Kids', Youth, and Family opportunities here:

• Kids' Ministry
• Youth Ministry

Intersections at St. Paul's, Friday, October 6th!

Friday, October 6 |11:45 am-1:00 pm | Wesley Center

Following a rich conversation in September, Interfaith Alliance of Iowa will host "Intersections" October 6th from 11:45-1:00 pm in the Wesley Center. The topic will be "Confronting Christian Nationalism," and the national executive director of the Interfaith Alliance will be the speaker. If you want to participate, either virtually or onsite, you can find more information here. 

Social Principles Classes

Sundays in October 8, 15, 22, and 29 |10:20 am | Room 117

Do you want to learn more about the UMC Social Principles? Would you like to learn about the 2020 Revisions to the Social Principles? Would you like to learn how to work towards justice through peace, climate, health care, racial justice, education, and more? These four sessions will introduce you to the history of the Social Principles. We will discuss the priorities and actions of the UMC to work towards living our faith, seeking justice, and pursuing peace. Join the LIA team as we explore the Social Principles. Join us at 10:20 am on Sundays in October 8, 15, 22, and 29 in Room 117. The event is sponsored by the Love in Action (LIA) team.

Special Invitation from Bishop Kennetha Bigham-Tsai to attend the Fall Laity Day

• Who: All laity, especially from Oasis congregations like St. Paul's
• What: A day with our Bishop and Iowa United Methodist laity to learn, be inspired, and become better acquainted
• When: Saturday, October 14, 2023, 9:00 am-3:00 pm
• Where: First UMC, Ames, IA (516 Kellogg Ave)
• Learn more

Special Charge Conference

October 17 | 6:30 pm

A Charge Conference has been scheduled to act on two matters: adjusting Pastor Ryan's Form I to account for him being a Licensed Local Pastor, including a pension contribution from the church. Additionally, this Charge Conference will entertain a motion to officially seek the Bishop's permission for St. Paul's to sell the parsonage. All are welcome to attend this virtual meeting and speak (email Pastor Jonathan for the link); however, the voting bloc includes Church Council members and retired ordained clergy in relationship with St. Paul's. 

Taize Worship

Wednesday, October 18 | 6:40-7:20 pm

We invite you to a time of quiet, reflective prayer, song, and scripture reading in the Gathering Space. These brief services are times for centering and peaceful rest in the middle of busy weeks.

Worship Theme Planning Event 

Thursday, October 19 | 12:00-1:00 pm

Our worship is most impactful when the topics arise from you, the people. Of course, pastors are charged with shaping the messages, but it is the work of all of us together to discern the topics that are most timely for us. 

With this in mind, pastors invite you to a one-hour hybrid meeting from 12:00-1:00 pm, Thursday, October 19th to share themes and topics we should lift up in worship during the first half of 2024. 

Join us at church, or join here: https://meet.google.com/ppi-trmx-hwp. 

If you are part of Church Council, you'll have another opportunity, so you do not need to join at this time.

Terra Divina: A Spiritual Practice of Engaging with the Earth

Saturday, October 21 | 4:00-5:30 pm | Indian Creek Nature Center (5300 Otis Road, Cedar Rapids) | We will gather on the grounds.

A gathering to experience the contemplative spiritual practice, terra divina. Like lectio divina is a sacred reading of the text, terra divina is a sacred reading of the earth. In this practice, we will spend time wandering alone, listening and responding to creation. Pastor Ryan Roth-Klinck will join us for this gathering, and we will explore themes related to the "Creation Songs" sermon series.
We will be outside the whole time. The nature center closes at 4:00 pm, so we will not have access to bathrooms (unless you get there early and stop in before we begin).

• The weather could be chilly in October. Please dress in appropriate layers.
• Bring a journal and writing utensil
• Bring a portable chair
• Bread (or other baked good) and herbal tea will be served at closing.

Please RSVP to Stephanie Heifner or at this link, in order to be notified in case of weather cancellation. This gathering is part of Tending to the Sacred, a series exploring contemplative and creative spiritual practices.
 

Trunk-or-Treat

Saturday, October 28 | 2:30-4:00 pm | St. Paul's 2nd Avenue Parking Lot

No Tricks Here, Only Treats! Join us at Trunk-or-Treat on Saturday, October 28, 2023, from 2:30-4:00 pm! It’s going to be a family-friendly afternoon of fun and treats! Trunk-or-Treat will be held in the St. Paul’s UMC 2nd Avenue parking lot and features trick-or-treating stations from the trunks of cars or truck tailgates. Gather your family and invite your friends for this fun afternoon. Trunk-or-Treat is free to attend—no registration required. Remember your not-so-scary costume!

Mother-Daughter Art Exhibit

Exhibit continues through October 29
St. Paul’s UMC, Upper Room Gallery, third floor

• “Construct” by Holly Kellogg
  Holly Kellogg, of Ames, Iowa, uses a variety of media to  explore depth, color, and form. Many of her works incorporate scrap wood, found objects, and paint.
• “Being Ephemeral” by Stephanie Heifner
  Papercuttings and linoleum block prints by Stephanie Heifner, a member of St. Paul’s, that deal with our relationship to the natural world and themes of impermanence, fragility, and abundance.

Our Festive Holiday Fair 2023 is One Month Away!

Holiday Fair is sponsored by St. Paul's United Women in Faith. Holiday Fair 2023 event is a time of good fellowship and good will as we raise money to support the empowerment of women, children, youth, and families locally and around the world! Learn more about Holiday Fair event. 

St. Paul's Merchandise

St. Paul’s merchandise! Shop here. 10% of your purchase will directly support the work of UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief).

Realm Connect MEMBER LOGIN: Realm Connect is St. Paul’s United Methodist Church’s secure online member portal. Church members must register for a login to access Realm Connect. Contact the church office, if you have any questions.

Click here to learn about service opportunities at St. Paul's UMC.

• Looking to expand our tech team for our 9:00 am worship service.
• Join the fight against world hunger for the annual Cedar Rapids-Marion CROP Walk.
• Help decorate a trunk or donate candy at St. Paul's Trunk-or-Treat.
• Love music? Learn more about music opportunities at St. Paul's.