From the Pastor: Messenger Article week of January 27, 2014

From the Pastor...

I'm curious, did you make any New Years Resolutions for 2014? Better yet, have you ever resolved to change something and seen it through? Some years I make little commitments and other years I find myself resolving to make big changes.

What about Resolutions you are afraid to make? My secret resolution is always to become a runner again (I used to be very athletic), but I'm afraid to claim it because I don't believe it will ever actually take hold. My excuse this year: pregnant! Honestly, I always have something that I can blame for holding me back, and its always something other than myself.

I was reading in the news that by the end of January, most people have given up any Resolutions they made with the new year, that if you make it until February you have a much greater chance for your Resolution to become a real life-altering habit. The article said, "January is for dreamers, February is for doers."

We can all agree from experience of successes and failures that any change comes with great personal effort. Our walk with Jesus, though grace-filled is no different.  Like most positive choices it requires an intentionality... a choice to commit our lives and then to follow through and some days we make it for a few hours, and others we barely get out of bed before our resolve is a faint memory. 

My resolution this year is simple: pray this covenant prayer written by John Wesley every morning. It's already harder to do than I predicted, and it's already shaping my heart and soul. Sometimes the words of others can shape our hearts in deep and profound ways.  Maybe you could join me?

I am no longer my own, but yours.
Put me to what you will, rank me with whom you will;
put me to doing, put me to suffering;
let me be employed for you, or laid aside for you,
exalted for you, or brought low for you;
let me be full,
let me be empty,
let me have all things,
let me have nothing:
I freely and wholeheartedly yield all things
to your pleasure and disposal.
And now, glorious and blessed God,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
you are mine and I am yours. So be it.
And the covenant now made on earth, let it be ratified in heaven.
Amen.

I hope to see you and yours in worship this Sunday. Stay well, sisters and brothers!

Peace,
Sarah

St. Paul January Events

District Superintendent, Rev. Nathan Malone, preaching
Sunday, January 12, 2014
We have a special treat!  Our D.S. will be preaching at St. Paul on this day, you don't want to miss the word that God will give him to bring.

Youth go to Resurrection (youth conference) in Gatlinburg, TN
http://www.resurrectionyouth.com
January 17-19, 2014
Be in prayer for our youth and other adults who will be attending Resurrection this year.  This is a great mountain-top spiritual event for renewal and reunions with old friends.  We will leave at 4:00 on Friday, January 17th and return sometime after 1:00 on January 19 (parents will be notified as we are on our way back to the church).  

Youth Share about Resurrection in Worship
Sunday, January 26, 2014
Today in worship the youth will share about their experiences of last weekend, and the sermon will center around the message of the Retreat.  Hope to see you there!

St. Paul December Events

Hello St. Paul friends!  There is a lot going on during Advent for people of all ages, we hope you will join us at some point during this season...

Service of Carols:  Worship Through Music
December 8, 2013 10:45am
This service will feature our Choir and Handbell Choir in a special program of your favorite Christmas music.  Our worship this morning will be led by the musical offerings of the choir as we prepare our hearts and minds for this season of waiting.  Come and enjoy the music, come and worship Almighty God!

Christmas Potluck and Children's Pageant
December 15, 2013 5:00pm
Bring your favorite dish on this evening of fun, and some of your favorite children (grandchildren and neighbors included) to participate in an impromptu Christmas Pageant.  After dinner the kids will be dismissed to dress in costumes, and then we will all enjoy their telling of the Christmas Story.  Kids of all ages are welcome!

Packing Party!
December 22, 2013 12:00pm
Anyone who is able to stay after worship is invited to help pack our "care-packages" for Christmas Eve.  Those who have signed up will deliver the gifts to local businesses and services that are working on Christmas Eve.  This is a great way to show our community workers that we appreciate them and to remind each of us in all the hustle and bustle that Jesus is born.

Christmas Eve
December 24, 2013  5:00pm
On this most holy night we will worship by singing carols, sharing in communion, and re-telling the story of the birth of Jesus.  The service will end with "Silent Night" sung by candlelight.  Any families who have signed up to deliver gifts will be able to pick up their care package after worship.

Hot Cocoa, Storytelling and Caroling
December 29, 2013  10:45am
 Come to worship in comfy clothes (pajamas for children) as we gather to sing the songs of the season and celebrate what Jesus will do in our lives.  We will meet around tables in the fellowship hall. This will be a laid back service, with hot cocoa and breakfast pastries. 

Remember, on behalf of the Fountain City Ministry Center we are collecting coats during December for children sizes  2T-14.  Continue to give to charities and organizations that are close to your hearts! 

Something New

Welcome to St. Paul UMC's blog!  This will primarily be a place for posting sermons and/or outlines of sermons and special articles for those who prefer to read online.  I hope this site will bless you in some way!  God's peace be with you.