St. Paul's United Church of Christ

Somerset Area Ministries (SAM) has been offering a free medical van service to the people of Somerset County for the past nine years.  The van has taken residents to hospitals in Pittsburgh and Johnstown.  Our support of the SAM Van has helped to benefit elderly and needy neighbors who aren’t able to secure their own transportation to medical appointments.  St. Paul’s Church Family is happy to partner with other local churches to make this important service possible.

July 15, 2018:  Missing the Point

 

July 1, 2018:  Close Encounters with the Savior

 

June 24, 2018:  Weapons of Righteousness

Summer Worship at St. Paul’s

(Worship begins at 9:30am.)

One of the ways that God speaks to us is through our worship time together.  The season of Pentecost gives us the opportunity to discern the ways in which God is calling us to a life of growth and vitality.  We are truly partners in Christ’s saving work, so let us make regular worship a part of our discernment process.  

Please visit our church website (www.stpaulsuccsomerset.org) during the summer months to see updates and worship themes.  Scripture readings can be found there for personal reading and devotion.  

I’ll see you in worship!

Pastor Matt

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

The Men’s Brotherhood.  The men’s brotherhood will meet for breakfast on Saturday, June 16th at 8:00am at King’s Restaurant.  All men of the church are invited to attend!  

Summer Mission Offerings:  

June’s Offering:  Habitat for Humanity—A Hand Up, Not A Hand Out

Our local Habitat chapter continues to be active in our county, partnering with volunteers and low income families to achieve the dream of home ownership.  Over the years, a number of our members have volunteered for Habitat, helping house families throughout Somerset County.  According to Habitat for Humanity’s website, their mission statement embodies a life-giving spirit:  Habitat for Humanity believes that every man, woman and child should have a decent, safe and affordable place to live. We build and repair houses all over the world using volunteer labor and donations. Our partner families purchase these houses through no-profit, no-interest mortgage loans or innovative financing methods.  We are please to continue our partnership with Habitat for Humanity!

July’s Offering is:  The SAM Van

Somerset Area Ministries (SAM) has been offering a free medical van service to the people of Somerset County for the past nine years.  The van has taken residents to hospitals in Pittsburgh and Johnstown.  Our support of the SAM Van has helped to benefit elderly and needy neighbors who aren’t able to secure their own transportation to medical appointments.  St. Paul’s Church Family is happy to partner with other local churches to make this important service possible.

 

In August, St. Paul’s will partner with the  Somerset Area Food Pantry.  The Somerset Area Food Pantry serves the residents of the Somerset Area and Rockwood Area school districts.  They provide nutritious food items to hundreds of individuals in need each Wednesday out of the basement of Trinity Lutheran Church, Somerset.  Our monetary offering will assist in purchasing food.

Church Camp Schedule

The 2018 Living Waters brochures are now available!  Copies of the brochures, complete with this year’s schedule of events are available in the Edgewood Avenue Narthex.  Scholarships are available for those who are interested in attending camp.  Please talk to Pastor Matt for more details.

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.  

Greeters & Ushers for the summer

June 3: Communion by Intinction:   Karen Addleman—Chair & Elder, Steve Addleman—Elder, Candy Christner, Harold Wahl

June 10:  Michele Sredy—Chair, Don Funk, Bob Hainzer, Chris Hainzer

June 17: Patrick Ferko—Chair, Pet Hauger, Kathy Hauger, Amy Marteeny

June 24: Andra Snyder—Chair, Nancy Aultz, Brian Aultz, Wynne Sechler

July 1: Communion by Intinction:  John Geary, Jr.—Chair & Elder, John Geary, Sr.—Elder, Helen Brown, Carole Wilson

July 8:  Mike Stutzman—Chair, Barb Stutzman, Brad Winters, Amy Winters

July 15:  Peg Roy—Chair, George Hay, Judy Hay, Audrey Hay

July 22:  Jonathon Hillegas—Chair, Brody Hillegas, Ken Shaffer, Donna Phillippi

July 29:  Craig Schenck—Chair, Pam Webreck, Jim Webreck, Ruth Blycheck

August 5:  Communion by Intinction, Roger Rayman—Chair & Elder, Gary Cameron—Elder, Harold Wahl, Kathy Gary

August 12:  Sally McClintock—Chair, Amy Mihalik, Kim Keim, Greg Keim

August 19:  Pam Webreck—Chair, Roger Romesberg, Jean Romesberg, Sienna Ash

August 26:  Karen Addleman—Chair, Craig Weaver, Denise Weaver, Harold Weaver

2018 HIGH SCHOOL & COLLEGE GRADUATES:  Please let us know if you are a graduate!  We would like to honor you by placing your graduate photo in our display case in the narthex.  We would like a 5×7, however, if you do not have this size, please bring us what you have available.  We plan to honor our graduates on Sunday, June 10th.  Thank you!

“Rolling River Rampage!”  Community Vacation Bible School!  This year’s Community VBS will be June 18-22nd.  The theme is “Rolling River Rampage.”  Come and experience the thrill of a lifetime as you ride the rapids of amazing grace!  Children from 3 years of age 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 Andra Snyder if you are interested in helping.  We hope you can join us!

Family Fellowship Meal

Please join us for our annual summer meal on Monday, June 11th at 6:00pm in Fellowship Hall.  Please bring your favorite covered dish, your friends, and family, as we open up the summer season.  We will enjoy great food, fellowship, and a special musical guest!  

North Fork Church Picnic

Come on out to the St. Paul’s United Church of Christ annual church picnic on Sunday, August 19th at North Fork.  The good times will begin at 4:00 P.M.  with a covered dish dinner.  Drinks will be provided.  Bring your favorite picnic dish along with utensils and plates for your family.

After dinner there will be entertainment for the children while the adults visit and chat with church family and friends.  The day will conclude with a vesper service.

Directions to North Fork can be found online or at the back of the church sanctuary.  Please see Harold Weaver or Audrey Hay if you have questions about the day.  We hope to see you there!

A Very Special Thank You!  The Cornerstone does not publish itself!  Thanks to Sally McClintock, Cornerstone editor, we get to enjoy ten issues of church news each year.  Sally spends countless hours formatting and editing our church newsletter.  Not to mention, Sally has to deal with articles that are constantly late (mostly because of Pastor Matt!) and does so with abundant grace and cheer.  The next time you see Sally, be sure to thank her!  

Thanks for sharing your time and talents with us!

Blessings,

Pastor Matt

Child Sponsorship Program

Since the 1950’s, the United Church of Christ has been involved in child sponsorships.  As of July 1, 2000, the Child Sponsorship Program became a part of Global Ministries.  The program is committed to helping children at risk by providing a practical way for individuals and churches to “extend a helping hand.”  Monthly contributions enable a sponsored child to be adequately housed, clothed, and fed, and to have basic health care until they are 18 years old.  

According to Lind Lawrence, the current administrator, the Child Sponsorship Program provides assistance to more than 1,000 children in 11 centers throughout the world.  All centers are related to our global partners thought Global Ministries.  These include centers in India, Africa, the Middle East, the Caribbean, Philippines, and Armenia.

At St. Paul’s, the Women’s Fellowship has supported a child at the Rawdat El-Zuhur school for over 15 years.  The school, located in East Jerusalem, serves 250 Palestinian children through its preschool and elementary classes.  The current child , age 10, Baha Nijem, attends the primary school.

If you would like to contribute to this project, please mark your envelope “Child Sponsorship/Women’s Fellowship,” or contact Phyllis Moore.  Thanks to all who have and continue to support this vital program.

–The Women’s Fellowship Committee

WE RECOGNIZE OUR GRADUATES!

The following is a list of this year’s grads, as we are aware of them.  We are very proud of them and pray that God will bless them in their future endeavors!  Be sure to congratulate them on their accomplishments.   

High School Graduates

Mya Cameron:  Somerset Area High School

Anna Geary:  Somerset Area High School

Kolby Glessner:  Somerset Area High School

Donnie McDaniels:  Somerset Area High School

College

Kira Geary:  Skidmore College

Anna Chan:  Binghamton University

Shellenberger Park Work Has Begun

If you’ve been by the church lately, you’ve likely noticed the large mound of dirt in the middle of  Shellenberger Park.  Work has begun on the park upgrades.  Rumors swirl as to what we’re up to.    My personal favorite is that we are installing a pool and a spa house.  While those might be nice, the brand new playground set and landscaping that is arriving will welcome children and families in our neighborhood for generations to come.  

Many thanks go out to Mike Stutzman for coordinating the project and doing much of the prep. work.  We give thanks for Jeff Wahl and his crew for laying the wall and to Marcy Shellenberger and Barb Stutzman for helping to envision this project.  —Pastor Matt

St. Paul’s Extends a Special Thank You to Our Sunday School Teachers

As another school year comes to an end, we are grateful for those who have shared their time and talents with us.  Their dedication is the greatest lesson they have given us! 

Here is a list of our teachers and Christian Education committee members:

Isabel Shumaker–Preschool and Kindergarten

Kim Keim–Preschool and Kindergarten

Suzy Housley–Grades 1-3

Christie Schenck–Grades 1-3

Kristen Mumau–Grades 4-6

John Harris–Grades 4-6

Craig Weaver–The Adult Class

Gary Cameron, Carole Wilson, and Audrey Hay–Young at Heart Class

This year is the 50th anniversary of the debut of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.   A hallmark of Mister Rogers’ style was speaking directly to children in a thoughtful and intelligent way.  Unlike other children’s programs, Mister Rogers did not speak down to children or simply entertain them.  He sought to build a relationship with children by including them in his neighborhood.  Along the way he addressed challenging issues like anger, death, divorce, bullies, and war, seeking to teach his neighbors how to seek peaceful, loving resolutions to such challenging relationships.  

Being the commemorating culture that we are, the 50th anniversary is being marked in numerous ways.  The U.S. Postal Service has issued a stamp, the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) has begun streaming episodes of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood on-line, at least 2 movies about Mister Rogers’ life are in the works, and a number of TV specials and interviews have aired or been printed.  There are plenty of good reasons to honor a man who did so much good for so many children and their families.

Despite the cultural icon that Fred Rogers has become, I can’t help but wonder amid all of the commemorating, have we forgotten to live out those things that he taught.  Those of us who were part of the Mr. Rogers’ generations grew up with his message of love and inclusion, yet we live in a world where many find themselves being excluded.  Most regrettably, many of those being left out of the neighborhood are children.  I believe Mr. Rogers would be appalled at many of the realities that children have to live with in our world today.  Injustices toward children abound.  The children in our local and global neighborhoods must deal with:  school shootings, sex trafficking, being separated from their parents at the U.S./Mexico boarder, living in refugee camps, being orphaned because of the opioid crisis, not to mention, not having adequate food or shelter because of terrible circumstances that aren’t of their choosing.  The sad and sinful reality is that each of these kids suffer because of the failure of adults:  parents, policy makers, their neighbors.  Even the Mister Rogers’ generation.  

Remembering is important, but it’s rather pointless when the lessons taught are not lived out.  We tread very close to hypocrisy when we celebrate and espouse the values of people like Mister Rogers (not to mention Jesus Christ, but we’ll get to him in a minute) and are not changed to become more loving and accepting of the neighbors in the world, especially those who do not look like us.

The problem of aligning real values with real actions is nothing new.  Jesus had the same problem.  He had to confront the religious establishment of his day that preached one thing and did another.  Who can forget Jesus’ righteous anger as he tossed the money changers out of the temple?  That holy place had become a marketplace and the institution that was supposed to support the poor and the orphan was instead bilking money from them under the guise of worshipping God.

Jesus and his earliest followers stood in direct opposition to the exploitive forces of their religion and the Roman Empire.  They sought to worship God by loving their neighbor.  Love was their language and even their God.  As John reminds us, God is Love.  This new understanding of God meant that to love another was to live in God.  The early church’s rapid growth was due to an unprecedented ability to love others, especially those who were quite different from the original disciples.  Shortly after Jesus’ ascension into heaven, the church began to accept non-Jews into their ranks, not to mention, believers from far off lands, the rich, the poor, the widow and the orphan were all counted among the earliest members of Christ’s church.

Through the witness of Mister Rogers and Jesus Christ, we have two powerful examples of what can happen when we align the greatest values of God:  love, peace, grace, and acceptance with action.  People are included in the wider neighborhood that is God’s people.  The most destructive inclinations of humanity lose their power.  Dehumanizing forces like poverty, nationalism, greed, racism, and violence can only be overcome by love.  

There is much work to be done as we not only commemorate, but become co-workers with  saints like Mister Rogers.   Luckily we are not alone.  Like our forbears in faith 2,000 years ago, the Holy Spirit is with us, guiding and protecting.  

May our lives mirror the values of Christ.  That is my prayer for us this summer. 

Blessings, 

Pastor Matt

Cornerstone June 2018

Bible Brew meets on April 19th at 6:30pm

Our popular small group forum, Bible Brew, meets on Thursday, April 19th at 6:30pm.  Monthly conversation topics usually focus on themes of faith, theology, Biblical interpretation, and trends in church and society.  This month’s topic is “The Holy Spirit.” 

Craig and Denise Weaver have offered to host Bible Brew at their home, 389 Stepping Stone Rd, Somerset, PA.  Participants are welcome to bring snacks to share with the group, if they wish. We hope that you can join us as we brew up some good conversation over good food and fellowship!

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 (March 25-31) 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:  March 29, 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:  March 30, 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 1, 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.