Mission Moment from the Reconciling Ministries Committee

Back in March the St. Paul’s Reconciling Ministries Committee was scheduled to share our committee’s progress in a Mission Moment at one of our Sunday services. That Mission Moment never happened because that service never happened because so much of everything in our world was put on hold for the COVID-19 pandemic. But we are here today to give that report now.

You may remember that earlier this year a small group of us at St. Paul’s formed an informal committee, to begin a journey toward understanding what commitments we might want to make, collectively, toward becoming a more inclusive congregation in terms of welcoming Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning individuals. The committee members – Steve B., Scott G., Rebecca G., Abby L., Claudia M., and Judy W. – spent much of February and March making an effort to talk to as many of you as we could, one on one, to find out what inclusivity means to YOU as followers of Christ.

Here is a brief summary of what we found.

Overwhelmingly, every St. Paul’s member who spoke with us supported the goal of making persons of all sexual identities and orientations fully welcome at our church. People did have logistical questions about what kind of statement we might craft to convey this message and what kind of procedure would be employed to vote on it. Many people also wanted us to know that they are deeply committed to our remaining in loving fellowship with those who might find themselves in the minority on this issue – or indeed, on any issue. Just as individuals shared with us their support for the full inclusion of LBGTQ individuals in the life of our church, they also expressed an unwillingness to make any current members feel unwelcome for having divergent views on faith and sexuality. That is to say, the discussions were thoroughly animated by love for all current members – whatever their theological or political views – as well as enthusiastic support for the welcome of newcomers – whatever their sexual identities or orientations. We heard nothing but support for “open minds, open hearts, and open doors” in ALL forms.

If you or anyone you know has not yet talked with one of our committee members, please contact us. We want to hear from you! We also plan to organize some small group meetings – via ZOOM and/or safely distanced in-person gatherings – so that we can discuss this mission together within our St. Paul’s family, address any concerns, and begin talking about what we might say in St. Paul’s welcoming statement.

As before, we ask for your prayers as we continue on this journey together in a spirit of love, in the name of Jesus our Christ.

July 12 @ St. Paul's UMC: Announcements

+In keeping with current City/County of Boulder, State of Colorado, and Mountain Sky Conference guidance, all in-person programs and events of St. Paul's UMC are cancelled until further notice. Our worship service will continue in its Zoom format through the summer.   

+Virtual finance committee meeting following worship today.

+Five United Methodist Church bishops to discuss race relations in the US and the role the church can play. Today at 4pm. Tune in to join this conversation at youtube.com/HipPolitics.

+You are invited to join us each Wednesday morning @ 10:00 am, for a virtual coffee/tea informal gathering via Zoom. Join our Zoom gathering at this link.

+Newsletter articles are due on Wednesday.

+The Ladies Summer Book Group meets via Zoom each Thursday at 3:00 pm. Contact Belinda A. for login information.

+Please remember to send your gifts and offerings to support the ongoing  ministries of St. Paul's UMC (Boulder) to Martha B.

+Be sure to view our calendar to see the latest activities being offered through various virtual platforms. 

July 12 @ St. Paul's UMC: Prayers

Joys:

+Prayers of joy for Austin and Taylor H. on the birth of their son, Scout, on June 30. 

+St. Paul's UMC-Boulder is one of 16 (out of 57) churches in the Peaks/Pikes Peak District to have paid 100% of their mission shares during the first six months of the year.

+Sally O. is getting her stitches out this week.

+Belinda A. is happy to have such a wonderful community to share with.

+Peg F. says that our parking lot was being worked on last week and with some work still to be done this coming week, it already looks so much better!

Concerns:

+Those who are dealing with the impact of the pandemic including those facing health concerns, economic anxiety, or other disruptions of life. 

+Lifting up in prayers those affected by the pervasive nature of racism in our society.

+Please pray for the family of Pastor Norman and Rebecca Mark, whose son is suffering from COVID-19 complications.

+Please pray for the Rev. Olga Hard, who is recovering from surgery. She is a retired clergy member in the Utah/Western Colorado District.

+Prayers would be deeply appreciated for the Adair family, the Wittman family, and the McClure family all of Olney Springs, CO who have been deeply involved in the UMC in Olney Springs.

+Dave B.'s cousin, Dorothy, has set a date for her husband's (Steve) funeral in New Jersey.

July 12 @ St. Paul's UMC: Worship

6th Sunday after Pentecost 

Today’s Meditation Verse: “So I’ll offer a sacrifice of Thanksgiving to You, and I’ll call on the Lord’s name.” – Psalm 116:17 

Welcome—Pastor Charles

Call to Worship (Psalm 119:105-106)—Pastor Charles (Leader) and Angela Baker (People)

Congregation is encouraged to read People’s response aloud on mute setting

Leader: Your word is a lamp before my feet and a light for my journey. 

People: I have sworn, and I fully mean it: I will keep Your righteous rules. 

                                                                                                                                  

The Apostles Creed – Angela Baker

Congregation is encouraged to read aloud on Mute setting

I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; He descended to the dead. On the third day He rose again; He ascended into heaven, is seated at the right hand of the Father, and will come again to judge the living and the dead.

Community prayer requests, concerns, and celebrations—Pastor Charlesv

Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer—Pastor Charles

Congregation is encouraged to pray The Lord’s Prayer aloud on mute setting

First Lesson: Psalm 130—Angela Baker

Musical Offering: “Amazing Grace” recorded by Hank Troy and Wende Harston (June 2020)                             

New Testament Lesson: Matthew 25:1-13—Pastor Charles

Sermon: “Waiting for the Ambulance” —Pastor Charles

Celebration of Ministry--Reconciling Ministries Update (Claudia Mills)

Words for the Journey—Pastor Charles

Reminder: Gifts and tithes can be sent directly to Martha B. Contributions to the PATH Fund can be marked “PATH Fund” in the memo line. 

UMCOR supports formerly incarcerated as they reenter communities

A felony conviction can follow an individual for a lifetime, making it difficult to advance, even if the conviction happened decades ago.

The Southern Center for Human Rights in Atlanta partnered with UMCOR this year to establish a reentry program to help formerly incarcerated clients, the majority of whom are Black, thrive in their communities.

Read more at this link. 

Getting work done

The much-needed repairs to our parking lot began this week and it will yield a safer, better looking facility.

Well done!

The Mountain Sky Conference treasurer released a list today of the churches that have paid 100% of their mission shares for February - June. St. Paul's UMC - Boulder is among the churches in our district that have made this commitment a part of our continuing ministry.