Thursday, February 28, 2019

Dear Friends in Christ,I would like to give a brief update on the work of the 2019 special General Conference,which concluded yesterday evening.

The short of it is this: the Traditional Plan was approved, which affirms and enforcesmore strictly the “incompatibility” language already found in the Book of Discipline. TheOne Church Plan, which the majority of bishops endorsed was voted down. While this isthe outcome of the General Conference in a nutshell, the proverbial dust has yet tosettle. Much of the Traditional Plan is under review, as some of its key components havebeen deemed unconstitutional (they are not allowed by our Book of Discipline). We donot yet know how this will all shake out, but one thing is certain: plenty of people arehurting today.

Many of us hoped for a way forward that would honor the diversity that exists in UnitedMethodism, and we hoped the UMC would find a way to “honor all the parts,” as wehave recently preached from I Corinthians.

If I might follow in the vein of our recent sermon series, I would write:To God’s church,Be gentle to one another.Keep asking, who is hurting and how can I be balm of healing to them?Keep talking.Keep paying attention.Keep praying.Remember who your God is, and reclaim who God has called us to be.

There will be more to say in the days ahead, as more information and decisions emerge,but in the meantime, if you would like to talk or cry or scream, I am around, PastorSherrie will be back from the mission trip this weekend, Stephen Ministers are availabletoo.

Pastor Jonathan

Sincerely,

Jonathan

Adults

Congratulations Joanne!Tuesday night at the volunteer appreciation dinner forFamily Promise of Linn County Joanne Kimber was namedvolunteer of the year. Joanne coordinates the meals for ourfamilies when St. Pauls hosts. She always has a ready smileand a listening ear for each family.

Charge Conference - March 4Charge Conference, March 4, 6:30, Room 325, Superintendent Rev. Kiboko has authorizeda Charge Conference for the purpose of hearing a call to ministry from St. Paul’s member,Ian Montgomery. All Church Council members and retired ordained clergy at St. Paul’s areto attend.

Ash Wednesday -March 6This is the first day of Lent, a daywhen we encounter our own mortalityand confess our sin before God withinthe community of faith. This is allexperienced within the light of God’sredeeming love in Jesus Christ. The7:00 pm service will bring together

fantastic musicianship and divine prayerfulness through Jazz Vespers worship. Led byCraig Dove, a meditative jazz trio will play throughout the service in what will be anintimate and inspired Lenten experience.

Breaking Bread &Sharing Traditions -March 16Breaking bread is an act offellowship that spans places andages and cultures. Join us at 4:00pm to learn about traditional bread

from Africa and the United Statesand share it with new friends. All areinvited to gather at 5:00 pm for aLenten multicultural worship servicewith communion.

Lenten StudiesLent is just around the corner. During this time of reflection and self-examination, theAdult Spiritual Formation team would like to offer various ways for you to enter into thissolemn season. Lenten groups form in various ways: Sunday School classes and established weekdaystudies will use these materials, but we also want to invite you to think creatively ofways to meet in new places and with new people.

We are encouraging groups to choose from one of three studies:Plenty Good Room: a look at Lent through the lens of African American spirituals.Join this study at St. Paul’s on Wednesday nights, March 13-April 17, 6:00-7:00 pm.Co-facilitators are Rev. Sherrie Ilg and Ben Owen, Sanctuary Choir Director. Toreserve your spot, please email Pastor Sherrie at silg@stpaulsumc.org.

Renovate: using the metaphor of a house renovation and the book of Nehemiah,Jacob Armstrong invites us to look at our own lives as works in progress.

Simon Peter: Adam Hamilton guides a look at the flawed, yet leader of thedisciples.

A display of these books will be on display in the office in the near future.

And, in addition to these group studies, we have a devotional from A Sanctified Art thatwill correspond with our Lenten sermon series. You can pick up a copy of the devotionalin the church office.

If you have any questions, want us to order books for you, or you would like help startinga new group, please contact Pastor Jonathan (jheifner@stpaulsumc.org).

Lent is a season of spiritual gardening, ofinviting God to unearth in us what liesfallow, what needs to be tended, and whatneeds to die for new life to emerge. Thisyear, our lectionary offers us images andstories with themes of earthiness and grit.

Stop by the church office to pick up theCultivating and Letting Go

Devotional and 11"x17" coloring sheet,cost $3

24"x36" coloring sheet available foradditional $3

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Arts & Music Ministry

Nebraska Wesleyan University Concert Band,March 12The Nebraska Wesleyan University Concert Band, under the direction of Dr. StephenGoldeck will perform at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, on Tuesday, March 12 at 7:00pm. Concert is free and open to the public. Free-will donations to help with travelexpenses are appreciated.

Concert at St. Paul's Flyer

Music in MarchTwo exceptional opportunities to hear incredible music will be at St. Paul’s in the monthof March. They are wonderful events to invite friends and neighbors to attend andexperience the hospitality of our congregation and to emphasize the importance of musicin the life of the congregation. Mark your calendar and plan to be present for both.

Tuesday, March 12, 7:00 pm – The Nebraska Wesleyan University Concert Band willpresent a concert during their tour of the Midwest. The band is a distinguished concertensemble perform-ing works in a variety of musical styles, from traditional bandrepertoire to contemporary music. It provides personal musical growth opportunities forits members through participation in performances of the highest level.

Dr. Goldeck is a Visiting Assistant Professor of Music at Nebraska Wesleyan where heserves as Director of Instrumental Activities, Director of Bands, Professor of Saxophoneand Professor of Instrumental Conducting. A native of New Jersey, Dr. Goldeck holdsdegrees from Rowan University (BM and MM) and UNLV (DMA). His bands, high schooland college, have received critical acclaim. Dr. Goldeck’s research interests concern theRomantic overtures of Richard Wagner (pre-1848) and their treatment for wind band bynoted wind band arrangers, namely John Philip Sousa.

Sunday, March 17, 9:00 am – The Coe College Concert Choir will be present duringworship as we praise our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. They will sing alone and will singwith the Sanctuary Choir.

Under director Dr. Marc Falk, the Coe College Concert Choir is having more fun andperforming better than ever. "Singing together, and singing well, should be enjoyable,"says Falk," and we have a really good time." When not touring, the Choir can be foundperforming 8-10 times per year, both on and off campus. The group produces fun andinteresting concerts with a good mix-ture of music from all eras and an emphasis on 20thand 21st century music.

Dr. Marc Falk, Assistant Professor of Music, directs the Concert Choir, Crimson & Gold,Men's Honor Choir Festival, and musical theatre productions at Coe and teaches musichistory and mu-sic appreciation. A graduate of Macalester College, Mr. Falk completedhis Master of Music degree at the University of Minnesota and the Doctor of MusicalArts degree in Choral Conducting and Pedagogy from the University of Iowa.

On April 16 Joyful Noises will bring together some of the areas finest talent for anamazing musical event benefitting Family Promise of Linn County. There is no charge forthis event. Donations for Family Promise will be accepted. Silent Auction &hors d’oeuvres 6:00 pm, concert following at 7:00 pm.

View Joyful Noises Flyer

Artist TalkBruce Nesmith’s performance in Creative Expression class.There were 22 people in attendance.

Care, Serve, & Outreach

Indulge or Deny? -February 27Scripture instructs us to treatourselves, as well as others, well.Can scripture inspire us to do both?Some religious traditions recognizeLent by choosing something ineveryday habits to “give up”,usually something that weenjoy. Come and consider how you

and your family might “indulge in” 6 healthy practices during Lent that lead to healthierbodies, minds and spirits. Led by St. Paul's member and registered dietitian, Judy

Fitzgibbons, we'll see if we're indulging or denying ourselves in those practices andexplore ideas for healthy indulgence. Mary Horn, parish nurse, will on hand to do bloodpressure checks.

Join us on Wednesday, February 27 from 5:30-6:30 pm in room 117. This session issponsored by St. Paul's UMW Be Healthy. Be Green. task force. We're exploring theinterest in the topic as a multi-session Lenten activity for 2020.

Neighborhood Meal &Enrichment Program Fortwenty-eight years, theNeighborhood Meal andEnrichment Program (NMEP) hasprovided free warm, nutritiousmeals for the WellingtonHeights, Mound View, and OakHill and other neighborhoodchildren and their families duringthe summer months. Noon meals

are prepared and served at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church with sponsorship andsupport of six community churches: Christ Episcopal, First Lutheran, First Presbyterian,Grace Episcopal, St. Paul's United Methodist, and Westminster Presbyterian. The meal isfollowed by the SPRINT enrichment program for children.

How to get involvedHelp us continue to serve those in our community who need a midday meal. Donationscan also be made by cash or check and mailed or delivered to the church office.

View St. Paul's Mission Partners

Housing Needed for Nebraska WesleyanMusicians, March 12St. Paul's UMC has the honor of hosting 42 young musicians from Nebraska WesleyanCollege on Tuesday evening, March 12. They will present a band concert at 7:00 pm inour sanctuary and then need homes for bed and breakfast in groups of 2. Members of ourchancel choir have volunteered, but we need 10 - 14 more homes. Are you one with anextra bedroom or two who could extend this hospitality to young students from one ofour United Methodist related colleges? Please sign up in the church office or contactBarb Oakland who is coordinating the housing arrangements - 319-377-5977 -barb.oakland@gmail.com. Thanks!!

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

Read Health Notes

Children & Youth

Greatest Stories ofthe BiblePathfinders Sunday School in themonth of March for the GreatestStories of the Bible! We will besharing stories from the Bible,singing songs and playing games!Every Sunday from 10:20-11:20 am.

Senior High All-Nighter, March 29th-12th graders meet at the churchat 7:00 pm, a portion of the eveningwill be spent doing an activityoutside of the church from 7:30-10:30 pm. The remainder of theevening will include gamesthroughout the church and a lip-sync

battle. We are in need of adults to help transport student to and from the church for ourouting. Please contact Becca at 515-422-2299, if you are able to assist.

Celebrate St.Patrick, March 17Pathfinders Sunday School wear yourgreen and celebrate St. Patrick withus! Join us for music, games and

crafts! Sunday, March 17th, 2019from 10:20-11:20 am.

Youth WorshipNight, April 3Cameron Scott, lead pastor atCityScape in Des Moines, will bespeaking at Marion Methodist (5050Rec Dr, Marion) from 6:00-8:00 pm.There will be outdoor games, groupgames, door prizes and greatworship with other churches in our

area! We encourage students to eat on Wednesday night at the St. Paul’s UMC; we willcar pool together to Marion. This is a free event.

Easter Egg Hunt,April 13St. Paul’s UMC and CollinsCommunity Credit Union will behosting an Easter Egg Hunt!Saturday, April 13th, 2019 11:00 amat Redmond Park in Cedar Rapids Allages welcome!

ScholarshipsAvailable!St.Paul’s United Methodist ChurchFoundation, The Iowa AnnualConference United Methodist ChurchFoundation, and the UnitedMethodist Church General Board ofHigher Education and Ministry offer avariety of scholarships for those

attending post secondary education. These scholarships, awarded from funds given inlove and faith, are truly the intersection of faith and learning, with hope for the future.Application deadline is April 15, 2019.

For more information visit: www.stpaulsumc.org/scholarships

United Methodist Women

Thrift Mart Drop-offs Every Saturday and Monday from 8:30-10:30 am at the 2nd Avenuecanopy drive. We could use help in sorting items on Mondays from 8:30-10:30 am in theWesley Center. Thrift Mart is Tuesday, April 9 and Wednesday, April 10, 2019.

Prayers

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

Pray for...

Joanne Kimber was named Family Promise’s 2018 Volunteer of the Year!Our mission team serving in Puerto Rico.

Continued healing and grace for:Rena BrodtPhil SchillingRick HurlbutVestina Buchumi

John MatthewsCheri Young (Gene & Carrie Young’sdaughter)Patricia Hartwell (Heather Moore’smother)

Benjamin Van Winkle (JulieGladfelder’s grandson)Jim Struve (Sandra)Audrey SwalleyGary Hamond (Tom Young’s brother-in-law)Kristen Morlan (Kathleen Baker’sdaughter)Beulah Cave (Angela Stookey’sniece)Diane Olsen (Frank)Judy Schatz (Bill)Avarie Keck (daughter of Dean Keck,granddaughter of Darlin and DannieKeck, sister of Harper, Keigon, andSuzanne)Quinn Anton Jensen (Nancy & BriceAnton Jensen’s son)Jean ShibleySteve Miceli (Esther Miceli’s son)Char O’BrienSusan Moore (Lee Moore’s sister);Jody SloanKathy Davis (Steve)Tom Titus (Susan)Haley and Kaleb Admire (Kay & BillGalli’s granddaughter and family)Joe Boots (relative of Chris and MikeCrilley)Craig Ekstorm (Colton Valenta’sfather)Theodore “Teddy” DvorakTom Smeed (Bill’s father)Louise Single (Fred)Barb Zahradnik (Bob)

Sally FordDianne Berrett (Bob)Linda HadleyJustin Ilg (Sherrie & Larry Ilg’s son)Clyde SatterlyKatherine MartensenAngela ShultzRhonda ViktoraCarrie Cummins (Jamie’s daughterand Steve and Kathy Davis’granddaughter)Edie NekolaJim & Rose MildenRaine Allen (Dixie & Roger Allen’sgranddaughter)Charman Banks (John)James WaheNora Mae VanceSandy Pingel (Gloria Ford’s daughter)Robert Moore (Lee Moore’s father)Marti & Spence Grayson (DaveMahlke’s sister and brother-in-law)Mina Arbore (John)John McQuilkin (Jean Kwader’sfather)Ryan VickPam Anslyn; Kris Yahn (Steve)

Memorial prayers for the families andfriends of:

Libby Schild (Matt Preston’sgrandmother)David Mitchell (Ann Finneman’sfather)

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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