|
|
SPIRITUAL FORMATION AT ST. PAUL
Spiritual Formation at St. Paul is about worship and sacraments, Bible study, prayer, service, and giving.
WORSHIP
Worshiping God is central here at St. Paul. We remember and experience anew the saving actions of Jesus Christ through the seasons of the Christian year – Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter and Pentecost -- and connecting with God through liturgy, scripture, preaching and music each Sunday. Our hour-long 11:00 a.m. service is a convergence service featuring a blend of music styles led by our Worship Ensemble, along with a liturgy, scripture and preaching.
SACRAMENTS
As United Methodists, we recognize and celebrate the sacraments of Holy Baptism and Holy Communion (The Lord’s Supper) throughout the year as part of our worship services. We believe these outward, visible signs of God’s grace continually nurture us in the Christian faith and life.
Holy Baptism is celebrated in worship, whenever an infant or an adult is welcomed into the family of God through Jesus Christ. We remember our own baptisms at the baptism of each new member, and on a special Sunday in January when we commemorate the baptism of Jesus.
Holy Communion is usually celebrated the first Sunday of each month at both worship services and on special days such as Holy (Maundy) Thursday during Holy Week. We use fresh bread and grape juice and serve by intinction (dipping the bread in the cup). Holy Communion is open to all persons.
BIBLE STUDY
Studying the Holy Scriptures and related issues is essential to the spiritual life in Christ. Sunday school
We offer children, teen and adult classes that meet each Sunday morning at 9:45 in our Education Building. Children’s classes are creative and interactive with excellent, experienced teachers. A nursery, staffed by two experienced childcare givers is available for children under 2 years old.
Our teen class is discussion oriented and includes spiritual support along with Bible study, Christian theology and life-style issues specifically geared toward teens.
We have several adult classes that are lecture and/or discussion oriented. They use a variety of adult material that focuses on Bible study, theology, family issues, life-style issues and current events.
Small Group Studies.
In addition to Sunday school, we also offer small group studies at various times throughout the year. Studies include short and long-term Disciple Bible Studies and other studies focusing on theology, spirituality and lifestyle issues. Small groups meet on week-days evening or on Wednesday mornings as a part of our Women’s Study Group. Gifted lay teachers/facilitators and our pastor lead these studies.
PRAYER
Prayer is essential to living and nurturing one’s spiritual life. Prayer is an integral part of our worship services where we pray to God each Sunday and lift up intercessory prayers on behalf of those in our church, community, nation and world who are in need of God’s intervention, healing, guidance and grace.
During the season of Lent, we place a special emphasis on prayer here at St. Paul, with each member receiving a devotional booklet for Lent.
We also offer studies on prayer at various times in some of our Sunday school classes and short-term small group classes.
Members are strongly encouraged to develop and practice a daily devotional life of study and prayer. Our pastor is trained in Christian spiritual direction and formation and open to assisting anyone seeking to learn and grow in their individual spiritual life.
SERVICE
A life of discipleship in Jesus Christ is not complete without serving others. Members of St. Paul are expected to serve their church and community, using their particular gifts and graces as the Holy Spirit has given them.
St. Paul Church is very active in missions and ministries in our congregation, community and beyond. We have an Outreach Ministry that takes home-made soup to people in the winter. We also provide meals for church families coping with serious illness or the loss of an immediate family member.
Our Women's Circles are mission-oriented groups that actively support a number of mission projects, including children’s Christmas bags for Grady Hospital, Christmas baskets for M.U.S.T. and Cobb Mental Health clients, Murphy Harpst Home, Mountain Top Boys Home, and Ronald McDonald House.
We also actively support M.U.S.T. (Ministries United for Service and Training) by participating in food, clothing, school and other supply drives throughout the year. Our congregation provides meals and volunteers each month for the Loaves and Fishes Community Kitchen at M.U.S.T.
Mission trips are a part of our hands-on ministry as well. This year we are participating in a week-long mission trip to Hinton Rural Life Center in North Carolina.
With our monetary gifts, we also support the many ministries and missions of the North Georgia and General Conferences of the United Methodist Church including the United Methodist Children’s Home, Wesley Woods for elder care, World Service Fund and Africa University Fund.
GIVING
Spiritual growth calls for us to give our time and our money in service to others. We strive toward the biblical tithe and encourage generous giving to support the mission and ministries not only of St. Paul Church, but also the community and the world. We have an Annual Giving Campaign each fall to pledge our local church budget. We also provide opportunities throughout the year for giving to specific local, regional and global ministries through our Extra Mile Giving focus. When disasters strike, we work with the United Methodist Committee on Relief needed funds and supplies for people in immediate need.
YOU’RE INVITED! Come and grow in your walk with Christ with us. To learn more, contact the church office at 770.422.1089 or churchoffice@stpaulumc.com and talk with our church secretary, Claudia. Or contact our pastor, Dana, at the same number or dana@stpaulumc.com. We’ll be glad to share with you what’s happening at St. Paul.
|
|
 |
 |
|
Sunday School - 9:45 a.m. All Ages