African Leaders Organizing so Regionalization Can Really Happen

From the Western Methodist Justice Movement: There is an unprecedented opportunity to strengthen the foundations for the passage of the Christmas Covenant which lets the UMC in the US join with other regions in being able to make needed changes for its own region.  The United Methodist Africa Forum (UMAF) is organizing an inaugural gathering this April 21-23 in Johannesburg, South Africa. UMAF is gathering United Methodists from across Africa dedicated to promoting unity and the future of the UMC in Africa. By doing so, UMAF seeks to further the mission and ministry of the UMC within the African context, while engaging with other United Methodists from across the connection in their unique contexts. UMAF values and respects diversity and believes that restructuring through regionalization is the best way forward for the UMC.

Devotional for February 28

St. Paul's UMC - Columbus, Georgia

Read Psalm 28-30

 Psalm 28 (Evangelical Heritage Edition)

¹ O Lord, I keep calling to you. My Rock do not be deaf to me. If you remain silent to me, I will become like those who go down to the pit. ² Hear the sound of my plea for mercy when I cry out to you, when I lift up my hands toward your most holy sanctuary. ³ Do not drag me away with the wicked, with those evildoers. They speak peace to their neighbors but hide evil in their hearts.

⁴ Give to them what they have done to others. According to their evil actions, according to the deeds of their hands, punish them. Repay to them what they deserve. ⁵ Because they do not recognize the works of the Lord or the deeds of his hands, he will tear them down and not build them up.                

⁶ Blessed be the Lord, because he has heard the sound of my plea for mercy. ⁷ The Lord is my strength and my shield. In him my heart trusts, and I am helped. My heart also celebrates. With my song I will give thanks to him. ⁸ The Lord is their strength. He is a stronghold of salvation for his anointed king. ⁹ Save your people, and bless the people that belong to you. Shepherd them, and carry them forever.

Webinar on Social Justice: Migration, Racism & Discrimination, and Health

Washington D.C. - The General Board of Church and Society (GBCS) is a co-sponsor of the inaugural global thematic webinar hosted by the Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations in Consultative Relationship with the United Nations (CoNGO).

Entitled, “Social Justice: Migration, Racism & Discrimination, and Health,” the online-only event will be led by Rev. Dr. Liberato (Levi) Bautista, GBCS Assistant General Secretary for United Nations and International Affairs and also the President of CoNGO, on Thursday, March 2 at 9:30AM to 12:00PM Eastern Time.

“When we United Methodists say that, ‘the world is our parish,’ this is what we mean: multiplying our efforts to combat the structural and systemic –ism’s now globally exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The speakers at this event will help any United Methodist form a theological foundation for action on matters from anti-racism to de-colonization, locally and beyond.”

The webinar will be the first of six lined up to mark the 75th anniversary of CoNGO.

Keynote speakers include:

• Ms. Helga Konrad (former Federal Minister for Women’s Affairs of the Republic of Austria and a leading expert on human trafficking)
• Ms. Anna Biondi (Deputy Director, Bureau for Workers’ Activities, International Labour Organization {ILO})

Registration is free and now open at this link. 

This week @ St. Paul's UMC

 Monday: 

9:00 AM, Office Hours

Tuesday:  

10:00 AM, Office Hours 

Wednesday

9:00 AM, Office Hours 

10:00 AM, Zoom fellowship 

7:30 PM, Choir practice

Thursday:  

9:00 AM, Office Hours

11:30 AM, Ladies Lunch Bunch @ Parma

7:00 PM, Four Loves Zoom book study

Second Sunday in Lent

8:30 AM, Bell practice

8:45 AM, Adult class

10:15 AM, Worship 

11:15 AM, Fellowship

12:30 PM, BBKC

Scripture lessons for the Second Sunday in Lent

Pilgrimage marker on the Camino de Santiago 

We enter March as we continue our Lenten journey with lessons from John 3:1-17 and Genesis 12:1-4a.

Devotional for February 27

St. Paul's UMC - Lincoln, Nebraska

Read Psalm 25-27

Psalm 25 (Douay-Rheims, 1899 American Edition)

¹ Judge me, O Lord, for I have walked in my innocence: and I have put my trust in the Lord, and shall not be weakened. ² Prove me, O Lord, and try me; burn my reins and my heart. ³ For thy mercy is before my eyes; and I am well pleased with thy truth.

⁴ I have not sat with the council of vanity: neither will I go in with the doers of unjust things. ⁵ I have hated the assembly of the malignant; and with the wicked I will not sit.

⁶ I will wash my hands among the innocent; and will compass thy altar, O Lord: ⁷ That I may hear the voice of thy praise: and tell of all thy wondrous works.

⁸ I have loved, O Lord, the beauty of thy house; and the place where thy glory dwelleth. ⁹ Take not away my soul, O God, with the wicked: nor my life with bloody men:

¹⁰ In whose hands are iniquities: their right hand is filled with gifts. ¹¹ But as for me, I have walked in my innocence: redeem me, and have mercy on me.

¹² My foot hath stood in the direct way: in the churches I will bless thee, O Lord. ¹¹ But as for me, I will walk in mine integrity. Redeem me, and be gracious unto me. ¹² My foot standeth in an even place; in the congregations will I bless Jehovah.

February 26 @ St. Paul's UMC: Prayers

Joys:

+We were blessed to have Ben Glancy back from college on their quarter break and to have Pat Muckle with us again.

+Martha Batch shared that Caitlin is completing nursing school and is going to her capstone training at a hospital in Denver.

+Belinda Alkula is thankful for the wonderful weather this weekend.

+Sandra is thankful for Pastor Charles' Lenten painting.

+We give thanks for this week's birthdays: Frank Richardson and Jim Vander Vorste

+We are blessed by those who served this week: Belinda Alkula (videographer), Tim Cook (adult class/liturgist), Pat Cleaveland (fellowship), Lorie Courier (piano), Sandra Jordan (flowers), Etta Levitt (Zoom usher), Kathy Lloyd (Zoom host), Ron Revier (choir), Bren & Gary Smith (greeters), and Jim Vander Vorste (usher).

Concerns:

+Rebecca Glancy asked for prayers for the Boulder High School community following the false shooter report at the school last week.

+Prayers are offered for the continuing work of recovery following the earthquakes in Syria and Turkey.

+Lorie Courier asks for continued prayers for Vince and Caroline Wayland.

+We remember the people of Ukraine and all those whose lives have been disrupted by war as the first anniversary of the expansion of the war was observed last Friday. 

+We join with many across our nation in mourning the deaths of the 184 killed and 401 injured due to gun violence last week. 

February 26 @ St. Paul's UMC: Announcements

+Lenten devotionals are available on the usher's table. Pastor Charles is posting each day's devotional entry on the blog and on our Facebook page.

+This Lenten season, you’re invited on an 8-week journey through the wilderness of gender with NextGen & Inclusiveness Ministries! Beginning February 20th, we’ll be reading “How to Understand Your Gender: A practical guide for exploring who you are” by Alex Iantaffi and Meg-John Barker alongside the devotional series “Transfigured: A 40-day journey through scripture for genderqueer and transgender people.”  Zoom sessions will take place on Mondays from February 27th - April 10th @ 6:00pm - 7:30pm. You can register for the study at this link. 

+Ladies Lunch Bunch will meet on Thursday, March 2, at 11:45 a.m., at Murphy’s Tap House (585 McCaslin Blvd., Louisville). Please R.S.V.P. before March 1 to Michele Matthews (mlmatt@comcast.net / 303-817-2541).

+Claudia's “love” class meets on Thursdays at 7 p.m. via Zoom. All are welcome! Find the link in News You Can Use.

+The UMC Council of Bishops president Bishop Thomas Bickerton will deliver a Mid-Term State of The United Methodist Church Address on March 2, at 11:00 AM. The video presentation will launch on the official United Methodist denominational website at UMC.org/Renew and be shared on Facebook at this link.

+Breakfast Fellowship will next meet on Saturday, March 11, at 8:00 a.m. at Doug’s Diner (2574 Baseline Road, Basemar Shopping Center). No reservations necessary!

February 26 @ St. Paul's UMC: Worship

Flowers from Sandra Jordan

The choir practices ahead of worship

Fellowship fun!

Pat Cleaveland's cinnamon rolls are awesome!

Service starts at this link.

Today’s Meditation Verse: “God’s grace is multiplied even more for many people with the gift – of the one person Jesus Christ – that comes through grace.” —Romans 5:15c

Welcome... Pastor Charles

Prelude... Lorie Courier / “Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty”

*Call to Worship (Psalm 32:1 & 11, CEB)... Tim Cook

The one whose wrongdoing is forgiven, whose sin is covered over, is truly happy! You who are righteous, rejoice in the Lord and be glad! All you whose hearts are right, sing out in joy!

*Hymn... “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah” (UMH #127)

Prayer of Confession (Book of Worship #479)... Tim Cook

Almighty God, we confess that we are often swept up in the tide of our generation. We have failed in our calling to be Your holy people, a people set aside for Your divine purpose. We live more in apathy born of fatalism than in passion born of hope. We are moved more by private ambition than by social justice. We dream more of privilege and benefits than of service and sacrifice. We try to speak Your name without relinquishing our glories, without nourishing our souls, without relying wholly on Your grace. Help us make room in our hearts and lives for You. Forgive us, revive us, and reshape us in Your image. Amen.

Community prayer requests, concerns, and celebrations... 

Pastoral Prayer / The Lord’s Prayer... Pastor Charles

Gospel Lesson: Matthew 4:1-11... Tim Cook

Choral Anthem... “In the Spirit,” words and music by Mark Hayes

Second Lesson: Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-7... Pastor Charles

This is the Word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.

Sermon... Pastor Charles / “The right stuff”

*Hymn... “He Leadeth Me: O Blessed Thought” (UMH #128)

*Words for the Journey... Pastor Charles

Postlude... Lorie Courier / “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise”

Devotional for the First Sunday in Lent

St. Paul's UMC - South Bend, Indiana

Read Psalms 22-24

Psalm 24 (Darby Translation)

¹ The earth is Jehovah's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. ² For it was he that founded it upon seas, and established it upon floods.

³ Who shall ascend into the mount of Jehovah? and who shall stand in his holy place? ⁴ He that hath blameless hands and a pure heart; who lifteth not up his soul unto vanity, nor sweareth deceitfully: ⁵ He shall receive blessing from Jehovah, and righteousness from the God of his salvation. ⁶ This is the generation of them that seek unto him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah.

⁷ Lift up your heads, ye gates, and be ye lifted up, ye everlasting doors, and the King of glory shall come in. ⁸ Who is this King of glory? Jehovah strong and mighty, Jehovah mighty in battle. ⁹ Lift up your heads, ye gates; yea, lift up, ye everlasting doors, and the King of glory shall come in. ¹⁰ Who is he, this King of glory? Jehovah of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.

Worship with us tomorrow morning!

Join us Sunday for worship at 10:15 a.m. in person or online here. 

Preview Sunday's bulletin here.  

Devotional for February 25

First UMC - Boulder, Colorado

Read Psalms 19-21

 

Psalm 20 (Contemporary English Version)

 

¹ I pray that the Lord will listen when you are in trouble, and that the God of Jacob will keep you safe. ² May the Lord send help from his temple and come to your rescue from Mount Zion.

 

³ May he remember your gifts and be pleased with what you bring. ⁴ May God do what you want most and let all go well for you.

 

⁵ Then you will win victories, and we will celebrate, while raising our banners in the name of our God. May the Lord answer all your prayers! 

⁶ I am certain, Lord, that you will help your chosen king.

⁷ You will answer my prayers from your holy place in heaven, and you will save me with your mighty arm.

⁸ Some people trust the power of chariots or horses, but we trust you, Lord God. ⁹ Others will stumble and fall, but we will be strong and stand firm. ¹⁰ Give the king victory, Lord, and answer our prayers.

Mid-Term State of The United Methodist Church Address set for March 2nd

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 23, 2022

Washington, D.C.  — Council of Bishops President Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton will deliver a Mid-Term State of The United Methodist Church Address on March 2, at 1pm EST. The video presentation will launch on the official United Methodist denominational website at UMC.org/Renew and be shared on Faceook at this link.

The news comes on the heels of Bishop Bickerton’s Ash Wednesday message in which he encouraged United Methodists to "use the Lenten season to pray that God will create within us a clean heart and a renewed spirit."

He is expected to build off of his call for members to “make the pivot away from what was into new and concerted efforts to reclaim, revive and renew The United Methodist Church throughout the world.”

A downloadable discussion guide offering scripture readings and opportunities to engage in conversations with other United Methodists on key points from the address will follow shortly after the video presentation.

“I pray that members will take time to listen to this message and join in the creation of beloved community in each of our settings as we begin to dream about what God is calling us to do and be as United Methodists. Together, may we forge ahead in being rooted in the Bible, praying, making disciples for Jesus Christ, sharing the Gospel message, and working for peace and justice so that all may experience the new life we find in the Lord,” said Bishop Bickerton.

He added that “I’m proud to #BeUMC and celebrate the work of mission and ministry being done by local churches and individual United Methodists in living out their faith as people of God.”

About the Council of Bishops: The Council of Bishops is made up of all active and retired bishops of The United Methodist Church. Bishops give oversight to the worldly and spiritual interests of the Church. Learn more this link and UMC.org.

UMCOR earthquake response

Please join us in prayer for the people impacted by the new earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, striking the same areas devastated by the recent major earthquakes.

UMCOR will continue to work with local partners IBC Uluslararası Mavi Hilal Vakfı and others as they assess new support needed.

Donate now at this link, selecting "IDR - Turkey/Syria" as the gift designation.

Devotional for February 24

Washington Park UMC
- Denver, Colorado

Read Psalms 16-18

Psalm 16 (Common English Bible)

¹ Protect me, God, because I take refuge in you. ² I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord. Apart from you, I have nothing good.”

³ Now as for the “holy ones” in the land, the “magnificent ones” that I was so happy about; ⁴ let their suffering increase because they hurried after a different god. I won’t participate in their blood offerings; I won’t let their names cross my lips.

⁶ You, Lord, are my portion, my cup; the property lines have fallen beautifully for me; yes, I have a lovely home. ⁷ I will bless the Lord who advises me; even at night I am instructed in the depths of my mind.

⁸ I always put the Lord in front of me; I will not stumble because he is on my right side. ⁹ That’s why my heart celebrates, and my mood is joyous; yes, my whole body will rest in safety ¹⁰ because you won’t abandon my life to the grave; you won’t let your faithful follower see the pit.

¹¹ You teach me the way of life. In your presence is total celebration. Beautiful things are always in your right hand. 

Leadership & Vitality News

February 23, 2023

Greetings to all laity and clergy of The Mountain Sky Conference,

As a connectional body, the Mountain Sky Conference spans 4 states plus one church in Idaho. The expanse of 438,406 square miles is part of our greatest strength and part of our greatest challenge. United Methodist Churches are the grace-filled presence in communities across our geography. Sometimes our great distances prevent us from being together and hearing from one another. 

Take time this week or next to watch these two videos from our conference. Connecting to these offerings is the February edition of our videocast series, We Are (A)Live:

 

MSC video about our unique identity as United Methodists

 

30-Minute video conversation with Bishop Karen and MSC Co-Lay Leaders discussing questions surrounding disaffiliation from The UMC

Pray for peace in Ukraine

Join United Methodists around the world right here on the UMCOR Facebook page for a live prayer for Ukraine, led by general secretary Roland Fernandes. The prayer will take place at 12 p.m. ET tomorrow (Friday, Feb. 24).

You can also join an international UMC prayer event, in English, at 10:00 a.m. ET / 4:00 p.m. CET. People from Ukraine as well as those from other countries, including Bishop Christian Alsted, who is responsible for the Nordic and Baltic Area, will participate. Those interested can join via Zoom at this link (Meeting ID:860 6815 5833, Passcode: 795211).

Devotional for February 23

St. Paul's UMC - Coranado, California

Read Psalms 13-15 

Psalm 13 (Christian Standard Bible)

 ¹ How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?

² How long will I store up anxious concerns within me, agony in my mind every day? How long will my enemy dominate me?

³ Consider me and answer, Lord my God. Restore brightness to my eyes; otherwise, I will sleep in death.

⁴ My enemy will say, “I have triumphed over him,” and my foes will rejoice because I am shaken.

 ⁵ But I have trusted in your faithful love; my heart will rejoice in your deliverance.

⁶ I will sing to the Lord because he has treated me generously.

Lent Message: Time to Reclaim Revive and Renew

For Immediate Release
February 22, 2023
 
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton, president of the Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church has called on fellow United Methodists to use the Lenten season to pray that God will create within us a clean heart and a renewed spirit.

“There is no doubt that as we absorb the realities of splintering, disaffiliation, and post-Covid, it is time for us as United Methodists to make the pivot away from what was into new and concerted efforts to reclaim, revive and renew The United Methodist Church throughout the world,” Bishop Bickerton said in the Lent message released today on Ash Wednesday.

Bishop Bickerton called on United Methodists to breathe out anger and disappointment, and breathe in once again our calling and identity as United Methodists. “Let’s Reclaim  that we are a people called to love all; a people called to serve all; and a people called to openly worship our loving God with joy and anticipation. (John 13:35)”

He called on the church to Revive our belief in the love of God, our creator; the grace of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior; and the communion we have with the Holy Spirit, our ever-present guide and inspiration. (2 Corinthians 13:13) “Let’s revive our belief in the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.  Let’s revive our belief in one another and the power of God to use even us to transform a broken world.”

Writing on behalf of the Council of Bishops, Bishop Bickerton urged United Methodists to Renew our mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.  “Let’s renew our commitment to reach out to all who need the saving grace and love of Jesus Christ with joy and enthusiasm. (Matthew 28:19-20)”

Click here to read the full statement by Bishop Bickerton.

Remembering Ash Wednesday @ St. Paul's UMC

Dies Cinerum ​(Day of Ashes)

There will be no Ash Wednesday service at St. Paul's UMC tonight. However, we do have a recording of last year's service. The links are provided below.  

-----------------------

Ash Wednesday Service, March 2, 2022

Rev. Dr. Charles Alkula.

Pianist serving during this service is Lorie Courier. Liturgist is Amy Abshire.
Click on the minute-marker delineation (blue numbers) to go directly to that portion of the service.Prelude begins "Grace Alone" ... Lorie Courier 5:15 -- Opening prayer led by Amy Abshire 5:47 -- Hymn: "Sunday's Palms are Wednesday's Ashes" 7:53 -- Scripture Lesson: Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 ... Amy Abshire 9:45 -- Musical offering: "What Wondrous Love" ... Lorie Courier12:01 -- Scripture Lesson: 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:10 ... Amy Abshire14:01 -- Hymn: "Prayer is the Soul's Sincere Desire" 16:30 -- Gospel Lesson: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 ... Pastor Charles 18:20 mm -- Lenten Reflection followed by the "Invitation to the Observance of Lenten Discipline" ... Pastor Charles 36:38 -- "Litany of Confession" (Psalm 51 and Psalm 103, The Inclusive Bible) and "The Lord's Prayer" ... Amy Abshire-- Imposition of Ashes by Pastor Charles 43:23 -- Hymn: "Lord, I Want to Be a Christian" 46:13 -- Blessing ... Pastor Charles 47:01 -- Postlude: "Here I Am, Lord " ... Lorie Courier