~ The Season of Lent ~

God designed the seasons because he loves diversity! He created each season to offer us a unique set of challenges and opportunities. God created seasons in the earth’s climate, in human physical development, and in the life and development of the human soul. As we walk with Christ there are periods of growth and new life (spring) as well as rest or dormancy (winter). On Ash Wednesday (February 17) St. Paul’s will begin the season of Lent. This season is designed for spiritual growth. It is an opportunity to take our faith to a deeper level, to trust Christ in new ways, to examine ourselves and do the difficult work of repentance. We have forty days to accomplish this. The challenge is that we have only forty days to accomplish this! We’ll be just as busy at work, home and school. The kids will still get sick and the house will still need cleaning. Groceries will still need to be bought and cooked.

St. Paul’s offers you several ways to deepen your faith during Lent. First, attend worship on Sundays at 10 am. Make a special effort to increase your attendance during Lent. Second, attend the Ash Wednesday service at 7:30 pm on February 17. That will set the right tone for the season. Third, attend the Lenten Services on Wednesdays at 7:30 pm. The theme this year is Faces of the Cross. The services will help you learn more about some very familiar people from the story of Christ’s death and resurrection. This program will also be presented on Sundays at 8:45 am. Fourth, participate in the Spring Retreat on March 27. Come for as long as you can between 9 am and noon. You can pray, take a nature walk, be inspired by art, enjoy a bonfire and taste some wonderful snacks! All at your own pace.

Where are we going to find the time for all this! We’re already too busy - something’s got to give! The ancient Christian tradition tells us how to find some time. It’s the practice of giving up something for Lent. Some people give up snacks or smoking as a way to deepen their faith. If we gave up TV, computer and video games, just until Easter, we might find enough time to take our relationship with Christ to a new level. One hour less of American Idol or Facebook each day could be invested in Bible reading, praying, going to church or serving at the Food Bank.

Very few of my neighbors go out in t-shirts and shorts right now; they change their clothes to fit the season. How will we change our habits to fit the season of Lent, of spiritual growth? How will you?! I’m ready for a growth spurt! Are you? Join me as we stride forward to follow the Savior. ~Pastor Bill

~ Worship in February ~

February 7 - Communion Sunday - We begin the month as a community of faith gathered around the Lord’s table. Worship with us as Pastor John brings the message. On this day we will also Consecrate Joint Board members newly elected by Church Council.

February 14 – Moravian Women’s Sunday - The women of the church will lead the entire service. Sister Alexis Howard, Hope Austin Cummings’ sister, will share God’s word with us.

February 21 – First Sunday in Lent - Join us as Pastor Bill helps us focus on a deeper faith in Christ during this special season.

February 28 – Second Sunday in Lent - It is a joy to welcome Sister Pat Jones to the pulpit this Sunday. Pat serves the Lord in many ways: singing, VBS Director, Board of Governors, Northern Province Ordination Review Committee, etc. On this day she will share her faith with us as she brings us a message from God’s Word.

*LET US PRAY:*

*HEAVENLY FATHER,*

*HELP US BELIEVE AND UNDERSTAND, THAT THIS WOULD BE AN UNBEARABLE WORLD, WERE GOD TO HAVE ONLY A SINGLE LIGHT. *
*BUT WE MAY BE CONSOLED, THAT YOU HAVE TWO LIGHTS.*

*A LIGHT TO GUIDE US IN THE BRIGHTNESS OF THE DAY WHEN HOPES ARE FULFILLED, AND CIRCUMSTANCES ARE FAVORABLE, *

*AND A LIGHT THAT GUIDES US IN THE DARKNESS OF THE MIDNIGHT, *

*WHEN WE ARE BURIED IN THE SLUMBERING GIANTS OF GLOOM, *

*AND HOPELESSNESS BEGIN TO RISE IN OUR SOUL. *

*AND SO NOW DEAR LORD, WE KNOW THAT YOU ARE ABLE TO GIVE US THE INTERIOR RESOURCES TO FACE THE DARKNESS AS WELL AS THE LIGHT.*

*LET THIS AFFIRMATION BE OUR SINGING CRY, SO THAT IT WILL GIVE US COURAGE TO FACE THE UNCERTAINTIES OF THE FUTURE.*

*LET US REMEMBER THAT THERE IS A GREAT BENIGN POWER IN THE UNIVERSE WHOSE NAME IS GOD, *

*AND WHO IS ABLE TO MAKE A WAY OUT OF NO WAY, AND TRANSFORM DARK YESTERDAYS INTO BRIGHT TOMORROWS. *

*THIS IS OUR HOPE FOR BECOMING BETTER PEOPLE.*

*THIS IS OUR MANDATE FOR SEEKING TO MAKE A BETTER WORLD. AMEN!*

Haiti Earthquake Relief

In January St. Paul’s Church Family has been given the opportunity to give collectively to relief for those in Haiti, following the devastating earthquake on January 12^th. At the time of this printing, our members have generously given $842 to this cause. It should be noted that as we collect this special offering, we are also waiting . . . holding onto the funds until the Board of World Mission identifies the specific agency to which our gifts should go. There is always a sense of urgency to send something right away, and if that is your decision, please feel free to give to the agency of your choice. The Moravian Church feels it is important to wait and see where our money will do the most good down the road a bit. Thank you to all our church family for coming to the aid of our brothers and sisters in Haiti.

In Loving Memory . . .

On Saturday, February 20, at 11:00 AM, we will gather at St. Paul’s to celebrate the life of Susan Rae (Jung) Fitch, 34, who passed away suddenly on Christmas Day. Susan, the third daughter of Kay and Willie Jung, was married to John Fitch and the loving mother of Claire Fitch, 13.

A luncheon will immediately follow the memorial service. If you would like to help with the meal, please contact luncheon coordinator, Tanya Scott, Tanya_v_scott@yahoo.com, or 301-627-6513.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Paul’s Church for the Susan Fitch Memorial Fund.

Come, remember, and celebrate the life of this beautiful young woman!

St. Paul’s 39^th Anniversary!

On Sunday, January 31, we will celebrate our 39^th Anniversary as a church in Marlton, with a special service of worship, including an Anniversary Lovefeast. As is a custom at St. Paul’s, many members give a birthday gift to the church of $1.00 for each year

we have been a congregation. This offering helps provide for the special music, speaker, food, etc., needed for our celebration. An anniversary offering envelope will be enclosed in the bulletin on Sunday, or you may send in a gift to the church office at any time. Thank you and Praise God for the long life of St. Paul’s Moravian Church!

Prayer and Healing Service

The Prayer and Healing Service in February, will be held at the church on the FIRST Friday, Febuary 5^th, 7:30 PM. We will meet in March on Friday, March 5^th at 7:30 PM.

All are welcome!

Sunday School News

Dear Church,

It has come to my attention that the Sunday School staff, as wonderful as it is, still needs a little tweeking. In my absence the dear sisters came together and covered for me in the classroom. I am so very grateful for them and the support they are to me but it revealed a need to have additional teachers who can serve as assistants now, so they can get to know the children and the classroom and enable them to step up when needed and do this as seamlessly as possible.

I am asking for volunteers to be available in any of the following ways:

TEAM TEACH by attending

Ø monthly,

Ø quarterly (Sept - Nov; Dec - Feb; Mar - May; Jun - Aug [Summer schedule in effect here]),

Ø a year-at-a-time, or

Ø by study or topic.

Easy curriculum with reproducible pages are available for grades 3/4, 5/6, Jr. High, & High School. Or we can discuss any other option you may have.

Please consider making our youth a priority in your life and schedule. Contact me or pastor Bill as soon as you can.

In Christ's service,

Kay Jung

Education Team

The Education Team will meet on Thursday, February 18, at 7:30 PM.

Youth Fellowship

            Calling all young people in grades 7 through 12 – the Youth Group will meet on Sunday, February 21, from 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM.  We look forward to seeing you then!

Church Council Notice

All communicant members of St. Paul’s are hereby notified that the Annual Meeting of Church Council will take place on Sunday, January 31^st, immediately following worship. Please mark your calendars and plan to participate in this very important meeting.

What’s Happening at the

Children’s Center . . .

We all enjoyed our long and much needed Christmas break. We came back to work with the children to very cold weather---so the challenge (if we can’t go outdoors) is to give them a lot of exercise. We have very creative teachers and they keep them busy all the time.

We had our annual Stone Soup night with the children and their parents on January 27^th. The soup is made by the children (and yes there is a real stone in the soup) and the fable is read to the parents and then everyone receives a cup of nice hot soup.

We are at almost full capacity---we do have a few openings in the part-time program and we are still looking for a person for the Group Leader position.

~ Ruthann Stone and Virginia Anthony

~ Job Opening ~

St. Paul's Christian Children's Center is now looking for someone to work in the School Age Program. It is a Group Leader position---working from 12:30pm until 6:00pm. If you are interested or have any questions about the position please call the Center at 301-627-4202.

Ministry to Men

All Men! We’re taking our breakfast on the road this month due to another event being held in fellowship hall on the same day. Join us for a great breakfast on Saturday, February 20 , at 8 am at the Marlboro Grill, on Main Street in downtown Upper Marlboro. Take an hour out of your busy schedule to spend some quality time enjoying good food and relaxing with friendly conversation about things that matter to you: family, faith and the SuperBowl! See you there!

Men’s Group -- If you’re ready to step up and go deeper in your faith, we’ve got a great opportunity for you. On Tuesday, February 23, at 7:30 pm men will gather to study the Word, hear each other’s stories and pray together. It doesn’t matter how religious you are, you are welcome. Save the date and bring your Bible! Contact Pastor Bill if you want to know more.

Marlboro Churches Food Bank

Once a month, on the Thursday evening before the second Saturday of each month, volunteers (usually averaging about 10 people) gather to sort the food that has been donated and the food that has been purchased. We have to group the food so the volunteers can easily pack the bags the next morning. This is a good volunteer activity, especially for young people; it is in the evening and doesn’t take a lot of time if enough people help.

Here is the Food Bank schedule for February 2010:

Bring food donations to church with you on Sunday, February 7, 2010

Volunteers sort food on Thursday, 7 p.m., February 11, 2010 @ Trinity Episcopal

Volunteers bag food on Friday, 8 a.m., February 12, 2010 @ Trinity Episcopal

Volunteers carry bags on Saturday, 7 a.m., February 13, 2010 @ Trinity Episcopal

St. Paul’s will cook breakfast next at the February Food Bank Saturday distribution on February 13.

Sister Johnnie Riley coordinates the preparation and serving of the breakfast and welcomes 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.

Thank you . . .

Dear Pastor Andrews,

This is just a quick note, but it comes from our hearts to yours as we begin a new year. I would like to take the time to say thank you to your church staff and members who donated toys for Christmas to our needy families. Your generosity and offer to adopt Marlton Elementary School as one of your missions to help needy students is greatly appreciated.

With your help and support we have been able to respond to the many needs of our students. You have made a remarkable difference in the lives of our students, staff and community.

Again, thank you and we appreciate all that you do.

Sincerely,

Donna Jackson, Parent Liaison

Dear St. Paul’s,

Thanks to your help and kindness, Ron [Brian Dixon’s father] was able to make it home for Christmas! I got him from the hospital yesterday, the 22^nd, and into the house safely. He is so thrilled to be home with us again after so long. Thank you!

~Jaylene and Ron Dixon

To the St. Paul’s Moravian church congregation,

Thank you for your generous contribution of $687.00 to Moravian open Door. Your gift, along with others, enables MOD to continue its service to the older homeless community by providing transitional housing, counseling, and other direct services to restore dignity and rebuild lives.

Your generosity keeps the mission and vision of MOD alive. On behalf of our clients, staff and Board of Directors, again, thanks for your contribution, prayers, and support.

~Darryl Williams Executive Director

~Rev. Andy Meckstroth President, Board of Directors

Dear Rev. Andrews and St. Paul’s Church Family,

On behalf of the Board of Directors and Staff of Community Ministry of Prince George’s County, thank you for your generous donation . . . to help us accomplish our mission of helping those in need. Your consistent giving is dearly appreciated.

With your help we continue to serve over 468 P.G. residents free hot lunches each week and distribute over 24,000 lbs of free fresh produce to over 300 families each month, including a special distribution just for seniors over 55 years of age. We also blessed families with Thanksgiving Food Baskets, took children to Skins Santa Shoppe, and on December 22, 09 blessed families with a brunch, food baskets and toys.

Your prayers and financial support enable Community Ministry in collaboration with Faith Community members, government agencies, businesses, individuals and others to continue our now 36 year record of helping those in need across Prince George’s County.

Again thank you; your support is deeply appreciated. Happy New year!

In Faith,

Jimmie L. Slade, Executive Director

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN NEWS

As of January 24, we have contributed $19,766.90 towards the extensive repairs that were made to the Parsonage for the Andrews' arrival. With twelve months remaining in the Campaign, we need to receive $5,234 if we are to reach our goal. If you have been one of those who have so faithfully brought us so far, keep it up! The goal line is in sight. If you have not yet done your part for this important project, you can give a gift today. We will need your help if we are to reach our goal in these difficult financial times. Let's pull together - we are a winning team!

Women’s Bible Study

The Women’s Bible Study will be meeting on Wednesday, February 10, at 7:00 PM. They will take a brief hiatus during Lent, and resume meetings in April. All women of the church are invited to participate – come and bring your Bible!

Moravian Women’s Fellowship

Women of the church are invited to the next meeting of Moravian Women’s Fellowship on Sunday, February 7, immediately following worship. Come and help finalize preparations for the February 13 Valentine’s Dinner Dance and Moravian Women’s Sunday, which will be held on February 14^th.

Spring Retreat

You are invited to participate in the Spring Retreat on March 27. This self-directed event allows you to decide how and where to focus your attention. It is your opportunity to take a step back from the stress and hurry of life and find peace as you encounter the presence of the Living God. Come for as long as you can between 9 am and noon. You can pray, take a nature walk, be inspired by art, enjoy a bonfire and taste some wonderful snacks! You will proceed at your own pace. The Retreat will be held at St. Paul’s Moravian Church. If you wish to participate in the nature walk or bonfire, please wear appropriate footwear. Jesus invites you to spend a little time with Him, just the two of you. See you at the Retreat!

Romance, Part 2

It was not until after reading my own “Romance” article in last month’s “Epistle” that I realized one cannot write just on the physical attraction aspect of romance in a church newsletter, no matter how true the statements may be. So this month—ironically, the romance month of all months with Valentine’s Day—I am writing the second (and I assure everyone, LAST!) note on Christian romance.

The second “twin tower” of Christian romance is sacrificial love, or “agapè” (pronounced “ah-gah’-pay”) in Greek. The book of Ephesians commands husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church and sacrificed Himself for it. This is the agapè concept.

We are familiar with this concept generally, but how many young people—or their parents—ever think of this concept when considering their SPOOS (special person of the opposite sex)? Yet I believe that if parents would train their teens to act from agapè motives with their first “serious” SPOOS, we would see an amazing decrease in relational and marital problems down the road.

I Corinthians 12 contains an amazingly concise 2-sentence section that defines what our pre-marital physical love behavior limits are. For anyone who has lived to adulthood and married, it is clear that any relationship built on just “attraction” (i.e., physical love) will reach this limit fairly shortly—say a year or two. What then?

Strange though it may seem to young people with a SPOOS, I think we should encourage them to think of ways to agapè their SPOOS, even in their early/middle teens. True agapè is not just doing something to please another; it is doing something that is truly in the other person’s interest without benefit to you. Some ideas: 1. mucking your SPOOS’s horse stall (there’s nothing in that for you, rest assurred!); 2. Offering to babysit your SPOOS’s bratty sibling so he/she can go to a concert.

Asking teens to try agapè changes the focus of their thoughts from their feelings to the feelings of their SPOOS. It is difficult, but this change fundamentally raises trust and respect in the relationship and makes it possible to deepen their connectedness with minimal danger to crossing the I Corinthians 12 line.

I am convinced that the proper combination of physical love and agapè is the “great mystery” that the apostle Paul refers to about marriage. This same great mystery is what we should strive for in pre-marital relationships. Who knows—some day a SPOOS might become a spouse!

Happy Valentines Day!

~Fred Mayes

Spring Retreat

VOLUME XXXVIV, NUMBER 2 FEBRUARY, 2010