Current Announcements
eLetter 162
Prayer.
O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP 815)
News.
-Join us for worship this Twentieth-Sixth (Last) Sunday after Pentecost, November 26th, at 11a. Pastor Sam will be presiding at Table and Antu Castillo-Sisniega will be preaching the Word. All are welcome!
-Christian Education. Join us Sunday mornings at 10a as we Go to Seminary with Pastor Ayebale. Creative Together will continue the 3rd Sunday of the month.
-Board/Video Game Night. All are welcome to St. Paul’s board/video game evening on Wednesdays, starting at 7:30p. Snacks will be provided and fun will surely ensue!
-The Simple Room Trivia Night on November 11, at 5:30p. Come support the ministry of The Simple Room at their upcoming trivia night. The cost is $100 per team, with a max of 10 people per team, hosted by Greg Groves. Childcare is provided, but with limited space. Email info@simpleroom.org or call 664-2894 to RSVP.
-Sermon & Sweets: Join us on Monday evenings at 7pm for a conversation about the sermon preached on Sunday. Check out our website if you wish to revisit what was preached.
-Godly Play is for children ages 3-11 and offers an immersive education in the stories of Scripture and church tradition. If you would like to join our Godly Play team, contact Pastor Bob at robert.munshaw@greenville.edu
-Morning Prayer in-person at 7:30a on Mondays and Fridays in the sanctuary. All are welcome.
-Morning Prayer via zoom Tuesday-Thursdays at 7:30a. Click here to join, the password is 981142. All are welcome!
-If you would like to be baptized or become a member of St. Paul’s, contact Pastor Ben
(stpaulsfmc@gmail.com)
-Mission Team. If you’re interested in joining the Mission Team, please contact Pastor Ayebale. Click here to visit our page for more information.
(ayebalebarigye@gmail.com)
-Volunteers needed. If you can help with streaming the Sunday services or help in the nursery Sunday mornings, please contact Pastor Ben.
(stpaulsfmc@gmail.com)
-Greenery at St Paul’s. If you have a plant you would like to offer the church, and a green thumb to care for the plants in our church building, contact Bre Hinton or Pastor Sam at (stpaulsfmc@gmail.com)
-Our companionship ministry witnesses to the difference Christ makes in our community for how we love and befriend one another. If you would like to be trained for companionship ministry, contact Jim Zahniser at jhzahniser@sbcglobal.net.
-Prayer focus: Amanda Travis; Bob Brewer; Nancy Long; and the Simple Room.
-Supporting mental health. Carrie Ackerman, MSW, offers counseling through our space at St. Paul’s and is offering one pro bono session a week for a community member in need. Contact Carrie for more information: cjackerman02@aol.com.
-Facility report 1. This summer we replaced our air conditioning in the sanctuary for $5,000, and a couple weeks ago we learned that we now need to replace our heating for the sanctuary. The Board of Administration is currently exploring heating options for the church, which will likely cost around $7,000. We did not anticipate these heating and cooling replacements and so did not budget for them. If you can give to these facility projects, please do!
-Facility report 2. We have applied for a grant to the Gateway Conference to make our Fellowship Hall handicapped accessible. Please be in prayer that God will provide the resources we need to make our space accessible for all people.
-Facility report 3. A few weeks ago we replaced our hot water heater and replaced our water lines at the church for $1,450. Another unexpected expense, but a necessary replacement. We have asked the Conference whether there might be funds available for facility maintenance.
-Facility celebration. Many thanks to Elliott and Deb Renfroe for purchasing a new Gas Convection range for the church!
Reflection.
“I hear Brenda's got a baby
But Brenda's barely got a brain
A damn shame, the girl can hardly spell her name
(That's not our problem, that's up to Brenda's family)
Well, let me show ya how it affects our whole community
Now Brenda really never knew her moms and her dad was a
Junky, puttin' death to his arms, it's sad 'cause I bet
Brenda doesn't even know
Just 'cause you're in the ghetto doesn't mean you can't grow (you can't grow)
But oh, that's a thought, my own revelation
Do whatever it takes to resist the temptation
Brenda got herself a boyfriend
Her boyfriend was her cousin, now let's watch the joy end
She tried to hide her pregnancy, from her family
Who didn't really care to see, or give a damn if she
Went out and had a church of kids
As long as when the check came they got first dibs
Now Brenda's belly is gettin' bigger
But no one seems to notice any change in her figure
She's 12 years old and she's having a baby
In love with the molester, who's sexing her crazy
And yet and also she thinks that he'll be with her forever
And dreams of a world with the two of them are together
Whatever, he left her and she had the baby solo
She had it on the bathroom floor and didn't know so
She didn't know, what to throw away and what to keep
She wrapped the baby up and threw him in the trash heep
I guess she thought she'd get away, wouldn't hear the cries
She didn't realize
How much the the little baby had her eyes
Now the baby's in the trash heep balling
Momma can't help her, but it hurts to hear her calling
Brenda wants to run away
Momma say, "you makin' me lose pay
And social workers here everyday"
Now Brenda's gotta make her own way
Can't go to her family, they won't let her stay
No money, no babysitter, she couldn't keep a job
She tried to sell crack, but end up getting robbed
So now what's next, there ain't nothing left to sell
So she sees sex as a way of leaving hell
It's paying the rent, so she really can't complain
Prostitute, found slain, and Brenda's her name, she's got a baby”
- Brenda’s Got a Baby by Saint Tupac
For all the people who know the story of Mother Mary all too well. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.
Benediction.
May we continue to embrace the journey of love. May we recognize who we are currently trying to become and seek to be who Christ has called us to be. With guidance from our Lord, let us know the difference; and with strength and discernment from the Holy Spirit, may we be reconciled.
Pastor Ayebale
O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP 815)
News.
-Join us for worship this Twentieth-Sixth (Last) Sunday after Pentecost, November 26th, at 11a. Pastor Sam will be presiding at Table and Antu Castillo-Sisniega will be preaching the Word. All are welcome!
-Christian Education. Join us Sunday mornings at 10a as we Go to Seminary with Pastor Ayebale. Creative Together will continue the 3rd Sunday of the month.
-Board/Video Game Night. All are welcome to St. Paul’s board/video game evening on Wednesdays, starting at 7:30p. Snacks will be provided and fun will surely ensue!
-The Simple Room Trivia Night on November 11, at 5:30p. Come support the ministry of The Simple Room at their upcoming trivia night. The cost is $100 per team, with a max of 10 people per team, hosted by Greg Groves. Childcare is provided, but with limited space. Email info@simpleroom.org or call 664-2894 to RSVP.
-Sermon & Sweets: Join us on Monday evenings at 7pm for a conversation about the sermon preached on Sunday. Check out our website if you wish to revisit what was preached.
-Godly Play is for children ages 3-11 and offers an immersive education in the stories of Scripture and church tradition. If you would like to join our Godly Play team, contact Pastor Bob at robert.munshaw@greenville.edu
-Morning Prayer in-person at 7:30a on Mondays and Fridays in the sanctuary. All are welcome.
-Morning Prayer via zoom Tuesday-Thursdays at 7:30a. Click here to join, the password is 981142. All are welcome!
-If you would like to be baptized or become a member of St. Paul’s, contact Pastor Ben
(stpaulsfmc@gmail.com)
-Mission Team. If you’re interested in joining the Mission Team, please contact Pastor Ayebale. Click here to visit our page for more information.
(ayebalebarigye@gmail.com)
-Volunteers needed. If you can help with streaming the Sunday services or help in the nursery Sunday mornings, please contact Pastor Ben.
(stpaulsfmc@gmail.com)
-Greenery at St Paul’s. If you have a plant you would like to offer the church, and a green thumb to care for the plants in our church building, contact Bre Hinton or Pastor Sam at (stpaulsfmc@gmail.com)
-Our companionship ministry witnesses to the difference Christ makes in our community for how we love and befriend one another. If you would like to be trained for companionship ministry, contact Jim Zahniser at jhzahniser@sbcglobal.net.
-Prayer focus: Amanda Travis; Bob Brewer; Nancy Long; and the Simple Room.
-Supporting mental health. Carrie Ackerman, MSW, offers counseling through our space at St. Paul’s and is offering one pro bono session a week for a community member in need. Contact Carrie for more information: cjackerman02@aol.com.
-Facility report 1. This summer we replaced our air conditioning in the sanctuary for $5,000, and a couple weeks ago we learned that we now need to replace our heating for the sanctuary. The Board of Administration is currently exploring heating options for the church, which will likely cost around $7,000. We did not anticipate these heating and cooling replacements and so did not budget for them. If you can give to these facility projects, please do!
-Facility report 2. We have applied for a grant to the Gateway Conference to make our Fellowship Hall handicapped accessible. Please be in prayer that God will provide the resources we need to make our space accessible for all people.
-Facility report 3. A few weeks ago we replaced our hot water heater and replaced our water lines at the church for $1,450. Another unexpected expense, but a necessary replacement. We have asked the Conference whether there might be funds available for facility maintenance.
-Facility celebration. Many thanks to Elliott and Deb Renfroe for purchasing a new Gas Convection range for the church!
Reflection.
“I hear Brenda's got a baby
But Brenda's barely got a brain
A damn shame, the girl can hardly spell her name
(That's not our problem, that's up to Brenda's family)
Well, let me show ya how it affects our whole community
Now Brenda really never knew her moms and her dad was a
Junky, puttin' death to his arms, it's sad 'cause I bet
Brenda doesn't even know
Just 'cause you're in the ghetto doesn't mean you can't grow (you can't grow)
But oh, that's a thought, my own revelation
Do whatever it takes to resist the temptation
Brenda got herself a boyfriend
Her boyfriend was her cousin, now let's watch the joy end
She tried to hide her pregnancy, from her family
Who didn't really care to see, or give a damn if she
Went out and had a church of kids
As long as when the check came they got first dibs
Now Brenda's belly is gettin' bigger
But no one seems to notice any change in her figure
She's 12 years old and she's having a baby
In love with the molester, who's sexing her crazy
And yet and also she thinks that he'll be with her forever
And dreams of a world with the two of them are together
Whatever, he left her and she had the baby solo
She had it on the bathroom floor and didn't know so
She didn't know, what to throw away and what to keep
She wrapped the baby up and threw him in the trash heep
I guess she thought she'd get away, wouldn't hear the cries
She didn't realize
How much the the little baby had her eyes
Now the baby's in the trash heep balling
Momma can't help her, but it hurts to hear her calling
Brenda wants to run away
Momma say, "you makin' me lose pay
And social workers here everyday"
Now Brenda's gotta make her own way
Can't go to her family, they won't let her stay
No money, no babysitter, she couldn't keep a job
She tried to sell crack, but end up getting robbed
So now what's next, there ain't nothing left to sell
So she sees sex as a way of leaving hell
It's paying the rent, so she really can't complain
Prostitute, found slain, and Brenda's her name, she's got a baby”
- Brenda’s Got a Baby by Saint Tupac
For all the people who know the story of Mother Mary all too well. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.
Benediction.
May we continue to embrace the journey of love. May we recognize who we are currently trying to become and seek to be who Christ has called us to be. With guidance from our Lord, let us know the difference; and with strength and discernment from the Holy Spirit, may we be reconciled.
Pastor Ayebale
FINANCIAL STATUS
UPDATE FOR 2021
Financial Report through October 31, 2023:
Giving total: $116,841 (Educational dev. fund for pastors: $7,122 remaining; Artist in Residence: $210 remaining)
General Spending: $115,303 (including $5,000 for air conditioning unit and $1,450 for hot water heater)
Budget: $111,320
Net income: relative to budget: $5,521; relative to spending: $1,538
(Separate) Special offering for Amanda Travis: $6,453
Giving total: $116,841 (Educational dev. fund for pastors: $7,122 remaining; Artist in Residence: $210 remaining)
General Spending: $115,303 (including $5,000 for air conditioning unit and $1,450 for hot water heater)
Budget: $111,320
Net income: relative to budget: $5,521; relative to spending: $1,538
(Separate) Special offering for Amanda Travis: $6,453
Events Calendar
Please join us for Morning Prayer Monday-Friday 7:30-8:00a in the sanctuary, for prayer, scripture and Communion.
St. Paul's is currently partnering with Core Community by providing meals for their gatherings in the month of September.
St. Paul's is currently partnering with Core Community by providing meals for their gatherings in the month of September.
- Meals will be provided on Sept. 6th, 13th, 20th, and the 27th! If you're interested in getting involved please email us (stpaulsfmc@gmail.com)!