tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13614407242891355532024-02-06T21:33:16.964-08:00St. Paul UMCLiving for Christ! Existing for others...Sarah V.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09191392010276591843noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361440724289135553.post-36684900528122636222017-12-01T06:16:00.001-08:002017-12-01T06:16:32.923-08:00Advent Schedule at St. Paul<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1121914515" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">SUNDAY</span></span> - <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1121914516" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Dec 3</span></span> "More Hope" – Luke 1:5-25 </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1121914517" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Sunday</span></span> School – <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1121914518" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">9:30 AM</span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Worship Service <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1121914519" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">10:45AM</span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<wbr></wbr> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1121914526" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">SUNDAY</span></span> – <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1121914527" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Dec 10</span></span> "More Peace" – Matthew 1:18-25 </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1121914528" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Sunday</span></span> School – <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1121914529" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">9:30 AM</span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Worship Service <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1121914530" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">10:45AM</span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<wbr></wbr> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1121914531" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">MONDAY</span></span> – <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1121914532" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Dec 11</span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hope Circle Christmas Party at a private home – <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1121914533" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">6:30PM</span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
(Contact church office for more info) </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<wbr></wbr> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1121914534" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">TUESDAY</span></span> – <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1121914535" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Dec 12</span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Day Circle Christmas Luncheon at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1121914536" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">11:00AM</span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
(Contact church office for more info)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<wbr></wbr> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1121914537" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">WEDNESDAY</span></span> – <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1121914538" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Dec 6</span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1121914539" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">5:30PM</span></span> Fellowship Dinner ($6 per adult, $3 per child) with Cookie Decorating </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bible Study – <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1121914540" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">6:30PM</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<wbr></wbr> </div>
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<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1121914541" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">SUNDAY</span></span> – <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1121914542" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Dec 17</span></span> "More Joy" and CHOIR CANTATA! <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1121914543" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1121914543" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Sunday</span></span> School – <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1121914544" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">9:30 AM</span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Worship Service <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1121914545" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">10:45AM</span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Impromptu Nativity and Potluck – <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1121914546" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">5:00PM</span></span> </div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<wbr></wbr> </div>
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<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1121914547" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">SUNDAY</span></span> – <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1121914548" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Dec 24</span></span> "More Love" - Luke 2:1-15 <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1121914549" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1121914549" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Sunday</span></span> School – <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1121914550" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">9:30 AM</span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Worship Service <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1121914551" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">10:45AM</span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Christmas Eve Service – <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1121914552" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">7:00PM</span></span> "More Goodwill"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<wbr></wbr> </div>
<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1121914553" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">SUNDAY</span></span> – <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1121914554" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Dec 31</span></span> "More Life" Matthew 2:1-23 <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1121914555" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1121914555" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Sunday</span></span> School – <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1121914556" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">9:30 AM</span></span> <br />
Worship Service <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1121914557" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">10:45AM</span></span> (Bistro Church downstairs)Sarah V.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09191392010276591843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361440724289135553.post-51843668352530020352017-10-17T08:33:00.001-07:002017-10-17T08:33:00.968-07:00Fall Neighborhood Festival<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0RZthSzykBeRZQsykOokKr0EbJm8pXiGYX3Tdoq245JKqCs3OZ8ZQyrrEHMw__HYLFPTBHe7MHLZcS2LbKa4oJXzC6QAO3mU5-Vm36ojx6kl4HnLCj7jZ7i36md0vONSclR2EKOZzBuQ7/s1600/unnamed.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="163" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0RZthSzykBeRZQsykOokKr0EbJm8pXiGYX3Tdoq245JKqCs3OZ8ZQyrrEHMw__HYLFPTBHe7MHLZcS2LbKa4oJXzC6QAO3mU5-Vm36ojx6kl4HnLCj7jZ7i36md0vONSclR2EKOZzBuQ7/s1600/unnamed.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span>This free event will feature music, games, a
photo booth area, a bounce house, area crafters and artists, and free
barbecue dinners. This annual event is becoming a neighborhood
favorite, and its purpose is to connect with residents in the Fountain
City area and celebrate community and neighborhood. Children are
encouraged to come in Halloween costume for free treats. A shuttle will
be provided for guests.</span></span></div>
<br />Sarah V.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09191392010276591843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361440724289135553.post-89672706010886256652017-04-05T05:19:00.004-07:002017-04-05T05:19:25.913-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkRixscEIb1Kw4uivWEhF5L229Dvnb8uyCONuHJiz7CrjcRYMhkwcyhVkrSiOVyMtkfVQyTr9SzKmUBSO6SS9MZQfpg2vTqhvKcMGQVoQNrTQlBSD_6dV5jVfX6-OlsFo-c1adaDsN_uH-/s1600/egg+hunt+2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkRixscEIb1Kw4uivWEhF5L229Dvnb8uyCONuHJiz7CrjcRYMhkwcyhVkrSiOVyMtkfVQyTr9SzKmUBSO6SS9MZQfpg2vTqhvKcMGQVoQNrTQlBSD_6dV5jVfX6-OlsFo-c1adaDsN_uH-/s640/egg+hunt+2017.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The "Best Easter Egg Hunt in Fountain City" is this Saturday at St. Paul UMC (4014 Garden Drive). We will gather at 10:00am and the HUNT will start within the hour. Fun for all ages-- including a gated area for children ages 3 and under. This event is entirely FREE, a gift from our church family to our neighborhood. Join us-- and bring a friend, or two or three!</span></div>
Sarah V.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09191392010276591843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361440724289135553.post-81048357132774875412017-02-03T15:38:00.001-08:002017-02-03T15:38:57.212-08:00Sermon Series for February!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqndsc9SqXF14tLQ9j01ulWsRalm0w_B_nSCZYn8tkCU4ORvmDjycdRxBkD8MSwjfZMUg5Tnu1hnh5AKrZGKqw3w-Y7frDCt46jeJrQWyaEuvNgG7uOcEtiLhBGX8ba0dBDCeNJSuhbILS/s1600/mountsermon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqndsc9SqXF14tLQ9j01ulWsRalm0w_B_nSCZYn8tkCU4ORvmDjycdRxBkD8MSwjfZMUg5Tnu1hnh5AKrZGKqw3w-Y7frDCt46jeJrQWyaEuvNgG7uOcEtiLhBGX8ba0dBDCeNJSuhbILS/s1600/mountsermon.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Jesus said a lot of things that challenge our understanding of ourselves, our neighbor, and our perceived enemies... </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Join us for the next several weeks as we continue to study Jesus' "Sermon on the Mount." Worship is at 10:45am, and Sunday School meets starting at 9:30am. We have Sunday School classes for all ages.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>February 5, 2017:
Matthew 5:13-2</b></span></span><style>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> <i>Here Jesus talks about how we are to be "salt and light" in the world-- like a city on a hill or salt that seasons and protects. What might he mean for us as individuals? As a church? </i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i> </i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>February 12, 2017:
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Matthew 5:21-37 </b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> <i> The sermon turns fairly pointed in this portion when Jesus says that if a person lusts in their heart they have already committed adultery...If they have conflict with their neighbor, they have already murdered them...So, ummm, let's talk about sin, shall we? </i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>February 19, 2017: </b><b>
Matthew 5:38-48</b><style>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b> </b><i>This is a portion of the message that is one of the hardest to understand, especially in the face of hypotheticals. Jesus says to "turn the other cheek" and to "go the extra mile" when treated unfairly. What about defending the helpless? We aren't called to be doormats, so what does he mean? </i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i> </i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>February 26, 2017: </b><b>
Matthew 6:24-34</b><style>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> <i>Jesus puts into perspective our culture of worry-- God cares for the birds of the air and the lilies of the field, how much more does God care for our needs? There's nothing practical or simple about this advice, it is, like our entire faith, a way of life. </i></span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Hope to see you and yours in worship on Sundays! www.stpaulftncity.org</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></span>
</div>
Sarah V.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09191392010276591843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361440724289135553.post-4067105842439168642016-12-14T08:45:00.001-08:002016-12-14T08:45:26.556-08:00Advent Updates<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGDmY_TOYHd_34LmYacDh993OgnbGeut7q-Gwpv1zmRbj2CeiBhfrqM_Fbxeri9nQBgD5drBM2OvGQYOibCay7k_v1Gu6G6xnAVbokkzIa1VqY8kx_x9dayVEGvFY3y6JgeXTTbS_qR2D8/s1600/Christmas-music.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGDmY_TOYHd_34LmYacDh993OgnbGeut7q-Gwpv1zmRbj2CeiBhfrqM_Fbxeri9nQBgD5drBM2OvGQYOibCay7k_v1Gu6G6xnAVbokkzIa1VqY8kx_x9dayVEGvFY3y6JgeXTTbS_qR2D8/s200/Christmas-music.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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This Sunday-- December 18, 2016 will be the last Sunday in Advent with two major events planned! <b>Sunday morning will be our annual Christmas Music Special</b> featuring the Adult Choir, the Handbell Choir, and even a song from our children. Its going to be a great morning for worship! Invite a friend or neighbor. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjFF8NaK34q9izgbl3rvW5HDuaAWgfun6S_KAm2xATwDs3YnrxM_ecNQmALvL-Px7a01ME2kgp7kMc4YXhOTfrALgtZBSRmiFAlDi_aMyfAa05pI5KVvVSAMu4Bp2eYwHahIZdqANM0LPM/s1600/15380661_1173271899432803_3631697435003078624_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjFF8NaK34q9izgbl3rvW5HDuaAWgfun6S_KAm2xATwDs3YnrxM_ecNQmALvL-Px7a01ME2kgp7kMc4YXhOTfrALgtZBSRmiFAlDi_aMyfAa05pI5KVvVSAMu4Bp2eYwHahIZdqANM0LPM/s200/15380661_1173271899432803_3631697435003078624_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b>Sunday evening at 5:30pm we will have our Annual Potluck and Impromptu Christmas Pageant</b>. All children are invite to participate in the Impromptu Pageant, and we have costumes ready in all sizes. Bring some food to share, as we gather as a Church family to remember the story of Jesus' birth.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqywuUnYu7HQV1Xg7q5SA4ZgjCUWvtFBnsbPbMNCE9hXx6OXaNuq0Uz9YLJRH1j_KmH_F5NYMTxCDF6YXGVdeUJRu3oXGll2hdfv9okB1JtJ0WMs8jo-cd1nmrChXQYPENwZKnvMUZtviz/s1600/6e66149013baba6049675fde3b18598c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqywuUnYu7HQV1Xg7q5SA4ZgjCUWvtFBnsbPbMNCE9hXx6OXaNuq0Uz9YLJRH1j_KmH_F5NYMTxCDF6YXGVdeUJRu3oXGll2hdfv9okB1JtJ0WMs8jo-cd1nmrChXQYPENwZKnvMUZtviz/s200/6e66149013baba6049675fde3b18598c.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b>Christmas Eve this year is on a Saturday Night (Dec. 24th)</b>, <b>brass prelude to begin at 5:45 with the service at 6:00.</b> The service will include lighting the Christ candle on the Advent Wreath, communion, carol-singing, and candlelight. Children are welcome to stay for the service, and a nursery will be provided for the convenience of loved ones. Come prepared to give generously to <a href="http://www.susannahshouse.org/">Susannah's House</a> (bring donations of items as well).<br />
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<b>Christmas Day is a Sunday!</b> <b>We will have worship that day at 10:45am in the Sanctuary. Kids can wear their Christmas PJs and bring a new favorite toy. We will sing carols and share the story of Jesus' birth on Christmas Day.</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt0HHaLMXNMv-O46qaw7khtlfHuOXaVfnBlS7miPOMGVVDyGNIREN3w0AyDgPuAGWuMm9gh9mKbd-f83kT3rsHJD1VqBCr6liZJ72f921mSn14eZ6j_GCvM6hjKT6oknI1aZvV2FHjvycG/s1600/happy-new-years-day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt0HHaLMXNMv-O46qaw7khtlfHuOXaVfnBlS7miPOMGVVDyGNIREN3w0AyDgPuAGWuMm9gh9mKbd-f83kT3rsHJD1VqBCr6liZJ72f921mSn14eZ6j_GCvM6hjKT6oknI1aZvV2FHjvycG/s200/happy-new-years-day.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b>New Year's Day is also a Sunday-- this will be Bistro Church! </b><br />
We will meet downstairs in the Fellowship Hall for brunch and worship. Let's start the new year off right with fellowship, worship, and our focus on God.<br />
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As always, invite your friends and neighbors! If your church family is a blessing to you and to our neighborhood, it will be a blessing to those that you invite to join us! Sarah V.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09191392010276591843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361440724289135553.post-22569238407030057832016-10-17T08:54:00.001-07:002016-10-17T08:54:14.042-07:00Fall Neighborhood Festival<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6khS6L8RHK6MB0Z4GPbiTTWPZ0HOP6zZ63NPTaxXHBSg8yXPmcBgh20QIM9t1n7A7g6_AO1EFn0WuZDvEryhto8VmqmuUOBY4SgVTYkc8aZcwaLRUKIdojWp6HexXK9AGlko2JfpJefoB/s1600/Fall+Festival+2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6khS6L8RHK6MB0Z4GPbiTTWPZ0HOP6zZ63NPTaxXHBSg8yXPmcBgh20QIM9t1n7A7g6_AO1EFn0WuZDvEryhto8VmqmuUOBY4SgVTYkc8aZcwaLRUKIdojWp6HexXK9AGlko2JfpJefoB/s1600/Fall+Festival+2016.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Sarah V.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09191392010276591843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361440724289135553.post-9571280685053354672016-09-16T05:45:00.001-07:002016-09-16T05:46:53.343-07:00Concert at St. Paul on September 25th at 6:00pm!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7AtV2_dBdhOU7irbzF73hn4XnvyViBgOqtnjWb2wyQX1GRHYnmSVp0WGCEIh3fUgycgvgb0PwmYF0HRcxNOIR4WwR8N85ZPqZV9IWcGFMajwh1WeBqbISgDX3bcBbc50_34M74vVARGon/s1600/9-25-16-pm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7AtV2_dBdhOU7irbzF73hn4XnvyViBgOqtnjWb2wyQX1GRHYnmSVp0WGCEIh3fUgycgvgb0PwmYF0HRcxNOIR4WwR8N85ZPqZV9IWcGFMajwh1WeBqbISgDX3bcBbc50_34M74vVARGon/s640/9-25-16-pm.jpg" width="482" /></a></div>
<br />Sarah V.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09191392010276591843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361440724289135553.post-73064344169882848022016-08-28T03:53:00.002-07:002016-08-28T03:53:36.711-07:00New Offering: Agape Cafe!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvDm4-5o9okkNq6ipUtxYgItaxC4k4RySUexJlmijmWM6GeOw183edVkzIyqp_XWsSv_M2Pg02YCTD_0Nu78tCT3hVNV-pKHUm2YI6QVyypSq1MZerXHqYxAP0NXLWDMMmypEy0-HB7Lxh/s1600/Agape+Cafe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvDm4-5o9okkNq6ipUtxYgItaxC4k4RySUexJlmijmWM6GeOw183edVkzIyqp_XWsSv_M2Pg02YCTD_0Nu78tCT3hVNV-pKHUm2YI6QVyypSq1MZerXHqYxAP0NXLWDMMmypEy0-HB7Lxh/s1600/Agape+Cafe.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">Save
the Date! </span></span></div>
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<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">The Agape' Cafe' starts Wednesday with singer / songwriter
Brad Austin </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">sharing his story and his music! </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">Bring a friend and join us
for pizza and salads at 5:30 pm. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">The music begins at 6:30! </span></span></div>
Sarah V.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09191392010276591843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361440724289135553.post-84770010889319458232016-08-02T12:33:00.001-07:002016-08-02T12:33:27.974-07:00Back to School Sunday!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipE3gzo3SWcbwuBXe3URoNSIAmeQ5hqonBtHMAyvHo9bCJbKlsRCAZPxXIFTyUN5hJKTnSbQ8qM6Xj5iF2xLY0EcqP2hjrnq_mhGlxFx4oCklWJj-ZCp1adnTTKyicaq1sXan3CSFv1UnV/s1600/back-to-school.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipE3gzo3SWcbwuBXe3URoNSIAmeQ5hqonBtHMAyvHo9bCJbKlsRCAZPxXIFTyUN5hJKTnSbQ8qM6Xj5iF2xLY0EcqP2hjrnq_mhGlxFx4oCklWJj-ZCp1adnTTKyicaq1sXan3CSFv1UnV/s1600/back-to-school.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>Join us for worship this Sunday at 10:45am. </b><br />
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We will share in Holy Communion, consider the importance of education, and pray for students, families, educators, and staff of our local schools. We will also bless the mission supplies we have collected for Shannondale Elementary School. Remember this is the last week! Bring wet wipes, hand sanitizer, glue sticks, and kleenex. These are the supplies our teachers end up buying out of their own pockets. Collect items this week and contribute to our efforts on Sunday!<br />
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<br />Sarah V.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09191392010276591843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361440724289135553.post-66472033180938261232016-07-25T12:27:00.000-07:002016-08-02T12:28:07.899-07:005th Sunday Celebration of Music and the Arts! July 31, 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyvVObkl8RUhP1wO0rMyeE03JXTo3meiTkvr7in-rtdc3KqzuoW3HAsbqgXP-IXPp0F3i6CJillDeB3T6-BVD69p-ODr6krDAbBsSkb4ZyJiVq7aXvBmKbcwRdleTeO_GSBkwQtJRsc9lL/s1600/5th+Sunday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyvVObkl8RUhP1wO0rMyeE03JXTo3meiTkvr7in-rtdc3KqzuoW3HAsbqgXP-IXPp0F3i6CJillDeB3T6-BVD69p-ODr6krDAbBsSkb4ZyJiVq7aXvBmKbcwRdleTeO_GSBkwQtJRsc9lL/s640/5th+Sunday.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Sarah V.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09191392010276591843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361440724289135553.post-46857935425529306232016-07-03T04:29:00.002-07:002016-07-03T04:29:15.288-07:00Tai Chi at St. Paul UMC, Fountain City
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaMgkscgp7DZtunjA34qTeFnKX41-jZ1dFCFMjqQpF6o4UnsJBATV7oeFnCpabULpBKYfn_A6E0bHNCEkkYOBUi5hkCefXZRTJs6kNOfPrIoEOCDUiSeDwu7dcyywk4Kj-Vqva3QzzT-W-/s1600/tai+chi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaMgkscgp7DZtunjA34qTeFnKX41-jZ1dFCFMjqQpF6o4UnsJBATV7oeFnCpabULpBKYfn_A6E0bHNCEkkYOBUi5hkCefXZRTJs6kNOfPrIoEOCDUiSeDwu7dcyywk4Kj-Vqva3QzzT-W-/s320/tai+chi.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: small;"></span></b><div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 107%;">On July 13<sup>th</sup>
there will be a presentation on Tai Chi and its benefits.<span> </span>This introduction to Tai Chi will be from
6:30 to 7:30 and there will be no charge.</span></span></b></div>
<b><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></b><div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 107%;">On July 20<sup>th</sup>,
a beginner’s class will be held at the following times:<span> </span></span></span></b></div>
<b><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></b><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 107%;"><span>1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="color: black; line-height: 107%;">Seated Tai Chi (also
called Tai Chi for Back Pain) from 6:30 to 7:00 at No Charge.</span></span></b></div>
<b><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></b><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 107%;"><span>2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="color: black; line-height: 107%;">Standing Tai Chi from
7:15 to 8:00 with a charge of $3.00 per class.</span></span></b></div>
<b><span style="font-size: small;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; line-height: 107%;">The Class will be every
Wednesday ending on Sept. 14<sup>th</sup>.<span>
</span>The basic 21 movements are learned, along with proper breathing.<span> </span>There are also a few exercises to strengthen
the legs.<span> </span>No prior experience is
necessary to enjoy the benefits of these ancient and gentle exercises.<span> </span>Students for Tai Chi will be accepted up to
and including August 3rd.<span> </span>It is advised
that you consult your personal physician prior to any exercise class.<span> </span>Students may want to keep a chair handy, if
needed, for stability.<span> </span>The health
benefits include improved balance, strength, and flexibility.<span> </span>The introduction session and the classes will
be held in the downstairs activities room, which is accessed from the back
parking lot.</span></span></b>
Sarah V.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09191392010276591843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361440724289135553.post-82608396899471666742016-06-07T11:16:00.000-07:002016-06-07T11:16:59.392-07:00VBS 2016: Barnyard Bible Tales<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Sarah V.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09191392010276591843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361440724289135553.post-45603964499771699012016-05-09T08:11:00.002-07:002016-05-09T08:21:04.587-07:004 Things We Should Learn from Jonah<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A segment from Sunday's Sermon... Posted due to popular demand.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span data-offset-key="b86d2-0-0"><span data-text="true">Jonah ran from God's call, spent 3 days and nights in the belly of a big fish, went to preach to his enemies at Ninevah and the entire city repents. His odds are better than the most convicting preacher! Jonah should be ecstatic, but Jonah is mad. Mad as a June bug tied to a piece of string. He'll pull his own leg off flying away before he'll join this party.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span data-offset-key="2iviv-0-0"><span data-text="true">This story is meant to be humorous, poking fun at a certain perspective of the world-- that there are good people and bad people and God loves the good and hates the bad. That there are categories so simplified, like an old Western movie, where the good guys wear white shirts and the bad guys wear black shirts and masks. But life and the world and people are more complex than that. And it is only God who knows just how complex. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span data-offset-key="akv11-0-0"><span data-text="true">What can we learn from Jonah today?</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>4 Things We Should Learn from Jonah</b> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i> Themes borrowed from the words of A.A. Milne, author of <u>Winnie the Pooh</u>.</i></span>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">1. <b>You are braver than you believe</b>. Its never about the task itself. When we focus on how big the thing in front of us is, we forget to see how God has equipped us to tackle it. Like the little girl who climbed a ladder one rung at a time, never looking down to see how high-- instead she shook from the top when she looked out at the view and down at all she accomplished. It easy to stand at the bottom and shake in our boots. Jonah could not stomach the thought of facing his enemies and chose instead to flea across the Mediterranean Sea. Facing in the right direction, no matter the climb, it can all be boiled down to one foot in front of the other.
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">2. <b>You are stronger than you look</b>. If, like Jonah, you can run in the opposite direction with every ounce of your being from what you should do or who you should be, you are strong enough to run full force in the direction of God's future for your life. Stop wasting so much energy saying "no" to that tug on your heart. Stop wasting so much time and breath telling God who you are and who you are not. If anyone knows what you are capable of, its God, the one who fearfully and wonderfully knit you together in your Mother's womb.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">3. <b>You are smarter than you think</b>. Too often we spend our time comparing ourselves to everyone around us-- they are so much smarter, they know more than we do, they are better liked by others, they always get a break. You are who you are for a reason, and your life has purpose. God used Jonah, even though the smart thing would have been to find someone more obedient (the first time). God spared the Ninevites, even though the smart thing in Jonah's estimation was to destroy them. God promises to equip us and give us the tools we need for our life's journey, smart is not our issue, as the phrase goes, "work smarter not harder." It is time to look down and see what God has placed in your hands and on your heart.
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">4. <b>You are loved more than you know</b>. God's love and grace is always bigger than we imagine. And God doesn't always follow the rules. This was Jonah's big beef with God, God should have hated the Ninevites for all that reasons he hated them, and Jonah spent a lot of effort hating. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">There is no group of people, and no place, not even Nineveh, can properly be called God-forsaken. </span> Thanks be to God that we are loved more than we can earn or deserve.
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Sarah V.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09191392010276591843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361440724289135553.post-28404922806788505192016-04-17T07:15:00.000-07:002016-05-02T10:02:12.078-07:00Now Hiring! Positions to be filled...<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">St. Paul UMC, Fountain City <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">is seeking</span> a <u><b>part-time Music
Director</b></u> to lead the music program and direct the Chancel <span>Choir</span>,
experience with Handbells is preferred but not required. Please submit a
cover letter and resume to <a href="mailto:stpaulinfo@bellsouth.net" target="_blank">stpaulinfo@bellsouth.net</a>, or <span>call</span> the office for additional details at <a href="tel:865-687-2952" target="_blank" value="+18656872952">865-687-2952</a>. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">St.
Paul UMC, Fountain City is seeking a <u><b>part-time pianist/organist</b></u>.
Responsibilities include accompanying the Chancel Adult Choir, and being
the primary instrumental musician during Sunday morning worship.
Please send a cover letter and resume to</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="mailto:stpaulinfo@bellsouth.net" target="_blank">stpaulinfo@bellsouth.net</a>, or <span>call</span> the office for additional details at <a href="tel:865-687-2952" target="_blank" value="+18656872952">865-687-2952</a>.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"> St. Paul UMC, Fountain City is seeking a <u><b>nursery worker</b></u>. Responsibilities include: caring for children Sunday mornings from 9:00am-12:00pm. Additional opportunities for work may be available with notification. Background check required and First Aid training preferred, but can be provided. If you are interested, please contact the church office for more information: (865) 687-2952 or email: </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="mailto:stpaulinfo@bellsouth.net" target="_blank" title="Email St. Paul UMC">stpaulinfo@bellsouth.net</a></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">For more information, see our website: <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.stpaulftncity.org/">www.stpaulftncity.org</a> or </span></span>see our Facebook page at<a href="https://www.facebook.com/StPaulUMCFountainCity/" target="_blank" title="Go to the St. Paul Facebook page"> https://www.facebook.com/<wbr></wbr>StPaulUMCFountainCity/ </a></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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Sarah V.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09191392010276591843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361440724289135553.post-76001058971241965032016-04-17T05:26:00.003-07:002016-04-17T05:26:30.540-07:00From a Choir Member's Perspective...
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Sitting in the choir is the best seat in the house. One can see all the members of the congregation. There are long-time friends and new members. There are visitors and previous members sitting with their parents. Each one special and each one loved, old friends and new members and some waiting to become friends.
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Communion is a very special time. From the choir one can silently name and pray for each St. Paul family member. As each individual comes down the aisle and kneels at the rail, a prayer is lifted to God for the ones receiving the gift of His Son. We thank God for each one. And we can't help by remember the ones no longer with us. </div>
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Sentiment aside: From the choir we see and enjoy the children and babies of St. Paul. What a blessing! </div>
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Does it matter that one little redhead runs up the aisle while Sarah is speaking? Does it matter that Sarah's own girls interrupt her children's time? Does it matter if a baby fusses? "Don't take them out!" They are part of the family too. Seeing young children in their father's arms puts an "ahh" in each heart of those watching. Seeing mothers touch their daughters and sons with gentleness is an added joy in the heart of the beholder.
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Sitting in the choir means singing and praising God. And we do this with pleasure and commitment. Everything said above is an additional blessing. </div>
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--From the heart of Dot Conner, St. Paul Historian</div>
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Sarah V.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09191392010276591843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361440724289135553.post-84253904158604136332016-04-14T09:35:00.001-07:002016-04-14T09:35:30.805-07:00Current Sermon Series!
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<b>Stories from Sunday School (Uncensored)</b></div>
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April 3 <u>Trouble in Paradise: Cain and Abel</u>
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<i>"I'm not my brother's keeper," words spoken by Cain to God when God asked about Abel's whereabouts. So, the question is, are we one another's keeper? What is there to learn from</i> <i>this story of family rivalry and violence? </i>
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April 10 <u>Sheep Patrol: Psalm 23</u>
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<i>These words are recited and most every Christian funeral, so often that even people</i>
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<i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> Who</i> <i>do not have a connection with a faith community can recite portions of it... <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i>
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<i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> "The Lord is my</i> <i>Shepherd." Why is this passage so meaningful? </i>
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April 17 <u>Parenthood and Modern Family: Abraham and Sarah</u>
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<i>Parenthood, family and marriage can be difficult at any age. Infant loss and <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i>
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<i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> fertility is a silent grief. The drama behind closed doors is not usually the story we</i></div>
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April 24 <u>Warrior Nation: Story of Gideon</u>
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<i>God is with you! Then why is there so much trouble? God will see you</i>
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<i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> through! Then why</i> <i>hasn't God already done something?</i>
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<i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> God can use you! Haha... who, me? </i></div>
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May 1 <u>Beauty is More than Skin Deep: Esther</u>
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<i>Body image issues, women's liberation, identity, low expectations, feminism, female</i>
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<i> leadership...need I say more? </i></div>
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May 8 <u>A Whale of a Story (or is it big fish?): Jonah</u>
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<i>I love this story! Jonah in the belly of the whale because he wouldn't go where God</i>
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<i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> was sending him! Wait, the belly of a whale? That's a horrible place to be... and the <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> people God wants Jonah to speak truth and repentance to are not good<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> people. What is the point of this</i> <i>story again? </i>
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May 15<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> Special Worship Celebration of Pentecost!
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<i>Pentecost is the birthday of God's church! In honor of this very momentous occasion, we will have as our guest, John Purifoy, a local composer and musician. The sanctuary will be specially adorned in celebration of Pentecost, and much of the liturgy and music will be composed specifically for the worship service</i>. <i>You won't want to miss this very meaningful time of worship and community.</i>
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Sarah V.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09191392010276591843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361440724289135553.post-5681660655254057062016-03-25T09:49:00.000-07:002016-04-07T13:15:00.233-07:00Good Friday: The Passion of Jesus Christ<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-hyphenate: none; mso-layout-grid-align: none; tab-stops: .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in 6.5in 7.0in 7.5in 8.0in 8.5in 9.0in 9.5in 10.0in; text-indent: 0.2in;">
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--></style><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Mark 15:16-20 </span></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Then the
soldiers led him into the courtyard of the palace (that is, the governor’s
headquarters); and they called together the whole cohort. And they clothed him
in a purple cloak; and after twisting some thorns into a crown, they put it on
him. And they began saluting him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” They struck his
head with a reed, spat upon him, and knelt down in homage to him. After mocking
him, they stripped him of the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him. Then
they led him out to crucify him.</span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">What follows are the words of N.T. Wright, Bishop of Durham, to read the entirety of his lecture, click <a href="http://www.forananswer.org/Top_Ath/Wright_Evil3.htm">here</a>...</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span></i></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">What, after all, would it look like if the true God came
to deal with evil? Would he come in a blaze of glory, in a pillar of cloud and
fire, surrounded by legions of angels? Jesus of Nazareth took the total risk of
speaking and acting as if the answer to the question were this: when the true
God comes back to deal with evil, he will look like a young Jewish prophet
journeying to Jerusalem at passover-time, celebrating the kingdom, confronting
the corrupt authorities, feasting with his friends, succumbing in prayer and
agony to a cruel and unjust fate, taking upon himself the weight of Israel’s
sin, the world’s sin, Evil with a capital E. When we look at Jesus in this way
we discover that the cross has become for us the new Temple, the place where we
go to meet the true God and know him as saviour and redeemer. The cross becomes
the place of pilgrimage where we stand and gaze at what was done for each one of
us. The cross becomes the sign that pagan empire, symbolized in the might and
power of sheer brutal force, has been decisively challenged by a different
power, the power of love – and that this decisive challenge shall win the
day.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">
The question is then posed to us in the strongest and
clearest possible way. Dare we stand in front of the cross and admit that all
that was done for us? Dare we take all the meanings of the word ‘God’ and allow
them to be recentred upon, redefined by, this man, this moment, this death? Dare
we address the consequences of what Jesus himself said, that the rulers of the
world behave in one way, but that we must not do it like that? Dare we thus put
atonement-theology and political theology together, with the deeply personal
message on one side and the utterly practical and political message on the
other, and turn away from the way of James and John and embrace the way of Jesus
himself? Only so, I believe, can we even begin the task, to which the subsequent
lectures will return, of working in our own day with mature, Christian and sober
intelligence to address the problem of evil which still haunts the world which
God loved so much.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Dear Sisters and Brothers, Easter is coming...</span></span><br />
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Sarah V.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09191392010276591843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361440724289135553.post-83237242433412818952016-03-24T08:14:00.002-07:002016-03-24T08:14:21.180-07:00Maundy Thursday: Footwashing and the Last Supper (Matthew 26:17-30, Mark 16:1-8, Luke 22:7-38, John 13:1-17)As a child, I thought this day was called "Monday-Thursday," and even though that didn't make very much sense, I accepted my pastor at his word. When I discovered it was "Maundy" I was even more confused. Do you know why it is Maundy Thursday? #ChuckKnowsChurch briefly shares more about this day in Holy Week...<br />
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Over the course of time an out of convenience, many churches have developed Maundy Thursday into an evening that includes Good Friday remembrance as well. This is true for St. Paul-- we will celebrate the Last Supper, participate in a service of Tenebrae (with special music from the Parish Adult Choir), and strip the altar of liturgically significant items. Hope to see you and yours for worship tonight at St. Paul at 7:00pm! There is a nursery available for children under the age of 5 years old. <br />
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Dear sisters and brothers, Easter is coming...<br />
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<br />Sarah V.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09191392010276591843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361440724289135553.post-39655828680483916512016-03-23T06:01:00.002-07:002016-03-23T06:02:29.813-07:00Wednesday of Holy Week: Jesus is Anointed (Matthew 26:6-13; Mark 14:3-9; Luke 7:36-50; John 12:1-8)<span class="selected">This story is in all four Gospels, but here is Matthew's telling of it... Matthew 26:6-13: </span><br />
<i><span class="selected">Now when Jesus was at </span><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/Mt21.17%3BJn11.18/"><span class=""></span></a><span class="">Bethany in the house of Simon the leper,</span><span class="footnote"><a class="fn" href="http://www.esvbible.org/Matthew+26%3A6-13%3B+Mark+14%3A3-9%3B+Luke+7%3A36-50%3B+John+12%3A1-8/#f1-1" id="fb1-1"><span class=""> </span></a></span><span class=""></span><span class="verse-num" id="v40026007-1"></span><span class="">a
woman came up to him with an alabaster flask of very expensive
ointment, and she poured it on his head as he reclined at table. </span><span class="verse-num" id="v40026008-1"></span><span class="">And when the disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste? </span><span class="verse-num" id="v40026009-1"></span><span class="">For this could have been sold for a large sum and </span><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/Jn13.29/"><span class=""></span></a><span class="">given to the poor.” </span><span class="verse-num" id="v40026010-1"></span><span class="">But </span><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/Mt16.8/"><span class=""></span></a><span class="">Jesus, aware of this, said to them, </span><span class="woc">“Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a beautiful thing to me.</span><span class=""> </span><span class="verse-num woc" id="v40026011-1"></span><span class="woc"><span class="">For </span><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/De15.11/"><span class=""></span></a><span class="">you always have the poor with you, but </span><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/Mt9.15%3BJn7.33/"><span class=""></span></a><span class="">you will not always have me.</span></span><span class=""> </span><span class="verse-num woc" id="v40026012-1"></span><span class="woc"><span class="">In pouring this ointment on my body, she has done it </span><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/Jn19.40/"><span class=""></span></a><span class="">to prepare me for burial.</span></span><span class=""> </span><span class="verse-num woc" id="v40026013-1">13 </span><span class="woc"><span class="">Truly, I say to you, wherever t</span><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/Mt24.14/"><span class=""></span></a><span class="">his gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will also be told </span><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/Ac10.4/"><span class=""></span></a><span class="">in memory of her.”</span></span></i><br />
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<span class="woc"><span class="">The following commentary is an excerpt from renowned blogger and modern theologian, Rachel Held Evans (you can find the rest of her reflections on this passage <a href="http://rachelheldevans.com/blog/women-of-holy-week-mary-bethany-anointing">here</a>)...</span></span><br />
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Just days before his betrayal and
death, Jesus and his disciples were eating at the home of Simon the
Leper in Bethany. While they were reclining at the table, a woman, who
John identifies as Mary of Bethany, approached Jesus with an alabaster
jar of expensive perfume, worth about a year’s wages. Mary broke the jar
of spikenard, pouring the perfume on Jesus’ body. The house filled with
its pungent, woody fragrance as she anointed Jesus’ head and feet. </div>
<div id="yui_3_17_2_1_1458737150937_616">
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<b>Everything about the incident is offensive—an interrupted meal, an excessive gift, a woman daring to touch a man with her hair.</b><br />
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It's also highly symbolic.<br />
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In
Jesus’ culture, the act of anointing signified selection for some
special role or task. Kings were often anointed with oil as part of
their coronation ceremony, usually by a prophet or priest. The Greek
word c<i>hristos,</i> Christ,” is a translation of the Hebrew word for Messiah, which means “the anointed one.” <b>And
so this anonymous woman finds herself in the untraditional position of
priest and prophet. In the upside-down Kingdom of Jesus, it makes
perfect sense. </b><br />
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Anointing the feet took things a step further, modeling the service, discipleship, and love Jesus taught. <b>In
a culture in which a woman’s touch was often forbidden, Mary dares to
cradle the feet of Jesus in her hands and spread the oil across his
ankles and toes with the ends of her hair. And r</b><b>ather
than measuring out a small amount of oil, Mary breaks the jar lets it
all pour out. She’s all-in, fully committed, sparing no expense. </b>The
oil she may have been reserving for her own burial, or the burial of a
loved one, has been poured out generously, without thought of the
future.<br />
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The humility of this action foreshadows the footwahsing
that is to come and that we remember on this Maundy Thursday. Later,
Jesus would imitate Mary by washing the feet of the Twelve, telling them
to do the same. <br />
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<span class="woc"><span class="">Dear Sisters and Brothers, Easter is coming...</span></span><br />
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<span class="woc"><span class=""> </span></span><i><span class="woc"><span class=""> </span></span></i>Sarah V.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09191392010276591843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361440724289135553.post-61775916730283897162016-03-22T18:37:00.004-07:002016-03-23T06:02:03.137-07:00Tuesday of Holy Week: Jesus Weeps Over Jerusalem (Luke 19:41-44)<b>Luke 19:41-44 </b><br />
<i>As he came near and saw the city, he wept over it,
saying, ‘If you, even you, had only recognized on this day the things
that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes.
Indeed, the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up
ramparts around you and surround you, and hem you in on every side.
They will crush you to the ground, you and your children within you, and
they will not leave within you one stone upon another; because you did
not recognize the time of your visitation from God.’</i><br />
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JESUS WEEPING OVER JERUSALEM<br />
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There is but one face<br />
whose holy eyes<br />
won't turn away,<br />
but focus on us<br />
and weep...<br />
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Jesus, you!<br />
like a mother hen<br />
yearning to gather us to you,<br />
but we would not...<br />
for we have killed the prophets<br />
and stoned the messengers.<br />
<br />
Now abandoned and empty,<br />
the stones of the temple<br />
waiting to fall<br />
around our ankles,<br />
we still do not come<br />
to you,<br />
and, even now,<br />
you weep.<br />
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--Ann Barr Weems, <u>Kneeling in Jerusalem</u>, 1993<br />
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Dear Sisters and Brothers, Easter is coming... <br />
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<br />Sarah V.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09191392010276591843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361440724289135553.post-48049516987653379072016-03-21T15:58:00.001-07:002016-03-21T16:10:36.409-07:00Monday of Holy Week: Jesus Cleanses the Temple (Mark 11:15-19)<h2 class="passageref" style="background-color: white; width: 600px;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><u>Mark 11:15-19</u></span></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Then they came to Jerusalem. And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who were selling and those who were buying in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves; and he would not allow anyone to carry anything through the temple. He was teaching and saying, “Is it not written, </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations’?<br /><spacer size="10">But you have made it a den of robbers.”</spacer></i></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>And when the chief priests and the scribes heard it, they kept looking for a way to kill him; for they were afraid of him, because the whole crowd was spellbound by his teaching. And when evening came, Jesus and his disciples went out of the city.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This passage is troubling, on a couple of levels. It is also featured in all four gospels. First, the jolting disturbance of people using God's house in a way that does not honor God. I'll say more about that in a moment. Second, Jesus' very physical reaction of "driving" the money changers and his very forceful message. I'm not used to imagining Jesus posturing above people, or behaving with the rage summoned by an angry toddler. A more consistent image in scripture is one of Jesus kneeling to serve, heal and receive us, no matter our condition. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">But, on to the first troubling point. What is so offensive about the actions of the merchants and money changers? I imagine that what they are doing was not new; rather, it was the way that things evolved in Jewish life. Jesus probably witnessed this at other times in his life, but he chose this particular moment to literally make an example of this practice as ungodly. </span><span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Keep in mind, Jerusalem was packed with Jews who had come
for Passover, perhaps numbering 300,000 to 400,000. Jesus' actions were easily visible and experienced by the sea of pilgrims moving in and out of the Temple Courtyard. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Some would make the connection to justice-- the exploitation of the "have-nots" by the "haves" being offensive and unacceptable in God's presence (yes, indeed). Others might point out a modern connection to the ways in which the church today is a house for sinful behavior and activities, much like what Jesus experienced. Along those lines, it is easy and tempting to put ourselves in the shoes of Jesus and anyone on the end of our finger in the position of the merchants and money changers.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">But a little later in Mark chapter 12, Jesus has a very telling exchange: </span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span style="color: #010000;">One of the scribes came near and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, he asked him, “Which commandment is the first of all?” </span><span style="color: #010000;">Jesus answered, “The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; </span><span style="color: #010000;">you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ </span><span style="color: #010000;">The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” </span><span style="color: #010000;">Then the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher; you have truly said that ‘he is one, and besides him there is no other’; </span><span style="color: #010000;">and ‘to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength,’ and ‘to love one’s neighbor as oneself,’ —this is much more important than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” </span><span style="color: #010000;">When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.”</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I invite you to join me in turning that finger from pointing outward and instead point inward. We are the merchants and the money changers. As we approach Easter on this Monday of Holy Week, perhaps this story begs the question: how is Jesus pressing upon you in this final week of Lent to cleanse your heart and mind? To whom have you given your allegiance other than God? Who do you oppress by your way of life and how might you begin to make amends? </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Dear Sisters and Brothers, Easter is coming...</span></span></div>
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Sarah V.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09191392010276591843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361440724289135553.post-73781385075003340252016-03-20T05:36:00.003-07:002016-03-20T05:36:51.252-07:00Holy Week 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Sarah V.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09191392010276591843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361440724289135553.post-46699896397502912322016-03-07T12:56:00.001-08:002016-03-07T12:56:19.265-08:00Annual Easter Egg Hunt! March 19, 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Join us and bring a neighbor! </div>
Sarah V.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09191392010276591843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361440724289135553.post-18015770035147007932016-01-26T08:36:00.003-08:002016-01-26T08:59:57.404-08:00January 31, 2016 Fifth Sunday Arts Celebration<br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Michael Rodgers </b>will be our special guest in the Sunday morning service on January 31. Michael will sing "His Eye is on the Sparrow" at the beginning of the service and will sing </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">three solos with the Chancel Choir on the theme of Heaven: "Shall We Gather at the River," "City Called Heaven," and "I Bowed on My Knees and Cried Holy." Pastor Sarah will continue her sermon series on, "Why?" The service begins at 10:45am with lunch to follow. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael has a Bachelor of Arts/Vocal Performance from Knoxville College and a teaching certificate from the University of Tennessee- Knoxville. He is currently a Special Education teacher with the Knox County School system. Michael is co-director of Encore Singers, a children's choir composed of community children. He also sings with the Knoxville Opera Company, is a member of the Tri-Octaves, and has performed recitals and concerts throughout the nation. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: 700;">Join Us!
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Join us for for an abundant day of music, art and food on Sunday, January 31. Our
Sunday worship service will be a fifth Sunday Music Service, with vocalist Michael
Rogers performing several hymns and musical numbers, followed by a Baked Potato
and Salad lunch provided by our Hospitality Team in the Fellowship Hall. While in the
Fellowship Hall, enjoy our Quilt Display, featuring several quilters from our church
family. These intricate, practical, beautiful and meaningful heirlooms are full of history,
art, memories and love. The Hospitality Team, Music Team and Family Ministries Team
invite you to come enjoy this day of culinary, vocal and visual craftsmanship. </span></span><br />
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Sarah V.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09191392010276591843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361440724289135553.post-66237098460708568522016-01-16T07:48:00.004-08:002016-01-16T07:48:42.342-08:004-week Sermon Series: January 17- February 7WHY? Why is this happening to me? What is God's will? Does God
answer my prayers? If God is good, why is there so much hurt in the
world? Starting a new sermon series tomorrow that will last the next
four weeks. Join us and invite a friend! Worship at 10:45am. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Books of interest: "Why? Making Sense of God's Will" by Rev. Adam
Hamilton, "When Bad Things Happen to Good People" by Rabbi Harold
Kushner, "The Will of God" by Rev. Leslie D. WeatherheadSarah V.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09191392010276591843noreply@blogger.com0