February 23 @ St Paul's: Prayer Requests

Martha asks for prayers for her friend Katie who suffered a heart attack last month and will begin cardio rehab this week.

Martha asks for prayers for her friend Laurie who will have surgery for breast cancer this week.

Martha asks for prayers for a former student, Robin, who recently lost her second baby to stillbirth.

Bob M. celebrates the blessing of attending the annual UMC district meeting.

Rebecca asks for prayers for Ben, who is traveling Friday for term break. They are concerned that TSA may reject Ben's nonbinary ID.

Scott asks for prayers for Kami's son, who is autistic and facing financial problems.

Scott asks for prayers for Kami's ongoing health concerns.

Sally celebrates a new baby in the family, her nephew's son Henry.

Suzanne asks for prayers for her neighbor Cathy, who recently lost a brother to cancer. Cathy will not be welcomed at the funeral service. Suzanne asks for prayers for family healing.

Lorie asks for prayers for her brother Steve, who is beginning a new cancer treatment.

February 23 @ St Paul's: Worship Bulletin

February 23, 2025
Walking Through Conflict

YouTube link to the service:  https://youtu.be/lA6l19oz9wk

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 (she/her)

*Opening Hymn...“O Church of God, United” (UMH #547)

*Call to Worship...Amy Abshire (she/her)
Leader: We gather in worship, knowing that conflict is a part of life. When we care deeply, we do not always see eye to eye.

People: Still, we are called to walk together.

Leader: As iron sharpens iron, we are strengthened by our differences of thought and opinion.

People: Still, we come to worship the One who unites us in love.

Leader: Disagreements can divide us, but they can also lead us to deeper understanding.

People: Still, we are called to listen with humility and love.

Leader: God calls us to find the path forward—not alone, but together.

All: Together, with God’s help, we move forward in faith.

Unison Prayer...Amy Abshire
God of many voices, many perspectives, many paths, You have created us to think, to question, to grow. Yet too often, we let disagreement keep us from moving at all. Too often, we mistake unity for uniformity. Too often, we stay silent, afraid that conflict means we cannot move forward. Still, you call us to walk forward in faith—not always in perfect agreement, but trusting that you are guiding the way. Guide us to trust that difference can be a strength. Guide us to know that conflict is not a reason to turn away or shut down. Guide us, O God, to the wisdom to wait, the courage to move, and the grace to walk together, even when we do not see eye to eye. May love be the ground beneath our feet and faith the movement that carries us on. Amen.

Bell Choir Reflection...“Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah,” arranged by Linda R. Lamb

LISTENING

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.

Scripture Reading: Romans 14.1-13 (CEB)...Amy Abshire
Welcome the person who is weak in faith—but not in order to argue about differences of opinion. One person believes in eating everything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. Those who eat must not look down on the ones who don’t, and the ones who don’t eat must not judge the ones who do, because God has accepted them. Who are you to judge someone else’s servants? They stand or fall before their own Lord (and they will stand, because the Lord has the power to make them stand). One person considers some days to be more sacred than others, while another person considers all days to be the same. Each person must have their own convictions. Someone who thinks that a day is sacred, thinks that way for the Lord. Those who eat, eat for the Lord, because they thank God. And those who don’t eat, don’t eat for the Lord, and they thank the Lord too. We don’t live for ourselves and we don’t die for ourselves. If we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord.

Therefore, whether we live or die, we belong to God. This is why Christ died and lived: so that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living. But why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you look down on your brother or sister? We all will stand in front of the judgment seat of God. 

Because it is written, “‘As I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow to me, and every tongue will give praise to God.’” So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God. So stop judging each other. Instead, this is what you should decide: never put a stumbling block or obstacle in the way of your sibling.

For the Word spoken, the Word received, and the Word lived, we say...Thanks be to God.

Message...Rev. Elizabeth / “Walking Through Conflict”

RESPONDING

Hymn of Response...“Take My Life, and Let It Be” (UMH #399)

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

*Closing Hymn...“They’ll Know We Are Christians By Our Love” (TFWS #2223)

*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

Upcoming Events, News, and Information 

Michele is in the process of updating the directory. If there have been any changes to the information in the d i r e c t o r y , please send her an email at office@saintpaulsboulder.org or hand her a piece of paper with the information on it.

Ladies Lunch Bunch will meet on Thursday, March 6, at 11:45 a.m., at Murphy’s Tap House (585 McCaslin Blvd., Louisville). Please RSVP by March 4 to Marcia Hult.

Thank you to our volunteers! We appreciate everyone who serves as liturgist or usher, hosts fellowship, brings flowers, or works in the nursery. If you want to sign up for a date in the future that is not listed on the sign-up page, just add a note at the office.

February 16 @ St Paul's: Prayer Requests

Tim C.--Thanks that Billy found a new job

Teri--Celebrates Joan's 89th birthday

Joan C.--Asks for prayer for safe travels for Ben and Edna on their honeymoon

February 16 @ St Paul's: Worship bulletin

February 16, 2025
The Blessing of Difference 

Worship video link:  https://youtu.be/fg1DdyWI7Xc

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 (she/her)

*Opening Hymn...“Help Us Accept Each Other” (UMH #560)

*Call to Worship...Amy Abshire (she/her)
Leader: We come together, yet we do not always see the world the same way.
People: Still, we are called to worship as one.
Leader: Some of us arrive with certainty; others carry questions and doubt.
People: Still, we are gathered by the same Spirit.
Leader: We are many voices, many stories, yet one people of God.
People: We step forward, not in sameness, but in the richness of difference.
Leader: In our diversity, we are made stronger; in our unity, we are made whole.
All: Together, with God’s help, we move forward in faith.

Unison Prayer...Amy Abshire
God of all people, all voices, all ways of seeing, You have created us uniquely, Each with our own experiences, perspectives, and gifts. Too often, we resist what we do not understand, turning difference into division, rather than seeing it as a gift. Still, you call us to walk together. When listening is hard, open our hearts. When we feel uncertain, steady our steps. When we resist the unfamiliar, remind us— Your Spirit moves in the spaces between us. Step by step, teach us to trust, to learn from one another, to see the gifts that abound in our community. And, God, teach us to move forward in love. Amen.

Hymn of Prayer...“Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying” (TFWS #2193)

LISTENING

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.

Scripture Reading: Genesis 11.1-9 (CEB)...Amy Abshire
All people on the earth had one language and the same words. When they traveled east, they found a valley in the land of Shinar and settled there. They said to each other, “Come, let’s make bricks and bake them hard.” They used bricks for stones and asphalt for mortar. They said, “Come, let’s build for ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the sky, and let’s make a name for ourselves so that we won’t be dispersed over all the earth.”

Then the Lord came down to see the city and the tower that the humans built. And the Lord said, “There is now one people and they all have one language. This is what they have begun to do, and now all that they plan to do will be possible for them. Come, let’s go down and mix up their language there so they won’t understand each other’s language.” Then the Lord dispersed them from there over all of the earth, and they stopped building the city. Therefore, it is named Babel, because there the Lord mixed up the language of all the earth; and from there the Lord dispersed them over all the earth.

For the Word spoken, the Word received, and the Word lived, we say...
Thanks be to God.

Message...Rev. Elizabeth / “The Blessing of Difference”

RESPONDING

Hymn of Response...“Take My Life, and Let It Be” (UMH #399)

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

*Closing Hymn...“For the Healing of the Nations” (UMH #428)

*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

Upcoming Events, News, and Information

The church council will meet tomorrow, Monday, February 17, at 7:00 p.m. in the Blue Room.

Sew What will meet on Friday, February 21, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Myrle Myers's home. Please R.S.V.P. to Myrle via text, email, or phone call (mmmyers59@msn.com / 303-810-8044). Myrle will provide lunch. Sew What is for those who love to sew, knit, crochet, embroider, and/or enjoy visiting with one another.

February 9 @ St Paul's: Prayers

Scott G. reports that Kami is thankful for all the cards, calls, and prayers in the last week.

Scott G. asks for prayers for federal employees (he is one) who are in upheaval right now.

Scott G. asks for quick restoration of US AID programs, saying that while they are suspended, "Many people will die."

Bob M. is thankful for a good visit to Seattle to see his daughter and her boyfriend.

Bob M. asks for healing for his right shoulder.

Diane McK. reports that her dad is doing well in Frasier Meadows; he's bed-ridden but in good spirits

February 9 @ St Paul's: Worship Bulletin

February 9, 2025

The First Step

Link for service on YouTube:  https://youtu.be/Mi0sHDHI43c?si=wYy3Y8sDMGSRmGpg

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...Amy Abshire (she/her)

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

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

Leader: Through choice, through action, through steps of our own, we come to worship.

People: Here we come, preparing our hearts and souls to listen.

Leader: Even in uncertainty, the waters wait before us.

People: The path is unknown, but still, we hear God calling us forward.

Leader: Fear tells us to stay where we are, but faith invites us to move.

People: Still, we trust that God is making a way.

Leader: We do not walk alone—God is with us, and we walk together.

All: Together, with God’s help, we move forward in faith.

Unison Prayer...Rebecca Glancy

God of every relationship, every place where we gather and grow, You know that walking together is not always easy. We do not always see the same way, speak the same way, or know how to move forward. Still, you call us to take one step, not because we have it all figured out, but because choosing to walk together matters. Teach us when to hold on and when to let go, when to speak and when to listen, when to trust the path, even when we cannot see where it leads. May love be the ground beneath our feet, the courage within us, and the step we take today. Amen.

Choral Reflection...“New Year” by John Rutter

LISTENING

Community prayer concerns and celebrations
Please wait for Amy 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...Amy Abshire

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.

Scripture Reading: Exodus 14:10-16 (CEB)...Rebecca Glancy
As Pharaoh drew closer, the Israelites looked back and saw the Egyptians marching toward them. The Israelites were terrified and cried out to the Lord. They said to Moses, “Weren’t there enough graves in Egypt that you took us away to die in the desert? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt like this? Didn’t we tell you the same thing in Egypt? ‘Leave us alone! Let us work for the Egyptians!’ It would have been better for us to work for the Egyptians than to die in the desert.”

But Moses said to the people, “Don’t be afraid. Stand your ground, and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never ever see again. The Lord will fight for you. You just keep still.”

Then the Lord said to Moses, “Why do you cry out to me? Tell the Israelites to get moving. As for you, lift your shepherd’s rod, stretch out your hand over the sea, and split it in two so that the Israelites can go into the sea on dry ground.”

For the Word spoken, the Word received, and the Word lived, we say we say...Thanks be to God.

Message...Amy Abshire / “The First Step”

RESPONDING

Hymn of Response...“Take My Life, and Let It Be” (UMH #399)

Offering...Amy Abshire
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...Amy Abshire

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

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

Postlude...Kyle Dacon

Upcoming Events, News, and Information

The church council meeting has been scheduled for Monday, February 17, at 7:00 p.m. If you or a representative from your committee cannot be there, please submit a report to Scott Glancy.

Feb 2 @ St Paul's: Prayers

Tim C. celebrates his mom's 99th birthday.

Rebecca G. celebrates an 8% improvement/reduction in her scoliosis

Steve M. asks for prayers as he and his doctors try to resolve oxygenation issues

Claudia M. celebrates Elaine's (Christopher's girlfriend) successful gall bladder surgery and significant recovery

Lorie C. asks for prayers for her brother who continues to battle cancer; chemo is not working, so he will consult a nuclear oncologist this week

Feb 2 @ St Paul's: Worship Bulletin

February 2, 2025
Sent to Serve, Called to Love

YouTube worship video link:  https://youtu.be/vf8ZkNgM4FM?si=l6QvvZGykk3LtV61

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

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

Prelude...Kyle Dacon (he/him)

Call to Worship...Amy Abshire (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 Jesus washing the feet of the disciples, we are invited to serve as an act of equity.

People: Like Jesus eating with sinners, we are invited to love as an act of justice.

Leader: Come, let us worship the One who calls us to be His hands, feet, and heart in the world.

All: With willing hearts and open eyes, we worship the God who calls us to co-create the kin-dom .

*Hymn...“Together We Serve” (TFWS #2175)

LISTENING

Scripture Reading: Mark 10:35-45 (CEB)...Amy Abshire

James and John, Zebedee’s sons, came to Jesus and said, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask.” 

“What do you want me to do for you?” he asked. 

They said, “Allow one of us to sit on your right and the other on your left when you enter your glory.” 

Jesus replied, “You don’t know what you’re asking! Can you drink the cup I drink or receive the baptism I receive?” 

“We can,” they answered.

Jesus said, “You will drink the cup I drink and receive the baptism I receive, but to sit at my right or left hand isn’t mine to give. It belongs to those for whom it has been prepared.”

Now when the other ten disciples heard about this, they became angry with James and John. Jesus called them over and said, “You know that the ones who are considered the rulers by the Gentiles show off their authority over them and their high-ranking officials order them around. But that’s not the way it will be with you. Whoever wants to be great among you will be your servant. Whoever wants to be first among you will be the slave of all, for the Human One didn’t come to be served but rather to serve and to give his life to liberate many people.”

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

Message...Rev. Elizabeth / “Sent to Serve, Called to Love”

RESPONDING

Bell Anthem...“Go Tell It on the Mountain,” arranged by Sandra Eithun

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 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)

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.

Come...For this is Christ’s table—a table not of individual faith alone, but of shared journey, where we are shaped in love and strengthened for the road ahead.

We come, not alone but together, as one body. We come not in our own strength, but in the strength of Christ’s love. We come, ready to be formed, to be renewed, and to be sent.

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...
And so, with all Your people on earth and all the company of heaven, we join in the unending hymn of praise:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of Your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

Holy are You, and blessed is Jesus Christ...

And so, in remembrance of these mighty acts in Jesus Christ, we offer ourselves as a community of faith, in praise and thanksgiving, as we proclaim the mystery of faith:

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

Prayer After Communion: God of grace and glory, You have met us at this table, feeding us not only with bread and cup but with Your very presence. As we rise from this sacred meal, may we rise ready to follow. May we go forth as a people shaped by grace, rooted in tradition, expanding the table, opening ourselves to awe, and stepping boldly into service. May we embody the love we have received, bearing witness to the One who calls us and sends us into the world. In Christ’s name, we pray. Amen.

SENDING

Connecting...Rev. Elizabeth

*Hymn...“Here I Am, Lord” (UMH #593)

*Words for the Journey...Rev. Elizabeth

Postlude...Kyle Dacon

Acknowledgments
Our thanks and appreciation to Amy Abshire for serving as our liturgist today, to Kyle Dacon for being our accompanist, and to the Muckles for hosting fellowship.

Upcoming Events, News, and Information
The church council scheduled for today has been cancelled. Scott has sent a poll to reschedule.

Ladies Lunch Bunch will meet on Thursday, February 6, at 11:45 a.m., at Ironwood Bar and Grille at Flatirons Golf Course (5706 Arapahoe Avenue, Boulder). Please RSVP by February 4 to Myrle Myers (MMMyers59@msn.com / 303-810-8044).

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

St. Paul’s United Methodist Church welcomes you!
We’re glad to have you worship with us this morning. Please sign the attendance pad at the back of the sanctuary. Please submit prayer requests by completing a prayer request card,