St. Paul's United Church of Christ

Transportation Assistance:  If you, or someone you know, needs a ride to church or any church-related event, please contact the church office, 445-4534.

Emailing the church and Pastor Matt:  If you need to email the pastor or the church, please direct your email to jmdeal@gmail.com–Thanks!

The church office email is stpaulsuccoffice1@gmail.com

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

Thursday, October 3rd:  Care Team, 3:00pm, CE Room

Wednesday, October 8th:  Nominating Committee, 6:00pm, CE Room

Saturday, October 12th:  Men’s Brotherhood, 8:00am, King’s Restaurant

Tuesday, October 15th:  Church Council meeting, 7:00pm, CE Room

Neighbor’s In Need is October’s Mission Offering

This month’s mission offering is Neighbors in Need (NIN).  You may be wondering, “What is the purpose of the Neighbors in Need offering?”  Funds from NIN support the United Church of Christ’s (UCC) justice advocacy programs and are also distributed to a wide array of congregational and nonprofit organizations who work to support justice and who help neighbors in their communities, across the country and in Puerto Rico.  One-third of the offering supports the Council for American Indian Ministry, including 20 American Indian congregations in the UCC.  Two-thirds of the offering supports justice advocacy and direct service projects such as justice and peace programs and community grants. 

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.  

Upcoming Children’s & Youth Choir Worship Service Appearances

Mark you calendars!

Sunday, October 20th—Their 2019-2020 Season Debut

Sunday, November 17th

The Children’s & Youth Christmas Musical: Saturday, December 21st and Sunday, December 22nd at 9:30am in Fellowship Hall

   

Men’s Brotherhood

The Men’s Brotherhood will meet for their October meeting on Saturday, October 12th at 8:00am at King’s Restaurant.  All men of the church are invited to attend!

Greeters & Ushers for October

October 6:  Communion By Intinction: Mike Stutzman—Chair & Elder, Barb Stutzman—Elder, Carrie Conn, Brad Conn

October 13:  Peg Roy—Chair, Tim Witt, Barb Roth, Deb Rose

October 20:  Jenn Boland—Chair, Ted Oppegard, Linda Oppegard, John Harris 

October 28:  Craig Weaver—Chair, Karen Gibson, Amy Mihalik, Don Zuccolotto 

Access Control System Goes Live

The access control system is in place and ready for use.  We have been in a test period this past month and are ready to begin issuing key-fobs or key-cards.  Any member of St. Paul’s church is eligible for a fob or keycard.  

Currently, the church building is unlocked from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  If you have meeting, rehearsal, or event, the church automatically opens one half hour before the even time and locks after the event.  If you need to use the church outside of a scheduled open, you can enter the property with your access device and the door will unlock. Upon entry, the door will automatically lock behind you.  No need to worry about locking when you leave.  The last step in this whole process will be phasing out the traditional key system through changing the exterior door locks.  That will not happen for another month or so, and when it does, advance notice will be given to church members.

The process is easy to get your key-fob or key-card.  It takes 10-15 minutes with training.  Please make arrangements with Dave Neimiller (email: dneimillerstpaulsucc@gmail.com or call 445-4534)  Appointment times are available after worship or throughout the week.  The only decision you have to make is what type of access you desire.  There are two options available:

• Option A:  24-hour access 365 days a year at all doors.
• Option B:  7 a.m. to 11 p.m. access 365 days a year at all doors.

The process is easy to get your fob or keycard.  It takes 10-15 minutes with training.   Appointment times are available after worship or throughout the week.  Please make arrangements with Dave Neimiller.

Booking the Church for Your Event

Need to reserve the church’s Fellowship Hall, the Shellenberger Park Pavilion, or a meeting room?  St. Paul’s Church offers a beautiful campus to hold various types of events from birthday parties, meetings, recitals, to dinners.  Please contact Dave Neimiller to make your reservation (email: dneimillerstpaulsucc@gmail.com or call 445-4534).

A New Confirmation Class Forms

The Rite of Confirmation is for all folks who wish to join the church, and have not been a member of another congregation.  Traditionally, our class is composed of youth who are preparing to join St. Paul’s.  Youth in 8th grade and up are invited to join our class that will begin meeting in October 2019 with the goal of being confirmed in the Spring of 2021.  Adults who have not yet been Confirmed or who are interested in a “refresher course” may also sign up. Please put your name on the sign up sheet on the table in the back of the Sanctuary if you would like to take part in our Confirmation experience.  The opening orientation session will be Sunday, October 13th following Pause for Persons.  We will meet in the Youth Room.  

Somerset Association Fall Meeting–You’re invited!

The annual meeting of the Somerset Association will be on Sunday, November 3rd at 3:00pm, registration opens at 2:30pm at Trinity UCC in Berlin.  The purpose of the meeting is to conduct association business: approving the annual budget, elect nominees to fill committees, and to receive mission reports from partners.  The meeting will conclude with a worship service and supper around 6:00pm.    

We are entitled to have 3 voting delegates represent our congregation.  So, please let Pastor Matt know if you’re interested in attending. 

Dear St. Paul’s Family,

The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World, was published a few years ago and was the result of a week-long meeting between Archbishop Desmond Tutu and the Dalai Lama.  These two spiritual giants, Nobel Laureates, and best friends got together to talk about the great challenge of our time, finding joy in times of challenge.  Perhaps it’s a sign of the times, but all the reviews I’ve read have divulged the secret of finding joy in life (Spoiler alert! Skip to the next paragraph if you don’t want to know the secret until you have read the book!) and it’s simple.  The secret?  Not thinking too much about yourself.  

I don’t know what it’s like for you, but for me, I find it hard to not think too much about myself.  The many challenges I encounter in life either directly affect me or my view of the world.  Times of change can be especially challenging and self-absorbing because change makes demands on our time, intellect, and psyche.  And then there’s the less philosophical and more practical matter of simply getting along with others.  Whether the “other” is a child, spouse or other family member, friend, member of the church, or stranger, opportunities abound for the practice of thinking less of self and more about the needs of your neighbor. 

Don’t think too much about yourself.  That seems to also be Christ’s message to us.  We could back that up by citing the many parables and sayings that bears testimony to thinking of God and others first.  However, I believe a more compelling example is in Christ’s ultimate action of love and self-giving.  Jesus’ giving up his life for God’s purposes (salvation: wholeness for us) demonstrates many things, but most of all, that powerful things can happen when we align our own inner selves with God’s love for the world.  Jesus’ selfless thinking was not free of pain or worry.  Life and death changes are often the hardest and most stressful, but transformational opportunities awaited Jesus and the world through his giving up his life.  

Change is hard.  And stressful.  And can be self-absorbing.  Yet, great opportunities await.  For Jesus, the change from life to death was resurrection.  Resurrection:  God claiming opportunities for life from death, is perhaps the greatest affirmation we can have as we find ourselves surrounded by a changing world.  God brings life and hope in the midst of all kinds of challenging changes.  To put it simply, God is always on our side.

Don’t think too much about yourself.  It’s not a complicated secret, but one we can claim as people of faith.  After all, through Christ’s death and resurrection we are joined with a God who always thinks of others, a God who transforms life from death, hope from despair, and joy from sorrow.  God is thinking deeply about us.  We need not worry!

Blessings on your journey!

Pastor Matt

Hoffman Homes for Youth treats the needs of boys and girls ages 6-18 who have a major mental health diagnosis.  The residential treatment program is licensed to provide behavioral and cognitive therapy, health care services, and a safe, comfortable home for 141 children.

Love for the World: planting seeds locally, to grow fields of grace and peace worldwide

Our first “Love for the World” supper, learning, and vigil event will take place on Friday, August 16th from 5-7pm in Shellenberger Park & Fellowship Hall.  The theme for our inaugural “Love for the World” is Blessing Children and Families.  Resource partners will be present to share what services are available for children and families in our county and throughout the country.  During the vigil service we will be offering a blessing for children, families, and all who serve children and families.  A light supper will be served.

We are thrilled to announce the following partners who will be attending our event! Please feel free to check them out by clicking on the links.

Confirmed Organizations

Allegheny Lutheran Social Ministries – https://www.alsm.org/ 

Alleghenies United Cerebral Palsy – www.scalucp.org

Beginnings, Inc. – https://beginningsinc.org/ 

CASA – https://beginningsinc.org/programs-and-services/court-appointed-special-advocates/ 

Early Intervention – http://beginningsinc.org/programs-and-services/early-intervention/ 

Parents As Teachers – http://beginningsinc.org/programs-and-services/parents-as-teachers/ 

Boys and Girls Club – http://bgcsomersetcounty.com/ 

Casa San Jose – https://casasanjose.org/ 

Census Borough – https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census/about/why.html 

Church World Service – https://cwsglobal.org/ 

Croyle-Nielsen Therapeutic Assoc. – http://www.c-nta.com/ 

DBHS Early Intervention – https://dbhs.co/services/developmental-services/early-intervention-program/ 

Dressed – https://www.facebook.com/dressed15501/  

Family Center  

Fred Rogers Center – https://www.fredrogerscenter.org/ 

Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank – https://www.pittsburghfoodbank.org/ 

Helping Hands Food Pantry – https://www.facebook.com/HelpingHandsBoswell/ 

League for Human Decency – https://www.facebook.com/groups/622080747985569/ 

New Centerville Spinnetts – https://www.facebook.com/spinnettstwirling/ 

Nurse-Family Partnership – https://www.nursefamilypartnership.org/ 

Somerset County Children & Youth Services – http://www.co.somerset.pa.us/department.asp?deptnum=2 

St. Paul’s United Church of Christ – https://stpaulsuccsomerset.org/ 

Tableland – http://www.capfsc.org/ 

The Children’s Aid Home – http://www.cahprogram.org/ 

The Learning Lamp – https://www.thelearninglamp.org/ 

Trinity Farms Center for Healing – http://trinityfarmscenterforhealing.org/ 

Early Intervention – http://beginningsinc.org/programs-and-services/early-intervention/

Parents As Teachers – http://beginningsinc.org/programs-and-services/parents-as-teachers/

Boys and Girls Club – http://bgcsomersetcounty.com/

Casa San Jose – https://casasanjose.org/

Census Borough – https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census/about/why.html

Church World Service – https://cwsglobal.org/

Croyle-Nielsen Therapeutic Assoc. – http://www.c-nta.com/

DBHS Early Intervention – https://dbhs.co/services/developmental-services/early-intervention-program/

Dressed – https://www.facebook.com/dressed15501/ 

Family Center – https://www.facebook.com/SalisburyFamilyCenter/

Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank – https://www.pittsburghfoodbank.org/

Helping Hands Food Pantry – https://www.facebook.com/HelpingHandsBoswell/

League for Human Decency – https://www.facebook.com/groups/622080747985569/

New Centerville Spinnetts – https://www.facebook.com/spinnettstwirling/

Nurse-Family Partnership – https://www.nursefamilypartnership.org/

St. Paul’s United Church of Christ – https://stpaulsuccsomerset.org/

The Children’s Aid Home – http://www.cahprogram.org/

Trinity Farms Center for Healing – http://trinityfarmscenterforhealing.org/

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.