March 2017

Pastor’s Message Page 2

Harmony in the HillsPage 3

Classes & GroupsPage 4 - 5

MissionsPage 6

Children & YouthPage 7

St. Paul’s Newsletter March 2017

the EVANGEL

2 620 Romeo Street • Rochester, MI 48307 • phone: 248-651-9361

Pastor’s Messsage

God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him won’t perish but will have eternal life John 3:16

These most familiar words remind us of God’s relentless love for humanity, and God’s deep longing to be in a living relationship with all of us.

As we begin March, we commence our journey into the season of Lent. This year we will be guided by the Gospel of John. During Sunday worship in the Sanctuary, we’ll reflect on Jesus’ encounters with the people around him: Nicodemus, the Samaritan Woman, the Man Born Blind, Mary and Martha.

This Lent season we’re also inviting you to read Adam Hamilton’s book, John: The Gospel of Light and Life, and participate in a Grow Group as we allow the whole of John’s Gospel to speak to us. (See page 4)

Lent is the perfect time to take a step toward greater discipleship and to grow in your faith.

Please join with me and many others in experiencing this year’s Lent journey through the words of John’s Gospel.

Yours in Christ,

Rev. David Eardley

Update on FinancesFiscal year 2016 has come to a close and I am pleased to report that the church had a slight surplus for the year. Overall income was below budget but spendingwas also below budget.

Pledges for 2017 are behind what we received in 2016. We currently have 399 pledges compared to 427 last year. Also expenses have increased including apportionments and programming. Achieving the goal of a balance budget will require using the surplus from 2016 and reducing planned spending in some areas.

Your pledge helps the finance committee forecast revenue for the year ahead and allows better planning. Of course, circumstances can change during a year and your pledge is not a contract but an indication of what you hope to do. If you have not yet made a pledge, I encourage you to consider doing so.

Ronald DiLiddo, Chair Finance Committee

Project IMPACT FAQs Why Project Impact?We believe we can no longer hold off on critical repairs and improvements to our campus. Project IMPACT will help us provide a church campus that is guest friendly as we live out our vision of reaching out, making more disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of our community and the world. We have targeted specific improvement areas, such as our crumbling parking lot, where the work has been deferred due to the economy and operational budget constraints.

Isn’t there enough money in the budget to cover this?No. Since the mid-2000s, the number of Every Member Commitment (EMC) cards has declined each year (with one exception in 2016). Initially, paying off the mortgage on the new sanctuary created some additional monies for ministry, but those funds disappeared as fewer church members made financial commitments to our church. As a result, we deferred a number of projects until they reached the critical stage. We recognize that this is not an ideal way to maintain our church campus and give it the best opportunity to support our ministries.

Go to stpaulsrochester.org for more FAQs on Project IMPACT.

stpaulsrochester.org • mail: P.O. Box 80307 • Rochester, MI 48308 3

In Our Church Ash Wednesday Empty Bowls DinnerWednesday, March 16 p.m. in Hickey HallJoin us for a “Donate what you can” bread and soup dinner benefiting Rochester Area Neighborhood House on Ash Wednesday. The dinner will feature soups donated by area restaurants. You will hear an update from Kathy Losinski, Executive Director of Neighborhood House, and information on what you can do to help your neighbors in our community.

Ash Wednesday WorshipWednesday, March 17 p.m. in the SanctuaryBegin Lent with this youth-led special service with music, prayers, an inspiring message, Holy Communion and the imposition of ashes. Childcare is provided; no reservations needed.

Lenten Concert SeriesFridays, beginning March 17Noon in the SanctuaryAdd something special to your Lenten Fridays by attending these 30-minute concerts followed by refreshments in the Narthex. Admission is free.

March 17 Scott Hyslop and Jean Randall Dueling Harpsicords

March 24 Judy Insley Folk Singer

March 31 Johnny Kash and Tracy Mason Organ and Vocals

April 7 Kristy Barnes Piano and Vocals

Lenten Dinner and Movie NightFriday, March 106 p.m. Dinner in Hickey Hall 7 p.m. Movie in the SanctuaryYou are invited for great food and a terrific movie. Come for a spaghetti dinner served by the youth group. A free will offering will benefit the youth worktrip to Keansburg, NJ. Stay to see The Secret Life of Pets movie on our big screen in the Sanctuary. And of course, popcorn will be served!Sponsored by Youth, Celebration and Membership Committees.

U of M Music Department Organ ConcertSunday, March 12; 4 p.m. in the SanctuaryUniversity of Michigan organ students will perform

a concert on the wonderful J. W. Walker organ in our Sanctuary. A free-will offering will be collected to raise money for the University of Michigan Organ Department’s study trip to France in May 2017.

Albion College ChoirThursday, March 27:30 p.m. in the SanctuaryThe Albion College Concert Choir is a vibrant group of students, faculty, and

staff from a variety of departments and programs on campus as well as members of the Albion community. The choir has a broad repertoire and has toured the eastern United States.

R-Jazz Vespers - Shelly Cowling Sunday, March 26; 3 p.m. in the SanctuaryShelly Cowling and friends present Reflections of Grace featuring jazz, scripture, readings and meditation.

Bob MilneFriday, March 31; 7:30 p.m. in the SanctuaryConsidered to be the best ragtime/boogie-woogie pianist in the world, Bob Milne returns to St. Paul’s to delight and amaze with his high-energy piano stylings.

4 620 Romeo Street • Rochester, MI 48307 • phone: 248-651-9361

Classes and GroupsUnited Methodist MenSaturday, March 4 8 a.m. in Hickey HallMarch Matchness Tip Off Breakfast Enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast, a little brotherhood, and be the first to hear of Rev Reynolds’Liberia mission trip to many of the wellssponsored by St. Paul’s. The cost is free - with the option to donate to help us match a $1500 gift. Our goal is to raise $5000 for Habitat for Humanity and St. Paul’s Scholarship Fund. Donations can be made at door, in the collection plate, or mailed in. Please mark “UMM - March Matchness” on the check and on the envelope.All Men Invited…..Bring a guest!

Young At Heart AdultsTuesday, March 21YAHAs is a group for retirees or any who wish to participate. 11 a.m.: Visiting in Hickey HallNoon: Bring your own brown bag lunch and dessert will be provided at no charge. Please make a reservation at 248-651-9361 so that we know how many tables are needed.1 p.m.: Program - Movie Day in the Sanctuary.

Come together with other women to make a friend… be a friend… laugh… dig into God’s Word together and discover new ways to

Live In Faith Everyday.

The Way of Blessedness The Beatitudes as a “New Lifestyle”Fridays, March 3 - May 5; 9:30-11:30 a.m. in the Parlor

Come early for coffee and refreshments!This Lent, come and see how the Beatitudes provide what Rev. Eardley calls “A New Lifestyle.” Together, we’ll explore ways they guide us to be light-bringers to the world around us. Led by Nancy Fidler & Brenda Younker. Please call the

office at 248-651-9361 by February 20 to order a book ($12, payable in the first class). Please complete chapter one before the first class. *Childcare available by reservation.

All Church Study

John: The Gospel of Light and Life Tuesdays, March 7 - April 11 Sundays, March 5 - April 91 p.m. in the Parlor Or 10 a.m. in Room 1327 p.m. Meet in Hickey Hall with Faith and Friends

This Lent, experience a season of spiritual growth and life changing renewal. The Gospel of John is the most deeply spiritual of the gospels, filled with rich images and profound truths, written so that readers will not only believe in Jesus Christ, but “may have life in his name.”

Adults, youth, and children alike can experience spiritual growth and life-changing renewal in Adam Hamilton’s six-week, DVD-series. You’ll follow the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus and understand the context of some of the best-known verses in the New Testament. Books ($13) will be available for purchase but are not required for the class. *Childcare is available by reservation for Tuesday evening session.

Use the Grow Sheets sermon discussion guides for your own personal or family devotions. Find them at stpaulsrochester.org/grow-groups/.

Beer & HymnsThird Tuesday of the Month6 p.m. at Gus O’Connor’s Join us to enjoy free appetizers at Gus O’Connor’s Public House in Rochester. This is an excellent way to come to meet new people in and outside of the church. Invite a friend, a neighbor or coworker. It doesn’t matter whether you sing like a lark or can’t carry a tune in a bucket we hope to see you out there. The food is delicious.

Cookies for a CauseSunday, March 1210 - 11 a.m. in the Narthex and Hickey HallPurchase Lynn Loebs’ beautiful and delicious cookies to raise money for the United Methodist Men as they support Habitat for Humanity and St. Paul’s Scholarship Fund.

stpaulsrochester.org • mail: P.O. Box 80307 • Rochester, MI 48308 5

Classes and Groups

* Childcare available by reservation. To reserve childcare, call 248-651-9361 ext. 114 by 3 p.m. at least 2 business days prior to the first class.

United Methodist Women“Serve one another in love…” Galatians 5:13

March Circle Meetings• Patience Circle - Thursday, March 9 at 9:30 a.m.

in the Parlor; Rev. Jon Reynolds reports on his trip to Liberia.• Faith Circle - Thursday, March 9 at 1 p.m. in the Parlor; Rev. Johnny

and Lynda Liles. • New Hope Circle - Thursday, March 9 at 7 p.m. at Lynn Loebs’ home;

Decorating cookies.• Love Circle - Saturday, March 11 at 10 a.m. in Hickey Hall; Attend

Lenten BreakfastExecutive Board Meetings: • Thursday, February 23 at 9 a.m. in the Parlor. • Thursday, April 20 at 9 a.m. in the Parlor.

HUGS For mothers and grandmothers of all agesWednesdays, 9:30 - 11 a.m. Room 132

March 1 Gratitude Rachel Henry We all need to feel it and show it - join us for an inspired craft as we enter Lent with an attitude of gratitude. Get your creative juices flowing and start a gratitude board – or learn new tips to enhance the gratitude board you have.

March 8 Attitude of Gratitude We are continuing our attitude of gratitude as we share random acts of kindness to practice with our families and explore how to live fully with joy and grace with One Thousand Gifts.

March 15 Meet & Greet Special guest, Rev. Jon Reynolds, discusses his opportunities to be a strong and courageous Christian as we discover ways to live out our motto: Be You, Bravely. He will also share his experiences in Africa and update us on the Water for Life project.

March 22 & 29 March Madness Sue EvansWhat happens when you combine your love of basketball and our goal of changing our world view to a Word view? A bracket of 64 Biblical passages vying for the top spot in the HUGS bracket and the promise of guiding our studies for next year! Come and find out what’s on the horizon for us.

HUGS observes the Rochester Community Schools calendar. When schools are closed, HUGS will not meet.*Childcare is available by reservation.

Save your Stuff!

Spring Rummage SaleSpring Sale - May 19 & 20Drop off - May 16 & 17Thank you for your generous support!

Lenten Breakfast Saturday, March 119:30 - 11 a.m. Rickard ChapelJoin St. Paul’s United Methodist

Women for the 53rd Annual Lenten Breakfast. There will be food for mind, body and spirit, as we enjoy a continental breakfast, a musical program and time of quiet prayer and reflection. Come and find peace in the midst of a chaotic world. Please RSVP to 248-651-9361. *Childcare is available by reservation.

Journeys of Paul Cruise 2017

with Adam Hamilton: 9 days Greece, Italy & TurkeyDeparts October 6, 2017 Join Educational Opportunities and guest speaker Adam Hamilton for the Journeys of Paul Cruise aboard Royal Caribbean’s Jewel of the Seas. Sail roundtrip from Rome, Italy and stop in Sicily, Mykonos, Ephesus, Santorini, Athens, Corinth, Naples, Pompeii, and Ancient Rome. For more information, contact Rev. Latha Ravi at LRavi@stpaulsrochester.org.

6 620 Romeo Street • Rochester, MI 48307 • phone: 248-651-9361

Missions Warm Coats for BaldwinLast year we collected 193 coats. Can we top 200 this year? Please purchase coats for next year’s Baldwin Center store where clients “shop” for their family members before Christmas. All sizes are needed. Cash donations are also accepted. Please write “Coats for Baldwin” on the memo line of your check. Drop off donations in the Narthex or Hickey Hall until March 12.

Neighborhood House UpdateSt. Paul’s Donates New Freezer and RefrigeratorThanks to St. Paul’s, Neighborhood House recently took delivery of a shiny new stainless steel freezer and refrigerator. Our congregation’s 2015 RANH mission project raised $19,000 which enabled the development of a mini food pantry at the new headquarters located at 1720 S. Livernois Road. This will supplement whatever emergencies might occur when the large Food Pantry, located at the Congregational Church on Pine Street, is not open.

The transition to the newly renovated headquarters site signals important growth in the development of this non-profit human services organization. Founded by the faith community in 1968 (St. Paul’s was an original founder), its mission is to assist our neighbors during periods of financial hardship. Today, Neighborhood House consists of three sites: the new Headquarters, the Food Pantry and the Clothes Closet at 44 Mill Street in Rochester. Neighborhood House is now 65% of the way to their capital campaign goal to finish the renovations at the new site.

Food, clothing, and shelter will always be the basic needs of neighbors in financial crisis, but in its new home Neighborhood House will also continue to develop its vision of helping those in need attain long-term self-sustainability through budgeting assistance, career coaching, mental health counseling, and more, thereby making a stronger community. Last year, over 3,000 households were served; 236,237 pounds of food were given to hungry families along with 102,661 donated clothing items; 550 rides were provided with the van; and volunteers gave 12,460 hours of their time including 300 hours of professional counseling. Guided by Executive Director Kathy Losinski, they have begun a new program of counseling with Oakland University. In the new space, they are also offering computer classes; dietetic interns from Beaumont have provided “nutritious cooking” classes to neighbors; the financial and budget mentoring program has expanded; they will soon be offering parenting classes through a grant from the Assistance League and Crittenton Hospital; and the Case Management team is continuing to bring our neighbors in need to self-sustainability. Thank you for your support!

Join the Community Garden TeamPlanning Meeting Thursday, March 16 at 7 p.m. in Room 132

This summer, St. Paul’s will be renting a plot in the Rochester Community Gardens. The harvest from this organic garden will be donated to local community food banks. We need experienced gardeners to help with planning and people (with or without experience) to plant, water, weed, maintain,

harvest, and deliver produce. This is a great mission experience to help those in our community have access to healthy food choices. At our meeting we will plan the garden content, soil preparation, and scheduling. This is a great way get the whole family involved in learning gardening and missional work at the same time! Please contact Rob Patten at robpattenjr@comcast.net.

stpaulsrochester.org • mail: P.O. Box 80307 • Rochester, MI 48308 7

Youth & Children Middle School Youth GroupAll 6th - 8th grade students and their friendsSundays, 6 - 7 p.m. in Hickey HallMarch 5 Swept AwayMarch 12 March Madness March 19 Yum Factor March 26 Guess What?!Come to one of our awesome middle school classes before Youth Group from 5 - 6 p.m.

High School Youth GroupAll 9th - 12th grade students and their friendsSundays, 5 - 7 p.m. in the LoungeMarch 5 Worktrip Orientation MeetingMarch 12 March Madness March 19 Yum Factor March 26 Guess What?!Small groups, dinner ($3), youth group fun! Whatever the activity, laughter is guaranteed!

St. Paul’s Preschool Registration for Fall 2017 Young 3’s class: T & Th from 9 a.m. to noon3’s class: M, W, F from 9 a.m. to noon4’s class: M - F from 9 a.m. to noon

Register NOW! Spots filling up fast. Schedule your tour today.

St. Paul’s provides high-quality learning with emphasis on the individuality of each child. Our certified teaching staff will engage your child in hands-on experiences and exploration activities that nurture their basic developmental needs: physical, language, cognitive, social, and emotional.

Email us today at preschool@stpaulsrochester.org to save a spot for your child. See our website at stpaulsrochester.org/preschool/.

Pancake Breakfast and Easter Egg HuntSaturday, March 25; 9 a.m. in Hickey HallBreakfast for the whole family. ($4 for children, $6 for adults, max of $20 per family) Easter Egg Hunt for children ages toddler-5th grade The entire church family is invited to celebrate the

Easter season with a great pancake breakfast and lots of family fun! The morning starts off with breakfast sponsored by the youth group. All breakfast proceeds support the youth summer worktrip to Keansburg, NJ. After breakfast, we will be heading outside, rain or shine, for an Easter Egg Hunt. Please dress for the weather.

Ignite Supports MissionSunday mornings 10 - 11 a.m. in Room 122-123The Ignite children will be working on a project to support our church-wide

mission Tiny House Project 2017 at Cass Community Social Services. Come help us help our neighbors!

Sunday MorningAdult Studies 10 a.m. Sundays

Family Life Active Couples & Singles, 50 & older; Rickard ChapelA welcoming place to learn and share as we enjoy discussions and presentations on a variety of Christian issues and topics. Mar 5: St. Paul’s Youth Programs Mar 12: Away with Words - P. RickabusMar 19: Proficiency - D. SwensonMar 26: Rev. Eardley

Faith & Friends Spiritual Growth Study; Room 132 We start the All-Church Lent study John: The Gospel of Light and Life by Adam Hamilton. Follow the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus and understand the context of some of the best-known verses in the New Testament.

Open Doors All Ages, Stages and Spiritual Levels; Room 131 For singles & couples, parents & non-parents. Join us for March Madness to identify our class’s favorite bible verse. Lots of laughs and fun while doing so. All are welcome!

8 620 Romeo Street • Rochester, MI 48307 • phone: 248-651-9361

Sermon Series March

SUNDAY WORSHIP Worship with us!

5 First Sunday in Lent - Holy Communion Matthew 4:1-11 “Meeting Us Where We Are” Rev. Eardley

12 Second Sunday in Lent - Baptism

John 3:1-17 “This Is New Life” Rev. Kress 19 Third Sunday in Lent John 4:5-42 “Conversations at the Well” Rev. Eardley 26 Second Sunday in Lent John 9:1-41 “There Once Was a Healing” Rev. Eardley

5 John 1:1-5 “The Word Made Flesh” Rev. Reynolds

12 John 9:1-3 “The Miraculous Signs of Jesus” Rev. Reynolds

19 John 11:25 “The ‘I Am’ Sayings of Jesus” Rev. Reynolds

26 John 11:25 “The ‘I Am’ Sayings of Jesus” Rev. Reynolds

Upcoming Baptism DatesSunday, March 19, May 14 and September 17The sacrament of Holy Baptism is an important event in the life of a child and the Church and is open to children and adults. For more information, contact the office at 248-651-9361.

Noisy OfferingSunday, March 12We will be collecting a “noisy” offering with proceeds supporting Tiny House Project 2017. Please bring your coins!

Holy CommunionMarch 1 at 7 p.m. - SanctuaryMarch 5 at all servicesThe sacrament of Holy Communion celebrates the presence of Christ and helps us find strength for Christian living. In the United Methodist Church, communion is open to all who intend to lead a Christian life.

Blood Pressure ClinicSunday, March 129:45 - 11 a.m. & noon - 12:30 p.m. in the NarthexHave your blood pressure checked and pick up valuable information about Bone and Joint Disorders.

St. Paul’s Scholarships Deadline is April 15Applications available at stpaulsrochester.org (Follow ‘Scholarship’ quick link at bottom of home page).

The St. Paul’s Scholarship Fund provides scholarships to eligible members of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church who have demonstrated service to the church or community. Scholarships in the amount of $500 may be used for tuition or room and board at an accredited college or university, vocational program, apprenticeship or training program.

St. Paul’s United Methodist Women ScholarshipSt. Paul’s UMW offer scholarships for women and youth members of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. Scholarships in the amount of $250 will be available for higher education and summer camp.

New Member ClassWednesday, March 157 - 9 p.m. in Rickard ChapelIf you are interested in joining our church or learning more about our ministries, please

contact the church office at 248-651-9361. New members may join the church at the 9 a.m., 11 a.m. or 7 p.m. worship service on March 19. We’d love to have you join our church family.

Looking Ahead... April 1st UMM Breakfast Support for Caregivers9th Palm Sunday That Takes the Cake Sale13th Holy Thursday Worship 7 p.m.14th Good Friday Worship 12:30 p.m. Tenebrae Service 7:30 p.m.15th Open Door Easter 6 p.m.16th Easter Worship & Breakfast 7 a.m. Sunrise Service 9 & 11 a.m. Traditional Worship17th Church Office Closed18th YAHAs Beer & Hymns20th SPARK Book Group 22nd Blessing of the Animals25th Supporting the LGBTQ Community Workshop