May Newsletter

In this Month's Newsletter:
Preacher's Part from Pastor David
A Note From Pastor Donnie
Monthly Mission
Pastor's Discretionary
Hospitality
The Church Mouse
Communion for the Home bound
Birthdays
Anniversaries
Schedule
Monthly Events
Seasonal Announcements

Dear St. Paul’s Family,

As I write this, the United Methodist General Conference has begun their meetings. Thousands of United Methodists are descending upon North Carolina to witness and take part in molding and shaping the future of our denomination. For some of us who follow these things closely, we are on the edge of our seats, waiting to see what happens next. Undoubtedly there will be news articles locally and nationally about the “Split” among the Methodists as news outlets highlight the departure of the “Global Methodist Church” as a denomination back in May of 2023.

All of this sensationalism gives us an opportunity to be in the spotlight for just a moment.
 What will we do with it?

For years, the story has been about how United Methodists are tearing each other down, excluding one another, fighting about the future, and debating on the validity of love amongst same-sex couples.

Today, we have a chance to highlight something new. It is my hope that we can speak to the inclusive love of Jesus Christ that calls all of us to the table. It is my hope that we will share the good news of God’s grace for all people from all nations.

Is it my hope that we will be a people who proclaim peace in the midst of a world of warfare.

Is it my hope that we will encourage one another, proclaiming the Gospel in our words and actions.

I don’t know what changes will be made to the Book of Discipline. I don’t know if we will change our logo. I don’t know if we will even still be called “United Methodists” but I do know that God’s love will carry us through this challenging time and I believe God will use this moment for good.

We, the people called Methodists will be a beacon of hope to a hurting world.
That is my hope.

Go in the name of Christ and be a blessing to the world around you.

With love and blessings,
Rev. David M. Petty

There are many variations to this story, but it’s quite instructive. In South America, Africa and Asia, the natives have devised a very effective method of trapping monkeys. The plan is deceptively simple: the natives take a gourd or some similar object and drill a hole just large enough for a monkey’s hand to pass through; they tie the gourd to a tree or some other object to make sure the monkey can’t leave with the gourd. They then put a nut or some fruit inside and place the gourd where a monkey will find it.

Here's what happens: the monkey sticks his hand through the hole to get the food, but with the prize in its grasp, the monkey cannot get its hand back out. The hole is too small for the monkey’s hand to pass through so long as it’s holding the treat, and the monkey can’t leave with the gourd because it is tied down. Because the monkey will not let go of its prize, it becomes trapped. The animal gives up its freedom to hold on to a small piece of food.
Monkeys aren’t the only creatures that lose their freedom because they hold on to something that is worthless compared to their freedom. Us humans do it all the time. We instinctively think about money, which many people refuse to let go of as their selfishness denies them of a full life.

It’s not only refusing to let go of our money that can cause us to lose our freedom. Some of us need to let go of anger and hate. Others need to let go of harmful relationships as well as those things that they have lost and will never get back.

God desires for you to live free from all things that hold you back from having a relationship with God and your neighbors. I pray that those of you who are caught in a monkey trap will allow yourself to use the strength that comes through Jesus Christ to help you let go of those things that prevent you from being free in Jesus.

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.  
2 Corinthians 3:17

~Pastor Donnie

Each month, our community comes together to extend our blessings beyond the walls of our church through the "Monthly Mission" offering. This special collection traditionally supports various organizations and causes, reflecting our commitment to support God's mission in our community.

This month, the mission committee has decided to direct our "Monthly Mission" offering to an exceptionally vital cause — our own church. This offering will help to address an urgent need within our church budget that ensures our ministries continue to thrive and our facilities remain a welcoming place of worship and service.

While this might be a shift from our usual practice, it is a reminder that maintaining the strength and stability of our church is equally crucial in fulfilling our mission. It allows us to continue providing spiritual guidance, community support, and a facility for the whole community. We are “putting our own oxygen mask on first” this month to make sure we can support this neighborhood for many years to come.

We ask for your continued generosity to our May monthly mission, knowing that every contribution will play a direct role in sustaining the church. Let us come together in this collective effort to support St. Paul's as our monthly mission.

Thank you for your steadfast faith and dedication to St. Paul's.

Each communion Sunday we have a basket for those who feel called to give above and beyond their pledge. This "second-mile" giving will help fund the pastor's discretionary fund, which helps meet community needs as they arise, such as gas, lodging, clothing, etc. Feel free to bring your spare cash and change to help make a change in the lives of those in need.

April is always a special month for Hospitality at St. Paul’s.

Palm Sunday see our wonderful Annual Potluck. This year’s was amazing with a spread of food that left no one going home hungry. Besides sharing all that food it is always so special to share the special community time together. Thank you to Dixie Barnes, Bailey, Jasper and Scarlett Brandt, Carolyn Sherman and Donna Cramer for their “above and beyond” help at the potluck and for the whole month of March.

Easter Sunday is always special fun as we celebrate our risen Lord. We had special goodies. Thank you, Rachel Ford for the Easter Egg cookies. Then we got to sit back and enjoy our children at the Easter Fair.

Thank You to the Hospitality Clean-up crew for April: Lu Petersen, Kerry and Gerry Cooper, Jeanne Marsh and Molly (We are going to miss you!)

On May 10th is the Home School Music group’s concert. St. Paul’s Hospitality will be hosting intermission with cookies, lemonade and iced tea. We need 60 doz. cookies…we are now sitting at 19 doz.. Please help us out by bringing cookies anytime. They do not need to be homemade, though homemade would be wonderful. Please bring to kitchen and make sure they are marked “concert”.

June 9, We have a Youth Choir visiting us and they will be providing some of their music during the service. We want to say, “Thank You” and welcome them with a potluck right after the service. St. Paul’s will be providing the dessert so plan on bringing a main dish, side, or salad to serve 12(since we are hosting the youth and their adult advisors)

Again, Thank You to all who signed up to help with Sunday Hospitality.

[Jesus said,} “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth.  He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.”  -John 16:13

He Sees the Future

If we could predict the future, we assume that we would have a carefree life.  We could forecast the stock market, know which team wins the ball game, dress perfectly for tomorrow’s weather, and avoid problems before they cross our path.

But the truth is this: if we could see everything the future holds the way God sees it, most of us would be paralyzed with fear.  We would have a glimpse of  unexpected events, unpredictable changes, and terrifying trials that we could not imagine overcoming.   In the face of such monumental obstacles, we forget the infinite power of our sovereign Lord and King.

Our Father has everything in control.  He has left his Spirit with us to reassure us and to guide us through the perilous times ahead.  Your future holds nothing that God has not already seen and overcome.  We can rest in the security of his power.

St. Paul’s members- we need your help. If you know of anyone in our St. Paul’s family who is homebound, in a nursing home, or unable to come to church for a while, please let me know their name and phone number. I will be happy to contact them and see if they would appreciate having communion brought to them. Lu Petersen, 597-2824.

Carol Horst 5/2
Jeanette Oberhofer 5/2
Brian Marsh 5/3
Caleb Williamson 5/3
Tom Earle 5/4
Joshua Kindell 5/4
Cathy Bell 5/6
Stan Chamberlain 5/6
Steve Wenzl 5/7
Jorja Horst 5/8
Scott Kruse 5/9
Donita Nelson 5/9
Dominick Nors 5/12
Susan Cox 5/15
Brenda Walsh 5/17
Paul Fredell 5/18
Doug Coffee 5/21
James Barrilleaux 5/23
Julie Coffee 5/23
Kristina Kafka 5/23
Susan Kindell 5/23
Don Staudte 5/23
Christine Sturgill 5/25
Tara Kruse 5/28
Julie Becker 5/31

Getting your Ducks in a Row--June 8th: Whether financial and estate planning, keeping medical records, planning for emergency evacuations, or simply making our lives less stressful, we all know we should be better organized. Since we don’t know where to start, we procrastinate. Senior advisor Judy Rough has spent her career helping older clients organize their lives. Though she lives in Denver, she has offered to sponsor a free community seminar at St. Paul’s. The only cost will be for binder materials, available upon registration. The workshop is only a starting point; be prepared to devote some time to following her advice. We’ll enjoy a potluck brunch followed by a half-day workshop. So, sharpen your pencils, bring that egg casserole, and prepare to get your “ducks in a row.” Remember to invite all your friends, since this is a community outreach from St. Paul’s. Contact Jeanne Marsh (719-229-1708) or the church office to register.