Kids, Youth, and Family opportunities here:

• Kids Ministry
• Youth Ministry

Terra Divina

We invite you to join us for Terra Divina on Saturday, July 27, 2024, from 10:00 to 11:30 am. The event will take place at the Indian Creek Nature Center, located at 5300 Otis Rd., Cedar Rapids. Like lectio divina, terra divina is all about connecting with the earth. During this session, we'll take some time to wander alone, listen, and respond to the beauty of nature. Our get-together will be outside, and the nature center opens at 10:00 am, so we'll have access to the facilities. Please arrive a few minutes early so we can start at 10:00 am. Also, check the weather and prepare for some sun and bugs. Remember to bring a portable chair for your comfort. We'll wrap up with some delicious bread and herbal tea.
We look forward to seeing you there! Register here

Seeds

Worship Guide: Sunday, July 28

Seeds have stories to tell, but you have to look closely and intently to hear them. Every seed, even though it may not look like much, has a history and a potential. When Jesus wanted to make a comparison for his followers to understand what God is up to in the world, he found a very small seed and noted what surprising potential it had. As we consider the ways God is still working in the world, we need to pay attention to the seeds in our hands and the opportunities they hold, as long as we sow them in the right dirt. Join us for worship at 9:00 or 11:15 am worship on Sunday, July 28. 

Art in the Park

Venture out this Sunday, July 28th from 11:00 am-4:00 pm for Wellington Heights Art in the Park at Redmond Park, Cedar Rapids. Bring your family and friends with you for this fun event that supports our St. Paul’s neighbors. Look for the St. Paul’s booth and participate in a fun activity focusing on information about voting. See flyer for list of activities.

Sunday Swaps

Every Sunday in August, there will be a "Sunday Swap" in the Welcome Space. Secondhand is a great way to get new (to you) things more sustainably. It saves resources by reducing the need for new items, extends the life of existing ones, and prevents more items from ending up in landfills. Be Healthy. Be Green. The committee is making secondhand fun by putting together themed "Sunday Swaps" every Sunday in August.

Here is how it works:

1. Bring items you no longer use.
2. Place the items on the tables in the Welcome Space.
3. Take what you will use. (it might be a fun new-to-you item.)
   • August 4: Office Supplies & Stationery - including school supplies!
   • August 11: Drinkware: Mugs, water bottles, travel cups, etc.
   • August 18: Toys, Games & Puzzles.
   • August 25: Books & Magazines - bring up to five books and ten magazines.

You don't have to bring something in order to take something. Leftover items will be donated. 

Email Stephanie Heifner if you have questions. 

Join us for Neighborhood Meals

We are excited to offer free meals to anyone in need, every Monday through Friday, through August 23 from 12-1:00 pm. Neighborhood Meals provides meals to families and individuals as well. Come and enjoy a meal at St. Paul’s Wesley Center, where five churches are working together to support this wonderful cause with volunteers throughout the summer.

"Where Did Summer Go?" Concert

The Cedar Rapids Metro United Methodist Churches are excited to invite you to a summer concert called "Where Did the Summer Go?". It's all happening on Sunday, August 18, at Lovely Lane UMC (2424 42nd St NE, Cedar Rapids). We'll serve hot dogs at 5:00 pm, and the music will kick off at 6:15 pm. We hope to see you there for a fun evening of music and great food!

Women's Retreat

Join us for the Women's Retreat "Ask the Birds: Lessons from Birds on Faith and Paying Attention" on Saturday, August 24, 2024, from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm. This event offers learning, fellowship, and creative and contemplative activities in a peaceful indoor and outdoor setting at Prairiewoods. The retreat will include a bird walk led by Jane Nesmith, Director of the Writing Center at Coe College and seasoned birder, and a delicious lunch prepared by Prairiewood's chef. The retreat will explore the question: "What might happen when we quiet ourselves and listen to the birds?" This event is for women of all ages seeking spiritual growth and reflection. To participate, please register and pay a $25 registration fee by August 8 in the Office or at the Connection Center on Sundays. The registration fee includes lunch. Sponsored by St. Paul's United Women in Faith, take advantage of this unique opportunity to find inspiration from nature and connect with like-minded individuals.

Pool Party at Ellis Pool:
Intergenerational Gathering

The Family Ministry Teams of Lovely Lane and St. Paul’s have partnered to host a free swim night at Ellis Pool (2000 Ellis Blvd NW, Cedar Rapids). The event will take place Saturday, August 24, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm, and all ages are welcome. Children 12 years old and under must have a parent or guardian with them. The cost of this intergenerational event is completely free!

An Opportunity to Dream and to Develop New Ministries

Sending to Serve, our mission committee at St. Paul's, receives funds from the St. Paul's Foundation each year to fund mission efforts in Cedar Rapids and beyond. Over the years, these funds have contributed to St. Paul's ministries as well as supporting mission partners outside of St. Paul's. Sending to Serve wants you to dream and develop new, creative, and impactful ministries! The team has developed a simple grant application form for you to apply for funds: You can complete it here.

Discerning Our Essential Conversations Together

Your pastors are committed to facilitating "essential conversations of faith" among us. We want our worship and other spiritual formation opportunities to address the matters that are timeless and yet timely for us. To do that, we need to hear from you! On Sundays, August 4th and 11th, there will be large sheets of paper in the Gathering Space for you to share topics, themes, matters of faith, etc. that you believe to be the essential conversations for us in the first half of 2025. 

Hands-Only CPR Class

You are invited to a Hands-Only CPR class on Wednesday, September 11 from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm at St. Paul’s Church. The class is hosted by Mary Horn, St. Paul’s Parish Nurse. Please RSVP to Celeste Downs, Hospitality Coordinator.

This class is recommended for staff, ushers, and all interested members. If you are interested in becoming fully certified in CPR, please attend this class and indicate your preference in your RSVP. If there is enough interest, a future class may be available.

Fellowship Opportunity

Join us for a fellowship opportunity with fellow United Methodists from the area on Thursday, September 26, 2024. We will be taking a Celebration Belle Mississippi River Boat Cruise with live music and buffet lunch included. Classic Oldies will be played on board.

We will depart from the Lovely Lane Church Parking Lot (2424 42nd St NE, Cedar Rapids) with boarding starting at 8:00 am on a Windstar motorcoach. We will depart at 8:30 am and return at approximately 5:00 pm.

The price is $139 per person and reservations are limited to 30 passengers. To make a reservation, please contact Scott Seibert at Lovely Lane. Payment must be made by August 26, 2024, and should be made out to Woosley Tours. Please note that no refunds will be given after the announcement of the tour unless a replacement is found. If the tour reaches 30 passengers, we will take stand-by names.

If you have any questions or need more information, please contact Scott Seibert at Lovely Lane UMC.

St. Paul's Cabin

Are you tired of “stay-cationing”? The St. Paul’s cabin at Clear Lake is still available to rent for the following weeks: August 18-22, September 15-22, September 22-29. Special rates are available for St. Paul’s members. Learn more about all the cabin has to offer, and call the church office at 319-363-2058 to make a reservation.

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.

• Enjoy a fantastic opportunity to join the St. Paul's Children and Youth Ministries. 
• Volunteer opportunity in Wellington Heights/Mound View Neighborhoods
• Serve as a volunteer for Neighborhood Meals.
• Explore a partnership with Willis Dady. 
• Help take care of St. Paul's grounds.