Current Announcements

eLetter 95

Prayer.
God of peace and justice, we pray for the people of Ukraine today. We pray for peace and the laying down of weapons. We pray for all those who fear for tomorrow, that your Spirit of comfort would draw near to them. We pray for those with power over war or peace, for wisdom, discernment and compassion to guide their decisions. Above all, we pray for all your precious children, at risk and in fear, that you would hold and protect them. We pray in the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Amen. (A Prayer for Ukraine, Archbishop Justin Welby and Archbishop Stephen Cottrell)
 
News.
-Join us for worship this Second Sunday in Lent, March 13, at 11a. Pastor Ayebale will be presiding at Table and Pastor Bob will be preaching the Word. All are welcome.
 
-Potluck every Sunday in March! Join us for food and fellowship during the month of March after each service as we discuss the sermon with our pastors. As we continue to follow the Lectionary, Pastor Bob will deliver a sermon series during the month of March on what it means to be created in the image of God. Each service will be followed with food, fellowship, and conversation about that Sunday’s sermon.
 
-Godly Play returns for the month of March. Godly Play is for children ages 3-11 and offers a rich education that immerses children in the stories of Scripture and the best of the church’s tradition. Invite your friends with kids to join in this transformational education.
 
-Our next Board of Administration meeting is after service on Sunday, April 24.
 
-Join our Worship Team for music planning and fellowship on Wednesdays at 7:30p at the church. For more information, contact Eric Nord at eric.nord@greenville.edu . All are welcome.
 
-Morning Prayer is in-person Mondays and Fridays at 7:30a. All are welcome.
 
-Morning Prayer via zoom Tuesday-Thursdays at 7:30a. The password is 981142. Here’s the zoom link: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/7875276187
 
-Our companionship ministry witnesses to the difference Christ makes in our community for how we love and befriend one another. If you would like to be trained for companionship ministry, contact Jim Zahniser at jhzahniser@sbcglobal.net 
 
-This semester, there will be six total meetings for the JJ Gathering, a unique College ministry we’re excited to participate in. The gathering is typically held on Sundays at 6p. St. Paul’s is invited to provide food for the April 24 gathering. To participate in St. Paul’s College Ministry at GU for the April 24 gathering, contact Pastor Ayebale at ayebalebarigye@gmail.com or Adin Fleischer at Adin.Fleischer7039@panthers.greenville.edu.
 
-Global and Local Mission giving 2021. St Paul’s is blessed to participate in the following ministries by sending financial support for the 2021 year: Haiti Providence University (FMC affiliated) for $750; Freedom Scholarship Fund (FMC affiliated) for $750; Hope Africa University (FMC affiliated) for $750; The Clemente Family in the Philippines, Indonesia, and the region of Oceana (which includes Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji) for $2000; Impact Middle East for $1,000; The Simple Room for $1,750; Eden’s Glory (FMC affiliated) for $1,000. Thank you for your faithful giving!
 
-Prayer focus: Holden family; Nancy Long; Wayne Harrison; Ann Z. (senior), St. Paul’s Stott Grant; the Simple Room; the JJ ministry.
 
-Pastoral care. If you would like to receive a visit or call from one of our pastoral staff, contact Pastor Judy at 618.514-7457 or email her at dnjcox@gmail.com
 
-If you’d like to connect with others at St. Paul’s through our 3x3 ministry, contact Pastor Ayebale at ayebalebarigye@gmail.com
 
-Supporting mental health. Carrie Ackerman, MSW, offers counseling through our space at St. Paul’s and is offering one pro bono session a week for a community member in need. Contact Carrie for more information: cjackerman02@aol.com.
 
-Financial Report through February 28, 2022:
Giving total: $14,410.22.        General Spending: $12,730.43.        Budget: $17,354.50.
Net shortfall: $2,944.28
 
Reflection.
At our Ash Wednesday service last week, we prayed A Prayer for Ukraine by Archbishop Justin Welby and Archbishop Stephen Cottrell. This prayer reminds us not only that we worship a God of peace and justice, but also that this same God holds God’s children near, like a mother hen with her chicks. As we prayed this prayer, I was also mindful that Jesus teaches us to love our enemies, do good to our haters, pray for our abusers, and bless those who curse us. After all, this is what God does. What does this look like during war?
 
In his letter to the Christians in Galatia, Paul explains that the church is God’s adopted children. Our status as children has nothing to do with age, but rather, our being beloved heirs who belong to God. What if we began praying for all those at war as God’s children, seeing in them the same fear, vulnerability, and powerlessness that are more visibly apparent in children? What if we prayed for Ukraine and Russia, and every other country, family, marriage, and friendship in conflict with the same compassion we pray for those who are more apparently at risk, like children? Because the truth is, that’s who we all are: children of God who need God to hold and protect us in a world bent on violence and destruction.
 
Benediction.
May you experience God’s loving comfort and constant presence in your fear, anxiety, and powerlessness, and may you have the faith, hope, and love to pray the same for your enemies.
 
Pastor Ben

FINANCIAL STATUS
​UPDATE FOR 2021

Thanks be to God and to you for your generosity in 2021!
Financial Report through July 31, 2021: 
Giving: $54,655.29
Spending: $54,841.58
Budget: $61,250.
Net shortfall: $6,594.71.

---

Events Calendar

Please join us for Morning Prayer Monday-Friday 7:30-8:00a in the sanctuary, for prayer, scripture and Communion.

St. Paul's is currently partnering with Core Community by providing meals for their gatherings in the month of September. 

• Meals will be provided on Sept. 6th, 13th, 20th, and the 27th! If you're interested in getting involved please email us (stpaulsfmc@gmail.com)!