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Weekly News for Oct. 4, 2020 |
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Worship At Home
Sunday, October 4 at 11:00 a.m.
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Pastors' Weekly Message: From Pastor Pat
We are in the throes of election season. We are inundated with campaign materials and reminders of upcoming national and local elections. Even in the life of our church, we find ourselves surfing the election tide.
It has taken several constitutional amendments to extend the right to vote to a broader representation of the populace. And indeed as citizens it is our duty as well as a privilege to exercise that right.
Whether it is determining the next congressional representative or the next chairperson of the local church board, the experience of voting leans heavily into the perspective of winners and losers.
Webster's Dictionary defines a vote as “to speak solemnly, the expression of decision or choice.”
In other words, a vote is the opportunity for our voice to be heard.
We have experienced our first congregational vote and will move forward with the building project (details are below). There are more decisions we will face, each an opportunity for every voice to be heard.
It is my prayer that we not treat these opportunities as wins or losses. Instead we agree that even if we are all not of one mind, that we can still come to the table of conversation, welcoming every voice as integral to our journey.
Speak to us and through us, Lord Jesus!
-- Pastor Pat
pallen@stpaulsk.org
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worship Sunday, Nov. 1
9:00 & 10:30 am
bulletin info due by Oct. 21
All Saints Sunday will mark our first time welcoming worshipers into the Sanctuary since March. Reservations are REQUIRED! Seats are limited and covid-related precautions will be in place. Please click HERE to register to attend in-person, or access the form at stpaulsk.org/worship.
The 10:30 worship service will also be live-streamed for viewing from the safety and comfort of your home.
During All Saints worship, we will recognize St. Paul's members who have died in the past year. We also invite you to share the names of family members who have died since Nov. 1, 2019. Please click HERE or go to stpaulsk.org/worship/memorials to share that information by October 21. If you have questions, please contact Erin Steele at stpaulsunited@stpaulsk.org
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Sunday, Sept. 18
3:00 pm
After an 11-month journey exploring whether St. Paul's wants to be identified and live into the understanding of a reconciling congregation, it is time to make decisions. (Click here to read more about this journey.)
This meeting will be conducted using Zoom. All are welcome to attend; only present full members will be able to exercise voting privileges.
Registration is required and must be completed a half-hour before the start of the meeting. Once you have registered, you will receive a confirmation email with instructions. To participate by phone, contact Rev. Kate Mackereth Fulton (kfulton@stpaulsk.org, 301-524-5196) and she will handle your registration.
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available Oct. 1-15
Covid-19 has changed everything, including how we worship. The pastors would like to know how YOU are engaging with worship at St. Paul's as we look at what's working, what we need to adapt, and what comes next. The survey should take 5-10 minutes.
A paper version will also be available in the October edition of the Epistle. All members and friends are invited to share their experiences and thoughts. Please take the survey only once per person.
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On August 3, 2020 Bishop LaTrelle Easterling invited local church Staff Parish Relations Committees (SPRC) to embrace the opportunity and offer their pastors four days of Sabbath Renewal Leave to be taken between September 13 and October 31, 2020. Bishop Easterling noted how our current times have impacted clergy in ways beyond the “normal,” and this would be an opportunity for renewal and rest above and beyond vacation time and days off.
Both Pastor Kate and Pastor Pat, with the support of St. Paul's SPRC committee, accepted this invitation and will be taking these four days.
Pastor Pat's Sabbath Renewal Leave will begin Sunday October 4, 2020 and last through Wednesday October 7, 2020. Pastor Pat will return to “duty” on Thursday October 8, 2020. Pastor Kate will begin Sabbath Renewal Leave Thursday October 8, 2020 through Sunday October 11, 2020.
"It is my prayer that you also find time to pause and renew, reflect and refresh. What we are experiencing is affecting all of us in ways we cannot begin to imagine. So instead of shouldering through, let us wisely accept prophetic moments of pause that we might reconnect with God and rest our souls." --Pastor Pat
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Thank you to all who care for our members and friends by sending cards and warm wishes in times of grief, change, and celebration. Anyone who wishes to send cards and access the Congregational Care (aka "Sick List") should contact Erin Steele at stpaulsunited@stpaulsk.org and she will provide you with the link to our new online card ministry log and instructions on how to use it. You will also be able to read more about this new effort in the October edition of the Epistle. (Please note: this is a "Bring Your Own Cards & Postage" ministry opportunity. We are not able to supply cards and stamps at this time.)
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Sunday, October 10
11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Our Montgomery County Police District 2 Commander Sean Gagen and Community Patrol Officer Dawn Strohman have invited us to have a virtual conversation with them. Topics: Current climate in law enforcement, changes in Montgomery County Police Dept., Training, and current crime patterns/trends. Q&A would be available as well. Once we receive the information on how you can participate we will share it. Put this on your calendars now - let's not miss this opportunity to meet and chat with these vital members of our community.
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online order form will be available soon!
pick up days: October 24 & 25
The format of the annual Apple Sale has been changed because of the pandemic, but the apples will be just as tasty as ever! Apples and cider, apple butter, and related items will be sold in advance through online ordering at stpaulsk.org/community/united-methodist-men. We expect to carry the usual varieties of apples (e.g., Stayman, Nittany, Jonagold, etc.), sold by the bag. Each bag will have over 2 lbs of apples of a single type. If there are leftovers after online orders have been filled, we will serve walk-up customers on October 24 & 25. We welcome volunteers to help bag apples, organize orders, and help on sale days! Contact Phil Rush to volunteer: 240-426-9907 or email phil_rush@hotmail.com
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Sunday, October 25
9:30 am
Join us for this outdoor in-person worship service (weather permitting). As in previous months, all those in the park should wear a mask and bring picnic blankets or folding chairs, or enjoy from your car "drive-in" style. We will welcome into full membership 4 young people from the 2020 Confirmation Class and will celebrate communion. Other details will available at stpaulsk.org/worship including a digital worship bulletin, for use on your smartphone or other device on Sunday, Oct. 25
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On Tuesday, Sept. 29, St. Paul's held a Special Church Conference with Rev. Gerry Green, District Superintendent, presiding and with members and friends in attendance live over the computer and telephone. As with all Church Conferences, only present, full members were able to exercise voting privileges. (Non-members and constituents were welcome to attend but do not have voting privileges.) Following introductions, prayers, a presentation, and a Q&A session, members submitted their votes.
The question: Are you in favor of proceeding with the Building Renovation Plan in its current and updated form as it is presented this evening?
The results were 96 votes YES, 1 vote NO (for a total of 97 voting members).
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Sunday, Oct. 25, 2020
1:30 pm
The Annual Church Conference is the time every year when pastors and lay leaders from each UMC church in the Baltimore-Washington Conference provide a snapshot of the life of their congregation and the overall state of their church's mission, leadership, goals, and physical structures, for review by the leaders guiding the District and Conference. As in previous years, multiple churches will present on the same day. Church Conference sessions are open to any who wish to attend, but will be managed this year as a Zoom meeting hosted by representatives of the District Superintendent's office. Please look for details on how to attend in the Weekly News email messages later in October.
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Sunday, Oct. 25, 2020
Middle High (Grades 6-8) - 3:30 - 4:30
Senior High (Grades 9-12) - 5:00 - 6:00
For the in-person St. Paul's Youth event in October event, we'll be decorating pumpkins in the St. Paul's parking lot! Each participant will get a space of their own and a pumpkin to decorate in some way. Our Middle School SPYs will be decorating using paint, glue, and other craft materials. Our High School SPYs will be using tools and kits to carve pumpkins. We are super excited to see what our youth will create! Read more details by clicking HERE.
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October 26
7:00 p.m.
Our presenter, AARP speaker Phyllis Meyerson, had to reschedule the meeting originally planned for September. Please join us next month by Zoom for “Know the 10 Signs: An Alzheimer’s Checklist." As we age, it is tempting to attribute the gradual changes our bodies go through to normal aging. Mrs. Meyerson will identify changes we should be more attentive to, including memory lapses that begin to affect our quality of life. To attend, contact Meg Baker, mbaker@stpaulsk.org.
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If you would like to pray alongside others from St. Paul's, 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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9:30 a.m. most Sundays
Sunday School classes will be provided online for children and youth this fall. Classes are available for children in preschool through 12th grade. Please note - on days when there are in-person outdoor services (like Sunday, October 25), we will not hold Sunday School so that families may worship together. Contact Meg Baker at mbaker@stpaulsk.org or 301-933-7933 ext 104 if you have any questions!
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Wednesdays, 7pm
Still Wednesday offers a 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 for more information. All are welcome.
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Fridays, every two weeks
3:00 pm
Lydia Circle ladies enjoy seeing each other via Zoom and discussing what we have all been doing, along with an update on our Smart Sacks activities. Anyone who would like to join us can email Susan Schwarz (contact the office at stpaulsunited@stpaulsk.org if you need Susan's personal email address) or call 301-339-8242. Susan will put you on the email list to get a Zoom invitation.
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Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays
9:00 a.m.
Facebook Live
Three days a week (except holidays!), St. Paul's staff and guests take turns offering a live meditation, reading, music, or message reminding us to start our day by taking a breath. Simply go to https://www.facebook.com/stpaulskensington/ - no account required!
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Scripture for October 4, 2020
Psalm 24
1The earth is the LORD’s and all that is in it,
the world, and those who live in it;
2 for he has founded it on the seas,
and established it on the rivers.
3 Who shall ascend the hill of the LORD?
And who shall stand in his holy place?
4 Those who have clean hands and pure hearts,
who do not lift up their souls to what is false,
and do not swear deceitfully.
5 They will receive blessing from the LORD,
and vindication from the God of their salvation.
6 Such is the company of those who seek him,
who seek the face of the God of Jacob.
7 Lift up your heads, O gates!
and be lifted up, O ancient doors!
that the King of glory may come in.
8 Who is the King of glory?
The LORD, strong and mighty,
the LORD, mighty in battle.
9 Lift up your heads, O gates!
and be lifted up, O ancient doors!
that the King of glory may come in.
10 Who is this King of glory?
The LORD of hosts,
he is the King of glory.
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Contact us! ● 301-933-7933 ● stpaulsunited@stpaulsk.org ● stpaulsk.org
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