Epis le St. Paul s. Inside. Letter From the Senior Pastor THE FROM

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1 THE Epis le St. Paul s VOLUME 59 NUMBER 8 SEPTEMBER 2017 Letter From the Senior Pastor My Dear Friends: FROM I used to get a new tee-shirt every 45 miles. Years ago I hiked with the church youth every summer on the Wilderness Trail. Wilderness Trail is a Christian backpacking ministry located in southwest Virginia in which young people are led closer to God by walking through the beauty of Creation for a week. It was an awesome spiritual experience for me. One of the best parts of the shared experience was the tee-shirt given to each hiker at the end of the trail. The color of the shirt changed every year, and the big reveal of that year s hue was always part of the fun. In solidarity with one s traveling companions, each hiker usually wore his or her shirt home the next day, proud to be part of the same team. I still wear my Wilderness Trail shirts (yellow, blue, green, and black) with pride. St. Paul s has long followed the tee-shirt tradition, too, giving everyone who serves in one of our many missional activities a red St. Paul s shirt. Many of us sport our St. Paul s gear with pride when we gather to serve others. This summer Rev. Claire Matheny and Kenzie Raulin came up with a new tee-shirt design to reflect who we are and what we do in Christ s name. On the front of the shirt is a stylized outline of St. Paul s iconic west façade, the cross at the center. Serving compassionately since 1885, the words read, reflecting our historic legacy of dedication to the needs of the community for well over a century. On the back, reflecting our specific focus of providing nourishment in body and soul to our neighbors, it says, We are all about feeding people. The big public reveal for these new red tee-shirts will be at this year s Kensington Labor Day Parade. St. Paul s will once again have a float in this parade, proudly taking our place in this joyous community lineup. The parade route isn t 45 miles long, but all who join the St. Paul s team will experience the solidarity of walking side-by-side with those who serve and feed in Christ s name. Everyone on this journey will get a new shirt. Wear them with pride, friends. I m glad we re on the same team. Light and peace in Jesus Christ, A.B. Snell Inside Claire's Corner Youth News Congregational Care Send a Card or Note Fall Craft Fair Provide-A-Ride Ministry Stephen Minister Training United Methodist Men 2x4s Ministry Biblical Archaeology Forum Conversation on Race Adult Education Bits of History Covenant Discipleship September Calendar The PURPOSE of St. Paul's United Methodist Church is to invite and welcome all: To worship God To grow as disciples of Jesus Christ To love and support one another To do justice and live compassionately in the world St. Paul s United Methodist Church Armory Avenue, Kensington, Maryland (301) stpaulsunited@stpaulsk.org

2 Corner Claire's Dear Family of Faith, I loved the fancy teapot and the in-season strawberries. From the perch of her balcony, we spotted wildlife peeking through the fog on a late morning. Milagros Phillips warmly welcomed Kenzie Raulin and me into her home in June. We were there to hear more about the workshops that she has been leading over the years. We listened as she described her own journey and the calling she feels as a facilitator. There has been an effort to continue conversation on race at St. Paul s over the last two years. This fall, we were hoping for a Saturday workshop, especially to accommodate those who haven t been able to attend six-week night courses. The Justice and Compassion Team would love to see folks from across the church connected and exploring more about social justice ministries. Don t miss this chance to learn together as we consider how best to be present to the racism we encounter in community, in systems of inequity, and yes, in our own hearts. We hope you ll consider attending the Essential Conversation on Race on Saturday, September 16 with Milagros Phillips. Sign up is at or through the church office by September 12. See also the event announcement in this Epistle. Registration is $50, but don t let the cost prevent you from coming. Please contact Rev. Claire Matheny regarding reduced rates and scholarships: cmatheny@stpaulsk.org We ll have strawberries on hand to welcome Milagros to our St. Paul s home. In Christ, Rev. Claire Stay Connected! If you are not receiving our weekly s or our monthly Epistle, please let us know. Send an to stpaulsunited@stpaulsk.org. 2 EPISTLE SEPTEMBER 2017 St. Paul's United Methodist Church SENIOR PASTOR Rev. Adam B. Snell absnell@stpaulsk.org ASSOCIATE PASTOR Rev. Claire Matheny cmatheny@stpaulsk.org YOUTH PASTOR Micah Smartt msmartt@stpaulsk.org DIRECTOR of CHRISTIAN EDUCATION Meg Baker mbaker@stpaulsk.org DIRECTOR of MUSIC N. Thomas Pederson tpederson@stpaulsk.org ORGANIST Marvin Mills mmills@stpaulsk.org OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR Erin Steele stpaulsunited@stpaulsk.org TREASURER Sharon Zeigler szeigler@stpaulsk.org FACILITIES MANAGER Tracey Furman tfurman@stpaulsk.org EPISTLE LAYOUT & DESIGN Jay Codner jgcodner@gmail.com Website Facebook

3 Youth Group News Youth News Middle High Youth has already begun! Grades 6-8 are invited to join us on Fridays, 7:00 8:45 p.m. for our programming, which normally consists of games, activities, and a short Bible study. Senior High Youth will begin Sunday, September 10. All Freshmen through Seniors (grades 9-12) are invited to join us for normal programming, on Sundays, 6:30 8:30 p.m. Both groups will have special events and trips planned throughout the year, so be on the lookout for announcements in the worship bulletins, Youth newsletters, and online! Middle High Youth Every Friday Evening at 7:00 p.m. Senior High Youth Every Sunday Evening at 6:30 p.m. Come Join Us! Fall Retreats are Scheduled! Youth Art Day! Youth Art Day will be on September 17 right after church, 11:45-1:15 p.m. We need your help creating original works of art to decorate the bare walls in the renovated Youth Lounge. It doesn't matter if the most you can do is glue two pieces of paper together or if you can paint a masterpiece on canvas. Bring your ideas, some favorite Bible verses, and clothes that you can wear while painting, and join Micah Smartt and the talented Kenzie Raulin for this creative session. Our Middle High Fall Retreat is scheduled for September 29 to October 1 at Manidokan Retreat Center, near historic Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. We will meet in the church parking lot 6:30 p.m. on Friday evening and will return roughly 3:30 p.m. on Sunday. Cost is $85 per participant. For more information, see the September Youth Newsletter, or contact Youth Pastor, Micah Smartt at msmartt@stpaulsk.org. Our Senior High Fall Retreat will also take place at the Manidokan Retreat Center, November 10 to November 12. We will meet on Friday at 6:00 p.m., and will return roughly 3:30 p.m. on Sunday. More information will be released as it becomes available! Contact our Youth Pastor, Micah Smartt for more information msmartt@stpaulsk.org Council on Youth Ministries The Council on Youth Ministries (CYM) meets several times a year and is open for anyone involved in the youth program to join. CYM helps to make decisions about programming, events, finances, and other youth related topics! We are looking for several Senior High and Middle High students to serve for the coming year. If you d like to become a member, please contact Micah Smartt at msmartt@stpaulsk.org. St. Paul's Youth is a safe, welcoming community where young people learn how to be God s people! 3 EPISTLE SEPTEMBER 2017

4 Thank You! Congregational Care Dear, dear friends, Words alone cannot adequately express my overwhelming sense of gratitude and humility at the wonderful send-off you gave me to launch my retirement on Sunday, July 30! Revs. Snell and Matheny, Tom Pedersen and Marvin Mills and our choir put together a moving service of worship, and all of the laity who participated youth and adults touched me deeply with their kind words and remembrances. The recognitions with which I was honored, and the amazingly generous love gift from the congregation a gift which allowed me to pay off completely the debt I still owed to my retirement community will never be forgotten. My appreciation to the 500+ folks who attended the service, those who were only able to attend the picnic, and those who were unable to attend but who made sure to wish me well prior to July 30, will live with me forever. Thank you again for believing in me, for trusting me for over 32 years with your most precious resource your young people and for welcoming me into your hearts and lives. Please give your full support to Micah Smartt and Meg Baker, my successors, and never stop loving, supporting and encouraging St. Paul s children and teenagers as your own. May God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit continue to guide and bless our beloved St. Paul s community. Rick Buckingham Thank You! Caring Ministers and Congregation at St Paul's, Thank you so much for the many prayers, cards and calls during my knee surgery and recovery. I feel blessed by the care and support during a few setbacks. I'm doing great! Also, the heartfelt concern given to Clarence and I after the birth of our precious granddaughter, Lydia (born 7 weeks early) has sustained us as we watch her grow. Grace and Peace, Marybelle Waldroff Sympathy Our deepest sympathy is expressed to these members who mourn the loss of loved ones who passed away during the month of July Rev. Claire Matheny & family following the death of her grandmother Wendy Ketcham & family following the death of her father Mike Nasser & family following the death of his mother 4 EPISTLE SEPTEMBER 2017 Celebration of Marriage We joyfully celebrate with Jonelle Williams & Festina Manly-Spain following their marriage in College Park, MD on July 29 Celebrations of Birth Roses graced the altar in July to celebrate the births of Brave Warner Chatfield son of Kappes & Joy Chatfield, grandson of Peter & Sallie Chatfield Lydia Charlotte Waldroff daughter of Kirk & Rachel Waldroff, granddaughter of Clarence & Marybelle Waldroff

5 Send a Card or Note Listed are members who would appreciate your thoughts and your expressions of care Mrs. Lois Baker 333 Russell Avenue Kindley Building, Room 318 Gaithersburg, MD Mrs. Marianne Blankenship 3501 Woodridge Avenue Wheaton, MD Ms. Janet Colwell Manor Care Georgia Avenue #239 Wheaton, MD Mrs. Dorothea Depenbrock 1709 Luzerne Avenue Silver Spring, MD Mrs. Grace Lawson 8413 Nunley Drive, Apt. D Baltimore, MD Mrs. Mae Miles 3618 Littledale Road, #318A Kensington, MD Mrs. Ruth Sylvester 333 Russell Avenue #303 Gaithersburg, MD Mrs. Margaret Thayer c/o Thomas Thayer 6114 Moonpatterns Trail Fairfax Station, VA Fall Craft Fair November 4 and 5 * November 11 and 12 The Fall 2017 St. Paul s Craft Fair is scheduled for the first two weekends in November. You still have time to get creative and make some of your favorite crafts! We very much appreciate donations of your homemade craft items for sale at this year s Craft Fair. All types of crafts -- photos, art work, glass work, jewelry, pottery, sewing, knitting, etc., will be gratefully accepted. The money raised by the craft fair sales will bring wonderful blessings to others as all proceeds will be donated to a selected charity. Please contact Mary Revenis at mrevenis@cnmc.org or Helen Quave at hquave@yahoo.com if you have crafts to donate, would like to volunteer your time, or have a suggestion for a charity to be considered as this year's beneficiary. Provide-A-Ride Ministry Do you need a ride? Can you provide a ride? The Transportation Ministry is available to help members with reasonable requests. If you need occasional transportation to medical visits, pharmacies, church on Sunday, or grocery stores, St. Paul's will try to connect you with a driver. If you have time available to drive members to appointments, please sign up in the office using the list on bulletin board. Thank you to those already on the list who have provided rides in the past. If you have questions, please contact Terri Marshall at terrillamarshall@gmail.com or Stephen Minister Training Stephen Ministers are congregation members trained by Stephen Leaders to offer high-quality, one-to-one Christian care to people going through tough times. A Stephen Minister usually provides care to one person at a time, meeting with that person once a week for about an hour. At St. Paul s, Stephen Ministers gather once a month with their Stephen Leaders for supervision and continuing education. There is a continuing need to add a few women to the Stephen Ministry group this year. Training begins in September. If it's been on your heart to reach out to the St. Paul's congregation and the local community to provide spiritual care to those who need it, please contact Rev. Claire Matheny at cmatheny@stpaulsk.org or Virginia Bickford at This is a heartfelt ministry of caring, and those who participate receive many blessings themselves. 5 EPISTLE SEPTEMBER 2017

6 United Methodist Men The purpose of the United Methodist Men is to engage in a variety of Christcentered activities for the benefit of the ministries, programs and activities of the church and its members. For more information, contact Steve Lillie stevelillie@verizon.net or (301) September Potluck Sunday, September 10 * After 10:30 a.m. Worship 6 EPISTLE SEPTEMBER 2017 Pancake Breakfasts Our first Community Pancake Breakfast of the season is Saturday, September 2, to benefit the Baltimore Washington Conference Camping Ministry. Our October 7 breakfast will benefit the St. Paul's Hunger Ministry and Society of St. Andrew ( Please join us, and consider volunteering as a way to have some fun and support these worthy causes. We begin serving at 8:00 a.m. Our breakfasts feature regular pancakes, a special featured pancake, and eggs, sausage, bacon, fruits, grits, and beverages. Men's Supper and Meeting Our next Men s Supper will be on October 4 at 6:00 p.m. in Heavener Hall. We look forward to seeing you there for Continental subs and pizza, plus cake from Jenny Cakes! Fall Yard Sale & Apple Sale The Fall Yard Sale and Apple Sale are planned for October 19 to October it looks like building renovations may start after that. Please watch the next Epistle for more details about these events. For now, please mark your calendars! Watch for the volunteer sign-up sheets in the church office in early October. We need LOTS of help to make these sales a success! 2x4s (20s-40s) Ministry Bring a favorite dish and head up to Heavener Hall on Sunday, September 10 after 10:30 a.m. Worship. We will help sort Communion Collect food donations and hear the latest about the St. Paul's Hunger Ministry from Dawn Ely. Then we will potluck and fellowship together. Kiddos welcome! Book Club Saturday, October 21 * 7:30-9:00 p.m. Start reading now for the 2x4s Book Club meeting on Saturday, October 21 from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. at the Matheny-Noyce home. We will be discussing Love Wins: The Lovers and Lawyers Who Fought the Landmark Case for Marriage Equality by Debbie Cenziper and Jim Obergefell. UMM Don t forget: We include all male members and friends of St. Paul s as members of The United Methodist Men. There are no dues or fees to join - so come and be with us!

7 Biblical Archaeology Forum Tuesday, September 12 at 8:00 p.m. * Bender Auditorium * Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington The St. Paul s Adult Education Committee encourages our members to take advantage of the ongoing educational opportunities provided through the Biblical Archaeological Forum. This local community group s monthly lectures bring together leading Bible scholars and archaeologists to enlighten us in our understanding of the Biblical texts and the Biblical world. Although Heaven is often mentioned within modern Judaism and modern Christianity, Hell is different. Christianity often focuses on it, while Judaism does not. The root cause of this difference is not modern but ancient. It has to do with the dramatic differences between the Hebrew Bible (Tanach) and the New Testament on the subject of Hell If you're interested in hearing about the history of the hereafter, and how differently Heaven and Hell were understood by Jews and Christians of the early Common Era, this lecture is for you. This lecture, Sacred Writings on the Hereafter: An Early History of Hell and Heaven will be presented by Gerorge Washington University Professor, Christopher Rollston. The lecture will be hosted by the Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington on Tuesday, September 12 at 8:00 p.m. General admission is $10, college students $5, and high school students with ID receive free admission. Visit jccgw.org/baf for more information. An Essential Conversation on Race Saturday, September 16 * 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Join seasoned facilitator and author Milagros Phillips as we discuss the history of race. You can register in the Narthex on Sunday, September 10 or online (stpaulsk.org/service/beloved-community) until September 12. We often remain silent on the topic of race because of the discomfort it stirs up in and around us. Whether this is your first time to a race workshop or you are a seasoned explorer, join us for this essential session. While race remains a complicated topic, by taking time to be intentional conversation, we can arrive at new awareness and vision. We will discuss the history of race and consider how our current landscape informs our spiritual journeys and calls us forward as people of faith. This session will be Saturday, September 16 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in Heavener Hall. Cost is $50 per person and includes lunch. Reduced rates and scholarships are available, including two youth scholarships. If you would like to contribute to a scholarship for others please indicate when registering or speak with Rev. Claire Matheny. Please contact Rev. Claire Matheny at cmatheny@stpaulsk.org with questions. Milagros Phillips is the author of 11 Reasons to Become Race Literate, 8 Essentials to a Race Conversation and the soon to be published, Race & The 8 Stages of Healing. Milagros has been facilitating seminars and conversations on racce for more than two decades. 7 EPISTLE SEPTEMBER 2017

8 Adult Education Opportunities Fall 2017 Classes Starting September 2017 * Monday & Tuesday Evenings This fall, St. Paul s Adult Education Committee will again sponsor our popular program of short-term classes for adults, one longer-term evening class, and continuing our Adult Sunday School class. We will offer two classes on Monday evenings and two classes on Tuesday evenings, beginning on September 11 and September 12, respectively. Most classes will run consecutively for six weeks. Please see the individual class schedule for details. Participants will meet in their respective classrooms for discussion/study groups. Registration for all classes is available on the St. Paul s website, and in the Narthex, until Sunday, September 10. The fee for each course is $ Check is preferred, made payable to "St. Paul's UMC" with "Fall Study" on the memo line. Please consider signing up for one of the following courses: Methodism in the Modern World September 11 to October 16 * Monday Evenings Emily Sama-Miller & Rich Higgins The class will consider our United Methodist approach to church polity, understanding scripture, and decisionmaking as we approach the reporting of the Commission on A Way Forward at the February 2019 Special Called Session of the General Conference on the church s stance on LGBTQ issues. Emily Sama-Miller was raised and confirmed in the UMC and has long been interested in the organization and decision-making of the denomination, and ongoing spiritual formation. This will be her first time teaching this course, although her professional and volunteer background include experience in teaching, facilitating small-group group discussions, fostering conversation and collaboration across groups of people with different perspectives and priorities, and (US) policymaking. She looks forward to using those experiences and interests to support this important class. Rich Higgins works as a Manager of Policy & Planning for the Maryland Department of Commerce. Rich is a longtime member of St. Paul's UMC. Along with Marge and their two adult sons they have found the faith community here to be very enriching and supportive. Comics and Christianity September 11 to October 16 * Monday Evenings Micah Smartt This class will explore the ways in which the Bible and contemporary issues the church faces informs the writing of comic book heroes. Topics covered will include discussions on Creation and Origins, Death, Resurrection, Heroes and Antiheroes, and more. Readings will primarily come from the Bible and selected comic books. We will also be watching clips from various superhero movies to further our discussions. Micah Smartt is the new Youth Pastor here at St. Paul s. He obtained his Master of Divinity Degree and a Certificate of Theology and Art in May of this year from the Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. His work has included using pop culture as a way to see Biblical parallels in everyday life. Lectionary Bible Studies Our weekly Lectionary Bible Studies will again take place on Tuesdays at 10:30am in St. Paul's Cleveland Library. No pre-registration or fee is required! Register for Fall 2017 Adult Education Classes in person on Sunday mornings following both worship services or on the St. Paul's Website 8 EPISTLE SEPTEMBER 2017

9 Romans Bible Study September 12 to November 21 * Tuesday Evenings Vern Schinski We will be using Warren Wiersbe's book, Be Right (Romans): How to Be Right with God, Yourself and Others. Every Christian desires to "be right" about their faith. How we live out our faith holds eternal significance. But in order to be right, we must know what, why, and how come we believe in Christ. It can be argued that no book of the Bible has had a greater effect on Christianity than the book of Romans. Martin Luther described it as "the most important piece in the New Testament," and wrote; "It is well worth a Christian's while not only to memorize it word for word but also to occupy himself with it daily, as though it were the daily bread of the soul." In this classic commentary by Dr. Warren Wiersbe, you can refresh your own understanding of this seminal work, Paul's masterpiece letter to the church in Rome. Dr. Wiersbe's careful exposition of the text allows the truth to soak in to your heart and mind as you read and understand these essential truths of Scripture. Vern Schinski is a retired Navy Captain and medical school VP who led mission and outreach programs for 20 years. He has been involved leading small groups and Disciple classes for many years. Vern developed this study on Romans to fill the delay between the publishing of Disciple III and IV. He prefers class discussion to lecture. Disciple Bible Study September 12 * Tuesday Evenings Rev. Adam Snell More Adult Education A new Disciple I Bible Study class is also forming! This class will meet on Tuesdays at 7:00-9:00pm throughout the school year, beginning on Tuesday, September 12. The class will be led by our senior pastor, Rev. Adam Snell. This year-long survey of The Bible will reveal to you the major themes of our faith which connect the Old and New Testaments, culminating in a clearer understanding of Jesus. Adult Sunday School Our Adult Sunday School Class led by Michael Gibson, meets in the Church Parlor (Room 208) on Sunday mornings at 9:30-10:15am. They will continue studying the Letter to the Hebrews. The Sermon on the Mount & The Sermon on the Plain September 12 to November 21 * Tuesday Evenings Bob Nordstrom Blessed are the poor inspirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew opens his presentation of Jesus teaching commonly referred to as the Sermon on the Mount with these words. They are comforting words to the people of first century Palestine as they listened to the teaching. But Jesus is not always comforting, and his words are not always easy to accept and understand. In this 6-week series, we will look carefully at the lessons Jesus teaches us from the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5 6) and his Sermon on the Plain (Luke 6). The different perspectives of Matthew and Luke are seen in the ways that each author presents the subject of Jesus teachings. All you need is your Bible, a willingness to discuss your ideas, and the class notes that will be handed out before the first session. Dr. Robert J. Nordstrom is Branch Chief, Image Guided Interventions, Cancer Imaging Program at the National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health. A student of The Bible for many years, Bob taught a course on the Gospel of Mark during Lent 2015 and led a Supper & Study course on The Revelation to John in Spring Archaeology Forums The St. Paul s Adult Education Committee encourages our members to take advantage of the ongoing educational opportunities provided through the Biblical Archaeology Forum. This local community group s monthly lectures bring together leading Bible scholars and archaeologists to enlighten us in our understanding of the Biblical tests and the Biblical world. Look for a monthly announcement and description of the current offering in upcoming editions of The Epistle. 9 EPISTLE SEPTEMBER 2017

10 Bits of History New Hire Announced in Epistle, August 1985 Jack Lipscomb, History Committee St. Paul s celebrated the retirement of Rick Buckingham on July 31. The Epistle of August 1985 recorded his hiring with an article by Harry Lamar, who was Chair of the Search Committee. The lead article in the Epistle contained words from St. Paul s new pastor, Rev. Edwin C. DeLong, who had been appointed following the death of senior pastor Rev. Charles F. Kirkley on April 28, Rev. DeLong, in the introductory message, said, It is my pleasure to share with you the information on this page. A welcome is indeed extended to Rick Buckingham, our new Director of Christian Education. Chairman Harry Lamar s article follows: After weeks of work, and many interviews of candidates by the Search Committee and selected youth of our church, we are pleased to announce that RICHARD (RICK) BUCKINGHAM will join the staff of St. Paul s as Director of Christian Education effective August 1. Rick comes to us from Reisterstown, Md. United Methodist Church where he served as Director of Youth Ministry and of Christian Education. He has an excellent educational background (Master s degree in Religious Education from Wesley Theological Seminary, cum laude, 1981) and a very successful experience in directing the youth program in Reisterstown. He has been active in the Baltimore Conference camping program for a number of years. He was consecrated a Diaconal Minister in the Baltimore Conference in Let s all extend a warm welcome to Rick and support him in his ministry to the youth and the Christian Education program here at St. Paul s. Pick up your copy of the St. Paul's History Book today! The sale price for the History Book is now $10! Contact Jack Lipscomb at or jplipscomb@verizon.net for more information on this article, on the committee, or to purchase the history book. Covenant Discipleship Live more fully the Christian life to which you were called through Covenant Discipleship, a modern adaptation of the original Methodist objective of mutual accountability for congregants who wish to deepen their discipleship. There is a Covenant Discipleship group now forming, and will begin meeting September 10 on Sundays from 9:55-10:25 a.m., in the Cleveland Library. The purpose of the group is to watch over one another in love, as each member faces challenges, temptations, and pitfalls and experiences joy, strength, and victories. The group writes a covenant of intent on which all the members agree using the General Rule of Discipleship as their guiding principle for Christian formation: To witness to Jesus Christ in the world, and to follow his teachings through acts of compassion, justice, worship, and devotion under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The group meets weekly to reflect on the spiritual journey in light of their covenant to one another. For more info, please contact Meg Baker at mbaker@stpaulsk.org or EPISTLE SEPTEMBER 2017

11 September 2017 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 7pm Middle High Youth 2 8am Pancake Breakfast 10am Pie with the Pastors 3 9am Worship with Communion 9am Nursery 9:30am Adult Sunday School 9:55am Covenant Discipleship 10:30am Worship with Communion 10:30am Summer Sunday School & Nursery 11:30am Sunday School Teacher & Safe Sanctuaries Training 10 9am Worship with Communion 9am Nursery 9:30am Adult Sunday School 9:55am Covenant Discipleship 10:30am Worship 10:30am Sunday School & Nursery 11:30am J&C Meeting/Ministerium 11:45am Food Sorting 6:30pm Senior High Youth 4 Labor Day Church Offices Closed 9:30am Kensington Labor Day Parade pm Staff Meeting 7pm Communion Collect Distribution 7pm Stephen Ministers 7pm Yarn Ministry 7pm Fall Study Classes (Comics & Christianity, Methodism ) 5 7pm Contemplative Tuesday 10am Friendship Club Planning Meeting 7pm Journey Group 7pm Fall Study Classes (Sermon on the Mount, Be Right Romans) 7pm Disciple I 6 7:30pm UMM Executive Meeting 7 7:30pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal :30pm Joyful Ringers! 7:30pm Sanctuary Rehearsal Choir Rehearsal 7pm Finance Committee 8 7pm Middle High Youth 15 7pm Middle High Youth :30am Conversation on Race with Milagros Phillips 17 9am Worship with Communion 9am Nursery 9:30am Adult Sunday School 9:55am Covenant Discipleship 10:30am Worship 10:30am Nursery 10:45am Sunday School 11:30am SPRC 11:45am Youth Art Day 6:30pm Senior High Youth 24 9am Worship with Communion 9am Nursery 9:30am Adult Sunday School 9:55am Covenant Discipleship 10:30am Worship 10:30am Sunday School & Nursery 11:45am Youth Art Day 6:30pm Senior High Youth 18 7pm Fall Study Classes (Comics & Christianity, Methodism ) 25 10am Staff Retreat 7pm Fall Study Classes (Comics & Christianity, Methodism ) 7pm Yarn Ministry 19 12pm Tuesdays Together 7pm Journey Group 7pm Fall Study Classes (Sermon on the Mount, Be Right Romans) 7pm Disciple I 26 7pm Journey Group 7pm Fall Study Classes (Sermon on the Mount, Be Right Romans) 7pm Disciple I :30pm Joyful Ringers! 7:30pm Sanctuary Rehearsal Choir Rehearsal 7pm Lay Leadership Committee :30pm Joyful Ringers! Rehearsal 7pm J&C Meeting 7pm Jochebed Circle 7pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal 22 7pm Middle High Youth 29 Middle High Youth depart for Retreat at Camp Manidokan Middle High Youth Retreat at Camp Manidokan The submission deadline for the October Epistle is Friday, September 15. Please your article (approx. 250 words) to Erin Bone Steele at stpaulsunited@stpaulsk.org 11 EPISTLE SEPTEMBER 2017

12 St. Paul s United Methodist Church Armory Avenue, Kensington, Maryland Worship Schedule 9:00 a.m. Worship with Communion in the Sanctuary. Nursery Care Available. 10:30 a.m. Worship in the Sanctuary. Sunday School & Nursery Care Available. September Lectionary Sept 3: Sept 10: Sept 17: Sept 24: Luke 24:13-17a, 28-31a Matthew 18:15-20 Matthew 18:21-35 Matthew 20:1-16 Four Options for Receiving the Epistle... (color) Send an to stpaulsunited@stpaulsk.org with " the Epistle" as the subject. DOWNLOAD (color) Go to the St. Paul's website to download a PDF version. MAIL (B+W) To receive an Epistle in the mail, please contact the church office. PICK UP (B+W) Copies of the current Epistle are available in the Narthex and church office. 12 EPISTLE SEPTEMBER 2017 SEPTEMBER 2017