Harmony in the Hills

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FinancesPage 3

All-Church Lenten Study

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MissionsPage 6

March 2019

St. Paul’s Newsletter March 2019

the EVANGEL

2 620 Romeo Street • Rochester, MI 48307 • phone: 248-651-9361

Pastor’s Messsage

He Carried Us A Christian is one who points at Christ and says, “I can’t prove a thing, but there’s something about His eyes and His voice. There’s something about the way He carries His head, His hands, the way He carries His cross – the way he carries me.” --Frederick Buechner

Throughout the journey of Lent, we will remind ourselves of the countless ways Jesus carries us through the daily trials and temptations of life. Our guides will be the stories from the Gospel of Luke and the lyrics from some of U2’s most popular songs. Jesus carried us, even as we wavered and wandered from his love, truth, and grace. If it were up to us, we could never bear the burden of our brokenness. But, lovingly, we are not without hope… or a Savior… because He carried us. And since He carried us, we get to carry each other, because that’s how the sisters and brothers of Christ choose to live.

I look forward to worshiping with you this month.

Yours in Christ,

Rev. David Eardley

Guardians of HarmonySunday, March 34 p.m. in the Sanctuary Doors open at 3:30 p.m.Rochester Guardians of Harmony Barbershop Chorus is a 30 member chorus with a repertoire that includes barbershop standards along with medleys from Phantom, Les Miz and music by Neil Diamond, the Eagles, and Elton John. Tickets ($10) are available at the door or at guardiansofharmony.org/events.

Save the Date

Lenten Concert SeriesFridays at Noon in the SanctuaryNo admission charge for the concerts.March 29 April 5 April 12 Jason Branham Meadowbrook Shelly CowlingOrgan Wind Ensemble Vocals

New Member Class If you are interested in joining our church or learning more about our ministries, please attend our new Getting to Know sessions.

Getting to Know You Getting to Know St. Paul’sSunday, February 17 Sunday, February 2410 - 11 a.m. in the Parlor 10 - 11 a.m. in the Parlor

Getting to Know St. Paul’s Family Sunday, March 3 at 9 & 11 a.m. servicesWe welcome those who choose to become members of St. Paul’s at the service of their choice. Call the church office at 248-651-9361 if you have any questions or plan to attend.

stpaulsrochester.org • mail: P.O. Box 80307 • Rochester, MI 48308 3

In Our Church Ash Wednesday WorshipWednesday, March 67 p.m. in the SanctuaryBegin Lent with this youth-led special service with music, prayers, an inspiring message, Holy Communion and the imposition of ashes. Childcare is provided; no reservations needed.

Update onAltar FlowersHolland Florist sold to Viviano Flower ShopThrough the generous support of Jim Holland, Holland Florist has lovingly supplied St. Paul’s with beautiful altar flowers on Sunday morning. Jim Holland recently retired and sold Holland Florist to Viviano Flower Shop. As with many transitions, St. Paul’s has experienced a pricing change for future orders of flowers. If you would like to sponsor altar flowers in memory or in honor of someone or something, our cost is now $65 per arrangement. Please call the church office at 248-651-9361 for more information.

Support the Red Bird Mission SchoolCampbell’s Soup Label Program DiscontinuedFor many years St. Paul’s has collected Campbell’s Soup labels for Red Bird Mission but this program has been discontinued. Please do not turn in any more Campbell’s Soup labels.

Box Tops for Education Red Bird Collects Box Tops for Education

Each Box Top is worth 10¢. This is an easy way to help the school receive much needed supplies. Clip the Box Tops found on hundreds of products and place

in the cannister in the workroom (under the mailboxes). The Mission Committee will collect the Box Tops and forward them to Red Bird Mission. If you have any questions, please contact the church office at 248-651-9361. Thank you for your support.

As expected, the year ended with a deficit of ($29,000) for the Operating Fund. As mentioned last month, the deficit would have been $65,000 larger if we had paid the full Apportionment Request. We used funds from the cash reserve to balance the budget. Our cash reserve has grown from $317,000 at the end of 2016 to $ 376,000 in June 2018 due to the successful investment strategies of the United Methodist Foundation. We used $30,000 of the growth in value to balance the 2018 budget.

The Finance Committee met on January 23 to prepare the 2019 budget. We received 372 pledges as of the date of the meeting. This compares to 410 pledges for the 2018 budget. Even with the significant 11% increase in average gift for 2019, the revenue in 2019 will be flat compared to 2018. This necessitates that spending be held to last year’s level wherever possible. Once again, we will communicate to the Conference that we will not be able to pay the full Apportionment Request in 2019. Staff salaries are being held constant with 2018. We are also hopeful that repair spending will decline to more typical levels than last year’s above average amount. Even so, we forecast a deficit of $30,000 that will be funded from the cash reserve as in 2018.

Although the Finance Committee does not favor using more reserves, the committee feels it is important to continue the important work of the various activities for worship, education, and evangelism. I am certainly hopeful that more people find their way to the wonderful Christian environment of St. Paul’s.

Perhaps you know someone to invite to St. Paul’s that would benefit from their involvement with our church.

Ron DiLiddo Chair Finance Committee

FinanceCommitteeCorner

4 620 Romeo Street • Rochester, MI 48307 • phone: 248-651-9361

Classes & Groups

Come together with other women to make a friend… be a friend… laugh… dig into God’s Word together and discover new ways to

Live In Faith Everyday.

All men are welcome!

United Methodist Men’s BreakfastSaturday, March 28 a.m. in Hickey HallPlease join us for some breakfast and brotherhood! No study prep necessary, just bring yourself, and invite others! Contact Dave deSteiger at 248-376-0416.

Save the Date! Breakfast with Chuck GaidicaSaturday, May 4Fundraiser for: • Habitat for Humanity and • Methodist Children’s Home Society

SPARK Book GroupThursday, March 21 1:30 p.m. in the ParlorJoin us as we discuss Still Life by Louise Penny. We welcome new members! If you have questions, call Karen Clemons at 248-656-5183.

J.O.Y.Tuesday, March 1912 - 2 p.m. in Hickey HallCome, spread the JOY!!... Our time together after our brown bag lunch (coffee, tea and dessert provided) will be spent with Revs. Eardley and May to discuss the state of the Church following the Special General Conference in St. Louis. Everyone is invited to be part of our fellowship. Come! Be part of the JOY!Please RSVP by March 15 by calling the church office at 248-651-9361.

Seeker’s StudyMondays, March 11 - April 151 - 2:30 p.m. in Room 132This Lent we will study the book/video Entering the Passion of Jesus by Amy Jill Levine. Explore the history,

literature and passion narratives surrounding the last week of Jesus’ life. Each time we read the Passion stories, we bring our own new selves into them...our experiences, our emotions, our expectations. Seeker’s Study is a wonderful group of thoughtful, exploring Christians who always welcome new members - there is room for you! Email Rev. May at JMay@stpaulsrochester.org to order a book ($12). Please join us to prepare for a glorious Easter.

Discerning the Voice of GodMondays, March 11 - April 297 - 9 p.m. in Room 128-129Studying God’s Word heightens our ability to hear His still small voice and it helps us recognize his promptings of the Holy Spirit. Priscilla Shirer walks you

through Scripture that captures the method and tone of God’s communication. She also teaches you how to discern counterfeit voices. God’s voice might sound different in various encounters, but the nature of it never changes. Register by contacting Shelly Cowling at gracenotemin@sbcglobal.net. Books will be available at the first session.

All Church Lenten Study

Connected My Life in the ChurchSundays, Mar 10 - Apr 14 Tuesdays, Mar 12 - Apr 1610 a.m. in Room 132 & 128/9 Or 1 p.m. in Room 1326 p.m. in the Parlor 7 p.m. Meet in Hickey Hall

The Lenten season begins March 6 and culminates on Easter, April 21. During this time, several groups will meet at different times during the week to consider what it is to be connected at St. Paul’s. Our learning groups will consider Thom Rainer’s 6-part study, Connected: My Life in the Church. This is a workbook and video series, based on the Bible book of Ephesians. Themes include unity, growth, prayer, and more. Workbooks are

only $10. For more information, contact Rev. Kress at 586-612-0772 or RKress@stpaulsrochester.org, or the church office at 248-651-9361.

stpaulsrochester.org • mail: P.O. Box 80307 • Rochester, MI 48308 5

Groups

* Childcare available by reservation - To reserve childcare, call the church office at 248-651-9361 ext. 114 by 3 p.m. at least 2 business days prior to the first class.

United Methodist Women“Serve one another in love…” Galatians 5:13

March Circle Meetings• Patience Circle - Thursday, March 14 at

9:30 a.m. in the Parlor - The Grace of Youth Ministry.

• Faith Circle - Thursday, March 14 at 12 p.m. - Lunch at All Seasons. Transportation from the church provided.

• New Hope Circle - Thursday, March 14 at 7 p.m. at Ann Kern’s home - Jeanne Pichel - Storyteller

Executive Board Meeting: Thursday, April 18; 9 a.m. in the Parlor.

HUGS Humor, Understanding, Growth and Support Mothers and grandmothers of all agesWednesdays; 9:30 - 11 a.m. Room 132

Mar 6 Prayer Stations: It’s a perfect time to reboot, try out some different prayer/meditation practices and get grounded during Lent. We’ll rotate through several stations and end with fellowship.Wednesday Lunch Bunch 11:30 a.m. Bring an ingredient to include in a salad and stay for lunch. Bring your little guys in with us as we linger over conversation and lunch.

Mar 13 Meet & Greet with Rev. Eardley: Chat with Rev. Eardley and ask questions about upcoming programs or share ideas.

Mar 20 & 27 March Madness: Whether you like to avoid it, play it, watch it, basketball is the sport of the moment. Combine your love of basketball and our goal of changing our world view to a Word view for a bracket of 64 Biblical passages vying for the top spot in the HUGS bracket and the promise of guiding our studies for next year! Find out what exciting things are on the horizon for us.

Mar 27 6:30-8 p.m. Blessings in a Backpack: Mission opportunity for HUGS families. NOTE LOCATION: First Congregational Church, 1315 N. Pine, Rochester - Sign-up at HUGS. We will pack bags of food for the Rochester School students who participate in the free/reduced lunch program. We will pack extra food to tide them over during spring break.

See stpaulsrochester.org/calendar/ for more detailed information.HUGS observes the Rochester Community Schools calendar. When schools are closed, HUGS will not meet. *Childcare is available by reservation.

Sunday Adult Studies Sunday mornings at 10 a.m.

Family Life Active Adults, 50 & older; Rickard ChapelA welcoming place to learn, share, and enjoy discussions and presentations on a variety of Christian issues and topics. Mar 3 Racing through Life Mar 10 State of the Church Mar 17 TBD - Tom DavenportMar 24 Five Wishes Mar 31 El Greco

Faith & Friends Spiritual Growth Study; Room 132 We participate in the All-Church Lenten study Connected: My Life in the Church. Come learn how we are connected in Christ, in unity, in growth, through words, in service, and through prayer.

Open Hearts All Ages, Stages & Spiritual Levels; Room 131 For singles & couples, parents & non-parents participate in engaging studies and discussions. We participate in the All-Church Lenten study Connected: My Life in the Church. Come learn how we are connected in Christ, in unity, in growth, through words, in service, and through prayer. All are welcome for this great study and fun, food and friendship!

Save the Date!

UMW Lenten BreakfastWednesday, April 1010 a.m. Rickard Chapel

That Takes the Cake SaleSunday, April 14Support UMW Missions!

6 620 Romeo Street • Rochester, MI 48307 • phone: 248-651-9361

Missions

Warm Coats for BaldwinDrop off donations in the Narthex February 3 - March 10. Have you ever been cold? Did you ever leave your house thinking it was warm only to discover that Mother Nature had turned ugly? We have neighbors who face this problem every day… and it is a “fixable” problem. St. Paul’s will again be collecting NEW winter coats for Baldwin Center in Pontiac. Please shop the post-holiday sales and purchase coats in all sizes, infant through adult. Cash donations are also accepted. Please write “Coats for Baldwin” on the memo line of your check.

Last year we collected 180 coats. Can we top that this year? Please contact Roxanne Cleveland at 248-371-0382 with questions. Let’s make winter just a little warmer for our neighbors in need.

Planning MeetingSt. Paul’s Community Garden Thursday, March 7; 7 p.m. in Room 132You are invited to get involved with our community garden project. Please come and learn about the garden and how to grow seeds indoors. No previous gardening experience required! Our mission is to grow healthy vegetables and donate 100% to the Rochester Area Neighborhood House. For more information or to get added to our contact list, please contact Rob Patten at robpattenjr@comcast.net.

Help Wanted in LibraryTuesdays 10 a.m. - noonLooking for a way to give back?A helper is needed to work Tuesday mornings with Pat Klos in the church library. Tasks will vary. If you’d like to help, please contact Pat Klos at 248-652-8212.

2019 Mission Project Methodist Children’s Home Society St. Paul’s Mission Council has selected Methodist Children’s Home Society (MCHS) as our 2019 Mission project. Our goal is to raise $30,000 to help build a barn and launch a new Animal Assisted Therapy Program at MCHS.

March Madness - Cheer on the MCHS Team!Thursday, March 21 at 6:30 p.m. at Northville First UMC777 Eight Mile Road, Northville, MI The boys show up to play in uniform, but the gym is usually empty and quiet and therefore unresponsive to even the most celebratory moments like a slam dunk. They would love to have a cheering section and volunteers to help serve popcorn and Gatorade.

Have you scheduled a tour yet? Our goal is to involve as many people as possible to engage, enlighten and educate. Schedule your tour of the MCHS campus and facilities. Look for the link in the Connector or on our website to sign up for any of the following dates:

To get involved please contact Pastor Erin at EFitzgerald@stpaulsrochester.org or Larry Hice at larryhttp@aol.com.

Feb 25 10 a.m.

Feb 26 1 p.m.

Feb 27 10 a.m.

Feb 284 p.m.

Mar 3 1:30 p.m.

stpaulsrochester.org • mail: P.O. Box 80307 • Rochester, MI 48308 7

Children & Youth Middle School Youth GroupAll 6th - 8th grade students and their friendsSundays, 6 - 7 p.m. in Hickey HallFollows Shine, Confirmation and Journey. Mar 3 Light it Up; Ash Wednesday PrepMar 10 March MadnessMar 17 Lucky Ladies and Green GentlemenMar 24 Spring Fever Mar 31 No Youth GroupCome hang out with us. Youth Group is a great way to start your week!

High School Youth GroupAll 9th - 12th grade students and their friendsSundays, 5 - 7 p.m. in the LoungeSmall groups, dinner ($3), youth group fun! Mar 3 Light it Up; Ash Wednesday PrepMar 10 Pre-Worktrip Meeting at 5 p.m.; March MadnessMar 17 YouLeadMar 24 Spring Fever Mar 31 No Youth GroupNo matter what the activity, laughter is guaranteed!

Ignite Lent Session Children’s ProgrammingSundays; 10 a.m. in Room 122-123Join the fun Sunday mornings in March as we prepare a song to sing in all 3 morning worship services.

March 3, 10 & 17- Learn the song

March 24 Sing at ALL worship services:

9 a.m. in Sanctuary11 a.m. in Sanctuary11 a.m. in Hickey Hall

High School YouthLock In/Rock-a-thon Fundraiser Saturday, March 16 at 6:30 p.m. throughSunday, March 17 at 12:30 p.m.Challenge: Stay up all night with your friends enjoying games, service projects, food and fun while raising money for our Youth Worktrip to Mission, SD in June. All high schoolers are welcome!

Scholarships Available Application Deadline is April 15, 2019.Applications and information available at stpaulsrochester.org (Follow ‘Scholarship’ quick link at bottom of homepage).

St. Paul’s Scholarship Scholarships are available to eligible members of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church who have demonstrated service to the church or community. Scholarships may be used for tuition or room and board at an accredited college or university, vocational program, apprenticeship or training program.

St. Paul’s United Methodist Women ScholarshipSt. Paul’s UMW offer scholarships for women and youth members of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. Scholarships in the amount of $250 will be available for higher education and summer camp.

See Our New Logos!New Logos for Children’s Ministry and Youth Ministry We have a new look! New logos have developed that will be used when publicizing children’s and youth events. Look for them in the Evangel, the Connector and around St. Paul’s.

8 620 Romeo Street • Rochester, MI 48307 • phone: 248-651-9361

Sermon Series March

SUNDAY WORSHIP Worship with us!

Upcoming Baptism Dates March 10 & May 12The sacrament of Holy Baptism is an important event in the life of a child and the Church. The sacrament of baptism is open to children and adults. For information, contact the office at 248-651-9361.

Noisy OfferingSunday, March 10We will be collecting a “noisy” offering with proceeds supporting Baldwin Center. Please bring your coins!

Holy CommunionMarch 3 at 9 & 11 a.m. Worship ServicesThe sacrament of Holy Communion celebrates the presence of Christ and helps us find strength for Christian living. In the United Methodist Church, communion is open to all who intend to lead a Christian life.

Blood Pressure ClinicSunday, March 109:45 - 11 a.m. & noon - 12:30 p.m. in the NarthexHave your blood pressure checked and pick up information on bone, muscle and joint health.

3 Transfiguration Sunday - Holy Communion Luke 9:28-36 Love is the Way Forward Rev. Eardley 10 First Sunday in Lent Luke 4:1-13 Jesus carried our CHOICES Rev. Eardley 17 Second Sunday in Lent Luke 13:31-35 Jesus carried our FEAR Rev. Fitzgerald 24 Third Sunday in Lent Luke 13:1-9 Jesus carried our QUESTIONS Rev. Eardley 31 Fourth Sunday in Lent Luke 115:1-3,11-32 Jesus carried our REJECTION Rev. Eardley

3 Matthew 7:1-5 Love the Sinner, Hate the Sin Rev. Fitzgerald 10 Ephesians 2:17-22 Connected in Christ Rev. Fitzgerald 17 Ephesians 4:1-6 Connected in Unity Rev. Eardley 24 Ephesians 4:11-16 Connected in Growth Rev. Fitzgerald 31 Ephesians 4:25-32 Connected in Words Rev. Fitzgerald

St. Paul’s Preschool Registration for Fall 2019 Young 3’s class: T & Th from 9 a.m. to noon3’s class: M, W, F from 9 a.m. to noon4’s class: M - F from 9 a.m. to noon

Registration is NOW Open for Fall 2019. Applications available online or in church office.

St. Paul’s provides high-quality learning with emphasis on the individuality of each child. Our certified teaching staff will engage your child in hands-on experiences and exploration activities that nurture their basic developmental needs: physical, language, cognitive, social, and emotional. Email us today at preschool@stpaulsrochester.org to save a spot for your child. See our website at stpaulsrochester.org/preschool/.

Looking Ahead... April 5th Lenten Concert at noon 6th UMM Breakfast Support for Caregivers10th UMW Lenten Breakfast12th Lenten Concert at noon14th Palm Sunday That Takes the Cake Sale16th JOY - Just Older Youth18th SPARK Book Group Holy Thursday Worship 7 p.m.19th Church Office Closed Good Friday Worship 12:30 p.m. Community Tenebrae Service20th Easter Egg Hunt 10 a.m. Open Door Worship 10:30 a.m. 21st Easter Sunday 8 a.m. Breakfast 9 & 11 a.m. Traditional Worship22nd Church Office Closed23rd Suicide Awareness Seminar27th Rev. Dr. Jim Harnish Workshop28th Guest Preacher Rev. Dr. Jim Harnish

Save the Date!

Discipleship Pathways Conference Saturday, April 27; 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. St. Paul’s hosts the Greater Detroit District Conference with guest speaker Rev. Dr. Jim Harnish. How do we help members of our church and community connect at every life stage, equip them to grow their faith? Get involved: 1) Attend the conference. All are welcome! Invite a friend! 2) Read Jim’s book, A Disciple’s Path 3) Volunteer to help host April 27.