LOVE God and all others unconditionally
SEEK answers to our questions
SERVE God by serving others
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A couple of months ago we started trying something new at the 11:00am service. Well, we tried a couple of things: we started including the children more in worship.
First, we started by having them serve as assistants to the ushers. They take the plates from the altar and hand them to the grown up ushers and pick them up again. It was a simple thing, but it was also an exciting addition for their participation in worship. Their eyes lit up as the handful of kids who were in worship had a chance to lead.
A few weeks later I got a wild idea to start having them come forward for a chat with me during worship. I had preached that day about a Children’s Time moment I had in Winfield that was the inspiration of the “Splash Zone” series. I decided to invite our kiddos at St. Paul’s that day to come forward and embrace the Splash Zone too. It was exciting and good (and we only had one kid fall down the stairs, so that was a plus!).
Since then, it’s sort of stuck. Jamie Turk, our Director of Children and Family Ministries, and I touch base every Sunday morning to see if we are going to continue this experiment. We have been making it work!
We invite the kids forward during our offering time, some of them pass out the plates, and then we all gather in a circle on the floor for conversation. I turn off my mic so that it is just a time for kids. (Too often I think Children’s Time has become a part of worship where children who are learning and growing in their faith answer a question and get laughed at by the adults in the crowd who just can’t help their reaction to the adorable, funny responses. So turning off my mic is for them.) In some ways, I wish you all who worship at 11:00 could hear them as they learn about things like Baptism and Advent, but I’m also glad their tender imaginations and growing theology is held in this sacred space just for them.
It isn’t always perfect. We have grown to have more kiddos in worship than offering plates, so they now have to take turns being usher assistants (this is a good problem to have!). Sometimes we talk about kitty cats instead of Jesus, because focusing is hard.
But it is also changing 11:00 worship and those children. I think they feel more a part of the service. I notice a huge difference in their eagerness to interact with me on a Sunday morning. They say, “Hi, Pastor Lora! Look at _______” and they know I will listen.
This week we added “Children’s Time” to the bulletin. It’s officially a thing. No longer an experiment. And I’m glad. It won’t always be perfect. A kid might fall down the stairs a time or two. But sometimes trying something new is exactly how God’s kingdom is being built. This Advent season, may our waiting for Jesus look like trying something new in a way that brings us and others closer to Christ.
See You Sunday,
Pastor Lora
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It's tonight! We're excited to welcome you to this Advent kick-off 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. Everyone is welcome!
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Church Council Update on Mission Shares
St. Paul's Family,
St. Paul's Church Council met last week to discuss further action regarding payment on the remainder of our 2019 mission shares owed to the Great Plains Conference. No immediate decision was reached on payment plans and the Council is planning to reconvene to discuss further on December 22.
There were several takeaways from the meeting that we do want to relay at this time:
- The conversation we had was informing and fruitful. Each person on the Council was given the opportunity to share their perspective on what our church has done thus far to work towards full inclusivity of our LGBTQ+ siblings, the value of our connectional relationship with the conference and denomination, and how our mission shares factored into being faithful toward both ends. The conversation was truly holy and bonding for all of us.
- Your input played a large role in the conversation. It was clear from the feedback we received that our congregation is passionate about St. Paul's participation in our connectional church and our commitment to social justice both within and beyond our denomination.
- Our church will be very engaged in the hard work of social justice and resistance to harmful actions during 2020. Multiple plans are in motion to help the United Methodist Church move forward to a just place. St. Paul's and our Church Council remain strongly committed to affecting change for full inclusion.
- Our church will remain fully engaged in the connectional UMC. St. Paul's has been faithful in paying our mission shares through the years. We are in deep relationship with our sibling churches throughout Kansas City and across the Great Plains conference. St. Paul's and our Church Council remain committed to those connections.
Please continue to provide feedback as you see appropriate and expect another update before the end of the year.
Yours in Peace and Grace,
St. Paul's Church Council
Roger Williams
Emilee Kuhn
Pam Overman
Greg VerMulm
Jennie Darby
Bryan Wagner
Melissa Gard
Sandy Finney
Scott Groth
Jesi Lipp
Claire Laws
Halle Hedenskog
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Employment Opportunity: Finance Director
We wish our former Business Manager, Kathy Corrigan, well as we make a transition in this role. The Business Manager position is now called Finance Director and Cheryl Scott is serving as our interim until we hire a new person.
We would love your help in finding our next Finance Director! If you have people with great accounting skills that you think would be a great fit to help us live out our mission here at St. Paul’s, please pass on the job posting to them!
The Finance Director position has primary responsibility for overseeing all accounting and budgeting activities for St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Lenexa, Kansas. In general terms, this involves the timely execution of the following:
- Executing and overseeing the execution of all financial transactions for St. Paul’s UMC and Preschool
- Preparing or overseeing the creation of all financial records
- After each month end, performing monthly closing activities and preparing all statements of financial position (balance sheets) and results of operations (income statements) on a monthly and year-to-date basis
- Developing, implementing, and overseeing the annual budgeting process
- Responding to questions and requests from church staff, committee members, and lay people
- Ensuring the system of internal controls is in place to ensure security and accuracy of financial records
Request the full job description or apply now by sending your resume with two references to seniorpastor@stpaulslenexa.org.
Share with your friends!
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Ways to Support St. Paul’s this Season
AmazonSmile
Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible purchases to St. Paul's. It's easy to get started; just go to smile.amazon.com and select St. Paul's as your recipient.
Missions Marketplace
When you order gift cards through the Missions Marketplace program, St. Paul’s receives a percentage of your purchases. Use enrollment code 88FB73C11995. Contact Deedra Dowd for more information.
Christmas Eve Offering
This year’s Christmas Eve offering will be designated for our next Servant Sunday, February 23, 2020 here at St. Paul’s. The offering will help fund projects we'll do that day and, for some organizations, offer a financial contribution. You may give online any time by choosing the Christmas Offering category.
Targeted Giving
We've compiled a list of items you can choose from if you'd like your contribution to fulfill a specific need at church. If you see something you'd like to help fund, you can do so by entering the item next to the Targeted Giving category online or writing it on the memo line of your check.
Staff Offering
Staff Parish Relations (SPR) invites you to thank St. Paul's staff with a love offering this season. Choose the "Staff Gift" category when you contribute online, or write "staff" on the memo line of your check.
End of Year Contributions
In order to be posted during 2019, contributions can be postmarked or dropped off at the church by 1 p.m. December 31. Automated or text giving (1-913-956-0436) or online contributions via our website must be entered by December 26. If you wish to contribute to your 2020 commitment in 2019, clearly indicate that on the memo line. Thank you for your stewardship.
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Thank you for generously supporting the work of Christ’s Kingdom through the ministries of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. Your gifts touch lives in the name of the living Christ every day.
-- From your Legacy Fund Program Committee
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Presence Worship: Small group worship Wednesday evenings at 7:30 p.m. 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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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. Please note, on December 18 the group will meet early at noon to allow time for lunch and a party.
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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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, December 8, 4 - 6 p.m.
Youth Group: St. Paul's service project night
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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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