St Paul Church of Columbus – Page 28 – Growing the Faith of the People

March 20, 2023March 17, 2023

First Steps – March 20, 2023

During this season of Lent, I’m using the disciplines of silence and solitude. Early in the morning, when I wake up, I embrace the silence of the morning. I refrain from turning on anything that has noise. I refrain from speaking. I try to do the same thing during the day, although it is harder because of my responsibilities to other people. My daily goal is to be observant of my own thoughts and reflective enough to invite God’s Spirit into my processing. I want to hear the things that are normally unheard of because of all the daily noise.

Fortunately, I was able to sneak away for a few days to enjoy one of my favorite beaches. For me, practicing the disciplines of silence and solitude was definitely easier at a beach. While sitting alone, I heard the waves gently crashing on the shore. With each wave, I imagined God’s grace coming like waves over me, one after the other, never ceasing. How peaceful those moments were. I don’t know how long I stayed there, but it was long enough to be at peace, be full of joy and gratitude, and drift in humble awe of God’s goodness.

Silence and solitude create the space needed for holy imagination. When all other sounds are silenced, a different voice emerges; a quiet voice that whispers. In those moments by the seashore, that voice said, “My grace is like these waves, never ceasing, gentle yet powerful.” My hope for you today is that you will silence the noise around you so that a different voice can speak to your soul. Listen for that voice, imagine the closeness and peace it brings.

This Week’s Readings:
*Monday – Matthew 11, Matthew 12, Matthew 13
*Tuesday – Matthew 14, Matthew 15, Matthew 16,
*Wednesday – Matthew 17, Matthew 18, Matthew 19
*Thursday – Matthew 20, Matthew 21, Matthew 22
*Friday – Matthew 23, Matthew 24, Matthew 25

Prayer Requests:
*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

Week 4: Letters 18 & 19

The Screwtape Letters

Week 4: Letters 18 & 19

00:00 / 00:40:00

Welcome to this week’s episode of the Screwtape Letters podcast, where we’re exploring the themes of Letters 18 and 19 of CS Lewis’ masterpiece.

Join us as we unpack the wisdom and insights of Letters 18 and 19, and explore their relevance in our modern world. Gil and John will provide their unique perspectives and experiences, helping us to understand the power of prayer and the realities of spiritual warfare.

So tune in to this episode of the Screwtape Letters podcast, and let’s discover together the importance of standing firm against the forces of darkness.

Sermon Series/Small Groups Series: “Following Jesus, Part 3: Keeping in Step with the Spirit” – Rev. Dr. Shane Green

Worship (SPUMCColumbus)

Sermon Series/Small Groups Series: “Following Jesus, Part 3: Keeping in Step with the Spirit” – Rev. Dr. Shane Green

00:00 / 00:19:05

Traditional Worship Service/Galatians 5:16-26

Sermon Series/Small Groups Series: “Following Jesus, Part 2: Growing into Maturity” – Rev. John Fugh, Jr.

Worship (SPUMCColumbus)

Sermon Series/Small Groups Series: "Following Jesus, Part 2: Growing into Maturity" - Rev. John Fugh, Jr.

00:00 / 00:39:46

Contemporary Worship Service/1 Peter 1:22-2:3

Sermon Series/Small Groups Series: “Following Jesus, Part 1: Carrying a Cross” – Rev. John Fugh, Jr.

Worship (SPUMCColumbus)

Sermon Series/Small Groups Series: "Following Jesus, Part 1: Carrying a Cross" - Rev. John Fugh, Jr.

00:00 / 00:33:13

Contemporary Worship Service/Luke 14:25-35

March 13, 2023March 13, 2023

First Steps – March 13, 2023

It is alleged that Karl Barth once said that only Christians are sinners. That’s right, only Christians. Sounds crazy, doesn’t it? Actually, what he meant was that only people who know how much they are loved can ever sense how much they have betrayed that love.

In Romans, Paul pondered the depths of betrayal when he said, “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do” (Romans 7:15). Until we first sense the grace of God in Christ Jesus, we will be unable to see that our real problem lies in our posturing and self-justification with which we are trying to earn what we already have as a gift. God has made us all somebodies though we live as if we are nobodies.

It takes strong secure people to admit that they can be wrong and then to try to right their wrongs. Weak, insecure people are constantly trying to defend themselves, make excuses, and justify their actions. Christians realize such defensiveness is unnecessary because of our need for God’s grace. Repentance can be a gift of grace, for it opens the door for one to own who they are in Christ. Real change occurs when we are first honest with ourselves, owning our words and actions, and then inviting God into that level of honesty. Transparency and authenticity are the effects of a life that follows Christ. The Gospels are filled with examples of people who, in the presence of Jesus, found forgiveness and invited into a life of wholeness; however, the first step to wholeness was honesty.

This Week’s Readings:
*Monday – 2 Corinthians 7, 2 Corinthians 8, 2 Corinthians 9, 2 Corinthians 10
*Tuesday – 2 Corinthians 11, 2 Corinthians 12, 2 Corinthians 13
*Wednesday – Matthew 1, Matthew 2, Matthew 3, Matthew 4
*Thursday – Matthew 5, Matthew 6, Matthew 7
*Friday – Matthew 8, Matthew 9, Matthew 10

Prayer Requests:
*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

"Walking In His Steps - The Path to Discipleship - Baptism and Identity" - Rev. Dr. Shane Green
by STPAULCOLUMBUS on February 3, 2025 at 5:21 am
St. Paul Church February 2, 2025 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.....................................Sonata on the Fifth Tone, by Fr. I. Echeverris Hymn of Celebration..........................O Thou Who This Mysterious Bread (#613) 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....................................Keep Me Faithfully, by G.F. Handel Organist, June Howard The Doxology The Scripture Lesson...............................................Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 (p. 83) The Passing of the Peace The Welcome and Registration of Attendance The Sermon Walking In His Steps, The Path to Discipleship: Baptism and Identity (Part One) Rev. Dr. Shane Green The Sacrament of Holy Communion..............................................................#12 The Hymn of Consecration..........................Sent Forth by God’s Blessing (#664) The Cross and Flame Go Before Us into the World The Choral Benediction.........................................Together Met,Together Bound The Postlude........................................................................Andante, by J. Blewitt The Church Returns to His World to Serve Him
"Unshakable Love" - Rev. John Fugh, Jr.
by STPAULCOLUMBUS on January 27, 2025 at 5:23 am
St. Paul Church January 26, 2025 Order of Worship The Chiming of the Hour The Welcome & Announcements ............................................Mrs. Grace Bailey The Choral Call to Worship .....................................Stand Up and Bless the Lord The Cross and Flame Come to the Altar The Prelude......................................................Praludium und Fuge, by J. Kuhnau Hymn of Celebration..........................................Standing on the Promises (#374) The Affirmation of Faith ............................................The Apostles’ Creed (#881) The Gloria Patri The Sacrament of Infant Baptism................Claire Alexander Colson (see insert) The Pastoral Prayer with the Lord’s Prayer.......................................Mrs. Bailey The Leader: Let Us Worship God with His Tithes and Our Offerings. The Offertory Prayer The Offertory.......................................................Allemande and gigue, by Boehm The Doxology The Scripture Lesson...........................................Romans 8:31-39 (pp. 919-920) The Passing of the Peace The Welcome and Registration of Attendance The Children’s Moment......................................................Mrs. Donna Hightower The Anthem.....................................Sometimes a Light Surprises, by C. Courtney The Sermon...............................................Unshakable Love, Rev. John Fugh, Jr. The Hymn of Consecration...................O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee (#430) The Cross and Flame Go Before Us into the World The Choral Benediction......................................................................3 fold Amen The Postlude......................................................................Plein Jeu, by J. Guilain The Church Returns to His World to Serve Him
"Hope that Perseveres" - Rev. John Fugh, Jr.
by STPAULCOLUMBUS on January 20, 2025 at 5:29 am
St. Paul Church 11:00 A.M. Traditional Worship Service Order of Worship The Chiming of the Hour The Welcome & Announcements ............................................Mrs. Grace Bailey The Choral Call to Worship ....................................................................Be Joyful The Cross and Flame Come to the Altar The Prelude.....................................................................Voluntary, by M. Hawdon Hymn of Celebration.................................................Sweet Hour of Prayer (#496) The Affirmation of Faith ............................................The Apostles’ Creed (#881) The Gloria Patri The Sacrament of Infant Baptism....................Grey Alexander Cope (see insert) The Pastoral Prayer with the Lord’s Prayer.......................................Mrs. Bailey The Leader: Let Us Worship God with His Tithes and Our Offerings. The Offertory Prayer The Offertory........................................Offertory Solo for Cornet, by F. Couperine The Doxology The Scripture Lesson......................................................Romans 8:18-25 (p.919) The Passing of the Peace The Welcome and Registration of Attendance The Children’s Moment......................................................Mrs. Donna Hightower The Anthem..........................................................He Hideth My Soul, by J. Carter The Sermon........................................Hope that Perseveres, Rev. John Fugh, Jr. The Hymn of Consecration...........Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart (#500) The Cross and Flame Go Before Us into the World The Choral Benediction.............................................................Go Now in Peace The Postlude.............................................Dessus de Cromhorne, by N. Lebegue The Church Returns to His World to Serve Him
Beloved - Lynn Meadows-White
by STPAULCOLUMBUS on January 13, 2025 at 5:38 am
January 12, 2025 11:00 A.M. Traditional Worship The Chiming of the Hour The Welcome & Announcements .........................................Rev. John Fugh, Jr. The Choral Call to Worship ...........................................................This Is the Day The Cross and Flame Come to the Altar The Prelude............................................................Air and Variations, by W. Inglot Hymn of Celebration.............................Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah (#127) The Affirmation of Faith ............................................The Apostles’ Creed (#881) The Gloria Patri The Sacrament of Infant Baptism..............Joseph Bradford Bowden (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............................................................Moderato, by G.P. Telemann The Doxology The Scripture Lesson...........................................................Luke 3:21-22 (p.834) The Passing of the Peace The Welcome and Registration of Attendance The Children’s Moment......................................................Mrs. Donna Hightower The Anthem...............................................All Things Work Together, by J. Carter The Sermon...................................................Beloved, Rev. Lynn Meadows-White The Hymn of Consecration................................................Only Trust Him (#337) The Cross and Flame Go Before Us into the World The Choral Benediction.................................................................Dresden Amen The Postlude.........................................Jesus Christus, unser Konig, by A. Fedak 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

"Walking In His Steps - The Path to Discipleship - Baptism and Identity" - Rev. Dr. Shane Green
by STPAULCOLUMBUS on February 3, 2025 at 5:21 am
St. Paul Church February 2, 2025 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.....................................Sonata on the Fifth Tone, by Fr. I. Echeverris Hymn of Celebration..........................O Thou Who This Mysterious Bread (#613) 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....................................Keep Me Faithfully, by G.F. Handel Organist, June Howard The Doxology The Scripture Lesson...............................................Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 (p. 83) The Passing of the Peace The Welcome and Registration of Attendance The Sermon Walking In His Steps, The Path to Discipleship: Baptism and Identity (Part One) Rev. Dr. Shane Green The Sacrament of Holy Communion..............................................................#12 The Hymn of Consecration..........................Sent Forth by God’s Blessing (#664) The Cross and Flame Go Before Us into the World The Choral Benediction.........................................Together Met,Together Bound The Postlude........................................................................Andante, by J. Blewitt The Church Returns to His World to Serve Him
"Unshakable Love" - Rev. John Fugh, Jr.
by STPAULCOLUMBUS on January 27, 2025 at 5:23 am
St. Paul Church January 26, 2025 Order of Worship The Chiming of the Hour The Welcome & Announcements ............................................Mrs. Grace Bailey The Choral Call to Worship .....................................Stand Up and Bless the Lord The Cross and Flame Come to the Altar The Prelude......................................................Praludium und Fuge, by J. Kuhnau Hymn of Celebration..........................................Standing on the Promises (#374) The Affirmation of Faith ............................................The Apostles’ Creed (#881) The Gloria Patri The Sacrament of Infant Baptism................Claire Alexander Colson (see insert) The Pastoral Prayer with the Lord’s Prayer.......................................Mrs. Bailey The Leader: Let Us Worship God with His Tithes and Our Offerings. The Offertory Prayer The Offertory.......................................................Allemande and gigue, by Boehm The Doxology The Scripture Lesson...........................................Romans 8:31-39 (pp. 919-920) The Passing of the Peace The Welcome and Registration of Attendance The Children’s Moment......................................................Mrs. Donna Hightower The Anthem.....................................Sometimes a Light Surprises, by C. Courtney The Sermon...............................................Unshakable Love, Rev. John Fugh, Jr. The Hymn of Consecration...................O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee (#430) The Cross and Flame Go Before Us into the World The Choral Benediction......................................................................3 fold Amen The Postlude......................................................................Plein Jeu, by J. Guilain The Church Returns to His World to Serve Him
"Hope that Perseveres" - Rev. John Fugh, Jr.
by STPAULCOLUMBUS on January 20, 2025 at 5:29 am
St. Paul Church 11:00 A.M. Traditional Worship Service Order of Worship The Chiming of the Hour The Welcome & Announcements ............................................Mrs. Grace Bailey The Choral Call to Worship ....................................................................Be Joyful The Cross and Flame Come to the Altar The Prelude.....................................................................Voluntary, by M. Hawdon Hymn of Celebration.................................................Sweet Hour of Prayer (#496) The Affirmation of Faith ............................................The Apostles’ Creed (#881) The Gloria Patri The Sacrament of Infant Baptism....................Grey Alexander Cope (see insert) The Pastoral Prayer with the Lord’s Prayer.......................................Mrs. Bailey The Leader: Let Us Worship God with His Tithes and Our Offerings. The Offertory Prayer The Offertory........................................Offertory Solo for Cornet, by F. Couperine The Doxology The Scripture Lesson......................................................Romans 8:18-25 (p.919) The Passing of the Peace The Welcome and Registration of Attendance The Children’s Moment......................................................Mrs. Donna Hightower The Anthem..........................................................He Hideth My Soul, by J. Carter The Sermon........................................Hope that Perseveres, Rev. John Fugh, Jr. The Hymn of Consecration...........Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart (#500) The Cross and Flame Go Before Us into the World The Choral Benediction.............................................................Go Now in Peace The Postlude.............................................Dessus de Cromhorne, by N. Lebegue The Church Returns to His World to Serve Him
Beloved - Lynn Meadows-White
by STPAULCOLUMBUS on January 13, 2025 at 5:38 am
January 12, 2025 11:00 A.M. Traditional Worship The Chiming of the Hour The Welcome & Announcements .........................................Rev. John Fugh, Jr. The Choral Call to Worship ...........................................................This Is the Day The Cross and Flame Come to the Altar The Prelude............................................................Air and Variations, by W. Inglot Hymn of Celebration.............................Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah (#127) The Affirmation of Faith ............................................The Apostles’ Creed (#881) The Gloria Patri The Sacrament of Infant Baptism..............Joseph Bradford Bowden (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............................................................Moderato, by G.P. Telemann The Doxology The Scripture Lesson...........................................................Luke 3:21-22 (p.834) The Passing of the Peace The Welcome and Registration of Attendance The Children’s Moment......................................................Mrs. Donna Hightower The Anthem...............................................All Things Work Together, by J. Carter The Sermon...................................................Beloved, Rev. Lynn Meadows-White The Hymn of Consecration................................................Only Trust Him (#337) The Cross and Flame Go Before Us into the World The Choral Benediction.................................................................Dresden Amen The Postlude.........................................Jesus Christus, unser Konig, by A. Fedak 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