August 2018 Newsletter Pastors Note…Are you praying for your brothers and sisters here at St. Paul’s? And why

should we pray for each other?

First, we pray for “God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding” (Colossian 1:9). It’s been a great joy to be at Vacation Bible School this week, but the greatest joy of all is watching a child “get it”! You can see it when they understand that God is with them, has a plan for their life and because Jesus is raised from the dead, they can live in the fullest possible way.

But, we pray for one another so we can “get it” too! It’s a glorious thing for us to be united together knowing God is with us as a congregation. It’s great to be in step together running the race of faith. Yes, it’s good because Jesus is raised from the dead and we are worshiping, connecting and serving in the fullest possible way together.

We also pray for one another. The Apostle says, so we “may live a live worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience and joyfully give thanks to the Father (Colossian 1:10-12).

Why do we give thanks together?

1. The Father has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light (1:12).

2. He has reserved us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves (1:13)

3. In whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins (1:14).

But, we do more than give thanks. We worship together, especially remembering August 5th as we pray for all those heading back to school. Also, bring your backpacks so we can bless them before school starts.

We connect together as we share Holy Communion and when we get together for the Back to School Bash on August 12th, and we serve together on the 9th, helping each other put together 200 kits for UMCOR!

So much to look forward to…So much to pray for together…

Norman Ramsey

AUGUST PRAYER LIST (Each prayer request submitted to the church office will remain on the list for approximately 6 weeks at a time. If you would like a request to remain on there for longer please let the office know).

Adult Care Facilities:Shenandoah Nursing Home: Alleen CoxThe Legacy: Christie Null, Anna Argenbright, Ken Kyle, Maxine Chittum, Susie Ritchie, Delores BradleyKings Daughters Nursing & Rehab: Dawn Thompson, Lelia ClemAugusta Nursing and Rehab: Joyce HulveyBeulah Land: Nancy ClineThe Manor: Kaye VanderhoffBrookdale: Chick CrawfordMembers at home: Doris Bocock, Meade Loomis, Betty Combee, Dave Rowe, Muffett Butler

Our Church Family: Rev. Rob Woodfin & family, Penny Vines, Ray & Joan Pitsenbarger, Glen & Bettie Oberholtzer, Shirley Eagle; Rick Rickabaugh, Anna Collins; David Hickey; Emily Harlow; Bill Campbell; Bessie Carroll; Sarah Blackwell; Elizabeth Koch (remote area ministry in Wise, VA); Tom Fleisher; Charlie Huffman

Our Church Leadership:Bishop: Rev. Sharma LewisDistrict Supt.: Rev. Dave RochfordSt. Paul’s Staff & Council Leadership: Norman Ramsey, Martha Ramsey, Missy Huffer, Ashlyn Hawley, Ken Nicholas, Chris Lyle, Angela Smith, Cindy Lowe, Mary Katherine Graham, Debbie Galway, Mary Irving, Doug Harris, Mark Wenger, David Meyr, Mary Flint, Shirley Eagle, Carl Balderson, Mark Clarke, Donna Ludwig, Glen Oberholtzer, Kelley Harris

Serving In Missions. . .El Salvador: The Peterson family, Earl & Becky Cox’s daughter & family

Family and Friends:Lydia Atkins, daughter of Renee HummellSally Atwater, friend of Carolyn & Larry Carver Gary Chapman, Rene’ Van Fossen’s fatherKay Clarke, mother of Mark ClarkeThe Daley Family, friend of the Rickabaugh’s Rita Flesher, friend of Sheila Thurber Roy Hey, friend of Emily Harlow Ollie Hughes, mother of Linda Patrick Nicholas Betty Jackson, family of Emily Harlow Prayer for promotion for John @ work, husband of Elizabeth Koch Butch Lobdell, friend of Marilyn McGonigal Seth Long & family, son of Andy & Melody Long Gifford Mabie, brother of Mary Flint Betty Miller, friend of Barbara Bishop & Debbie Folweiler Jason Nagel Gracie Phillips, friend of the Abbott Graham familyCathy Purvis, friend of Jim & Jean Bryant familyElaine Rowley, Margaret Woodfin’s mother Judy Smith, sister in law of Pat Smith Beverley (Baker) Thompson, cousin of James & Martha RamseyTom Tracy, Linda Tracy, Mac Sterrett, friends of Bob PaulDorothy Traimn, friend of Bonnie Thompson McKenzie Woods, friend of Gary & Cindy Lowe

Note from the Finance Committee…On June 30th, St. Paul’s reached the half way point!!June Income: $30,932June Expenses: $30,317

YTD Income: $219,039 YTD Expenses: $214,489 YTD: Income: $4,550

We are behind on our apportionments as follows:

Conference; $18,189District: $5,119

Also, be on the lookout for your quarterly contribution statements. They will be placed in the mail to everyone in the next week or so.

Please continue to keep up with your faithful giving. If you have any questions, please see any member of the Finance Committee.

Starting in August…Join us EVERY TUESDAY at 12:30 PM in the Sanctuary for Community Prayer Time.  This will be a time to gather and pray for one another, the community and our ministry.  This is a great time to come together as believers and pray for the direction of the church for 2018 & 2019. All are welcome so come and pray as the Lord leads.  If you have any questions, please contact Patsy Dillon at patsyd40@msn.com

If you have kids who have completed 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade, don’t let them miss out on the fun and fellowship! Have them join us for Funtastic Friday! We will meet from 6:00pm to 7:30pm on August 17th beginning with dinner, followed by games and activities designed to help us grow in our relationship with God and grow closer to one another. If you have any questions, please contact Chris Lyle at 290-2858 or email at lyle.chris@gmail.com.

Join us on August 5th for Step-Up Sunday! Bring your child to meet their Sunday School teacher for the new school year! Look for the balloons and grade level signs outside each door to identify which classroom is yours! We look forward to another school year full of fun, fellowship, and learning as we work to make disciples of our children!

Blessing of the Backpacks…Attention all children and youth! Bring your backpacks to church on Sunday, August 5th for a Blessing of the Backpacks. During both our 8:30 and 10:30 services we will be praying over them, and you, as you start the new school year.

St. Paul’s Annual… BACK TO SCHOOL BASH Sunday, August 12th @ 5:00-8:00 PM Westside Pool

EVERYONE is invited to come enjoy a great time of food, fellowship and fun. Bring a covered dish to share and the church will be providing chicken, paper products and tea/lemonade. This would be a great opportunity for everyone in the church to invite a friend:)

Little People Preschool… Preschool begins this month! Open house is Monday, August 20th at 6:00 PM. We are so excited to welcome our 3 year old class and Pre-k class back to school on Tuesday, August 21st. We will welcome our 2 year old students on Wednesday, August 22nd. We are happy to begin this year with many of our seasoned teachers but we are also excited to welcome Kaitlyn Fulk as she joins the two-year-old class. Please pray for our students as they begin school and for our teachers as they prepare for the students to come. 

Attention all 6th-12th graders -Youth group is for YOU!! This is a time for you to come and learn about God with other students that are your age. We would love to have all of our youth here at St. Paul’s and their friends participate in our activities. 

St. Paul's Youth has been very busy thissummer! Some of us took the opportunity to work with the children who attended VBS at Christ UMC. We also spent two great weeks on mission trips to Memphis and Jeremiah Project. Our students did an amazing job serving others, pushing themselves beyond their limits and worshipping the Lord. We also had a whole lot of fun together!

We are looking forward to a variety of youth activities this Fall! If you haven't come to youth before and you'd like more information, please call or text Angela at 290-0470.

We would LOVE to have you!!!!

August 12th - 5:00-8:00 p.m. We will be kicking off our Youth Group with the Celebrate Summer Bash at Westside Pool. Take this time to invite your friends and family. This is a church wide family event. All ages are welcome! 

Sunday, August 19th: Jr. and Sr. Youth 5:30-7:30Sunday, August 27th: Jr. and Sr. Youth 5:30 - 7:30

Sunday, September 2nd:  - NO YOUTHSunday, September 10th:  Jr. and Sr. Youth 5:30 - 7:30 

If you have any questions, contact Angela Smith at 540-290-0470 (call or text) or email: angelasmith2507@gmail.com

We are excited about this fall with St. Paul's Youth! We will be working with Christ UMC for some of our youth activities and we are looking forward to that partnership. Please refer to the calendar below and watch your email and the bulletin for upcoming events. We share dinner together each week during youth group. It is helpful if different families sign up to bring a meal one week. You can sign up to bring dinner to youth group by going to https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e084caea82ea3fd0-youth3

If you have any questions, contact Angela Smith at 540-290-0470 (call or text) or email: angelasmith2507@gmail.com

Join us Every Wednesday for MORE FOOD…FELLOWSHIP…STUDY

Mark your calendars for Wednesday Nights at St. Paul’s beginning September 5th, 2018!

Dinner: 5:30-6:15 pmCost: $4 children under 12

$8 adults

$20 maximum per family

Small Groups: 6:15-7:30pm children, youth and adults, (nursery provided)

Watch your email for eWeekly announcements that will include the programs being offered. You can also check St. Paul’s Facebook page. Menus of Wednesday Night meals and other announcements can be found there!

WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY

*Challenge yourself in the discipline of daily Bible Study*Discussion *Interactive teaching videos*7 sessions*Beginning September 11, 2018

Discover the root to clear and daily communication with God—humble obedience. Learn how surrender unlocks His many blessings intended for us, centers us in His will, and helps us discern His voice in everyday life.

Books will be ordered by August 15th. Please contact Mary Irving (msandiferirving@gmail.com or 703-203-0308) to order a book, or for more information.

Transportation MinistryAugust driver: Matt Fleisher (540-885-5208)September driver: Bob Paul (540-885-1540)

If you are in need of a ride to Worship, please call the office at 540-886-2317.

Hello St. Paul’s, it’s David Meyr back as co-chair of your Serve Committee, sharing the responsibilities with Mary Flint; we think wonderful things are ahead. Thanks go out to Lance Barton for his leadership as outgoing Chair!

The successful, rewarding and much needed Valley Mission Sunday Meal program is ongoing, and well under the projected budget thanks to the hard work and careful shopping

of all the volunteers. Thanks Choir for doing this meal in July! To keep this going without a hitch, we

are looking for volunteer groups/families to cook and serve the Sunday meal for November 18th and December 16th (not Thanksgiving or Christmas). Please see Jackie McGovern, Mary, Leslie, or me to sign up.

The other successful and rewarding service opportunity (also well under budget!) is the Trinity Episcopal Lunch Program. If you would like to join the team, please see Mary, Leslie or me. All of us at St. Paul’s can be delighted at the volunteer response to date, and the response of the people we serve.

The “Stock the Pantry” program emphasizes the personal connection that links so closely to Christ’s call to serve even the least (Matthew 25:40); it makes great use of your monies from the Lenten Offering. It has proven to be an excellent way to continue and expand St. Paul’s outreach into the greater Staunton area to relieve food anxiety and uncertainty.

We have several outstanding new ministries “in the work”, but still need a little more development before we can put them in the newsletter; one of them will closely follow the “Stock the Pantry” model, and the other could become a very fun way to take the love of Christ (and your generosity!) into the local area. We hope to have details very, very soon!

One last thing I can pass along without a “tease”; St. Paul’s is supporting the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) through packing “Hygiene Kits” in the Family Life Center at 5:30, August 9th. Please look elsewhere in this Newsletter for all the details; we hope you can join us!

Your Serve Team will meet again Tuesday, September 11th at 5:30 in St. Paul’s library; please attend if you have any suggestions or questions, or if you want to join this active, fun and vital group.

Ritenour Rest Home Sheet DriveWho: You and the Serve CommitteeWhat: 53 sets of twin bed sheets and the making of the bedsWhere: Ritenour Rest Home 403 N. Coalter Street Staunton, VA 24401When: Wednesday, September 26th at 6:00 p.m.Why: This will give the residents fresh and new sheets to snuggle in.

Please bring a set of new TWIN bed sheets and place at the cross in the sanctuary by Wednesday, September 26th. Please join us in driving over to make the residents beds with new sheets. Meet at St. Paul’s at 5:30 (MORE dinner for purchase) for a 6:00 departure or meet us at the address listed above. (Sign-up in the NARTHEX)

POC: Cindy Lowe (540-416-6167) & Barbra Bishop (540-447-0623)UMCOR Hygiene/Health KitsHygiene kits provide basic necessities to people who

have been forced to leave their homes because of

human conflict or natural disaster. Hygiene kits are

also used as learning tools in personal hygiene,

literacy, nutrition, and cooking classes.

The SERVE Committee has started an UMCOR hygiene-kit drive. There are three ways you may help.

1) Join the committee in assembling the kits on Thursday, August 9th at 5:30 p.m. in the Family Life Center. All necessary items will be in place for building the kits. Please SIGN UP in the NARTHEX. All ages are welcome.

2) Make your own kits and place them in the basket by the cross in the sanctuary by Sunday, August 5th. Complete instructions are available in the NARTHEX or: https://www.umcor.org/umcor/relief-supplies/relief-supply-kits/hygiene

3) Donate money. Please make your check out to St. Paul’s UMC and in the memo line please note UMCOR.

*Thank you to my church family for the cards, flowers, calls, texts, and support during the loss of my brother Ryan Puffenbarger. It really means a lot to my family and me. Brittany Melton

*Ken and I want to thank everybody for the cards, flowers and acts of kindness & concerns expressed recently for the loss of Ken’s stepfather. Sincerely, Ken & Linda Nicholas

*The Gideons in the North Augusta Camp and I would like to thank you for the privilege of presenting the Gideon Ministry at St. Paul’s. Members contributions of $286 was an encouragement and blessing to this ministry. It is offerings from congregations like yours that make it possible for the Gideons to purchase and place the Word of God throughout the world. Last year God allowed the Gideons to distribute over 80 million Scriptures in 107 languages in over 200 countries. None of this would be possible without the help of local churches and the sacrificial giving of God’s people. Thanks again for your support and encouragement given in Christ’s name to this ministry. Sincerely yours in Christ, David Griffin, North Augusta Gideons.

*Rev. T. Bryson Smith and Members of St. Paul’s UMC, I sincerely thank you for the recent monetary donation you made to Bessie Weller Elementary School. Your donation will be of great use for buying instructional supplies and materials for our classrooms. Thank you for thinking of us and for contributing to the success of our students – we are truly blessed! Rick Fletcher, Principal

LIBRARY HOURSSunday: 9:00 AM – 10:15 AM & 11:30 AM – 12:00 PMWednesday: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM (starting September 5, 2018)Thursday: 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM

St. Paul’s is in need of volunteers to be available as a “church sponsor”. The church sponsor will be responsible for opening/closing the doors at the church, turning on heat/AC and be the point of contact for calendared events at the church. This is on an as need basis. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact the church office at 540-886-2317 or see Mark Wenger, Trustee Chair.

St. Paul's UMC is seeking a children’s choir director who is enthusiastic and excited about sharing the love of Christ through music with our children through song, drama/skits and other creative avenues on Wednesday nights.  This volunteer position will start Wednesday, September 5, 2018.  If you are interested, please contact Martha Ramsey @ musiclady58@gmail.com 

St. Paul's UMC is seeking a few volunteers to help assist with sound on Sunday's at 8:30 or 10:30 Worship.  If you are interested or would like more information, please see Bryan Lyle or Rick Galway.

St. Paul’s UMC is seeking a few volunteers to help in delivering flowers to shut-ins, sick, homebound, etc. each week.

Saturday, November 3 rd , 2018

Country Store and Tenderloin Dinner(Details in September’s newsletter)

SUNDAY MORNING VOLUNTEERS Acolytes **Liturgists 8:30/10:30 Children’s Message Aug. 5, Cade Bradley Sherry Snyder/Glenna Jones Chuck Weatherman Aug. 12, Clinton Cline Ann Allanson/Ann Allanson Becky Cox Aug. 19, Keaton Austin Debbie Galway/Walker Darby Mary Katherine Graham Aug. 26, Bobby Woodfin Louise Pollak/Helen Caldwell Mary Irving **If you cannot be in worship on the Sunday in which you are scheduled, please switch with someone on the list

and let the church office know of the change.  Greeters 8:30/10:30 Children’s Church Aug. 5, Leslie Alger/TBD Chris Lyle Aug. 12, Mary Irving/TBD Chris Lyle Aug. 19, Nancy Harris/Youth Chris Lyle Aug. 26, Cindy Lowe/TBD Chris Lyle

August 2018FOWLER, Todd & Sarah 08/06MINTER, Jay & Amanda 08/08DAVIS, Gene & Scottie 08/13WALK, Steve & Dori 08/13WHETSEL, Rick & Sandra 08/17BOSSERMAN, Chris & Tina 08/20SCOTTI, Lou & Tracie 08/20AUSTIN, Roger & Arlene 08/24

SUNDAY MORNING VOLUNTEERS Acolytes **Liturgists 8:30/10:30 Children’s Message Aug. 5, Cade Bradley Sherry Snyder/Glenna Jones Chuck Weatherman Aug. 12, Clinton Cline Ann Allanson/Ann Allanson Becky Cox Aug. 19, Keaton Austin Debbie Galway/Walker Darby Mary Katherine Graham Aug. 26, Bobby Woodfin Louise Pollak/Helen Caldwell Mary Irving **If you cannot be in worship on the Sunday in which you are scheduled, please switch with someone on the list

and let the church office know of the change.  Greeters 8:30/10:30 Children’s Church Aug. 5, Leslie Alger/TBD Chris Lyle Aug. 12, Mary Irving/TBD Chris Lyle Aug. 19, Nancy Harris/Youth Chris Lyle Aug. 26, Cindy Lowe/TBD Chris Lyle

    Ryan Puffenbarger, step-brother of Brittany MeltonDonna Parady, friend of Jackie McGovern & Alan Westmoreland & Mary Katherine GrahamJohn Mark Shaffer, cousin of Mary FlintBob MoodyBen & Crystal Copenhaven family (loss of 3 year old daughter), friends of Gary & Cindy LoweDickie M. McLain, brother in law of Abbott & Mary Katherine Graham

In Sympathy to the families of:

SWISHER, Denver & Debbie 08/24TRIPPEL, Chuck & Pat 08/30ROWE, David & Judy 08/31VAN FOSSEN, Keith & Rene' 08/31

GROVE, Aiden 08/02 CALDWELL, Cindy 08/16FERGUSON, Sherry 08/04 LYLE, Kaden 08/16MORRISETTE, Anna 08/04 EARHART, Jack 08/17DAVIS, Scottie 08/05 OAKES, Ken 08/17EAGLE, Caedmon 08/05 SWISHER, Denver 08/17SHEETS, Becka 08/05 WENGER, Susan 08/17BAKER, Bonnie 08/06 SHOWALTER, Gladys 08/18FLINT, Mary 08/06 ADKINS, Junior 08/20DEAVERS, Contessia 08/07 ALLEN, Pamela 08/20DEAVERS, Latishia 08/07 BISHOP, Rusty 08/20HUBBARD, Jo Ann 08/07 CRABTREE, Elsie 08/20MCGOVERN, Jackie 08/07 FLINT Jr., Bo 08/21RUTLEDGE, Cynthia 08/07 HARDING, Elizabeth 08/21HICKEY, Scott 08/08 SHEETS, Wilson 08/21ANDERSON, Sheryl 08/09 CLARK, Conor 08/22HERSHEY Jr., Burk 08/09 ALLANSON, Betty 08/24SHIFFLETT, Cody 08/09 HARLOW, Jaxson 08/24TALIAFERRO, Linda 08/10 MCGEE, Susan 08/24GALWAY, Kelly 08/11 COTE, Debbie 08/25ELMORE, Shirley 08/12 DARBY, Whitney 08/25FORSYTH, Dolores 08/12 GALWAY, Heather 08/25HARGROVE, Cory 08/12 GREY, Beth 08/25HIRTRITER Jr., Max 08/12 ALLANSON, Dylan 08/26COUNTER, Andrew 08/13 EAGLE, Shirley 08/27COX, Lindsey 08/13 WEATHERMAN, Chuck 08/27CRABTREE, Caroline 08/13 CHITTUM, Maxine 08/29RUTLEDGE, Frances 08/13 MCCORMICK, Jared 08/29HOUSER, Donald 08/14 RIDDLE, Mike 08/29RICKABAUGH, Carey 08/14 CHENKUS, Thomas 08/31MINTER, Jay 08/15 ROWE, David 08/31BOSSERMAN, Chelsea 08/16 TOWNSEND, Connie 08/31

August 2018Sun Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat

1 2 3 45 6 7 8 9 10 1112 13 14 15 16 17 1819 20 21 22 23 24 2526 27 28 29 30 31

Thurs. 2 Sanctuary/FLC Reserved (Harris Wedding) Sun. 26 Worship @ 8:30 AM & 10:30 AMFri. 3 Welcome Pastor Meeting @ 5:30 PM (Calvary) Library @ 9:00 AM & 11:30 AM

Sanctuary/FLC Reserved (Harris Wedding) Sunday School @ 9:30 AMSat. 4 Sanctuary/FLC Reserved (Harris Wedding) Youth @ 5:30-7:30 PMSun. 5 Step Up Sunday/Blessings of the Backpacks Mon. 27 Council Meeting @ 7:00 PM

Worship @ 8:30 AM & 10:30 AM Scouts @ 7:00 PMLibrary @ 9:00 AM & 11:30 AM Tues. 28 Community Prayer @ 12:30 PM Sunday School @ 9:30 AM UMW Meeting @ 6:30 PM (Chapel)

Mon. 6 Scouts @ 7:00 PM Thurs.30 Trinity Lunch @ 11:00 AM Tues. 7 First Day of Staunton/Augusta Schools

Mens Discussion Group @ 8:00 AM (Chapel) Community Prayer @ 12:30 PM

Thurs. 9 UMCOR Kits @ 5:30 PM (FLC) Sun. 12 Worship @ 8:30 AM & 10:30 AM

Library @ 9:00 AM & 11:30 AM Sunday School @ 9:30 AM

Nominations Meeting @ 4:00 PMBack to School Bash @ 5:00-8:00 PM(Westside Pool)

Mon. 13 Scouts @ 7:00 PMTues. 14 Community Prayer @ 12:30 PM

SPRC Meeting @ 7:00 PMFri. 17 Funtastic Friday @ 6:00-7:30 PMSat. 18 UMM Picnic @ 6:00 PM (Flint’s House)Sun. 19 Worship @ 8:30 AM & 10:30 AM

Library @ 9:00 AM & 11:30 AMSunday School @ 9:30 AMYouth @ 5:30-7:30 PM

Mon. 20 Preschool Open House @ 6:00 PMScouts @ 7:00 PM

Tues. 21 First Day of PreschoolCommunity Prayer @ 12:30 PMRide w/Pride Mtg @ 4:30 PM (Library/Trippel)

Thurs. 23 Sunshine Group @ 11:00 AM