The Epistle

~~ August Calendar ~~

Friday, August 1, 7:30 PM– Prayer & Healing Service

Saturday, August 2, 8:00 AM – Men’s Breakfast

Sunday, August 3, 10:00 AM – Worship, Brother

Ralph Thomas III will be preaching

Thursday, August 7, 7:30 PM – Education Team

Sunday, August 10, 10:00 AM – Holy Communion,

Pastor Bill is preaching

Monday, August 11, 6:30 PM – Elders Meeting

Tuesday, August 12, 7 PM – BSTA

7:30 PM – Prayer Team meeting

Wednesday, August 13, 7 PM – BCHA

7:30 PM -- Trustees meeting

Sunday, August 17, 10:00 AM – Worship, Pastor Bill

preaching

Tuesday, August 19, 7 PM – Linwood Knolls HOA

Thursday, August 21, 7 PM – Marlton 10 HOA

Saturday, August 23, 3:30 PM – Men’s Group Picnic at

Ciras’ in Shady Side

Sunday, August 24, 10:00 AM – Worship, Pastor Bill

preaching

Monday, August 25, 7:30 PM – Men’s Group

Sunday, August 31, 10:00 AM – Worship, Pastor Bill

~~ September Calendar ~~

Tuesday, Sept 2, 6:30 PM – Elders meeting

Thursday, Sept 4, 7:30 PM – Choir Rehearsal

Friday, Sept 5, 7:30 PM – Prayer and Healing Service

Saturday, Sept 6, 8 AM – Men’s Breakfast

Sunday, Sept 7, 8:45 AM – Sunday School Rally Day!

10:00 AM – Worship, Farewell to Vodens

11:00 AM – Farewell Reception in honor of Jack

and Mona Voden

Friday, Sept 19, 3:00-9:30 PM – Pictorial Directory

Photo Session

Saturday, Sept 20, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM – Pictorial

Directory Photo Shoot

Saturday, Sept 27, 8 AM – 2 PM – Yard Sale

Prayer and Healing Service

The Prayer and Healing Service in August, will be held at the church on the first Friday, August 1^st 7:30 PM. In September it will be on September 5^th, at 7:30.

Marlboro Churches Food Bank

The Food Bank packs food on the second Friday of each month at 8:00 AM at Trinity Episcopal Church in Upper Marlboro, and distributes food on the second Saturday of each month at 7:00 AM. Please remember to bring your Food Bank donations to the church on the first Sunday of each month. Needs this month are:

During this past winter a homeless person stopped in at Trinity Episcopal Church and their church secretary gathered food from the food bank storage closet for him. Since then the food bank volunteers have been packing two bags a month for the secretary to give to him. Recently we were given a listing of foods that he particularly enjoys. This will help us not waste packing food for him that he will not use. If you are interested in donating food for the special bags that are packed for this homeless person, please consider donating the following: peanut butter, jelly, Cheerios cereal, tuna fish, chicken soup, Spaghetti O's, canned stew, cocktail wieners, cake icing. One of our food bank volunteers wisely donated a manual can opener for this man!

Summer is the hardest part of the year for the food bank stores. We have run out of the ton of food donated by the Boy Scouts; we are now limited to the food donated by church members, after that we must purchase the food to be packed in the bags.

Please remember all the food bank clients and volunteers in your prayers.

Our date this month for Food Bank collection is

Sunday, August 3

Sorting the food:

Thursday, August 7, 7 PM

Packing food:

Friday, August 8, 8 AM

Distribution of food:

Saturday, August 9, 7 AM

St. Paul’s prepares and serves breakfast next on Saturday, August 9, beginning at 6 AM

Sister Johnnie Riley and the “Breakfast Crew” coordinate this breakfast and welcome all who would like to come and help – cooks, servers, dishwashers – all are welcome! Please contact Johnnie to let her know you will be there, and to find out what time she needs you – 301-780-3710. To help with packing and distribution, call Sister Trudy Smith, 301-627-8039.

For Your Prayers . . .

Brother Paul Cardaci has finally returned home after being at U. of Maryland Hospital in Baltimore for 11 weeks! Please continue to pray for Paul, as this road to recovery has been very long and difficult. You may write to him at 2000 Tundra Court, Annapolis, MD 21401 or e-mail to paulcardaci@juno.com.

Brother Fred Mayes is home from the hospital following back surgery on July 25^th. He had some set-backs, but is now healing. You may write to Fred at his home: 9810 Williamsburg Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772. Please continue to lift up Fred and his family in your prayers.

Former Pastor Steve Nicholas’s sister, Suzie Segal, lost her husband, Allan, to a single car automobile accident on July 4 in Virginia Beach. Please pray for Suzie and the entire Nicholas family during this difficult time. Additionally, Helen Nicholas, Steve’s 95 year old stepmother, was hospitalized early in July, and has now been moved from a nursing home to an assisted living facility. Please pray for Helen to find comfort and friends in her new surroundings.

Brother Butch Aurich’s Mom, Mary Aurich, who just celebrated her 80^th birthday last month, fell on July 19^th and broke her pelvis in two places. Please pray for her complete recovery, and for Butch and Ann who will be traveling to Florida to take their turn in the rotation of family members caring for this sweet lady!

Please pray for Shawn Englert, a 21 year old friend of the Herr family who was involved in a serious boating accident this month.

We also ask for prayers for the family of Javon Walker, a second grader from Marlton Elementary School who passed away on July 22^nd in the hospital of an unknown illness. His celebration of life was held at Union United Methodist Church in Upper Marlboro on July 29^th. The Rev. Michael McKinney led the service, and a number of teachers and staff from Marlton attended.

Sister Marcia BarenBregge’s cousin, Christopher Breault was diagnosed with cancer in the bone of his right elbow and underwent surgery to remove the elbow and some arm bones, and now has a prosthetic elbow. He will still require 10 months of chemotherapy, a difficult prospect for a trumpet player and music teacher! Please pray for Christopher, 36, and his wife 4 year old daughter, as they all begin this long and difficult journey.

Sister Sandy Bishop’s Dad, Jack Lufburrow, suffered a series of 5 "mini" stokes earlier this month. He now has been moved from rehab at Good Samaritan Hospital to Sandy’s brother’s home and is much better. Thank you for all of your prayers.

Sister Linda Brubaker writes that Mark’s Dad, Jimmy Brubaker, 94, suffered three strokes on Sunday evening (July 27). He is now walking up and down the hall and is in great spirits. Please keep Jim and his sons, Mark and Ed, and Jim's care givers in your prayers.

Sister Ralette Cruse has asked for prayers for her son-in-law, Tommy Thomas’ mother. She has a mass near her kidneys and there is a blockage between the kidneys and bladder. Tommy lost his dad last Dec. after a long battle with cancer. The three children are very upset about this wonderful mother who so lovingly stood by her husband as he was dying. Thanking you in advance for lifted prayers to God. The surgery will be sometime on July 30.

Sister Jeri Greaves is shouting from the rooftops about the arrival of her first grandchild! Makayla Renee Greaves was born on July 29at 11:09 AM, in Cary, NC, weighing just 3 pounds, 14 ounces. Her parents are Jeri’s #1 son, Jason, and Danielle Greaves. Please pray for good health and strength for little Makayla, who was born three weeks early, as well as her mommy. Thank heaven for little girls, Jeri! J

Greeter Team

A huge THANK YOU to our new team of Sunday Morning Greeters! Isn’t it wonderful to be so warmly welcomed to worship each and every Sunday. . . and truly a blessing to have these fine folks meet all those new to our church, and to guide and steer them in the right direction when they get here!! What a great “first impression” we’re making!

If YOU want to be a part of the Greeter Team, you are encouraged to contact Audrey or Jeff Haynie, 301-952-9547, and sign up. They’ll fill you in on everything you need to know about ministering to our visitors and guests. Learn how YOU can extend Christ’s love to all who come through our doors.

Help Needed – Every now and then!

We are presently seeking volunteers to serve as substitute Nursery Attendant when Ms. Essex must be away on a Sunday due to illness or an emergency. Mrs. Essex would call you directly, when needed. Please inquire with Ann or Pastor Bill in the office.

Worship in August

*Covenant Stewardship Questionnaires – The Joint Board wants to create excitement about and gather information for the Covenant Stewardship Program that is coming to St. Paul’s in October! Each Sunday in August worshipers will have the chance to complete a questionnaire that focuses on a specific topic that week. The questions may spark the flame of your faith, and they also give you the chance to have input on the future diretion of our church. But, you have to be there to win, so come to worship in August!

August 3 – Brother Ralph Thomas will bring a message on family and relationships that focuses on the Prodigal Son. You will be blessed by this powerful and timely message.

August 10 – The summer series of sermons featuring Old Testament heroes will continue with a look at a famous king of Israel, Solomon. Holy Communion in celebration of the spiritual renewal of the Moravian Church will be celebrated.

August 17 – One of the most studied and perhaps least understood figures in the Bible is Job. We know how he suffered, but how does he answer the problem of pain and suffering in a world created and ruled over by a loving God? You’ve got questions, we’ve got the Bible!

August 24 – Samuel gave consistent, long-term leadership to Israel during challenging and changing times. How did he do it? Our times are challenging and changing, can we learn anything from him that will help us?

August 31 – Everyone loves David! There’s something in his story that just about everyone can identify with. This expressive poet was also a warrior, leader, refugee and lover. What made him tick? What was the secret to his success?

Mission Festival

On Sunday, September 28, our attention will turn to fulfilling the Great Commission as we hold a Mission Festival. Our special guest for the day will be the Rt. Rev. Sam Gray. Sam is a Moravian Bishop, pastor, Missionary Kid, and currently travels the globe for the Board of World Mission. Come and find out the exciting things that are happening through the Moravian Church for the cause of Jesus Christ! And find out the part you can play in this crucial work for the Lamb.

Sunday School News



Do You Know?

Our winner for the last question (A man who had 12 fingers and 12 toes) was Sandy Bishop, who gave 2 Samuel 21:20 as the Bible reference and Susan Cross who gave both references 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles 20:6.  Congratulations ladies for a job well done!

Now, who knows this one?

There was an army with 700 left-handed men.  If you know about this and where to find it in the Bible, let me know and if you are the first to contact me you will win first place.

Kay Jung, jung0006@aol.com or 240-533-7227 (cell phone) and leave a message.  That way I will have a date and time and be able to tell who contacted me first.  This is open to children and adults of all ages.

Summer Sunday School

Sunday School is getting ready for the fall. We are recruiting additional teachers and getting curriculums and supplies in place. Rally Day will be Sunday, September 7, at8:45 AM. If you would like to assist us by being a teacher or a helper for any Sunday or every Sunday for a month, or for a quarter or more, we would love to have you. Please contact Kay Jung for more information.

We will have a brief meeting after church prior to September 7 for teachers to receive all information relating to class size, location, curriculum, and supplies. Watch for the announcement in the bulletin and I will call you as well.

Come and bring your parents and children to Sunday School. We have something to offer each of you.

In Christ,

                                              Kay Jung,

Sunday School Superintendent

A BRAND NEW

PICTORIAL DIRECTORY IS COMING!!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!

We are excited to announce that Olan Mills will be helping us to create a new pictorial directory of our church family. The directory will be a useful ministry tool for new people as they begin to worship at St. Paul’s. It will be an ideal outreach tool and will capture St. Paul’s in words and pictures. It will be especially helpful to our new Pastor Bill Andrews, as he continues to try to put names with all your beautiful faces!

Please participate! We want our album to be as complete as possible. Remember, to get a book, you need to participate. We will be signing up for the next several weeks here at the church. Please sign up as soon as possible to get the appointment time that best suits your schedule.

Ø Every participating family/household that selects a pose for the directory will receive a free directory and a complimentary Olan Mills 8x10 Custom Natural Portrait.

Ø You will come to the church only once for photography and for portrait viewing.

Ø This program is available at no cost to the church.

Ø You will have the opportunity to order additional portraits during your scheduled time, if you wish (no high pressure sales - we promise) and they’ll be ready for the holidays!

Ø If you do wish to purchase additional portraits, they come with Olan Mills’ 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.

Ø Whether you decide to dress formal or casual, you will want to make the most of this opportunity.

The scheduled dates for photography and portrait viewing are:

Friday Sept 19th (3 PM-9:30 PM)

and

Saturday Sept 20th (9 AM -5 PM).

Gather your family and take this opportunity for a family picture.

Our goal is to have 100% participation in this directory. We are a church family and a pictorial directory is a benefit to all. It will also have an up-to-date address, telephone and e-mail directory attached, so be sure we have your correct information!

Beginning Sunday, August 3, we will have sign-up sheets available after worship, to book your photography session.

You may also e-mail or call:

Deb Herr

(dherrmarlton@rocketmail.com, 301-868-9360)

or Ann Aurich

(spmoravian@aol.com or 301-627-4200)

to pick the time slot that best suits your family.

Sign up and say “Cheese”! J

PLEASE NOTE: If you have any pictures you have taken during church activities recently that might be appropriate for the activity pages of this directory, please gather them and give them to Deb or Ann. Of course, we prefer digital photos, but prints can also be accepted. We want the directory to represent the life of St. Paul’s as we know it and love it!

Farewell, Jack and Mona!

Jack and Mona Voden are moving to Hilton Head, South Carolina. After 27 years of faithful service as Church Treasurer, St. Paul’s owes them a debt of gratitude. We will honor and thank them publicly on Sunday, September 7. Please join us for worship at 10 AM, and then for a special Fellowship Hour in their honor afterwards. We can never repay them for what they have given to us, but we can express our sincere and deepest appreciation.

Men’s Ministry

Men’s Breakfast – Men are invited to gather for great food, great conversation and great friendship at 8:00 AM on Saturday, August 2. We will be done by 9:00. All men are invited; you don’t have to be religious to be accepted. You may be tough and strong, but other men could benefit from your support. See you there.

Men’s Group – This group is for men who want more from life. More of the stuff that matters. On Monday, August 25, at 7:30 PM, we will gather to read God’s Word together, to be accountable to each other and to pray together. Wherever you are in your walk with God, you are welcome. We value sincerity, not spiritual accomplishments. There’s an empty chair for you.

-- Pastor Bill

Did You Know?

St. Paul’s is part of the Moravian Denomination. We share a common faith and heritage with Moravian Christians around the world. There are significant benefits that come to us because of that participation. When Pastor Steve retired, we turned to the denomination who helped us find a qualified Pastor grounded in our faith and customs. Working with other congregations, we fund missionaries in many parts of the world. Together we also provide ministry to youth, in stewardship and congregational leadership. Like everything else, it takes money to provide this ministry.

St. Paul’s invests almost $170.00 per adult member per year in this common ministry. That amount is paid out regardless of how much each member contributes. We do not all have the same resources, and so those who give more help to support those who give less. That is the way Jesus wants it. But if you are wondering how much you should give to support the vital work of St. Paul’s, the Trustees want you to know that we support our denomination in that amount for every member over 18. We share this information with you because we value the faith and participation of every one of our members. We want to see St. Paul’s work together to become an even more effective team. Thank you for your faithfulness, keep up the good work!

In Christ,

The Board of Trustees

Sight & Sound Theatre

A number of people have expressed an interest in traveling to Strasburg, Pennsylvania to the Sight & Sound Theatre to attend one of their productions. If this is something you might enjoy, please let us know in the church office – we are looking ahead in our calendar about scheduling a “road trip”.

From the Sight & Sound website: Story, song, and spectacular staging bring each of Sight & Sound Theatres’ epic shows to life. The dozens of professional actors aired in elaborate costumes, meticulously detailed sets towering up to 40 feet high, trained animal, unmatched special effects, and beautifully memorable music inspire 800,000 guests every year.

Currently showing is “Daniel in the Lion’s Den” with “Abraham and Sarah” coming soon, as well as “In the Beginning”, and “Miracle of Christmas” in the fall. We would charter a bus on a Friday or Saturday, and go for dinner and the play, then return that evening. Please call the church office, 301-627-4200, to indicate your interest and how many of “you” would attend!

University of the Spirit

The Education Team is planning a full slate of course offerings of faith-building experiences to begin on Sunday, September 14. Topics offered will include:

Giving: Unlocking the Heart of Good Stewardship, taught by Pastor Bill

Politics (timely in light of the Presidential election!)

Verse-by-verse through a book of the Bible (to be announced), taught by Pastor John

A “Drop In” class of any and all, with Martha Lane

Registration forms will be available soon.

Fall Yard Sale

St. Paul’s Community Yard Sale is scheduled this fall for Saturday, September 27, (rain date October 4) from 8 AM – 2 PM, on the church lawn. This yard sale is a community-wide event held semi-annually (weather permitting!). Our location is a prime yard sale address and we attract hundreds of shoppers for each event. Spaces for selling your goods and treasures may be rented prior to the sale for just $20.00 each, with ‘double wide’ spaces at $30.00 each. Please contact the church office, 301-627-4200, to reserve your space for this next yard sale.

As always, St. Paul’s will offer baked goods and hot dogs/sodas for sale. If you are able to help cook/sell or would like to organize the Bake Sale part of the Yard Sale, please contact Eron Sorrell, 240-222-3663, or Ann in the Church Office. Come on out and enjoy a fun day with your friends and neighbors!

FREE FURNITURE

               The Andrews family have a couch and  coffee table with two drawers, both in good condition, “free to a good home”.  The takers will have to transport the furniture.  If you are interested please e-mail Pastor Bill at stpaulspastor@gmail.com.