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February 2017 Epistle
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A MESSAGE FROM THE SENIOR PASTOR

Dear Friends,

Several things are on my mind as I write this letter to you.  First of all, I am deeply grateful to those who are serving on our Governing Board.  We had our first meeting last night and the synergy was really quite refreshing – great discussion, open sharing, insightful questions. This is the kind of interaction that is occasionally messy, sometimes chaotic, and maybe even uncomfortable.  But ultimately, it is the kind of honest, loving interaction that moves this church forward together.  In this newsletter you will find a bullet point summary of our meeting, and we will continue to communicate with you in this way (as well as others!).  Please remember that all Governing Board meetings are open with one exception – during that part of the meeting when Staff Parish Relations Committee work is done, visitors will be asked to leave.  This is because personnel decisions and discussions are confidential.  Thank you for your understanding in this.
 
I want you to have an update on our Faith Arises stewardship campaign for the 2017 budget.  Right now we are approximately forty pledges behind where we were in 2016, and are currently only funding 70% of our budget through our pledges.  This is lower than in previous years – enough so that we may need to lower our operating budget for 2017.  Please, if you have not turned in a pledge card and intend to do so – would you do it today?  You can email your pledge to pledge@saintpaulsumc.org.  This will go directly to our office administrator and no one else. If you are already giving online, it is important that you complete a pledge card so that we have an accurate way of estimating our income.  We want to be good stewards of your resources, and we can best do that with careful planning.  Thank you so much!
 
Finally – I need your input.  Lent is approaching quickly!  Since Disciple Bible Study is continuing on during this season on Wednesday nights, I want to be able to offer an additional class.  What topics would you like to see offered?  What would interest you enough to spend 5-6 weeks together discussing/studying?  Please let me know via email: kandace@saintpaulsumc.org.
 
This second month of 2017, I will be focusing my prayer on this church, praying through the church roster, and even more specifically

  • For charter members and ‘foundation members’ who courageously built this church and have served faithfully through the years;
  • For every volunteer who has arranged flowers, made coffee, visited the homebound, sung in the choir, answered phones, taught children, mentored youth, served the homeless, folded bulletins, and so very much more.  For every hour you give in the name of Jesus – I honor you.
  • For our staff – each and everyone – who love this church and are called to this work.  Hug a staff member this month!
  • For all the pastors who have served this congregation with love and sensitivity and strength.
  • For the newest members of our church, for those who visit us weekly, for babies yet to be born.

This month I focus my prayer on Saint Paul’s United Methodist Church – where we are called to be faithful disciples who serve as the heart, hands and feet of Jesus so that ALL PEOPLE might come to know the love of God.
 

Kandace

 

FEBRUARY AT SAINT PAUL'S
United Methodist Women News
UMW Executive Board: Meets Monday, February 6, at 6:00 p.m., Room 310.
 
February 14 both Mary Martha and Susanna Wesley Circles will have a joint luncheon meeting in the Parlor at 11:30 a.m., with a brief program and lots of fellowship. This is open to all women of the church. Call Judy Watson, 907-5786, for reservations. 
 
Knitters and Crocheters meet every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. in the Library. This is open to any woman, whether or not you can knit or crochet, as we are glad to teach. The Knitters and Crocheters presented nine afghans to the residents at Center Pointe. Our 2017 project is to give 60 afghans to the permanent residents there. Also, fourteen baby blankets are going to Quincy Hospital Neonatal Unit for new babies.

 
 
Saint Paul’s Foundation Presents
Three Seminars in February & March
Three one-hour seminars will be held on Wednesday evenings to discuss and find solutions for some of life’s toughest challenges, like:
  • Who is in charge when a loved one or family member is no longer able to make financial or health care decisions?
  • How can the settlement of an estate be made less complicated?
  • What is a Living Will and do you really need one?
  • How can one afford the cost of home health care or a nursing home?
Saint Paul’s Foundation has invited board-certified attorneys from the law firm of Waldoch & McConnaughhay to help answer your questions. There is no charge and each session is stand-alone. . .designed to help young and old alike.  The first two sessions are Wednesday, February 15 and 22, 6:30 p.m., in Room 300. Come for Wednesday night dinner and stay for the seminars.
 
Saint Paul’s UMC Women’s Retreat
February 16 - 19 ~ Saint George Island
Register online now.  Cost is $150.
 
Novel Chats with Margie Mixson
Join Saint Paul’s Book Club Thursday, February 23, 10:00 a.m., in Room 200.  We will be discussing Me Before You by Jojo Moyes.
 
Pacesetters Luncheon
February 23, 11:30 a.m. in Sanders Hall.  Come enjoy the fellowship and great food.  Ann Ann Kozeliski, Art Director at LeMoyne Center for the Visual Arts, will be our guest speaker.  Lunch is only $6. Make lunch reservations by calling the church office by Tuesday, February 21.
 
Soul Food
We supply "to go" food items for our Lake Ella homeless neighbors on the last Saturday of each month. We, also, distribute donations of toiletry articles, feminine hygiene products, clothing, (especially jeans), t-shirts, underwear, socks and tennis shoes. With the cooler weather we are in need of warm socks, sleeping bags, and warm clothing. Collection bins are in the Sanders Hall narthex. Monetary donations (check payable to Saint Paul's with Soul Food in the memo line) are always appreciated. Please consider donating to and praying for this church ministry. Contact Belinda McClellan at 212-0774 for additional information and/or questions. Our next bagging day is Wednesday, February 22, at 12:30 p.m. in The Foundation.  Distribution is Saturday, February 25, 9:30 a.m. at the covered pavilion area of Lake Ella.
 
Women’s Project 2-Day Event!
Friday 24 - 6:00 p.m. to midnight 
Saturday 25 - 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Join us for a WOMEN'S EVENT of fellowship and projects at Saint Paul's! Our community is invited to come for scrapbooking, card-marking, sewing, paperwork, menu planning, etc. We all need time, space and friends to get it done! A special craft will be demonstrated that you will have the option to make!  Don't forget your covered dish to share and your $5 donation that reserves your table space and supports our MOPS group. To register: Go to Saint Paul’s website, www.saintpaulsumc.org and click on Quick Links!
 
Delight your Mind and Body
with Candlelight Yoga
Join us for Candlelight Yoga, a weekly 60 minute relaxation class held at SPUMC. Tuesday, 6:15 p.m., Room 301. $48 for six sessions or $10 drop-in. The class is led by yoga instructor Fatimah Zaid, 200 RYT and a member of Yoga Alliance. 10% 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 Menu
 
February 1
Roast Pork with roasted potatoes, vegetables
 
February 8
Meat Loaf, mashed potatoes, green beans
 
February 15
Chicken ‘a la Milanese with linguine
 
February 22
International ~ Chinese
 
 All come with salad, dessert, and chicken nuggets for kids.

 
CREATION CARE MINISTRY
 
Adopt A Week in the Mosaic Garden - We are looking for a few more helping hands to adopt the garden for a week to check on it and water when needed. If you would like to volunteer, please email Jessie Perry at perry386 @msn.com.
 
Herb sharing in the Mosaic Garden - Our herbs are growing beautifully and are ready for you to enjoy them! Feel free to snip sprigs of rosemary, thyme, sage, cilantro, oregano, and parsley in the center bed of the Mosaic Garden. Scissors and bags are located in the storage cube. Enjoy!
 
Winter Creation Care Potluck, Sunday, February 26, 12:15 p.m., in Sanders Hall - We had such a great time at our last potluck that we've decided to do it quarterly, and our next one is coming up! Bring a dish to share and join us for a fun lunch while hearing the latest news from the Creation Care ministry.  Door prizes, delicious food, and good company are in store, and all are welcome! Email Cara Fleischer at cares4creation@gmail.com to be added to the email list.
 
February Eco-Tip: As Tallahassee grows, we should keep in mind that one of the biggest threats to local wildlife is development.  As homes go up, habitat is destroyed, and wildlife is unable to find places to feed, live, and raise young. Including native plants in your landscape can help support the local ecosystems while attracting beautiful birds and butterflies to your yard. Visit www.nativenurseries.com/blog to learn the best native plant selections for our area, or stop in to Native Nurseries on Centerville Road.  Make your property as wildlife-friendly as possible by certifying your backyard as a wildlife habitat, providing food, water, shelter, and using sustainable practices. See the National Wildlife Federation's Certified Wildlife Habitat program at www.nwf.org/gardenforwildlife and make your yard a haven for native plants and animals.

 
 
SPARKS
 
Sunday Mornings in February

Jesus’ Ministry Begins
Our lessons this month will focus on Jesus’ Parables that teach us about God’s love. Our Bible Verse:  "Let anyone with ears to hear listen!”  Luke 8:8
 
February 5    -   The Sower ~ Luke 8:4-15
February 12  -   The Good Samaritan ~ Luke 10:25-37
February 19  -   The Stories of the Lost ~ Luke 15:3-10
February 28  -   The Forgiving Father ~ Luke 15:11-32
 
Sunday School Hour ~ 9:45 - 10:45 a.m.
Classes by age levels from age 2 - 5th grade 
 

Junior Church 
Children may leave following the Children’s Chat in the 11:00 worship, except for the first Sunday when we celebrate communion together with our families.
 
SPARKS Wednesday
Our after-school group of K-5th graders meets Wednesday afternoons from 3:00 - 5:30 p.m. for fun, friends and faith, plus a little play, music, art, science and Bible chat, too! We always welcome new adult team leaders. Nursery care is provided for younger children of our adult volunteers. Contact Jill for more info! Spring Musical rehearsals for Star Quest starting now.
 
MOPS in February
Join MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) Thursdays, February 9 and 23 from 9:15 - 11:30 a.m.  Thursday, February 16 is our Playdate, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m., and our MOMS Night Out will be Monday, February 20, with Robyn’s Nest.  MOPS Women’s Project Event - February 24-25!  Consider joining the MOPS group if you have a newborn through a Kindergarten age child!
 
MESS - Mom's Evening Social Squad
We officially celebrate our one year of being a MESS Group at the Wine Loft Thursday, February 16, 7:00 p.m.  Join us if you are a mom!  Contact Michelle Fugate or Jill Merryday for additional information.
 
 
Upcoming Date Nights in 2017
February 25, March 25, and April 22, 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. Please register online at the beginning of each month. Enjoy four hours to rejuvenate and refresh away from the kids! Details on the website under Children’s Ministry.
 
SAVE THE DATES! 
Summer 2017

Registration opens February 15!
Extreme Explorers Week, June 12-16 
Warren Willis Camp, June 19-24
Vacation Bible School, July 17-21
 
YOUTH FELLOWSHIP

Sunday Mornings

Join us at 9:45 a.m. for Sunday School!  Senior High and Middle High classes will meet together in The Foundation for the summer.
 

Sunday Evenings

FUSE Youth Band - 4:00 p.m. in Sanders Hall
ROOTED Youth Sunday Night - 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. in Sanders Hall

Choir Practice - 7:00 p.m. in Choir Room

 
 
Note from Matt
Hello and blessings to you all!  Our year has gotten off to a great start!  I wanted to take time to thank all of you who came out for our chili cook-off just a couple weeks ago.  Youth missions could not happen on the scale we’re used to without the strong support of our church family and we are so blessed to have that here at Saint Paul’s!  I’m also pleased to tell you that our Movie Monday on Martin Luther King Day (no school event) was a great success.  It was a nice reminder that even the smallest opportunity for fellowship with our students is one that should be taken advantage of fully.
 
In the month of February, though we don’t have any major events planned, that subject…fellowship…is one I wish to focus on.  Strong communities are ones that are built on faith, love, and trust in one another.  It’s my goal for the month of February to give our students time to focus on building that up as much as possible between one another.  The one event we are planning to have will be one that is fellowship focused that will hopefully give our students space to feel comfortable stepping out and claiming this community as their own.  Please join me in praying for our students that the month of February will be one that brings them together and makes us stronger than ever as we move towards Easter season and the rest of 2017!  Thank you so much and God bless.
 
Notable Things
“Late Show” Night – On February 26 during normal ROOTED Youth hours, come for a night of fellowship filled with live music, Tonight Show style games, and some special guests!  This is sure to be a night of fun, and one we’ll be laughing about for quite some time.  Don’t miss out!
 
Youth February Schedule

Wednesday, February 1
Open Foundation
2:30 – 5:30 p.m. (Foundation)
 
Wednesday Night Study
6:30 – 8:00 p.m. (Room 305)
 
Sunday, February 5
ROOTED
5:00 – 7:00 p.m. (Sanders Hall)
 
Youth Choir
7:00 – 7:45 p.m. (Choir Room)
 
Wednesday, February 8
Open Foundation
2:30 – 5:30 p.m. (Foundation)
 
Wednesday Night Study
6:30 – 8:00 p.m. (Room 305)
 
Sunday, February 12
ROOTED
5:00 – 7:00 p.m. (Sanders Hall)
 
Youth Choir
7:00 – 7:45 p.m. (Choir Room)
 
Wednesday, February 15
Open Foundation
2:00 – 5:30 p.m. (Foundation)
 
Wednesday Bible Study
6:30 – 8:00 p.m. (Room 305)

Sunday, February 19
ROOTED
5:00 – 7:00 p.m. (Sanders Hall)
 
Youth Choir
7:00 – 7:45 p.m. (Choir room)
 
Wednesday, February 22
Open Foundation
2:00 – 5:30 p.m. (Foundation)
 
Wednesday Bible Study
6:30 – 8:00 p.m. (Room 305)
 
Sunday, February 26
“Late Show” Night
5:00 – 7:00 p.m.


 
YOUNG ADULTS
A Ministry for Those in Their 20s and 30s
Whether you are out of high school, in college or grad school, getting started at work, or starting a family, you belong in our Young Adult ministries.  Check our Facebook page!
 
Thursday Night Pub Group
Meets at 8:00 p.m., on Thursday at Red Eye Cafe in Midtown. For more information, please contact Rev. Pam McMillan at pam@saintpaulsumc.org
 
MISCELANEOUS
Hospitality Moment
Share your Sunday morning greetings even more by
WEARING YOUR NAME TAGS!
 Everyone can give and receive a "Name Tag" welcome!


Van Drivers Needed
Drivers are needed to help nondriving members attend Sunday school and worship services. This is an easy and rewarding ministry. For more information call Rick Combs at 556-6303.
 
 
LOOKING AHEAD

Church-Wide Nicaragua Mission Trip

March 11 - 18, 2017
We invite YOU to Saint Paul’s first-ever church-wide mission trip open to all ages. We will be traveling to León, Nicaragua, to work with local children’s ministries, help with construction projects and, most importantly, build relationships! This is a wonderful opportunity for families of Saint Paul’s to experience a fun and safe international mission trip together.  To sign up for the mission trip, go online here https://goo.gl/forms/XNS8xJXrQQEquI7y1. The Web site to apply for the Nancy Irwin Scholarship, https://goo.gl/forms/7HRH6u0d2Raz D8oZ2. Check out El Ayudante by going to their Web site (http://eanicarag ua.com/) or watch this youtube video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmnt Dg TEdMo).
 
Donation List for Nicaragua
As our Nicargua Mission Team prepares to work with El Ayudante this Spring Break, we hope to take supplies to leave there. Below are ideal items for donation. Please bring supplies to Pastor Pam’s office by March 9.
 
•  New or lightly used towels
•  New or lightly used pillows
•  Black and blue pens
•  Folders with pockets
•  Misc. school supplies (pencils, crayons, markers, notebook paper, etc.)
•  Printer paper
•  Misc. office supplies (staples, thumbtacks, index cards, tape, etc.)
•  Batteries (AA or AAA primarily)
•  Backpacks for children/teenagers
•  Adult and children’s clothes 
•  Tennis shoes (children and adult)
•  Children’s board and card games (i.e. Uno, Candyland, etc.) Games in Spanish would work better but English is ok if it doesn’t require reading.

 

Softball Team Forming
Interested in playing on a softball team? Saint Paul’s spring softball team is forming. Please call Yvonne Burks, 491-4753, if interested.
 
 
Saint Paul’s Spring Camping Trip
March 17-19, Georgia Veteran’s State Park
For more info and to register check it out on the church Web site under Quick Links!
 
FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS

  1     Anne Ashcroft, Carter Perry, Nolan Sanford, Magdalene Waltz
  2     Kristie Jo Manis, Mary Maud Sharpe, Faye Taylor
  3     Stacy Joiner, Ryan Kline, Alan Raynor
  6     Kathie Marsh
  7     Laurie Batten, Vince Giglio, Micah Goodpasture,
         Karena Perry, William Perry
  8     Karen James, Lydia Neel, Joe Taranto
  9     Recie Culpepper, Calvin Melton,
         Alexander Taylor, Daisy Ward
10     Abigail Hansen, Marilyn Lowe, Mary Roberts, Odell Turner
11      Bill Corry, Brenda Dawes, Trinh Jones,
          Campbell Pernell, Karen Randolph
12      Belinda McClellan
13      David Beverly, Frank Brown, Izzy Chan,
          Jan Cuddington, Noah Dobson, Mark Trammell
14      Sandra Harvey, Peter Richardson
15      Chris Morris, Rich Rasmussen
16      Bill Knight
17      Leni Schrader
19      Lilly McDermott
20      Valerie Dawkins, Olga Martin, Mary Pat Peacock
21      Scott Baumgardner, Irving Felker,
          Leighanne Mortimer
22      Kathy Ashmore, Judy Ray
23      Linda Brinkley, Carol Swing, Doug Williams
25      Mary Ann Brown, Pam Dunn
26      Aiden Petty
28      Julianna Coughlin, Susan Fristoe, Brayden Ward
29      David Williams

 
 
PRAYER AND CONCERNS
 In Prayer and Sympathy. . .
 
To the family and friends of Joan Guilday, who passed away December 14 in Tallahassee.
 
To the family and friends of Charles Joiner, who passed away December 27
in Tallahassee.
 
To the family and friends of Sarah Goodpasture, who passed away December 31 in Tampa, Florida.
 
To Olga Martin and family on the passing of her nephew, Mitch Lewis, on January 7
in Quincy.
 
To Meg Guyton and family on the passing of her mother, Margery Hoagland, on
January 10 in Mobile, Alabama.




Thank You's received at Saint Paul's

To the Members and Staff,
From the glory of God, I just want to thank you all for making my Christmas a blessing. Kind deeds are like prayers.  You’re an angel, a star, a blessing.  Thank you and bless you for being so special. You are appreciated
 Peace, Simon Webb
 
Dear Friends,
I can’t thank you enough for the delicious Christmas cookies.  Many thanks for the cards and prayers after my recent operation.  Hope to be back in circulation before long.
Sincerely, Marilyn Lowe
 
Dear Saint Paul’s Family,
Thank you for all the wonderful expressions of concern. The prayers, calls, cards and Congregational Care flowers were blessings to me.  Saint Paul’s is truly a caring Church.
Thank you again, B.J. Ross
 
To Our Friends,
Thank you for the blessings of your friendship through your gifts in memory of Charles, your cards, visits, flowers and food. Also, we are thankful for the church staff and Rev. Pam McMillan’s part in his service.
Love to all, The Joiner family, June, Beth and Stacy


Care and Concerns
Helen Allen, B.B. and Gladys Awbrey, Jennifer Ball, Teal Benoit, Betty Blair, Marlene Brewer, Bill Brown, Ronnie Cain, Horace Caton, Richard Combs, Val Corrick, Mary Culp, Recie and Russell Culpepper, Bob Daniel, Charlotte Fristoe, Merline Harvey, Doris Henderson, Oriska Henn, Barbara Hook, Rev. Pam McMillan, Sybil Palmer, Jack Pelham, Wade Pierce, Andy Reese, Ruth Riley, Richard Robbins, Dot Roberts, Cindy Robinson, B.J. Ross, Ed Schroeder, Terry Shoffstall, Ben Spivey, Nancy Tankersley, Jim and Fairy Powell Thompson, Colleen Williford, Ruth Ann Wynn, Manna on Meridian, Soul Food Ministry, Alzheimer’s Project, lay teams, pastors, homebound members, unspoken requests, those serving in the military, our sister churches in Yaguaramas, Cuba, and Soisson, Haiti.

Our Military
US AIR FORCE: Robert Berman, Steven Boles, John Bray, Robert Byford, Dane and Becky Collette, Andrew Fischer, Nathan Kraft, Nicole Parker, Noah Shoffstall

US AIR FORCE ACADEMY: Christin Burrows

US AIR NAT’L GUARD: Andrew Bennett, Micah Goodpasture

US ARMY: Jonathan Earnest, Rob Gricius, Burt Newman, Alan Sheehan, Tim Strickland, Lucas Trammell, Caleb Weand, Dallas Wurst

US ARMY NAT’L GUARD: Lance Moore, Russ Tucker

US ARMY RESERVE: Page M. Baldwin

US MARINES: Daniel Aulph, Jett Johnson, Martin Kuhnle, Christopher Mills

US NAVY: Sean Allen, Tony Barnes, William Doxsee, Michael Scherdin, Tyler Sumners, and Scott Thoroman

Please call the church office with updated information.

 
SAINT PAUL'S STAFF AND EMAILS
Kandace Brooks, Senior Pastor
kandace@saintpaulsumc.org
Pam McMillan, Associate Pastor
pam@saintpaulsumc.org
Laurie Batten, Church Administrator
laurie@saintpaulsumc.org
Linda Fletcher, Publishing Specialist
linda@saintpaulsumc.org
Stephanie Corry, Office Assistant
stephaniecorry@saintpaulsumc.org
Jill Merryday, Director of Children’s Ministries
jill@saintpaulsumc.org
Matt Jones, Director of Youth Ministry

matthew@saintpaulsumc.org
Beth Wilde, Nursery Coordinator
auntbee71@gmail.com
Curtis Smith, Organist
curtis@saintpaulsumc.org
Cynthia Prescott, Adult and Youth Choirs Director
cynpres@comcast.net
Justin Crews, Contemporary Worship Leader
justin@saintpaulsumc.org
Emily Andrews, SPARKS Choir Director
emily@saintpaulsumc.org 
Emily Charlson, Chris Morris, Pianists
Ana Brown, Church Treasurer
Betsy Gingery, Kitchen Coordinator
Simon Webb, Sexton
Odis Williams, Sexton Assistant
Membership Secretaries,
membership@saintpaulsumc.org

 

Alzheimer’s Project Staff
www.alzheimersproject.org
Debbie Moroney, ACSW, CEO
Betsy Gingery, Office Manager
Stephanie Pollack, LCSW, Outreach Manager
Maggie Maddox, MSW, Case Manager
Jasmine Sheppard, MSW, Program Manager
Fabiola Jean-Charles, MSW, Americorps Manager
Megan Bakan, PhD, Volunteer Manager

______________________________________________________________

Our Bishop: Rev. Dr. Ken Carter, Jr.
Our District Superintendent: Rev. Durwood Foshee
Our Missionaries
Delbert and Sandy Groves, Zambia
The Ogdens, East Asia http://justin@saintpaulsumc.org
Copyright © *2017* *Saint Paul's United Methodist*, All rights reserved.


Our mailing address is:
*1700 N. Meridian Road, Tallahassee, FL 32303*

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