbaker@stpaulsk.org or 301-933-7933 ext 104) to join the Sunday School email list and receive activity pages and materials!
Upper Room Mailing List - To receive paper copies of The Upper Room daily devotionals, please contact Erin Steele in the church office (stpaulsunited@stpaulsk.org) with your mailing address and whether you prefer the pocket-sized or large print version.
Yarn Ministry: Mondays, twice a month at 7pm - Find the 2021 schedule at stpaulsk.org/community/calendar-events. For the Zoom invite, contact Karen Codner directly or email stpaulsunited@stpaulsk.org and join a time of fellowship (and looking forward to future Craft Fairs).
Lydia Circle Meeting: Every other Friday, 1:30 pm - Lydia Circle women are gathering via Zoom. We invite any woman interested in joining us to contact leader Susan Schwarz at susan10748@aol.com or call 301-339-8242.
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Scripture for February 28, 2021
Mark 8:31-9:8
31Then he began to teach them that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. 32He said all this quite openly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. 33But turning and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.”
34He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 35For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. 36For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? 37Indeed, what can they give in return for their life? 38Those who are ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” 1And he said to them, “Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see that the kingdom of God has come with power.”
2Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, 3and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them. 4And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus. 5Then Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 6He did not know what to say, for they were terrified. 7Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, “This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!” 8Suddenly when they looked around, they saw no one with them any more, but only Jesus.
Psalm 22:23-31
23You who fear the Lord, praise him!
All you offspring of Jacob, glorify him;
stand in awe of him, all you offspring of Israel!
24For he did not despise or abhor
the affliction of the afflicted;
he did not hide his face from me,
but heard when I cried to him.
25From you comes my praise in the great congregation;
my vows I will pay before those who fear him.
26 The poor shall eat and be satisfied;
those who seek him shall praise the Lord.
May your hearts live forever!
27All the ends of the earth shall remember
and turn to the Lord;
and all the families of the nations
shall worship before him.
28For dominion belongs to the Lord,
and he rules over the nations.
29To him, indeed, shall all who sleep in the earth bow down;
before him shall bow all who go down to the dust,
and I shall live for him.
30Posterity will serve him;
future generations will be told about the Lord,
31and proclaim his deliverance to a people yet unborn,
saying that he has done it.
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Contact us! ● 301-933-7933 ● stpaulsunited@stpaulsk.org ● stpaulsk.org
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