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Weekly News for Feb. 7, 2021
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Worship-at-Home Service
February 7 at 10:30 a.m.
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Pastors' Weekly Message: From Pastor Pat
The world is abuzz, still reflecting on the prophetically intense words shared by Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman. I would imagine her presence at the presidential inauguration on January 20, 2021 has thrust her to the forefront of the world's attention; the pre -orders for her upcoming works have skyrocketed and the demand for her presence is unimaginable. Some may mistake her presence as the anomaly, the unexpected gift to the world: a young woman of color.
To the unknowing, Ms. Gorman is the new face of the literary world. To the knowing, she is yet only the latest in a long history and heritage of poets of color.
The poetic proclamations of God’s earth-hued children dates back to Miriam’s song of victory in the Bible. It traverses the landscape of history through the voices of Phyllis Wheatley, Langston Hughes, Countee Cullen, and Gwendolyn Brooks.
Voices of color have been heralds of hope reminding us that despite the challenges of this world, “we rise.” In the vivid descriptions of experiences too painful to relive, wounds too deep to see, African American poets have committed to paper the personal stories that many eyes may never have seen or have refused to acknowledge.
Yes, this is Black History Month. And yes, I hope to share with you each week something telling about the richness of my roots that spread farther than my biological family, crisscrossing the divides of life, tracing back to the motherland, God’s garden. I hope that as we journey through this month we will all learn; that we will learn that we have a long way to go to appreciate the richness and worth of humankind. But there is no better day to begin that lesson than now.
“If now isn't a good time for the truth I don't see when we'll get to it.” (Nikki Giovanni)
-- Pastor Pat
pallen@stpaulsk.org
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now-Feb. 14
passcode: 7630534073
We are taking seriously our call to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. At the urging of our BWC conference, we are currently engaged in church revitalization and community development initiatives, but we desire additional guidance regarding innovative and relevant strategies in our increasingly demographically diverse community.
To that end, we are asking all St. Paul's members and friends to take an online survey called "Readiness 360." The Readiness 360 will help us identify opportunities through assessing our spiritual intensity, dynamic relationships, missional alignment, and cultural openness.
After a critical mass within our congregation takes the online survey, we will report back our findings and discover next steps together.
Set aside 20 minutes to take the survey between now and February 14 at midnight!
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Saturday, Feb. 13
6:30-7:30pm
Looking for some interactive virtual activity, that isn’t school- or work-related? Join us online or by phone for our fun Winter "Blah Buster" Game Night. All are welcome to participate in this intergenerational game night via Zoom.
To volunteer or to learn more, please contact Meg Baker at mbaker@stpaulsk.org or 301-933-7933 ext. 104.
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February 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.
This year, in addition to our usual week of providing meals for the Rockville shelter in April, we also will serve the new Interfaith Works women’s shelter in Silver Spring, housing women newly experiencing homelessness plus about half the women formerly at the Rockville - Taft Court shelter who were relocated to mitigate risks of COVID.
We have committed to six meals for about 50 women at the IW Silver Spring shelter, one meal a month for six months. Our first assignments are for February 10 and March 10.
Anyone who would like to join the St. Paul’s men and women already committed to this shelter meal initiative should contact coordinator Lyn Walker directly (lwalker60@hotmail.com). You can shop for supplies, make deliveries to the shelters, or prepare salads, entrees, pastas, boil eggs, cut up oranges, etc. Please let Lyn know if you wish to serve.
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Wednesday, Feb. 10
7pm
The Church Council meeting in February will be held by Zoom. This is an open meeting and all are welcome to attend, but only Church Council Members have a vote. Members will receive the Zoom invitation ahead of time; others who wish to attend should contact Bill Butz, chairperson, at william.butz@icloud.com for the link.
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Wednesday, Feb. 10
7pm
The UMM will have a virtual general meeting for all male members and friends of St. Paul’s. We’ll have a fun evening of trivia and games so join us online and reconnect with your UMM friends. For a link to the meeting, please email Phil Rush at phil_rush@hotmail.com. You can read more UMM updates in the latest edition of the Epistle newsletter available by clicking HERE.
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Sunday, Feb. 14
On Scout Sunday, we celebrate ALL Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts and our relationships with these organizations. Any scouts interested in participating in this celebration should contact Meg Baker at mbaker@stpaulsk.org or 301-933-7933 ext. 104. St. Paul’s United Methodist Men have a proud tradition of sponsoring Boy Scout Troop #439, Cub Scout Pack #478, and the co-ed outdoor leadership group Venture Crew #439.
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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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Sign up by February 17
Class meets Tuesdays
Feb. 23 & March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
7:30-8:30 pm
via Zoom
In this season of Lent, we’re reminded that, again and again, suffering and brokenness find us. We doubt again, we lament again, we mess up again. And yet, in the midst of the chaos, God breaks the cycle and offers us a new way forward.
Rev. Kate Mackereth Fulton leads this study exploring Scripture, art, reflections, and poetry that will shape us into more faithful disciples, trusting that God will meet us, time and again, along the way.
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Sign up now open
Wednesdays, Feb. 24 & March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
4:00-5:00 pm
via Zoom
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 guest writers representing diverse backgrounds. This study helps participants navigate the Lenten journey together and foments spiritual renewal. 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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EXTENDED through Feb. 10
Wednesdays
4:00-5:00pm
via Zoom
All are welcome for this DVD-based guided Bible study, accessible for drop-in visitors as well as regular participants. Pursuing a godly life involves action, and this study focuses on 2 Peter 1:3-11 to help participants grow in Christian faith, knowledge, and actions. Click here to read more and sign up: stpaulsk.org/community/adult-education For more info, contact Meg Baker at mbaker@stpaulsk.org or 301-933-7933 ext. 104.
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Sunday, Feb. 21
10:00-10:30 am
Looking for an informal way to connect before church? Set a reminder now so that on February 21 you can grab your coffee (or tea or cocoa or water) and head over to the virtual Octagon. Come in your PJs or your Sunday best. Bring the kiddos or cats or come alone! Everyone is welcome.
February Coffee Hour
Hosted by Travis & Rachel Stalcup
Zoom: https://edtrust.zoom.us/j/7089450144
Meeting ID: 708 945 0144
Passcode: not required
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Saturdays in February
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.
Our topics for this month are:
- February 6 - Why God Gave Choice
- February 13 - Wrestling God
- February 20 - When We Cry Out
- February 27 - Rescued for a Purpose
Questions? Contact Meg Baker at mbaker@stpaulsk.org or 301-933-7933 ext. 104.
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Part One: Feb. 25, 6:30pm
Part Two: March 25, 6:30pm
Start reading now and get ready for the next two discussions of the Better Humans Book Club, with the UMW Book Club joining the conversation! Toxic Charity: How Churches and Charities Hurt Those They Help, And How to Reverse It 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 half of Toxic Charity will be discussed on Feb. 25, with the remainder discussed on March 25. Please join one or both sessions! Contact Travis Stalcup directly or email Erin Steele in the church office (stpaulsunited@stpaulsk.org) for the Zoom link to participate.
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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. The SPY Zoom link is sent out in the Weekly SPY Email. Add yourself to the SPY list by entering 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 the pastors 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 Erin Steele at stpaulsunited@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 7, 2021
Psalm 147:1-11, 20c
1 Praise the LORD!
How good it is to sing praises to our God;
for he is gracious, and a song of praise is fitting.
2 The LORD builds up Jerusalem;
he gathers the outcasts of Israel.
3 He heals the brokenhearted,
and binds up their wounds.
4 He determines the number of the stars;
he gives to all of them their names.
5 Great is our LORD, and abundant in power;
his understanding is beyond measure.
6 The LORD lifts up the downtrodden;
he casts the wicked to the ground.
7 Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving;
make melody to our God on the lyre.
8 He covers the heavens with clouds,
prepares rain for the earth,
makes grass grow on the hills.
9 He gives to the animals their food,
and to the young ravens when they cry.
10 His delight is not in the strength of the horse,
nor his pleasure in the speed of a runner;
11 but the LORD takes pleasure in those who fear him,
in those who hope in his steadfast love.
20c Praise the LORD!
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Contact us! ● 301-933-7933 ● stpaulsunited@stpaulsk.org ● stpaulsk.org
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