The year in review

January: The UMW is recognized as being an official unit by the Conference; STEMrev returns for another semester; A.A. begins meeting at St. Paul's.

February: Peter Clark and Jessica Oddie share their musical gift; Lenten devotional is introduced; Ash Wednesday service.

March: The world turns upside down with the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic; We move online for our worship services; All outside groups stop meeting at the church; Announcement that General Conference 2020 is postponed until next year.

April: Virtual Wednesday coffee/tea begins; Rebecca G. offers a virtual yoga class; Our Zoom worship services begin on Palm Sunday; Virtual Holy Week services; We take a lot of food to EFFA; outdoor projects begin at the parsonage and the church.

May: The reality that is our new virtual community continues this month.

June: Annual Conference goes virtual; We begin to celebrate (virtual) communion; Racism work continues.

July: Virtual confirmation at St. Paul's; The sidewalk leading to Mary Sandoe House is cleared; The parking lot gets repaired; The parsonage is repainted.

August: The sprinkler system is replaced in the church lawn; The parking lot gets repainted; Belinda and Pastor Charles lead a virtual Conference UMW event.

September: Unexpected snow the day after Labor Day causes lots of downed branches; The Ladies Lunch Bunch begins meeting on the church lawn with social distancing and masks; We partner with Brookdale Meridian to host a drive-in breakfast; We take a lot more food to EFFA; Three bears make an appearance in the house next to the church parking lot; Our musicians make a return to virtual worship; We mark six months since we last gathered together; Five participants begin the virtual Pilgrimage to the Land of Love.

October: More Zoom meetings; We continue to participate in the Pilgrimage to the Land of Love.

November: We remembered the saints on All Saints Sunday with the Rev. Dan D. preaching; Virtual Church Conference; Thanksgiving Eve virtual gathering.

December: Our blog records its 1,000th post; We partnered with Brookdale Meridian to host WinterFest @ St. Paul's; We add Flickr to our social media efforts; Virtual Blue Christmas service; Virtual Christmas Eve service; Claudia M. leads the last Sunday of 2020.

Devotional for the Seventh Day of Christmas

“Christmas is a season for kindling the fire for hospitality in the hall, the genial flame of charity in the heart.”

– Washington Irving

On the Seventh Day of Christmas my true love sent to me

Seven swans a-swimming,

Six geese a-laying

Five gold rings,

Four calling birds,

Three French hens,

Two turtle doves,

And a partridge in a pear tree.

Mark 1:1-8 (Douay-Rheims 1899 American Edition) - The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in Isaias the prophet: Behold I send my angel before thy face, who shall prepare the way before thee. A voice of one crying in the desert: Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.  

John was in the desert baptizing, and preaching the baptism of penance, unto remission of sins. And there went out to him all the country of Judea, and all they of Jerusalem, and were baptized by him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins. And John was clothed with camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and he ate locusts and wild honey. And he preached, saying: There cometh after me one mightier than I, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and loose. I have baptized you with water; but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.

Wednesday with the Wesleys

It's the last #WesleyWednesday of 2020... If you’ve enjoyed reading and sharing Wesley Wednesday quotes this year, please consider sending us a donation towards the ongoing work of the New Room. You can do so here at this link.

Devotional for the Sixth Day of Christmas

“I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.” 

- Charles Dickens

On the Sixth Day of Christmas my true love sent to me

Six geese a-laying

Five gold rings,

Four calling birds,

Three French hens,

Two turtle doves,

And a partridge in a pear tree.

Luke 1:68-79 (Darby Translation) - And Zacharias his father was filled with [the] Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying, “Blessed be [the] Lord the God of Israel, because he has visited and wrought redemption for his people, and raised up a horn of deliverance for us in the house of David his servant; as he spoke by [the] mouth of his holy prophets, who have been since the world began; deliverance from our enemies and out of the hand of all who hate us; to fulfil mercy with our fathers and remember his holy covenant, [the] oath which he swore to Abraham our father, to give us, that, saved out of the hand of our enemies, we should serve him without fear in piety and righteousness before him all our days. 

And *thou*, child, shalt be called [the] prophet of [the] Highest; for thou shalt go before the face of [the] Lord to make ready his ways; to give knowledge of deliverance to his people by [the] remission of their sins on account of [the] bowels of mercy of our God; wherein [the] dayspring from on high has visited us, to shine upon them who were sitting in darkness and in [the] shadow of death, to guide our feet into [the] way of peace.”

Watchnight Service

If you are wanting to pray for the new year, why not join online the congregations from Wesley's Chapel and Methodist Central Hall, Westminster (both in London, UK) for their watchnight service on Thursday evening?

It will be streamed live here at 6:30 pm (MST).

Devotional for the Fifth Day of Christmas

“I like to compare the holiday season with the way a child listens to a favorite story. The pleasure is in the familiar way the story begins, the anticipation of familiar turns it takes, the familiar moments of suspense, and the familiar climax and ending.”

– Fred Rogers

On the Fifth Day of Christmas my true love sent to me

Five gold rings,

Four calling birds,

Three French hens,

Two turtle doves,

And a partridge in a pear tree.

Matthew 3:1-6 (The Living Bible) - While they were living in Nazareth, John the Baptist began preaching out in the Judean wilderness. His constant theme was, “Turn from your sins . . . turn to God . . . for the Kingdom of Heaven is coming soon.”

Isaiah the prophet had told about John’s ministry centuries before! He had written, “I hear a shout from the wilderness, ‘Prepare a road for the Lord—straighten out the path where he will walk.’”

John’s clothing was woven from camel’s hair and he wore a leather belt; his food was locusts and wild honey. People from Jerusalem and from all over the Jordan Valley, and, in fact, from every section of Judea went out to the wilderness to hear him preach, and when they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River.

This week @ St. Paul's UMC

 

Wednesday:

10:00 am, Virtual Coffee/Tea (Join at this link)

Thursday:

6:30 pm, Watchnight service from London

(View the live stream at this link)

Friday: New Year's Day

Saturday:

5:00 pm, Facebook Live with Bishop Oliveto

Sunday: Second Sunday of Christmas

10:00 am, Virtual Worship with communion

Scripture lessons for January 3

National Cathedral - Washington, DC

As we open worship in 2021 with Epiphany of the Lord Sunday, we turn to the scriptures for our lessons, Ecclesiates 3:1-13 and Revelation 21:1-6a.

Devotional for the Fourth Day of Christmas

“We are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmastime.” 

– Laura Ingalls Wilder

On the fourth day of Christmas my true love sent to me

Four Calling Birds

Three French hens,

Two turtle doves,

And a partridge in a pear tree. 

Today we remember the children killed on King Herod’s orders while 

Herod’s soldiers searched for the Messiah.  

Matthew 2:16-18 (New American Standard Bible) - Then when Herod saw that he had been tricked by the magi, he became very enraged, and sent and slew all the male children who were in Bethlehem and all its vicinity, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the magi. 

Then what had been spoken through Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled: "A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children; and she refused to be comforted, because they were no more." 

December 27 @ St. Paul's UMC: Prayers

Joys:

+We give thanks for this week's birthday's: Alan P. and Ron R.

+Louise C. is thankful for all who worked to bring the vaccine to the world.

+Joan C. is thankful for their daughter & son-in-law here for a visit.

+We are blessed this morning through the musical ministries of the Choir (anthem), Bob M. (song leader), and Louise C. (piano). We were also blessed by Belinda A. (video), Scott Glancy (slides/mission moment), Claudia M. (message/mission moment), and Bob M. (liturgist).

Concerns:

+Belinda A. asks prayers for those facing an uncertain future without aid. Prayers also for our nation's leaders to set aside politics for the good of the nation.

+Angela B. asks prayers for her friend, Tim, following a recent hospitalization.    

+Joey V. asks prayers for those dealing with grief this season.

+Sabrina asks prayer for her friend, Julia, who is dealing with a health concern.

+Belinda A. ask prayers for the Rev. Shannon Mayfield who is nearing the end of life.

+We lift up in prayer those facing a Covid-19 related illness, those supporting them, and those who are providing treatment. 

+We ask prayers for those facing economic uncertainty in the face of the ongoing pandemic. 

December 27 @ St. Paul's UMC: Announcements

+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 are wanting to pray for the new year, why not join online the congregations from Wesley's Chapel and Methodist Central Hall, Westminster for their watchnight service on Thursday evening? It will be streamed here: https://youtu.be/uvaXc8lvgjg. Thursday, 6:30 pm (MST)

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

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

December 27 @ St. Paul's UMC: Worship

First Sunday of Christmas

Today’s Meditation Verse: “I surely rejoice in the Lord; my heart is joyful because of my God….” --Isaiah 61:10a

Welcome—Claudia M.

Prelude: “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” —Louise C.

Call to Worship (Galatians 4:4-7)—Claudia M. (Leader) and Bob M. (People)

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

Leader: But when the fullness of time had come, God sent the Son, born of a woman, born under the law,

People: In order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children.

Leader: And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of the Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!”

People: So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God.

Hymn: “Joy to the World” Verses 1 & 2 — Lorie C. and Rebecca G.

Congregation is encouraged to sing along on mute setting; words and music will be provided onscreen

 

Away with Our Fears (Charles Wesley, 1745)—Bob M.

Congregation is encouraged to read aloud on mute setting

Away with our fears! The Godhead appears in Christ reconciled, the Father of Mercies in Jesus the Child. He comes from above, in manifest love, the Desire of our eyes, the meek Lamb of God in a manger He lies. At Immanuel's birth what a triumph on earth! Yet could it afford no better a place for its heavenly Lord! The Ancient of Days to redeem a lost race, from His glory comes down, self-humbled to carry us up to a crown.

Made flesh for our sake, that we might partake the nature Divine, and again in His image, His holiness shine; a heavenly birth experience on earth, and rise on His throne, and live with our Jesus eternally one. Then let us believe, and gladly receive the tidings they bring, who publish to sinners their Saviour and King. And while we are here our King shall appear, His Spirit impart, and form His full image of love in our heart.

Community prayer requests, concerns, and celebrations—Claudia M.

Congregational Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer—Claudia M.

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

Old Testament Lesson: Psalm 118:24-29—Bob M.

Musical Offering: “Truth and The Light” —Chancel Choir (January 12, 2020)                

Gospel Lesson: Luke 14:16-24—Bob M.

Sermon: “It’s today!”—Claudia M.

Celebration of Ministry: Philosophy of Religion discussion group--Claudia M. and Scott G.

 

Hymn: “He Is Born” Verses 1 & 2 —Lorie Courier and Rebecca Glancy

Congregation is encouraged to sing along on mute setting; words and music will be provided onscreen

Words for the Journey—Claudia M.

Postlude: “We Are the Church” —Louise C.

Devotional for the Third Day of Christmas

“When we recall Christmas past, we usually find that the simplest things – not the great occasions –    give off the greatest glow of happiness.”

– Bob Hope

On the third day of Christmas my true love sent to me

Three French hens,

Two turtle doves,

And a partridge in a pear tree.

John 1:35-39 (Amplified Bible) – Again the next day John [the Baptist] was standing with two of his disciples, and he looked at Jesus as He walked along, and said, “Look! The Lamb of God!” The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. And Jesus turned and saw them following Him, and asked them, “What do you want?” They answered Him, “Rabbi (which translated means Teacher), where are You staying?” He said to them, “Come, and you will see.” So, they went [with Him] and saw where He was staying; and they stayed with Him that day, for it was about the tenth hour.

Remembering the Christmas Conference

This is Barratt's Chapel, the cradle of Methodism in America and the oldest surviving church building in the United States built by and for Methodists is located in Frederica, Delaware. A star in the floor of the Chapel commemorates the historic meeting of Francis Asbury and Thomas Coke. It was here that the sacraments of baptism and communion were administered for the first time by ordained Methodist clergy.

Following their first service together, Coke and Asbury adjourned to the home of Philip Barratt's widow, across the field from the Chapel. That evening they formulated plans to call all the Methodist preachers together for a meeting in Baltimore on Christmas Day. At this Christmas Conference of 1784, the Methodist Episcopal Church was organized. 

Devotional for the Second Day of Christmas

“Christmas is doing a little something extra for someone.”

― Charles M. Schulz

On the second day of Christmas my true love sent to me

Two turtle doves,

And a partridge in a pear tree.

Today, the church remembers St. Stephen, who was the first Christian martyr.

Acts 7:54-60 (Common English Bible) - Once the council members heard these words, they were enraged and began to grind their teeth at Stephen. But Stephen, enabled by the Holy Spirit, stared into heaven and saw God’s majesty and Jesus standing at God’s right side. He exclaimed, “Look! I can see heaven on display and the Human One standing at God’s right side!” At this, they shrieked and covered their ears. 

Together, they charged at him, threw him out of the city, and began to stone him. The witnesses placed their coats in the care of a young man named Saul. As they battered him with stones, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, accept my life!” Falling to his knees, he shouted, “Lord, don’t hold this sin against them!” Then he died.

Devotional for Christmas Day

“Christmas Day is in our grasp, as long as we have hands to clasp! Christmas Day will always be, just as long, as we have we! Welcome Christmas while we stand, heart to heart, and hand in hand!”

– Dr. Seuss

The Twelve Days of Christmas, December 25 - January 5, is a uniquely Christian understanding of the Nativity in Bethlehem and the early years of Jesus in Nazareth. During this season, we'll look at this well-loved, The Twelve Days of Christmas and allow it to carry us into the New Year! The origin of the song is not known. The earliest known version of the lyrics was published in London under the title "The Twelve Days of Christmas sung at King Pepin's Ball", as part of a 1780 children's book, Mirth without Mischief. It has become customary to give the presents Christian meanings although there is no evidence this was originally the case. To see the cost of the gifts mentioned in the song, visit the PNC Christmas Price Index at this link.

The First Day of Christmas my true love gave to me,                                      a Partridge in a Pear Tree.

Luke 2:1-7 (New Century Version) - At that time, Augustus Caesar sent an order that all people in the countries under Roman rule must list their names in a register. This was the first registration; it was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to their own towns to be registered. 

So Joseph left Nazareth, a town in Galilee, and went to the town of Bethlehem in Judea, known as the town of David. Joseph went there because he was from the family of David. Joseph registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was now pregnant. While they were in Bethlehem, the time came for Mary to have the baby, and she gave birth to her first son. Because there were no rooms left in the inn, she wrapped the baby with pieces of cloth and laid him in a feeding trough.

A poem for Christmas Day

Are you willing...

To forget what you have done for other people, and to remember what other people have done for you?

To ignore what the world owes you, and to think what you owe the world?

To put your rights in the background, and your duties in the middle distance and your changes to do a little more than your duty in the foreground?

To see the that men and women are just as real as you are, and try to look behind their faces to their hearts, hungry for joy?

To own up to the fact that probably the only good reason for your existence is not what you are going  to get out of life, but what you are going to give to life?

To close your book of complaints against the management of the universe, and look around you for a place where you can sow a few seeds of happiness?

Are you willing to do these things even for a day? 

Then you can keep Christmas.

Are you willing..

To stoop down and consider the needs and desires of little children?

To remember the weakness and loneliness of people growing old?

To stop asking how much your friends love you, and ask yourself whether you love them enough?

To bear in mind the things that other people have to bear in their hearts?

To try to understand what those who live in the same home with you really want, without waiting for them to tell you?

To trim your lamp so that it will give more light and less smoke, and to carry it in front so that your shadow will fall behind you?

To make a grave for your ugly thoughts, and a garden for your kindly feelings, with the gate open?

Are you willing to do those things, even for a day? 

Then you can keep Christmas.

Are you willing...

To believe that love is the strongest thing in the world, stronger than hate, stronger than evil, stronger than death - and that the blessed life which began in Bethlehem two thousand years ago is the image and brightness of the Eternal Love?

Then you can keep Christmas.

And if you can keep it for a day, why not always?

But you can never keep it alone.

- Henry Van Dyke

A virtual Christmas Eve

Lighting of the wreath

Anthem Aires (12/24/2019)

Festive gathering

Silent Night, virtually!

What a blessing tonight was! We are unlikely to forget this most unique Christmas Eve that any of can remember. More than sixty were present for this unique celebration of the Nativity of the Lord. You may view the service at this link.

Thanks to: Claudia M., Christopher, Kataleya, & Madilyne W. for lighting the candles of the Wreath; Bob M. (liturgist); Scott G. (power point); Belinda A. (recording); Anthem Aires (2019 recording); Steve B., Lorie C., Hannah G., Youngwon S., Chris W., Steve & Michele M., Louise C., & Tim C. (music).

Christmas message from our bishop

Please visit this link to view Bishop Olivet's Christmas message to the Mountain Sky Conference.

Christmas Eve @ St. Paul's UMC

Virtual service - 7pm @ this link.

Prelude: “A Christmas Overture” by Lorie C.

Welcome and Greeting—Pastor Charles

Lighting the Advent Candle: Claudia M., Christopher, Kataleya, & Madilyne W. (from UMCDicpleship.org)

Call to Worship (Isaiah 40:3-5)—Pastor Charles (Leader) and Bob M. (People)

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

Leader: A voice cries out: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

People: Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; 

Leader: The uneven ground shall become level,

People: And the rough places a plain. 

Leader: Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed,

People: And all people shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” 

Hymn: “The First Noel” Verses 1 & 2—led by Louise C. and Don B.

Congregation is encouraged to sing along on mute setting; words and music will be provided onscreen

 

A Service of Carols, Lessons, and Prayers**

Gold--Treasure

Hymn: “We Three Kings” Verses 1 & 2—led by Hannah G.u and Steve B.

Congregation is encouraged to sing along on mute setting; words and music will be provided onscreen

Scripture Lesson: John 1:14-16--Bob M.

Response--Pastor Charles

The first gift is gold, most highly prized of material possessions: What do you treasure? What is so dear to you that the loss of it would diminish you? Can you surrender that treasure in loving response to God’s sacrificial gift of a child? How? What will that look like in the year to come?

Hymn: “O Little Town of Bethlehem” Verses 1 & 2—led by Louise C. and Tim C. Congregation is encouraged to sing along on mute setting; words and music will be provided onscreen

Unison Prayer of Confession--Bob M. (Adapted from The United Methodist Book of Worship #277)

O almighty God, by the birth of Your holy child Jesus You gave us a great light to dawn in our darkness. We confess that we often turn away from the great light of Your love, depending instead on the poor reflection of our own efforts. We focus on earthly treasures, failing to see beyond their dull glow. We turn our backs on the needs of others to satisfy our own desires for more things and bigger treasure. Grant that in this season of light we may turn once again and see the light of Christ. Bestow upon us that most excellent Christmas gift of love to all people, do that the likeness of Your Son may be formed in us, and that we may offer to others the ever-brightening hope of everlasting life through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen. 

Words of Assurance--Pastor Charles

(The United Methodist Book of Worship #476)

This is the message we have heard from God and proclaim to you, that God is light and in God there is no darkness at all. If we turn and walk in the light, as God is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus the Son cleanses us from all sin. Amen.

Frankincense--Joy

Hymn: “We Three Kings” Verse 3—led by Hannah G. and Steve B.

Congregation is encouraged to sing along on mute setting; words and music will be provided onscreen

 

Scripture Lesson: Luke 2:8-18--Bob M.

Response--Pastor Charles

The second gift is frankincense, a fragrant offering to the Lord: What makes life sweet and fragrant for you? What makes you laugh out loud, jump for joy, weep with thanksgiving? How would your life change if joy and light and laughter were forbidden, if each day held only sorrow, violence, and darkness? How can you bring light, joy, and fragrance to the life of another? How will you say thank you for the gift of never-ending forgiveness, infinite patience, and eternal love?

Special Music: “Fall on Your Knees” by the Anthem Aires (2019)

Responsive Prayer of Thanksgiving and Intercession--Pastor Charles (Leader) and Bob M. (People) - Congregation is encouraged to read the People’s response aloud on mute setting (from The United Methodist Book of Worship #279)

Leader: Holy God, heaven and earth are met this day in the newborn Child, Savior of the world.

People: We celebrate His birth; for in Him You come to be close to us, that we might be close to You.

Leader: Especially, we give thanks...

People: For the birth, life, death, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ and all He means to us... 

Leader: For prospects of peace in the world... 

People: For confidence in Your almighty love... 

Leader: For those who generously give...

People: For those who graciously receive... 

Leader: For the Church’s nurturing us in the faith. God of all mercy, as You have come in Jesus Christ to be our guest,

People: inspire our hearts to a hospitality that welcomes all Your children in His name.

Leader: Especially we pray

People: For those who have not heard Your good news...

Leader: For the sick and suffering...

People: For those who know no laughter, only tears... 

Leader: For those who govern and rule... 

People: For those enslaved by tyranny... 

Leader: for prisoners of addiction or abuse... 

People: For the Church as a refuge for the needy. All this we pray in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Myrrh--Comfort

Hymn: “We Three Kings” Verse 4—led by Hannah G. and Steve B.

Congregation is encouraged to sing along on mute setting; words and music will be provided onscreen

 

Scripture Lesson: Luke 1:46-55--Bob M.

 

Response--Pastor Charles

The third gift is myrrh, used in preparing bodies for burial, a spice that brings healing and comfort to the afflicted:  How do you define comfort? In your daily walk through the world, what makes you comfortable about who you are, how you live, the work you do, your relationships? If you were stripped of these, how would your life change? How can you offer these comforts to those who live without them? How can you be a witness—through your service, your work, and your relationships—to the love that gave up all for your sake?

Hymn:  “Away in a Manger” (Verses 1 & 2) led by Hannah G. and Youngwon S.

Congregation is encouraged to sing along on mute setting; words and music will be provided onscreen

Prayer--Pastor Charles (The United Methodist Book of Worship #276)

Gracious and Loving God, You have brought us again to the glad season when we celebrate the birth of Your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Grant that His Spirit may be born anew in our hearts this day and that we may joyfully welcome Him to reign over us. Open our ears that we may hear again the angelic chorus of old. Open our lips that we, too, may sing with uplifted hearts. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, goodwill toward all; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

The Passing of the Light/“Silent Night” led by Louise C., Steve & Michele M., Louise C., and Tim C.

Blessing--Pastor Charles (The United Methodist Book of Worship #265)

Go forth into the world in peace; be of good courage;

hold fast to that which is good; render to no one evil for evil;

strengthen the fainthearted; support the weak;

help the afflicted; honor everyone;

love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.

And the blessing of God Almighty—Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer—

be upon you, and remain with you always. Amen.

**Barbara Dick created this Service of Carols, Lessons, and Prayers and wrote each of the Responses included. Barbara served as editor of Academic & Professional Resources for Abingdon Press, including The Abingdon Worship Annual and The Abingdon Preaching Annual.