Thursday, December 12, 2019

Dear Friends in Christ,Mary said, “With all my heart I glorify the Lord! In the depths of who I am I rejoice in God my savior… Luke 1:46-47 (CEB)

Greetings!

With a new depth of joy and love after a blessing of 30 days away, I greet you! This cherishedtime to live a different rhythm of life allowed me to be open to some surprising blessings inspiritual growth and renewal, and ministry connections. These gifts experienced during mytime away are for sharing and I’ll be doing that along the way.

I am so grateful for Pastor Jonathan’s leadership always, but especially during the pastmonth! And to so many of you who stepped in to lead and create in new ways for the seasonof Advent! Thank you.

May Mary’s song capture our imaginations this Sunday in a special worship service featuringThe Magnificat sung by our Sanctuary Choir! It is good to be back with you, that, with all ourhearts, we might keep singing our song of faith together.

Grace &peace,Pastor Sherrie

Adults

All-Together Worship Service OfferedDecember 29th, 11:00 am!We will combine ALL Sunday worship services on December 29th into ONE SERVICE ONLY sothat we can worship as one church family. Prelude music begins at 10:45 am and worship at11:00 am. Bring your family and come celebrate All Together Christmas!

Blood Pressure ChecksBlood pressure Checks will be held on Sunday, December 15th at 7:45-8:15 am outsideChapel; 8:15-9:00 am Library; 10:00-10:30 am Library; 11:30-11:45 am outside WesleyCenter; 11:45 am-1:00 pm outside Sanctuary.

"Joy to the World," a Beloved Christmas Classic,Turns 300 Years Old This YearComposer Isaac Watt’s interpretation of Psalm 98 invites us to sing a “new song”–and it is apowerful cosmic performance of all creation being renewed and freed. Rather than “joy”being yet another word for “happiness,” we will discover that the depths of joy can be foundespecially in the midst of suffering, the work of justice, and the presence of compassion–allpart of the coming of Jesus to this world and a message the world still so desperately needs.All are welcome. Please join our church family through Advent as we celebrate the birth ofChrist!

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Donate & Serve at Christmas Eve Day MealBe sure to sign up at the Connection Centers to donate and serve at the Christmas Eve DayMeal at St. Paul’s!

St. Paul's Office ClosedPlease note that St. Paul’s office will be closed at noon on December 24th, all day onDecember 25th and 26th. We will reopen Friday, December 27th, and will be closed for NewYears Day, Wednesday, January 1st.

Curio CabinetsVisit the curio cabinets in the parlor to view the unusual nativity scenes from several foreigncountries, shared by Joyce Anderson.

St. Paul's Cabin OpeningsThere are still some openings at the cabin in Clear Lake for the 2020 summer season. Theavailable dates are:

Monday, May 25 thru Sunday, May 31

Sunday, May 31 thru Sunday, June 7Sunday, August 9 thru Sunday, August 16Sunday, August 16 thru Sunday, August 23Sunday, August 23 thru Friday, August 28Sunday, August 30 thru Monday, September 7

Cabin Rental Applications are available on the website, or you can email Shelby(sroth@stpaulsumc.org) and she can send you an application.

The new rental rates are shown on the application. A $300 deposit is required with theapplication to be firmed up on the calendar.

Interested in Writing Your Memoir?Interested in attending a class on Writing Your Memoir? A class will be assembled if enoughpeople are interested. Sign up at the church office or call in and put your name on the list.

More information coming soon...

Dr. Martin LutherKing, Jr. Celebration,January 20Join us Monday, January 20th for ourMartin Luther King Jr. activities. Freemeal at 5:30 pm, service at 6:30 pm.

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Advocacy Day, January 30Advocacy Day is a day to learn about issues and bills in the state legislature. You will have anopportunity to learn, develop talking points, and meet with your legislators to express yourviewpoints. Join us Thursday, January 30th to attend the 2020 Advocacy Day with BishopLaurie Haller at Wesley UMC-Des Moines (800 E 12th St, Des Moines) from 9:15 am-3:30 pm.

Questions contact Deb Streff at 319-721-8864 or debstreff@gmail.com.

Advocacy Day 2020 Flyer

Visit our Facebook Page

Arts Ministry & Music

Forming FriendshipsLast Thursday, 36 of us gathered in the WesleyCenter to mold clay and shape new friendships. Wecreated luminaria that will be used to reflect thelight of God during our Christmas Eve services andilluminate our homes during dark winter nights.The luminaria workshop, guided by Ellen and Alexof the Ceramic Center of Iowa, brought culturesand generations together to make art and laughover our mishaps. Thank goodness clay is a

forgiving medium! There is grace in beginning again and joy in imperfection, a perfectmetaphor for our walk as Christians. We’ll have more opportunities for creating together in the new year. Look for the luminarialighting the sanctuary this Christmas and be inspired to join us!

All-Together Worship MusicWe are planning to have an All-Together Choir on December 29th A song in Swahili and one inEnglish will be sung. Music will be available for singers. Contact Mark(mmbaumann@msn.com) for music and rehearsal information.

Christmas Eve MusicChristmas Eve Music preceding the 2:00 pm time of worship will highlight the children andyouth of our congregation. If you would like to play your instrument or sing during that time,please contact Coordinator of Music Ministries Mark Baumann to schedule a musicalinterview time. He can be reached at the church, by email at mmbaumann@msn.com or byphone or text at 319-721-4587. You will be able to play or sing for him at that time to seehow best to utilize your talents to praise God. You may also contact Fidel Taylor at 515-302-5214 or fidelnt1991@gmail.com.

Caril lonneursHandbell Concert'Tis that time of year when CarillonneursHandbell Ensemble ring heralding themerry holiday season! They invite thecongregation to any of the following FREEconcerts:

December 15, 2:30 pm, Whipple Aud., Cedar Rapids Public Library.

Carillonneurs will also perform on the following ticketed concerts:

December 14, 7:30 pm, with the CR Concert Chorale, St. Paul's UMCDecember 20 & 21, 7:30 pm, with Orchetra Iowa, Paramount Theatre. December 22, 2:30 pm, with Orchetra Iowa, Paramount Theatre.

Concert Flyer

Need an Extra Stocking Stuffer?

Need an extra stocking stuffer or unique gift this season. Purchase a Carillonneurs "Christmas

Bells" CD for only $5. The CD contains selections from the Carillonneurs 2018 Christmasconcerts including "Silent Night," "Sing We Now of Christmas." "White Christmas," "WeThree Kings," among others. Contact any member of the Carillonneurs to get your CD today.If you have already ordered copies of the CD, you can pick them up in the church office.

Care, Serve, & Outreach

Waste-Free Furoshiki Gift WrapDemonstration, December 15(Be Healthy. Be Green.)Sunday, December 15, Stephanie Heifner will demonstratethe Japanese art of furoshiki cloth wrapping. This will takeplace in the Gathering Space after 9:00 am worship andthe Connection Center outside the Wesley Center before11:30 am worship.

Furoshiki uses a square piece of cloth to beautifully wrapitems of many shapes a sizes, with the benefit of being completely reusable. This is a fun,creative way to reduce gift wrapping waste (wrapping paper and tissue paper are notrecyclable in Linn County). There will also be a display of other reusable or low waste giftpackaging examples and other eco-friendly Christmas ideas.

Fair-trade & Eco-friendly In Time for Christmas!Join us on Sunday, December 15 from 8:30-11:15 am in the Welcome Space and purchaseunique gifts for the family. All monies go to help families and to prevent human – trafficking!Make a difference! Buy Fair-trade!

December 22 & 24:Christmas OfferingWe are partnering with others in thecommunity to support programs,events, and other resources to makeRedmond Park a vibrant center ofcommunity life in WellingtonHeights.

Sampler of Spirited LivingWednesdays, January 15 through February 19, 6:00-7:30 pmor Thursdays, January 16 through February 20, 11:00 am-12:00pm; No fee

Feeling moved to “do something”, but not committed to totallifestyle change? Join the Sampler of Spirited Living series andexperiment with seven lifestyle practices including sleep, diet,activity and gratitude. Experience how each helps you Feel energetic

Create time for reflection Increase sense of well-being

Share ideas and take risks of living a little differently with group encouragement. Each sessionwill address one aspect of spirited living. Weekly homework will include “doing” a spiritedliving focus along with “getting ready” for the next one the following week. The 6-week seriescould be extended to 8 sessions if participants want extra time to practice spirited livingsteps.

Program leader: Judy Fitzgibbons, registered dietitian and St. Paul's member.Please try to commit to attending all sessions to provide encouragement and support for allattending.

Registration begins December 29th. Call the office, sign up on Sundays at a communicationcenter or email or text Judy at judy@fitzgib.net or 319-981-0674.

-Sponsored by St. Paul's Be Health. Be Green. committee.

Mary Horn, RN, St. Paul's Parish Nurse, writes articles to share pertinent and timely healthtopics on nutritional, mental, emotional, spiritual, and information on a wide-range of healthtopics.

Recent Health Notes

Children & Youth

Children's & Youth Sunday SchoolOur Pathfinders Children’s Sunday School, Club 56, Confirmation and High School Youthwill be on holiday break December 22nd and 29th. We will resume in the new year on January5th.

Mid-High and Senior High Students-If you are around on December 22nd and would like to continue helping put together itemsthat will be displayed in worship during the Advent and Christmas season, come join us from10:20-11:20 am in the Youth Room (110). We will also have a light breakfast provided for youthis day as well.

No TGIW (Thank God's It's Wednesday)No TGIW (Thank God It’s Wednesday) December 25th and January 1st. TGIW will resume inthe new year on January 8th.

7th-12 Graders Ski Retreat Weekendat Sundown Mountain Resort

Join 7th-12th graders from across Eastern Iowa for a fun lock in and day of skiing,snowboarding, or tubing at Sundown Mountain Resort, January 31-February 1, 2020. Thecost is $35 per student (Meals, rental, and lift ticket included). Friday evening, gather atGrand View United Methodist Church (3342 John Wesley Drive, Dubuque, IA) for pizza,games, worship, and a service project. Saturday morning, we’re eating breakfast then hittingthe slopes. RSVP by January 26th (link below).

RSVP for Ski Retreat

Prayers

Stephen M inistersStephen Ministers, wearing the bluebadge, are glad to talk privately withanyone going through a rough time.

Prayers for:

Continued healing & grace for:Larry JohnsonMary Gade (Milt)Tiffani Schneekloth (L.J. & Holli’sdaughter)Barb Brousard (Bill)Charman Banks (John)Gayle Buroker (Kate)Pat Jacobson (Stan)Dean Beer (Gale)Craig Ekstrom (Colton Valenta’sfather)Marianne MickleBarb Zahradnik (Bob)Virginia Goehring (Genny Yarne’ssister)Merida NiyibarutaGerol Goodlove (Mary)Joe TrecekSally Schroder (Sherman)Roger Walker (Catherine)Emily Bell (sister of Matt Stoner)Gary & Gloria Hammond (TomYoung’s brother-in-law and sister)Joyce Vick (Steven)Tom & Susan TitusTim Glenn (son of Laverna Hanson)Keri CollinsMary Brockmeyer (Lloyd)Denise Feltes (Ronald)Colleen LewisMichael WilkinsonMarti & Spence Grayson (DaveMahlke’s sister and brother-in-law)Linda JandikSally & Tom YoungEdie NekolaJoel Oxenford (Elaine Oxenford’s son)

Jim Struve (Sandra)John MatthewsGrace MareshRena BrodtBenjamin Van Winkle (JulieGladfelder’s grandson)Quinn Anton Jensen (Nancy & BriceAnton Jensen’s son)Char O’BrienSusan Moore (Lee Moore’s sister)Joe Boots (relative of Chris and MikeCrilley)Cheri Young (Gene & Carrie Young’sdaughter)Linda HadleyJustin Ilg (Sherrie & Larry Ilg’s son)Angela ShultzRhonda ViktoraCarrie Cummins (Jamie’s daughter andSteve and Kathy Davis’granddaughter)Jim & Rose MildenRaine Allen (Dixie & Roger Allen’sgranddaughter)James WaheNora Mae VanceSandy Pingel (Gloria Ford’s daughter)Mina Arbore (John)John McQuilkin (Jean Kwader’s father)Ryan VickPam AnslynKris Yahn (Steve)

Memorial prayers for the families andfriends of:

Kathy Sewell (mother of JohnScroggins)Katrina Fristad (Colin’s mother)

Elias Macumi

View Worship Times

Worship is for the whole family. While childcare is available in our nursery for allSunday morning services, we welcome children of all ages at all worship

services.

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