January 30, 2023January 27, 2023 by Cindy Lee

First Steps – January 30, 2023

Christians have a long history of seeing everything through the lens of Jesus Christ. Many of the Christian holidays have their origin in something that wasn’t initially Christian but was used by them to teach or evangelize. Theologically speaking, since Christ is the means of transformation, followers of Christ repurposed just about anything to help people walk the road of faith.

I do something similar with songs and movies. I try to see them through the lens of Jesus Christ. I know the origin of the songs and movies has nothing to do with faith, Jesus, or Christianity; however, that doesn’t stop me from using them as a means of reflection or prayer. Like the early church, I want to repurpose it for and with Christ.

For instance, I’ve always been a fan of George Harrison. I like his music. One of my favorites is Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth) and I’ve used his lyrics as a form of prayer. Perhaps it was a prayer for him. I also realize there is a line in the lyrics that nods to reincarnation which is not a Christian concept. But all that aside, I like the song and have borrowed it to be words of prayer.

If you are unfamiliar with the lyrics, then here you go:
Give me love, Give me love, Give me peace on earth, Give me light, Give me life; ~~Keep me free from birth~~, Give me hope, Help me cope with this heavy load, Trying to touch and reach you with Heart and soul, Om My Lord, Please take hold of my hand that I might understand you. Won’t you please, Oh, won’t you? Give me love, Give me love, Give me peace on earth, Give me light, Give me life, ~~Keep me free from birth~~, Give me hope, Help me cope with this heavy load, Trying to touch and reach you with Heart and soul, Om My Lord Won’t you please Oh, won’t you? Give me love, Give me love, Give me peace on earth, Give me light, Give me life, ~~Keep me free from birth~~, Give me hope, Help me cope with this heavy load, Trying to touch and reach you with Heart and soul. Give me love, Give me love, Give me peace on earth, Give me light, Give me life, ~~Keep me, keep me free from birth~~, Now give me hope. Help me cope with this heavy load. Trying to touch and reach you with Heart and soul.

As you begin this week, pray for love, peace, light, and life. Pray for God to help you carry burdens and envision that Christ walks with you. Pray for God’s touch in your life, your heart, and your soul.

This Week’s Readings:
*Monday – Acts 8, Acts 9
*Tuesday – Acts 10, Acts 11
*Wednesday – Acts12
*Thursday – Acts 13, Acts 14
*Friday – Acts 15, Acts 16

Prayer Requests:
*Continued blessings in the New Year 2023.
*Heal those who are sick and protect those who are not.
*Comfort those who are grieving and in distress.
*Wisdom for our leaders as they navigate through uncertain times.
*Guidance for those seeking to find their way.
*Continued Growth Inside and Outside the Walls of St. Paul UMC.

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” – Philippians 4:6

The Hope within You - Rev. Dr. Glenn Martin
by STPAULCOLUMBUS on January 6, 2025 at 6:53 am
St. Paul Columbus 11:00 A.M. Traditional Worship Service The Chiming of the Hour The Welcome & Announcements .........................................Rev. John Fugh, Jr. The Choral Call to Worship .........................................................I Come with Joy The Cross and Flame Come to the Altar The Prelude....................................................................Polish Carol, by A. Jordan Hymn of Celebration............................Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty (#64) The Affirmation of Faith ............................................The Apostles’ Creed (#881) The Gloria Patri The Pastoral Prayer with the Lord’s Prayer........................................Rev. Fugh The Leader: Let Us Worship God with His Tithes and Our Offerings. The Offertory Prayer The Offertory Anthem..............................................In Remembrance, by B. Red The Doxology The Scripture Lesson...........1 Peter 3:15 (p.985), Revelation 21:1-6 (pp.1007-8) The Passing of the Peace The Welcome and Registration of Attendance The Children’s Moment......................................................Mrs. Donna Hightower The Sermon......................................The Hope within You, Rev. Dr. Glenn Martin The Sacrament of Holy Communion............................................................(#12) The Hymn of Consecration.............................................My Hope Is Built (#368) The Cross and Flame Go Before Us into the World The Choral Benediction....................................................................Together Met The Postlude...................................................................Psalm 19, by B. Marcello The Church Returns to His World to Serve Him
"The Light that Shines Forever" - Rev. Dr. Shane Green
by STPAULCOLUMBUS on December 30, 2024 at 5:40 am
St. Paul Church of Columbus December 29, 2024 11:00 A.M. Traditional Worship The Chiming of the Hour The Cross and Flame Come to the Altar The Welcome and Announcements...........................................Mr. Laura Marvets The Prelude..............................O Come All Ye Faithful, by J. Wade, arr. B. Adams First Congregational Hymn.............................Hark the Herald Angels Sing (#240) The Affirmation of Faith...............................................The Apostles’ Creed (#881) The Gloria Patri The Pastoral Prayer with the Lord’s Prayer............................Mrs. Laura Marvets Second Congregational Hymn..........................O Little Town of Bethlehem (#230) Third Congregational Hymn............................................Away in a Manger (#217) The Leader: Let Us Worship God with His Tithes and Our Offerings. The Offertory Prayer The Offertory................Sing We Now of Christmas/God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen The Doxology The Scripture Lessons.........................Isaiah 60:1-3 (p. 602); John 1:9-13 (p. 862) Special Music.................It Came Upon a Midnight Clear, arr. McCracken/McGihon The Sermon..........................The Light that Shines Forever, Rev. Dr. Shane Green Fourth Congregational Hymn...................It Came upon the Midnight Clear (#218) The Cross and Flame Go Before Us into the World The Benediction The Postlude The Church Returns to His World to Serve Him
Advent Sermon Series: Is It Better to Give than to Receive? (Part 4)
by STPAULCOLUMBUS on December 23, 2024 at 5:29 am
Order of Worship 11:00 a.m. Traditional Service December 22, 2024 The Chiming of the Hour The Welcome & Announcements .........................................Rev. John Fugh, Jr. The Choral Call to Worship .....................................Prepare the Way of the Lord The Cross and Flame Come to the Altar The Prelude..........................................................Noel sur les flutes, by L. Daqiun Hymn of Celebration..............................................O Come, All Ye Faithful (#234) The Affirmation of Faith ............................................The Apostles’ Creed (#881) The Gloria Patri The Lighting of the Advent Wreath.............The Maggie and Julio Portillo Family The Sacrament of Infant Baptism......................Turner Knight Stone (see insert) The Pastoral Prayer with the Lord’s Prayer........................................Rev. Fugh The Leader: Let Us Worship God with His Tithes and Our Offerings. The Offertory Prayer The Offertory.................Carol of the Bells, arr. M. Hayes | Pianist, Jill Honeycutt The Doxology The Scripture Lesson.......2 Samuel 24:18-25 (p. 263); Matthew 1:18-25 (p. 783) The Passing of the Peace The Welcome and Registration of Attendance The Children’s Moment......................................................Mrs. Donna Hightower The Anthem..................................Rejoice with Exceeding Great Joy, by T. Fettke The Sermon.............................If It Is, It Involves Sacrifice, Rev. Dr. Shane Green The Hymn of Consecration..............................Go, Tell It on the Mountain (#251) The Cross and Flame Go Before Us into the World The Choral Benediction......................................................................7-fold Amen The Postlude.............................Let Us All with Gladsome Voice, by R. Bessemer The Church Returns to His World to Serve Him
Sunday Morning Worship Service Cantata: O Holy Night
by STPAULCOLUMBUS on December 16, 2024 at 6:05 am
December 15, 2024 11:00 Traditional Worship The Chiming of the Hour The Welcome & Announcements .........................................Rev. John Fugh, Jr. The Choral Call to Worship .....................................Prepare the Way of the Lord The Cross and Flame Come to the Altar The Prelude...........................................Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring, by J.S. Bach The Choir Presentation..........................................O Come, O Come, Emmanuel The Affirmation of Faith ............................................The Apostles' Creed (#881) The Gloria Patri................................................................................(#71) The Lighting of the Advent Wreath....The Erin and Hunter Murphy Family Special Altar Guild Recognition.................................Mrs. Mary Pat King The Leader: Let Us Worship God with His Tithes and Our Offerings. The Offertory Prayer The Offertory...............................This Day Is so Rich in Joy, by J.S. Bach The Doxology...................................................................................(#94) The Welcome and Registration of Attendance Leader: The Peace of Christ be with you. Congregational Response: And also with you. (Children ages K4-2nd graders are dismissed to Children’s Church - Room M235; children 3 and younger are taken to the nursery by parents.) The Congregational Response: O Come, thou Dayspring come and cheer our spirits by their justice here; disperse the gloomy clouds of night and death’s dark shadows put to flight. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel. The Cross and Flame Go Before Us into the World The Choral Benediction.........................................Noel, Born Is the King of Israel The Postlude...........................................................Joy to the World, arr A. Fedak The Church Returns to His World to Serve Him O Holy Night Cantata.................................................Songs Listed Inside
Advent Sermon Series: Is It Better to Give than to Receive? (Part 2)
by STPAULCOLUMBUS on December 9, 2024 at 5:25 am
December 8, 2024 Order of Worship 11:00 a.m. Traditional Service The Chiming of the Hour The Welcome & Announcements .........................................Rev. John Fugh, Jr. The Choral Call to Worship .....................................Prepare the Way of the Lord The Cross and Flame Come to the Altar The Prelude................................................Infant Holy, Infant Lowly, arr. J. Goode Hymn of Celebration...............................Angels from the Realms of Glory (#220) The Affirmation of Faith ............................................The Apostles’ Creed (#881) The Gloria Patri The Lighting of the Advent Wreath.................................Julia and Connor Green The Pastoral Prayer with the Lord’s Prayer.........................................Rev. Fugh Hymn of Preparation...........................................There’s a Song in the Air (#249) The Leader: Let Us Worship God with His Tithes and Our Offerings. The Offertory Prayer The Doxology The Scripture Lesson 1Chronicles 16:37-43 (pp. 327-328); Matthew 2:1-12 (pp. 783-784) The Passing of the Peace The Welcome and Registration of Attendance The Sermon.......................If It Is, It Involves Commitment, Rev. Dr. Shane Green The Hymn of Consecration...........................................What Child Is This (#219) The Cross and Flame Go Before Us into the World The Choral Benediction.................................................................Dresden Amen The Postlude.....................................From Heaven to Earth I Come, by J.S. Bach The Church Returns to His World to Serve Him

The Hope within You - Rev. Dr. Glenn Martin
by STPAULCOLUMBUS on January 6, 2025 at 6:53 am
St. Paul Columbus 11:00 A.M. Traditional Worship Service The Chiming of the Hour The Welcome & Announcements .........................................Rev. John Fugh, Jr. The Choral Call to Worship .........................................................I Come with Joy The Cross and Flame Come to the Altar The Prelude....................................................................Polish Carol, by A. Jordan Hymn of Celebration............................Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty (#64) The Affirmation of Faith ............................................The Apostles’ Creed (#881) The Gloria Patri The Pastoral Prayer with the Lord’s Prayer........................................Rev. Fugh The Leader: Let Us Worship God with His Tithes and Our Offerings. The Offertory Prayer The Offertory Anthem..............................................In Remembrance, by B. Red The Doxology The Scripture Lesson...........1 Peter 3:15 (p.985), Revelation 21:1-6 (pp.1007-8) The Passing of the Peace The Welcome and Registration of Attendance The Children’s Moment......................................................Mrs. Donna Hightower The Sermon......................................The Hope within You, Rev. Dr. Glenn Martin The Sacrament of Holy Communion............................................................(#12) The Hymn of Consecration.............................................My Hope Is Built (#368) The Cross and Flame Go Before Us into the World The Choral Benediction....................................................................Together Met The Postlude...................................................................Psalm 19, by B. Marcello The Church Returns to His World to Serve Him
"The Light that Shines Forever" - Rev. Dr. Shane Green
by STPAULCOLUMBUS on December 30, 2024 at 5:40 am
St. Paul Church of Columbus December 29, 2024 11:00 A.M. Traditional Worship The Chiming of the Hour The Cross and Flame Come to the Altar The Welcome and Announcements...........................................Mr. Laura Marvets The Prelude..............................O Come All Ye Faithful, by J. Wade, arr. B. Adams First Congregational Hymn.............................Hark the Herald Angels Sing (#240) The Affirmation of Faith...............................................The Apostles’ Creed (#881) The Gloria Patri The Pastoral Prayer with the Lord’s Prayer............................Mrs. Laura Marvets Second Congregational Hymn..........................O Little Town of Bethlehem (#230) Third Congregational Hymn............................................Away in a Manger (#217) The Leader: Let Us Worship God with His Tithes and Our Offerings. The Offertory Prayer The Offertory................Sing We Now of Christmas/God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen The Doxology The Scripture Lessons.........................Isaiah 60:1-3 (p. 602); John 1:9-13 (p. 862) Special Music.................It Came Upon a Midnight Clear, arr. McCracken/McGihon The Sermon..........................The Light that Shines Forever, Rev. Dr. Shane Green Fourth Congregational Hymn...................It Came upon the Midnight Clear (#218) The Cross and Flame Go Before Us into the World The Benediction The Postlude The Church Returns to His World to Serve Him
Advent Sermon Series: Is It Better to Give than to Receive? (Part 4)
by STPAULCOLUMBUS on December 23, 2024 at 5:29 am
Order of Worship 11:00 a.m. Traditional Service December 22, 2024 The Chiming of the Hour The Welcome & Announcements .........................................Rev. John Fugh, Jr. The Choral Call to Worship .....................................Prepare the Way of the Lord The Cross and Flame Come to the Altar The Prelude..........................................................Noel sur les flutes, by L. Daqiun Hymn of Celebration..............................................O Come, All Ye Faithful (#234) The Affirmation of Faith ............................................The Apostles’ Creed (#881) The Gloria Patri The Lighting of the Advent Wreath.............The Maggie and Julio Portillo Family The Sacrament of Infant Baptism......................Turner Knight Stone (see insert) The Pastoral Prayer with the Lord’s Prayer........................................Rev. Fugh The Leader: Let Us Worship God with His Tithes and Our Offerings. The Offertory Prayer The Offertory.................Carol of the Bells, arr. M. Hayes | Pianist, Jill Honeycutt The Doxology The Scripture Lesson.......2 Samuel 24:18-25 (p. 263); Matthew 1:18-25 (p. 783) The Passing of the Peace The Welcome and Registration of Attendance The Children’s Moment......................................................Mrs. Donna Hightower The Anthem..................................Rejoice with Exceeding Great Joy, by T. Fettke The Sermon.............................If It Is, It Involves Sacrifice, Rev. Dr. Shane Green The Hymn of Consecration..............................Go, Tell It on the Mountain (#251) The Cross and Flame Go Before Us into the World The Choral Benediction......................................................................7-fold Amen The Postlude.............................Let Us All with Gladsome Voice, by R. Bessemer The Church Returns to His World to Serve Him
Sunday Morning Worship Service Cantata: O Holy Night
by STPAULCOLUMBUS on December 16, 2024 at 6:05 am
December 15, 2024 11:00 Traditional Worship The Chiming of the Hour The Welcome & Announcements .........................................Rev. John Fugh, Jr. The Choral Call to Worship .....................................Prepare the Way of the Lord The Cross and Flame Come to the Altar The Prelude...........................................Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring, by J.S. Bach The Choir Presentation..........................................O Come, O Come, Emmanuel The Affirmation of Faith ............................................The Apostles' Creed (#881) The Gloria Patri................................................................................(#71) The Lighting of the Advent Wreath....The Erin and Hunter Murphy Family Special Altar Guild Recognition.................................Mrs. Mary Pat King The Leader: Let Us Worship God with His Tithes and Our Offerings. The Offertory Prayer The Offertory...............................This Day Is so Rich in Joy, by J.S. Bach The Doxology...................................................................................(#94) The Welcome and Registration of Attendance Leader: The Peace of Christ be with you. Congregational Response: And also with you. (Children ages K4-2nd graders are dismissed to Children’s Church - Room M235; children 3 and younger are taken to the nursery by parents.) The Congregational Response: O Come, thou Dayspring come and cheer our spirits by their justice here; disperse the gloomy clouds of night and death’s dark shadows put to flight. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel. The Cross and Flame Go Before Us into the World The Choral Benediction.........................................Noel, Born Is the King of Israel The Postlude...........................................................Joy to the World, arr A. Fedak The Church Returns to His World to Serve Him O Holy Night Cantata.................................................Songs Listed Inside
Advent Sermon Series: Is It Better to Give than to Receive? (Part 2)
by STPAULCOLUMBUS on December 9, 2024 at 5:25 am
December 8, 2024 Order of Worship 11:00 a.m. Traditional Service The Chiming of the Hour The Welcome & Announcements .........................................Rev. John Fugh, Jr. The Choral Call to Worship .....................................Prepare the Way of the Lord The Cross and Flame Come to the Altar The Prelude................................................Infant Holy, Infant Lowly, arr. J. Goode Hymn of Celebration...............................Angels from the Realms of Glory (#220) The Affirmation of Faith ............................................The Apostles’ Creed (#881) The Gloria Patri The Lighting of the Advent Wreath.................................Julia and Connor Green The Pastoral Prayer with the Lord’s Prayer.........................................Rev. Fugh Hymn of Preparation...........................................There’s a Song in the Air (#249) The Leader: Let Us Worship God with His Tithes and Our Offerings. The Offertory Prayer The Doxology The Scripture Lesson 1Chronicles 16:37-43 (pp. 327-328); Matthew 2:1-12 (pp. 783-784) The Passing of the Peace The Welcome and Registration of Attendance The Sermon.......................If It Is, It Involves Commitment, Rev. Dr. Shane Green The Hymn of Consecration...........................................What Child Is This (#219) The Cross and Flame Go Before Us into the World The Choral Benediction.................................................................Dresden Amen The Postlude.....................................From Heaven to Earth I Come, by J.S. Bach The Church Returns to His World to Serve Him