Weekly News for Jan. 25, 2026

Inclement Weather Update 1/22/2026:

St. Paul's will NOT hold in-person worship on Sunday, January 25, 2026


Weather reports indicate that our region is extremely likely to experience some form of wintery weather, including ice and snow, starting overnight Saturday into Sunday morning. The safety of our members and friends is of the highest importance! After considering many factors, including the predicted timing of the storm and the capacity for crews to clear roads and sidewalks, our pastors have made the decision that St. Paul's church building will be closed on Sunday, January 25.


A worship-at-home message will be available on Sunday for viewing online:

https://stpaulsk.org/worship/worship-at-home


All other activities that take place at St. Paul's on Sundays will also be canceled, moved to a remote/virtual platform, or rescheduled. You can read more about how we handle weather-related closures and delays on our home page at stpaulsk.org.


We know how meaningful it is to gather together for worship and fellowship, so thank you for understanding as we try to make decisions that keep our community safe. Please use your own best judgment before venturing out in any weather!

Memorial Service for Mrs. Angela Barr

Friday, January 23

12:00 noon


A memorial service celebrating the life and faith of Mrs. Angela Agrusti Barr will be held in the Sanctuary at St. Paul’s UMC on Friday January 23, 2026, at 12:00 PM. For those unable to attend in person, the service livestream will be available on our Memorials page: stpaulsk.org/worship/memorials Angela was a long-time member of St. Pauls and passed away at age 97 on January 10, 2026.

Prayer Requests and Praying Together


You can submit prayer requests any time, from anywhere, using the secure form on our website at https://stpaulsk.org/community/prayer-requests Of course, you can also email the staff or pastors directly as well. You can choose to share only with the pastors, or with the entire prayer team.


To join in praying together, call into Prayerwaves over the phone weekly on Wednesdays. A few minutes before 10:00 AM on Wednesdays, dial 425-436-6326. When promoted for the access code, enter 774042, then press #. (If you get a "wrong number" message, please try again.)

Announcing the Death of Mr. Eric Eaton


Mr. Eric Eaton passed away on January 21 after a short period in hospice care. He is survived by his wife Bette Eaton. At this time, the family requests no calls or visits, please, but cards and notes are welcome. The family's address will be available on the Congregational Care list in the coming weeks.

Sunday Activities Canceled

All in-person activities scheduled for Sunday, January 25 will be canceled, rescheduled, or moved to a virtual/online experience due to incoming wintry weather. Please contact group leaders for specific details.

Worship & Weekday Hours

Most weeks, worship is held at 9:00 and 10:30 AM on Sunday. The office is typically open for drop-in and phone calls Monday-Thursday, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Clergy, staff, and building access hours may vary, so we encourage appointments! 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 she will be notified of your call.

Human Trafficking Awareness Month

Over 50 million persons are trafficked worldwide, including forced labor, domestic servitude, or coerced sex work in our own communities. January is Human Trafficking Awareness month. Learn more about what human trafficking looks like at humantraffickinghotline.org/en/human-trafficking/recognizing-signs. The Hotline number 1-888-373-7888 is available 24/7 in 200 languages for victims, concerned citizens, and anonymous tips, and to provide connections to resources and support services.

Feeding People Every Month

Every month, year-round, St. Paul's provides grocery resources for hungry neighbors. Donate non-perishable grocery items (un-expired, in good condition) in the bins in the Narthex or make a monetary donation to help provide grocery store cards so recipients can purchase fresh and frozen foods and hygiene products. Find the full list of requested food items and info about volunteering at stpaulsk.org/service/hunger-ministry.

Ongoing or Regularly Scheduled Activities.


Sanctuary Choir Sundays, 9:30 AM. Open to adults and youth Grades 7+ who enjoy singing in an ensemble and leading worship. We meet each Sunday at 9:30 AM in room 211 and then sing for the 10:30 AM worship service. Singers are welcome on a week-to-week or continuing basis! Contact Mr. Tom Pedersen, Director of Music, at tpedersen@stpaulsk.org.


St. Paul's Youth Most Sundays, 7:00-8:30 PM (NOT meeting Jan. 25). All youth in grades 6-12 are invited to SPY for faith, friendship, and fun. We have an exciting season of activities and outings in the works. Find the full schedule and the permission/registration form at https://stpaulsk.org/community/youth Questions? Contact Pastor Sheridan at sallmond@stpaulsk.org.


Children's Choir - Most Sundays, 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM in the MPR. For kids in grades K-6 who are eager to grow in faith, learn some music skills, and sing together. Contact Ms. Christina Griffin, Children's Choir director, at childrenschoir@stpaulsk.org.


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.


Zoom Sermon Safari - Wednesdays, 4:00-5:00 PM returning from Winter Break on January 7, 2026. In this drop-in Zoom study, we watch a sermon from a notable speaker and then discuss. To receive the Zoom link, contact Dr. Meg Baker at megbaker@verizon.net. 


Still Wednesday - Wednesdays, 7:00-8:00 PM. Come to the Sanctuary or Octagon room, light a candle, and welcome a quiet spirit. The exact format changes as leaders rotate, but typically includes guided time for poetry, scripture, or art, with 20 minutes of silent prayer. Questions? Contact Beth Dennard at beth.dennard@gmail.com.


Joyful Ringers: Wednesdays, 7:00-8:00 PM. An exciting handbell choir for adults that promises fun and fellowship. We are looking for new ringers and those interested in learning about bells! Contact director of music Tom Pedersen: tpedersen@stpaulsk.org


Pancake Breakfast - first Saturday of the month serving 8:00-10:30 AM. Bring friends and enjoy all-you-care-to-eat breakfast in the Fellowship Hall (suggested $20 for family of four).


Taste & Sing: Third Tuesday of each month, 12:00-1:30 PM. Enjoy a casual hymn sing, short program, and tasty lunch ($5 donation) in the Octagon with Tom Pedersen at the keyboard and Erin Steele leading the singing.


Bible & Brews Saturday or Sunday once a month. Join us at a local restaurant for family-friendly interfaith conversations with Rabbi Adam and neighbors from Temple Emanuel. Full schedule at stpaulsk.org/community/calendar-events or contact Pastor Joey: joeyhm@stpaulsk.org.


Pancake Breakfast: first Saturday of the month, 8:00-10:30 AM - serving hours. Bring friends and enjoy all-you-care-to-eat breakfast in the Fellowship Hall with pancakes, fresh sage sausage, scrambled eggs, fruit, and other breakfast dishes. Instead of a fixed price, diners are encouraged to make a generous goodwill donation.


Yarn Ministry - Mondays twice a month, 7:00-8:30 PM. Bring your knitting, crochet, or other craft project and craft alongside friends. We will meet in the Library at St. Paul’s. Contact Karen Codner with questions at at KDC811@gmail.com. Find the full schedule for Fall 2025 at stpaulsk.org/community/calendar-events 


Lydia Circle Sisters Meeting - the first Wednesday of each month at 2:30 PM. All ladies interested in being part of the Lydia Circle are welcome to contact Susan Schwarz at 301-339-8242 or susan10748@aol.com to get updates or more information.


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.

Worship Schedule for the 2025-2026 Programming Year

  • Worship Sundays at 9:00 with Communion each week (some exceptions apply)
  • Worship Sunday at 10:30 with Communion on the first Sunday of the month and music from the Sanctuary Choir each week
  • The 10:30 AM service will continue to be available by livestream at stpaulsk.org/worship/worship-at-home.
Contact us! 301-933-7933 stpaulsunited@stpaulsk.org stpaulsk.org
Facebook  Instagram