Author: Rev. Ron Bartlow

Family Tree(s) at St. Paul’s

Posted on by Rev. Ron Bartlow

This Advent season, we invite you and your family – or a combination of families, or a collection of friends – to loan and decorate a tree in our Sanctuary for the Advent Season. We will have family Christmas trees lined up along the east and west walls of the sanctuary (and perhaps a few elsewhere depending on response!). Decorate them with your chosen ornaments and decorations, and include some 3×5 cards telling stories about the ornaments or about your Christmas traditions.

“Jonah and the Wailing” (Bible Class)

Posted on by Rev. Ron Bartlow

While the number one thing we may think of from it is the “big fish,” the Biblical narrative of Jonah, from the 12 minor prophets, describes our perennial struggle with change. This Bible Study, tentatively titled “Jonah and the Wailing” (because change makes us want to wail!), will look at the narrative of the Book of Jonah as humorously illustrative of the work of changing to meet “adaptive” challenges. “Adaptive” challenges are described in a variety of sociological works as challenges that are new and not resolvable with previous knowledge or skill; we must learn new things and adapt to the challenge.

Telling the Truth

Posted on by Rev. Ron Bartlow

We start the new year with a special worship series that will integrate Biblical storytelling and teachings, Christian tradition, and socio-political realities. We’re going to risk telling the truth in church; lamenting, protesting, and complaining about what is wrong, yes, but doing so with hope that God has an alternative for us to pursue together. God’s desire is a greater good for us all. Let’s face the falsehoods around us, and seek to hear God’s alternative.

Christmas through the Lens of Hollywood

Posted on by Rev. Ron Bartlow

Join us this Advent season for our fun and festive Advent worship series: “Christmas Through the Lens of Hollywood”. In addition to entertaining us, movies can have the ability to touch our hearts. We invite you to be join us each week in worship as we reflect on how the traditional themes of Advent (Hope, Peace, Joy, Love) are viewed through the lens of some of Hollywood’s favorite Christmas movies.