The Year in Review: July - December

Hank Troy & Wende Harston make their annual visit  

July: We begin Pastor Charles' sixth year at St. Paul's; Ladies Lunch Bunch, Breakfast fellowship; Virtual Mission u; Summer Book Club; Pastor Charles is nominated to the Episcopacy in the Western Jurisdiction; Hank Troy & Wende Harston and an ice cream Sunday; Tim Cook's musical offering.

Knights Closet contributions

August: Knight's Closet donation collection; Ladies Lunch Bunch, Breakfast fellowship; Summer Book Club; Dave & Marcia Green, Bell quintet, and Rebecca Glancy share musical offerings; Pastor Janeen Hill preaches; Jovanka Jones begins offering chair yoga class; Passing of Jerry Cantril.

Sew What on the mountain

September: The Bainbridge's yard sale for Knights Closet; Ladies Lunch Bunch @ Murphy's; Kyle Dacon begins tenure as pianist; the choir and bells resume; Kathryn Witte speaks on missions; Breakfast Fellowship meets for the last time at Le Peep (which is now closed); Sew What @ Pat Cleaveland's home.

Breakfast Fellowship @ Home Cookin' Cafe`

October: 460 lbs. in donations taken to EFAA; Ladies Lunch Bunch; Breakfast Fellowship moves to new place; Our blog has its 4,000th post.

Rev. Dan Daniels shares the sermon

November: All Saints Day; Rev. Dan Daniels preaches; Rupali Hoffman shares about the Knights Closet; We decorate the church for Advent/Christmas.

We enter December with snow 

December: Our sixth Advent/Christmas devotional; Pastor Charles & Belinda Alkula leave St. Paul's after 5 1/2 years; Our annual Church Conference; Choir Cantata; Claudia Mills leads the final service of 2024.

Devotional for the Seventh Day of Christmas

 

A new year coming and God is with us

In loving, in caring, in hoping and expecting,

God is with us and never lets us go

God live in us, God live with us, God live through us

God keep us faithful through the days that lie ahead

God keep us caring as we see the pain that fills your world

God keep us serving as we seek to do your will

God live in us, God live with us, God live through us

God keep us loving toward neighbors near and far

God keep us trusting through the uncertainties of life

God keep us sharing from your generous abundance

God live in us, God live with us, God live through us

Amen.

 

— Christine Sine, on her website Godspace.  

~ ~ ~

It is impossible to conceive how different things would have turned out if that birth had not happened whenever,  wherever, however it did ... for millions of people who have lived since, the birth of Jesus made possible not just a new way of understanding life but a new way of living it. It is a truth that, for twenty centuries, there have been untold numbers of men and women who, in untold numbers of ways, have been so grasped by the child who was born, so caught up in the message he taught and the life he lived, that they have found themselves profoundly changed by their relationship with him.

 — Frederick Buechner (1926-2022)

This week @ St. Paul's UMC

Wednesday: New Years Day!

    

Thursday:  

11:45 AM, Ladies Lunch Bunch

Saturday:   

6:00 AM, BBKC Prayer Time

Second Sunday of Christmas

8:00 AM, Bell practice

8:45 AM, Study class

10:15 AM, Worship 

11:15 AM, Fellowship

12:30 AM, BBKC 

 

The year in review: January - June

Community yoga class at St. Paul's

January: Ladies Lunch Bunch; Sew What @ Suzanne Polacek's; Breakfast fellowship; A Community Yoga class begins; Wednesday fellowship continues; Hand bells offer an anthem.

Donations for Wesley Foundation

February: Lenten sermon series, "Faces at the Cross; Ladies Lunch Bunch; large donation taken for women's ministry at Wesley Foundation - CU; Sew What meets at the church; Breakfast fellowship; Yoga class; Lenten Devotional is offered.

Easter Sunday fellowship

March: Batch of prayer shawls dedicated; Ladies Lunch Bunch; Sew What @ Joan Cooper's; Breakfast fellowship; Colorado Front Range District gathering; Amy Abshire shares the message; Death of Gary Smith; Easter Sunday with the Beautiful Korean Church.

Bishop Oliveto

April: Bishop Oliveto preaches @ St. Paul's; Ladies Lunch Bunch; Sew What @ Myrle Myer's home; Breakfast fellowship; UMC General Conference; a Snowy Sunday; John & Margaret McIntosh join St. Paul's UMC.

Wednesday Weeders at work

May: Trustee workday; Ladies Lunch Bunch; Sew What @ Sandy Bainbridge's home; Wednesday Weeders return; Breakfast fellowship; Pastor Janeen Hill preaches; Death of Ann Abbott; Pentecost!

We love music @ St. Paul's UMC

June: UMC missionary Kenneth Koome Nkando speaks at St. Paul's; Ladies Lunch Bunch; Breakfast fellowship; George Baker memorial service; Mountain Sky Annual Conference session; Pastor Janeen Hill preaches; Visit by our D.S., Rev. Jessica Rooks.

Devotional for the Sixth Day of Christmas

Prayer of Confession: On this the sixth day of Christmas, as another year draws to a close, we come together before God and with one another, confessing the ways in which we have been caught up  in the frenzied spirit of the holidays  and turned away from Your Spirit of Peace; the times we have focused so much on our own lives and desires,  that we have neglected the voices of your children who cry out for Justice; in our focus on making the season perfect, we have turned away from the hurting people and broken places in our world in need of Healing;

in the times we have dismissed Christmas as a time only for children, and we have stubbornly closed our hearts to your amazing gift of Love. O Holy Child of Bethlehem, Word Become Flesh, our Savior and King, hear us as we humbly pray, cast out our sin and enter in; be born in us today. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon: Hear the good news of Christmas. Today God reveals to us the wonders of divine love. For unto us a Child is born; unto us a Son is given. His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father,  the Prince of Peace. Amen.

 

— Wonderings Through Life and Other Such Nonsense blog

 ~ ~ ~

“For last year's words belong to last year's language. And next year's words await another voice.”

 — T. S. Elliot (1888-1965)

Dec 29 @ St Paul's: Prayers

 Prayers and Joys

-Prayer for continuing comfort for the Cooper Family.

-Joy for our Jewish friends who started their celebration of Hanukkah along with our Christmas celebration.

-Katherine had a joyous Christmas with family; Susan was even able to visit their deployed family member.

-Sandra is thankful for our congregation who steps up when needed.  Thanks for the mitten tree contributions especially.

-Lylah would like prayers for her grandpa to come home; he was injured and had to spend Christmas in the hospital.  Also, thanks for 2 month old baby Andrea's first Christmas.

Worship December 29, 2024

December 29, 2024
First Sunday after Christmas

Celebrating the Wonders of the Spiritual Life

Worship link: https://youtu.be/SLP6ibQbDyM

In consideration of others, please silence your cell phones.

*Indicates please stand if you are able

Today’s Meditation Verse

“Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from heaven! Praise God on
the heights!” —Psalm 148:1 (CEB)

Welcome...Claudia Mills

Prelude...Louise Cook and Suzanne Polacek / “Christmas
Time is Here,” arranged by Eugenie Rocherolle

*Call to Worship...Ben Glancy (they/them)

Leader: Let the love that shaped earth and heaven dwell
within us this Christmas.

People: Let the love that created humanity dwell
within us this Christmas.

Leader: Let the love that overcomes suffering and hatred
dwell within us this Christmas.

People: Let the love that causes us to rejoice with
loved ones dwell within us this Christmas.

Leader: Let the love that forgives and renews dwell within
us this Christmas.

People: Let the love that brings reconciliation after
separation dwell within us this Christmas.

Leader: Let the love that brings the blessing of peace dwell
within us this Christmas.

People: And may we share that peace with all people
near and far. Amen

—Prayers for Christmas, posted on www.christianaid.org.uk

*Hymn...“Joy to the World” (UMH #246)

Unison Prayer...Ben Glancy (they/them)

God of New Beginnings, we thank You this Christmas for the
new life You offer through Christ. As we celebrate His birth,
we’re grateful for the fresh start, the clean slate, the new
creation You make possible. For those needing a fresh start
in relationships, work, or personal growth, we ask for Your
grace and strength. Let the hope born at Christmas inspire
us to embrace new opportunities, to let go of past regrets,
and to step boldly into Your purposes. As we stand at the threshold
of a new year, may the light of Christmas guide us into new
adventures of faith and service. Thank You for the promise that
Your mercies are new every morning, and that in Christ, we can
always begin anew. Amen.

—Daniel Naranjan, Christmas Prayers and Blessings

First Lesson: Ecclesiastes 9, 11-16...Ben Glancy (they/them)

Special Music...Tim Cook and Louise Cook / “Grace Has a Face
(Hope Has Hands)” by Phil Cross

Community prayer concerns and celebrations
Please wait for the usher to bring you a microphone so that all in the
congregation will be able to hear your prayer clearly.

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

Second Lesson: Philippians 4, 4-8...Ben Glancy (they/them)
Leader: This is the Word of God for the people of God.
People: Thanks be to God.

Sermon...Claudia Mills / “The Luck of the Christian”

*Hymn...“Great Is Thy Faithfulness” (UMH #140)

*Words for the Journey...Claudia Mills

Postlude...Louise Cook and Suzanne Polacek / “Deck the Hall Duet
Fantasy,” arranged by Robert D. Vandal

Upcoming Events, News, and Information

Our new pastor, Rev. Elizabeth Burg, will
officially start on January 2 and will lead worship next
Sunday, January 5. Her email address is
revelizabeth@saintpaulsboulder.org.

Ladies Lunch Bunch will meet Thursday, January 2, at
11:45 a.m., at Parma Trattoria & Mozzarella Bar (1132 W.
Dillon Road in Louisville). Please RSVP by Tuesday,
December 31, to Kathy Lloyd.

Breakfast Fellowship will meet on Saturday, January
11, at 8:00 a.m. at Home Cookin’ Café (328 S. McCaslin
Blvd., Louisville). All are welcome!

Sew What resumes on Friday, January 17, from 10:00
a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at Suzanne Polacek’s home. Sew What is
for those who love to sew, knit, crochet, embroider, and/or
enjoy visiting with one another. Please RSVP to Suzanne Polacek by
January 14.
Suzanne plans to provide soup for lunch, but folks are
welcome to bring a sandwich or drink of their choice.

Devotional for the Fifth Day of Christmas

 O sweet Child of Bethlehem, grant that we may share with all our hearts in this profound mystery of Christmas. Put into the hearts of men and women this peace for which they sometimes seek so desperately and which you alone can give to them. Help them to know one another better, and to live as brothers and sisters, children of the same Father. Reveal to them also your beauty, holiness, and purity. Awaken in their hearts love and gratitude for your infinite goodness. Join them all together in your love. And give us your heavenly peace. Amen.

 

— Pope John XXIII (1881-1963)

 ~ ~ ~

 

I truly believe that if we keep telling the Christmas  story, singing the Christmas songs, and living the Christmas spirit, we can bring joy and happiness and peace to this world.

 — Norman Vincent Peale (1898-1993)

Worship tomorrow

  

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

Claudia Mills will offer the morning message.

Devotional for the Fourth Day of Christmas

 Love came, held safely within a gentle womb 

All the truth, majesty, and creativity of a living Go

Poured into a tiny heart

Making a quiet entrance in a dark and univiting shack

Just one star shone anew as a handful of people were brought

Led by angelic voices, and open hearts

A young mother

A faith-filled father

Men of wisdom who searched for truth

And a group of humble herdsmen

They came to bow before a new life

And acknowledge that the rescuer had arrived

That the Word of God had come alive

And that the extraordinary transformation of heaven and earth had begun. Amen.

 

— Julie Palmer

 ~ ~ ~

 

“Who can add to Christmas? The perfect motive is that God so loved the world. The perfect gift is that He gave His only Son. The only requirement is to believe in Him. The reward of faith is that you shall have everlasting life.”

— Corrie ten Boom (1892-1983)

Devotional for the Third Day of Christmas

 

In a world where worry, not peace, prevails, stir up that good news again. This Christmas, make it real in our hearts. Never have we needed Your joy and peace more than now. Thank You for the gift of Jesus, our Immanuel, the Word made flesh. Forgive us for forgetting—that Your love never changes, never fades, and that You never abandon the purpose for which You came: to save us from our sinful condition, and to give us life eternal, the joy of relationship with a holy God. Your birth—and Your death—sealed Your promise to us forever. Amen.

 

— Rebecca Barlow Jordan

 ~ ~ ~

 

“The idea that there's a force of love and logic behind the universe is overwhelming to start with if you believe it. Actually, maybe even far-fetched to start with, but the idea that that same love and logic would choose to describe itself as a baby born in straw and poverty is genius, and brings me to my knees, literally. To me, as a poet, I am just in awe of that. It makes some sort of poetic sense. It's the thing that makes me a believer, though it didn't dawn on me for many years.”

 — Bono

Devotional for the Second Day of Christmas

 

Wonderful Counsellor, grant wisdom to political leaders to govern with kindness and care,  to campaigners to creatively challenge injustice and inequality, and  to peacemakers to find lasting solutions to protracted conflict. May the light of your wisdom dawn in the darkness of selfish ambition.

Mighty God, grant courage,  to those having to escape their homes to find refuge,  to those dreading the next violent outburst, and to those unsure of the future for their families. May the light of your courage dawn in the darkness of fear.

Everlasting Father, grant us inspiration,  to imagine a world free from species extinction and climate chaos, to make economic decisions so all the earth may flourish, to commune with creation as creature before consumer. May the light of your inspiration dawn in the darkness of eco-despair.

Prince of Peace, grant the peace  that silences gunfire and bombs, that stills us to recognize complicit choices, that reconciles war-weary enemies. May the light of your peace dawn in the darkness of conflict.

We pray in the authority of the child that has been born for us, 
the son given to us this day. Thanks be to God, Amen.

 

— posted on the Monthly Prayers page of the Christian Aid website.

 ~ ~ ~

 

For it is good to be children sometimes, and never better than at Christmas, when its mighty Founder was a child Himself.”

  — Charles Dickens (1812-1870)

Wednesday with the Wesleys

Charles Wesley house in Bristol

1. Come, thou long expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.
Israel's strength and consolation,
hope of all the earth thou art;
dear desire of every nation,
joy of every longing heart.

2. Born thy people to deliver,
born a child and yet a King,
born to reign in us forever,
now thy gracious kingdom bring.
By thine own eternal spirit
rule in all our hearts alone;
by thine all sufficient merit,
raise us to thy glorious throne.

 ~ Charles Wesley, 1744

Devotional for the First Day of Christmas

Loving Father, help us remember the birth of Jesus, that we may share in the song of the angels, the gladness of the shepherds, and worship of the wise men. Close the door of hate and open the door of love all over the world. Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting. Deliver us from evil by the blessing which Christ brings and teach us to be merry with clear hearts. May the Christmas morning make us happy to be thy children, and Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts, forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus' sake. Amen.

 

— Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894)

 ~ ~ ~

 

 “Let the just rejoice, for their Justifier is born. Let the sick and infirm rejoice, for their Savior is born. Let the captives rejoice, for their Redeemer is born. Let slaves rejoice, for their Liberator is born. Let free men rejoice, for their Master is born. Let All Christians rejoice, for Jesus Christ is born.”

— Saint Augustine of Hippo (354-430)

Devotional for Christmas Eve

Lord, there is enchantment in the air tonight casting a mysterious spell of expectancy on all creation fulfilling the promise of the birth of God on earth as a human child. And as I watch with trembling hope the wondrous pageant pass by of poor shepherds and powerful kings the radiant serenity of the night is suddenly broken by a storm of power-drunk winds spewing bullets of hatred, hurling stones of violence on men and women on frightened    children all fleeing from the grips of oppressive structures, from bondage of sorrow and broken lives, from explosive knowledge which has not yet solved the problems of   hunger and poverty, from crumbling values which confuse the mind, from death itself... searching for the manger where God’s love and goodness for all humanity blossoms in the heart of a babe and lets us know anew this Christmas morn all people as our brother, as our sister. Amen.

— Savithri Devanesen, India

~ ~ ~

"That is my prayer for you this Christmas—that you would experience the fullness of Christ; that you would know in your heart the outpouring of grace upon grace; that the glory of the only Son from the Father would shine into your heart to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ; that you would be amazed that Christ can be so real to you.” 

 — John Piper

Area UMC Christmas Eve services

 
Arvada UMC: 3, 5 (candlelight service), & 10 PM (with communion) 

Broomfield UMC: 3 & 5 PM, contemporary (ASL at 5), &                                                7 & 9 PM, traditional (communion at 9)

Erie UMC: 4 & 7 PM

First UMC - Berthoud: 7 PM, Candlelight service

First UMC - Boulder: 3 PM (Family service), 7 PM (Lessons & Carols), &                  9 PM (Jazz service)

First UMC -Lafayette: 7 PM 

Good Shepherd UMC (Thornton): 5 & 7 PM

Heart of Longmont: 6 PM 

Longs Peak UMC: 5 and 7 PM

Louisville UMC: 5:30 PM

Mountain View UMC: 4 PM, children and young at heart, 7 PM, traditional          & 11:30 PM, communion

Niwot UMC: 5 PM

This week @ St. Paul's UMC

Tuesday: Christmas Eve

Wednesday: Christmas Day

    

Saturday:   

6:00 AM, BBKC Prayer Time

First Sunday of Christmas

8:00 AM, Bell practice

8:45 AM, Study class

10:15 AM, Worship - Claudia Mills

11:15 AM, Fellowship

12:30 AM, BBKC 

 

Devotional for December 23

 (inspired by Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7 or Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11)

 

We cry in the wilderness. The land we walk is rugged and rough. We find no straight highways. Only deep valleys and high mountains.

 Jesus, a light for us and for all nations, grasp us by the hand. Open the eyes of the blind, bring prisoners out from their cells, from the darkness those whose eyes are blinded.

 Come to us with your power and might. Come and comfort your people.

 Like a shepherd, gather us as lambs in your arms. Amen.

 

— written by Anne Osdieck. Posted on The Sunday Website of Saint Louis University.

~ ~ ~

 

“Christmas in Bethlehem. The ancient dream: a cold, clear night made brilliant by a glorious star, the smell of incense, shepherds and wise men falling to their knees in adoration of the sweet baby, the incarnation of perfect love.”

— Lucinda Franks

Worship, Sunday, December 22, 2024

 

December 22, 2024
Fourth Sunday of Advent

Link to worship video: Worship 12-22-24

Celebrating the Wonders of the Spiritual Life

We greet each other in Christ’s name as we enter into worship together.

In consideration of others, please silence your cell phones.

The prelude calls us to worship; let us listen quietly in reflection and prayer.

*Indicates please stand if you are able

Today’s Meditation Verse
“With all my heart I glorify the Lord! In the depths of who I
am I rejoice in God my savior.” —Luke 1:46b-47 (CEB)

Welcome...Rebecca Glancy

Prelude...Kyle Dacon

Lighting the Advent Candle...Glancy family

First Reader: Animals must share their manger.
(Light three candles.)
We often speak of shepherd and magi receiving the Good
News in this season, but they were not the first. Was it a cow
or ox, donkey or sheep, who found its manger occupied with
love incarnate?

Second Reader: The good news comes not just for
humankind, but for all of creation. Those representatives
were there not just to be cute but to remind us that all of
God’s world groans awaiting the good news. Are we as
welcoming as these creatures who gave of their stalls?

Third: “Baby Jesus asleep on the hay. We know about birth
and caring for our offspring. We know one needs a place of
safety where one may curl and rest.” Yet another light joins
the fight against the night.

(Light the fourth candle on the Advent wreath.)

Prayer: The cattle are lowing; creatures are sharing
their songs of parenting to welcome new birth. May
we also welcome love’s birth with our own sounds of
support. Amen.

—Before the Amen, Maren Tirabassi & Maria Tirabassi, 2007

*Hymn...“The Friendly Beasts” (UMH #227)

Canticle of Simeon (UMH #225)...Bob Muckle

Old Testament Lesson: Micah 5:2-5a...Bob Muckle

Epistle Lesson: Hebrews 10:5-10...Bob Muckle
Leader: This is the Word of God for the people of God.
People: Thanks be to God.

Community prayer concerns & celebrations...Rebecca Glancy
Please wait for the usher to bring you a microphone so that all in the
congregation will be able to hear your prayer clearly.

Pastoral Prayer / The Lord’s Prayer...Rebecca Glancy

Message in Music...Choral Cantata / “What Sweeter Music: A
Cantata for Christmas” by John Leavitt

*Hymn...“O Little Town of Bethlehem” (UMH #230)

*Words for the Journey...Rebecca Glancy

Postlude...Kyle Dacon

Dec 22 @ St Paul's: Prayers

 December 22 @ St. Paul's: Prayers

Monte Baker's significant other, Holly, was in the ER all night; prayers for positive results of tests and a quick recovery.

Prayer of gratitude for all the love poured out during Austin Cooper's memorial.

A Joy that Brenda's brother was able to make an important payment that was due.

A Joy that Michele is well enough to join us in church today.

Memorial for Austin Cooper

 

Link to memorial service: Memorial for Austin Cooper 12-20-24
Link to family memory video: Austin Cooper

Austin Jack Cooper, Jr., 89, passed away peacefully on December 13, 2024, at his home in Lafayette, Colorado, with the love of his life, Joan, his wife of 69 years, by his side.  Despite his illness, he always displayed grace, courage, and his everlasting smile.

Austin was born July 18, 1935, in Jackson, Michigan.  He was the only son of Austin and Marion Cooper, Sr.  Austin met his future bride in high school, and they were married June 25, 1955, in Louisville, Kentucky.  He attended University of Indiana, where he majored in Business.  Austin worked as Quality Control Manager for Johnson Controls Automotive Division in Vincennes, Indiana.

After vacationing in Colorado for six years, he and Joan moved their four young daughters to Estes Park.  They pursued their dream of owning a business, purchasing and operating the Lazy T Motor Lodge, which consisted of a motel, restaurant, gas station, and convention center.  After selling the motel in 1976, Austin and Joan moved to Boulder, where Austin resumed employment with Johnson Controls in the Plastics Division.  He continued his education at the University of Colorado, where he pursued his passion for history.  He retired in 1996.

Austin was a long-time member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Boulder.  He enjoyed serving as head usher for 40 years and dedicated his time to various church activities.

Austin was an avid sportsman who enjoyed golfing, basketball, and baseball.  He even tried out for the St. Louis Cardinals in 1953.  Austin constantly amazed friends and family with his knowledge of sports history.  He loved watching sports, but nothing would get in the way of watching his beloved Denver Broncos.

Austin and Joan loved to travel.  They visited all 50 states, traveled to over 100 countries, and stood on six continents.  Travel highlights included annual Mazatlan, Mexico, vacations and over 25 cruises culminating in a 111 day "Around the World" cruise.  Their biggest joys were experiencing new cultures and unique food and encountering lifelong friends.

December 22 @ St. Paul's UMC: Announcements

+St. Paul's will not be offering a Christmas Eve service this year. A list of area United Methodist Churches that are holding Christmas Eve service(s) will be on the blog tomorrow.

+Claudia Mills will lead our worship service on December 29 as we bring 2024 to a joyful conclusion.

Devotional for the Fourth Sunday of Advent

 

All-powerful God, Your eternal Word took flesh on our earth when the Virgin Mary placed her life at the service of your plan. Lift our minds in watchful hope to hear the voice which announces His glory and open our minds to receive the Spirit who prepares us for His coming. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

— Author Unknown

~ ~ ~

 

"Mary didn’t praise God because she was excited and unafraid. She praised God because she knew what was true, and she was choosing to hope in it. What this tells us is that Christmas is not about feelings. It’s not about nostalgia or parties or 'all the feels'. Advent and Christmas are about proclaiming what we know is true. This is a season when we praise God and thank God for what He has done and what He will do, not because it’s how we feel, but because it’s true." 

— Sharon Hodde Miller