January 26 at St Paul's: Worship Bulletin

January 26, 2025

Encountering the Mystery

Worship link on YouTube:  https://youtu.be/vLr5IggQx2k

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

GATHERING

Prelude...Kyle Dacon (he/him)

Welcome...Rev. Elizabeth Burg (she/her)

*Call to Worship...Rebecca Glancy (she/her)

Leader: We are called. We are called as individuals, as families, as a faith community.

People: We are called to be the church—a space, a place, a people of shaping, growing, and sending.

Leader: Together we learn.

People: Together, we learn the way of love and live it boldly in the world.

Leader: Like the flicker of fire that does not consume, God’s presence draws us in.

People: Like whispers carried on the wind, God’s voice stirs our hearts.

Leader: Here, the ordinary becomes sacred, and the familiar reveals the divine.

People: In awe and the unknown, we are invited to encounter the living mystery of God.

Leader: Come, let us worship the One who speaks in fire and silence, in majesty and mystery.

All: With open hearts and reverent spirits, we worship the God of wonder and grace.

*Hymn...“Holy Ground” (TFWS #2272)—Sing three times

LISTENING

Scripture Reading: Exodus 3:1-15 (CEB)...Rebecca Glancy

Moses was taking care of the flock for his father-in-law Jethro, Midian’s priest. He led his flock out to the edge of the desert, and he came to God’s mountain called Horeb. The Lord’s messenger appeared to him in a flame of fire in the middle of a bush. Moses saw that the bush was in flames, but it didn’t burn up. Then Moses said to himself, Let me check out this amazing sight and find out why the bush isn’t burning up. When the Lord saw that he was coming to look, God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” Moses said, “I’m here.” Then the Lord said, “Don’t come any closer! Take off your sandals, because you are standing on holy ground.” He continued, “I am the God of your father, Abraham’s God, Isaac’s God, and Jacob’s God.” Moses hid his face because he was afraid to look at God.

For the Word of God in scripture, for the Word of God among us, and for the Word of God within us, we say...
Thanks be to God.

Hymn of Reflection...“Spirit of the Living God” (UMH #393)

Message...Rev. Elizabeth / “Encountering the Mystery”

RESPONDING

Choral Anthem...“Brethren, We Have Met to Worship,” arranged by Heather Sorenson

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

Pastoral Prayer and Silent Prayer...Rev. Elizabeth

The Lord’s Prayer
Our Creator,† who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

†Please use the language for God that resonates with your soul and helps you connect with the Divine.

Offering...Rev. Elizabeth
Donations to St. Paul’s by cash or check can be left in the offering plate on the usher’s table at the back of the sanctuary.

Doxology...“Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow” (UMH #94)

SENDING

Connecting...Rev. Elizabeth

*Hymn...“Here I Am, Lord” (UMH #593)

*Words for the Journey...Rev. Elizabeth
Please stand to receive the benediction and then be seated if you wish to enjoy the postlude.

Postlude...Kyle Dacon

January 26 at St Paul's: Prayers

Claudia asked for prayers for her son Christopher's girlfriend Elaine who had an emergency gall bladder removal on Sunday afternoon.

January 19 @ St Paul's: Prayers

Community Prayers and Celebrations

Amy A. celebrates that her neighbor June is home from the hospital and doing well.

Rebecca G. celebrates that Mawce was accepted to their number one college choice, Emerson College in Boston.

Claudia M. asks for prayers for our country as we transition to new federal leadership and celebrates the ceasefire in Gaza, which gives us hope.

Sandra J. is thankful for a warm house and food in the fridge and prays for people, animals, and plants that are outside in this cold weather.

Diana M. asks for prayers for the people of Los Angeles who face a long, long recovery from the fires. Her sister from LA is currently staying with them in Boulder.

January 19 Worship Bulletin

January 19, 2025
The Table of Belonging

YouTube link: https://youtu.be/ci8vv24Pryo

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

GATHERING

Prelude...Kyle Dacon (he/him) / “Be Thou My Vision,” arranged by Kristle Hal

Welcome...Rev. Elizabeth Burg (she/her)

*Call to Worship...Rebecca Glancy (she/her)
Leader: We are called. We are called as individuals, as families, as a faith community.

People: We are called to be the church—a space, a place, a people of shaping, growing, and sending.

Leader: Together we learn.

People: Together, we learn the way of love and live it boldly in the world.

Leader: Like a table set with care, God’s invitation extends beyond what we can see.

People: At this table, there is room for all—those here, those on the way, and those we have yet to meet.

Leader: Here, we build connections that sustain us and seek the well-being of all.

People: In shared life, we find joy, purpose, and God’s presence.

Leader: Come, let us worship the One who calls us to gather, to grow, and to make room for all.

All: With open hearts and ready hands, we worship the God of love and community.

*Hymn...“In the Midst of New Dimensions” (TFWS #2238)

LISTENING

Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 29:4-7 (CEB)...Rebecca Glancy
The LORD of heavenly forces, the God of Israel, proclaims to all the exiles I have carried off from Jerusalem to Babylon: Build houses and settle down; cultivate gardens and eat what they produce. Get married and have children; then help your sons find wives and your daughters find husbands in order that they too may have children. Increase in number there so that you don’t dwindle away. Promote the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because your future depends on its welfare.

For the Word of God in scripture, for the Word of God among us, and for the Word of God within us, we say... Thanks be to God.

Hymn of Reflection...“Spirit of the Living God” (UMH #393)

Message...Rev. Elizabeth / “The Table of Belonging”

RESPONDING

Choral Anthem...“Peace Song” by Greg Gilpin

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

Pastoral Prayer and Silent Prayer...Rev. Elizabeth

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Creator,† who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

†Please use the language for God that resonates with your soul and helps you connect with the Divine.

Offering...Rev. Elizabeth
Donations to St. Paul’s by cash or check can be left in the offering plate on the usher’s table at the back of the sanctuary.

Doxology...“Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow” (UMH#94)

SENDING

Connecting...Rev. Elizabeth

*Hymn...“Here I Am, Lord” (UMH #593)

*Words for the Journey...Rev. Elizabeth
Please stand to receive the benediction and then be seated if you wish to enjoy the postlude.

Postlude...Kyle Dacon / “Doxology” arranged by Mark Hayes

January 12 Worship: Bulletin

January 12, 2025
Rooted in Tradition, Reaching for Renewal

Worship link on YouTube: https://youtu.be/GI2MMfGOD48

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

GATHERING

Prelude...Lorie Courier (she/her) / “Memories of Christmas”

Welcome...Rev. Elizabeth Burg (she/her)

*Call to Worship...Rebecca Glancy (she/her)

Leader: We are called. We are called as individuals, as families, as a faith community.

People: We are called to be the church—a space, a place, a people of shaping, growing, and sending.

Leader: Together we learn.

People: Together, we learn the way of love and live it boldly in the world.

Leader: Like roots that stretch deep into fertile soil, our faith steadies and sustains us.

People: Like branches reaching toward the sun, God’s Spirit calls us to grow and stretch .

Leader: In every season, the tree of faith is alive—rooted in the past and bearing fruit for the future.

All: Let us gather at the table of God’s grace, where tradition and renewal meet .

*Hymn...“Be Thou My Vision” (UMH #451)

LISTENING

Scripture Reading: Matthew 26:6-13 (CEB)...Rebecca Glancy

When Jesus was at Bethany visiting the house of Simon, who had a skin disease, a woman came to him with a vase made of alabaster containing very expensive perfume. She poured it on Jesus’s head while he was sitting at dinner. Now when the disciples saw it, they were angry and said, “Why this waste? This perfume could have been sold for a lot of money and given to the poor.”

But Jesus knew what they were thinking. He said, “Why do you make trouble for the woman? She’s done a good thing for me. You always have the poor with you, but you won’t always have me. By pouring this perfume over my body, she’s prepared me to be buried. I tell you the truth that wherever in the whole world this good news is announced, what she’s done will also be told in memory of her.”

Hymn of Reflection...“Spirit of the Living God” (UMH #393)

Message...Rev. Elizabeth / “Rooted in Tradition, Reaching for Renewal”

RESPONDING

Choral Anthem...“He Is Born, The Divine Christ Child” and “Sing Noel, Alleluia!” arranged by John Leavitt

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 and Silent Prayer...Rev. Elizabeth

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Creator,† who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

†Please use the language for God that resonates with your soul and helps you connect with the Divine.

Offering...Rev. Elizabeth
Donations to St. Paul’s can be left in the offering plate on the usher’s table at the back of the sanctuary. To set up automatic giving via bill pay, see instructions on the back of the bulletin.

Doxology...“Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow” (UMH #94)

SENDING

Connecting...Rev. Elizabeth

*Hymn...“Here I Am, Lord” (UMH #593)

*Words for the Journey...Rev. Elizabeth
Please stand to receive the benediction and then be seated if you wish to enjoy the postlude.

Postlude...Lorie Courier / “How Great Our Joy!”

January 12 @ St Paul's: Prayers

Melanie Muckle lifted up the second anniversaries of Bob Senior and her mother's deaths and thanked the congregation for their support and love.

Melanie also lifted up prayers for those in California suffering from the fires and those in Boulder for whom the fires trigger bad memories.

Katherine thanks the church for its ongoing Zoom ministry.

Amy asked for prayers for her neighbor June, her "second mother" who is having health issues.

Worship @ St Paul's: Sunday, January 5 bulletin

January 5, 2025
Shaped By Grace

Celebrating the Wonders of the Spiritual Life

Worship link: https://youtu.be/9Bk8v5qhfKk

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

Welcome...Rev. Elizabeth Burg (she/her)

Prelude...Kyle Dacon (he/him)

Call to Worship...Rebecca Glancy (she/her)
Leader: We are called. We are called as individuals, as families, as a faith community.

People: We are called to be the church—a space, a place, a people of shaping, growing, and sending.

Leader: Together, we learn.

People: Together, we learn the way of love and live it boldly in the world.

Leader: God’s mercy calls us from what is familiar and leads us toward transformation.

People: We come, bringing our whole selves, ready to be changed by grace.

Leader: God’s grace meets us in the offering of our lives and fills us with purpose.

People: We come, open to the renewing of our hearts, minds, bodies, and souls so we may live what is good and holy.

All: Let us worship the God who forms us, loves us, and sends us to serve!

*Hymn...“Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” (UMH #400)

Scripture Reading: Romans 12:1-2 (CEB)...Rebecca Glancy
So, siblings in Christ, because of God’s mercies, I encourage you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice that is holy and pleasing to God. This is your appropriate priestly service. Don’t be conformed to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds so that you can figure out what God’s will is—what is good and pleasing and mature.Hymn of Reflection...“Spirit of the Living God” (UMH #393)

Message...Rev. Elizabeth / “Shaped By Grace”

Prayer Song...“Take My Life and Let It Be” (UMH #399)

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...Rev. Elizabeth

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Creator,* who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

*Please use the language for God that resonates with your soul and helps you connect with the Divine.

Offering...Rev. Elizabeth
Donations to St. Paul’s by cash or check can be left in the offering plate on the usher’s table at the back of the sanctuary. To set up automatic online giving, see Martha Batch, Financial Secretary.

Doxology...“Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow” (UMH #94)

Holy Communion
During Holy Communion, we take a special offering to benefit the PATH Fund, a fund used to help fill the gaps for our underserved neighbors. If you would like to make a contribution, please place your gift in the basket marked “PATH Fund” on the table at the back of the sanctuary or at the altar rail.

Prayer of Confession
God of mercy, we confess that we have not always lived as your people. We have chosen malice over mercy, judgment over justice, and apathy over action. We have conformed tothe patterns of this world. We cling to what is easy instead of embracing the discomfort of transformation. Forgive us. Renew our minds and shape us into vessels of your grace. Amen.

Hear the good news: God’s grace is enough. In Christ, we are forgiven, renewed, and set free.

Thanks be to God. Amen.

The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

Lift up your hearts.

We lift them up to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

It is right to give our thanks and praise.

It is right, and a good and joyful thing, to give thanks to you...And when the time was right, you came to us in Jesus Christ, who showed us what it means to live fully and boldly.

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of grace and glory, Heaven and earth are full of your wonder. Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is the One who comes to bring peace and hope. Hosanna in the highest!

Holy are you, and blessed is your Son, Jesus Christ...And so, we remember. We remember his life of compassion and justice, his death that reveals the depth of love, and his resurrection that calls us into new life.

Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.

God of transformation, pour out your Spirit on us...May this meal be for us a reminder of your unending love and a call to discipleship in this new year.

Amen.

*Hymn...“Here I Am, Lord” (UMH #593)

*Words for the Journey...Rev. Elizabeth

Postlude...Kyle Dacon

Jan 5 @ St Paul's: Prayers

Michele celebrates that she was able to be in church again.

Rebecca prayed for kids travelling back to college in the face of a Midwestern snow storm.

Bren Smith asked for prayers surrounding Gary's 91st birthday and their recent wedding anniversary (Christmas Eve).

Tim Cook celebrated becoming a great-great-uncle again (Baby Hattie) and asked for prayers for his sister, who is having hip pain.

Sandy Bainbridge celebrated our donations for Fairview HS's Knight's Closet, which were greatly appreciated.

Steve Bainbridge celebrated the grit of his ski student, who is a leukemia survivor.

This week @ St. Paul's

 

Monday: Epiphany

Wednesday:

10:00 AM, Zoom Fellowship

    

Saturday:   

6:00 AM, BBKC Prayer Time

8:00 AM, Breakfast Fellowship

First Sunday after Epiphany / Baptism of the Lord Sunday

8:00 AM, Bell practice

8:45 AM, Study class

10:15 AM, Worship 

11:15 AM, Fellowship

12:30 AM, BBKC 

Devotional for the Day of Epiphany

God has called you out of darkness,
into his wonderful light.
May you experience his kindness and blessings,
and be strong in faith, in hope, and in love.

because you are followers of Christ,
who appeared on this day as a light shining in darkness,
may he make you a light to all your sisters and brothers.

The wise men followed the star,
and found Christ who is light from light.
May you too find the Lord
when your pilgrimage is ended. Amen.

— Author Unknown

~ ~ ~

 

“When the song of the angels is stilled, when the star in the sky is gone, when the kings and princes are home, when the shepherds are back with the flocks, then the work of Christmas begins: To find the lost, to heal those broken in spirit, to feed the hungry, to release the oppressed, to rebuild the nations, to bring peace among all peoples, to make a little music with the heart. And to radiate the Light of Christ, every day, in every way, in all that we do and in all that we say. Then the work of  Christmas begins.”

— Howard Thurman (1899-1981)

Devotional for the Twelfth Day of Christmas

 
O God, Trinity of love, from the profound communion of your divine life, pour out upon us a torrent of fraternal love. Grant us the love reflected in the actions of Jesus, in his family of Nazareth, and in the early Christian community. Grant that we Christians may live the Gospel, discovering Christ in each human being, recognizing him crucified in the sufferings of the abandoned and forgotten of our world, and risen in each brother or sister who makes a new start. Come, Holy Spirit, show us your   beauty, reflected in all the peoples of the earth, so that we may discover anew that all are important and all are necessary, different faces of the one humanity that God so loves. Amen .

 

— Pope Francis, ecumenical Christian prayer at the end  of the encyclical ‘

Fratelli Tutti'

 

~ ~ ~

 

“If music be the food of love, play on;
Give me excess of it, that, surfeiting,
The appetite may sicken, and so die.
That strain again! it had a dying fall:
O, it came o'er my ear like the sweet sound,
That breathes upon a bank of violets,
Stealing and giving odour! Enough; no more:
'Tis not so sweet now as it was before.
O spirit of love! how quick and fresh art thou,
That, notwithstanding thy capacity
Receiveth as the sea, nought enters there,
Of what validity and pitch soe'er,
But falls into abatement and low price,
Even in a minute: so full of shapes is fancy
That it alone is high fantastical.”

― William Shakespeare, Twelfth Night, Act 1, scene 1 

A New Year at St. Paul's UMC

 
Join us for the first worship service of 2025 tomorrow at 10:15 a.m. in person or online here as Rev. Elizabeth Burg begins her ministry at St. Paul's UMC.

Devotional for the Eleventh Day of Christmas

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

— Prayers for Christmas, posted on the Christian Aid website. http://www.christianaid.org.uk/

~ ~ ~

 

“Christmas is forever, not for just one day. For loving, sharing, 

giving are not to put away.”

 — Norman Wesley Brooks

Devotional for the Tenth Day of Christmas

We come to adore you, little one. On bended knee, with hopeful heart, and eyes stretched wide with wonder and awe. The gentleness of your gaze draws us into the mystery of all that lies beyond, and in that place of falling into joy we yield  all that we are to you.

And we pray.

For those who are broken, 

Those who seek, 

The trembling and the rumbling tummies, 

The haggard spirits and the ragged lives.

For those who cling to the last best thing, and those whose hearts pine for love.

Bless us, O Lord, whom we adore, and turn our faces ever toward you. For peace, for mercy, for the sake of all that is   holy. We come to adore you, O Christ. Amen.

 

— Rev. Anne Fraley, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in South Windsor, CT. 

 ~ ~ ~

 

"Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmastime."

 — Laura Ingalls Wilder (1867-1957)

Devotional for the Ninth Day of Christmas

 

We waited. And imagined a savior. We imagined power. One like the world but stronger and on our side. 

We imagined a king on a white horse wielding a sword. We got a baby born in a stable among the livestock. We imagined the work done for us through the  destruction of our enemies.
We receive a baby who will teach us our calling to seek reconciliation and to love expansively. 

Praise be to God for the unexpected babe of Bethlehem. Praise to the wisdom of love. Amen!

 

— Tim Graves, and posted on LiturgyBits: Little bits for worship.

 ~ ~ ~

 

"If you desire to find the true spirit of Christmas and partake of the sweetness of it, let me make this suggestion to you. During the hurry of the festive occasion of this Christmas season, find time to turn your heart to God.  Perhaps in the quiet hours, and in a quiet place, and on your knees—alone or with loved ones—give thanks for the good things that have come to you and ask that His Spirit might dwell in you as you earnestly strive to serve Him and keep His commandments. He will take you by the hand and His promises will be kept.” 

 — Howard W. Hunter (1907-1995)

Wednesday with the Wesleys

“We had a large congregation at four in the mourning. How much are men divided in their expectations concurring the ensuing year! Will it bring a large harvest of temporal calamities, or of spiritual blessings? Perhaps of both; of temporal affections preparatory to spiritual blessings."

~ John Wesley, January 1, 1756

Devotional for the Eighth Day of Christmas

 

Dear God, Spirit, Divine Mother,
On this day I ask You to grant this request…
May I know who I am and what I am,
every moment of every day.
May I be a catalyst for light and love,
and bring inspiration to those whose eyes I meet.
May I have the strength to stand tall in the face of conflict,
and the courage to speak my voice, even when I’m scared.
May I have the humility to follow my heart,
and the passion to live my soul’s desires.
May I seek to know the highest truth
and dismiss the gravitational pull of my lower self.
May I embrace and love the totality of myself…
my darkness as well as my light.
May I be brave enough to hear my heart…
to let it soften so that I may gracefully
choose faith over fear.
Today is my day to surrender anything that stands
between the sacredness of my humanity and my divinity.
May I be drenched in my Holiness
and engulfed by Your love.
May all else melt away.
And so it is.

Amen.

— Debbie Ford, and posted on Xavier University’s JesuitResource.org website.

~ ~ ~

 

“We must be willing to get rid of the life we’ve planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us. The old skin has to be shed before the new one can come.”

 — Joseph Campbell (1904-1987)