Saint Paul's Notes - March 23, 2017
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A Message From Rev. Dr. Kandace Brooks
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Dear Friends;
This Sunday following the 11:00 a.m. service we will have a reception in Sanders Hall to celebrate the ministry of Pastor Pam McMillan and to wish her well as she moves to Melbourne, FL to become a Hospice Chaplain. I know that you will want to come and add your greetings. Thanks to all who volunteered to help with setting up the reception – your willing hands and hearts are very much appreciated!
We have been talking much about the Kingdom of God this week, and I am reminded of just how beautiful that kingdom is when the people of God get together to worship. This is why I so much value the way Saint Paul’s UMC does Holy Week. On Maundy Thursday (April 13) we host our friends from New Mount Zion AME at Saint Paul’s for service and fellowship dinner. On Good Friday (April 14) the United Methodist churches combine for a service at Trinity UMC downtown, and on Easter morning we greet the risen Savior with our friends from Faith Presbyterian Church at a sunrise service in our outdoor chapel. Make plans to join us for one or all of these meaningful encounters with God.
I look forward to seeing you Sunday as we continue our exploration of Kingdom images!
Kandace
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Pacesetters Luncheon
Today, 11:30 a.m. in Sanders Hall. Enjoy fellowship and a luncheon served by Betsy Gingery. A special program will feature Amylynn Harrington Smoot from The Porch Light, who will speak on human sex trafficking. Lunch is $6. Make lunch reservations by calling the church office by Tuesday, March 21.
Young Adults Pub Group
The YA Pub Group meets each Thursday at 8:00 p.m. Tonight's location is Red Eye Cafe. All young adults are invited.
Florida Advocacy Days
The Florida Legislature is where the laws and programs that govern our state are made. It is where petitions and ideas are presented to people with the power to make it happen. It is where support is sought for worthy causes. It is where things are set in motion that can be a force for good.
That’s why members of United Methodist churches throughout the state are going to Tallahassee March 26-28 for Florida Advocacy Days. Participants will meet with various state senators and representatives or members of their staffs. They will raise awareness among lawmakers about juvenile nutrition needs and other vital childhood issues.
The meetings with legislators or their staff members are well-planned and focused. It starts with a strategy session about the agenda and what the advocates should expect.
This year, the to-do list will include such things as a juvenile civil citation bill that will give young people who commit a minor offense the chance to avoid a criminal record. They will also address the growing problem of human trafficking, especially with juvenile runaways, and what the state can do to help.
Another vital issue is the effort with the Florida Department of Agriculture to ensure children in needy homes have access to food when they’re not in school and can’t receive free or reduced lunches.
This is consistent with the Wesleyan understanding of “social holiness” which serves as a foundation for the vision of the Florida Conference led by Bishop Ken Carter. He has urged member churches to partner with local schools and agencies to address many of these issues with at-risk children and youth.
Part of the preparation work for volunteers involves reading a handbook about how the Legislature works. The process of turning an idea into law often starts with a simple meeting like the ones that will be occurring during Advocacy Days.
Advocacy Days begins on Sunday, March 26 with evening worship at Trinity UMC downtown and continues through Tuesday, March 28. Registration is $60 and scholarships from Saint Paul’s UMC are available, as well as some limited scholarships from the Florida Conference for young adults under the age of 35. Click here to register.
It would be wonderful to have a group from Saint Paul’s UMC representing at this important community justice event!
ROOTED Youth News and Events
Youth Group this Sunday!
This Sunday, March 26
ROOTED Youth Fellowship
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Youth Choir Practice - 7:00 p.m.
Youth Choir
After Youth Group, stick around for Youth Choir. Our youth choir is a group of middle and high school students, learning how to praise God through song. Whether you are a singing pro or you have never sung a tune in your life, you are welcome! Youth Choir meets from 7:00 - 7:45 p.m. in the Choir Room.
Open Foundation
Open Foundation is a safe place where 6th-12th graders can come spend time together after school. Every Wednesday during the school year, we meet in the Youth Room, down in the Foundation from 2:00 - 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday Youth Studies - Join Matt Jones for a time of learning, fellowship and fun. We will meet in Room 305 from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Hope to see you there!
Sunday School every Sunday morning 9:45 - 10:45!
Our lesson this week is "In the Garden" ~ Matthew 26:31-58
Junior Church will be led by Peggy Benton this week! Mouse bags are available in the narthex.
Two Year Olds - Room 326
Preschoolers - Ages 3-5 - Room 325
Kindergarten & 1st Grade - Room 203
2nd & 3rd - Room 202
4th & 5th - Room 210
Delight your Mind and Body with Candlelight Yoga
Join us for Candlelight Yoga, every Tuesday, 6:15 p.m., a weekly 60 minute relaxation class held at SPUMC. $48 per six-sessions or $10 drop-in. The class is led by yoga instructor, Fatimah Zaid, 200 RYT and a member of Yoga Alliance. A 10 percent portion of every purchase of six-sessions for Candlelight Yoga will be donated to SPUMC. To register contact Fatimah at 590-4602 or email fzspecial1@aol.com.
Wednesday Night Supper
Dinner in Sanders Hall - 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Reservations due by Monday by calling 385-5146 or RESERVE HERE! $7 adults, $3 ages 4 - 12.
March 29: International - Mexican
Lent Activities
MORNING DEVOTIONALS – 6:30 a.m. in the Chapel; breakfast served at 7:00 a.m. in Sanders Hall.
WEDNESDAY EVENING REFLECTION GROUPS – 6:30 p.m. in Sanders Hall. These ‘table groups’ will work with materials from Walter Brueggemann’s A Way Other Than Our Own. The book may be used as a personal devotional book, or you may want to form/join a weekly reflection group during the Lenten season. Copies available in the church office for $9.50.
Leadership Training Opportunities!
Lay Servant Training is being held March 31 - April 1 at Good Samaritan UMC. In addition on May 20, the NW District will hold a Congregational Vitality Day at First UMC Perry. Speakers will be Rev. Magrey DeVega (discipleship) and Rev. Michael Beck (Fresh Expressions). All current leaders in the church, and those interested in a leadership role, are encouraged to participate in these opportunities. More information about both events is available at the church office.
UMW Friendship Tea
Join us Saturday, April 1, 11:00 a.m. in Sanders Hall for the United Methodist Women Friendship Tea Party. We have ten tables that need to be decorated for the party. Please contact Gretchen Scoggin at 422-1636 or Kay Frederick, 570-1813, for information.
Do You Know a College Student?
The Adult Ministries Lay Team prepares and sends prayer cards to college students studying for final exams. We are enlisting your assistance in obtaining college students’ names and addresses. If you know any college students who will be taking finals please send us their name and snail mail address. Please forward this information to Connie Becker at cbecker10@comcast.net, or call 566-8987 no later than April 22 so that we can prepare the cards at our April 24 meeting.
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SPARKS Wednesdays is a midweek "VBS-like" fellowship group for children in Kindergarten through 5th grade from 3:00 - 5:30 p.m. from September to April. We have fun and enjoy being together as we learn more about Jesus and his love. For more information and to sign up - CLICK HERE!
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