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Vision: St. Paul seeks to be a community of faith growing as family through Christ. Mission: St. Paul seeks to live out its vision through: Discipleship, Faith Sharing, Fellowship, Service & Worship
Sunday, February 12th is Scout Sunday. There will be one Service at 11:00 a.m. Sunday School classes and Promiseland will meet as ususal.
FROM TIM Recently a friend and church member asked for my opinion on one of the many hard or difficult sayings of Jesus. The specific saying in question is from Luke 14. Jesus tells his listeners that unless they hate their father and mother, indeed hate life itself, they cannot be his disciples.
There are, of course, many more recorded sayings of Jesus that I would classify has hard or difficult. Consider the part of the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5; Jesus says if your eye or hand causes you to sin, pluck it out or cut it off for it is better to be maimed than to be cast into hell. Sayings very similar to those mentioned from the Sermon on the Mount can also be found in Matthew 18. Consider other things Jesus said, sometimes to specific individuals, like when Jesus told the rich young ruler to go and sell all that he had, give the proceeds to the poor, then come follow me. The encounter with the rich young ruler is recorded in all three of the synoptic gospels.
There is one thing Jesus said that I personally believe is the singular most difficult thing that he possibly could have said. That most difficult saying is also from the Sermon on the Mount, in Matthew 7, and is generally named The Golden Rule, Have you seriously ever pondered what Jesus said there: In everything do to others as you would have them do for you, for this is the law and the prophets (NRSV)?
I find it difficult to believe that Jesus was less than serious, or often less than literal when he spoke those hard or difficult sayings. I ponder what specific demand(s) those hard sayings make upon my life as a disciple. In fact, I really need not look beyond the Golden Rule to any other hard saying of Jesus to realize that I fall far short of the kind of discipleship to which I am called.
When you consider some of the hard or difficult sayings of Jesus about discipleship, what demands do they make on your life?
Grace and peace, Tim
Thoughts from Deb: St. Paul Youth go HUNGRY The youth at St. Paul are fasting today to change tomorrow, February 24-25.
The 24-hour food fasting event is part of B1, a new United Methodist campaign to link youth to the realities of local and global poverty. B1 stands for “one being, being one.” The name suggests the responsibility each person has to live with a sense of connection to others.
While they fast, the youth will learn about poverty, and the ways their faith calls them to respond with acts of service, social justice and financial support.
One Bible verse that will guide the youth’s fasting is Isaiah 58:6-9a, where God instructs, “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter…?”
These verses call for their fast to be more than hunger pains; they fast for justice and to empower the poor, both in their local and global community. Each B1 group will select and raise money for an organization or community that’s working to empower the poor. The projects are in Chile, Ghana, Haiti, Mexico, and the United States, as well as one that provides training on a global basis to help small-scale farmers.
Every dime raised will go to the project our youth group chooses because they’re donating money through The Advance. Look for our youth at Coffee Fellowship and in your Sunday School classes – ask them questions and please consider sponsoring them financially as they fast today to change the world tomorrow.
Visit www.fasttodaychangetomorrow.org to learn more about B1.
IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT YOU CHECK WITH THE CHURCH OFFICE BEFORE SETTING ANY MEETING DATE. WE HAVE A LOT OF THINGS GOING ON SO WE WANT TO BE ABLE TO HAVE ENOUGH SPACE, TABLES AND CHAIRS FOR EVERYONE WHO WANTS TO MEET. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS CONTACT VICKIE HAMILTON AT 387-0007.
Seeking a Director of Youth Ministries The Staff Parish Relations Committee is beginning their search to hire a Director of Youth Ministries, start date of June 1, 2012. We wanted to begin that search in our own church. God might be calling one of us to this ministry. Are you that person?
The primary responsibility is to guide youth into a closer relationship with God through discipleship, faith sharing, fellowship, service and worship. This includes but is not limited to: -- guiding youth and their families in spiritual formation and growth, -- helping integrate youth into the entire life of the congregation (worship leadership, choirs, bands, drama, ministry teams, small groups, missions, etc.), and -- taking steps to empower youth to ministry and help equip them to follow their call.
These primary responsibilities are lived out in numerous ways: -- Sunday School, Youth Group, Confirmation, Mission Trips, Wednesday Night Dinners & Bible Study, Softball teams, trips, events, Revolution worship, and much much more.
For a copy of
the job description or to submit a resume, e-mail Deb Suddarth:
ST. PAUL NAME TAGS For the past ten years the United Methodist Men have furnished free name tags for adults who have joined the church. We plan to continue this ministry during 2012. We are asking everyone to wear their name tags every Sunday. If you have lost or misplaced your name tag the UMM will pay $3.00 toward the replacement cost of $6.50. If you joined the church in 2011 but did not receive a name tag there will be no cost to you. Just fill out an order form that will be included in the Sunday bulletin for the next couple of weeks and include your check made payable to the UMM, if applicable. Your name tag will be ready for pick up in the Narthex in about two weeks after you order it.
The United Methodist Men meet every fourth Saturday of each month. We invite all interested people to join us at 8:00 a.m. for breakfast and fellowship. This month’s meeting will be February 25th. We hope to see you there.
Wednesday Night Studies @ 6:30..It’s not to late
Study led by Bill Clemmons
Where do we turn for wisdom today? Dr. Phil? Oprah? Family? Friends? For
nearly 3,000 years people have looked to the Book of Proverbs -
that biblical book which offers the wisdom of the ages for
people of faith. The Proverbs were written from the perspective
of the elders passing on great truths about God and daily life
to the next generation. In this series, we study six major
themes from the Book of Proverbs, drawing from the biblical text
as well as from some of our own elders in the church. Where Wisdom Begins,
Biblical
Wisdom for Authentic Friendship
2. " Calm My Anxious Heart: A Woman's Guide to Finding Contentment " by Linda Dillow -- Book is $7
Study led by Liz Sykes and
Corrine Mokake
3. "Love, Marriage & Sex: Making Love Last a Lifetime" by Adam Hamilton Study led by Lake & Joyce Collier Smith -- Book is $12 It is really about relationships. Joyce and Lake have one hundred and sixteen years of marriage experiences between them and ten months of marriage to each other. We feel each and every person young to older will benefit from this class. Its for married or single persons although, Joyce feels if couples could take this class together it would be a special blessing. There will be time for discussion after each tape of about twenty-five minutes. Come and have fun as we share together in God' Love. No matter where you are in your marriage this class is for you. We are so excited to share this time with you. Session Titles: Venus & Mars "In the Beginning " What Women wish Men Knew About Women What Men Wish Women Knew About Men After the Honeymoon Is Over The Habits of Highly Defective Marriages The Bible and Divorce God's Plan for Sexual Intimacy The Ministry and Meaning of Faithfulness Making Love Last a Lifetime
RUTH CIRCLE MEETING The Ruth Circle will meet Friday, February 3rd at 9:30 AM at the church. The program will be on Prayer & Self Denial, led by Anna Barker. Virginia Hopper will provide devotion and Bessie Pugh will provide refreshments. All ladies are welcome to attend!
Creative Connection will be meeting February 5th at 12:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall. We will have lunch and work on a craft. Anyone interested can contact Angie Dougan at 901-494-8621 with any questions.
PRIMETIMERS St. Paul’s over 55 group meets the second Friday of each month. If you are interested in attending an event, contact Sandy Mauney at 465-1364 for more information.
Scrapbooking St. Paul’s Scrapbook Group meets on the 2nd Friday of the month. Join us Friday, February 10th, from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Feel free to arrive at any time and leave whenever you want. Come and enjoy the fellowship, devotional, door prizes, and snacks. Call Wanda Trieschman at 568.2783 if you have any questions.
St. Paul Mission Focus Day Saturday, February 11, 2012 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM, Fellowship Hall
Join us for the 4th Annual Mission Focus Day! There will be mission activities for all ages! Lunch will be provided by the UMW. All you have to do is show up! Projects include:
· Baking cookies for Kairos Prison Ministries · Sewing pillowcase dresses for children missions · Making teddy bears for Moriah House · Coloring place mats for the men’s Kairos weekend · Addressing St. Paul “Welcome to the Community” postcards for new residents · Dropping door hang tags on doors in the neighborhood around St. Paul · Knitting prayer shawls If you can’t attend that day, consider donating to the Mission Focus Day activities. Items needed by February 5th include: 1) Cookie dough (please label and place in the refrigerator) 2) Pillowcases - gently used or new; all sizes 3) Fabric - 45 in. wide cotton or poly/cotton prints, small stripes, small gingham checks (no plaids); yardage: 1 –1 1/2 yd. lengths 4) Monetary donations for purchasing ribbon and double wide bias tape
Contact Janet Woodward (382-4961) with any questions.
Evangelism Team Meeting The Evangelism Team will meet Sunday, February 12 at 12 noon (immediately following the 11:00 AM worship service) at the church. Lunch will be provided. Our meeting will last for approximately one hour; all members are encouraged to attend.
Spring All Things Kids Sale - Help Needed!
A team is
forming to plan the spring All Things Kids Consignment Sale
which is coming up on March 24. Come to a brief planning
meeting on Sunday, February 12 right after church to find out
how you can be involved. The meeting will be held in Fellowship
Class. If you have any questions, please contact Amy Emerson at
allthingskidssp@yahoo.com. Confirmation Class There will be a parent's meeting on February 12th at 4:00 p.m. for any parents of youth ages 6th-12th grades that are interested in the upcoming confirmation experience. Some other dates to add to your calendar for Confirmation are: -- April 13-15 - Confirmation Retreat (note 2 nights instead of 1) - Most of the Confirmation meetings will take place in this one weekend. -- May 6 @ 4:00 - Confirmation Commitment Sunday -- May 19 @ TBD - Confirmation rehearsal & Cookout -- May 20 - Confirmation Worship Service Other Confirmation dates and events to be discussed on February 12th. If you have any questions contact Karen Udovich at 266-3267.
St Paul Sportsmen (women too) are planning to meet February 12th at 6:00. See you at Rangemaster 2611 South Mendenhall Memphis, TN 38115. Call Will Dougan at 496-8021 if you have any questions!
The Susanna Circle will meet Monday, February 13 at 6:30 PM. in the Conference Room. Sandy Mauney will lead us in the study “For the Love of God,” which is a study of 1st John. Carolyn Beard will be our hostess and provide dinner. All ladies are welcome to attend!
Nursery Ministries News For February the Nursery Ministries children will be studying how Jesus loves us all the time! Valentines’ Day is near and time to remember those who are important to us. Let’s remember the veterans, active duty or retired who have sacrificed so much for our country. On Wednesday nights the Nursery Staff along with the children of the Choir members are making valentines to send to the local VA Hospital. Have a HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!!! Nancy Ytzen, Director
Promiseland News This month in Promiseland we will be continuing our Mission Unstoppable Unit. The kids have been learning about Jesus and the disciples. They have learned that Jesus choose 12 ordinary people to do extraordinary things. This month they will learn about Jesus and Peter and how they walked on water, the unforgiving servant and the Lord’s Prayer. 2/5~ Jesus and Peter Walk on Water, Bible Verse: Psalm 147:5 2/12~ The Unforgiving Servant, Bible Verse: I John 1:9 2/19~ The Lord’s Prayer: Part 1- Talking to God Bible Verse: I Thessalonians 5:17 2/26~ The Lord’s Prayer: Part 2- Listening to God Bible Verse: Jeremiah 33:3 Dates to Remember: K.W.A.M~ Feb. 26th Spring Children’s Clothing Sale~March 24th K.W.A.M~ Easter Egg Stuff It Party~March 25th Easter Egg Hunt~April 7th from 2-4 VBS~June 18-21st from 5:45-8:3 K.W.A.M. K.W.A.M …. “Kids With A Mission” is for kids kindergarten – fifth grade. We had our first meeting Jan. 29th. The room was full of ENERGY!! Twenty-two children prepared kits for the homeless, made Valentines for Wesley Senior Ministries, played a game and had snacks. K.W.A.M will meet the last Sunday of the month during the school year. Questions?? Contact Jill Kirk at jillkirk@bellsouth.net
YOUTH NEWS February 5 - Super Bowl Party @ Adam King's home, 5:00 to 9:00(ish), 9101 Pembroke Ellis Dr., Bartlett, TN 38133, 901-384-7640 - Bring $5 to cover pizza, drinks and snacks. Plus bring your favorite cookies. Please RSVP to 384-7640 or jpkdoxey@yahoo.com.
February 24-25 - Youth Fasting Event: B1 @ SPUMC - At "B1: One Being, Being One," we will skip three meals, raise money for our brothers and sisters around the world who go hungry, study world hunger, do a service project, have worship, spend the night at church and end by breaking our fast with a nice meal. We will probably begin on Friday about 6:30 and end around 5:00 on Saturday. Stay tuned for more information.
February News . . . February 1 - Wednesday Night Dinner (5:45) & Matthew Study (6:30) = WND & MS February 5 - Super Bowl Party @ King's @ 5:00 February 8 - WND & MS February 11 - 9:30-2:00 Youth hosting 2 mission ops at the UMW Mission Focus Day February 12 - Regular Sunday Schedule + 4:00 Confirmation Parent's Meeting February 15 - WND & MS February 19 - Regular Sunday Schedule + 6:00 Youth Ministry Advisory Comm. Meeting February 22 - WND (5:45) & Ash Wednesday Worship @ 6:45 February 24-25 - Youth Fasting Event February 26 - Regular Morning Schedule, No Youth Group - talk with Gary about Music February 29 - WND & MS
New Schedule for youth music and more youth opportunities: Starting in February, we are starting youth drama! On the 1st Sunday of each month at 3:00 we will replace our usual music rehearsals with the aforementioned drama. Please join us in the sanctuary if you are interested. Contact Will Dougan for more information, wdougan@bellsouth.net.
Youth Group Contacts: Amy Moore, Sunday School - amoore326@yahoo.com ~ 417-9645 Gary Goldsmith, Youth Music - garygoldsmith@bellsouth.net Karen Udovich, Sunday Evening Youth Group - kudovich@clayandland.com ~ 573-0443 Sharon Higgins, Wednesday Night Bible Study - higgins4@bellsouth.net ~ 550-3381
St Paul Sports and Recreation Announcements
St Paul Saints Spring Soccer 2012 It’s Back!! Another exciting season…Play begins in March Sign-up sheets are now available at the church, for ages 4 through 12.
Deadline for signup is FEB 26th
2012 T-Ball, Baseball, Softball Ages 5 - Adult For the 8th year we will participate in the Faith Baptist League. Sign-up sheets are now available at the church. ******
!!!!! We also need coaches who are interested in working with our youth as well as others from the neighborhood !!!!!!!
Contact the Church Office or Robert Higgins 826-4603 if you have questions
**************
Job Fair March Tuesday, March 13th 9AM – 1 PM Raleigh UMC 3295 Powers Rd.
Come early, dressed for success, with multiple resume copies. Listed below are the 31 companies who will be interviewing:
St. Paul Staff Church Office ~ 901-387-0007 After Hours Phone Numbers: Tim Atkins, 901-581-9247 Deborah Suddarth, 901-831-4414
Aldrich, Daina - Dir. of Preschool Atkins, Tim - Senior Pastor Dinnwiddie, Jennifer – Custodian jendin58@comcast.net Dougan, Will - Dir. of Worship & Music Geno, Regina – Pianist Goldsmith, Gary – Youth Music Director garygoldsmith@bellsouth.net Hamilton, Vickie - Office Administrator Holmes, Susan- Church Accountant Kirk, Jill - Dir. of Children’s Ministries Millsap, Kyle – Asst. Music Director kylemillsap1@gmail.com Paulson, Zeph-Contemporary Worship Ldr. Suddarth, Deb - Associate Pastor dcsuddarth@stpaul-lakeland.org Ytzen, Nancy - Dir. of Nursery Ministries
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