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Weekly News for Oct. 18, 2026
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Wesley’s Questions For Everyday Disciples
John Wesley’s searching question, “Am I honest in all my acts and words, or do I exaggerate?” invites us into a deeper examination of both our speech and our hearts. It is easy to think of honesty as avoiding lies, but Wesley challenges us to go further. Exaggeration can be a subtle form of dishonesty. We may stretch a story to make ourselves look better, emphasize our hardships to gain sympathy, or overstate another person’s faults out of frustration. Even when our words contain some truth, they may not reflect the whole truth.
Jesus taught that our words reveal the condition of our hearts: “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45). When we exaggerate, we often seek approval, attention, or control. We may be tempted to make our accomplishments seem greater or our problems seem larger than they are. Wesley recognized that spiritual growth requires truthfulness in every part of life because God is truth.
Honesty is not just about accuracy; it is about integrity. A disciple of Christ strives for consistency between what is said, what is done, and what is believed. Honest people can be trusted because they do not manipulate facts for personal gain. They speak with humility, recognizing that they do not need to impress others when their identity is secure in Christ.
Just for today, pause before speaking. Are our words fully truthful? Are we presenting ourselves honestly? Are we giving a fair account of others? The Holy Spirit can help us notice and correct these habits. As we practice truthful speech, we become people who reflect Christ’s character in a world where truth is often twisted to serve personal agendas.
Ask God to search your heart and reveal any dishonesty within you. May God help us speak truthfully, neither minimizing nor exaggerating. Let our words reflect God’s truth, grace, and love. May we be shaped into people of integrity whose speech honors God in all things.
Peace,
Pastor Sheridan
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What Does St. Paul's Mean to You?
This week, we begin our annual stewardship campaign with an invitation to reflect on the difference our church makes in our lives and our community. Over the next five weeks, we'll share a question each Sunday to help guide our reflections and conversations.
This week's question: When has St. Paul’s made a difference in your life?
As you consider your financial commitment for 2027, we invite you to think about the experiences, relationships, and ministries that make St. Paul’s meaningful to you. Pledge forms are available in the Narthex and should be arriving by mail in the coming weeks. Please return you pledges by mail, drop them off at the church office, or online at stpaulsk.org/giving. Please submit your pledge by November 20.
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Taste & Sing
Tuesday, Oct. 20
12:00-1:30
Come to the Octagon on the 3rd Tuesday of the month for this casual time of song and food! We start by singing hymns from the UM Hymnal, by request! Then we have a short program offering a deeper dive into the stories behind some of our worship songs. The afternoon wraps up with a tasty fellowship lunch ($5 donation).
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New! Save the Date for the Community Thanksgiving Service
Tuesday, Nov. 24
7:30 PM
St. Paul’s is pleased to be serving as the host congregation this year for the Kensington-Chevy Chase Interfaith Thanksgiving Service. Community members will come together in our Sanctuary to share grateful fellowship and faith through music, prayer, and inspirational texts from many faith traditions.
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Drop-in and Phone Office Hours
The office is open on our regular schedule for drop-in visits and phone calls: Mon.-Thurs., 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Appointments encouraged! 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 leave a message - she will be notified of your call.
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This Week: Sunday School
Sunday, Oct. 18
All children in grades K-5 are invited to Sunday School at 10:30. Grades K-2 meet in Room 200; grades 3-5 meet in the Parlor. The nursery is available for those Pre-K and younger. For children in worship, Busy Bags with quiet activities can be borrowed from the Welcome Desk. Restless friends (accompanied by an adult) are welcome to take a break in the Octagon or Library near the family restroom. If being part of the Sunday School teaching ministry is appealing to you, please contact Pastor Joey at joeyhm@stpaulsk.org to find out more.
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Regular SPY & Campfire Event
Sundays, Oct. 18 & 25, 7:00-8:30 PM
Campfire Event Sunday, Nov. 1, 3:30-8:45 PM (rsvp by Oct. 26)
St. Paul’s Youth is for all friends of St. Paul’s in grades 6-12. We'll meet in the MPR during October for fellowship, faith building, and dinner. The IGNITE Campfire event has been scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 1 at West River Center. Youth must RSVP to Rachel Stalcup (rachelstalcup@gmail.com) by Monday, Oct. 26. Anne Dean and Rachel Stalcup will be chaperoning. We’ll depart St. Paul’s at 3:45 PM and expect to return about 8:45 PM. Youth should expect cook-out style dinner (hamburgers, hotdogs), free time and games (like capture-the-flag or gaga ball), the Big Swing, and a worship experience around the campfire, plus s’mores. All SPYs must be registered - find the form at stpaulsk.org/community/youth
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Coming Up: Kensington Coffeehouse
Saturday October 24, 2026
7:00-10:00 PM in the Fellowship Hall
Time in the Wilderness, an instrumental jazz, funk, and world-fusion quintet, will take the stage along with singer-songwriters Cletus Kennelly, David Scott Weaver, and Hassan El-Tayyab from the band American Nomad. Enjoy our comfortable "listening room" environment! Tickets are $10 and may be purchased online: https://www.kensingtoncoffeehouse.org/ or at the door. Coffee and baked goods, including JennyCakes specialties, also will be available for purchase. Proceeds will support the Hunger Ministry!
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Coming Up: Bible & Brews
Saturday, Oct 24, 5:00-6:00 PM
Join Pastor Joey, Rabbi Adam, and friends from Temple Emanuel for an interfaith discussion once a month at a local Kensington restaurant where you can purchase food or beverages as you like. All meetings are family friendly! This month we are meeting at Babycat Brewery (10241 Kensington Pkwy, Kensington, MD 20895).
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Coming Up: All Saints Sunday Information
Due Sunday, Oct. 25
On Sunday, November 1 we celebrate All Saints Day. We will especially remember those who have joined the saints in heaven during this past year. If you wish to share the name of a family member who died in the last 12 months, please use the paper slips in the Narthex, visit the online form at stpaulsk.org/worship/memorials, or contact Erin Steele in the church office at stpaulsunited@stpaulsk.org All information must be submitted by Sunday, October 25 to be included in our special All Saints bulletin.
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This Month: Pastor Appreciation Month
October is Pastor Appreciation Month! Join us as we celebrate and give thanks for our pastors and the faithful leadership, care, and encouragement they provide to St. Paul’s UMC. Throughout the month, take time to share a kind word, write a note of appreciation, pray for Pastor Sheridan and Pastor Joey, and show our gratitude for all they do. Together, let’s make October a special month of encouragement and appreciation! For questions, reach out to Lay Leader Anne Dean at annepdean@gmail.com.
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Hunger Ministry
Thanks to your donations, St. Paul’s can provide groceries to 170 food-insecure households in the 20895 ZIP code. Please place shelf-stable items in good condition in the donation bins outside the office door. Financial contributions are essential to helping us order food to make up the gaps, and fund grocery store gift cards so families can choose fresh produce, dairy, meat, or hygiene products. Distribution night is the second Monday of each month. If you are interested in volunteering, or know a member of the church community who might need food, please contact Erin Steele in the office at stpaulsunited@stpaulsk.org or email Mr. Pat Maloney at hunger@stpaulsk.org. Find our most-needed item & other info at stpaulsk.org/service/hunger-ministry.
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Apple Sale Canceled
With great regret, we share the news that the Apple Sale will not take place this fall. Scenic View Orchards was severely hit by the late April frost that killed their apple tree blossoms. Our apple sale organizers contacted several other local orchards but none were able to help us. We invite you to pray for the farmers and farm workers whose livelihoods are impacted by this event. We hope to have better news next year!
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Hunger Ministry
We distribute groceries starting on the second Monday of each month and we serve about 170 households facing food insecurity. We rely on our donors to fill our shelves with non-perishable pantry staples! Please place items in the donation bins outside the office door. A list of our most-needed items can be found at stpaulsk.org/service/hunger-ministry. Financial contributions help us order food to make up the gaps, and fund grocery store gift cards so families can choose fresh produce, dairy, meat, or hygiene products. If you are interested in volunteering, or know a member of the church community who might need food, please contact the office or email Mr. Pat Maloney at hunger@stpaulsk.org.
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Church Leadership Team
Go to stpaulsk.org/community/meet-the-staff and scroll down to learn more about what we do! If God is calling you to join the church leadership team, reach out to Pastor Sheridan, Pastor Joey, Leadership chair Bill Stephens (wtstephens@verizon.net), or Lay Leader Anne Deane (annepdean@gmail.com).
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Other Ongoing or Regularly Scheduled Activities.
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.
Sanctuary Choir -- Sundays, 9:30 AM. Our music ministries are looking forward to welcoming new members and old friends! Contact Tom Pedersen (tpedersen@stpaulsk.org) with questions.Adult singers and youth in Grade 7 and up are welcome each Sunday to rehearse at 9:30 AM, then sing in worship at 10:30 AM.
Children's Choir -- Sundays, 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM. All children in grades K-6 are encouraged to be part of Children’s Choir, under the direction of Ms. Christina Griffin. We meet after worship for singing, learning, snacks, and fun in the Multi-Purpose Room. Email: childrenschoir@stpaulsk.org
Still Wednesday -- Wednesdays, 7:00-8:00 PM. Come light a candle and experience this time for reflection, togetherness, and silent prayer. We will be meeting in the Octagon each Wednesday.
Sermon Safari -- Wednesdays 4:00-5:00 PM. This come‑when‑you‑can, drop‑in Zoom study invites participants to watch a sermon together and then dive into a lively, thoughtful discussion. For more information or to receive the Zoom link, contact Dr. Meg Baker at megbaker@verizon.net.
Pancake Breakfast - 1st Saturday of the month, 8:00-10:00 AM. Invite your friends and neighbors to join us in the Fellowship Hall for the monthly community breakfast, with delicious pancakes, sides, and beverages. Diners are asked to make a donation at the door! Some of our kitchen team recently retired from their duties, so if you like helping out behind the scenes, please contact Phil Rush (phil_rush@hotmail.com).
Yarn Ministry -- Bring your knitting, needlework, or other projects and craft alongside friends in the Library at St. Paul’s twice a month. Meeting 7:00-8:30 PM on Sept 14 and 28, October 12 and 26, Nov 9 and 23, Dec 14. Contact Karen Codner (kdc811@gmail.com) with questions.
Joyful Ringers -- Wednesdays, 7:00-8:00 PM Our handbell ensemble will meet in Room 109 for rehearsl, with plans to play in worship about once a month. If you’ve never played handbells before, we can teach you! Contact Tom Pedersen, director of music, at tpedersen@stpaulsk.org.
Sipping Ministry - Host a fellowship time after Sunday worship with coffee, sweets, or other treats. Sign up on the bulletin board in the church office and take a How-To guide.
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.
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Scripture Readings for Sunday, October 18, 2026
Acts 10:34-43
34Then Peter began to speak to them: “I truly understand that God shows no partiality, 35but in every people anyone who fears him and practices righteousness is acceptable to him. 36You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ — he is Lord of all. 37That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: 38how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. 39We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree, 40but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, 41not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. 43All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”
New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition
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Contact us! ● 301-933-7933 ● stpaulsunited@stpaulsk.org ● stpaulsk.org
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