Bishop aims big in short tenure at UM Men

Bishop James E. Swanson Sr. has honed his elevator pitch to perfection in the early days of his tenure steering United Methodist Men on an interim basis.

“How do we get men away from the pancake breakfasts to being a Big Brother?” he asked — with a grin — during an interview with United Methodist News, referring to the youth mentoring program.

Moving beyond meetings and getting out into the community through Scouting and other ministries is key, he says, along with committing to authentic Christian discipleship.

Swanson wants to make progress rather than being a placeholder after the departure of Greg Arnold, who left in November after serving just more than two years. The retired bishop has committed to staying on through General Conference, which is set for April 23-May 3 in Charlotte, North Carolina. He is well familiar with United Methodist Men having served as president of the board from 2012 to 2022 while leading the Mississippi Conference.

Swanson talked about the future of the agency and the denomination as United Methodists grapple with the disaffiliation of a quarter of U.S. congregations.

Read more at this link.

A lively Wednesday

Each Wednesday morning @ 10:00 AM we enjoy a lively time of fellowship via Zoom! Please consider adding this to your week's activities, you'll be glad you did!

Wednesday with the Wesleys

 A Prayer of Susanna Wesley

You, O Lord, have called us to watch and pray.

Therefore, whatever may be the sin against which we pray,

Make us careful to watch against it,

And so have reason to expect that our prayers will be answered.

In order to perform this duty aright,

Grant us grace to preserve a sober, equal temper,

And sincerity to pray for your assistance. Amen.

~ United Methodist Book of Worship, #528

Religous Freedom Day

"We assert the right of all religions and their adherents to freedom from legal, economic, and social discrimination."

United Methodist Social Principles, ¶162.B

Read more at this link.

Responding to Christian Nationalism

Christian nationalism is a troubling ideology that seeks to merge Christian and American identities. It distorts both the Christian faith and America’s constitutional democracy.

Using material provided by Christians Against Christian Nationalism, this workshop will provide a description of, discuss biblical responses to, and outline how to stand up against Christian nationalism.

January 20, 2024 @ 12:00 PM

Register at this link.   

This week @ St. Paul's UMC

Monday: MLK, Jr. Day

9:00 AM, Office hours

Tuesday: 

9:00 AM, Office hours

Wednesday:  

9:00 AM, Office hours

10:00 AM, Zoom Fellowship

7:30 PM, Choir practice

Thursday:  

9:00 AM, Office hours

Friday:

10:00 AM, Sew What @ Suzanne Polacek's

Saturday: Susanna Wesley's birthday

6:00 AM, BBKC prayer gathering 

9:00 AM, NEW Yoga class

Noon, Christian Nationalism webinar

Third Sunday after Epiphany

8:30 AM, Bell practice 

8:45 AM, Adult class

10:15 AM, Worship

11:15 AM, Fellowship  

12:30 PM, BBKC   

Scripture lessons for January 21

As we continue to move through the month of January, we turn to Mark 1:14-20 and Jonah 3:1-5, 10 for our scripture lessons.