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Weekly Notes September 25, 2020

Dear Friends;
This is new territory for me – sabbatical. I have never done it…and while I am excited for some time to renew and refresh, there is also a certain (though smaller!) apprehension. As you know, the Florida Conference (and the SPRC at Saint Paul’s) has awarded me a sabbatical for the remainder of 2020. The initial sabbatical was to take place in 2018 but other circumstances prevailed, and it simply was not a good time for me to be away for an extended period. My plans are to travel, to visit friends and family, to take some glass lessons, to read, to rest.

I am grateful for Pastor Becky and our amazing staff at Saint Paul’s who will be leading you so very well during this period. I would ask that you offer your help when asked (or, don’t even wait to be asked!) and to engage the many opportunities for connection, growth and service in these coming months. Be faithful and patient and kind and loving with one another. Yes, it all looks different – truth is, we are living in a different world than we did 6 months ago! I have the fullest confidence in you to carry on the work of Christ and to do it with grace, energy and love.

Today and tomorrow several of your leaders (pastors and laity) will be ‘attending’ a virtual Leadership Institute that is hosted by the Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, KS. I will be watching the General Sessions with a keen eye and heart, and will be developing a 5 week curriculum for the ENTIRE CHURCH that will be offered January 13-February 10, 2021. Be on the look-out for more information. My vision is that this curriculum will set us up to be the church that God calls us to be in our changing world, and I can’t wait to share our learnings with all of you.

I leave you with these words from Paul, because he says it so much better than I could:
¹Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.
⁴Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. ⁵Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. ⁶Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. ⁷And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
⁸Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. ⁹Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

I will 'see' you on Sunday as we worship together!

You will not be far from my heart,
Kandace

This Sunday we will celebrate the sacrament of Holy Communion together as we continue our 6 week series 'From Feast to Feast.' This week we consider the phrase 'One With Each Other.' Please have communion elements ready so that you may join us in the feast!

Join us in the Parking Lot this Sunday at 4:30 p.m. for a socially distanced Tailgate. Wear your favorite team colors and CONNECT with friends! You can order and pay for dinner here. Please make meal reservations by Friday, September 25 so we know how much food to prepare.

“No child sleeps on the floor” is the motto of this wonderful partner organization that constructs and delivers bunk beds to children in need in our community. Join us on Saturday, October 3 in the SPUMC parking lot beginning at 8:45 a.m. as we complete a 15 bed build to get 30 children off the floor. Register here to help. Please plan to bring your own mask, gloves (both are required), and water bottle.

Starting Point: Sunday, October 4, 2020 – 11:00 a.m.
Finding a home church can be a difficult process; the decision is personal, spiritual, and practical. STARTING POINT is a short informal gathering providing an opportunity to get to know our pastors, to hear more about Saint Paul’s, and to connect with our many opportunities for growth and service. Right now we are holding these virtually on the first Sunday of the month at 11:00 am through ZOOM. Sign up here to receive the link.

A new support group is starting in October at Saint Paul's for those struggling with postpartum depression. Classes will be held on Thursday mornings from 10:00-11:30am with childcare available. If you know someone, please share this link and invite them to join with Danielle B. Foster, MSW, Registered Clinical Social Work Intern Maternal Mental Health Advocate. Register here to participate, and feel free to share!

Acolytes!
Our kids from 3rd graders on up are invited to become an Acolyte or Crucifer for our online worship services. Please click on this link for all the details and to sign them up, even if they have never done it before! We welcome them to join us! https://signup.com/go/tL3wWB

Parents Morning Out
We have slowly opened our weekday morning Parents Morning Out with great success! We are opening up to welcome any new littles, ages 1- 4. Share with a friend to join us if you think this might be a good fit. They can choose one day, two days or all three days a week. https://www.saintpaulsumc.org/ministries/children/parents-morning-out-program/

Skating Event
We must have signups for our Skating Fun on October 16, 5:00-6:30pm. We have reserved Skate World just for our families. Please sign up soon to join the fun! $5 per skater and masks are required. Call Jill for more information. 850-443-9428. https://saintpaulsumc.breezechms.com/form/e8f8a3

4th & 5th Graders!
Join our ZOOM Sunday School class fun every Sunday morning at 9:00-9:45am with Mr. Kevin and Mrs. Jenni Cox. So much fun learning is shared and other siblings would be welcomed too! For the Zoom link, contact Mr. Kevin at kwcox@hotmail.com

Saint Paul’s has a gift for you!
We are putting together gift bags for EVERYONE in our congregation that will help you to celebrate the season of Advent in a meaningful way. You can sign up here for your bag - and provide us the information that we need to customize your Advent experience!

Please remember the following persons in your prayers:
Karen Trammell on the death of her husband, Mark Trammell, who passed away on 9/3.
Rev. Ben Spivey on the passing of his wife, Betty Spivey, who passed away on 9/9.
Mary Anne Helton and family on the passing of her uncle, Ben Birchfield, who passed away on 9/10.
Charlie and Susan Hubbard on the passing of Charlie's father, Bill Hubbard, who passed away on 9/19.

Want to connect with others in the church who may need a word or encouragement or prayer? You can access our monthly care list and monthly birthdays here. A thoughtful card or note would brighten a day and make a difference!