Symbols of Faith #11

From time to time a different cross from Pastor Charles' collection, and how it came to be on display at St. Paul's, will be shared.

As you may know, Pastor Charles' last name, Alkula, is of Finnish origins. This mug bears a Nordic cross and depicts the flag of Finland. Finland is among nearly twenty other nations who have crosses on their flags including all of Finland's Scandinavian neighbors.

Social media at St. Paul's UMC

St. Paul's United Methodist Church uses its church-based social media to build and enhance the church community. It is to be used to exchange information and ideas, announce upcoming church events, report on recent activities, and to be a timely source of information for our church family. It should be a venue to connect all the members of the church using the most up-to-date technology available to nearly everyone.*
​
The church office is charged with making every effort to ensure the church’s social media is not used for:

• finding fault or complaining about others
• supporting a political party or agenda
• advertising goods or services for personal gain

The church’s social media represents the congregation as a whole. Postings in social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+, etc., are available for everyone to see, including non-members. This initiative relies on everyone involved taking responsibility for the success of this program in order to enhance the community of our church.
​
*Any files posted (or linked to) will be in portable document format (PDF).

Wednesday with the Wesley's

Listen to the hymn at the link below

"My God, I am Thine" 

Confirmation Week 4

    This week we wrap up our confirmation class with a review of "What It Means To Be United Methodist." 

    To learn more, visit this link to enroll in the free course from UMCommunications.

    What will I learn?

    By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Identify the structure of the United Methodist Church.
• Identify the historical roots and beliefs of United Methodists.
• Identify the growth and core principles of Modern Methodism.

This week @ St. Paul's UMC

Tuesday:

10:00 am, Virtual Confirmation class

10:00 am, Reconciling Ministries small group discussion @ Judy W.

(Contact the office to sign up)

Wednesday:

10:00 am, Virtual coffee/tea (at this link)

Thursday: 

3:00 pm, Virtual Ladies Summer Book Group 

(Contact the office for login information)

Sunday: 

10:00 am, Virtual worship

(Contact the office for login information)

11:00 am, Virtual youth group

Scripture lessons for August 2

As we make our way through the dog days of summer, we return to the lectionary readings with Romans 9:1-5 and Matthew 14:13-21.

July 26 @ St. Paul's UMC: Announcements

+In keeping with current City/County of Boulder, State of Colorado, and Mountain Sky Conference guidance, all in-person programs and events of St. Paul's UMC are cancelled until further notice. Our worship service will continue in its Zoom format through the summer.

+Grand Mesa Camp and First UMC - Grand Junction invite you to join in a unique virtual church camp experience today at 12:30 pm. Come to camp at Facebook.com/fumcgj and have fun!

+Reconciling Ministries small-group discussions - Tuesday at Judy W.'s (limited to four or social distancing), Tuesday @ 10:00 am. Virtual discussion with Abby L., Wednesday @ 5:00 pm. (Contact 

the church)

+You are invited to join us each Wednesday morning @ 10:00 am, for a virtual coffee/tea informal gathering via Zoom. Join our Zoom gathering at this link.

+The Ladies Summer Book Group meets via Zoom each Thursday at 3:00 pm. Contact Belinda A. for login information.

+UMW District virtual gathering, Saturday starting at 9:00 am.

+Please remember to send your gifts and offerings to support the ongoing ministries of St. Paul's UMC (Boulder) to Martha B.

+Be sure to view our calendar to see the latest activities being offered through various virtual platforms. 

July 26 @ St. Paul's UMC: Prayers

Joys:

+Sally O. offers thanks that daughter Kim has found a new home and a new job!

+Thankful that our YouTube channel had 333 viewers last month, a total of 651 minutes!

+Thankful to be able to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

+Blessings on Skippy R. who celebrates her 98th this week!!!

+Blessings on Jerry B. who turns 80 this week!!

Concerns:

+Those who are dealing with the impact of the pandemic including those facing health concerns, economic anxiety, or other disruptions of life. 

+Lifting up in prayers those affected by the pervasive nature of racism in our society.

+Michele M. asks prayers for Elise W., a high school senior, who tested positive for COVID-19.

+Rebecca asks prayers for the students and teachers readying for an unusual fall term.

+Sally O.'s daughter has a neighbor whose baby is on life support. Please hold the baby and the family in prayer during this difficult time.

+Sally O. asks for prayers for her friend, Michelle, who is recovering from a serious car accident in addition to complications from Covid-19.

+Louise C. asks for prayers for her sister, Marjorie who having health concerns.

+Prayers for Rep. John Lewis and all those participating in his memorials this week.

July 26 @ St. Paul's UMC: Worship

Paul Bunyan & Babe - Bemidji, Minnesota

 

July 26 —8th Sunday after Pentecost 

Today’s Meditation Verse: “So I’ll offer a sacrifice of Thanksgiving to You, and I’ll call on the Lord’s name.” --Psalm 116:17

Welcome—Pastor Charles

Call to Worship (Psalm 105:1-3)—Pastor Charles (Leader) and Angela B. (People)

Congregation is encouraged to read People’s response aloud on mute setting

Give thanks to the Lord; call upon God’s name; make God’s name known to all people!

Sing to God; sing praises to the Lord; dwell on all of God’s wondrous works!

Give praise to God’s holy name!

Let the hearts rejoice of all those seeking the Lord! 

Ye Different Sects, Who All Declare (by Charles Wesley) – Angela B.

Congregation is encouraged to read aloud on mute setting

Ye different sects who all declare, “Lo, here is Christ!” or, “Christ is there.” Your stronger proofs divinely give, And show us where true Christians live. Your claim, alas! Ye cannot prove; Ye want the genuine mark of love Thou only, Lord, Thine own canst show, For sure Thou still hast a church below. Scattered o’er all the earth they lie, Till Thy collect them with Thine eye Draw by the music of Thy name, And charm into a beauteous frame. For this, the pleading Spirit groans, And cries in all Thy banish’d ones: Love, the greatest of Thy gifts impart, And make us of one mind and heart. Every soul that looks to Thee, in bonds of perfect charity: Now, Lord, Thy glorious fulness give, And all in all for ever live.

Community prayer requests, concerns, and celebrations—Pastor Charles

Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer—Pastor Charles

Congregation is encouraged to pray The Lord’s Prayer aloud on mute setting

First Lesson: Mark 9:38-41—Angela B.

Musical Offering: “I Was Touched and I Believe” (Chancel Choir recorded October 1, 2019) 

Second Lesson: Matthew 18:1-10—Pastor Charles

Sermon: “The Conversion of Paul Bunyan” —Pastor Charles

Celebration of Ministry: STEMrev—Rebecca G.

Words for the Journey—Pastor Charles

Reminder: Gifts and tithes can be sent directly to Martha B. - Contributions to the PATH Fund can be marked “PATH Fund” in the memo line. 

Church and Society Commemorates 30 Years of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

[Note: the ADA was enacted on July 26, 1990)

The COVID-19 pandemic imposes ongoing and disproportionate health and financial hardships on individuals and families impacted by disabilities and strains the direct support professional (DSP) workforce that supports them. It is critical that the next Congressional coronavirus relief bill includes provisions to address at least the most conspicuous and urgent needs facing the disability community.

As United Methodists, “We urge the church and its people to stand alongside people with disabilities and to speak out on their rights in society.” (Book of Resolutions #3302).

Read more at this link.

Online Course addressing Racism

You Are Here: First Steps for White Christians on Race and Racism is an online course (available August 1st) for Christians who want to acquire a fundamental understanding of race and racism from a biblical perspective. This four-part self-directed course offers videos featuring Robin DiAngelo  and Rev. Dr. Anderson Hooker, reflections, activities to help people of faith to recognize racism, and begin to challenge it in their lives.

Register for this course at this link.

The death of Susanna Wesley

John Wesley wrote these words in his journal about his mother Susanna’s death--

I left Bristol in the evening of Sunday, July 18, and on Tuesday came to London. I found my mother on the borders of eternity. But she had no doubt or fear nor any desire but (as soon as God should call) “to depart and be with Christ.”

Friday, 23.—About three in the afternoon I went to my mother and found her change was near. I sat down on the bedside. She was in her last conflict, unable to speak but I believe quite sensible. Her look was calm and serene, and her eyes fixed upward while we commended her soul to God. From three to four the silver cord was loosing, and the wheel breaking at the cistern; and then without any struggle, or sign, or groan, the soul was set at liberty. We stood round the bed and fulfilled her last request, uttered a little before she lost her speech: “Children, as soon as I am released, sing a psalm of praise to God.”

United Methodist Women (UMW) Virtual Retreat

United Methodist Women (UMW) Virtual Retreat

Sponsored by the Peaks Pikes Peak UMW District

Let your light shine! -- Finding Peace in an Anxious World

Our Leaders: Rev. Dr. Charles and Belinda Alkula

You’re invited to laugh, learn and discuss with us! Invite your UMW sisters, mothers, aunts, nieces, cousins, pastors, friends. A Special Offering will be taken for District Mission Pledge.

Saturday, August 1 - 9:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Free Registration - Limited Seating—Please Register by July 30, 2020 Register at: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZctcOyhpzgjGtSUxPgbFB-wEqQFFdPo_Qdp%20

   

After registering, you’ll receive a confirmation email with information about joining the meeting.  

Wednesday with the Wesley's

United Methodist Church’s Dismantling Racism: Pressing On to Freedom initiative

The videotaped killing of George Floyd has focused the world on the racism steeped into our nation’s founding and poisoning our institutions for too long.

Enough. We must end racism now. We cannot burden another generation with this.

Join Faith Talks Thursday, July 23 at 4 pm for a discussion on the United Methodist Church’s Dismantling Racism: Pressing On to Freedom initiative. Panelists will include Bishop Cynthia Harvey, Erin M. Hawkins of General Commission on Religion and Race, Rev. Dr. Susan Henry-Crowe of the General Board of Church and Society, and UMWs own CEO Harriett J. Olson and Transformation Officer Sally Vonner.

Register in advance for this webinar:

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_pv4GcQOATSyUJXe035-7JA  

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Confirmation Week 3

This week we are looking at the Wesleyan understanding of the Means of Grace and then looking at John Wesley's understanding of Grace: Prevenient, Justifying, & Sanctifying.

Scripture lessons for July 26

We conclude our summer sermon series this week with "The Conversion of Paul Bunyan." The scripture lessons are Mark 9:38-41 and Matthew 24:45-51.

(Photo shows Belinda A. with the world's largest Paul Bunyan statue in Akeley, Minnesota.)

This week @ St. Paul's

Tuesday:

9:00 am, (re)Launch webinar (Click here to register)

10:00 am, Virtual Confirmation class

7:00 pm, Virtual Trustees Meeting

Wednesday:

10:00 am, Virtual coffee/tea (at this link)

11:30 am, Zoominar: The Challenges and Opportunities for Sacred Music in the COVID-19 era (at this link)

4:00 pm, CSA Pick Up

Thursday: 

3:00 pm, Virtual Ladies Summer Book Group (contact Belinda A.)

4:00 pm, Faith Talks: Dismantling Racism: Pressing On to Freedom webinar (register at this link)

Sunday: 

10:00 am, Virtual worship

11:00 am, Virtual youth group

12:30 pm, Virtual Church Camp (at this link)

July 19 @ St. Paul's UMC: Announcements

+In keeping with current City/County of Boulder, State of Colorado, and Mountain Sky Conference guidance, all in-person programs and events of St. Paul's UMC are cancelled until further notice. Our worship service will continue in its Zoom format through the summer.   

+(re)Launch: Not going back to normal webinar, Tuesday at 9:00 am. Register at this link.

+Virtual Trustees meeting, Tuesday @ 7:00 pm.

+You are invited to join us each Wednesday morning @ 10:00 am, for a virtual coffee/tea informal gathering via Zoom. Join our Zoom gathering at this link.

+The Challenges and Opportunities for Sacred Music in the COVID-19 era. This week's Church Vitality Zoominar is on Wednesday at 11:30 am. Register at this link.

+The Ladies Summer Book Group meets via Zoom each Thursday at 3:00 pm. Contact Belinda A. for login information.

+UMW Faith Talks: Dismantling Racism: Pressing On to Freedom webinar (Register at this link).

+Virtual Church Camp sponsored by Grand Mesa Camp and First UMC - Grand Junction will be offered next Sunday at 12:30 pm. To learn more, visit Facebook.com/fumcgj.

+Please remember to send your gifts and offerings to support the ongoing ministries of St. Paul's UMC (Boulder) to Martha B.

+Be sure to view our calendar to see the latest activities being offered through various virtual platforms. 

July 19 @ St. Paul's UMC: Prayers

Joys:

+Lisa B. had excellent Covid-19 news from work last week.

+Blessing others through the Pay-it-Forward fund last week.

+Happy 80+ birthday blessings to Austin C. last week.

+Marcia H. has a birthday this coming week.

+Diane M. & Larry E. announce the birth of a granddaughter last night named Iris.

+Linda B. thanks everyone for their prayers and support during her recovery.

Concerns: 

+Those who are dealing with the impact of the pandemic including those facing health concerns, economic anxiety, or other disruptions of life. 

+Lifting up in prayers those affected by the pervasive nature of racism in our society.

+Marcia H. is recovering from a medical procedure.   

+Sally O. asks for prayers for their four children who have job concerns. 

+Bob & Pat M. are facing some life changes in the near future.

+Prayers for Lori C.'s family.

+Angela B.'s son Charles & his wife are expecting their first child in December and prayers for a safe pregnancy are sought.

+Sally O. says a neighbor of her daughter has had a baby and now the neighbor is on life support.

+Suzanne P. asks for prayers for Laura who has serious health concerns.

+Joan C. asks for continued prayers for Tania with her health needs.

+Pastor Charles asks for prayers for his friend, Sue.

+Please pray for the family of the Rev. Wallace (Dale) Lovett, who passed away June 27. He served the legacy Rocky Mountain Conference from 1970 until his retirement in 2013.

+Please pray for the family of Pastor Norman and Rebecca Mark, whose son, Olajawan (OJ), died July 13 of complications from COVID-19. 

July 19 @ St. Paul's UMC: Worship

July 19 —7th Sunday after Pentecost 

Today’s Meditation Verse: “All who are led by God’s Spirit are God’s sons and daughters.”     (Romans 8:14)

Welcome—Pastor Charles

Call to Worship (Psalm 139:1-4)—Pastor Charles (Leader) and Angela Baker (People) Congregation is encouraged to read People’s response aloud on mute setting

 Leader: Lord, You have examined me. You know me.                                                                     People: You know when I sit down and when I stand up.                                                             Leader: Even from far away, You comprehend my plans.                                                                People: You study my traveling and resting.                                                                                    Leader: You are thoroughly familiar with all my ways.                                                                        People: There isn’t a word on my tongue, Lord, that You don’t know it completely.

A Prayer During the Pandemic – Angela Baker (Congregation is encouraged to read aloud on mute setting)

Pray for those who are suffering from the virus; grieving the loss of loved ones, adjusting to an unfamiliar rhythm, ​anxious and frightened. Pray for those working on a cure, making supplies to keep our health care workers safe, and health care workers everywhere. Pray for those on the front lines of providing us with essential services and supplies, grocery store workers, farmers, factory workers, ​first responders, and utility providers. Pray for those who have lost or will lose their jobs and businesses. Pray for government leaders as they enact bold decisions to keep us safe. Pray for the Church, that we may rise as the Body of Christ to care for our neighbors in their time of need. Pray for one another, that the bonds of community we share will be strengthened even as we are separate from one another. Amen. - Bishop Karen P. Oliveto

Community prayer requests, concerns, and celebrations—Pastor Charles

Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer—Pastor Charles                                                       (Congregation is encouraged to pray The Lord’s Prayer aloud on mute setting)

First Lesson: 1Peter 2:4-10—Angela Baker

Musical Offering: “Healing River” (Chancel Choir recorded February 23, 2020)  

Second Lesson: Matthew 7:1-6—Pastor Charles

Sermon: “How I Sold My Vacuum Cleaner” —Pastor Charles

Words for the Journey—Pastor Charles

The Challenges and Opportunities for Sacred Music in the COVID-19 era

Join Vital Conversations! Join the Rev. Jeff Rainwater on a Vital Conversations Zoom call every other Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. as we explore what discipleship can look like in these changing times and into the future. The next session will be on July 22.

Registration All clergy and laity are invited to join! Zoom call-in information will be provided to those who register online.

• Dr. C. Michael Hawn joins Joe Mazza to discuss how music affects our lives in today's era. Hawn is a University Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Church Music and Director of the Doctor of Pastoral Music Program in Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University. 
• Joe Mazza is the Director of Creative Production at Trinity UMC in Denver and works with the Denver creative community on events inside and outside of the church that explore the creative gifts God has shared with all of us. 

Virtual Church Camp is Coming!

Check out this awesome opportunity! Grand Mesa Camp is not holding traditional in-person camp, but has put together this virtual opportunity with the support of First UMC - Grand Junction.

Visit www.facebook.com/fumcgj to get more information.

(re)Launch: Not going back to normal

As we consider what we do next and where we go from here, we all realize there is no going back to how it was. We are happy to present content and some time for discussion and peer learning about how to Relaunch. What does the new future of hospitality look like? What does it look like to offer connection for people who may have never been to our buildings and may never participate in that way, and yet find a spiritual home in our virtual worlds?

Join us for this Level Up Leadership Event provided to you by the Peaks New Ministry Council. Invite your team, plan to gain something you can use right away, or for the future when we return.  Hospitality, streaming, marketing, engagement, relaunch, just a few ways we will spend the time together.

Wednesday with the Wesleys

Confirmation Week 2

This week we're discussing an approach to understanding the faith and its expression in the United Methodist Church:

The Wesleyan Quadrilateral: The phrase which has relatively recently come into use [introduced by Albert Outler] to describe the principal factors that John Wesley believed illuminate the core of the Christian faith for the believer. Wesley did not formulate the succinct statement now commonly referred to as the Wesley Quadrilateral. Building on the Anglican theological tradition, Wesley added a fourth emphasis, experience. The resulting four components or "sides" of the quadrilateral are (1) Scripture, (2) tradition, (3) reason, and (4) experience. For United Methodists, Scripture is considered the primary source and standard for Christian doctrine. Tradition is experience and the witness of development and growth of the faith through the past centuries and in many nations and cultures. Experience is the individual's understanding and appropriating of the faith in the light of his or her own life. Through reason the individual Christian brings to bear on the Christian faith discerning and cogent thought. These four elements taken together bring the individual Christian to a mature and fulfilling understanding of the Christian faith and the required response of worship and service.

Source: A Dictionary for United Methodists, Alan K. Waltz, Copyright 1991, Abingdon Press. Used by Permission.

This week @ St. Paul's UMC

Tuesday:

10:00 am, Virtual Confirmation class

Wednesday:

10:00 am, Virtual coffee/tea (at this link)

10:00 am, Let's Talk: LGBTQ+ Weddings webinar (at this link)

4:00 pm, CSA Pick Up

Thursday: 

3:00 pm, Virtual Ladies Summer Book Group (contact Belinda A.)

Sunday: 

10:00 am, Virtual worship

11:00 am, Virtual youth group

Scripture lessons for July 19

This week, we'll be hearing from 1 Peter 2:4-10 and Matthew 7:1-5, looking at How I Sold My Vacuum Cleaner.