St. Paul's United Methodist ChurchDa Lay Speak!
JULY, 2009
Hola y bienvenido to our “July & It’s Summer Finally” edition….a Roster
update….and who knows what else?....
Da Roster
Conference Sunday gave Pastor Pat another day away, so kudos kiddo to
Colleen for taking charge of worship that day. Your editor mentioned to
her that he thought Colleen may have minored in Theology in Law School.
Another job well done by St. Paul’s “Finest”. Yours truly and Bill are
waiting in the wings to run things when Padre Pat needs to be away
again.
Updated Roster attached.
Training Opportunities
Nothing on the horizon coming up in our District. As with others, summer
classes aren’t being offered, and no news as yet on what might be
happening in the latter parts of this year.
Delta District has also taken down their tents for summer. I’ll let you
know in August what September classes will be held.
Pre-Registration is required for all classes. Some classes require
homework prep before attending. Contact
Delta District, Attention Cindy Buna, deltadist@calnevumc.org. Cost
includes materials, books, refreshments and lunch. These would be a good
“re-cert” class for every 3-years if you need it.
Have you completed at least one class within the past 3-years to retain
your certification?
From My Notebook
This month we continue on to some more stuff from my Notebook related to
Leading Public Prayer..
Once you feel comfortable praying extemporaneously, you may be tempted
to be long-winded in your prayer. Many times, such as when giving a
blessing at a banquet or opening or closing a meeting with prayer, it
may be important to be very brief and to the point. The collect form of
prayer, described in the United Methodist Book of Worship, can be a
great help to you on such occasions and at many other times.
(Continued)
Segue
From the Church Newsletter in the Quincy United Methodist Church, Pastor
Cynthia Stateman talks about “spiritual questions”. Here’s the first of
a three-part feature on her words.
“What are your primary spiritual questions? Take a moment to think about
that.”
“In various ways, adults consistently identify one spiritual question
among their top three or four: How can I know God’s will?”
“We do have resources for discovering God’s will and finding direction.
The first and the one people probably trust most is the Bible. Although
the Bible does not offer explicit direction for many modern
dilemmas—issues such organ transplants or end-of-life decisions—its
principles offer general guidance. Jesus summed up its teachings in two
guidelines: love God with heart, soul, mind, and strength and love our
neighbors as we love ourselves (Matt. 22:34-37). In many situations,
remembering these two simple guidelines can show us what to do. In fact,
sometimes we struggle not with not knowing what to do but with finding
the strength to do what we already know is right. As Mark Twain is
credited with saying, “It’s not the parts of the Bible I don’t
understand that bother me; it’s the parts I do.” Scripture is our
clearest record of how God deals with us and wants us to deal with one
another and with life. Jeremiah 6:16 tells us that when we stand at a
crossroad, we are to ask God where “the good way” lies and then to walk
in it. Guidance from God will always be consistent with scriptures
admonitions and standards.”
(Continued)
Did You Know?.....
…that this monthly publication is also available Online at St. Pauley’s
Webpage? Go to www.stpaulsumcreno.com
click on the “News” link, scroll down to “Da Lay Speak” and click on
whatever month you wish to see. Let’s all tip our lids to Webmeister,
Mike Clymer, for including us Online and “around the world”!
The Lord’s Laughter (from the Joyful Noiseletter)
Questions You Might Not Think To Ask – Part 2
· Have ex-bankers become disinterested?
· Is it true that a gossip is someone with a great sense of rumor?
· Is there anyone with a “wet” sense of humor?
· Why are there no sit-down comics?
· How did a fool and his money get together?
· Why doesn’t Tarzan have a beard?
· Since light travels faster than sound, is that why some people appear
bright until you hear them speak?
· Why did kamikaze pilots wear helmets?
See ya Sunday and Happy July 4th!
Diz