LOVE God and all others unconditionally
SEEK answers to our questions
SERVE God by serving others
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I posted a picture on Facebook this week of the art that sits on my mantle. A couple of years back, I had it commissioned by a clergywoman artist in Virginia. She has a whimsical vibe to most of her work, and it was perfect to accompany part of this poem that I found and loved by Jack Gilbert. It says,
“We must risk delight. We can do without pleasure,
but not delight. Not enjoyment. We must have
the stubbornness to accept our gladness in the ruthless
furnace of this world. To make injustice the only
measure of our attention is to praise the Devil.”
Now, I don’t think there is some red, horned, pitch fork being named “Devil” that we are walking around praising or anything. But I do think it’s quite easy to focus only on the injustices that surround us.
Should we bury our heads in the sand and pretend the pain of the world is not present? Of course not. Resisting injustice is one of baptismal promises, remember?
I wonder, however, if we who get so worked up about the injustices of our world need to find regular ways to risk delight in the midst of it. I wonder if sometimes that is what it means to resist injustice: to find what is delightful and embrace it.
So I have a challenge for you. Take a piece of paper or open up the notes on your phone or play along in your head and write down three injustices that are occupying your head and heart today. Here are mine:
- LGBTQ+ Oppression in the UMC
- Gun Violence in our Schools
- Racism in our Criminal Justice System
Those things run through my mind regularly. What can I do? What should be done? Can grieving and moving on please not be the only thing we can do?
Now take a deep breath and set those things aside. I promise they will still be there when you want to return to them—when you are called to return to them.
But for now I want you to make a different list—a list of delight. What are the things that make you happy? What have you witnessed this week that was delightful? It doesn’t have to be grand. It just has to be delightful. List as many as you’d like. Here are mine:
- My one-and-a-half-year-old neighbor who was out playing in the snow.
- Meeting baby Mallory Marcus.
- Laughing with staff in meetings this week.
- Chili and cinnamon rolls.
- Seeing the fruits of our stewardship series at St. Paul’s. You all are amazing. (And if you have yet to share your estimate of giving, there is still time!)
- The way the crisp air fills your lungs this time of year.
- Sunsets.
Keep adding to your list this week. I’d love to hear about the delight in your life! Let’s trust that God will hold our passion to resist injustice with care and tenderness, and it will be there when we are ready. Today, let’s try and risk delight.
See you Sunday,
Pastor Lora
PS – If you didn’t get a chance to read Church Council’s letter about our mission share payment and continued commitment to LGBTQ+ people, I’d encourage you to read it and share your thoughts with them. Your voice matters.
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SPARK (St. Paul’s Active Retiree Kommunity)
from Cheryl Scott
Exciting news! We are forming a new small group at St. Paul’s. This group will be made up of those folks that have retired (or are close to retiring), and desire to be a part of a group that will have occasional gatherings (some at church, some at other locations). The group may meet somewhere to enjoy food/beverage, may choose to do some sort of outdoor activity, may choose to participate in some sort of charitable event, may choose to attend a ticketed event, or may meet at St. Paul’s and work through some light maintenance/building upkeep tasks identified by trustees and/or church staff.
If you want to be a part of this group, contact Cheryl Scott to ensure you receive emails when an event or get-together is being planned. If you want to help plan our event(s), please let me know that as well.
I anticipate this group will be very fluid; attend the events you want to attend, we won’t gather at a certain time each month, our schedule will be set by what is planned/scheduled. I hope this will be a fun way to network with your fellow retirees at St. Paul's.
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Let's explore the songs of Advent together!
Dec. 1: Music Sunday
- 8:15 & 11:00: The Christmas Cantata by Daniel Pinkham, featuring Chancel Choir with piano and brass quartet
- 9:30: Celebrate seasonal music with the Praise Band
Dec. 8: Elizabeth’s Song Luke 1:39-45
Dec. 15: Mary’s Song Luke 1:46-56
Dec. 22: Zechariah’s Song Luke 1:57-80
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Advent Studies
Thursdays @ 6:30 p.m.
Faithful: Christmas Through the Eyes of Joseph, exploring the birth of Jesus from Joseph’s perspective.
Wednesdays @ 1:00 p.m.
While We Wait: Living the Questions of Advent, considering the stories of women like Rahab, Tamar, Naomi, Ruth, Elizabeth and Mary, and how they are part of the nativity story.
You’re welcome to come to any session of any class, any time it works for you. Find more info and sign up on this week's bulletin tear-off, or just show up! Contact: Pastor Sandra
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Thanks for a Successful Holiday Event
from Pat Cooper
The Ten Thousand Villages holiday shopping party was a great success. Thanks to all the folks who took time out of their busy schedules to support not only Peace and Justice causes at St. Paul's, but also fair trade for artisans in developing countries.
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It's tonight! Join us for homemade chili and cookies on the lower level at St. Paul’s. We’ll be serving up our favorite recipes and voting in a little friendly competition. All are welcome.
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You can save a life. Sign up online with Group Code KC4A. Walk-ins welcome, too! For more info, contact contact Bob Casey at 913-541-9949.
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Center yourself in the season with an evening of soup, sandwiches, and crafts for all ages. We'll sing carols and children will perform a Christmas song! Make an advent wreath to take home and enjoy throughout the month. Sign up to make an advent wreath, bring food, or lead an activity. Everyone is welcome!
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Share your love for the church with future generations. Leave a legacy gift to the St. Paul’s Legacy Fund.
-- A reminder from your Legacy Fund Program Committee
Learn more >
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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
Sundays @ 9:30, lower level classrooms
Advent Series: “The Gift of Understanding.” Share your favorite Bible passage, prayer, or hymn. We will use the works of John and Charles Wesley to better understand what they might have felt about our favorites. Send your Biblical favorites to Tracy Dawson to add your favorites.
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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
November 15-17
Fall Retreat
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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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St. Paul's member and Shawnee City Council member Lindsey Constance is fighting climate change. Read about it here, then visit her website to learn more. Thanks for all you do, Lindsey!
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