St. Paul's United Church of Christ

Dear St. Paul’s Family,

In early January we celebrated the Baptism of Christ.  Jesus’ baptism takes place just three weeks after we celebrate Christmas.  He’s grown fast in those three weeks of gospel readings.  No longer an infant, but a man in his late twenties, Jesus joins his cousin John in the Jordan River and is baptized.  The story quickly shifts from the safe confines of the newly baptized crowds on the river bank to the harsh surroundings of the desert.  The Spirit drives Jesus from his home into a forty day mystical retreat in the wilderness.  Jesus is not alone in the desert; the Holy Spirit is there as a companion, but so is the Tempter, Satan, relentlessly trying to sway Jesus from the path to which he is called.

Our own spiritual journey now leads us back to the wilderness as we continue through the season of Lent.  Lent begins with Jesus once again in the wilderness, facing temptation, and even facing his own mortality.  The scriptures lead us to believe that even when he is with his disciples, Jesus sometimes wonders if he is up to the challenges, the difficulties that lay just around the corner.

Life changes quickly.  Just as Jesus tasted the sweet love of the baptismal waters and was driven out into harsh nothingness, we too have known the bitter and sweet tastes of life.  Each of us has our own challenges to deal with and sometimes the things life brings us can cause great struggle and stress.  There are countless events that put us in a state of desolate loneliness, a place where both hope and God seem far away. I don’t know how Jesus must have felt in the wilderness of the desert, but I’d like to think that he has some sympathy for our plight.   

What is your wilderness?  What things in your life have you feeling alone, beaten, frustrated?  Do you ever find yourself tempted?  Are you tempted to give up on your convictions, on hope, on the people in your life?  Are you even tempted to throw in the towel on life itself, to end your life and your suffering?

Things like depression, illness, damaged relationships, joblessness, and others, are not solitary experiences.  We all have tasted the frustrations of life.  Jesus knew what it was like to be betrayed by those he loved.  He knew what fear and frustration felt like as things seldom went his way.  

God has given each of us a life and a calling.  We are not beings created for solitude, but called to discover our salvation in the life-giving community that is the church, the Body of Christ.  During these forty days of Lent, may you reconnect with the life giving Spirit of our Savior—and remember you are never alone.  The Body of Christ, your church family, is by your side throughout the wildernesses of life.  Connect with us, and let us know how we may help you on your journey.

Blessings on your journey,

Pastor Matt

April’s Meetings at a Glance (available at press time)

Wednesday, April 3rd:  Trustees, 5:00pm, CE Room, Accessibility Task Force, 6:00pm, CE Room

Thursday, April 4th:  Care Team, 1:00pm, CE Room

Saturday, April 6th:  Men’s Brotherhood, 8:00am, Annual Pancake Breakfast trip to Salisbury, carpool leaves from the church parking lot at 8:00am

Monday, April 8th:  Women’s Fellowship 6:30pm, Fellowship Hall

Tuesday, April 23rd:  Church Council, 7:00pm in the CE Room 

St. Paul’s is on Facebook!  Be sure to “Like” us to keep up with updates and events.

Book of Remembrance forms are in the literature rack in the narthex.  If you wish to give a gift in memory of or in honor of a loved one, please use this form.  You can place it in your offering envelope along with your monetary gift or you can bring it to the office.  We save these forms for documentation until the Book of Remembrance is published in the newsletter twice a year.  Thank you for taking the time to submit the form.

Bible Study: Bible Studies following worship themes will be held on Tuesdays at 10:00am in the Salem Chapel.  

Women’s Fellowship

All women of the church are invited to attend the upcoming Women’s Fellowship meeting on Monday, March 8th at 6:30pm.  The night’s agenda includes an important business meeting and an Easter project.    

Men’s Brotherhood Pancake Breakfast

The Men’s Brotherhood will be making their annual pilgrimage to the Salisbury Lions Club pancake/buckwheat cake breakfast on Saturday, April 6th.  We will leave the church at 8am.  A carpool will gather in the back parking lot.  All men of the church are invited to attend!

Church Ministry Team Meeting Nights

Church Council, at their March meeting, put forth a new plan to streamline the process of committee and ministry team planning.  The recommendation is that the committees of church council and other special groups that meet on a regular basis covenant to meet on either the first Wednesday or third Tuesday of each month.  Hour-long meeting slots will open at 4:00pm each day and close at 7:00pm.  The hope is that by having most of our meetings on two nights we can better plan when committees will meet and give each committee better access to the church’s programming staff.  We also anticipate that the common meeting nights will increase opportunities for worship and fellowship.  This plan also leaves open the possibility of committees still meeting outside of the two Church Ministry Team Nights if neither of those dates and times work for their committee members. 

Committee and group chairs should contact Pastor Matt with questions or to schedule meetings.

Living Waters Camp and Conference Center is April’s Mission Offering

Living Waters Camp and Conference Center is our mission partner for April. For the past 54 years Living Waters has provided camping, educational, and worship opportunities for all age groups throughout the year.   Most of their children’s camps are offered during the month of July.  The theme for this year is Peace Talks and includes programs for kids from Kindergarten through High School.  Living Waters also has rental facilities that will accommodate individual tent camping as well as RV’s.  In August they sponsor a Golf Outing and can provide housing for a variety of retreats.

Greeters & Ushers for March

April 7:  Communion By Intinction: Karen Addleman—Chair & Elder, Karen Gibson—Elder, Harold Wahl, Sally Wahl

April 14:  Patrick Ferko—Chair, Craig Schenck, Donna Phillippi, Kenny Shaffer

April 18:  Maundy Thursday:  Communion By Intinction:  Andra Snyder—Chair & Elder, Harold Weaver—Elder, Candy Christner, Sue Geary

April 19:  Good Friday:  Pete Hauger—Chair, Kathy Hauger 

April 21:  Easter Sunday:  Communion In the Pews:  Mike Stutzman—Chair & Elder, Barb Stutzman—Elder, Sally McClintock, Peg Roy, Jenn Boland, Craig Weaver, Angie Brumbaugh, Rebecca Miller, Sienna Ash, Audrey Hay

April 28: Peg Roy–Chair, Isabel Shumaker, Henry Cook, Mike Boyer

Devotional Resources for Lent:  

Walking Through Lent In Prayer  is the this year’s theme for Lent.  Besides worship, Bible study, and Sunday School, we have the following offerings to help you pray your way through Lent and draw closer to God.  

The Daily Pastor’s Prayer Petition.  The daily petition is your invitation to be united with others in our church family and network of friends as we pray for various individuals, mission partners, and causes in our world.  Please email Pastor Matt if you’d like to subscribe to the Daily Pastor’s Prayer Petition and receive the daily email.  His address is jmdeal@gmail.com.  

 

 Illustrated Children’s Ministry has a great intergenerational resource for individuals and families.  The “Seven Last Words” Devotional Guide will take you through the final hours of Christ’s life and will offer prompts for prayer and acts of devotion.

 

An “Illustrated Lent For Families:  Reflections on Prayer” offer activities for families to guide them through the season of Lent.  This resource is a great opportunity for families to build their spiritual life together through prayer.  

Worship & Fellowship Opportunities During Lent

Worship Opportunities:

• Somerset Area Ministries (SAM):  Lenten Community Worship Services will be held each Wednesday during Lent at First United Methodist Church at 12:00pm.  There will be a fellowship meal following each service (with the exception of Good Friday).

Holy Week Services:

Holy Week (April 14th-21st) is a sacred time in the life of the church.  During the week we will come together for special worship opportunities.  I hope that you will join us during this holy time for worship, prayer, repentance, and praise of our risen Lord.

Maundy Thursday:  April 18th, the service will begin at 7:00pm. We will commemorate the Lord’s Supper and celebrate with the children who will partake of their first Holy Communion.

Good Friday:  April 19th, will be the traditional Tenebrae Service (Service of Darkness).  The Adult Sunday School Class will lead us in worship. Service begins at 7:00pm. 

The Easter Sunrise Service:  Sunday, April 21st, will be held in the Union Cemetery with a procession leaving the church at 6:30am. (weather permitting).  We will meet in the Edgewood Avenue Narthex.  The service will be followed by a breakfast served in the fellowship hall.  The service will be led by our Youth Group and Confirmation Class.

Easter Worship:  Begins at 9:30a.m. and will include the Sacrament of Holy Communion.

The Family Prepares:  For a Child’s First Communion

When?  Sunday, April 14th, Time TBD depending on participant’s schedules 

Where? Youth Room

Why?  Once a month we celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Communion.  For many, joining in the celebration of the Lord’s Supper is a very special occasion.  Many young people in our church have picked up on the significance of the Sacrament.  Some have even asked me if they can join their parents and the rest of us in partaking of the bread and cup.  Traditionally, a child first partakes of Communion after he or she is Confirmed, however, the growing interest of some parents and children, as well as the theological understanding that all who are baptized should have access to the Lord’s Supper has compelled your pastor and church council to offer The Family Prepares.  

What’s it About?  The Family Prepares will kick off with the sharing of food…The Lord’s Supper is, after all, a time to share food and fellowship.  We’ll each together just like Jesus and his disciples!  We’ll learn about the importance of the Lord’s Supper and why God wants us to come to the table.   

Who Should Attend?  All children and their families who wish to partake of Holy Communion for the first time on Maundy Thursday (Thursday, April 18th at 7:00pm).  Ultimately, parents must make the first decision if their child is mature enough to participate in the Communion service.  Age is not the issue, maturity is.  Does your child have the ability to understand the importance of the Meal?  If so, please speak with Pastor Matt and sign up.  There will be a sign up sheet at the back of the sanctuary.

Save the date for Community Vacation Bible School!  This year’s Community VBS will be June 24th-28th.  Children from 3 years old to 6th grade are invited to attend.  This year’s Bible school will be a cooperative effort between 4 partner churches.  As is the case every year, we need adult and teen helpers to make our VBS a success.  Please talk to Pastor Matt or Jenn Boland if you are interested in helping!

Easter Egg Hunt & Party!  

Our annual egg hunt and party will be following worship on Palm Sunday, April 14th.  Children and families are invited to gather in Fellowship Hall for the festivities.  Following the egg hunt, games, and crafts, a pizza lunch will be served.  Weather permitting, the egg hunt will be held outside.

A sign up sheet for donations of hardboiled, dyed eggs, and bite-sized, pre-wrapped candy will be posted on the nursery door.  Please put your name on the sign-up sheet if you’d like to help provide treats for the egg hunt.  This year we do not need any plastic eggs.  We could also use adult and teen volunteers to help with the party festivities.  Please talk to Pastor Matt or Jenn Boland if you’d like to help.

Living Waters Camp and Conference Center is our mission partner for April. For the past 54 years Living Waters has provided camping, educational, and worship opportunities for all age groups throughout the year.   Most of their children’s camps are offered during the month of July.  The theme for this year is Peace Talks and includes programs for kids from Kindergarten through High School.  Living Waters also has rental facilities that will accommodate individual tent camping as well as RV’s.  In August they sponsor a Golf Outing and can provide housing for a variety of retreats.

Please contact the church office if you’re interested in attending camp.  Scholarships are available!

We are very excited about our brand new children’s ministry!  Children’s Church is for kids 5 years-old through 5th grade.  Participants will begin worship in the Sanctuary with their parents or guardians and will leave for Children’s Church following the Time for Children.  They will conclude their time at the close of the regular worship service.  The children can be picked up outside of the CE Room.

What is Children’s Church?

It’s a brand new worship opportunity for some of our youngest church family members.  Children’s Church will engage kids in worship at their level while also keeping a common worship theme with the regular worship service.  This will give children the opportunity to worship God at an age appropriate level and also engage with parents and guardians around the shared theme between the two services.

The Children’s Church worship space will be set up in the CE Room at the end of the hallway in the education wing.  We would appreciate prayers and volunteers to help us as we get this new ministry up and running.  Adults and youth are needed to help lead each service and provide programming support as we prepare each week.  Please speak with our Children’s Church Coordinator Jenn Boland or Pastor Matt if you’d like to help.  Both can be reached through calling the church, 814-445-4534

Thank you for joining our prayer vigil!  We hope that God will bless and guide you during your time a prayer and discernment.  You will find below resources to help you on the journey.  There are 8 gates to guide you on your way.  May God Bless and Keep You!

GATE 1- PRAISE & WORSHIP- HOLY GOD

Praise God for:

Revealing the Divine to us in Worship.

Revealing the Divine to us through God’s Spirit.

(You may pray a song from St. Paul’s hymnal or a Psalm 22, 23, 24, 139, 37)

Acknowledge God’s greatness and incomparable power.

(Deut. 4:39; Psalm 8:1; 83:18)

Worship God for his constancy.

(1Tim. 1:17; Rev. 1:5; Deut. 7:7-9; 1 Cor. 1:9)

Thank God for inviting us to pray and for God’s goodness and mercy.

(Rom.9: 14-18; Ps. 106; 1 Thess. 5:1)

Offer yourself to God.  Ask God to be with you during your prayer time.

“ Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.”

Matt.11:28

“Lord, teach us to pray.”

Luke 11:1

Come be with me, Lord Jesus. 

 

GATE 2 – BLESSING ST. PAUL’S UCC

Ask God to reveal Christ’s will for St. Paul’s  (Gal.2:2;  Matt 16: 17-19) (See Prayer suggestion sheet-attached).

Ask God to bless the work of Christians so that they might give freely to those in need (Psalm 24:3-5)

Pray for wisdom, direction, blessing and protection for St. Paul’s UCC Teams  and Leaders:

St. Paul’s Church Council

President: John Geary, Jr.

Vice President: Karen Addleman

Secretary: Sally McClintock

Treasurer: Jonathan Hillegas

Trustees: Roger Rayman, Jonathan Hillegas, Craig Schenck

 Spiritual Life & Evangelism: Sally McClintock

Music and Worship: Michelle Sredy and Karen Addleman

Pastoral Relations: Karen Addleman and Patrick Ferko

Christian Education: Andra Snyder

Stewardship: Peg Roy

Pray we understand God’s vision for  St. Paul’s Ministries:

St. Paul’s Youth

Women’s Fellowship

Men’s Brotherhood

Homeless

Confirmation

Visitation for homebound & sick    

Prayer Circle / Prayer List

Pause for Persons

HospitalityTeam

Members

Bible Brew

The Special Gift Team

Pre-school & Nursery

Cornerstone–St. Paul’s newsletter  

CD Ministry

GATE 3 – WORSHIP / PASTOR

Eph. 1: 11-20  Jn.4:23  Ps. 95:6  Ps. 66:4

Give thanks for the opportunity and privilege to worship God.  Pray for your pastor and other pastors as they lead people in worship.  May they be a blessing to others and be protected.

 

Please pray for those who are engaged in our worship life as a church.

Pastor Matt and Amanda Deal

David Neimiller–Director of Music and Organist and Special Programs

Marcy Shellenberger–Children’s & Youth Choir Director

Eyvonne Shaffer–Accompanist for the Children’s & Youth Choir

Cindy Lambert–Administrative Assistant & Financial Secretary

Amy & Mark Marteeny–Custodians

Rev. Dr. Art Gotjen, Rev. Glenn Sadler, and Mr. Bill Deal–special worship leaders and preachers

Rev. Westley Conn–Associate in Ministry and staff pastor at the Harvard Memorial Church

The Chancel Choir

The Children’s & Youth Choir

GATE 4 – HEALING

Psalm 147:1-5,  Luke 9:1-6,  Isaiah 53:4-6

Pray that others may know Christ as their healer as well as their Savior. Pray for healing of relationships, physical healing, inner/emotional healing, and special needs (jobs, financial hardship) and deliverance from addictions.  Pray for those struggling to overcome sins that damage relationships.

Claim the promises of complete health and wholeness for any who are sick and suffering.  (Please feel free to refer to the April Prayer Concern List.  The list is updated monthly.)

Pray for recent families who grieve the loss of loved ones

Pray for our shut-ins

Pray for St. Paul’s members’ prayer requests

Pray for extended church family

Pray for St. Paul’s Visitation ministry to the Homebound & sick

Thank God for Carole Wilson for coordinating our Care Team ministry and Prayer Circle/Prayer Concerns for the church.  May God bless members of our Care Team:  Carole, Marge Ankney, Nancy Thomas, and Audrey Hay; and our Prayer Circle:   Carole, Marge, Martha Walker, and Helen Brown

 

GATE 5 – PERSONAL PRAYER GUIDE

Philippians 4: 4-9

Rejoice in the Lord always….Rejoice! Phil 4:4

 

Consider God’s goodness: Ps. 34:8, 37:3, 119:68.

Ponder God’s nurturing ways:  Jn. 5:17, 8:28, 10:30, 14:6, 14:9,

Sing praises to God:  Psalms 148, 150, 113:3, 117, 145:21.

Praise the name of the Lord.  Ps. 52:9

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Phil. 4:6.

Cast your cares on God. 1 Pet. 5:7, Phil. 4:19

Give thanks to the Lord.  Ps. 100.

Pray, petitioning the Lord accordingly

Count your blessings and answer to prayer. Matt.7:11

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Receive God’s peace.  Jn. 14:27

Consider God’s works. Ps. 8:3, 1 Sam. 12:24

Rebuke fear in Jesus’ name.  1 Jn. 4:18

Whatever is true, right, pure, lovely, and admirable-think about such things.  Phil. 4:8

Receive God’s word. Ps. 119

Claim God’s wisdom. (one chapter of Proverbs per day).

Declare God’s power  (one chapter of Acts per day).

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Phil 4:23   

GATE  6 – FAMILY THANKSGIVING & BLESSING

Some things you may want to remember as you pray

• Thank the Lord for working in your family

• Pray for forgiveness and healing over past hurts

• Pray for your children and their needs

• Pray on behalf of your extended family. (Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Grandparents)

• Pray for protection and blessings for families

Sunday School- Praise God for our Sunday School teachers & learners.  Pray for our program as we discern its future.

Family Fellowship Dinners (June & December)- Thank God for the Women’s Fellowship for organizing these dinners.

Church Family Picnic- (August)- Pray for those organizing this family event.  Pray all who will attend–our church family, friends, & children

Mother-Daughter Tea-  Thank God for the volunteers who are organizing this event. Pray for the spiritual food & fellowship @ this celebration.

Quilters & Knotters Praise God for this women’s ministry @ St. Paul’s UCC.  Many people felt the warmth of the quilts & lap covers and many have been healed by the prayers of these women.

Card Ministries- Pray for Marge Ankney ‘s and Karen Gibson’s faithfulness in doing this important hospitality ministry.

Tuesday Morning Bible Study- Thank God for Pastor Matt’s teachings on the Scriptures.

St. Paul’s Community Garden- May God bless those who are planning this year’s garden and those who will take care of it.  Ask that God may use the fruits of our labors to bless the hungry in community.

St. Paul’s Youth Group- Ask God to bless the youth of our community and the members of our youth group.  May God expand our ministry to the youth in our community and help us to grow in faith.

 

GATE 7 – WISDOM 

(FAITH FORMATION & SCHOOLS)

COL. 2:3, JAMES 1:5, PROV. 24:3 

Pray that God may be with all educators.  Lift up by name the schools in our area. Pray that God may bless the staff, teachers, students, and administrators  the principals, teachers and administrators. (Tim. 1:8)

• Somerset Area School District 
• North Star School District
• Berlin-Brothersvalley School District
• Shanksville-Stoneycreek School District 
• Rockwood Area School District
• Salisbury Elk-Lick School District
• Meyersdale Area School District
• Turkeyfoot Valley Area School District 

(Feel free to pray for other schools that you may be connected to.)

Please remember in prayer our students in post-secondary programs and schools:

• Sara Geary
• Sydney Geary
• Carter Geary
• Kira Geary
• Anna Chan
• Colby Keim
• Becca Gary
• Seth Rose
• Annie Snyder
• Chandler Marteeny
• Kortney Glessner
• Balee Wahl
• Matthew Willison

 

Pray for St. Paul’s Christian Education Team, Community Vacation Bible School, (See Prayer Requests). Pray for our Sunday School Teachers & Programs.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION MINISTRIES/ YOUTH MINISTRIES

REACHING OUT: Community Vacation Bible School, The Children’s Aid Society, Heifer Project, Souper Bowl of Caring, Ronald McDonald House

BUILDING UP: Preschool and Nursery, Sunday School, Confirmation Class, Youth Group, Easter Sunrise Service, Church Library

SENDING FORTH: Camp Living Waters, Mid-Atlantic Regional Youth Event, Children & Youth Choirs

Camp Living Waters: ask God to bring many children and youth to camp this summer.  May God direct and guide the staff and counselors.  Pray for guidance for the board members.

Regional Youth Event (July 19-22) Thank God for the generosity of Congregations, Churches, and individuals who give financial assistance.  Pray for St. Paul’s UCC youth who are attending.  Pray the youth will connect through fellowship, worship, and service.

FUTURE MINISTRIES: Mission Trips & Teams, Children’s Ministries, Community Outreach

GATE 8 – MISSIONS / COMMUNITY / WORLD

Thank God for Stewardship Team: Chair, Peg Roy and members Sue Willison, Henry Cook, and Karen Gibson.  We give thanks for their organizing and coordinating local, regional, and global missions.  We pray for continued wisdom as they seek ways in which we may use our time, talents, and treasures to do God’s work in the world.

Please pray on behalf of our Missionaries and Global Ministries

• Rev. Jeffrey Mensendiek and his family serving in Japan

• Rev. Martha Mensendiek and her family serving in Japan

• Our board of Global Ministries and the over 40 missionaries serving around the world

Our Mission Partners

The SAM Van

Church World Service Blankets

One Great Hour of Sharing

Hoffman Homes for Youth

St. Paul Homes

Living Waters

The Children’s Aid Society

Our Church’s Wider Mission

The United Church of Christ

The Salvation Army

Habitat for Humanity

Lancaster Theological Seminary

The Next Step Center

Somerset Area Food Pantry

The Mobile Food Pantry

Somerset Area Ministry

Penn West Conference

Offer a prayer of confession for the sins that hurt our neighbor and grieve God.

“We confess to you, O God, the indifference that inflicts our society.  Forgive us for turning a blind eye toward the hungry, sick, and inflicted.  Help us to establish a more just society as we work to make educational opportunities available to all your children and incorporate the prisoner back into the fold of your people.  Forgive our greed and self-serving actions.  Help us to be generous as Christ our Savior is generous, so that others may have life through our life.  In Jesus’ name we pray.  Amen.

We pray for our world:

• • The victims of terror attacks around the world.
  • Pray for victims of violence and exploitation.
  • Puerto Rico-recovery and rebuilding form last fall’s hurricanes.
  • Conflicts and war throughout the world.  May the Prince of Peace be known among Israelis and Palestinians, Afghans and Pakistanis, Syrians and the people of the Middle East.  May God be known in our community and homes.
  • Pray for peace and understanding between the United States and Russia
  • Pray for the millions of refugees who are fleeing war and famine.  May they find hospitality and a safe home away from home.
• Conflicts and war throughout the world.  May the Prince of Peace be known among Israelis and Palestinians, Afghanis and Pakistanis, Syrians and the people of the Middle East.  May God be known in our community and homes.

• Pray for the un-churched and those hurt by churches.  Pray that St. Paul’s UCC would seek opportunities to minister with them.

• Pray for those who have addictions and for those agencies treating them. Pray for police and law enforcement.  May their work help to free our community of drugs.
• Pray that God may give wisdom to our civic leaders, especially, Local, State and Federal Government officials.

• Pray for President Trump and Vice-President Pence, members of congress, and public servants.

• Thank God for those in authority who honor God.

St. Paul’s United Church of Christ

24 Hour Prayer Vigil

Friday, April 14, 2017, 8:00PM – Saturday, April 15, 2017, 7:00 PM

PRAYER GUIDE

Take time to quiet yourself in God’s presence.

Take a few deep breaths and relax.  You may read some scripture verses to quiet your spirit or be silent.  Sometimes we cannot stop our thoughts.  Just let your thoughts go by or each time a thought comes lift it up in prayer.

“Be still and know that I am God” Psalm 46:10

Declare your desire to rely on God by asking God to be with you during this prayer time.

  “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matt. 11:28 

“Teach me to pray.” Luke 11:1

or say the phrase:  “Come be with me Lord Jesus.”

 

Tell God your desires and needs and lift up specific prayer requests.

A. Pray for our Church

B. Pray for our Pastor and members of our church family.

C. Pray for your friends and your family.

D. Pray for yourself

E. Pray for our community

F.  Pray for the world.

Pray scripture as a Prayer of Adoration, Thanksgiving and Petition

Psalm 22, 23, 24,  Psalm 139,  Psalm 37,  Psalm 42,

Isaiah 53 (Good for this Easter Season), Jeremiah 14: (17-21), Psalm 63

Morning Prayers

Psalm 11, Psalm 15, Psalm 36, Psalm 57, Jeremiah 31:10-14,  Psalm100, Psalm 42, Psalm 43

Evening Prayers

Psalm 20, Psalm 4, Psalm 31, Psalm 134, Psalm 27 (1-6),

Colossians 1:12-20

Psalm 30,  Psalm 110,  I Peter 2: 21-24 (For Lent)

You may pray songs as Prayer of Praise, Petition, or Confession

“Have Thine Own Way Lord” #588,    “ Abide with Me” #636

“Amazing Grace” #546,   “The Old Rugged Cross”

Closing Prayer

The Lord’s Prayer

Prayer of Gratitude to have this Time in Prayer

Remember there is no right or wrong way to pray. Praying is personal and communal.  We join with others to offer our prayers for the church, the community, and the world.    Some of us will come to God with burdens and requests, others will come with many praises, others will come in gratitude, and yet others will come with a repenting spirit.

Come as you are and pray for yourself and family, St. Paul’s UCC’s mission & ministry, Pastor Matt, and church family and friends, our community, the Church and the World.

 

Holy Week (April 14-21) is a sacred time in the life of the church.  During the week we will come together for special worship opportunities.  I hope that you will join us during this holy time for worship, prayer, repentance, and praise of our risen Lord.

Maundy Thursday:  April 18th, the service will begin at 7:00pm. We will commemorate the Lord’s Supper and celebrate with the children who will partake of their first Holy Communion.

Good Friday:  April 19th, will be the traditional Tenebrae Service (Service of Darkness).  The Adult Sunday School Class will lead us in worship. Service begins at 7:00pm.

The Easter Sunrise Service:  Sunday, April 21st, will be held in the Union Cemetery with a procession leaving the church at 6:30am. (weather permitting).  We will meet in the Edgewood Avenue Narthex.  The service will be followed by a breakfast served in the fellowship hall.  The service will be led by our Youth Group and Confirmation Class.

Easter Breakfast:  You are invited to join us for our annual Easter breakfast!  The breakfast will be in Fellowship Hall following the Easter Sunrise Service (around 7:15am).  Many thanks to the Men’s Brotherhood for sponsoring this wonderful event!

Easter Worship:  Begins at 9:30a.m. and will include the Sacrament of Holy Communion.

Three Services to Choose From!

“A Little Child Shall Lead Them” is the theme of this year’s 4:00pm Christmas Eve Service.  We will journey through scripture, learning about God’s saving work, while we sing carols and other songs to celebrate Jesus’ birth.  Children and youth will assist in leading the final two lessons as we mark the arrival of the Light of the World with a unique twist on the ancient tradition of lighting candles in celebration of the Light.  Kid-friendly lights will be shared with worshippers as we leave the sanctuary to spread the warm glow of Christ’s love in the world.

The Traditional Candlelight Service begins at 11:00pm.  Worshipers will experience the holy watching and waiting for the Light of the World to break forth as we celebrate Holy Communion and sing the great carols of the season.