dear friends in christ,churches who believe in jesus christ as their savior. please bring family and...
TRANSCRIPT
Thursday, June 21, 2018
Dear Friends in Christ,He continued. “What’s a good image for God’s kingdom? What parable can I use toexplain it? Consider a mustard seed, When scattered on the ground, it’s the smallest of allthe seeds on the earth, but when it’s planted, it grows and becomes the largest of allvegetable plants. It produces such large branches that the birds in the sky are able to nestin its shade.” Mark 4:10-12
Greetings,Ever wonder about whether or not the small things matter?
In the passage above from Mark’s gospel, Jesus taught with parables, trying to explainwhat the Kingdom of God is like. Compared to the world’s vision of kingdom as a big andpowerful economy with military might, Jesus turns this idea of Kingdom upside down!
There is no doubt that something that starts small within the heart, like a mustard seed,can grow to become a large gift of welcome and sustenance for the world and all whoinhabit it.
Small things that grow out of a Spirit-inspired, heart “strangely warmed,” are marks ofGod’s kingdom, the kingdom that matters eternally. May we be marked by the growth ofjoy, holiness, love, and peace.
Grace & peace, Pastor Sherrie
Kevin Dibble, Sanctuary Choir Director and Pastor Keith Pitts' farewell on Sunday, June 17.
Adults
Space Available Easter Listening CirclesRegister on our website at:stpaulsumc.org/easter-listening-circlesCircle 6: June 25 & 26; 1:30-4:00 pm - 7 spaces availableCircle 7: July 10 & 12; 1:30-4:00 pm - 9 spaces available
Faces of Our Faith Sermon Series: July 1-August19
There are many heroes of the faith, people weadmire and wish to be. However, there are evenmore ordinary people of faith—those doing what theycan with what they have to make a difference. Thissummer, we’ll dig deep into the bold and untoldstories of those often overlooked in our bibilicalnarratives, hoping these characters remind us thatwe all play a role in shaping God’s story ofredemption and grace. Stop by the church office and
pick up a study journal for $3.
African Nationals
African Nationals Evangelical Conference,June 22-24
Everyone is welcome and invited from all
churches who believe in Jesus Christ as theirsavior. Please bring family and friends.
Friday, June 22 - 1:30-7:30 pmSaturday, June 23 - 10:00 am-7:30 pmSunday, June 24 - 11:00 am-5:00 pm
at St. Paul's United Methodist Church (1340 3rdAvenue SE, Cedar Rapids).
Questions please contact Pastor Daniel [email protected] or call at 319-202-0211
Arts Ministry & Music
Creative Expression Class Hosts "Meet the Artist:Robert Peterson" on June 24
There will be an opportunity to meetlocal artist Robert Peterson next Sunday,June 24th in the Upper Room (3rd floor).He will talk briefly about the exhibitedwork at 10:30 am and be available forquestions during class time. The exhibitof his work in the Upper Room and ArtSpace can be viewed this week through
July 9th.
Invitation to Star-Spangled Organ Concert,June 24
Invitation to The Star-Spangled OrganConcert on June 24, 4:00 pm here at St.Paul’s. This FREE event is part of theFreedom Fest and will feature severalmembers of the local chapter of theAmerican Guild of Organists. MarkBaumann, our Coordinator of MusicMinistries, will be one of theperformers. Come, bring friends. Let’s
fill the house with music enthusiasts.
View Flyer
Creating Faces of Our Faith Story CollectionWho is a face of your faith? Who comes to mind
when you consider a person or people in your lifewho have shaped and formed your faith? Help uscreate a summer collection of our own Face of OurFaith. Share your story in 300 words or less and we’llshare it in our summer collection. Email stories to:[email protected].
Sanctuary Choir this SummerSanctuary Choir this Summer Thank you to our Music Ministry Coordinator and PrincipalOrganist, Mark Baumann, who has said yes to serving as our Interim Sanctuary ChoirDirector through July 18th. Applications are now being accepted for this part-timeposition. View Employment opportunities
Sanctuary ChoirSanctuary Choir will sing through July 18th before their summer recess. All are invited tocome and praise God with our welcoming choir. Come as often as you can. The music iseasier than you think and the ensemble is very supportive and encouraging. The choirrehearses on Wednesday evenings from 7:00-8:00 pm.
Peace Bells Workshop • Guided by Joyce St. Clair Voltz from the Iowa Ceramics Center,June 14th participants formed and decorated clay peace bells to hang in their gardens.
Care, Serve, & Outreach
Stephen Ministry. What Is It?Join us for an introductory meeting to learnabout Stephen Ministry June 24 at 10:30
am in the Library (2nd floor across fromthe Sanctuary).
Family Promise Thanks You!We had an interesting week with ourFamily Promise hosting week. Ourfamily was from the Congo and spokevery little English so we were verythankful for Google Translate. Ourfamily consisted of mom, dad, twodaughters ages 11 and 7 and a son,just 16 months old. They were aanxious to try anything and wereworking on their English. We want tothank all of our Overnight Hosts,Cooks (2 from our African Nationalscongregation) and our hospitality
volunteers. There were a few challenges a couple of evenings due to 'visitors', but ourfamily was fun and very gracious. Thanks to each of you who contributed in some wayincluding money for food for our cooks to prepare. If you weren't able to help this time,perhaps you can volunteer during our next hosting week August 26-September 2. Mercibeaucoup!
Family Promise Coordinators,Brad Colton & Kate Buroker
Neighborhood Meal Volunteers NeededNeighborhood Meal Volunteers Needed Please sign up up online atneighborhoodmeals.org. There are greeting, serving, dishwashing, and sit down jobsavailable.
Are You Looking for More?Are you looking for more ways to serve the church? Consider joining the Sunday morningaudio team. We’re in search of one or two people to join us for 9:00 am services.Commitment is light (on average once per month) and scheduling is flexible. Whetheryou’re recently retired, one of our youth or any age in between, you’re welcome to visit
with one of us (Kerry Kupka, Mike Weaver and Bob Lee) before or after the service. Formore info, contact Bob Lee, [email protected], 319-440-1224.
Mission Partner Offering: Matthew 25, July 8Your offering on July 8 will help supportMatthew 25. Matthew 25 revitalizescommunities, creates a healthy foodculture, and mentoring youth.
Summertime Tips for Conserving Water Outdoorsfrom the Be Healthy. Be Green. Task ForceFresh water is a finite resource. While we do live in a wetregion, there is value in conserving water for the benefit ofall. Here are a few tips for using less water on our lawnsand gardens in the summer months:
Water during the cool parts of the day to avoidevaporation before the water can reach the plants.Avoid watering when it's windy so the water doesn'tblow away.
Use drip irrigation or a soaker hose to deliver water only where it needs to go. Lesswater will evaporate before it reaches the plant.Collect rainwater in rain barrels for watering your garden. The city of Marion offersa rebate to help with the purchase of a rain barrel:http://www.cityofmarion.org/departments/engineering/stormwater-management/best-management-practicesPlant native flowers that are adapted to the local climate, and they will need lesswater. You can look into other types of plants that can survive in dry conditions(called xerophytes), such as yucca, moss rose, or blanket flower. Additionally, thecities of Marion and Cedar Rapids offer rebates for installing rain gardens whichhelp manage stormwater. For Marion, see previous link. For Cedar Rapids, seehere: http://www.cedar-rapids.org/local_government/departments_g_-_v/public_works/stormwater_best_management_practices_cost-share_program.php
If you would like more information, I'd be happy to help you find it.
--Stephanie Heifner, [email protected]
Thanks in Part to Your Apportionment Gifts...The Conference Communications Ministry Team is working behind the scenes to tell thestory of United Methodist ministry in Iowa and around the world. Throughout the yearthey gather stories which are shared on social media and the conference website as wellas in weekly emails with news and updates about the activities of United Methodistservant leaders. These efforts are a part of a larger vision to “connect persons andcommunities of faith so that they live out their discipleship in their own contexts andshare their experiences with others, enabling self-resourcing and building partnerships.”They are rising to the challenges of our contemporary society where social mediapresents new, ever-expanding and ever-changing opportunities. The team works everyday to help our churches use technology, media, and messaging effectively andefficiently. Funds for this ministry are made possible through the apportionment gifts ofUnited Methodist churches across the state of Iowa. For more information goto https://iaumc.wordpress.com/2018/06/11/communications-ministry-team/
Employment OpportunitiesEmployment Opportunities Please visit www.stpaulsumc.org/employment and click onthe link of job title you are interested in for more information. Positions available arelisted below:
Director of Sanctuary ChoirDirector of Youth MinistriesDirector of Children’s Ministries
Children & Youth
Message from Pastor KeithHello All-Effective Thursday, June 21 all youth and children pastoral care will be provided byPastors Sherrie and Jonathan. They have asked me to include their emergency contactinformation for you all. Please don’t hesitate to contact either of them for any care needsthat arise. I will miss you all! God bless and remember the Holy Spirit is with you and willguide you into the future.
Blessings,Pastor Keith
Pastor Sherrie Ilg; [email protected] Jonathan Heifner; [email protected]
Sign up by TOMORROW Friday, June 22!Sign up by TOMORROW Friday, June 22!
Mid-High Mission has TRANSFORMED! June 25-26The mid-high mission trip has TRANSFORMED! Youth that have completed 5th-8th gradeare invited to our Transform Mission Trip on June 25-26. We'll be working with Matthew25's TRANSFORM, with an overnight at St. Paul's and a fun evening of swimming. Youththat have completed 9th-12th grades are invited to join for the daytime activities, and ofcourse, we are seeking adults to help with supervision. Contact Wendy Morton (310-4600or [email protected]) for more info and sign up by THIS FRIDAY, June 22.
Transform Link Google Doc for Registration Packet
June Jubilee for Youth, June 23, 6:00-8:30 pmCome swim, chat, and hang out with oldand new friends at the Morton’s at 224516th Street NW Cedar Rapids Iowa. Hotdogs and lemonade provided. Please bringa food to share if you can! Call NancyAntonJensen for help with a ride 319-360-4144.
Vacation Bible School, July 14
Sign up to Serve
On Saturday July 14, 2018 from 12:00 -3:00 pm St. Paul’s will be having FUNWITH JESUS Carnival at the Water Park.This event will include Bible StoryStations for all children 3 years old– 4thGrade, a carnival with bouncy houses,dunk tank, splash pad, bubble tub,Balloon Man, face painting, cotton candy,snow cones, slushies, popcorn, hot dogs
and other treats for the family. There will also be a chalk walk sidewalk art event goingon and other activities for the whole community. All are welcome!!
Jesus Walks on Water and other “water” related Bible stories will be presented. Yourchild will have fun learning about the power of God through Jesus His Son.• Children’s Crafts.• Water Balloon Dodge Ball, Go fish, and other games• Visit all the booths and have your passport stamped to win a prize!• develop a closer relationship with God as we learn, worship & pray together.• form and strengthen friendships in a Christian environment.
Do you have questions about our Fun with Jesus Carnival at the Water Park? Pleasecontact Krisitn Simon, Co-Chair Carnival Committee 319-363-2058 [email protected].
UMW
Kool Kool Luncheon, August 2Kool Kool Luncheon, August 2, 12:00 pm atBever Park, Bever Pavilion. You won’t wantto miss this celebration of our youth inmission and fundraiser for future youthmission projects. Make reservations in theChurch Office, 363-2058, [email protected].
St. Paul's UMW Women's Retreat, August 24-26You’re Invited to a Women’s Retreat The United Methodist Women of St. Paul’s Churchinvite all women to join us for a spiritual retreat in Clear Lake, Iowa, August 24 - 26,2018. Enjoy the fellowship of other women, as well as the beauty and serenity of ClearLake, as we stay in the church cabin located steps from the lake. Have your spirit liftedand fed as our very own Rev. Cindi McKee leads us in 3 sessions of her presentationtitled “Recipe For A Healthy Spirit: Hope...Healing...Heart.” Sign up in the church officewith a retreat fee of $20 due at registration. A maximum of 16 lower bunk bedsavailable. A wait list will also be available.
Prayers
Pray for...
Spiritual disciplines of a weekly fast Thursday after dinner to Friday mid-afternoon,and pausing to pray at 2:23-2:26 pm daily for our church’s mission and wayforward.
Continued healing and grace:Cheri Young (Gene & Carrie Young’s
Neoma Starnes (Duane)Dick Hansen (Laverna)
daughter)Duane WeberMyrna CooneyJenna Moore (Lee & Heather’sdaughter)Patricia Hartwell (Heather Moore’smother)Dick HansonHarper Keck (Dean Keck’s daughter)Linda Lindsay (Gary)Jerry ClemensDixie Allen (Roger)Ron Bunch (Pat)Sally FordTheodora DvorakDiane Berrett (Bob)Carrie Cummins (Jamie Cummins’daughter)Pauline BeldingWinifred TvrdikRichard Harken (Marilyn)Linda HadleyBill Galli (Kay)Marguerita NyandwiMacumi EliasAtlas Cokman (Heidi & Rob Hanson’sgrandson)Justin Ilg (Sherrie & Larry Ilg’s son)Clyde SatterlyRena Brodt (Dale)Tim White (Michelle LeCompte)Audrey SwalleyQuinn Anton Jensen (Nancy & BriceAntonJensen’s son)Kathryn Lindsay (Gary Lindsay’smother)
Katherine MartensenClyde CammackRhemi Studt (Ashley & MatthewStudt)Angela ShultzRhonda VictoriaCarrie Cummins (Jamie’s daughterand Steve and Kathy Davis’granddaughter)Edie NekolaJim & Rose MildenRaine Allen (Dixie & Roger Allen’sgranddaughter)Mariana Joseph (FaidaNshimirimana’s daughter)Charman Banks (John)Patricia Oostenryk (LoriMontgomery’s mother)James WaheNora Mae VanceSteve Dix (Dixie Allen’s brother)Louise Single (Fred)Pauline BeldingSandy Pingel (Gloria Ford’s daughter)Wilma ShadleRobert Moore (Lee Moore’s father)Jody SloanMarti & Spence Grayson (DaveMahlke’s sister and brother-in-law)Mina Arbore (John)John McQuilkin (Jean Kwader’sfather)Ryan VickPam AnslynKris Yahn (Steve)Matthew Hudson (Fran Nathanson)
Memorial prayers for the family andfriends of:
Miriam ShipmanWayne Dvorak (Theodora)Vivian Fread (grandmother of ReginaAnderson)Gene Mahany (Linda Neilsen’sfather, Pam Mahany’s father-in-law)Marci Schurk (Robert)Donna Meeks
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Worship is for the whole family. While childcare is available in our nursery for allSunday morning services, we welcome children of all ages at all worship services.
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