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Weekly News for January 3, 2021 |
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Worship-at-Home Service
January 3 at 10:30 a.m.
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Pastors' Weekly Message: From Pastor Pat
Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.” (Matthew 2:8 NRSV)
Herod definitely had another agenda when he urged the wise men to go search for the Christ child. Herod wanted to eliminate who he perceived as a threat, while the wise men were in search of the one who they hoped would save the world.
Today we sit on the cusp of a new year. Quite honestly, after 2020 it might be especially difficult to look to 2021 with any sort of hopeful expectation.
But it depends on how we decide to look forward.
If we are placing all of our eggs in the basket of 2021 being the well-deserved reprieve from the likes of 2020, we may very well be setting ourselves up for disappointment. Because whether we like it or not, 2021 is bound to offer as many obstacles as opportunities, as many possibilities as problems. So if we’re looking for a pass on hard times… beloved, it’s probably not going to happen.
But if we instead adopt the mindset of the wise men, if we search diligently for Christ, we will indeed find Christ in every experience. Notice the words are “search diligently.” This is more than a glance or a glimpse. This is the intentional, focused exploration of an experience that we do relinquish until we find Christ in the midst of it.
So you might as well buckle up, buttercup, because 2021 is coming! But the good news is Christ is already in it, waiting for us to arrive!
-- Pastor Pat
pallen@stpaulsk.org
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Sundays at 10:30 a.m.
beginning January 1, 2021
A message from the pastors and staff: We want you to know we’ve heard you! We appreciate your patience as we navigated these past several months with a fluctuating worship schedule.
Beginning January 1, 2021, all Sunday worship services will begin at 10:30 a.m. This will be true throughout 2021 whether you join us through one of our livestream worship broadcasts or outdoor services. All will be at 10:30 a.m. each Sunday.
We will continue to re-evaluate the situation and once public health conditions allow us to return safely to the Sanctuary, we will notify our community of changes.
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Sign-up: now - Jan. 8
Class: Tuesdays beginning Jan. 12
via Zoom
Pastor Kate will lead this 6-session study using the text A Disciple’s Path: A Guide for United Methodists by James Harnish and Justin LaRosa to help participants develop spiritual practices, discover their unique gifts, and engage in ministry that brings transformation to their own lives and to the lives of others and the world.
There is no fee for the class, however participants are asked to purchase their text (A Disciple's Path Daily Workbook) independently. Please find the sign-up link and read more here: http://stpaulsk.org/community/adult-education
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Thursday, Jan. 28
6:30-7:30 p.m.
via Zoom
Start reading now! All are welcome to join this Book Club sponsored by St. Paul's Justice & Compassion Team as we discuss The Beautiful Things That Heaven Bears by award-winning author Dinaw Mengestu.
Email Travis Stalcup directly or contact Erin Steele in the church office (stpaulsunited@stpaulsk.org) to participate. There is a copy of the book available in the church library.
The book follows the character Sepha Stephanos who settled in Washington, DC after fleeing the war in his native Ethiopia. His life running a failing grocery store in a poor African American neighborhood is a lonely one, but hope and challenges both lay ahead as new neighbors arrive and Sepha's community changes all over again.
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With great sadness, we announce the death of Mr. Richard Rice, who died on December 30 at his home in Kensington Park. The family is currently making funeral arrangements and will share details as they become available.
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Tuesdays, 4:00-5:00 p.m., Jan. 5, 12, 19, 26
Wednesdays, 4:00-5:00 p.m., Jan. 6, 13, 20, 27
via Zoom
Pursuing a godly life involves action, and this DVD-based study by Nick Cunningham focuses on 2 Peter 1:3-11 to help participants grow in faith, knowledge, and actions consistent with a Christian life. This study is being offered virtually at two different days/times. All are welcome to participate on a regular or drop-in basis. 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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Saturday, Jan. 9
11:00 a.m.
With great sadness, we announce the death of Claire Kordella, who died late on December 20, 2020 at her home in Kensington Park with family present. Mrs. Kordella was 98 years old and a treasured member of the St. Paul's UMC family. A memorial service celebrating her life will be livestreamed from St. Paul's on Saturday, January 9 at 11:00 a.m. The service will be available on our Worship-at-Home page and will remain available afterward on our Memorials web page.
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St. Paul’s 2021 Confirmation Class, open for youth in grades 7-9, will begin its journey in late January 2021. Members of the class will meet weekly through mid-May and will be invited to join St. Paul's as full members on Pentecost Sunday, May 23, 2021. This is a serious commitment, requiring participation in class sessions, certain worship services, and rehearsal. Because of the ever-changing Covid-19 situation, plans for kick-off events or end-of-class retreats are still not finalized. Please contact Mr. Micah Smartt, Youth Pastor, with questions or to register: msmartt@stpaulsk.org
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Lydia Circle women are holding a Zoom meeting every other Friday, now at 1:30 pm (new time). 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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11:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon
Saturdays
This study uses the BibleProject’s Church at Home: Small Group Bible Study. All are welcome on a regular or drop-in basis, no advance prep work required! Each week’s session includes a brief audio talk, a short video about a biblical theme, and a time of interactive Bible study and discussion.
Our topics for this month are:
- January 9 – Sabbath Rest: how can we rest in the midst of restlessness?
- January 16 – Love: we love because he first loved us
- January 23 – Image of God: made in his image, we are called to actively participate with God in bringing unity to our community
- January 30 – Gospel: Rediscovering the potency and power of the Good New
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As 2020 draws to a close, we want to thank those who have been able to give faithfully and whose contributions have sustained St. Paul's work and ministry during difficult times. End-of-year giving statements will be provided as usual through the mail in early January once all 2020 contributions have been recorded. We gratefully welcome your pledges of support for 2021; the online pledge form is available on our Giving page at http://stpaulsk.org/giving If you have questions about your contribution or pledge, please contact Michelle Gregonis, Treasurer, at mgregonis@stpaulsk.org.
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Video Available Now
This year's Christmas Pageant and the Advent Craft Workshop both come to you by video. Through the end of the Christmas season, visit stpaulsk.org/worship/advent-christmas. The pageant, "Do Not Be Afraid," features two dozen pageanteers (children and adults alike) and the Craft Workshop features familiar faces leading winter craft projects for all ages. We are thankful for the contributions of all our participants and the dedication of our coordinator and virtual director, Dr. Meg Baker, Director of Christian Education.
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Virtual Sunday School classes are offered on most Sundays at 9:30 a.m.; please note that there will be no Sunday School lesson for January 3. Currently, video classes, activity pages, and other materials are provided to children ages 2 through grade 5. To be added to the list, contact Meg Baker at mbaker@stpaulsk.org or 301-933-7933 ext 104.
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Ongoing Activities - Click on each heading to learn more.
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.
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
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 #.
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Scripture for January 3, 2021
Matthew 2:1-12
1In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” 3When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; 4and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. 5They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:
6‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
who is to shepherd my people Israel.’”
7Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. 8Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.” 9When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. 11On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.
New Revised Standard Version
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Contact us! ● 301-933-7933 ● stpaulsunited@stpaulsk.org ● stpaulsk.org
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