St. Paul's United Church Of Christ
Programs And Activities
MEDITATION
What excitement! Or do I mean, “What excitement?” you ask. No, I mean, “What excitement!” Our journey together since our Lenten Season this year (2007) has been one of new experiences, broadened horizons, new depths of understanding and a new direction. Experiencing the quiet of centering prayer, listening for stillness, we moved to explore the twists and turns of a labyrinth. Awareness of the depth of meaning that flat surface had to offer, we contemplated the scents of pine trees and fresh air, the call of a babbling brook, the triumphs and tribulations of a mountain trail, the welcome of a place of rest and refreshment under a desert sky as wide as the ocean. On October 27, 2007 we held our first retreat at Entropy Acres (Rev. Walt Dickerson’s home) in the Santa Fe National Forest near Cuba, NM. Our second retreat is planned for November 10, 2007. Future retreats are in the planning stages for our various church boards, other local congregations and perhaps groups nationwide. What excitement!
St. Paul’s UCC offers time and space for meditation on Thursdays at 4:15pm. Above the Moon Earth Rises, Hymn texts, anthems, and poems for a new creation by Thomas H. Troeger (“Probably America’s finest living hymnwriter.”—Edward J. McKenna, Worship) will be the source of our inspiration for November. During Advent our focus will be on gifts of the Spirit led by Pastor Lynne Hinton and Lois Gray.
Should your journey bring you this way, we look forward to hearing of your new insights and perhaps sharing ours as well.
ADULT BIBLE STUDY
A member-led Bible Study meets each Sunday at 9:00 AM at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ. Usually, the lectionary passage heard from the pulpit each Sunday becomes the topic of study for weekly Bible study. Relevant study materials are gathered from various sources, including the Internet. It is a wonderful opportunity to read together, discuss, and share our insights and our questions. Everyone is welcome. Each week is an independent study, so if consistent attendance is not possible, please come whenever demands on your life will allow.
CHILDREN'S SUNDAY CHURCH SCHOOL
A multi-age Sunday Church School instruction is offered for children. Children begin Sunday Service with their parents in the Sanctuary, share a children’s sermon with the pastor and are then dismissed to the Sunday Church School classroom. Instruction includes many teaching/learning techniques including reading Bible stories, hands-on arts and crafts, and age-appropriate discussion. Regular attendance is encouraged, but each Sunday is a discreet, singular experience and all children are always welcome!
ST. PAUL'S CRAFT GROUP
St. Paul's Craft group works toward a fall bazaar each year. We feature Christmas items, hand knitted items, hand made gifts, as well as elegant white elephants and a bake sale. The people, (men and women) meet every Tuesday for fellowship and working on projects. We designate our proceeds to a specific project needed by the church, and we celebrate our successful sale with a Christmas pot luck.