The Tower: March Issue of the St. Paul Church Newsletter

THE TOWER S T. PA U L U N I T E D M E T H O D I S T C H U R C H

VOLUME 65, ISSUE 3 // MARCH 2018

IN THIS ISSUE LET YOUR LIFE SPEAK

Page 3

LENT & EASTER

Pages 4-5

SERVE

Pages 6-9

CONNECT & LEARN

Pages 10-11

AROUND ST. PAUL

Page 13

COMMUNITY

Page 13

MARCH 2018

Page 15

DEADLINE FOR THE NEXT ISSUE OF THE TOWER Monday, March 19, 2018, 5:00pm Submit all articles and/or pictures to Amy Lee Carpenter, Director of Communications, at amylee@stpaulchurchky.org.

STAY IN TOUCH Connect with St. Paul Church on your any of these social media platforms and share your pictures and thoughts from your favorite St. Paul Church activities.

SCENES FROM FEBRUARY

Let your life speak

BY KARLA TEMPLE, ASSISTANT DIR. OF MUSIC MINISTRIES Darren’s recent messages about letting our lives speak, and about finding our purpose and calling, have me thinking a lot about what the call of God looks like in our lives.

We are all equipped with God-given gifts that will be used for His purposes as we follow Jesus. How will we find a place for these gifts? How will we know where they fit in our daily lives, in our community, and in our world?

I have learned, and am still learning, that calling looks so different in every person‘s life. This calling also may not look the way we had anticipated! It can seem so clear and easy for some people, and for others, a calling may evolve over time, as they grow and change. Sometimes we view our calling as our entire life purpose. However, our sense of calling and purpose can also be found in the small, daily moments: following those gentle nudges we may feel, taking a few moments to brighten someone’s day, or taking the time to be an encouragement to someone who may need it. Although the specifics look different in all of our lives, each are called to be followers of Christ and to be about his purposes for us daily. The apostle Paul says, “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:14.

During my senior year of high school, as I was thinking about the future, all I wanted was to know God’s will for my life. I remember asking mentors and leaders at my church how to know God’s will for my life.

It was the burning question to which I wanted an immediate answer!

Over the course of several years, I realized that I was not going to receive a letter from heaven, or see a vision, or hear the voice of God clearly mapping out my entire life. I realized that I should be seeking the Lord each day, paying attention to his nudging in my spirit, and taking the next step that I felt led to take.

If I was presented with a choice or opportunity, many times I prayerfully considered it, and then walked through the next open door that the Lord provided. Thankfully, this led me to St. Paul, where my calling has continued to unfold over the course of roughly 20 years. I certainly don't have it all figured out, but I hope and pray that I will be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit as my call continues to unfold.

When I reflect on my journey to discover my calling, I am reminded of these words from the song Jesus Calls Us: “Jesus calls us o’er the tumult of our life's wild, restless sea; day by day his voice still calls us saying, 'Christian, follow me.’ Jesus calls us from the worship of the vain world’s golden store, from each idol that would keep us, saying, ‘Christian, love me more.’ In our joys and in our sorrows, days of toil and hours of ease, Jesus calls, in cares and pleasures, ‘Christian, love me more than these.’”

So I leave you with this thought and challenge: to seek God's call daily, in the little things as well as the big things. Let’s press on toward the goal together as we seek to follow Christ!

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LENT & EASTER

HOLY WEEK WORSHIP SERVICES | MARCH 25-APRIL 1 Take the journey to victory during Holy Week 2018. This is a special week that reminds us that the evil of the world does not have the final say, but rather, God does. Learn about Jesus’ triumphal entry, his last meal in the Upper Room, the betrayal against him, and his glorious resurrection. When Easter Sunday arrives, we’ll be reminded that Jesus’ victory over death is shared with us and we are invited to share in our life with Jesus. Experience every step of the journey to victory with worship services at St. Paul Church. Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday on March 25.

Palm Sunday - March 25, 8:30, 9:00, and 11:00am Come shout, “Hosanna” and sing praises as we relive the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem to begin Holy Week.

Maundy Thursday - March 29, 7:30pm | Gym Come to the Upper Room and experience the last supper of Jesus and his disciples through communion, reflection and foot washing. Communion will be served.

Good Friday Service - March 30, 7:30pm | Sanctuary You are invited to remember Christ's crucifixion through the reading of the word, meditative music, and a time for prayer and reflection. This Tenebrae service (service of darkness) brings us face to face with the power and the sorrow of the cross of Christ, and his ultimate sacrifice of love for us. Communion will be served.

Easter Sunday - April 1, 8:30, 9:00, and 11:00am | Gym & Sanctuary Celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and his victory over sin and death. Traditional services feature joyful music by brass quintet and Chancel Choir. The KOINONIA team will lead the celebration at 9:00am.

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EASTER EGGAPALOOZA Saturday, March 24, 11:00am - 1:00pm | Gym Children (5th grade and under), and their families, are invited to St. Paul Church for Easter fun. We will share the story of The Velveteen Rabbit. The Velveteen Rabbit is a classic a story for all ages about how love makes us real. We will also have crafts, games, snacks, and a visit from the Easter Bunny! Egg hunts will be age specific.

No RSVP required. This is a free event.

Questions?

Contact Amy Bishop, Director of Children and Family Ministries, at amy@stpaulchurchky.org.

Support the Event To make this event great and to ensure they’re is enough for everyone, we’re asking for your help! Please donate: • Plastic eggs • Candy • Novelty items (tattoos, stickers, etc.)

Items can be dropped off in front of Amy Bishop’s office, on the second floor.

MUSIC AT ST. PAUL PRESENTS Bach's Cantata 150 & Dubois' The Seven Last Words of Christ Sunday, March 18, 2018 at 3:00pm | Sanctuary On Sunday, March 18, the St. Paul Chancel Choir and Chamber Ensemble present a Lenten concert, featuring Bach’s Cantata 150 and Dubois’ The Seven Last Words of Christ.

This concert is free and open to the public, no tickets required.

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SERVE

PORTLAND PROMISE PARTNERSHIP

by Brad Matthews, St. Paul Member St. Paul continues to provide excellent support for the Portland Promise Center, a Louisville non-profit that serves children, and we wanted to give an update. Last year, St. Paul raised $15,000 at the Portland Promise Center Benefit Dinner and those funds were used to: • Provide the summer programs for students, including a week-long church camp for youth • Day camps and field trips for our elementary students • A Christmas Party for PPC youth in December 2017

In addition to these accomplishments, St. Paul will also be the sponsor and provider of the Center’s 2018 Vacation Bible School. St. Paul congregation members are also teaching breakout courses this year during the week. Jill Ramsey is in her second year teaching a cooking class on Monday afternoons and Angela Brooks is working with Bridget Burianek to teach an art class on Thursday afternoons.

Members of our congregation have been providing important leadership through the PPC Board of Directors. After three years as President, Brad Matthews has moved to the Past President position and Rev. Becki Curry has become the new Board President. Paul Garcia continues as Board Treasurer and Allen Goulder and Tony Stefater serve as board members.

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PORTLAND PROMISE CENTER BENEFIT DINNER Wednesday, April 18, 6:00-8:00pm | Gym St. Paul hosts the 4th Annual Portland Promise Center Benefit Dinner. We will share dinner, hold a silent auction and auction off great desserts all to raise money for the Portland Promise Center, a Louisville nonprofit that provides a safe place for Louisville’s children to grow and play.

The event will be held on April 18, 6:00-8:00pm in the Gym. Doors open at 5:30pm. Enjoy dinner provided by Martini's and The Café, learning more about the Portland Promise Center, the silent auction, and the dessert auction. Doors will open at 5:30pm.

Last year we had a very successful dinner and we were able to raise $15,000 for the Portland Promise Center thanks to all the help and generous donations made. Mark your calendars for April 18 and come enjoy a festive evening with friends while supporting a great local mission!

Tickets Tickets are available for $20 per person or $150 per table of 8. Tickets are available starting March 1 at St. Paul Information Center or by emailing Angela Brooks, Director of Community Outreach, at angela@stpaulchurchky.org. Childcare (for 6th grade and younger) will be provided for $5.00 per child (dinner included).

Volunteer Lots of help is needed for this fundraiser. If you would like to help set up, serve, clean or sell tickets email Angela Brooks, Director of Community Outreach at angela@stpaulchurchky.org.

Donate Auction Items We are looking for help procuring items for our silent auction. If you have any good connections to local businesses or enjoy putting together silent auctions please email Margi Garcia at margi.garcia@jefferson.kyschools.us. Deadline for donations is Wednesday, April 11.

If you would like to donate a cake or dessert for the auction for that night contact Cullen Hornaday, Director of Spiritual Formation, at cullen@stpaulchurchky.org. Deadline for donations is Sunday, April 8.

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FEED THE HUNGRY Saturday, March 17, 9:00am | McAdams Hall

The St. Paul Children's and Beyond the Walls teams are hosting a mission project to feed the hungry. We will be packing boxes that include ingredients for an entire meal. We will be packing the meals March 17 at 9:00am in McAdams Hall (first floor). All ages welcome. Anyone under the age of 15 must have a parent attend. All youth 15 and older can attend without a parent if they coordinate with Angela Brooks.

Sign Up Sign up by March 11 at stpaulchurchky.org/mission for the event.

If you would like to volunteer to set-up on Friday, March 16 or deliver meals during the week of March 19, email Angela Brooks, Director of Community Outreach, directly at angela@stpaulchurchky.org.

ST. PAUL RESOURCE CENTER In October 2017, St. Paul began the Resource Center. A place where anyone needing help could come get clothes, food, a hot meal, bus tickets, and general advice about Louisville’s non-profits. With the generosity of the congregation through food, money and clothes donations the Resource Center has been able to help about 6-8 people consistently each week.

You can help support this mission further. The Resource Center is looking for people to bring meals for 8 people every Wednesday. The meals can be brought by 10:00am Wednesday morning to room 111 or they can be dropped off in the main kitchen (1st floor) Tuesday night with heating instructions. You are also welcome to serve the meal you make.

Sign up to help Sign up to bring a meal at stpaulchurchky.org/resource-center or by calling the church office at 502-459-1595.

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TOUCHED TWICE HEALTH CLINIC Saturday, May 19, 9:00am - 2:00pm In the mid 1990's in Louisville, Kentucky the Touched Twice Ministry began in a small church in the west city. Several of those church members had just returned from a mission trip overseas and were end of the sharing their life changing experiences.

They were inspired to continue their service. They knew many people in their home were lacking even the most basically medical service. For a variety of reasons, many individuals and families couldn’t make it to a general doctor, dentist, optometrist, or other medical professional. So, these members opened a health clinic at their church to provide basic medical service.

And from that clinic, the Touched Twice Ministry began. From a handful of folks over coffee and doughnuts in Louisville, Kentucky to dozens of locations nationwide, Touched Twice has led thousands of volunteers to become the hands and feet of Jesus.

St. Paul Church’s own Touched Twice Health Clinic was created after this model. This health and wellness ministry provides care for our in-need neighbors. This is a day to befriend our neighbors, assist them in getting basic health screenings and attention, and providing them with social services, including food and clothing, as well. It is a great opportunity to put your faith to work.

Volunteer at the 2018 Touched Twice Health Clinic The 6th annual Touched Twice Health Clinic will be held on Saturday May 19, 2018. Volunteers are needed to arrive between 8:00 and 8:15am in the Sanctuary.

Volunteers will get what they need for the day. T-shirts will be provided. Lunch is provided for all workers.

Volunteers are needed for: • Medical Professionals • Friends • Set-up/Tear-down crews • Special Area Staff Sign up to be a volunteer online at stpaulchurchky.org/touchedtwice Childcare is provided for up to 5th grade for volunteers. Those who are 6th grade through 17 are welcome to volunteer with identified adult supervision. (Please list the adult who will be the chaperone in registration.)

Questions?

Contact Cody Nygard, Director of Discipleship, at cody@stpaulchurchky.org or 502-459-1595.

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coNNECT & LEARN

UNSEEN: A LECTURE SERIES ON THE PROBLEM OF SYSTEMATIC RACISM Wednesdays, 7:00-8:00pm | March 7, 14, and 21 Racism is often defined as large, overt actions. However, systemic racism takes place every day and it largely goes unseen. In an effort to become more aware of the injustices in Louisville, St. Paul is hosting a 5-part lecture series on the different aspects of racism.

The last three lectures will be held on Wednesdays, March 7, 14, and 21 from 7:00-8:00pm in the Gym. March 7- Joshua Poe | Redlining Joshua Poe is an Urban Planner in Louisville. Poe will talk about redlining, the practice of denying loans in certain neighborhoods based heavily on socioeconomic and racial makeup, and the history of redlining in Louisville and the United States.

March 14 - Rev. David Snardon | Housing & Community Development Rev. David Snardon is the pastor of Joshua Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, community activist, and the head of the Concerned Pastors of Russell. He’ll discuss the importance of community development and its role in building a better society.

March 21 - Kendall Boyd Kendall Boyd is the director of the Louisville Metro Human Relations Commission. The Human Relations Commission seeks to bridge the many ethnic, racial and religious groups in Louisville Metro through a combination of civil law enforcement and education/outreach. He will speak on the role of the commission and what the Louisville Metro Government plans to do to combat racism and discrimination.

If you missed past lectures, they are available on the St. Paul United Methodist Church Facebook page.

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ST. PAUL ADULT MINISTRY FOR SENIORS (SPAMS)

by Michele Hundley, St. Paul Member Last spring the SPAMs team conducted a survey asking you to tell us what you would like to see on the

schedule. Overwhelmingly, you responded that you wanted a social time together that included a meal and a speaker or activity. Secondly, you expressed an interest in physical fitness, followed by travel to local and near-by attractions and events.

In response, we have planned a year filled with trips, lunches, speakers, and activities, as well as service.

The SPAMs do not plan activities for January or February other than service projects. We begin our year in March. To make your planning easier, we have chosen the third Thursday of the month to be SPAMs day and will alternate between lunch with a speaker/activity and an outing to an area attraction.

Lunch & Lecture | Thursday, March 15 We’ll start the year off on Thursday, March 15 with a presentation by Tai Chi instructor, Lisa Nutt. Join us in The Common Cup at noon for lunch from The Café. After lunch, Lisa will be doing a special interactive demonstration titled “Tai Chi for Balance and Falls Prevention.” Tai Chi is a gentle physical exercise that helps one maintain strength, balance control, fitness, and flexibility which can help reduce the risk of falls.

One can even perform the movements while seated. Please plan on attending and learning more about this gentle form of exercise. If enough people express an interest, we will consider offering ongoing Tai Chi classes.

WESLEY NIGHT Wednesday Night Dinner & Activities Wednesdays, 6:00-8:00pm Wesley Night continues Wednesdays throughout spring 2018. Wesley Night is a great time for families to come together with church friends, share a meal, and enhance one’s spiritual journey through study and fellowship. Dinner is served at 6:00pm. Cost is $7/adult, $3/child, $24/family cap.

March Caterers March 7: Martini’s March 14: Eat-a-Pita March 21:Chick-Fil-A March 28: No Wesley Night (Holy Week) Children’s Choirs | 3rd Floor Throughout Wesley Night | Age 3 - Grade 6 Unseen: A 5-Part Lecture Series on the Problem of Systemic Racism | 7:00-8:00pm | Gym Youth Bible Study | 7:00-8:00pm | Youth Center Kids’ Club | 6:00-6:30pm | Gym | Grades 1-6 Prayer Beads | Wednesday, March 28 | 6:15-8:00pm | Parlor MARCH 2018 // THE TOWER

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AROUND ST. PAUL REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL June 4-8, 9:00am-noon Ages 4-4th Grade (completed)

Walt Smith Willie Mac James Nadyne Oakley

Come learn about Daniel and his courage in captivity at Babylon VBS at St. Paul Church.

WORSHIP NUMBERS January 7 8:30am - 53 9:00am - 184 11:00am - 233

This year’s VBS will be June 4-8 from 9:00amnoon.

January 14

Registration This is a free event but you do have to register.

Registration begins April 1.

8:30am - 30 9:00am - 150 11:00am - 203

January 21

8:30am - 49 9:00am - 177 11:00am - 267

January 28

8:30am - 34 9:00am - 141 11:00am - 209

Go to stpaulchurchky.org/vbs to register. Ages 4-4th grade are invited to attend.

Volunteer Volunteers are needed for VBS! If you’re interested in volunteering sign up at stpaulchurchky.org/vbs.

If you have questions, contact Amy Bishop, Director of Children and Family Ministries at amy@stpaulchurchky.org.

COMMUNITY BECOME A FOSTER/ADOPTIVE FAMILY Did you know that Kentucky is currently at the highest number of children in out-of-home care ever recorded?

Over 8,000 children have been removed from their biological homes due to substance abuse by the birth family, domestic violence, or some type of abuse or trauma to the children. Do not let these children down. The need for foster and/or adoptive homes is greater than ever.

Do you have love to give? If not you, then who?

Foster the future. Give a child a home.

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For more information Contact Lisa Barber Atwell or Samantha Cooper Lisab@sjkids.org or Samanthac@sjkids.org or 502-893-0241.

Visit our website for additional information: www.sjkids.org.

March 2018 HEALTH & WELLNESS

Line Dancing Mondays at 12:00pm

FELLOWSHIP & CLASSES Women’s Bible Study Wednesdays at 10:00am

Yoga Mondays & Wednesdays at 5:30pm Tuesdays & Thursdays at 9:00am

Wesley Night - Dinner and Activities Wednesdays at 6:00pm Men’s Bible Study Saturdays at 7:00am

Men’s Basketball Mondays & Wednesdays at 8:00pm, Tuesdays at 8:30pm

MOPS Monday, March 5 at 5:00pm

Basketball Sundays at 3:30pm

Kaleidoscope Tuesday, March 6, 7:00pm

Guided Meditation Mondays at 7:00pm, Wednesdays at 10:30am

United Methodist Women Tuesday, March 13 at 10:00am

MUSIC Musical Milestones Wednesdays at 6:00pm

Joyful Song Choir Wednesdays at 7:00pm

Faith Quilters Tuesday, March 20 at 10:00am

Wesleyan Choir Wednesdays at 7:00pm

Prayer Bead Craft Group Wednesday, March 28, 6:15pm

Handbells Wednesdays at 8:00pm

Unseen: Lecture Series on Systemic Racism Wednesdays, March 7, 14, 21 at 7:00pm CHILDREN & YOUTH Boy Scouts Tuesdays at 7:00pm

Chancel Choir Thursdays at 7:15pm

Youth Bible Study Wednesdays at 7:00pm

Youth Band Sundays at 4:00pm

Girl Scouts Thursdays, March 8 and 22 at 6:00pm

Youth Choir Sundays at 5:00pm

Cub Scouts Thursdays at 7:00pm

SUPPORT GROUPS AA Groups Mondays at 6:00pm, Tuesdays at 8:00pm Saturdays at 10:00am & 8:00pm, Sundays at 8:00pm

Youth Group Sundays at 6:00pm

Depression Bipolar Support Alliance Tuesdays & Thursdays at 7:30pm

KICS (grades 1-4) Sunday, March 18 at 5:00pm

LENT & EASTER Lenten Lunch Thursday, March 22 at12:00pm

Tweens (grades 5 & 6) Sunday, March 11 and 25 at 5:00pm

SPECIAL EVENTS Service of Sound & Silence Wednesday, March 14 at 5:30pm

Palm Sunday Worship Sunday, March 25, 8:30, 9:00am, 11:00am

Feed the Hungry Saturday, March 17 at 9:00am

Maundy Thursday Worship Thursday, March 29, 7:30pm

Chancel Choir & Chamber Concert Sunday, March 18 at 3:00pm

Easter Egg Hunt Saturday, March 24, 11:00am

Good Friday Worship Friday, March 30, 7:30pm

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ST. PAUL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2000 DOUGLASS BLVD LOUISVILLE, KY 40205 502-459-1595 WWW.STPAULCHURCHKY.ORG

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