Category: Worship

“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.

Jonah – Agent of Change

Posted on by St. Paul's UMC

In this series, we take a walk through the Book of Jonah – on the surface, one of Scripture’s funnier stories. Taking a deeper dive though, we can see how the story points out how Jonah at first resists, then leads, adaptive change. His response to God’s call to lead change presents us with the proverbial anxiety and resistance of change leadership. Each week, we explore a different chapter.

Messy Church

Posted on by St. Paul's UMC

What is “Messy Church”? Well, it’s an all age worship experience that explores God’s love in an accessible way. At Messy Church, today’s busy households of all shapes and sizes are invited into a welcoming space to experience faith. Everyone is welcomed as they are. Whether you are single or partnered, young or old, tidy or messy, have questions or doubts, are filled with joy or struggling with life you will be welcomed at Messy Church.

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.

Half Truths Worship Series and Book Study

Posted on by St. Paul's UMC

In the months of October and November we’ll be exploring, both via a worship series and a weeknight book study, Rev. Adam Hamilton’s book “Half-Truths: God Helps Those Who Help Themselves and Other Things the Bible Doesn’t Say”. In this series, we’ll reflect on the nature of Scripture and then consider some of the “myths” that people attribute to the Bible.