Thursday, May 7, 2020

Dear Friends in Christ,My times are in your hand;deliver me from the hand of my enemies and persecutors.Let your face shine upon your servant;save me in your steadfast love.-Psalm 31.15-16 NRSV

Much of the Bible is written by, and for, people who are living in danger anduncertainty of their own wellbeing.

I am grateful most of us do not live with a pending sense of danger, at least notmost of the time. The trade off, though, is we are removed from the situations andconcerns that made the scriptures make sense. At times, it seems as if oursacred texts call us to sing a song our experiences do not allow us to fullyunderstand.

To change the subject just a bit, one of the things some of the eternal optimistshave been doing lately is looking for “silver linings” in this time of pandemic.Taking a cue from them, this might be one silver lining to this difficult situation: wemight be able to understand and pray in some new and deeper ways because ofthe uncertainty of this time.

To pray with David while he running from the enemy, “My times are in your hand;deliver me…save me…” sounds different now than it does when danger seems tobe a million miles away.

My hope is that we are finding our scriptures and our tradition speaking andsustaining us in new ways. These times are challenging and I do not want tomake light of them nor glamorize them, but this is an opportunity for us tounderstand what compelled scripture’s writers: the good news is not that we willnever face times of uncertainty, but that when we do, we have a God who hearsour prayers for deliverance and salvation, for God’s face and blessing.

-Pastor Jonathan

Announcements

Church and Re-openingSt. Paul’s leadership will continue to discern what seems safe and wise, for ourbuilding use this summer and for a time of re-opening. We won’t be alone in thisdiscernment as our conference leadership is providing a framework for localchurch discernment.

The Iowa Annual Conference Crisis Operations Team is providing this Re-EntryPlan for the Iowa Conference of The United Methodist Church. Here is asummary:

Level 3: Red Light Status: Stop all non-critical gatherings. Essentialworkers only. This is the "Stay in Love with God" and stay home phase ofour ministry. Right now it is best to err on the side of distancing even as wehave received new guidelines from the Iowa Governor’s Office.Level 2: Yellow Light Status: Cautionary Return. We anticipate this willcover a number of months. As the IAUMC, we want to “Do Good” asrestrictions are lifted. This means a gradual return to gatherings and doingso in a cautionary manner.Level 1: Green Light Status: When we finally reach the “Do No Harm”phase—it will be because the virus is contained and our people are safe.Permission will be granted to communities of faith to return to full activityand mass gatherings will be permitted. This will be in place only as churchleadership is confident in the care of their community of faith. Green lightingfor all activities will likely be guided by testing protocol for asymptomaticCOVID-19 carriers, antibody testing, therapeutic drug therapies aggressivelycaring for those who have contracted COVID-19, and approval andavailability of a COVID-19 vaccine.

The Iowa Conference of The United Methodist Church recognizes returning to fullparticipation will be based on the oversight of the Office of the Bishop, CrisisResponse Team, state and national guidelines, as well as the seasonalmovement of the virus. It is our expectation pastors and laity will read through thisdocument together allowing it to guide the response of your local faith community.

The Iowa Conference of The United Methodist Church continues in Level 3: RedLight Status through May 31 at which point that status will be reassessed.

For the full article, click button below.

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Summer Ministry Calendar Updatesfrom St. Paul's UMC

St. Paul’s Clear Lake Cabin availability: Trustees are discerningJWHS (John Wesley Heritage Society) Luncheon: June 19, postponed, if

not canceled.Lemonade Stand: CanceledKickball tournament: CanceledFamily Night at the Kernels: CanceledIn-person Vacation Bible School: Canceled, however we will be offeringresources/curriculum for families to do an at-home Vacation Bible Schoolexperience.Neighborhood Meals Enrichment Program: Alternative plans orcancelation in discussionSPRINT: Alternative plans or cancellation in discussionJune Mid-High Trip to Minneapolis: CanceledIntergenerational Mission Trip to Mission, SD: Canceled: In the next fewweeks and months we will be discussing, planning and praying for analternative mission opportunity to serve our local community. At this time wedo not know what this might look like, we know it won’t be the same aswhen we can travel together , but we believe God will still move. We wouldask that you still keep July 20th-24th open on your schedule. Thisopportunity will be at a free cost to participants.Summer Youth Group: Online until further noted.Back to school Bash: On hold

St. Paul's Tutors Deliver Care Packagesto StudentsOur tutoring program is a vital part of our African National ministries. Like manyclassrooms, our activities have been put on hold; unlike many classrooms, wecan’t connect to our students online due to language and technology barriers.

Our students are our dear friends, and we miss them so much. Last week, wereached out to them with a tangible show of support. Our tutoring team collectedcontributions and shopped (online and with masks!) for staples and a fewsurprises. We gathered everything from laundry detergent and liquid soap toanimal crackers, rice and coloring books and filled 17 laundry baskets with at least12 items each. Thanks to our St. Paul’s seamstresses, we were also able toinclude a selection of adult and child-sized face masks.

Equipped with our own PPE, Jade and I delivered the care packages to ourfriends’ doors. We were greeted with so many smiles and virtual hugs. It was adelight to meet many of our friends’ children and to know that everyone is safeand well. Our students are survivors with a unique perspective on times of crisis.

They had no complaints – just joy, which we carried home in our hearts and sharewith you through these images.

- Michelle LeCompte

Serving Others From Your HomeAs COVID-19 has changed our routines and commitments,it has stirred a desire in many to reach out to others toshare God's love in compassion and service. But thequestion arises, "How can I help others while also stayingsafe and socially distant?"

Below you will find a list of websites for organizations thatoffer remote volunteer opportunities. We encourage you toexplore these sites for options that match your skills andinterests.May God bless you as you share your time and talents with those in need.

The AARP (Association for Retired Persons) (AARP does not require thevolunteer to be a member, retired, or over the age of 50)https://createthegood.aarp.org/volunteer-search/?remoteOpps=true

United Way of East Central Iowahttps://unitedwayofeastcentraliowa.galaxydigital.com/

Volunteer Iowa - Click on COVID-19 Volunteer Opportunities along left sidehttps://volunteeriowa.galaxydigital.com/need/detail/?need_id=510708

Volunteer Matchhttps://www.volunteermatch.org/search?l=Cedar%20Rapids%2C%20IA%2052401

-St. Paul’s Sending to Serve Team

Sanctuary Choir DirectorSummary of responsibilitiesThe Sanctuary Choir Director will be responsible for directing the choir as itprovides its music ministry during the “traditional” services and occasional specialservices. If you are interested please click the job description link below.

Job Description Link

Share Love, Share Hope, Share Life!There are so many needs and more will emerge from this pandemic, so we wantto grow something new; a St. Paul’s UMC Community Love Gift Fund we'll call,Share Love, Share Hope, Share Life. It's where all of us together can make animpact in any or all of three distinct ways. Make one gift and designate it inwhatever proportions you chose between these types of Love Gifts:

1. Personal Lifeline Love Gift - Gifts to help an individual or family throughfinancial challenge due to the pandemic

2. Mission Partners Love Gift - Gifts to be shared between several of ourlocal Mission Partners serving those in immediate need in our localcommunity.

3. St. Paul’s Love Gift - Gifts to support ongoing ministries of our church,reaching out in love, hope, and life.

Online Giving

Peace with JusticeHis Hands Free Clinic: May 17, 2020

His Hands Free Clinic provides free medical,chiropractic, women's health, mental health,physical therapy and dental services in theWellington Heights neighborhood.

How to get involvedSeeking medical volunteers, social work volunteers, administrative/clerical, andprayer support for patients. St. Paul's get involved with the May IMM to do lightmaintenance work for the clinic.

How to get involved:Primary way of support is through the offering.

Learn More about His Hands Free Clinic.

ZOOM Spiritual Opportunities

Pastries withthe Pastors*Sunday MorningJoin Pastor Sherrie andPastor Jonathan during theSunday School hour for anhour of informalconversation andconnection. This gatheringwill take place using Zoom,and can work on a smartphone, tablet, personal computer, or landline. After yousign up below, you will be sent a direct link from either Pastor Sherrie or PastorJonathan. Sunday morning, 10:00 am. *Pastries not included

Sign up Here

WednesdaysLectio Divinawith PastorSherrie

Join Pastor Sherrie for atime of prayerful meditationon scripture. Using Zoomvideo conferencing, this willbe a small group interactionat 12:00 pm onWednesdays. If you wouldlike to participate, simply fillin the name and emailaddress boxes and PastorSherrie will send a zoom

invitation to you.

Sign up Here

Create Nighton ZOOMHosted by CreativeExpression Sunday SchoolClass

What: We will use the Zoommeeting platform to videochat as we work on our owncreative projects from home.Any type of arts, crafts,writing, etc. All are welcome,no long term commitmentrequired.When: Thursdays 6:00-7:30 pmWhere: Online from your home!How: Sign up with this Google Form and the meeting link will be sent toyou.Questions about the event? Ask Stephanie atstephanie.heifner@gmail.com

Sign up Here for Create Night

NEW! Grateful Life GroupPastors Sherrie and Jonathan would like tobegin a 5 week Grateful Life Group. We’llmeet weekly on Wednesdays at 6:30-7:30 pmthrough a ZOOM video conference format. As

a place of sharing and learning aboutgratefulness as a way of life, we’ll share a weekly idea to consider. Some of theconcepts and stories will be from Diana Butler Bass’s book, Grateful; TheSubversive Practice of Giving Thanks, as well as other resources. If ZOOM isn’tyour thing, we can also send out the weekly idea to you through an email. Pleasesend an email to silg@stpaulsumc.org, and we’ll follow up!

Season of Easter!7 week series: Grateful LifeIn the Easter Season, what better time to change our orientation to hope throughgratefulness.

From Diana Butler Bass, book, Grateful, Everyday there are reasons not to feelgrateful. Terrible, distressing, painful and awful things happen all the time. Yet,gratitude is a defiance of sorts, the defiance of kindness in the face of anger, ofconnection in the face of division, and of hope in the face of fear. Gratefulnessdoes not acquiesce to evil-it resists evil.

As Christians, can we embrace this counter-cultural way of embodyinggratefulness, from the new hope and joy we find in the risen Christ?

Facebook LIVE Spiritual Opportunities

Join Us on Facebook LIVE!Here’s how:

Log on to St. Paul's Facebook pageScroll down our Facebook page at the time of the scheduled worshipservice until you see PostsThen click into the service.

Steps to Join Us on Facebook

Sunday Spiritual Opportunity

"Lectio Divina" Mondays - 12:00 pmMondays, 12:00 noon, liveonline Lectio Divina, a prayerpractice where we meditate ona scripture passage and forwhat it says to us.

Hymn Sing Tuesdays - 5:15 pmTuesdays, 5:15 pm, Tuesdays5:15 pm Hymn Sing! Take thetime to find comfort and

assurance during our weeklyhymn sing. We encourage youto sign up in advance here:

https://forms.gle/DYx3nvymPDksyfMp7 (By signing up in advance, we can becareful to avoid live streaming copyrighted material).

Morning Praise & Prayer Thursdays - 9:30 amThursdays, 9:30 am, liveonline Morning Praise andPrayer, based on UMH 876.

Children & Youth

Update on Early Childhood Programs

at St. Paul'sWith Mother’s Day upon us, I wanted to take this opportunity to wish all the Mothersand Grandmothers a very special and Happy Mother’s Day. Proverbs 31:28-29 “Herchildren rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Manywomen have done excellently, but you surpass them all.’”

Children’s Ministry leaders are working hard to continue to provide resources, Biblestories and short videos online to connect with you all. Check in on our Facebook andInstagram pages weekly! We will be hosting another zoom meeting this Sunday at 10am.We had so much fun catching up with everyone during our last meeting. We hope tocontinue to see new faces join us! You can find the zoom link here: Julie Hanlin is invitingyou to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Children's ministryTime: May 10, 2020 10:00 AM Central Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meetinghttps://us04web.zoom.us/j/78443889571?pwd=UTJpK1J0Tng4T3RmR3RuQlFqdjBSZz09

Meeting ID: 784 4388 9571Password: 8KByHm

Last week I challenged you all to find what you are most grateful for during these extrafew weeks at home. Draw a picture, create a collage or write a story to share with us! Wewould love to be able to celebrate what we are all grateful for. Remember, God isworking all around us. When we slow down and remain still we are opening our eyes andour hearts to new ways to discovering where Christ is in our lives.

Our Preschool programs are getting ready to celebrate the 2020 graduates and whilegraduation may look a bit different this year, the celebration remains the same! We areso proud of each of our FOCUS and ELC graduates and we cannot wait to see what BIGthings are ahead for each of you. Best of luck as you head into Kindergarten this fall! Staytuned for a virtual celebration to be shared as we prepare to celebrate our littlestgraduates!

As we can continue to think about our responsibility as leaders to provide safeprogramming for our families, we have made the tough decision to cancel our in personVBS programming in July. While we are disappointed that we won’t be able to gather inperson, we are working hard on putting together at home programming for each of ourfamilies to host their own VBS week! Stay tuned for more details about this excitingopportunity!

I continue to keep you all in my prayers and I look forward to when we can gathertogether again. If you would like to connect with me personally during this time apartplease feel free to email me at jhanlin@stpaulsumc.org

I wish you all a wonderful week. Stay healthy and stay connected in Christ.

Julie Hanlin

St. Paul's Youth Check Out Ways

to Connect Spiritually Throughout the Week

St. Paul's Children'sSunday SchoolVideos Updated Every Sunday

We believe all children are entitled to gathertogether in this place to experience God’s love.Where faith, imagination, and learning go handin hand.

St. Paul's Children's Ministries

Prayers

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

God is our refuge and strength, a verypresent help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

Lord hear our prayers:

Charman Banks (John)Marti & Spence Grayson (DaveMahlke’s sister and brother-in-law)

Happy Mother’s Day to all whohave mothered us in life and faith!For all of us in a time ofpandemic.

Continued healing & grace for:Gloria FordSharon Libby (Stephen)Robert Freese (Tim Reisen’sborther-in-law)Keith Arbore (Tina)Doris KurrelmeyerJenna Zach and Marjie Zach(relatives of Brad Colton)Allison VanceConnie ConradDan NickersonKendall Truax (Kelly Truax’sfather)Charles Edwards (Lora Lea)Ann EmersonVestina BuchumiJenny Van WinkleDesire NikozubakwaHeather and Harper KeckEsther Miceli

Quinn Anton Jensen (Nancy &Brice Anton Jensen’s son)Char O’BrienCheri Young (Gene & CarrieYoung’s daughter)Linda Hadley; Ryan VickKris Yahn (Steve)

Hospice Care:Laverne Tucker

Memorial prayers for the familiesand friends of:

Patricia ThomsenKeith ConradDonn LangKarine Evans (daughter of ShawnEvans)Bob Curry (brother-in-law ofCarol Curry, uncle to HolliSchneekloth)Norman Middlekauff (Betty)Jim Miller (Deb)Jon Burger (Cynthia)

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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