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April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. In recognition of this important topic, we wanted to remind you of the ways we at St. Paul’s strive to create a safe environment free of any form of abuse, harassment, discrimination, and assault. We follow the denomination-wide policy called Safe Sanctuaries which seeks to do the following: Protect our children, youth, and vulnerable adults Protect those who minister to and work with children, youth, and vulnerable adults Protect those in our care from physical, emotional, and spiritual harm Honor those God entrusts to our care The General Conference of The United Methodist Church, in April 1996, adopted a resolution aimed at reducing the risk of child sexual abuse in the church. The following is a reflection on the adopted resolution. (Book of Resolutions, 2016 #3084) The Social Principles also state, “...all persons are individuals of sacred worth, created in the image of God.” A central tenet of the Christian faith is the inherent value and worth of all children, youth, and adults. Children, youth, and other vulnerable people are least able to protect themselves in our society and are particularly vulnerable to abuse and neglect. The United Methodist Church is eager to do all it can to protect the youth, children, and other vulnerable people who participate in the life of this congregation. We believe implementing a policy and adopting procedures to protect our children, youth, and other vulnerable people recognizes that: Our Christian faith calls us to offer both hospitality and protection to our children, youth, and other vulnerable people. The Social Principles of the United Methodist Church state, “...children must be protected from economic, physical and sexual exploitation and abuse.” The Social Principles also state, “...all persons are individuals of sacred worth, created in the image of God.” Tragically, churches have not always been safe places for children, youth, and other vulnerable people. Neglect, sexual abuse, and exploitation occur in churches, both large and small, urban and rural. The problem cuts across all economic, cultural, racial, and ethnic lines. God calls us to make our churches safe places, protecting children, youth, and other vulnerable people from abuse. Abuse prevention and ministry protection policies and procedures are essential for congregations, not only for the protection and safety of our children, youth, and other vulnerable persons, but also for our volunteers and staff working with them. The Gospel calls us to be engaged in ministry with children, youth, and other vulnerable persons (Safe Sanctuaries: Reducing the Risk of Abuse in the Church for Children and Youth, page 10). Jesus taught, “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me” (Mark 9:37 NRSV) and “If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones...it would be better for you if a great millstone were fastened around your neck and you were drowned in the depth of the sea” (Matthew 18:6 NRSV). Our Christian faith calls us to offer both hospitality and protection to our children, youth, and other vulnerable people. We should not allow possible risks to undermine or stop our ministry. Rather, we must: Acknowledge the risks and develop a practical plan to address these issues; Take steps to prevent harm to our children, youth, and other vulnerable persons; an Continue to answer the Gospel’s imperative to be in ministry with children, youth, and other vulnerable persons, thus making a difference in their lives. (adapted from Safe Sanctuaries: Reducing the Risk of Abuse in the Church for Children and Youth, page 10). Safe Sanctuaries policies and implementation of practices that reflect those policies seek to fulfill this call for our church. If you are interested in reading our Safe Sanctuaries policy at St. Paul’s, copies are available in the office. Further UMC guidelines can be found at https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/articles/safe-sanctuaries-policies-and-guidelines-for-smaller-congregations.

Hey there, friends and family of St. Paul's! So tell us, what does Easter mean to you as a United Methodist? In this Blog Post, we're going to speak about how Easter is not just about colorful eggs and chocolate bunnies, but a time of deep meaning for us as United Methodists. Get ready to uncover the beauty of renewal, reflection, and rejoicing during this special season! History of Easter for United Methodists Easter celebrations in the Methodist tradition go way back, with a rich history filled with meaning and significance. For us as United Methodists, Easter holds a special place in our faith, signifying renewal and rebirth. It's a time when we reflect on the ultimate sacrifice made for us and the hope that comes with the resurrection. Renewal and Revival Now let's talk about renewal and revival. Easter isn't just another holiday; it's a time of spiritual rejuvenation. It's like hitting the reset button and starting fresh. Easter reminds us that we have the chance to begin again, to renew our faith, and to grow closer to our Creator. Reflection and Contemplation During Easter, it's important to take a moment for reflection and contemplation. It's a time for looking inward, for connecting with our spiritual selves. Through prayer and meditation, we can deepen our relationship with God and gain new insights into our faith journey. Rejoicing and Celebration And of course, Easter is a time for joy and celebration! The Easter season is filled with hope and happiness, and as United Methodists, we embrace that joy wholeheartedly. From special services to festive gatherings, Easter is a time to spread the message of love and renewal. We hope you can join us for our Good Friday evening service and of course, Easter Sunday! Experiencing Easter: United Methodist Perspectives We love hearing personal stories and experiences of Easter from fellow United Methodists. It's incredible to see how this season impacts each of us uniquely. By sharing our insights and journeys, we can learn from one another and grow in our faith together. Easter Traditions in United Methodist Churches Let's take a peek at some Easter traditions in United Methodist churches. From beautiful worship services to community events, there's something special about coming together during Easter. It's a time to connect, to share, and to celebrate as a family of believers. Conclusion As we wrap up, remember that Easter is more than just a holiday—it's a time of deep significance for us as United Methodists. So, let's embrace the themes of renewal, reflection, and rejoicing as we journey through this Easter season together. May the spirit of Easter fill your hearts with joy and hope. Remember to spread kindness and love wherever you go! Some reflection questions: How can we embody the spirit of resurrection in our daily lives? How can we extend grace and love to others as Christ has shown us? How can we live out our faith with compassion and humility, following the example set by Jesus? As we celebrate Easter, let us remember the power of Christ's resurrection and strive to live more fully in his Light.

Lent is a sacred time we are called to engage in acts of repentance, fasting, and preparation for the celebration of Easter. It is a period of 40 days, which begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday, mirroring the time Jesus spent in the wilderness. May we be encouraged to reflect on our lives, seek forgiveness for our shortcomings, and deepen our spiritual connection. Through prayer, fasting, and acts of service, Lent offers a unique opportunity for personal growth, self-discipline, and re-commitment to one's faith. May we be encouraged to reflect on our lives, seek forgiveness for our shortcomings, and deepen our spiritual connection As we walk this path of Lent together to prepare for Easter as United Methodists, may we open our hearts to the transformative power of God's love and grace, and emerge from this season strengthened in our faith and renewed in our commitment to serving others. In the United Methodist Church, Lent holds a special significance as it is a time for us to draw closer to God through prayer, fasting, and acts of service. During Lent, United Methodists often participate in various spiritual disciplines to help deepen our faith and grow closer to God. This may include giving up certain luxuries or indulgences, such as sweets or social media, in order to focus more on our relationship with God. Fasting is not meant to be a punishment, but rather a way to make space for God in our lives and to seek a renewed sense of spiritual clarity. In addition to fasting, United Methodists also engage in acts of service and charity during Lent. This may involve volunteering at a local soup kitchen, donating to a charitable organization, or simply reaching out to someone in need. These acts of service help us to live out our faith in a real way by showing God's love to others and acting as the hands and feet of Christ in the world. This season is a time for us to recommit ourselves to following the teachings of Christ and to living out our faith in our daily lives. Prayer is also an essential aspect of Lent for United Methodists. We use this time to reflect on our relationship with God, to seek forgiveness for our sins, and to ask for guidance in our spiritual journey. Through fervent prayer, we are able to connect with God on a deeper level and to discern His will for our lives. As we journey through Lent together as United Methodists, we are reminded of the importance of self-reflection, repentance, and renewal. This season is a time for us to recommit ourselves to following the teachings of Christ and to living out our faith in our daily lives. By growing closer to God through prayer, fasting, and acts of service, we can experience a transformation of heart and mind that will bring us closer to the true meaning of Easter. Reflection Questions: How do the traditional Lenten disciplines of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving help deepen our faith as United Methodists? In what ways can we use the season of Lent to reflect on our Wesleyan heritage and commitment to social justice and service? How can the themes of sacrifice, repentance, and renewal during Lent inspire us to live out our faith more fully in the world today? Explore ways to embrace, experience and encounter #LivingOutYourFaith this Lent Season:

Martin Luther King Jr., a prominent civil rights leader and Baptist minister, holds a special place in the hearts of millions around the world for his tireless pursuit of racial equality and justice. However, his influence extends far beyond his direct impact on the Black community, touching the lives of people from all walks of life, including United Methodists. As members of the United Methodist Church, we can draw valuable lessons from Dr. King's life and teachings, striving to embody his message of love, compassion, and justice. In this blog post, we explore the profound significance of Martin Luther King Jr. and what United Methodists can gain from emulating his values. 1. Promoting Racial Equality: Martin Luther King Jr. dedicated his life to challenging racial segregation and fighting for the rights of African Americans. As United Methodists, we are called to reject all forms of discrimination and actively work towards racial equality within our communities and institutions. Dr. King's commitment to justice should motivate us to eradicate racism from our churches and seek inclusivity for all races. 2. Leading with Love and Peace: Dr. King's advocacy for justice was deeply rooted in his commitment to nonviolence and his belief in the power of love. United Methodists can learn from his example and seek peaceful resolutions to conflicts both big and small. By nurturing a spirit of love, empathy, and reconciliation, we can build bridges and create a more harmonious society, mirroring the teachings of Jesus Christ. 3. Speaking Truth to Power: Martin Luther King Jr.'s courageous speeches and sermons challenged the status quo and exposed the unjust systems of his time. As United Methodists, we are called to speak truth to power, raising our voices against oppression and advocating for those who are marginalized. Dr. King's leadership reminds us of the importance of holding those in authority accountable and working towards a more just and equitable society. 4. Engaging in Social Activism: Dr. King's legacy is a testament to the power of transformational leadership and grassroots activism. United Methodists can emulate his commitment to social justice by engaging in local and global initiatives that address systemic issues. By standing up against poverty, homelessness, inequality, and other injustices, we can contribute to building a world where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. 5. Upholding Universal Values: Dr. King's teachings echo the core values of the United Methodist Church, such as justice, mercy, and compassion. By embracing these values in our daily lives, we can honor his legacy and create a legacy of our own. Let us remember that the fight for equality and justice is not limited to specific races or issues, but rather an ongoing commitment that we all must share. Conclusion: Martin Luther King Jr.'s life and work continue to inspire and challenge us as United Methodists. By embracing his values of love, peace, equality, and justice, we can work towards a society that reflects the love of Christ and embraces the dignity and worth of every human being. Let us honor his memory by actively pursuing justice, embracing diversity, and advocating for the transformation of our communities and systems.

In today's fast-paced world, financial stability is one of the primary concerns for many individuals. However, managing personal finances can be overwhelming, especially without a well-defined budgeting plan. A budget will not only help you control your spending but also promote financial discipline and establish a foundation for a bright financial future. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of budgeting, share one of the popular budgeting rules "50/30/20" and share practical tips to help you effectively manage your money. 1. Understanding the Significance of Budgeting: The benefits of budgeting: Financial security, debt reduction, and wealth accumulation. Living within your means: Breaking the cycle of overspending and embracing financial mindfulness. Tracking spending patterns: Uncovering unnecessary expenses and areas of potential savings. 2. Analyzing Your Financial Picture: Assessing income and expenses: Calculating total income, factoring in fixed and variable expenses. Identifying areas for improvement: Differentiating between needs and wants, outlining priority expenditures. Setting realistic goals: Saving for emergencies, retirement, debt repayment, and specific financial milestones. Remember, financial success is a journey, and it requires commitment, discipline, and the willingness to adapt. 3. Creating a Practical Budget: Categorizing expenses: Allocating funds into essential categories (housing, transportation, groceries), discretionary spending, and savings. Utilizing budgeting tools and apps: Exploring user-friendly digital tools to streamline budget tracking. Maintaining flexibility: Adjusting your budget regularly based on life events, income changes, and financial goals. 4. Developing Healthy Financial Habits: Building an emergency fund: The importance of having a financial safety net to handle unexpected expenses. Paying off debt strategically: Using the snowball or avalanche method to tackle credit card debts or loans. Automating savings: Understanding the power of consistency and setting up automatic transfers to savings accounts. 5. Navigating Challenges and Staying Motivated: Overcoming obstacles: Addressing impulse buying, handling unexpected costs, and resisting financial temptations. Finding accountability and support: Engaging in financial communities, seeking advice from experts, or considering professional advice. Celebrating milestones: Acknowledging progress, achieving financial goals, and reinforcing positive money management habits. Budgeting is an essential financial practice as Christians, and the 50/30/20 budget rule can be a helpful framework to follow. In this budgeting approach, 50% of your income is allocated to needs, such as housing, food, and transportation; 30% is for wants, such as entertainment and shopping; and 20% is dedicated to savings, debt repayment, and charitable giving. By adhering to the 50/30/20 budget rule, you can prioritize your financial responsibilities, save for the future, honor God through generosity, and make wise spending decisions that align with your values. It reminds us that being good stewards of God's blessings goes hand-in-hand with budgeting and financial planning. Budgeting is an empowering tool that provides clarity and control over your financial well-being. By creating and sticking to a budget, you can lay the groundwork for a stable and prosperous future. Remember, financial success is a journey, and it requires commitment, discipline, and the willingness to adapt. Start today, and establish a strong foundation for a brighter financial tomorrow.

Advent season is here! We welcome this season as a time of profound reflection and anticipation. This cherished period not only prepares us to celebrate the birth of Christ but also invites us to eagerly anticipate the future. Let's explore how the Advent season is a unique and transformative experience for us, capturing the essence of hope, renewal, and spiritual growth. The Season of Reflection: The Advent season provides an opportunity for deep introspection and self-examination. It serves as a reminder that before we anticipate the coming of Christ, we must pause to reflect on our own lives and acknowledge our need for Him. The four-week observance nurtures in us a spirit of humility, encouraging us to seek forgiveness for our shortcomings and to turn towards God with repentant hearts. Through prayer, fasting, and personal reflection, we are called to prepare the way for Christ's arrival in our lives. Advent sparks hope and excitement as we anticipate the future, remembering that the birth of Jesus echoes the promise of redemption and eternal life. Anticipation of the Future: Beyond the celebration of Christ's birth, Advent encourages us to look forward with great anticipation. It reminds us that just as we prepare to commemorate Jesus' arrival as a vulnerable child, we also await His second coming, which will mark the ultimate fulfillment of God's plan of salvation. This anticipation kindles hope within us, reminding us that the story of Christ's birth is coupled with a promise of redemption, renewal, and eternal life. The Advent Wreath: A cherished tradition within the United Methodist Church during Advent is the lighting of the Advent wreath. Each week, a candle is lit, symbolizing significant themes such as hope, peace, joy, and love. These symbols intertwine with the season's essence of reflection and anticipation, reminding us of the promises of God and serving as a visual representation of the journey towards Christ's birth. Conclusion: As a United Methodist, the Advent season offers a profound invitation to engage in both reflection and anticipation. It calls us to examine our lives, seek forgiveness, and prepare our hearts to receive Christ anew. Simultaneously, Advent sparks hope and excitement as we anticipate the future, remembering that the birth of Jesus echoes the promise of redemption and eternal life. Let us embrace this season with open hearts, allowing it to transform our lives as we journey towards the celebration of Christ's birth and eagerly await His second coming. Join us throughout the Advent Season as we move closer to the joy of Christmas!

I love this time of year. When the leaves begin to change and the vibrant yellows, oranges, and reds begin to dance with even the simplest breeze, I am reminded of all of the possibilities that come with a new season. I look forward to the fun parts of fall such as carving pumpkins, attending festivals, drinking apple cider, and watching football games, but I also look forward to the inspiration the new season offers as I become more contemplative and reflect on the changes in God’s creation all around us. I recently read the quote above: “The trees are about to show us how lovely it can be to let things go.” Although I don’t know who to credit for the quote, it serves as a beautiful reminder of how healing it can be to move forward and release the things of the past. In Celebrate Recovery, we focus on this process by trusting Jesus, our higher power, to bring healing and wholeness to our lives. This starts with our choice to come out of denial and offer forgiveness to ourselves and others. Forgiveness is not always an easy thing to offer, but it is an exceptionally important part of our walk with Christ. When we harbor unforgiveness, it produces the fruit of bitterness, hostility, and division, which only brings harm to ourselves and those around us. As members of the body of Christ, we are called to earnestly repent of our sin and seek to live in peace with one another, as we are reminded every time we celebrate Communion. This is rooted in Paul’s epistle to the Romans: “Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; 10love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. 11Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. 13Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers. 14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. 17Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. 18If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” - Romans 12:9-18 When we harbor unforgiveness, it produces the fruit of bitterness, hostility, and division, which only brings harm to ourselves and those around us. Paul’s challenge is not an easy one, but it is the path that brings forth the fruit of the Spirit. As the leaves change around us, may we remember how lovely it can be to let things go and live in peace with ourselves and others. God is with us in all things, including the process of forgiveness, healing, and growth. Looking to join others who are on the path of intentional healing? Celebrate Recovery meets every Tuesday night at 6:30 p.m. with a free meal beforehand at 5:45. These confidential groups are geared toward healing from all kinds of hurts, habits, and hang-ups, and are open to all people over the age of eighteen. Join us! “May the Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” -Numbers 6:24-26 Pastor Mary

On September 11th, 2001, our world was forever changed by the tragic events that took place in New York City, Washington D.C., and Pennsylvania. The United Methodist Church responded to these events by offering compassion and comfort to those who were affected by this tragedy. In the aftermath of 9/11, the church provided pastoral care, counseling, and support to those who were grieving and struggling to make sense of what had happened. The United Methodist Church also called for peace and dialogue with those of different faiths, recognizing that violence and hatred only breed more violence and hatred. The United Methodist Church saw this as an opportunity to promote understanding and love for all people, regardless of their race or religion. As we approach the 23rd anniversary of 9/11, it is important to remember the lessons that we have learned and to renew our commitment to serving and loving our community in a real way. Another way that we can serve our community is by working to promote peace and understanding. One way that we can do this is by reaching out to those who are still struggling with the effects of 9/11. This could include first-responders, survivors, and family members of those who lost their lives. Another way that we can serve our community is by working to promote peace and understanding. The events of 9/11 were fueled by hate and extremism, and it is important that we work to combat these forces in our world today. This could involve supporting interfaith initiatives, promoting dialogue and understanding between different communities, and working to address the root causes of extremism and violence. ...we can continue to serve and love our community in a real way by reaching out to those who are still struggling, promoting peace and understanding, and working to make our world a better place. In conclusion, the United Methodist Church responded to the events of 9/11 with compassion and care, and we can continue to serve and love our community in a real way by reaching out to those who are still struggling, promoting peace and understanding, and working to make our world a better place.

In today's world, it's easy to feel like we need to put up a facade and pretend to be someone we're not. This can be especially true when it comes to matters of faith. We may feel pressure to present a picture-perfect version of ourselves to those around us, or to put on a show of religiosity that we don't really feel in our hearts. However, when we do this, we're not being true to ourselves or to God. In fact, being real in our faith is crucial if we want to experience true spiritual growth and connection. Being real in your faith as a United Methodist means living out your beliefs in a way that is true to your conviction and authentic to your personal experiences. United Methodists believe that our faith is not simply a set of beliefs to be memorized and recited, but rather a way of life that is grounded in the teachings of Jesus and the community of believers. One way to live out your faith authentically is by participating in the life of St. Paul's. This can include attending worship services, joining a small group or Bible study, volunteering in the community, or giving financially to support the work of the church. As a United Methodist, you are part of a larger community of believers who share a common faith and work together to make a positive impact in the world. Being real in your faith as a United Methodist means living out your beliefs in a way that is true to your conviction and authentic to your personal experiences. Another important aspect of being real in your faith is being honest about your doubts and questions. United Methodists believe that it is healthy to engage in thoughtful reflection and discussion about our beliefs, and that doubt can be an opportunity for growth and spiritual transformation. By being open and honest about our struggles, we can deepen our faith and become more compassionate and understanding individuals. Ultimately, being real in your faith as a United Methodist means living a life of love, grace, and service to others. It means being committed to the well-being of our communities and the world, and striving to live out the teachings of Jesus in everything we do. Being real in our faith also means being authentic with others. We need to be willing to share our struggles and doubts with our fellow believers, rather than trying to present a perfect image. So, what does it mean to be real in your faith? It starts with honesty. We need to be honest with ourselves about where we're at in our spiritual journey, what we're struggling with, and what we really believe. This can be scary, especially if we're worried about being judged by others. However, when we're honest with ourselves, we can start to address the areas where we need to grow and make real progress. Being real in our faith also means being authentic with others. We need to be willing to share our struggles and doubts with our fellow believers, rather than trying to present a perfect image. This can be difficult, but it's important for building genuine relationships and supporting one another through the ups and downs of life. And as a church family, it starts with us being real people, real church and real Jesus to one another, our community and the world around us. Making a space for being real. Ultimately, being real in your faith as a United Methodist means living a life of love, grace, and service to others. Finally, being real in our faith means being authentic with God. We need to come to God with our true selves, not the person we think we should be. This means being honest in our prayers, admitting when we're struggling, and seeking God's help and guidance to grow in our faith. In conclusion, being real in our faith is crucial if we want to experience true spiritual growth and connection. It may be scary, but it's worth it. By being honest with ourselves, others, and God, we can build deeper relationships and become the people God created us to be. What does being real in your faith mean to you?

Looking for ways to deepen your faith and connect with your community and church? The United Methodist Church and Rethink Church provide a range of spiritual tools and resources to help you do just that! From daily devotionals and prayer guides to Bible study resources and worship services, there are plenty of ways to engage with your faith and find the support you need to grow as a person and a disciple. As we strive to grow in our faith and connection with our community and church family, it is important to have spiritual tools and resources at our disposal; when, where and how we want. Reading the Bible, attending worship services, participating in small groups, prayer sessions, and engaging in community through volunteering are all great ways to deepen our connection with God and others. From daily devotionals and prayer guides to Bible study resources and worship services, there are plenty of ways to engage with your faith and find the support you need to grow as a person and a disciple. Additionally, spiritual support groups virtually or in-person, online devotional resources, and Christian literature, like our 'Free Gift to You' by Rightnow Media, can also provide valuable support and inspiration on our faith journey. As we seek to strengthen our relationship with God and one another, we invite you to check out these spiritual tools and resources provided by The United Methodist Church easily accessible from our site! So why wait? Check out these amazing resources today and start your journey towards a deeper, more fulfilling spiritual life! (don't forget to bookmark it for easy access!)