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Wednesday with the Wesley's

 

A reflection from Bishop Oliveto

Bishop Karen was asked to give her thoughts on COVID-19 and the future of the Church. Here’s what she had to say. What do you think God is asking of the Church as we face COVID-19 and the future?

Watch the video at this link.

Methodism 101: Early Methodism in America

Ordination of Francis Asbury -  December 1784

The United Methodist Church shares a common history and heritage with other Methodist and Wesleyan bodies. The lives and ministries of John Wesley (1703–1791) and of his brother, Charles (1707–1788), mark the origin of their common roots. Both John and Charles were Church of England missionaries to the colony of Georgia, arriving in March 1736. It was their only occasion to visit America. Their mission was far from an unqualified success, and both returned to England disillusioned and discouraged, Charles in December 1736, and John in February 1738.

Both of the Wesley brothers had transforming religious experiences in May 1738. John’s heart “was strangely warmed” at a prayer meeting on Aldersgate Street in London. In the years following, the brothers succeeded in leading a lively renewal movement in the Church of England. As the Methodist movement grew, it became apparent that their ministry would spread to the American colonies as some Methodists made the exhausting and hazardous Atlantic voyage to the New World.

Organized Methodism in America began as a lay movement. Among its earliest leaders were Robert Strawbridge, an immigrant farmer who organized work about 1760 in Maryland and Virginia, Philip Embury and his cousin, Barbara Heck, who began work in New York in 1766, and Captain Thomas Webb, whose labors were instrumental in Methodist beginnings in Philadelphia in 1767. African Americans participated actively in these groundbreaking and formational initiatives though much of that contribution was acknowledged without much biographical detail.

Learn more at the General Commission on Archives and History.

This week @ St. Paul's UMC

Monday:

7:00 pm, Mountain Sky Conference COVID-19 (re)Launch Conversation

Wednesday:

10:00 am, Virtual Coffee/Tea

11:30 am, Flow of Narcissism & Trauma in the Church Today Zoominar 

(Register at this link) 

Thursday: 

11:45 am, Ladies Lunch Bunch @ the church

 

Sunday:

10:00 am, Virtual Worship

11:00 am, Virtual Youth Group

6:00 pm, Pilgrimage to the Land of Love Zoominar

Scripture lessons for October 4

 

Our scripture lessons for this coming Sunday come from 

Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, and 12-20.

Photo: From Metz Cathedral (France). The windows by Marc Chagall. The subjects represent King David (playing harp), Moses (receiving the Ten Commandments and crossing the Red Sea) and the Prophet Jeremiah. 

September 27 @ St. Paul's UMC: Announcements

+In keeping with current City/County of Boulder, State of Colorado, and Mountain Sky Conference guidance, all in-person worship at St. Paul's UMC is cancelled until further notice. 

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

+The Ladies Lunch Bunch will be back this Thursday (11:45 am) on the church lawn. Bring a lunch, a mask, and a chair!

+It's time for Advent and Christmas! The 2020 Advent Devotional needs you! See the September newsletter for details.

+Susanna Wesley, the mother of John and Charles Wesley, inspired much of her sons’ work, earning the epithet, The Mother of Methodism. Epworth & The Old Rectory is delighted to welcome you to join them at the Old Rectory for an online discussion about Susanna Wesley and women’s lives in the story of Methodism. This promises to be a very interesting discussion and they welcome you to join the discussion. Join the discussion on 28 September (7:00 am, MST) online to discuss Women in Methodism: https://epwortholdrectory.org.uk/events/from-susannas-kitchen/

+Be sure to view our calendar to see the latest activities being offered through various virtual platforms. More information is available on our blog.

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

September 27 @ St. Paul's UMC: Prayers

Joys:                                                                                                                                                        +We give thanks for the birthdays this week of Joyce B. and Steve M.

+We give thanks for the safe manner in which the momma bear and her two cubs were rescued from the back yard of the house on the north side of our parking lot. 

+Belinda A. is joyful for the many Zoom events she attended last week.

+Dave B. is thankful for his granddaughter's visit, for his visit with family in New Jersey, and for those fighting the fires.

+Don B. is thankful for the continuing recovery of his co-worker from the effects of COVID-19. 

+Scott G. is thankful for the $700 given by the congregation to the work of STEMrev.

+Pastor Charles is thankful for those who came out in support of the art show at the Avalon yesterday.

+Louise C. is blessed with visits from her sisters. 

+We are thankful for the many amazing musicians who share their gifts with us each 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.

+Lifting up in prayer those impacted by the wildfires in our state and elsewhere.

+Prayers for the family of Jai W. following his suicide last week (his mother is a friend of Pastor Charles and has worshipped with us at St. Paul's).

+Please pray for the family of Joyce Louise Kaplan, who passed away Sept. 14. She was a local pastor in legacy Yellowstone Conference.

+Don B. asks for prayers for the Boulder Dinner Theater which has shut down (for the time being) and all arts organizations that are struggling.     

+Marcia H. asks for prayers for their daughter, Deborah, who is having surgery. 

+Sally O. asks for prayers for their nephew, Nate, who is having surgery.             

+Louise C.'s sister, Marjorie, continues to have health concerns. 

September 27 @ St. Paul's UMC: Worship

Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Today’s Meditation Verse: “Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others.” –Philippians 2:4

Prelude: “Praise Him! Praise Him!” by Lorie C.

Welcome—Pastor Charles

Call to Worship—Pastor Charles (Leader) and Claudia M. (People)

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

Leader: Sing to the Lord a new song!

People: We sing a song of peace and hope!
Leader: Sing to the Lord a song of strength.
People: Our strength is in the Lord of hosts!
Leader: Sing to the Lord a song of joy!
People: Our song is a song of service and faithfulness.

Hymn: “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing”

—Hannah G. and Rebecca G. (Congregation is encouraged to sing along on mute setting; words and music will be provided onscreen)

The Masai Creed (1960)--Claudia M. (Congregation is encouraged to read aloud on mute setting)

We believe in the one High God, who out of love created the beautiful world and everything good in it. He created Man and wanted Man to be happy in the world. God loves the world and every nation and tribe on the Earth. We have known this High God in darkness, and now we know Him in the light. God promised in the book of His word, the Bible, that He would save the world and all the nations and tribes.

 

We believe that God made good His promise by sending His Son, Jesus Christ, a man in the flesh, a Jew by tribe, born poor in a little village, who left His home and was always on safari doing good, curing people by the power of God, teaching about God and man, showing the meaning of religion is love. He was rejected by His people, tortured and nailed hands and feet to a cross, and died. He lay buried in the grave, but the hyenas did not touch Him, and on the third day, He rose from the grave. He ascended to the skies. He is the Lord.

 

We believe that all our sins are forgiven through Him. All who have faith in Him must be sorry for their sins, be baptized in the Holy Spirit of God, live the rules of love and share the bread together in love, to announce the Good News to others until Jesus comes again. We are waiting for Him. He is alive. He lives. This we believe. Amen.

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)

Epistle Lesson: Philippians 2:1-13—Claudia M.

Musical Offering: “Abide with Me” by Lorie C.

Gospel Lesson: Matthew 21:23-32—Pastor Charles

Sermon: “The discipline of discipleship”– Pastor Charles

Words for the Journey—Pastor Charles

Postlude: “Irish Blessing” by Alpha & Omega

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.        

Gen Z is Looking For Religion, But Not Like Their Parents

With religious services taking place online, this might seem like a moment for digital natives like Gen Z to step into the stream of faith. But new data suggests that the opposite is happening.

Pew Research Center reports that those under 30 are the least likely to tune in to virtual worship. Similarly, new data show prior to the pandemic, 13- to 17-year-olds attended in-person religious services at rates similar to their parents — but they were much less likely to pray.

Researchers, however, argue that surveys of religious belief often ask the wrong questions to gauge the faith of youth and young adults. They say that Gen Z — a group that was born from 1997 and later — is eager for spiritual engagement but the form it takes might confound conventional ideas of worship.

Read more at this link.

From Susanna’s Kitchen

Susanna Wesley, the mother of John and Charles Wesley, inspired much of her sons’ work, earning the epithet, The Mother of Methodism. Epworth & The Old Rectory is delighted to welcome you to join them at the Old Rectory for an online discussion about Susanna Wesley and women’s lives in the story of Methodism. This promises to be a very interesting discussion and they welcome you to join the discussion.

Join the Revds Michaela Youngson and Barbara Glasson on 28 September (7:00 am, MST) online to discuss women in Methodism. 

Register at this link. 

At 94, he’s ‘Mr. Music of United Methodism’

Most afternoons, the Rev. Carlton R. “Sam” Young spends a few hours in the upstairs office of the Nashville, Tennessee, home he occupies with his wife of 74 years, Marjorie Lindner Young.

If he has a text to set music to, he makes a double-spaced copy, marks all the accents, then reads the words aloud with emphasis.

“The rhythm comes up from the page and with it, invariably, comes a melody,” Young said. “It just happens. I can’t explain it.”

Within church music, Young has been a big name for more than half a century as a composer, arranger, scholar, editor. 

He edited The Methodist Hymnal (1966) and The United Methodist Hymnal (1989). He directed the music for nine General Conferences, including the 1968 Uniting Conference that created The United Methodist Church.

Read more at this link.

Wednesday with the Wesley's

 

A prayer for Autumn

O God of Creation, You have blessed us with the changing of the seasons. 

As we welcome the autumn months, may the earlier setting of the sun remind us to take time to rest. 

May the brilliant colors of the leaves remind us of the wonder of Your creation. 

May the steam of our breath in the cool air remind us that it is You who give us the breath of life.

May the harvest from the fields remind us of the abundance we have been given and bounty we are to share with others.

May the dying of summer's spirit remind us of Your great promise that death is temporary and life is eternal.

We praise You for Your goodness forever and ever.

- Author Unknown

Methodism 101: Aldersgate and the movement takes flight

 

Many have experienced a moment when the Spirit of God came upon them in a powerful way. For  some, it happened on a retreat as a youth, or a mission trip later in life. Others had an experience during a Sunday morning worship service or a Wednesday night Bible study. Some have felt Christ especially present while praying from the top of a mountain or crying out over the sound of crashing waves while standing on a beach.

Whatever the circumstances, these moments can be life changing. We look back upon them as times of conversion, renewal, and revelation. We may feel called to do something, experience healing and wholeness, or receive peace about a decision.

Read more at this link.

This week @ St. Paul's UMC

Wednesday:

10:00 am, Virtual Coffee/Tea

11:30 am, A House Divided: The Politics of Compassion Zoominar (Register at this link)

Thursday:

8:30 am, District Committee on Ordained Ministry (Pastor)

9:00 am, Virtual Leadership Institute 

Thursday:

9:00 am, Virtual Leadership Institute 

Sunday:

10:00 am, Virtual Worship

11:00 am, Virtual Youth Group

6:00 pm, Pilgrimage to the Land of Love Zoominar

Scripture lessons for September 30

As September draws to a close, we turn to Philippians 2:1-13 and Matthew 21:23-32 for our scripture lessons.

Hello, neighbors!

We were happy to partner with Brookdale Meridian this morning to share a to-go breakfast and information from the Meridian and St. Paul's with our neighbors. Thanks to Natalie J. from the Meridian and Belinda A. for being on hand!

September 20 @ St. Paul's UMC: Announcements

+In keeping with current City/County of Boulder, State of Colorado, and Mountain Sky Conference guidance, all in-person worship at St. Paul's UMC is cancelled until further notice. 

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

+If you've grown weary of the hyper-partisanship that plagues and paralyzes our national debate; if you're exhausted by the "outrage industrial complex" that vilifies those on the other side of the political aisle; if you're exasperated by our current culture of partisan divisiveness that turns friends and family members into enemies and makes political progress impossible--there is a more hopeful, generous, and faithful alternative. Register for this Vital Conversations webinar at this link. 

+It's time for Advent and Christmas! The 2020 Advent Devotional needs you! See the September newsletter for details.

+Be sure to view our calendar to see the latest activities being offered through various virtual platforms. More information is available on our blog.

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

September 20 @ St. Paul's UMC: Prayers

Joys:                                                                                                                                                           

+We give thanks for the birthdays of Pat Muckle and Jessie Muckle.

+Louise C. is happy to have family visiting.

+Brenda S. is thankful for the assistance in delivering food to EFFA.

+Suzanne P. is thankful for her granddaughter's recovery.

+Belinda A. is thankful for yesterday's District UMW virtual gathering.   

+Scott G. reports that STEMrev shared 250  learning kits and is looking to send another 250.

+Don L. likes the new-look cross (painted gold).

+We were happy to greet our neighbors along with Brookdale Meridian with a breakfast-to-go. 

+Claudia M. is blessed to have been able to visit her husband 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.

+Lifting up in prayer those impacted by the wildfires in our state and elsewhere.

+Prayers for the work and the memory of Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

+Prayers of hope and strength for the Rev. Bob Carlisle, retired deacon who is experiencing health concerns. He served nearly 20 years at Trinity UMC, Denver, CO.

+Prayers for Stan Steuri, retired pastor, who has been hospitalized. Also prayers for his wife, Barb Steuri, for strength. They are from Tooele UMC in Utah.         

+Prayers for those connected Buckhorn Camp in Colorado due to wildfires.

+Steve M.'s mom is recovering from a fall.             

+Michele M.'s sister-in-law has health concerns.

September 20 @ St. Paul's UMC: Worship

Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Today’s Meditation Verse “Give ear, O my people, to my teaching; incline your ears to the words of my mouth.’” – Psalm 78:1

Welcome – Pastor Charles                                                                                                   

Prelude "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing" - Hannah G.

Call to Worship (Psalm 98:1-5) —Pastor Charles (Leader) and Claudia M. (People)                              O sing to the LORD a new song, for God has done marvelous things. God’s right hand and holy arm have gotten the victory.
The LORD has made known the victory; God has revealed his vindication in the sight of the nations.
God has remembered through steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel.                                All the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God.                                                               Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises.           Sing praises to the LORD with the lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody.                                  (Congregation is encouraged to read People’s response aloud on mute setting)

Hymn: “There’s Wideness in God’s Mercy,” “#121

Korean Methodist Creed – Claudia M. (Congregation is encouraged to offer the creed aloud on mute setting)

Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is the one true Church, apostolic and universal, whose holy faith let us now declare: We believe in the one God, maker and ruler of all things, Father of all people, the source of all goodness and beauty, all truth and love. We believe in Jesus Christ, God manifest in the flesh, our teacher, example, and Redeemer, the Savior of the world. We believe in the Holy Spirit, God present with us for guidance, for comfort, and for strength. We believe in the forgiveness of sins, in the life of love and prayer, and in grace equal to every need. We believe in the Word of God contained in the Old and New Testaments as the sufficient rule both of faith and of practice. We believe in the Church as the fellowship for worship and for service of all who are united to the living Lord. We believe in the kingdom of God as the divine rule in human society, and in the human family under the guidance of God. We believe in the final triumph of righteousness, and in the life everlasting. Amen.

Community prayer requests, concerns, and celebrations – Pastor Charles                                        Pastoral Prayer / The Lord’s Prayer – Pastor Charles (Congregation is encouraged to offer the Lord’s Prayer aloud on mute setting)

Gospel Lesson: Matthew20:1-16 – Claudia M.        

Anthem: "In the Presence of Jehovah" - Hannah G.                                                         

Epistle lesson:  Philippians 1:21-30                                                                                                 

Sermon: “Decisions, decisions” – Pastor Charles                                                                  

Words for the Journey – Pastor Charles                                                                                   

Postlude: "Day by Day"  Alpha and Omega                                                                                                                   

UMW District Annual Meeting

Belinda and Pastor Charles were among the 60+ in attendance at today's annual gathering of the Peaks Pikes Peak UMW District. 

Today's gathering was done virtually and included communion,  business meeting, installation of officers (for 2021), memorial service, and a devotional by our District Superintendent, the Rev. Dr. Tezenlo Thong.

UMCOR at 80

Flood. Fire. Wind. COVID-19.

What’s the one thing that is the same for every disaster?

The compassionate and caring response of God’s people.

For 80 years, and in this unprecedented time of one disaster after another, UMCOR has been swift to offer relief and is committed to the fullness of recovery.

GIVE TODAY to support the immediate needs of disaster response in the United States at this link.

House Divided: A Politics of Compassion on Sept. 23 Vital Conversations

If you've grown weary of the hyper-partisanship that plagues and paralyzes our national debate; if you're exhausted by the "outrage industrial complex" that vilifies those on the other side of the political aisle; if you're exasperated by our current culture of partisan divisiveness that turns friends and family members into enemies and makes political progress impossible--there is a more hopeful, generous, and faithful alternative. 

It's based on the assumption that Americans are not nearly as polarized in their actual convictions as the current political rhetoric suggests.  Polls consistently show that we have far more in common than we've been led to believe by the media, which are driven by profit, and our political institutions, which are motivated by power. Each is highly organized and resourced to amplify and exploit the differences among us. Each preaches a message that elevates penultimate things over ultimate things. Each perpetuates a kind of dualistic thinking that coerces us to view our neighbors in terms of good and evil, right and wrong, friend and enemy.  The result is that we have never been more divided as a country, and never more isolated, socially disconnected, and lonely as individuals. 

The antidote to this politics of contempt is not a politics of compromise which seeks to end the disagreement. In our politics, as in our religion, we tend to make idols out of centrism and the "middle ground." There's nothing inherently noble or courageous about standing in the middle. Democracy always thrives on the vigorous competition of opposing ideas, and Christian witness always demands a prophetic spirit that drives us to the margins. Consensus politics often lacks the moral courage to effectively dismantle the evils and injustices of our world, such as racism, sexism, homophobia, to name a few. A politics of compromise is not the cure to what ails us.

These hyperpolarized times call us to transcend a politics of compromise in favor of a politics of compassion which fosters a way of relating to others and responding to today's issues with universal care, concern, and commitment for the sake of the flourishing of all human and non-human forms of life. By doing so, we can reorder our everyday conversations and renew our commitment to practicing a kind of politics that embodies grace, reason, and humility, for our sakes, and for the sake of the common good.

Wednesday @ 11:30 am. 

Register for this Vital Conversations webinar at this link.