Dear St. Paul Family,

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1 August, 2016 Dear St. Paul Family, First and foremost, Marjorie and I want to thank each of you for the warm welcome we have received. It is deeply appreciated. We look forward to getting to know each St. Paul member and friend as the months unfold. As you might have heard from my sermons thus far that I truly believe that amazing things will come to pass as we are pulled forward by our ideals. Let me share some of the ideals and visions I have as your Lead Pastor. -Transparent, trusting and caring relationships in our church life -St. Paul UMC worship attendance growing -St. Paul UMC small groups developing -St. Paul UMC mission and justice endeavors increasing -St. Paul UMC developing and maintaining a balanced budget -St. Paul UMC fully paying its Mission Shares -St. Paul Child Development Center functioning at full capacity Here are a couple steps that can help us to live into these visions -Maintain a central focus for the congregation. In the central focus will be growth in our understanding and application of the core values of Christian living in our congregational life as we use the Fruitful Living series. -Enhance current Small Groups and develop new Small Groups so each of us can intentionally grow as disciples of Jesus (see related article) Please share your ideas, questions or a desire for a visit with a call or text at Blessings, Pastor Scott Worship Times in August Saturday Service Sunday Services 5:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m. in Fellowship Hall 10:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary

2 St. Paul Church 5410 Corby St. Omaha, NE FAX Website: Rev. Scott Shreve Lead Pastor Rev. Jerry Brabec Minister of Worship Rev. Marta Wheeler Youth Pastor Kathy Rice Director of Stephen Ministry Stephanie Rosenberger Director of Children s Ministries Sue Bobek, Membership Secretary & Administrative Assistant to the Lead Pastor Connie Almgren Financial Secretary Sue Bacon Communications Coordinator Derek Wolfe Building Engineer St. Paul Child Care & Preschool Katy Smith, Director Community Counseling x23 Mary Kate Hoffman, LMHP The inspiration is published monthly. Information is due to the editor by the 19th of the month to be included in the next issue. Editor: Sue Bacon To contact the editor: Phone sbacon@stpaulomaha.org Address: Corby Street Omaha, NE Letter from Council President, Shawn Ammon Dear friends of St. Paul United Methodist Church, Many new things are happening at St. Paul. We have a new pastor, Reverend Scott Shreve, who has already given us some great sermons to think about. We will have new small groups forming in the fall to revitalize members' faith and get to know people from some of the other services. The biggest news, which you have may have already heard, is that the Church Council has voted to combine the two traditional Sunday worship services into one service. Effective Sunday, September 11, our Fusion service will begin at 9:15 in Fellowship Hall and our Traditional service will begin at 10:30 in the Sanctuary. Our Children's Sunday School classes will begin at 10:30 while Adult Sunday School classes will have the option of meeting at 9:15 or 10:30. Our Saturday service at 5:00 in Roth Chapel will continue unchanged. At the July 18 th Church Council meeting, members of the council and many members of the church body discussed the pros and cons of service time changes. The consensus agreed upon is that these are necessary changes to keep the traditional worship a vibrant, growing ministry of the church. In fact, many members and visitors have commented recently on how nice it is to see a fuller sanctuary on Sunday morning, a result of the summer combined-service schedule. This decision has been prayed about and discussed since And while some people may have mixed emotions, there is enough love at St. Paul to ease the situation. This is not about taking away the early morning worship time; this change is about having a lively and welcoming traditional worship service. As your Church Council President, I encourage each member of the St. Paul family to celebrate our exciting future! Shawn Ammon Church Council President Fruitful Living Small Group Invitation One key for the ongoing and growing vibrancy of our St. Paul congregation is the development of small groups where people can learn, feel welcomed, grow spiritually, find support, join in mission work and enjoy friendships. Please consider being a part of a small group this fall. Our resource will be the Fruitful Living Series that has been enjoyed by many United Methodist congregations. Groups might meet directly following worship or at another time convenient for a particular gathering of folk. Fall Themes September- Growing in Grace 2 The Practice of Intentional Faith Development October- Loving and Serving Others The Practice of Risk-Taking Mission and Service November- The Grace of Giving December- Advent-Christmas The Practice of Extravagant Generosity Celebrating the Birth of Jesus For further information or to sign up for a small group please call or text Pastor Scott at

3 August Worship inworship Summer may be a time for relaxing, but worship during August is filled with seasonal delights! Pianist, Pat Watts (5:00) and guest organist, David Schack with soloist Shawn Ammon, (10:30) bring ministry through music to Communion worship on August 06/07. Pianist, Lorraine Hahn with soloist, Sharon Staal (5:00) and guest organist, David Schack and guest soloist, Laura Brill (10:30) bring ministry through music to worship on 13/14. The combined Folk Gospel/Chancel Choir will return to 10:30 a.m. worship August 21 and 28, joined by the Joy Bell Ensemble August 21. As part of worship the last two weekends of the month we will enjoy the tried and true summer shout & sings where the congregational favorites will be lifted up and sung. Songs of faith tell us so much about our spiritual journey those cherished memories of why and with whom our path has brought us this far! Our 9:00 a.m. Fusion service continues to be inspired by a dedicated group of volunteer musicians headed up by Bob Goding, John Hough and Hank Robinson. Together with a host of faithful singers and players, their musical witness is powerful testimony to steadfast devotion to God s people of St. Paul Church! We thank them all for their efforts. Looking Ahead to Labor Day Weekend We remember that the fifth Single Sunday Service will be celebrated Labor Day weekend with worship in the Sanctuary at 10:00 a.m., September 04, and the Saturday evening service held in Roth Chapel at 5:00 p.m. Organ and harp, with voices from St. Paul Folk Gospel and Chancel choirs, will stir our hearts in morning worship for this end of summer holiday. We will also celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Communion. Following the services there will be a time to socialize over sundaes even on Saturday! A freewill offering will be taken to offset the expenses of the event. Musical Ministries & You Lastly, please consider participating in one (or more) of the musical ministries St. Paul has to offer. It takes YOU to make the music pleasing to God s ears and heart. Worship is the way we say thank you to God for our many blessings, even life itself. One time, short term, long term all commitments are considered worthy. And all are welcome, as together we minister through music! Preaching Schedule Pastor Scott will be preaching in August. The theme of Christian Core Values all emerge out of the core values Jesus embraces in Luke 4:16-21 at the beginning of his public ministry August 6/7 Luke 16:1-13 Core Values: Use of Resources Revealing August 13/14 Luke 16:19-31 Core Values: Being Rich in Good Works August 20/21 Luke 17:5-6 Core Values: Discerning Potential August 27/28 Luke 17:11-19 Core Values: Thankfulness Rev. Shreve s Sermons Now on St. Paul UMC Website To get to the sermons on the website, go to and click on Rev. Shreve s Sermons in the list on the left side of the home page. That will take you to the website page where sermons are listed by date and title. 3

4 inmission Habitat for Humanity Meet Htoo Ter and Ta Ku Htoo Ter and Ta Ku and their four children are scheduled to move into the Habitat for Humanity house that St. Paul UMC members and friends will help build beginning August 13. Originally from Burma, Htoo Ter and Ta Ku grew up in small villages with a wide network of family and friends. They spent most of their days helping their parents plant crops and tending to the family livestock. The civil war in Burma changed all that, forcing Htoo Ter and Ta Ku to leave their homeland and travel as refugees to the United States. Arriving in Omaha five years ago, Htoo Ter and Ta Ku have since put down roots, made new friends, and connected with the Omaha community. Htoo Ter works at Tyson and is very proud that he has a job that enables him to support his family. Htoo Ter and Ta Ku first heard about Habitat Omaha from friends who completed the program. They decided to apply and were overjoyed to learn they would have the opportunity to purchase a home. Htoo Ter and Ta Ku have embraced the learning that comes from completing Sweat Equity hours and are excited to put those new skills to good use in the future as they move into and begin to care for their new home. Benson s New American Arts Festival Friday, August 5th, 4-11 pm at 61st & Military Ave. Visual art, an artist's market, food, refugee & other performances, workshops. A fun family event! Try it out! Items Needed for Refugee Clothes Closet It is nearly time for the next BART sponsored Refugee Clothes Closet. It will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 27, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 2725 North. 60th Avenue. Clothing is requested from baby to adults, with sizes small to medium for adults, and NEW undies and socks are especially appreciated. It is also a good time to donate school supplies. Personal hygiene items are also appreciated. Since there is not storage space items can only be received by the church secretary between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. by first calling the office at between August 21st and 25th. If you can help with setting up, or at the closet, please call Bev Hornig at New refugees continue to arrive so your gifts are appreciated. July Special Offering for Mission Shares Agencies $

5 Mental Illness Spiritual Support God is our Refuge and our Strength It is easy to talk about physical health and even spiritual health within our culture but conversations about mental health are more difficult to have. Yet, maintaining good health includes body, mind and spirit. Each month this space will include a scripture passage and comment on mental health to encourage understanding and health. In addition to what is noted here, a good resource for further information can be accessed at the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Peace I leave with you, my peace I give. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 Unfortunately, no matter how much we try to live good, faithful, moral lives, things happen which are beyond our control. Crises in life and abuse impact mental health, as well as, physical. Chronic stress and sleep deprivation which are part of these situations results in severe anxiety and depression or post-traumatic stress syndrome, which is as real as any other crippling disease. Faith and hope in God has a calming effect on body and soul. Devotion to a loving all powerful God brings a constructive dimension that the world cannot duplicate. Youth Update The 3 rd week of July was a week. I m very proud of our youth and the work they did during Omaha Outreach! We made lunches for the 800+ homeless people on the streets of Omaha, sorted donated goods at Open Door Mission and Youth Emergency Services, helped Y.E.S. get ready for their Dancing for a Cause, and prepared a fun day for children at Rose Hill Elementary. Intentionally doing good for God were Jason Evenson, Sara Jabens, Reagan Kelly, Madison Pokett, Tessa Randolph, Ashley Vacura, and Zach Vacura. Adult helpers Kaitlyn Waszak, Nancy Gaines, and Pastor Scott and Marjorie Shreve were also very much appreciated! We plan to join the congregation and childcare for the Benson Parade on July 30 th! Our first fall meeting will include both parents and youth. It is planned for August 21st at 4:00 pm in the library. We will discuss youth Sunday School and Youth Group. A video of this past year s events will be shown! Please bring your calendars so that we can discuss meeting times, and special events. I m looking forward to beginning my second year with St. Paul Youth!! Thank you for your support and prayers. Rev. Marta Wheeler 5

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10 Finances at the 1/2 Way Point of 2016 Gifts & Other Support-$261,784 Total expenses-$299,535. Shortfall-$37,751 I will actively work with our Administrative Teams to restrain spending. In addition, Marjorie and I will join you as cheerful givers to provide support for the vital ministries of our church. In the September newsletter I will share insights on achieving a balanced budget as we conclude this year and plan for Finances is not what the church is about but having the finances, buildings and grounds in good shape is needed to fully engage in our mission and ministry to touch hearts and transform the world in the spirit of Jesus. Blessings, Pastor Scott Of course you are! We all care for one another in many different ways. Sometimes you teach Sunday School. Some work with the youth. Some sing in the choir. Some help with funeral lunches. Some serve on the boards and teams of the church. Some contact those who can no longer get to church on Sunday. Some pound nails at the habitat house. Others serve supper at Sienna Francis House. And some are trained Stephen Caregivers. We are beginning a new training class for caregivers on Wednesday, August 24, 2016, at Northwest Hills Church, 9334 Fort Street. Our two churches will be doing the training together on Wednesday evenings from 6:00 until 8:30. For more information, please check the literature racks for new brochures and stories or call Kathy Rice ( or ) Photos from Rev. Jerry Brabec s Trip to England Exeter Cathedral, Sunday, July 17 Norwich Cathedral, Sunday, July 24 10

11 Summertime Fun at St. Paul Childcare & Preschool Water play is a unique activity for children because it s open-ended, and provides opportunities for learning in all areas of development. Water play relieves tension by encouraging children to release their emotions and relax as well as expands their social skills as they play cooperatively; negotiate; and share equipment, space, and materials. They strengthen their gross motor skills by running, dodging water drops and hopping through a sprinkler. Taking a stroll is an excellent way to provide healthy fresh air, calm stimulation for babies. Taking babies outside is good for healthy physical development, production of vitamin D and cognitive development, including creativity and concentration. It is also a great opportunity to promote language development and positive social emotional experiences. Our school agers combined their science and math skills to make some delicious lemonade. Then using their imagination and creativity they learned some additional basic life skills as they manned their own lemonade stand, such as communication skills, the benefits of hard work, as well as financial education. They worked together to set a group goal, and achieved it by hard work, planning and organization. 11

12 . Featuring the activities of the United Methodist Women of St. Paul UMC. AUG. 16 EXECUTIVE BOARD *************** President: Kathy Rice Vice President Linda Mead Secretary Jackie Pospisil Ass t. Secretary Jan Walker Treasurer Pat Leslie Advisor Judy Stransky **************** Remember NO GENERAL MEETINGS IN JULY & AUGUST Your Campbell soup labels, box tops from Betty Crocker products are still needed. Leave them in the envelope on the UMW bulletin board. Thank you! It is BAKELESS BAKE SALE TIME! We ve thought of a plan that is grand. And we are sure you will understand. In an envelope please put the price Of a pie, cake or something nice. Please make checks payable to United Methodist Women and leave in the church office. OUR FIRST MEETING OF THE FALL WILL BE ON SEPTEMBER 7, 9:30AM IN THE CLARK PARLOR. WE HAVE AN INTERESTING PROGRAM PLANNED. ALL WOMEN OF THE CHURCH ARE INVITED TO JOIN US! 12

13 intouch Recent Hospitalizations Estelle Potter, Gail Cody, Patsy Woodside, Annette Farquhar, Debbie Bloomer, Mary Rich Congratulations To Rev. Scott and Marjorie Shreve on the birth of their granddaughter, Cariel Louise, born June 20. Christian Sympathy To Jim Madison and family in the death of his brother. To Scott Skellham in the death of his mother. To the family of Jeanette Gramps in her death. Memorials For Ellen Jane Webber Frank Webber Honorariums For Dr. Keith Johnson Dr. Tom & Dorothy Hallstrom, Jack & Claudia Griger, Jane Ott, Dee Maycock, Connie Almgren, Virginia Grove, Gail Cody, Pat Golden, Ron Meier The Dinner Group will meet on Saturday, August 27, at Meet outside the chapel after the 5:00 p.m. worship service, or meet the group at 1912, 6201 Maple Street, at approximately 6:30 p.m. All adults are welcome. Everyone is invited to the All Church Baseball Night Omaha Storm Chasers vs. Nashville Sounds Saturday, August 20 Game starts at 7:05 p.m. Fireworks after the Game Meet at the Ticket Office at 6:00 p.m. Questions? Contact Nancy Gaines at (402) Sponsored by the Adult Ministry St. Paul UMC Blood Drive Sunday, August 28 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Room 105 To make your blood donation appointment, please contact Mary Shields at or at You may also call the church to schedule your appointment. Drink plenty of water and eat before donating. 13

14 inworship Saturday Evening 5:00 p.m. Roth Chapel Sunday Morning 9:00 a.m. FUSION Fellowship Hall 10:30 a.m. Sanctuary 12:30 p.m. African National Service inoffice Monday-Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday: 8:00 a.m. to 11:45 p.m.