Our Strangely Warmed Hearts: Coming Out Into God’s Call webinar

Following the historic UMC 2020 General Conference, you’re invited to join a book study hosted by NextGen & Inclusiveness Ministries and the Racial Justice Movement and Ministry Taskforce (RJMM). We'll be reading Bishop Karen Oliveto’s “Our Strangely Warmed Hearts: Coming Out Into God’s Call.” Through poignant stories and well-reasoned principles, Bishop Karen Oliveto discloses why and how spiritual renewal and a personal call to ministry emerge in the strangely warmed hearts of lesbian and gay Christians.

This book study will take place June 17th, July 1st, and August 5th @ 6:30pm-7:45pm MDT online via Zoom. Bishop Karen will join the study on July 1st. Participants will be encouraged to read at their own pace and bring their reflections and questions to each session together.

Scan the QR Code to register for the Zoom information.

Statement from Bishop Oliveto regarding today's conviction of former President Trump

To the members of the Mountain Sky Conference,

On May 30, 2024, former President Donald Trump was found guilty in a legal case of falsifying business records to influence the outcome of the 2016 election. It is the first time in the history of the United States that a president has been convicted of a crime. The jury’s decision will undoubtably further highlight the political divide that has fractured our nation in recent years. Its impact will be felt in our communities and in our relationships with co-workers, friends, and family.

In a nation where civility is already in short supply, what are we who follow Jesus called to model? What values shall we embody that can offer a healing witness in the face of such brokenness? What words shall we speak, what actions shall we take?

Jesus calls us to a life of love. Love is not an easy out. In fact, it is the hardest work we can undertake. Love invites us to enter into relationships of mutual accountability. When others disappoint us--when we disappoint ourselves--love keeps us moving in the direction of repentance and reconciliation. Love calls us to remain openhearted to those who have transgressed. Love always leads to greater justice, deeper wholeness, and healthier communities.

How we live in response to former President Trump’s conviction can either strengthen integrity, service, and the democratic foundation of this country, or it can further erode it.

Heed these words from Galatians 6: 1-2: “My siblings, if anyone is detected in a transgression, you who have received the Spirit should restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness. Take care that you yourselves are not tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

In a world that defaults to simple soundbites, easy answers, and divisive politics, may we in the Mountain Sky Conference bear witness to the God who perfects us through Love. In the face of the complexities of our current age, may we remember that we are followers of the Prince of Peace, who invites us all into a life of Love.

It is the only pathway that can lead us all to Beloved Community.

Blessings,

Bishop Karen P. Oliveto

Thanks, Wednesday Weeders!

Katht (L) and Suzanne (R) decide on the next task

 

Fresh blooms ready for the garden

The Wednesday Weeders were busy in the Nelson Serenity Garden today, making some repairs and replacing plants lost in last fall's parking lot repaving effort. Their efforts are appreciated by the church family!

Wednesday with the Wesleys

Are you persuaded you see more clearly than me? It is not unlikely that you may. Then treat me as you would desire to be treated yourself upon a change of circumstances. Point me out a better way than I have yet known. Show me it is so by plain proof of Scripture. And if I linger in the path I have been accustomed to tread, and am therefore unwilling to leave it, labor with me a little; take me by the hand, and lead me as I am able to bear.

But be not displeased if I entreat you not to beat me down in order to quicken my pace: I can go but feebly and slowly at best; then, I should not be able to go at all. May I not request of you, further, not to give me hard names in order to bring me into the right way. Suppose I were ever so much in the wrong, I doubt this would not set me right. Rather, it would make me run so much the farther from you, and so get more and more out of the way.

Nay, perhaps, if you are angry, so shall I be too; and then there will be small hopes of finding the truth. If once anger arise, ηυτε καπνος, (as Homer somewhere expresses it,) this smoke will so dim the eyes of my soul, that I shall be able to see nothing clearly.

For God’s sake, if it be possible to avoid it, let us not provoke one another to wrath. Let us not kindle in each other this fire of hell; much less blow it up into a flame. If we could discern truth by that dreadful light, would it not be loss, rather than gain? For, how far is love, even with many wrong opinions, to be preferred before truth itself without love! We may die without the knowledge of many truths, and yet be carried into Abraham’s bosom. But, if we die without love, what will knowledge avail? Just as much as it avails the devil and his angels!

The God of love forbid we should ever make the trial! May he prepare us for the knowledge of all truth, by filling our hearts with all his love, and with all joy and peace in believing!

~ John Wesley (Preface to Sermons on Several Occasions)

Hybrid Mission u Adult Study

YOU ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE!

Hybrid Mission u Adult Study: “Exploring the Lord’s Prayer as a Spiritual Practice for Social Transformation”

Date: Saturday, June 8, 2024, 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (Pre-event Gathering Time: 8:30-9:00 a.m.)

Location: Ogden First United Methodist Church, Marriott-Slaterville City, Utah / and via Zoom

Cost: Virtual Registrants: No Registration Fee

or

In-person Registrants: $12 Registration Fee (covers the cost of lunch/snacks)

Online Registration Form here.

Registration Deadline: May 31, 2024

Study Leaders: Sandy Barton and Denise Logan

Study Book: “Exploring the Lord’s Prayer as a Spiritual Practice for Social Transformation”

- Book can be purchased on the Mission u website for $14.99 plus shipping.

- The Kindle version can be ordered from Amazon for $5.95.

This week @ St. Paul's UMC

 

 Monday: Memorial Day

Tuesday: 

9:00 AM, Office Hours

7:00 PM, Virtual Trustees meeting

Wednesday:

9:00 AM, Office Hours

9:00 AM, Wednesday Weeders 

10:00 AM, Zoom Fellowship

Thursday:  

9:00 AM, Office Hours 

Saturday:   

6:00 AM, BBKC Prayer Time

9:00 AM, Yoga class  

Second Sunday after Pentecost 

8:45 AM, Adult class

10:15 AM, Worship 

11:15 AM, Fellowship 

12:30 PM, BBKC 

Scripture lessons for June 2

We turn the calendar page this week and with it, come those weeks where travel and other outdoor activities will clamor for our attention. At St. Paul's, our worship this week will look at the roll of scripture and the sabbath with lessons from Mark 2:23-3:6 and 2 Corinthians 4:5-12.

An Ode for Memorial Day

 

Paul Laurence Dunbar (1872-1906)

Done are the toils and the wearisome marches,
    Done is the summons of bugle and drum.
Softly and sweetly the sky overarches,
    Shelt’ring a land where Rebellion is dumb.
Dark were the days of the country’s derangement,
    Sad were the hours when the conflict was on,
But through the gloom of fraternal estrangement
    God sent his light, and we welcome the dawn.
O’er the expanse of our mighty dominions,
    Sweeping away to the uttermost parts,
Peace, the wide-flying, on untiring pinions,
    Bringeth her message of joy to our hearts.

Ah, but this joy which our minds cannot measure,
    What did it cost for our fathers to gain!
Bought at the price of the heart’s dearest treasure,
    Born out of travail and sorrow and pain;
Born in the battle where fleet Death was flying,
    Slaying with sabre-stroke bloody and fell;
Born where the heroes and martyrs were dying,
    Torn by the fury of bullet and shell.
Ah, but the day is past: silent the rattle,
    And the confusion that followed the fight.
Peace to the heroes who died in the battle,
    Martyrs to truth and the crowning of Right!

Out of the blood of a conflict fraternal,
    Out of the dust and the dimness of death,
Burst into blossoms of glory eternal
    Flowers that sweeten the world with their breath.
Flowers of charity, peace, and devotion
    Bloom in the hearts that are empty of strife;
Love that is boundless and broad as the ocean
    Leaps into beauty and fullness of life.
So, with the singing of paeans and chorals,
    And with the flag flashing high in the sun,
Place on the graves of our heroes the laurels
    Which their unfaltering valor has won!

This poem is in the public domain.

May 26 @ St. Paul's UMC: Prayers

Joys:

+Claudia celebrates her loved ones (David, Gregory, and Natalie) joining us in worship.

+Angela gave thanks for her sister-in-law and niece who stayed with George while she was out of town and for George's friend Charles Gatley who has been attentive and helpful during George's recovery.

+We are thankful for this week's birthdays: Jerry Cantril and Doris Steiner. We also give thanks for this week's anniversary: Dennis & Marcia Hult.

+We give thanks for those participating today: Sandy Bainbridge (greeter), Lylah Bishop (acolyte), Tim Cook (class), Rebecca Glancy (liturgist), Etta Levitt (Zoom usher), Kathy Lloyd (Zoom host), Claudia Mills (message), and Hyeji Miranda (piano).

Concerns:

+Claudia asked for prayers the safety of the runners in the Bolder Boulder.

+Scott asked for prayers for Aliya, a PATH fund client who is searching to a stable roommate to help with rent and who is starting housekeeping services.

+Prayers for healing sought for Steve B. following a hospital stay.

+Tim asked for prayers for those who live in the path of recent summer storms and tornadoes.

+Myrle shared that Jerry has moved to Balfour and that today is his 85th birthday.

+Claudia lifted up the people in Gaza, Sudan, Myanmar, and Haiti.

May 26 @ St. Paul's UMC: Announcements

+Calling all musicians, friends of musicians, family  members of musicians, and lovers of music—we need your help filling out the summer special music calendar. If you or anyone you know would be interested and willing to provide special music this summer, please let Amy Abshire know. Currently, every week    except July 21 is available! Thanks in advance for your help.

+Women’s Summer Book Group - It’s time to start planning for the 2024 session of this wonderful group. We meet weekly to discuss a good book, discover new ideas, and share what’s going on in our lives. We’ve met via Zoom since the  pandemic, although it’s certainly open for discussion. The past few years we’ve met Thursdays from 3:00 to 4:30. We try to find a book that is interesting, humorous,   inspirational, spiritual, and available. Suggestions are welcomed and encouraged. If you haven’t participated before, please consider joining us. We’ll have a meeting to get organized, decide on a meeting time, review book selections, and select our book in early June. Watch for an announcement! Contact Judy Waller or Belinda Alkula for more information.

+Ladies Lunch Bunch will meet on Thursday, June 6, at 11:45 a.m. at Murphy’s Tap House (585 McCaslin Blvd., Louisville). Please R.S.V.P. by Tuesday, June 4, to Michele Matthews.

May 26 @ St. Paul's UMC: Worship

Trinity Sunday

(YouTube link for today's service)

Today’s Meditation Verse: “Jesus answered, ‘I assure you, unless someone is born anew, it’s not possible to see God’s kingdom.’” —John 3:3  

Welcome...Claudia Mills

Prelude...Hyeji Miranda

*Call to Worship...Rebecca Glancy

L: Within a mystery...P: Lies another mystery.

L: Within a mystery...P: Lies a sacrament.

L: Within a sacrament...P: Lies a journey.

L: Through a journey...P: Lies a living.

L: Within a living...P: Lies a calling.

L: Within a calling...P: Lies our God.

L: Within our God...P: Lies a mystery.

L: Always a mystery within another mystery.P: Things are never as they seem.

—written by Rev. Roddy Hamilton, posted on Mucky Paws

*Hymn...“Holy, Holy, Holy” (UMH #64)

Confession of Faith...Rebecca Glancy

L: We confess that we believe in and belong to the one true and living God, who is Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Love before all love. P: We believe in God the Father, sovereign and holy, Creator and nurturer of all, Father of Jesus Christ, sender of the Holy Spirit, and Judge of all the earth.

L: We believe in God the Son, Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, P: Truly human and truly divine, who lived among us full of grace and truth. For our sin He was crucified and by the power of God was raised from death, forgiving us, setting us free, and bringing to birth God’s new creation. Now ascended, He calls us to repentance and faith and restores us to God and to one another.

L: We believe in God the Holy Spirit, the giver of life at work in all creation, P: Who inspired the Scriptures and makes Christ known, who transforms hearts and minds and gathers us into the community of Christ, empowering the Church in worship and in mission.

L: We belong to this triune God, P: Women and men, young and old, from many nations, in Christ we are one people, witnesses to God’s love in wordand action, servants of reconciliation, and stewards of creation. As God’s people, we look forward in hope and joy to the return of Christ, to the new heaven and earth, where evil and death will be no more, justice and peace will flourish, and we shall forever delight in the glory of God.

—from the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa (New Zealand) website

Old Testament Lesson: Isaiah 41:10-20...Rebecca Glancy

Special Music...Hyeji Miranda

Community prayer requests, concerns, and celebrations

Pastoral Prayer / The Lord’s Prayer...Claudia Mills

Epistle Lesson: Romans 8:18-28...Rebecca Glancy

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

Sermon...Claudia Mills / “What If It All Works Out?”

*Hymn...“Leaning on the Everlasting Arms” (UMH #133)

*Words for the Journey...Claudia Mills

Postlude...Hyeji Miranda

A thought for Trinity Sunday

 

You believe there is such a thing as light, whether flowing from the sun, or any other luminous body; but you cannot comprehend either its nature. or the manner wherein it flows. How does it move from Jupiter to the earth in eight minutes; two hundred thousand miles in a moment? How do the rays of the candle, brought into the room, instantly disperse into every corner? Again: Here are three candles, yet there is but one light. I explain this, and I will explain the Three-One God.

~ John Wesley (On the Trinity)

What happened the day AFTER Aldersgate?

The moment I awakened, “Jesus, Master,” was in my heart and in my mouth; and I found all my strength lay in keeping my eye fixed upon Him and my soul waiting on Him continually. Being again at St. Paul’s in the afternoon, I could taste the good word of God in the anthem which began, “My song shall be always of the loving-kindness of the Lord: with my mouth will I ever be showing forth thy truth from one generation to another.” Yet the enemy injected a fear, “If thou dost believe, why is there not a more sensible change? I answered (yet not I), “That I know not. But, this I know, I have ‘now peace with God.’ And I sin not today, and Jesus my Master has forbidden me to take thought for the morrow.”

~ John Wesley (journal entry May 25, 1738)

Come and worship!

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

Preview Sunday's bulletin here. 

Claudia Mills will lead us in worship and share the message.

A Prayer for Aldersgate Day

Resourceful Holy Spirit of God, We thank you for your servants, John and Charles Wesley. 

That you fuelled their zeal and tempered it with divine grace; brought them through dark times, enlightened and renewed. 

That you warmed their needy hearts, assured and shaped them by your active holiness. That through their willingness, you worked out Your purposes of hope, mercy, and justice. 

Somewhat daunted, we stand today in their deep footsteps. In a world of new challenges and old needs in a time like no other. But undaunted, we humbly ask you to do in us, what you did in and through them. 

May we know both your infilling and outpouring, that whatever our situation or condition, we will serve and honour Christ, and in these, our days, know and believe that the best of all is, “God is with us.” Amen.
 

~ The Revd Dr Martyn Atkins 

Decentering the United States: The United States Regional Committee

The General Conference brings together lay and clergy delegates from every annual conference in The United Methodist Church. In 2024, just over 44%, nearly half, of the total number of delegates elected were from outside the United States. However, there is always a substantial number of petitions and other business items brought to the General Conference that relate solely to the United States.

For example, discussion of proposed changes to the retirement plans for United Methodists serving local churches in the United States took up a considerable amount of time in the legislative committee on financial administration, followed by 45 minutes of plenary time to present the plan and an additional 40 minutes of floor debate in another plenary session before a vote was taken to approve the plan. While central conference delegates had vote on this matter in both the legislative groups and in the plenary sessions, they had no stake in it.  It did not affect them at all.

Read more at this link.

Wednesday with the Wesleys

The necessary fruit of this love of God is the love of our neighbour; of every soul which God hath made; not excepting our enemies; not excepting those who are now "despitefully using and persecuting us;" -- a love whereby we love every [one] as ourselves; as we love our own souls. Nay, our Lord has expressed it still more strongly, teaching us to "love one another even as He hath loved us." Accordingly, the commandment written in the hearts of all those that love God, is no other than this, "As I have loved you, so love ye one another."

Now, "herein perceive we the love of God, in that he laid down his life for us." (1 John 3:16.) "We ought," then, as the Apostle justly infers, "to lay down our lives for [each other]." If we feel ourselves ready to do this, then do we truly love our neighbour. Then "we know that we have passed from death unto life, because we" thus "love [each other]." (1 John 3:14.) "Hereby know we" that we are born of God, that we "dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his" loving "Spirit." (1 John 4:13.) For "love is of God; and every one that" thus "loveth is born of God, and knoweth God." (1 John 4:7.)

~ John Wesley (The Marks of the New Birth)

Charles Wesley's evangelical conversion

Charles Wesley had an experience of great spiritual depth and power on this date 3 days before John. Here is his account.

Sun., May 21st, 1738. I waked in hope and expectation of His coming. At nine my brother and some friends came, and sang an hymn to the Holy Ghost. My comfort and hope were hereby increased. In about half-an-hour they went: I betook myself to prayer; the substance as follows :--

"Oh Jesus, thou hast said, 'I will come unto you ; 'thou hast said, ' I will send the Comforter unto you ; thou hast said, 'My Father and I will come unto you, and make our abode with you.' Thou art God who canst not lie; I wholly rely upon thy most true promise: accomplish it in thy time and manner." Having said this, I was composing myself to sleep, in quietness and peace, when I heard one come in Mrs. Musgrave, I thought, by the voice) and say, "In the name of Jesus of Nazareth, arise, and believe, and thou shalt he healed of all thy infirmities." I wondered how it should enter into her head to speak in that manner. The words struck me to the heart. I sighed, and said within myself, "0 that Christ would but speak thus to me from Christ of my recovery, soul and body. She returned home repeating with all joy and triumph, "I believe, I believe:" yet her heart failed her, and she durst not say the words to me that night.

On Sunday morning she took Mr. Bray aside, burst into tears, and informed him of the matter; objecting she was a poor weak sinful creature, and should she go to a Minister She could not do it; nor rest till she did. He asked whether she had ever found herself so before. "No, never." "Why, then," said he, "go. Remember Jonah. You declare promises, not threatenings. Go in the name of the Lord. Fear not your own weakness. Speak you the words: Christ will do the work. Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hath he ordained strength."

They prayed together, and she then went up, but durst not come in till she had prayed again by herself. About six minutes after she had left him, he found and felt, while she was speaking the words, that Christ was with us. I never heard words uttered with like solemnity. The sound of her voice was entirely changed into that of Mrs. Musgrave. (If I can be sure of anything sensible.) I rose and looked into the Scripture. The words that first presented were, "And now, Lord, what is my hope truly my hope is even in thee." I then cast down my eye, and met, "He hath put a new song in my mouth, even a thanksgiving unto our God. Many shall see it, and fear, and shall put their trust in the Lord." Afterwards I opened upon Isaiah xl. 1: "Comfort ye, comfort ye, my people, saith your God: speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned; for she hath received of the Lord's hand double for all her sin."

I now found myself at peace with God, and rejoiced in hope of loving Christ. My temper for the rest of the day was, mistrust of my own great, but before unknown, weakness. I saw that by faith I stood; by the continual support of faith, which kept me from falling, though of myself I am ever sinking into sin. I went to bed still sensible of my own weakness, (I humbly hope to be more and more so,) yet confident of Christ's protection.

~ Charles Wesley (May 21, 1738)

Episcopal Church discussion on further connection with the UMC

[Episcopal News Service] 

A proposed resolution commending the goal of full communion between The Episcopal Church and the United Methodist Church drew 15 people to testify during a May 11 hearing of the deputies’ and bishops’ committees on Ecumenical & Interreligious Relations.

Resolution A049 reiterates General Convention endorsements in 2006 and 2018 of continuing dialogue with the Methodists, and it encourages Episcopalians to learn more about this effort.

Full-communion partnerships allow members of each church to receive the sacraments in the other church’s services, and it also provides for interchangeability of clergy, allowing them to officiate at services and celebrate the sacraments with equal authority in either church.

Read more at this link.

This week @ St. Paul's UMC

 Monday: 

9:00 AM, Office Hours

Tuesday: 

9:00 AM, Office Hours

Wednesday:

9:00 AM, Office Hours

9:00 AM, Wednesday Weeders 

10:00 AM, Zoom Fellowship

Thursday:  

9:00 AM, Office Hours 

Friday: Aldersgate Day

Saturday:   

6:00 AM, BBKC Prayer Time

9:00 AM, Yoga class  

First Sunday after Pentecost / Trinity Sunday

8:45 AM, Adult class

10:15 AM, Worship - Claudia Mills

11:15 AM, Fellowship 

12:30 PM, BBKC 

Next Sunday at St. Paul's

Join us next Sunday for worship as Claudia Mills brings the morning message.

May 19 @ St. Paul's UMC: Prayers

Joys:

+Rebecca Glancy gives thanks for Mawce earning their driver's liscense and for Ben getting an internship at their college this summer. 

+Steve Bainbridge is thankful for the volunteer effort at Wesley Foundation and asks for bricks for a project there.          

+Belinda Alkula gives thanks for the wonderful dental treatment she had last week.

+We were blessed with a great Sew What experience last Friday at the Bainbridge home.

+We are blessed by the Fellowship Team today who hosted the celebration of Pentecost and Music Appreciation Day.  

+We give thanks for this week's birthdays: Pat Cleaveland, Sandi Cook, Lorie Courier, and Suzanne Polacek.

+We give thanks for those participating today: Belinda Alkula (videographer), Steve Bainbridge (greeter), Lylah Bishop (acolyte), Louise Cook (piano), Tim Cook (class), Rebecca Glancy (liturgist), Sandra Jordan (flowers), Etta Levitt (Zoom usher), Kathy Lloyd (Zoom host), Hyeji Miranda (piano), Suzanne Polacek (bells), and Ron Revier (choir).

Concerns:

+Prayers are asked for the family of Ann Abbott who died on May 3.   

+Amy Abshire asks for prayers for the family of a friend who died suddenly at the age of 47.      

+Mryle Myers lifts up Jerry C. who continues his rehab efforts. 

+Suzanne Polacek asks for prayers for her sister-in-law who is facing challenges health issues.

+We offer prayer for the people of Gaza and Israel, Ukraine and Russia, and those in Sudan experiencing strife and famine.