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St. Paul's United Methodist Church
620 Romeo Street, Rochester, Michigan 48307
Mailing: P.O. Box 80307 Rochester, Michigan 48308
Phone: (248) 651-9361 Fax: (248) 651-7391

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Please keep us in mind if you have an address change or phone-number change this summer. Whenever we mail the Evangel to an incorrect address, it comes back to us with 75 cents postage due! We can avoid these costs if you notify us of changes ahead of time. The office phone number is: 248-651-9361. Thank you!

Text Box: The Staff Parish Committee is pleased to introduce Rev. Latha Ravi as our new associate minister at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, effective July 1, 2008. Rev. Ravi comes to St. Paul's from her position as Pastor of Cherry Hill United Methodist Church in Canton, Michigan.

St. Paul's United Methodist Church
2008 ~ Sesquicentennial
159th Anniversary

~~ FUN FACTS ~~
There are 59 people who have been members for 50+ years.
There are 86 people who have 40-49 years of membership.
That's 145 members who have 40+ years of membership with St. Paul's UMC!

ST. PAUL'S
UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
2008 ~ Sesquicentennial
150th Anniversary

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY . . .
"Sesquicentennial Shop"

As part of our year-long 150th anniversary celebration, we will be selling special hats, T-shirts, sweatshirts, coffee mugs, and totes with St. Paul's 150th "logo." We are looking for volunteers to help work at the "Sesquicentennial Shop" between services, beginning in May. If you are willing to help or have questions, please contact Marco Knapp or Nancy Platto (Get their phone numbers from the Church office).

NEW in 2008 . . .

This year, we will be collecting a monthly "Noisy" offering the second Sunday of each month in 2008.

Proceeds of these offerings will go to Habitat for Humanity..
Bring your COINS!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO HELP WITH CHURCH MAILINGS

Lynn needs more regularly scheduled volunteers for Monday mornings at 9:00 a.m. to help label the weekly Evangel (approximately 1½ hours). If you can help with either of these volunteer opportunities, please call Lynn Fry at the church office (248-651-9361).

DEDICATION OF MIDDLE SCHOOL WORKTRIPPERS For the first time, our Middle School students will be embarking on "Mission Trip 2008." Please keep our middle school students in your prayers while they are in Cincinnati, Ohio from June 22-27. they will be joining 100 other students from across the country at Group's Week of Hope, where they will perform meaningful community service projects for the people of Cincinnati.
	MIDDLE SCHOOL WORK TRIP Cincinnati, OH - June 22-27
	HIGH SCHOOL WORK TRIP Binghamton, NY - July 5-12
	WORK TRIP REPORT Sunday, July 27 - 8:30 a.m./10:00 a.m.
Come hear and see the amazing experiences and life-changing moments our high-school youth had on their work trip during each service on July 27. Each year, the congregation provides an enormous amount of support to the youth, both monetarily and through prayer. This is our chance to thank each of you for your generosity. Please join us!

ST. PAUL'S BRIDGE CLUB

St. Paul's Bridge Club is looking for bridge players who would like to play as regulars or as substitute members. We meet the first Saturday of the month at 7:00 p.m. This is a fun group; all are welcome. For further information, or to sign up, please call Bob and Lee MacKenzie (get their phone numbers from the Church office).

Over the last year or so, St. Paul's "Lost and Found" has accumulated many pairs of prescription glasses, earrings, and even a set of car keys (on a "beagle" key chain). If you are missing any of these items, stop in the main office and ask Lynn Fry to show you the lost and found bin. Maybe your lost glasses will be found!

SUMMER ALL-CHURCH STUDY
"The Way of Transforming Discipleship"

Jesus said, "Follow me." Have you ever realized that this is a call to action? He doesn't say, "Stand here with me;" He says, "Follow Me." This implies movement on His part and, therefore, requires movement on our part. This summer, our all-church study will inspire us to move; growing, changing, and transforming the way we study the Word and see its impact in our lies. Please join us! Books will be available for sale in the Narthex and in the Church office.

CALLING ALL DAUGHTERS, MOMS,
GRANDMOTHERS OR SPECIAL FRIENDS
Mondays, beginning June 9, 7:00-9:00 p.m., Parlor

Get your Passports out for a Faith Journey!

If you are 12 years of age or older, join your travel guides Evie Roguske and Valerie Lavely as we set sail on an exciting 12-week voyage to explore Pastor Henry Blackaby's Experiencing God: Knowing and Doing the Will of God. Come see for yourself how Personally Experiencing God can transform your life. We'll start with refreshments Monday, June 9th at 7:00 p.m.; break into smaller groups for discussion and end by 9:00 p.m. with an inspiring video. Youth and adult workbooks will be available for $20 each. Sign up in the Narthex June 8. Call Evie or Valerie for additional details (get their phone numbers from the Church office).

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY BUILD June 13-28
	St. Paul's will be helping to build our eighth Habitat home in Pontiac with the Rochester Habitat Coalition, the churches and service clubs of Rochester. To find out what opportunities for building or other support are still available, call Hap Walton (get his phone number from the Church office).

H.U.G.S. ~~ FOR MOTHERS OF ALL AGES SUMMER BOOK DISCUSSION begins June 18, Wednesdays, 7:00 p.m., Room 132
For moms of all ages. Each week's discussion will stand alone - come for one evening, or come for all of them, just come when you can! Books may be purchased from the church office or at the first meeting. Watch the Evangel for the book title and details of when it can be purchased. For more information, contact Jeanne Gable (get her phone number from the Church office).

SUMMER FAMILY CHOIR Sundays, beginning June 22
	If you love to sing, please consider singing in St. Paul's "Family Choir" at the 10:00 a.m. Sunday worship service. To participate, come to the Music Room at 9:15 a.m. Have some coffee and a donut, learn a fun anthem, and sing it at the service. Come on one or all Sundays! Bring your family and friends of all ages.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
August 4-8

Come get charged up at VBS and discover Jesus' power! Each day includes singing, games, crafts, Bible stories, food, and an out-of-this-world amount of fun! THE DEADLINE TO REGISTER IS JULY 3, so don't miss out!

Preschool & Elementary

Who:
When:

Cost:

Ages 4 (as of December 1, 2008) - completed 5th grade
August 4-8, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and Friday 9:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. Friday after VBS is over, we will head to Red Oaks Water Park for an afternoon of fun!
$20 (includes T-shirt, 1 CD per family, crafts, and snack)

Middle School & High School Volunteering:

Who:
When:

What:

Cost:

Youth who have completed 5th grade-completed 12th grade
August 4 - 8, Monday-Thursday, 9:00 a.. - 12:00 p.m. and Friday 9:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. On Friday, after VBS is over, we will head to Red Oaks Water Park for an afternoon of fun!
Youth are needed to serve their Church family at VBS! You can make a difference by volunteering with VBS.
$30 (includes T-shirt, CD, ministry tools, snacks, and water park admission)

Registration

The registration deadline is July 3. To register for VBS and volunteering, you can go to the "Registration Forms" page to download all of the forms or come by the Church office to pick up a packet. For questions, please contact Stacie at 248-651-9361 ext. 109.

ST. PAUL'S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
2008 ~ Sesquicentennial ~ 150th Anniversary

In honor of the Sesquicentennial, St. Paul's is sponsoring a Car Show and Ice Cream social on Sunday, August 10, 2008. We are looking for Church members who have vintage, classic, or hot-rod vehicles and would like to participate in this event. Please contact Dave West (get his phone number from the Church office). Additional details to follow in future Evangels.

If anyone has a rather substantial P.A. System that we could use at the Chautauqua, to be held the weekend of September 5, 2008, please contact Dave Rickabus (get his phone number from the Church office).

SESQUICENTENNIAL: FORMAL "HOMECOMING DINNER"
Saturday, September 20, 6:00 p.m.

RESERVATIONS NOW BEING ACCEPTED . . .

We are currently taking dinner reservations for the September 20 "Homecoming Dinner." The music program will be performed by St. Paul's Choirs. Please call the church office, 248-651-9361, to reserve your spot for this special event. Tickets are $25.00 per person. Seating is limited, and tickets need to be paid for by August 31 (make checks payable to St. Paul's UMC and mark "Homecoming Dinner" in the memo field and on your envelope, too.) No reservations can be accepted after August 31. Please make your menu selection at the time of reservation. the choices include Prime Rib, Alaskan Salmon tower, or Vegetarian Pasta Shells.

SESQUICENTENNIAL: RE-ENACTMENT OF ST. PAUL'S HISTORY
AS WRITTEN BY FORMER MEMBER - VIC ZINK
Sunday, September 7

There will be a performance of a historical play about the history of St. Paul's UMC performed on Sunday, September 7 during the Chautauqua weekend. Anyone interested in being involved in the play is welcome and encouraged to come to a meeting on Wednesday, July 9 at 7:00 p.m. For further information, please contact Meg Kaatz (get her phone number from the Church office).

PRAYER BEAR MINISTRY
--UPDATE--

The Bear Ministry appreciates your donations of new bears. Please bring new (bare) bears to the Church office rather that placing them directly in the Bear Cart. These bears have been donated to St. Paul's, prayed over by our Intercessory Prayer Group, and can be given to anyone who is going through a difficult time. Listed below is an excerpt from just one of many follow-up letters we receive:

"I am writing to you in reference to a ministry bear that was sent to . . . John . . . in Ten Mile, TN . . . The bear meant so much to him and was a great comfort to him in his final hours . . . He gave me the cart from his bear with the bear's story and your Church. As a life-long Southerner, I was impressed how someone from the north, or as we jokingly say --Yankees--offered so much comfort to a man with a terminal illness. I told John the people of the South could learn a lot from this. Please accept [our] thanks for this random act of kindness, and may the bear ministry continue to bless those who receive them . . ."

“ALL CHURCH” ACTIVITIES"

At St. Paul’s there is a joy in the shared journey as we come together as a congregation in “all church” activities as well as get together in smaller groups where people become better acquainted. Each complements the other.

Below are some of our upcoming annual “all church” events. Be sure to watch the Evangel and this website for further information on how you can be a part of them!

“Taste of St. Paul’s” – The Sunday before Labor Day, come preview all the groups and ministries at St. Paul’s before deciding what you’d like to get involved in!

	Henry Dennis School, Liberia The team that represented St. Paul's on a recent mission trip to Monrovia, Liberia, has recorded their experiences on two 30-minute programs to be broadcast on Channel 52, Comcast's Community Media Network. Watch for more information on day and time.
	“Market for Mission” (Rummage Sale) Twice a year, the United Methodist Women invite everyone to get involved in this whether donating or purchasing items, setting up, working at the sale, baking food for the workers and/or cleaning up. There’s a place for everyone and it’s a great way to meet some new people. All proceeds support UMW missions in the United States and in the world. In addition, items remaining at the end of the sale go to local charities.

Every Member Celebration Brunch – On Sunday, (Check back here in August for date), come for a delicious brunch as we celebrate the sharing of our common commitment to support St. Paul’s ministries.
	Potluck/Deck the Halls – Get your Advent off to a great start with this special event. Families come early to make Christmas crafts together. A potluck dinner for all is held followed by decorating the church for Christmas. Dessert and a “Christmas Carol Sing” wrap up the evening.
Christmas and Candlelight – The United Methodist Women give this concert and dessert as a Christmas gift to the congregation each year. Don’t miss this inspiring evening.
Christmas Food Baskets – Each year, everyone in the congregation is invited to reach out to the community in either donating towards the 100 plus Christmas Food Baskets that St. Paul’s prepares, helping fill the baskets and/or delivering them to homes in the community.
	Valentine Gourmet Dinner and Dance… a Habitat for Humanity Fundraiser – Don’t miss this fabulous 6-course dinner totally prepared, paid for, and served by the United Methodist Men. Hickey Hall is transformed into an elegant ballroom full of surprises and fun for everyone complimented by outstanding musical entertainment and dancing. Come by yourself or with a date. It's a great time and, best of all, 100% of the monies are contributed to Habitat for Humanity.
Easter Breakfast to benefit Red Bird Mission – Celebrate the joy of Easter morning with a delicious breakfast and fellowship! All profits go to Red Bird Mission in Kentucky.

Thank you for "signing in" at our Worship services. This is a very helpful tool that is used to identify needs: members who wish a pastoral call, frequent visitors wishing to join our fellowship, and new visitors.

Every sheet is checked every week, so it is important that you (visitors and members) check the appropriate boxes indicating your church membership and any needs you may have. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

Maybe YOU ARE! A constituent is a person, over age 18, who is in some way associated with St. Paul's Church, but has not taken the membership classes or taken the vows of membership. Some constituents are regular attendees. Some are regular givers. Many are related to, and living with, one of St. Paul's members. If you recognize yourself in any of these categories, we claim you as a constituent. However, you are NOT an official member of St. Paul's.
Is your home receiving the Evangel in the mail? Are you interested in becoming an official member of St. Paul's? Simply phone the Church office (248-651-9361) and let us know your wishes.

St. Paul's Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is now located on the wall near the Bell Choir room, in the hallway connecting the Narthex and the Education Wing on the first floor. A phone with a direct line to 9-1-1 is near the AED device.
St. Paul's own Health Ministry is hosting a Blood Pressure Clinic and Mini Health Fair on Sunday, (TBA), from ??? a.m. and ??? p.m. in the Narthex and Circular Staircase. Have your blood pressure checked and pick up valuable information about "Summer Health and Safety Tips."

SAVE THOSE SOUP LABELS

You can help Red Bird Mission by saving FRONT LABELS from many products that you use weekly. Just cut off the front label only from a variety of products which are listed below (and on the Kiosk in the Narthex) and bring them to church. There are collection containers near the Parlor door and in the workroom. Global Missions thanks you for your continued support.

SAVE THESE LABELS: (Front label only!)

Campbell Soups
Campbell Juice and Beans
Campbell's Spaghetti O's
Campbell's Pasta
Pepperidge Farm Soups

Swanson's Broth
Swanson's V8 Juices
Prego Products
General Mills Box tops

Girl Scouts of America is the world's pre-eminent organization dedicated solely to girls - where, in an accepting and nurturing environment, girls build character and skills for success in the real world. In partnership with committed adult volunteers, girls develop qualities that will serve them all their lives, like leadership strong values, social conscience, and conviction about their own potential and self-worth. girl Scouting is open to all girls ages 5-17. If you or someone you know is interested in the Girl Scout Program, please contact Debbie Branham (see church directory).

Special Needs Ministry: God's Special Gifts
Sundays, 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. - Room 207
(Behind the Library on the upper level)

This special-needs class is open to people of all ages who have special physical, mental, or emotional needs. Personalized care and teaching plans are designed for each student by Mrs. Shirleen Jackson and Gregg Branham M.D.

Ushering is a very important part of our Sunday Worship. We need ten ushers for each service every Sunday. We are looking for some new faces. Ushering assignments are usually done on a monthly basis. Please check your schedule and see if there is a month that you could be of assistance. Please call Roger Roller (get his phone # from the church office) if you can help out or make a notation on the ritual of friendship pad.

For Information about the Music Program, check this link:

Music Ministries

EMERGENCY FOOD & CLOTHING NEEDS

Rochester Area Neighborhood House is requesting your assistance for its increasing number of clients in crisis during these difficult economic times. The Food Pantry provides food for families who can’t afford to feed themselves or their children. Especially needed are sugar, flour, cooking oil, macaroni & cheese, canned meat, Hamburger Helper®, wide noodles, cream soups, vegetable beef soup, juices, paper towels, Kleenex, & health care products. . The Food Pantry is located on the lower level of the First Congregational Church of Rochester, 1315 N. Pine Street (going north on Main Street, turn west at the traffic light onto Woodward, then right on Pine near the OPC). Volunteers are in the Food Pantry Monday through Thursday from 1-2:30 p.m. Donations can also be left in the church office Monday-Friday during business hours (248-651-6225). The Clothes Closet wish list includes diapers, socks, new underwear, jeans, and children’s clothing. It is located 44 Mill Street (under the south end bridge, west of Main Street) and accepts donations Monday through Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and on the first Saturday of the month from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (248) 656-0230).

COMMUNION
Communion in the Sanctuary:
Sunday, January 6, 2008 – (both 9 a.m. & 11 a.m.) – at the rail

Wednesday, February 6, 2008 – Ash Wednesday Service – 7:30 p.m. – at the rail

Sunday, March 2, 2008 – (both 9 a.m. & 11 a.m.) – intinction

Thursday, March 20, 2008 – Holy Thursday – 7:30 p.m. – Tables in sign of the cross (anointing)

Saturday, April 19, 2008 – Confirmation Communion – 7:00 pm

Sunday, September 7, 2008 – (10:00 a.m. only) – intinction & anointing

Sunday, October 5, 2008 – World Wide Communion (both 9 a.m. & 11 a.m.) – intinction

Sunday, November 2, 2008 – (both 9 a.m. & 11 a.m.) – in the pews

Sunday, December 7, 2008 – (both 9 a.m. & 11 a.m.) – intinction

First Sunday of Month
10:15 & 12:15 a.m. in Rickard Chapel

February 3, April 6, May 4 , June 1
Summer months at 9:30 a.m. in Rickard Chapel:
July 6 and August 3

MARRIAGES

The marriage ceremony is a celebration of Christian family life. A minister meets with each couple a minimum of three 1-hour sessions to discuss the meaning of Christian marriage, offer wedding details, and review the service variations. A trained wedding hostess helps ease many details during the rehearsal and wedding. Contact Business Manager Donna Williams to arrange an appointment with the minister of your choice or to obtain a pamphlet that summarizes key information.

Two Become One
Wedding Brochure

The sacrament of Holy Baptism is an important event in the life of a child and the Church. We know that families need time to plan and "gather the clan" for the day, so we will be listing scheduled baptism times a few months in advance. We hope this will help both family and church scheduling.

The scheduled dates for 2008 are January 27, March 9, May 11, September 14, and November 30. Please call the Church office if you want to be included -- 248-651-9361.

SPONSORSHIP OF ALTAR FLOWERS

The sponsorship of altar flowers, in honor or memory of a loved one or event, is a loving tradition at St. Paul's. Altar flowers may be picked up after the worship service, or they are delivered to our homebound or those hospitalized, carrying the love and prayers of worship with them. If you would like to participate in this flower ministry, please contact our flower coordinators Flo Alling or Gladys Stebbins (call church office for their phone numbers). March 12 is available for sponsorship of two altar flower arrangements. The cost is $32.00 per arrangement.

STEPHEN MINISTRIES

Jesus said, "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you." (John 15:12) One of the ways in which we fulfill this commandment at St. Paul's is through our Stephen Ministry Program. If you or someone you know are facing life changes, loss, illness, or other difficulties, a Stephen Minister can provide caring Christian support. For more information, please contact Rev. Latha Ravi, 248-651-9361.

More about Stephen Ministries

INTERCESSORY PRAYER GROUP

Every Wednesday morning at 9:00 a.m., a group of dedicated members meets in the Library for the express purpose of lifting to the Lord any special needs or concerns of our congregation. Using the weekly prayer list as a base, the group also draws upon any information left in either the church office or the Prayer Box on the altar of the Prayer Chapel.

If you have any special concerns, please let the group know in one of the above ways or by phoning Evelyn Helbig (see church directory). Please join us for an hour of prayer.

The Word At Home
Is your family interested in receiving a short weekly e-mail with scriptures, commentaries, and activities that could help you prepare for the upcoming worship service? If so, just send and e-mail to wordathome@stpaulsrochester.org, subject: "The Word at Home," with your name and a daytime telephone number.

For more information about St. Paul's:
Evangel – Mailed home weekly. Call the church office to be added to the mailing list.
Plugged In - Newsletter for children’s and youth ministries.
Spiritual Growth Opportunities Brochure –Description of all St. Paul’s ministries, revised each fall. Copies available in kiosk and on visitor’s table in the Narthex.
Church Office – 248-651-9361

General Board of Global Ministries Links:

(If you wish to donate to one of the causes listed below, please do so through St. Paul's. Any gifts given
through St. Paul's counts toward the Church's apportionments. Put the number of the cause on the envelope and on your check.)

The Wesleys and Their times Links Page

Charles Wesley at 300: A Poet With A Mission

Susanna Wesley - Mother of Methodism

Listen to the Missionary Voice

October 2008 'Discernment Event' Planned to Assist Multigenerational Laity in Finding God's Will for Their Lives

The UMCOR Hotline for July 1, 2008

Proposed New Hymnal Will Go to 2012 Assembly

A New Podcast: Amy Spaur

The Bigger Picture

Sustaining the Ministries We Start

Chocolate’s Dark Side

Work Sustains Women and Children in Bolivia

The Sudan Project Taking the Church Into the World

Mission Study on Israel-Palestine Is Consistent with United Methodist Policy (Revised June 2008)

Young Adults Address Slavery, Human Trafficking

Mission Interns Share Radical Love

Mission Leader Endorses Ecumenical Call for Prayers for Zimbabwe

Illinois College Signs Pact with University in Liberia

Summer Interns Venture Forth

Latvia’s United Methodist Camp Is Busy Summer Mission Center

The Father's Day 'Present'

Minnesota-Russian Mission Partnership to Develop United Methodist Center in St. Petersburg

Adult Ministries	Child Care Ministry	Lent	Registration Forms	Time-Out: Parents of Young Children
Advent	Committees	Map	Sermons	UM Men
Announcements	Fall	Music Department	Stephen Ministry	UM Women
Boy Scout Troop 123	Family Life Class	Preschool	Summer	Youth
Children	Hugs For Mothers	St. Paul's Pastors	Support Ministries