the clarion - St. Paul`s United Methodist Church

St. Paul’s United Methodist Church
THE CLARION
Published Monthly by St. Paul’s UMC, 1314 Foulk Road, Wilmington, Delaware 19803
Website: www.stpaulsumcde.org
Office: (302) 478-3135
E-mail: stpaulsumcde@comcast.net
October 2016
Inside this issue:
Christian Education
Charge Conference
Book Group
Fall Clean-up
St. Paul’s Covenant
Soldiering On
UMW Celebrates
Friendship House
2
2
2
2
3
4
4
Special points of interest:
 UMW Clothing Drive
2
 UMW November Luncheon 2
 God’s Voice
4
World Wide Communion Sunday, October 2
Six times throughout the year, United Methodist congregations celebrate churchwide Special Sundays with offerings. This year World Wide Communion Sunday will be
October 2. Originally a Presbyterian observance, the Federal Council of Churches of
Christ in America established World Wide Communion Sunday in 1940 as a global, interdenominational event. Prompted by the impact of World War II, The Methodist
Church received an offering on this Sunday for the Fellowship of Suffering and Service.
It aided the work of the Methodist Committee on Overseas Relief (now UMCOR), the
February 2015
Commission on Chaplains, and the Commission on Camp Activities.
In 1971 The United Methodist Church changed the name of the observance to
World Communion Sunday and redistributed the offering to support the Crusade Scholarship Program (begun in 1944), the Ethnic Minority Scholarship Program, and the Division of Chaplains and Related Ministries.
In 1980, Chaplains and Related Ministries was moved to World Service funding, but
the World Communion Sunday offering continued to assist racial- and ethnic-minority
persons pursuing various avenues of ministry.
Your support is critical to the survival of these important ministries and for sharing
God’s gifts around the world.
St. Paul’s Hayride & Bonfire
Bellevue State Park  Sunday, October 23, at 4:00 p.m.
Everyone is invited to our annual hayride and bonfire at 4:00 p.m. to
6:00 p.m. Activities include a hayride, a bonfire, a hotdog and marshmallow roast, and games.
The total cost is $10 per family. Please sign up in the Narthex or
Children’s Sunday school entrance on Sunday mornings or call the church office to
reserve your spot at 302-478-3135.
St. Paul’s Church-Wide Retreat—November 11-13
Next Issue Deadline:
October 14
Issue date:
October 28
Retreat Theme: “Who are you?”
Registration is now available on the church website (www.stpaulsumcde.org).
The entire congregation of St. Paul’s is invited to come together for a time of relationship and renewal. Set aside this special weekend as an opportunity to fellowship with
friends, commune with God, play, rest, and revel in the beauty of the Pecometh Camp
and the Riverview Ministries Center in Centreville, MD.
Snow Following on Cedars
Sunday, October 9, 12:30 p.m., Lounge
The Small Groups Bible Study was started two years
ago and has been growing steadily. Studying in a small
group promotes sharing and support between the members.
It also allows them to deeply study scripture. Generous
donations and creative grant money helped to launch the
program but are not a source of long term funds.
The weekly Sunday School offering will now be allocated toward Small Groups Bible Study and two Sunday
school ministries. The purpose of trying specific giving is
to make this collection more meaningful by giving to a
cause. More support to Small Groups enables books to be
purchased for all participants. It also eliminates the need to
ask for money to participate in the study and relieves the
burden of not participating because of the cost. An estimate of costs for Small Groups for one year is $800 which
does not include a church wide study.
Each school year, we choose a charity that children can
relate to the need behind it. We encourage them to give to
this charity through our penny jar collection, and we provide
updates throughout the year to keep it in their minds. This
year we are supporting Miriam’s Table. This organization
provides an adequate food supply to the children of Mpasa in
the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Miriam’s Table has a
nice tie to Delaware. Susie Keefer is a member of Epworth
UMC in Rehoboth Beach, DE and she founded this organization after a mission trip to the Congo. Miriam, who is
now her daughter, was the inspiration for Miriam’s Table.
We encourage children, youth, and adults to give to
Miriam’s table. Our Sunday school goal is $185 which provides meals for one year for one child and one month of
food for 350 children. Our penny jar will be dedicated for
Miriam’s Table also.
The third destination for the Sunday School offering is
the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR).
UMCOR works globally to provide humanitarian relief in
times of disaster or war where communities are not able to
help themselves. This is the 75th anniversary year for UMCOR,
and we would like to support their needs with a goal of $75.
If you already give to the weekly Sunday school offering,
please continue to do so knowing the good causes that it will
support. If you have not given to the Sunday school offering,
please prayerfully consider supporting the Small Groups
Bible Study, Miriam’s Table, and UMCOR. Thank you.
St. Paul’s Annual Charge Conference
On Monday, October 24 ♦ 7:00 p.m. ♦ Sanctuary
Charge Conference booklets will be distributed that
night, and they will also be available in the church office.
2
October 2016
Carol Stead will lead the discussion of Snow Following on
Cedars by David Guterson. Everyone is welcome to join the
Book Club discussions. If you have any questions, contact
Sherry Clark at 302-377-6647 or at sclarkd1@gmail.com.
St. Paul’s Fall Clean-Up
Saturday, October 22 ♦ 9:00 a.m.
Indoor and outdoor projects.
UMW Clothing Drive
The Circles and Board of the UMW are collecting
clothes for the Clothing Bank during the month of October. Clothing for women, men, and children can placed in
any of our baskets at the doorways. The clothing can be
gently worn or well-worn as the Clothing Bank sells unusable clothing items to a re-cycler. The clothes collected will
be distributed to referrals recommended by the community
such as state social service agencies, non-profit agencies,
and churches. As the central hub for clothing distribution
in New Castle County, the Clothing Bank allocates their
resources to the necessary clients. The Clothing Bank also
offers an employment/training ministry for women entering
the work place for the first time or after lengthy unemployment, and ex-offenders. About 60 percent of these employeetrainees are also residents of the Friendship House transitional program for women.
Please help us by cleaning out your closets this Fall and
donating them to this very worthy cause!
Save the Date –
UMW November Luncheon
The Board and Circles of the UMW invite you to our
Annual Meeting Luncheon on Sunday, November 6. Our
guest speakers will be Marci Perkins and Kim Eppehimer
from Friendship House. Marci Perkins, Director of Housing
Ministry, and Kim Eppehimer, Assistant Executive Director
of Friendship House, will be our speakers. Many of you
know Marci and Kim have been hired to help with the transition of Bill Perkins’ retirement. Marci and Kim will speak
to us about the ways in which Friendship House is in ministry to the community, especially to women.
Come and join us for this luncheon. All members of
St. Paul’s are invited!
More details to follow in October.
St. Paul’s United Methodist Church
The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some
evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry,
for building up the body of Christ, until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the
knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ.
We must no longer be children, tossed to and fro and blown about by every wind of
doctrine, by people’s trickery, by their craftiness in deceitful scheming. But speaking
the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,
from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every ligament with which it is
equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body’s growth in building
itself up in love.
Ephesians 4:11-16
Covenant for the Christian Community of St. Paul’s UMC
The purpose of this document is to describe a model of behavior for a Christian Community
that fosters growth, respect, peace, love, and an embodiment of Christ-like characteristics. An
environment that embraces these behavioral norms allows for open discussion, amiable disagreement, and an opportunity for a purpose to be served greater than each one of us as individuals. By having individuals and groups within St. Paul’s strive to follow the guidelines in
their interactions with others (in person, by telephone, or use of electronic media), we can expect learning new ways to create climates that bring forth the best rather than the worst.

Work for the common good of God’s community.

Be accountable for what you say and do.

Treat people with love and respect.

Do not be a party to gossip.

Consider and respect other perspectives. Gather information with clarifying questions
and do not make assumptions.

Voice your concerns in an appropriate forum where a discussion can lead to positive
outcomes and not in private venues without the benefit of the broader perspective.

Maintain appropriate confidentiality when it is requested or expected.

Propose positive changes instead of negative complaints.

Talk with persons if you have an issue with them. Do not talk behind their backs.

Handle difficult and painful relationship issues with PRAYER!
October 2016
3
Soldiering On
by Rev. Constance Hastings, MSCC, NCC
Daybreak Counseling Services
The St. Paul’s Family
“Therefore, work hard as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” II
Timothy 2:3 (JUR)
The first week of October is designated as Mental
Health Awareness week which involves awareness events
including a National Day of Prayer for Mental Illness Recovery and Understanding (October 6) and National Depression Screening Day (October 8) with various places
offering a simple and accurate assessment of mood severity.
While events and publicity surrounding the effects of mental illness and treatment options are important in lessening
stigma that inhibits persons seeking help, it is clear that
highlighting what mental health entails and help for those
who suffer cannot just be a one-week event. Mental health
issues must be at the forefront of all health encompassing
body, soul and mind, for one greatly impacts the other.
This is more than clear as another generation deals with
the effects of war, and possibly more so than in previous
conflicts as life-saving treatments reduce casualties. Thus,
more are surviving the battlefield but are bringing the battle
home with them in psychological distress. As October
moves into November, Veterans Day celebrations must
remember these walking wounded whose battle scars are
carried in flashbacks, uncharacteristic rage, heightened vigilance in seemingly normal situations, and increased risk of
suicide. Yet, there is successful treatment for Post-traumatic
Stress Disorder, and all that can be done to help affected
former military receive help must be exercised. Still, just as
much such persons and families also need and are served
well by supportive churches.
Congregations can support returning veterans by acknowledging those members who have served or are serving in the military through prayers, listing names in the service bulletin, and posting photos of those currently serving.
Certainly sending letters, care packages, and other tokens of
support to deployed persons help keep a strong connection
with home. Support families dealing with the transition of
deployment and returning from service by offering babysitting, sending in meals, pointing out local agencies who help
with education and employment of veterans, and most
importantly, providing a listening ear. Learn the signs of
distress and reach out when an individual or family is struggling. Children are especially sensitive to signs of stress in
the home. Finally, provide non-judgmental, confidential
pastoral care, and opportunities for veterans to share their
story and talk about how their combat experience has affected their faith. Spiritual battles are no less real than the
ones fought in the desert, air, or sea and are just as heroic.
Contact www.ptsd.va.org for more information.
Daybreak Counseling Services is a nonprofit clinical pastoral
counseling agency. Call 302-745-1042 for information or to make an
appointment.
46
October 2016
Dear friends at St. Paul’s,
What a blessing to be a part of the caring church
family at St. Paul’s. Since my knee replacement, we have
received so much love and encouragement. Thank you
for everything!
Sincerely,
Dawn Sobocinski
Dear Rev. Tim,
I cannot thank you enough for coming to my aid
the other day. I really was just so tired I didn’t think I
could last another day. Your willingness to take mother
[Jane Ashbaugh] to her appointment on Thursday was
such a gift to me.
I am at home until Wednesday when I’ll return for
the weekend. Then I’ll return the weekend of her 98th
birthday, which is the 27th [September]. A special
thanks for your early morning visits to her at Manor
Care. I’m so grateful for your caring and concern!
Shalom,
Connie Heasley
UMW Celebrates the Women of
Friendship House
Luncheon & Annual Meeting
Sunday, November 6 at Noon
The Board and Circles of the UMW invite you to our
Annual Meeting Luncheon on Sunday, November 6. Our
guest speakers will be Kim Eppehimer , Assistant Executive
Director of Friendship House, Marci Perkins, Director of
Housing Ministry, and Katherine G. Graham, Director of
Clothing Bank Ministry, which employs the women residing
in Friendship House’s transitional housing.
Come and join us for this luncheon. All members of
St. Paul’s are invited to attend. To support the Friendship
House Clothing Bank, please bring a donation of gently
used clothing item as your entry fee.
God’s Voice
And Moses spoke unto the children of Israel, that they
should keep the Passover.
Numbers 9:4
October
October2016
2016
57
Mon
3
5 pm Wilm. Handbell
5 pm Trustees, Embury Room
7 pm Missions, Lounge
10
5 pm Wilm Handbell
7 pm Finance, Embury Room
17
5 pm Wilm Handbell
24
5 pm Wilm Handbell
7 pm Charge Conference,
Sanctuary
31
5 pm Wilm. Handbell
Sun
2
9:30 am Sunday Worship
10:30 am Coffee Fellowship
10:45 am Children’s S.S.
11 am Sunday School
4 pm Blessing of Animals,
Front lawn
5:30 pm Youth Choir
9
9:30 am Sunday Worship
10:30 am Coffee Fellowship
10:45 am Children’s S.S.
11 am Sunday School
12 pm Cherub Choir
12 pm Wesley Choir
12:30 Book Group, Lounge
6:30 pm Youth & Family night
Fellowship Hall & Kitchen
16
9:30 am Sunday Worship
10:30 am Coffee Fellowship
10:45 am Children’s S.S.
11 am Sunday School
12 pm Cherub Choir
12 pm Wesley Choir
5:30 pm Youth Choir
23 9:30 am Sunday Worship
10:30 am Coffee Fellowship
10:45 am Children’s S.S.
11 am Sunday School
12 pm Wesley Choir
4 pm Hay Ride, Bellevue Park
4:30 pm St. Paul’s Orchestra
5:30 pm Youth Choir
30
9:30 am Sunday Worship
10:30 am Coffee Fellowship
10:45 am Children’s S.S.
11 am Sunday School
MS Society, Coke Room
JuBEllation
Volleyball, F.H.
AA, Coke Room
25
6:30 pm JuBellation
6 pm Volleyball, F.H.
8 pm AA, Coke Room
18
9:15 am Eliz. Circle, Lounge
6 pm JuBellation
6 pm Volleyball, F.H.
8 pm AA, Coke Room
11
10 am Cong. Care, Simon Peter
6 pm JuBellation
6 pm Volleyball, F.H.
7 pm UMW Board, Lounge
8 pm AA, Coke Room
4
4 pm
6 pm
6 pm
8 pm
Tue
26
12 pm Grief Group, Tim. Lge.
12 pm Daybreak, Library
6 pm Volleyball, F.H.
7 pm Al-Anon, Heck Room
19
11 am EPIC, Lounge
12 pm Grief Group, Tim. Lge.
12 pm Daybreak, Library
6 pm Volleyball, F.H.
7 pm Al-Anon, Heck Room
12
12 pm Grief Group, Tim. Lge.
12 pm Daybreak, Library
6 pm Volleyball, F.H.
7 pm Al-Anon, Heck Room
5
9 am Ugly Quilts, Garrettson
10 am Naomi Circle, Lounge
12 pm Grief Group, Tim. Lge.
12 pm Daybreak, Library
6 pm Volleyball, F.H.
7 pm Al-Anon, Heck Room
Wed
27
8 am TMWC
10 am Bible Study, Embury Rm
6:30 pm Cub Scouts, Asbury &
Garrettson Rooms
6:30 pm Worship Band
7 pm Sisters in Christ, Lounge
7:30 pm Chancel Choir
20
8 am TMWC
9:30 am Mary Martha Circle,
Simon Peter Room
10 am Bible Study, Embury Rm
6 pm Volleyball Mtg., F. H.
6:30 pm Cub Scouts, Asbury &
Garrettson Rooms
7 pm Sisters in Christ, Lounge
7 pm Chancel Choir
13
8 am TMWC
10 am Bible Study, Embury Rm
6:30 pm Cub Scouts, Asbury &
Garrettson Rooms
7 pm Chancel Choir
7 pm Sisters in Christ, Lounge
6
8 am TMWC
10 am Bible Study Embury Rm
6:30 pm Cub Scouts, Asbury &
Garrettson Rooms
6:30 pm Worship Band
7 pm Sisters in Christ, Lounge
7:30 pm Chancel Choir
Thu
28
7 pm AA, Coke Room
21
7 pm AA, Coke Room
14
8 am Emmanuel Dining Room
Cooking, Kitchen
6:30 pm Cub Scouts, F.H.
7 pm AA, Coke Room
7
7 pm AA, Coke Room
Fri
29
22
15
1
Sat
October 2016
8
October Birthdays
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Lisa McClure
Olivia Spartz
Tina Flood
Thomas Hindmarch
Jerry Martin
Morgan Gamble
Dick Johnson
Denise Sardo
Laura Slavik
James Conrad
Laura Vaughan
Gregory Wilson
Jordan Fullerton
Joan McGhie
Caroline Molter
Carol Paintin
Matthew Rygler
Susan Steinke
Zachary Smith
Alyssa Wesley
Judith Kiehl
John Molter
Ken Morley
10
11
12
13
14
16
17
18
Doris Powell
Peter Small
Thomas Butler
Ron Manelski
Donna Pologruto
Ashley Ritter
Elizabeth Burton
Sue Marvian
Julie Baldwin
Jenna Davis
Doeun Kim
Allison MacLachlan
Kevin MacLachlan"
Bruce Demeter
Sean Kelly
Melissa Potter
Natalie Rulon
Nathan Langseder
Marc Terpko
Kacie Breeding
Julie Rominger
Drew Osberg
Lindsey Ritter
19
20
21
22
23
26
27
28
Jeffrey Moore
Mary Ann Parks
Meredith Sobus
Bonnie Carpenter
Sarah Griffith
Lauren McCrery
Kim Ryan
Sally Wagner
Wanda Williams
Susan Zarebicki
John Croney
Joseph Molnar
Kacey Firlein
Richard Gamble
Hudson Hoen
Lynn Jacoby
Lin Moore
Lucy Rawson
Ron Martell
Olivia Raught
Ian Macturk
Rodney Crawford
Laurabeth McIlvaine
29
31
Rebecca Pullig
Charles Wagner
Joshua Croney
David Dennett
Marie Kennan
Barbie Schnell
William Slavik
Kevin Theibault
1314 Foulk Road, Wilmington, DE 19803
(302) 478-3135 Moments of Meditation - 334-3101
E-Mail: stpaulsumcde@comcast.net
Website: www.stpaulsumcde.org
St. Paul's
United Methodist Church
October 2016
Rev. Dr. Tim Duchesne, Pastor
Rev. David Finch, Congregational Care
Rob Kennan, Music Director
Kathleen Kennan, Youth & Family
Barbara Barto, Office Administrator
8