LOVE God and all others unconditionally
SEEK answers to our questions
SERVE God by serving others
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This past Sunday, we kicked off our stewardship series: Splash Zone. October will be focused on learning more about the promises we make in our baptisms in the UMC and how we those promises can make a splash in how we relate to money. This will culminate in a baptismal reaffirmation and a chance to offer our estimates of giving for 2020 to God on October 27. I’m excited about this chance to move toward Christ together! I hope you’re joining me in prayer and discernment about what you will be able to give to help love, seek, and serve in 2020.
The first week, we talked about the first question: Do you renounce the spiritual forces of wickedness, reject the evil powers of this world, and repent of your sin? To repent means to change. It was a chance for us to really think about what is different—what has changed—in the ways we earn, save, spend, and give our money because of our relationship with Christ.
This coming Sunday, we will focus on the second question: Do you accept the freedom and power God gives you to resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves? It has become quite the popular promise in these post-General Conference 2019 days. You will see a handful of us in our baptismal resistance t-shirts on Sunday, I’m sure.
When I presented the UMCNext Commitments to be adopted at the Great Plains Annual Conference this summer, which included a commitment to “resist the Traditional Plan,” a man stood up to ask me what that meant. He wasn’t comfortable with the word “resistance” and asked “how exactly do you plan to resist the Traditional Plan, Lora.” I have lots of thoughts about how to resist the systematic exclusion of LGBTQ+ people in the UMC, but I chose to answer him like this:
“Resistance is a promise we make in our baptisms, and it is as expansive as those waters. To limit our resistance, is to limit our baptismal promises.”
He wasn’t thrilled with that answer, but I stand by it and I continue to find hope in the splash zone that resistance is making across the denomination as we seek justice together.
This Sunday, we will talk about what resistance looks like in another important area—in relation to our finances. Spoiler alert: I believe it looks like generosity.
See you Sunday,
Pastor Lora
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 Sacred Resistance: Interfaith Justice Advocacy in Kansas
Sunday, October 20, 9:30 & 11:00 am | Bridge Classroom
Presented by Rabbi Moti Rieber, Executive Director of Kansas Interfaith Action
Kansas Interfaith Action is a statewide, faith-based issue-advocacy organization that “puts faith into action” by educating, engaging and advocating on behalf of people of faith and the public regarding critical social, economic, and climate justice issues. KIFA's mission is to bring a moral voice to public policy in Kansas, with particular focus on the areas of racism/discrimination, economic injustice, gun violence, and climate disruption. KIFA pursues a state legislative agenda, as well as working to connect people of faith and conscience from all around the state into a strong voice for justice, compassion, and peace.
In this 30 minute presentation, Rabbi Moti Rieber, executive director of KIFA, will speak on the interfaith justice advocacy of KIFA, as well as the overall political climate in Kansas and in the country.
Rabbi Moti Rieber has served as Executive Director of Kansas Interfaith Action and its predecessor organization, Kansas Interfaith Power & Light, since March 2011. A native of New Jersey, he has lived in Kansas since 2007. He is a graduate of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in Wyncote, Pennsylvania. A life-long activist on peace, social justice, and environmental issues, “Reb Moti” brings a variety of congregational, interfaith, and organizational experience to the work of Kansas Interfaith Action. Reb Moti and his wife, Suzy, live with their three teenage children in Overland Park.
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Your Legacy
from Malissa Walden
It’s autumn. Finance committee is mindfully undertaking the difficult task of the budgeting process and the annual stewardship drive is underway. This is also a time to think about lifetime giving to St. Paul’s, missions of importance, and creating a Legacy.
Why create a Legacy?
One of the primary purposes of the Legacy Fund Committee is educating the congregation about proficient ways to reach all financial goals.
- Perpetual Resources – Members can have the confidence that they are establishing a resource that will enhance ministry in to the future.
- More ministries – Resources are freed up to expand and enhance current programs and ministries.
- New ministry – Imagine the possibilities for new programming.
Who can help?
- Everyone! It’s easy to give generously. Anyone that dreams about the future of St. Paul’s has many opportunities to participate.
- You can give any amount to the Legacy Fund and for any reason.
- Do it in honor or memory of a loved one.
- Support the general ministry of St. Paul’s or a particular ministry that is close to your heart!
Planned Giving Tools:
- Cash Gifts – Most common form of charitable gift.
- Bequests – Give a specific dollar amount or a percentage of your remainder estate through a will.
- Life Income Gifts – Make a gift that will provide you with a lifetime income.
- Life Estate – Transfer title to property and retain the right to live there for your lifetime.
- Donor-Advised Funds – Create an irrevocable account out of which you can designate St. Paul’s to receive the income.
- Beneficiary Designation – Name St. Paul’s as the beneficiary of your life insurance policy, retirement plan, IRA or pension plan.
What is your Legacy?
It’s time to recognize the joy in the long-term nurturing of St. Paul’s missions through your generous giving. This is how we Love, Seek, Serve. If you have any questions on where or how to start you may contact Pastor Lora or any Legacy Fund Committee Team Member.
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A favorite all-ages tradition
Join us in the parking lot for our annual Trunk or Treat extravaganza! It’s a fun, safe way to celebrate Halloween. Costumes are encouraged but not required. Enjoy pumpkin painting, games, contests, music and more!
Be a trunk
Our goal is to have at least 30 trunks. Have fun decorating your trunk and yourself in the theme of your choice.
Volunteer
From directing traffic to serving popcorn, we need worker bees to help out during the event.
Sign up at the Connections Center! Contact Jamie if you have questions.
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Welcome our special guests in a panel discussion, Women in World Religions, at St. Paul's on October 27 at 2 p.m. Our MC will be Andrea Murdock!
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Concert is free and open to the community; bring a friend! Donations to the Marti Johnson Music Fund, which benefits St. Paul’s music ministries, will be accepted. Light refreshments and child care available.
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The special post-Leadership Institute Sept. issue of Great Plains UMCNext newsletter is available here. |
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Presence Worship: Small group worship offsite Wednesday evenings at 7:30pm at CommuniTea in downtown Overland Park. Contact Pastor Mike Marcus, mike@stpaulslenexa.org, for more information.
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FAITH FORMATION & FELLOWSHIP
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A nursery for infants and toddlers, staffed by certified caregivers, is available downstairs all morning on Sundays. Parents, please bring your cell phones to nursery check-in; we will text you if your child needs you.
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Adult Faith Formation
Sunday @ 9:30, lower level classrooms
Micah Class: Six-week video series of Adam Hamilton’s Revival: Faith as Wesley Lived It, connecting John Wesley’s contribution in 18th century England with his legacy for 21st century America, bringing lessons from Wesley’s life and ministry to bear on discipleship today. If you have been to England for a Wesley tour, we welcome you to join us and share your first-hand experiences.
Sunday, October 20, 9:30 & 11:00, lower level classrooms
Sacred Resistance: Interfaith Justice Advocacy in Kansas
Presented by Rabbi Moti Rieber, Executive Director of Kansas Interfaith Action. In this 30 minute presentation, Rabbi Moti Rieber, executive director of KIFA, will speak on the interfaith justice advocacy of KIFA, as well as the overall political climate in Kansas and in the country.
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Youth: Middle School/High School
Sundays @ 11a.m., Student Center, Lower Level
G.I.F.T. Growing in Faith Together: Engaging our Faith with Current Events
Sunday, October 13, 4 - 6 p.m.
Youth Group Fall Fun Night: Pumpkin carving and fire pit. Bring your own pumpkin and carving kit, a friend, and enjoy s'mores by the fire pit!
November 15-17
Fall Retreat. Enjoy a fun and meaningful weekend at Wilderness Retreat Center! Find registration forms at the Connections Center.
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Children PreK - Grade 6
Dive into Bible stories and explore faith with fun and age-appropriate activities!
Sundays @ 9:30 a.m.
PreK-K, 1st-3rd grade, and 4th-6th grade kids meet in small groups, then come together for a portion of the hour to participate in a large group session called Kids’ Church. Activities include Bible lessons, games, crafts, songs, and more! Visit the website to learn more.
KIDS456 (4th-6th Grade Group)
1st & 3rd Sundays, 6-7p.m. in the Tween Classroom, lower level
Bring $5 for pizza and your friends!
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God is with us every day of the week! From small group studies and service opportunities to band practice and yoga, there is always something going on. Check out the calendar.
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Are you or a loved one participating in a community activity you'd like your St. Paul's family to know about? Tell us about it!
Note: Submissions are subject to review and approval prior to publication.
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Medical Missions with Cindy Moore
Since doing my first trip to Haiti with the Kansas East Conference of UMC in 1991, my heart has been stretched to various parts of the world. I believe I'm up to about 25 or so trips now. The impact that each of these teams has made on me continues to amaze me and makes me want to share these experiences with others. I've seen what service can do, both for the traveler and for the people that are served by the team. I'm often asked, "Where is your favorite place to go?" My response is, "All of them!!" I've learned that people are basically the same all over the world, just living in different circumstances. My goal is to serve God and His people, wherever that may be.
I am currently recruiting team members for medical mission teams through Mercy and Truth for 2020. Check out the dates and locations below, and contact me at clmfnp@aol.com if you have questions.
- Feb. 22-29: Titanyen, Haiti. Register by Nov. 1.
- March 28-April 4: Roca Blanca, Oaxaca, Mexico. Register by Dec. 1.
- April 19-25: Bogota, Colombia - Vision Care Team (no medical experience needed for this team). Register by Dec. 15.
- May 27-June 4: Ndengera, Rwanda
- July 28-Aug. 12: Bangula, Malawi
- Sept. 13-20: Bogota, Colombia
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From Malissa Walden:
We've enjoyed being a part of the St. Paul's community, please come celebrate this milestone with us!
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Opportunities with Veronica's Voice
The Big Search
On October 17-19, volunteer teams from across the metropolitan area will be participating in an outreach effort called The Big Search KC to raise awareness of missing youth in the KC Metro area. Our friends at Veronica's Voice are conducting this outreach effort in partnership with members of KC-CASE, FREE International, Klass Kids, and a growing number of local churches, corporations, non-profits and civic organizations. Sign up for the Big Search.
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Butterfly Boutique
On October 25-26, 10am-5pm, Veronica's Voice will hold their Butterfly Boutique fundraiser at Indian Heights UMC. Support their mission by purchasing gently used clothing, shoes, and accessories, many of which are designer labels. All proceeds benefit Veronica's Voice.
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Learn more about our friends from the Dialogue Institute along with delicious food, live Sufi music, and visual arts at the Turkic Food and Art Festival, October 19, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
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