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First Steps – May 9, 2022

About 18 months ago, a friend of mine shared these statements with me:

I can’t_____but I can…
We don’t have____but we do have…
My people won’t_____but I can lead them to…
This won’t work______but what would work is…
People won’t like it if_____but God will love it if…

She was facilitating a conversation around leadership with a group of pastors. Lately, I wondered if these same statements could apply to relationships. Many times, relationships fall into ruts. The parties involved didn’t plan on a rut. It just happened, little by little. Words like â€œI can’t” or “it won’t” or “I don’t” frame a person’s outlook and can negatively influence the future of relationships.

Sometimes, a change in vocabulary can lead to a change in outlook which starts a new pattern. Try it and see. First, notice the “I can’t”, “it won’t”, and “I don’t.” Then substitute with “I can…,” â€œthis will…,” or “I will…,” and see what happens.

When relationships are detailed in ruts, someone must be the more mature one to begin a new pattern. Often, a new pattern can begin with a new word.






This Week’s Readings:
*Monday – 2 Corinthians 11
*Tuesday – 2 Corinthians 12
*Wednesday- 2 Corinthians 13
*Thursday – Matthew 1
*Friday- Matthew 2


Prayer Requests:
*Our Confirmands and High School Graduates as they transition.
*An immediate end to the crisis in Ukraine.
*Heal those who are sick and protect those who are not.
*Comfort those who are grieving and in distress.
*Give our leaders extra wisdom as they navigate this pandemic and economic uncertainty.
*Help 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


May 1, 2022 – Sermon Series – “Understanding Yourself to Love God: Jonah – The Need to Avoid” (Rev. Dr. P. Shane Green)

Worship (SPUMCColumbus)
Worship (SPUMCColumbus)
May 1, 2022 - Sermon Series - "Understanding Yourself to Love God: Jonah - The Need to Avoid" (Rev. Dr. P. Shane Green)
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Traditional Worship Service/Jonah 1:1-3

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Understanding Yourself to Love God: Jonah – The Need to Avoid [WORSHIP]

Order of Worship
Holy Communion Sunday, April 24, 2022
11:00 AM Traditional Worship

The Welcome & Announcements by Rev. John Fugh, Jr.
The Choral Call to Worship: “I Come with Joy”
The Prelude: “Prelude” by J. S. Bach
The Cross and Flame Come to the Altar
The Hymn of Celebration: “Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty”
The Affirmation of Faith
The Gloria Patri
The Baptism of Elizabeth Cecelia Coffman
(Daughter of Katherine & Bret Coffman; sister of William and Frank, granddaughter of Sandy & Ken Coolik, Mary Coffman, and the late Frank K. Martin.)
The Baptismal Hymn of Response: “Jesus Loves Me”
The Pastoral Prayer with The Lord’s Prayer by Rev. John Fugh, Jr.
The Offertory Prayer
The Offertory Anthem: “Celtic Laud” by C. Courtney | Flute – Mrs. Jeanne Martz
The Doxology
The Scripture Lesson: Jonah 1:1-3
The Passing of the Peace
The Registration of Attendance
The Welcome to St. Paul and Recognition of our Guests
The Children’s Moment by Rev. Dr. Shane Green
The Sermon: “Understanding Yourself to Love God: Jonah – The Need to Avoid” by Rev. Dr. Shane Green
The Service of Holy Communion
The Hymn of Consecration: “Let Us Break Bread Together”
The Cross and Flame Go Before Us into the World
The Benediction and Choral Response: “Together Met”
The Postlude: “Toccata” by D. Crouse

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First Steps – May 2, 2022

The other day I went to the mall.  It has been years since I went to purchase something at a mall.  How things have changed because when I was a teenager, I think I went to the mall each weekend.  Often, my friends and I would go to the mall just to walk around and visit with other friends.  It was our hangout!  

During my recent visit, I thought about those directional signs that were strategically placed to help people shop.  If you wanted to find a particular store, this was your guide.  The sign had a map of the mall with a large arrow that said, “You are here.”  It was your starting point to find your way.  Without it, one would be lost.

God’s work of transformation has a starting point.  It might not be a sign with a giant arrow, but there is a starting point for each person which is the same:  Honesty.  John Calvin said, “A person can only know God to the degree they know themselves.”  The Holy Spirit’s work begins when we are honest with ourselves—this is who I am.  Without honesty, denial reigns and we play games with God and other people.  We run from who we are.  We present to others what we think they want or will approve.  God’s work of redemption begins with honesty.  It is our starting point.

Maybe God is showing you a sign:  You Are Here!  Don’t run from it.  Sit for a while, and begin with honesty on the path to wholeness.





This Week’s Readings:
* Monday – 2 Corinthians 6
* Tuesday – 2 Corinthians 7
* Wednesday- 2 Corinthians 8
* Thursday – 2 Corinthians 9
* Friday- 2 Corinthians 10

Prayer Requests:
*An immediate end to the crisis in Ukraine.
*Heal those who are sick and protect those who are not.
*Comfort those who are grieving and in distress.
*Give our leaders extra wisdom as they navigate this pandemic and economic uncertainty.
*Help 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


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