June 2020 St. Paul’s Monthly Newsletter 5501 Main at Binz/Bissonnet • , TX 77004 /stpaulshouston 713-528-0527 | www.stpaulshouston.org @stpaulshouston Pastor’s Message Worship at St. Paul’s Amid COVID-19 Concerns Every time you cross my mind, I Thanks to the many members who Small changes may be made to the break out in exclamations of thanks to responded to a survey conducted in late content and organization of this page, God. Each exclamation is a trigger to April about St. Paul’s online worship. as circumstances change. prayer. I find myself praying for you To the extent possible, these results Presentation Changes with a glad heart. I am so pleased that have guided several changes to the way Since the church has transitioned you have continued on in this with us, worship is presented and made accessi- to worship online only, the methods of believing and proclaiming God’s ble online. These responses also helped presentation have continued to change, Message, from the day you heard it guide the Re-Gathering Task Force though the liturgy remains a constant. right up to the present. There has determine priorities as did guidance Responding to those who miss the never been the slightest doubt in my from the local medical community. mind that the God who started this beloved sanctuary yet do not like to great work in you would keep at it and Easier Access to Online Worship see it empty, services are moving from bring it to a flourishing finish on the An overlay to the website has made home recordings to one-person-at-a- very day Christ Jesus appears. it easier to get to the online streaming time recordings within the sanctuary, — Philippians 1:3-6 (The Message) page. From the homepage, simply click though not from traditional locations. What an amazing season this has on “Worship Online,” which is one of Thanks to much additional been! Whenever I think about all that the only four choices, and takes you to behind-the-scenes work by Audio/ we as a family and a church have been www.stpaulshouston.org/live-stream. Visual Specialist and Digital Archivist through, like Paul to the Philippians, I Near the top of that page are the Tim Leatherwood and Organ Scholar find myself praying with a glad heart. choices of watching the service on live- Ben Kerswell, music will continue to We have pivoted so much in the way stream or YouTube. The same service be presented in a variety of ways — we worship, do is relayed at the same time through recordings from previous services, outreach, care for both means. Both options are provided virtual choirs compiled digitally, solo- others, and you to accommodate those for whom the ists and small ensembles. continue to be the YouTube service is more stable. (You Future? church. I am grate- also can subscribe to St. Paul’s YouTube While plans are being made to ful to Tim and his channel and go direct to it at any time.) gradually re-open all activities at or A/V team for Also near the top of that page are related to St. Paul’s, the Re-Gathering countless hours in buttons to access the worship bulletin Task Force has determined that to have editing worship and children’s activity bulletins, make “worship as St. Paul’s worships,” open services together and to Ben for the prayer requests, register attendance, Sunday morning services will be in the virtual choirs. I am grateful to all of and give online. last phase. That will allow full partici- you who have made our first year St. Also on the Online Worship Page pation by all, complete with congrega- Paul’s such a good experience. Below those buttons are suggested tional singing. I am also grateful for the ministry of ways to engage in worship while prac- Other opportunities for online this church. The scripture goes on to ticing social distancing; the service and worship and prayer are expanding to say how we trust in the God who has sermon archive, including Wednes- include Evening Prayer, Compline, started a great work in you. That day messages; information about the and spiritual practice. Plans to conduct means were not finished, you don’t upcoming Sunday services, including the sacraments of baptism and holy have to look far to see the work ahead the Lectionary readings illuminated by communion are being formulated and of us. We still have work to do in our art; “Words from our Pastors,” which may begin soon. church, our community and in the are the weekly messages emailed on And it is anticipated that after world — keep up the good work! Fridays and as needed, and COVID- in-person worship is again possible, Peace, 19 updates. The page concludes with many of the approaches that have Jeff information about music at St. Paul’s made online worship a robust experi- Rev. Dr. Jeff McDonald, Senior Pastor and the Weslayan Love Feast. ence will continue. Nicholas Moreno - North Shore Senior High School Saluting Our Graduates Alexandra (Alex) Mosby - Duschesne High School Although the COVID-19 pandemic took many of the Niels (Chris) Nielsen - Penn Foster High School joys from the usual celebrators of the high school gradua- Claire Orr - Montgomery High School tion milestone, St. Paul’s salutes their growth to this mile- stone and looks toward the future of this year’s graduates. William Perdue - St. John’s High School This year’s usual senior recognition Sunday morphed Mignon Perque - St. Agnes Academy into a reading of each senior’s names along with their Mindy Phan - Cypress Falls High School picture on the May17 live-streamed worship service. The Juliet Philpott - Alta Independent High School e-mailed Pastor’s Message on May 29 included a video Julianna Reeves - Bellaire High School salute from Tiffin Wilsford, Director of Youth Ministries, Elijah Rivera - Galena Park High School followed by videos of four of the seniors, who eloquently spoke of what their years at St. Paul’s, especially their youth Tom Roff - years, have meant to them. Ana-Sofia Ruiz - Memorial High School These still may be viewed on St. Paul’s YouTube channel Alexandra Saldana - Galena Park High School Following is a list of this year’s seniors along with the Avery Sanderlin - Dawson High School name of the school from which they have graduated: Dez’mon Scott - Cypress Falls High School Daniela Arena - Lamar Consolidated High School Andrew Smith - St. John’s High School Will Austin - Lamar High School Maddie Bender - Friendswood High School Ella Reagan Blewer - Kinder High School for the Perform- ing and Visual Arts Ariana Bonilla - Cypress Lakes High School Matana Boyle - Bellaire High School Whitney Clark - Lamar High School Melony Davis - Bellaire High School Ethan Duong - Cypress Falls High School Lindsey Ford - Cypress Falls High School Clean House, Garage = Taylor Frick - Magnolia High School Elizabeth Gutierrez - Cypress Falls High School Support Youth Missions Megan Hoffman - North Shore Senior High School St. Paul’s Youth can help you divest of items in your home — big or small — that you no longer want or need. Morgan Hoffman - North Shore Senior High School They will sell them for you online. That includes all the Brooke Humlicek - Friendswood High School steps leading up to the sale, such as taking photographs. Sam Irvin - St. Pius X High School They will remove the sold items from your property and Blake LeBlanc - Cypress Falls High School package and ship or deliver them, as needed. Proceeds from Ariadne Lopez - Galena Park High School your sales then become a tax-free donation for St. Paul’s Elaina Manalac - Episcopal High School Youth activities and service projects. Christian Martin - Cypress Lakes High School For details, please contact Tiffin via tiffin@stpaulshous ton.org or 713- 858-9113. Kaylee Mathews - Friendswood High School McKenna Miller - Kinder High School for the Performing Youth Venturing Outside Together and Visual Arts Youth groups will transition to small, in-person, Julie Moreno - Galena Park High School outdoor gatherings in mid-June, consistent with CDC Ivan Moreno - North Shore Senior High School guidelines. The schedule and locations will vary but may still Confirmation Rings include mid-week gatherings on Wednesdays, Tuesday Girls Youth leaders are visiting each of this year’s confirmands Bible Study, and Thursday Guys Bible Study. — from Katy to League City and most points between — to To ensure receiving the latest information, e-mail Tiffin deliver the confirmation rings normally presented after the Wilsford via [email protected], Oksana Schwak via in-person confirmation service. A live service is still being [email protected], or Kat Denton via kat@stpauls planned. houston.org. St. Paul’s Monthly • June 2020 • Page 2 • St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Houston • 713-528-0527 • www.stpaulshouston.org Meet Matt Perez, New Choral Scholars Director Succeeding Choral Scholars Director Eddie Quaid, whose retirement was Who to Contact to... announced last month, is Matthew (Matt) Perez. let the Church know of births, Perez also is a choral director at hospitalizations, illnesses, deaths Cypress-Falls High School from where six of the 2010-20 Choral Scholars were in the family or other concerns, drawn and where he directs five ensem- contact Nina Hall via nina@stpaul- bles. shouston.org or 713-528-0527x113. A 2012 graduate of Lamar Univer- update your membership sity with a Bachelor of Music Degree, emphasis on choral music, he will grad- records, including email address(es) uate this summer with a Master’s degree and telephone numbers, please in Choral Conducting from Michigan contact Rachel Wiggs via rachel@ State University. Growing up in a Lutheran church, stpaulshouston.org or 713-528- he worked with several church and 0527x123. other choirs during his time in college, including the Southeast Children’s schedule a baptism, funeral, Chorus and the Beaumont Interfaith Choral Society. He also has conducted choirs at the Texas Music Educators Association and memorial service, or worship flow- American Choral Directors Association conferences, and is traveling to North ers, please contact Rachel Wiggs Carolina in 2021 to conduct an All State Choir there. via [email protected] or Matt worked with Eddie to recruit another excellent Choral Scholars group 713-528-0527x123. Plans are being for our next season - no small feat when it isn’t possible to meet with the singers in person. made to hold baptism services “We look forward to the Choral Scholars going from strength to strength outside. A scallop shell, long a under Matt’s leadership,” said Christopher Betts, St. Paul’s Director of Music, symbol of baptism, would be used “and we will bid farewell to Eddie and welcome to Matt just as soon as we are a b l e .” to pour the water over the person Attracting some of the very best high school choral students from the Great- being baptized. er Houston area, this last season, 18 of St. Paul’s 34 Choral Scholars were All State schedule a wedding, please Choir singers. Bringing these talented young musicians into St. Paul’s introduces them to contact Betty Rennell, wedding singing the finest sacred music in a liturgical setting and equips them to be a part coordinator, via bettyrennell@ of church choirs for the rest of their lives. Currently, four of the St. Paul’s Choir gmail.com. members, including three staff singers, are former Choral Scholars. How-to Videos Do you know how to do some- thing that you’d like to share? Do you have knowledge to share? Or is there something you would like to learn how to do or know? If you answer yes to one or more of those questions, e-mail Associate Youth Director Oksana Schwak via [email protected]. She is compiling a list of three-minute videos to be made by the Youth to be shared with the Youth, and the invitation is extended to anyone else who would like to share their knowledge or expertise.

St. Paul’s Monthly • June 2020 • Page 3 • St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Houston • 713-528-0527 • www.stpaulshouston.org As St. Paul’s Family has joined others in quarantine, you also have helped others through Thanks for Caring! this difficult time. Below are examples of that help and opportunities that continue.

Through your generous financial support we provided 25 Congo- The Emergency Aid Coalition (EAC) continues to serve 400-500 lese-Houstonian families (more than 125 adults, youth, and chil- sack lunches Monday-Friday, and volunteers are always needed dren) with eight weeks of fresh produce from Plant it Forward for food distribution at the EAC and to pick up purchased food Farms, fresh homemade baked breads, books and supplemental and deliver it to the EAC. The specific urgent needs change a bit each week and is usually updated on Fridays. To check the latest school supplies, and food staples, including rice, beans, oil, tea, urgent needs list, please go to www.stpaulshouston.org/covid- sugar, and bread, plus cleaning supplies and acetaminophen. serve-give. For Amazon wishlist delivery logistics, call or text Thank you so much. It couldn’t have happened without you. Marian Bryant at 832-859-1065. Thanks to the recent Ordinary Life online auction, $3,000 was raised to help the Black Lives Matter, Fe y Esperanza, and ProjectCurate communities with housing costs. Prayer Quilts to Protective Cloth Masks

St. Paul’s Prayer and Square prayer quilt ministry is Completed protective masks may be picked up in the partnering with congregations around the region to make church reception area. Two styles are being made: elastic protective cloth masks. To join the sewing team, e-mail Sari (picture at left) and one-size-fits-all (pictures at center and Frey via [email protected]. right), which includes a small wire in the nose piece for If you would prefer to donate supplies, please bring any shaping to your nose and face. of these items to the church reception area Monday-Thurs- Monetary donations to the Prayer Quilt Ministry also day between 10 am and 4 pm: would be appreciated. The estimated retail value of each • fabric (tightly woven, quilting cotton fabric, mini- mask is approximately $10. mum 36” wide) To donate, please go to www.pushpay.com/g/stpauls • elastic (1/2” or 1/4”) houston. Select “give one time,” then for “Fund,” select • Ziploc sandwich-size bags for packaging “Other/Events,” and in the Comments space, write “Prayer Quilt Ministry.” St. Paul’s Monthly • June 2020 • Page 4 • St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Houston • 713-528-0527 • www.stpaulshouston.org The Communion of Saints Renewing Commitment Each week as we recite the Apos- church, the Columbarium is a place tles’ Creed together during worship, of reverence and retreat. Behind the to St. Paul’s Ministries When the Generosity Team we say that we believe in the commu- ornate gate at the entrance lies a tran- launched the Renew recurring giving nion of saints. But do we ever wonder quil space featuring custom stained campaign in early March, it was with how we live into this ancient belief at glass to complement the windows the intention of providing St. Paul’s St. Paul’s? in our Sanctuary, a small chapel, with a steady, stable income stream The communion of saints reflects a and niches to house the remains of during the summer months when belief in the cycle of birth, death, and one thousand of the communion of many of our families are traveling. It life eternal. In our church it begins saints — members of St. Paul’s and was providential that the campaign with infant baptism and ends with a their families, as well as friends of the coincided with the suspension of celebration of life on this earth and church. worship services in our Sanctuary and the beginning of an The Columbari- the move to live-stream attendance. eternal life. Tangi- Inurn: To place the cremated um is a sacred space Thanks to the generosity of over 120 ble signs of these remains of a deceased human being that allows family families, our church has benefitted milestones are the or animal into an urn. Today, the members to rest and from a consistent stream gifts during baptismal fount and English word “inurnment” generally reflect in the pres- this very uncertain period. the Columbarium. refers to placing cremated remains ence of the saints of Like our families, our church Interment in or “ashes” into an urn. St. Paul’s. Inurned works hard to be a good and respon- Christian churches Inter: To place the remains of here are beloved sible steward of our resources. During dates back to the a deceased human being or animal former pastors and this time of COVID-19, we have early days of our into the ground, e.g., earth burial. their spouses, lead- committed to maintaining all our staff faith — from the ers in our church Part of this word owes its genesis to and meeting our payroll and benefits martyrs in the cata- community, and the Latin word “terra,” or “earth.” obligations. And we have continued combs, to the faith- devoted members of — Source: Verywellhealth.com our ministries in creative ways, as ful in church crypts, our congregation. evidenced elsewhere in this newsletter. and to the creation of cemeteries The Columbarium is maintained This is possible thanks to the generos- attached to houses of worship. through an endowed fund within the ity of our congregation. As we transi- Two decades ago, church leader- St. Paul’s Methodist Foundation. For tion to the summer months, however, ship at St. Paul’s offered an alterna- more information on the Columbari- the need for congregational support tive to in-ground interment with the um, please see www.stpaulshouston.org/ persists. The current commitments to construction of the Columbarium columbarium or contact Mary Linda Renew support only a portion of the where loved ones can be inurned. Portner at mlportner@stpaulshouston. 2020 ministry budget. Located beneath the Narthex of the org or 713-818-3101. If you have not yet enrolled in our Renew recurring gift program, it’s not St. Paul’s Family too late. Among the advantages are: Member Weddings. Congratulations to Lauren Fuller and Paul Bishop, both • It’s convenient St. Paul’s members, on their wedding of May 30, 2020. • No worries about forgetting Birth. Congratulations to Hilary and James Newman on the birth of their donation or falling behind when out son, Theodore, who was born May 15, 2020. of town Deaths. Deepest sympathy to Courtney Pope and Tom Thrash, Collin and • It is the most cost-effective way Camille Thrash on the death of Courtney’s father, Mike Pope, who died on May to give to the church 17, 2020. Several easy ways to enroll: Deepest sympathy to Nora and Rev. Dr. Wilson Boots on the death of Nora’s 1. Text 77977 with the phrase brother, Mario Quiroga, who died recently in Bolivia. He was the uncle of Marc stpaulshouston to get link to setup your Boots and great uncle of Jake and Lauren Boots. recurring gift Deepest sympathy to the family of Jack Savage, who died May 25, 2020. He 2. Go to www.stpaulshouston.org/ is survived by his mother and stepfather Jenny Lane Savage and Dr. Majed Ibra- renew to learn how to give online or him; his father and stepmother Jeff Savage and Melissa Scheier; his grandparents, manually setup a recurring gift Lois and Jack Lane; sister and brother-in-law Dr. Ashley Becker and Fred Becker; 3. Contact Veronica Pearce in sister Annabelle Savage; niece Naomi Becker; and stepsiblings Maria, Mohamed, the Business Office for assistance Sara, and Mohannad Ibrahim; ([email protected])

St. Paul’s Monthly • June 2020 • Page 5 • St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Houston • 713-528-0527 • www.stpaulshouston.org W a y s t o S t a y C o n n e c t e d You are not in this alone. The people of St. Paul’s are finding creative ways to connect even while practicing phys- ical distancing. On this page and the next are listings of the latest information on when most St. Paul’s groups are meeting (or not) and how to connect with them virtually. For future updates, please go to www.stpaulshouston. org/stayconnected. To update, correct, or add to this information, please e-mail [email protected]. Gatherings for Adults, Living Room at 10 am. To connect, WEDNESDAYS Mostly e-mail [email protected]. Men’s Lectionary Bible Study. Anxiety Groups. Separate groups Wednesdays at 7:30 am via Zoom. To connect with a group, learn how for Youth and Adults. Alternate To connect, e-mail Brad Harmes via to use a video chat platform such as Sundays from 5 to 6 pm. To connect, [email protected]. Zoom, or if your group would like help e-mail Oksana via oksana@stpauls Mid-Week Message. Wednesdays setting up a remote meeting, contact houston.org or Kat via kat@stpauls at 12:15 pm. In the Lectionary-based Rev. Karyn Richards-Kuan via houston.org Mid-week Message, one of our pastors [email protected]. Fe y Esperanza, a las 5 pm. looks ahead to the scripture for the SUNDAYS Compartimos una lectura de las Escrit- following Sunday. Ordinary Life is live-streamed at uras y una breve reflexión. En tiempos To view, from www.stpauls 9:45 am. To connect, please go to www. como este, estamos connectandonos houston.org, click on Worship online, ordinarylife.org/live-stream-broadcast por teléfono o Whatsapp. Si le gustaria then Worship on YouTube. The previ- around 9:30 Sunday mornings. que lo o la connectemos porfavor envie ous video remains on the screen until Classes and groups meeting Sundays aun correo a la Rev. Nataly Negrete al the current week’s message begins. via Zoom, listed in time, then alphabet- e-mail: [email protected] In THURSDAYS ical, order: such a time as this, we are connecting Women’s Lectionary Bible Study Centering Prayer from 8:15 to 9:35 by phone and through Whatsapp. If with Rev. Barbara Robberson. Thurs- am. To connect, e-mail Enod Gray via you like us to connect, please email days at 8:30 am via Zoom. To connect, [email protected]. Rev. Nataly Negrete via nataly@stpaul- e-mail Beverly McMahan via bjmc- Candlelighters at 9:45 am. To shouston.org. On Sundays at 5 pm, we [email protected] connect, e-mail Beverly McMahan via share a scripture reading and a brief Sugar Land Sistsers. First and third [email protected]. reflection. Thursdays at 10 am via Zoom. To Journeys at 9:45 am. To connect, POV Forum Sunday School connect, e-mail Pat Pearson via hlpear e-mail Gary Payne via gary.payne001@ class occasionally meets via Zoom [email protected]. gmail.com. on Saturday or Sunday at 7 pm. To Ordinary Life Women. On Roundtable at 9:45 am. To connect, connect, e-mail Chris Newlin via summer break. Usually meets the first e-mail Tom Cole via tscole6234@yahoo. [email protected]. Thursday of the month at noon. To com. Topic: The Book of Mark. TUESDAYS re-connect, e-mail Lynn Schroth via Short-Term Studies at 9:45 am. To Tuesday Lectionary Bible Study. [email protected] connect, e-mail Mary Linda Portner Tuesdays at noon via via Zoom. Her | meneutics. First and third via [email protected]. New To connect, e-mail Rev. Paul Rich- Thursdays at 6:30 pm via Zoom. To six-week study begins June 14: Dr. ards-Kuan via prichards-kuan@ connect, e-mail hermeneuticsSPUMC@ Amy-Jill Levine’s Short Stories by Jesus. stpaulshouston.org. For those unable gmail.com or Rev. Karyn Richard-Kuan Special Studies at 9:45 am. to attend the Zoom meeting, a short via krichards-kuan@stpaulshouston. To connect, e-mail Sol Bobst via lecture is posted to YouTube after the org. Her | meneutics is a community [email protected]. Topic: Karen study. of women committed to maturing Armstrong’s The Lost Art of Scripture. Young Adult (Epworth) League spiritually and cultivating a network of Epworth Young Adult League at 10 City-wide Night. This city-wide minis- support and belonging. am. To connect, e-mail Rev. Dr. Jim try for 18-35 year olds is on summer Bankston via [email protected]. FRIDAYS break, but usually meets Tuesdays at Topic: The Gospel of Matthew. Weekly Video Pastor’s Message. 7 pm. Contact points: info@epworth- Living Faith at 10 am. To connect, Check your inbox each Friday for leaguehtx.org to get on the newsletter e-mail Leah Barton via leahrachel@ special messages from clergy and or follow @epworthleaguehtx on Insta- gmail.com. others. gram. St. Paul’s Monthly • June 2020 • Page 6 • St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Houston • 713-528-0527 • www.stpaulshouston.org W a y s t o S t a y C o n n e c t e d

Gatherings for Parents Gatherings for Children Wellness and Support All of these groups meet via Zoom. (infants-5th graders) Groups Sundays To access at-home materials and All of these groups meet via Zoom. Amazing Parents, Amazing Kids join Zoom meetings, e-mail Rev. Kate Mondays (APAK). For families with children Flint via [email protected]. Tai Chi. 9 am. To connect, e-mail with special needs. Meets first Sundays Children and their Families are Byron York via [email protected]. @ 1 pm. To connect, e-mail Jennifer encouraged to hold their own Sunday Wednesdays West via [email protected]. school classes at home with resources Healing Circle for Social Distancing Mondays in the Kids SS Lessons Dropbox Fold- Support. On select Wednesdays, 10:30- St. Paul’s Moms Hang Out. Second er, which includes lessons with learner 11:30 am. Upcoming dates: June 10 & and Fourth Mondays at 8 pm. To leaflet, lesson plan, and staff-produced 24, July 8 & 29, and August 12 & 26. connect, e-mail Rev. Kate Flint via videos. To connect or inquire about additional [email protected]. New study GROW (2nd-5th-grades) meets via possibilities, e-mail Helen via hspaw@ begins July 13 focusing on identify- Zoom on Sundays from 10:45 to 11:05 stpaulshouston.org. ing implicit bias in our parenting as am when leaders introduce the lessons Heart Health Support Group we strive to raise children with better to continue at home. conducted by Houston Methodist awareness of social justice. Check in our Facebook Page for Hospital. Second Wednesday of the Tuesdays activity ideas and Children’s Ministry month at 6 pm. To connect, e-mail St. Paul’s Single Moms Circle. 8:30 news. facilitator Wayne Brewer via wbrewer pm. To connect, e-mail Helen Spaw via [email protected]. Occasionally the day [email protected]. Children’s Choirs or time changes; to ensure receiving Joyful Noise, the music and notifications, e-mail Wayne to join his worship assembly for three-year-olds Youth (6th-12th graders) mailing list. through 1st graders, resumes June 14 Thursdays Youth groups will transition to at its regular time of Sundays at 9:45 small, in-person, outdoor gatherings in Healing of Racism Art Circle. Third am. To connect via e-mail Rev. Kate Thursday of month from 10 to 11 am. mid-June, consistent with CDC guide- Flint via [email protected]. lines. To connect, email Helen via hspaw@ The schedule and locations will stpaulshouston.org. This is conducted A Celebration of the vary but may still include mid-week in conjunction with the Center for the RSCM Gulf Coast Course. gatherings on Wednesdays, Tuesday Healing of Racism. Sunday, June 28, 4 pm Girls Bible Study, and Thursday Guys NEW! Healthcare Workers Support St. Paul’s YouTube Channel Bible Study. Circle. Thursday, June 11, from 7 to 8 To ensure receiving the latest pm, and Thursday, June 25, from 11 Wesley Singers (1st-2nd-graders), am to noon. To connect or inquire information, e-mail Tiffin Wilsford Choristers (3rd-8th-graders), and via [email protected], Oksana about additional possibilities, e-mail Treble Choir (older treble voices). [email protected]. Schwak via oksana@stpaulshouston. These choirs will resume via Zoom in org, or Kat Denton via kat@stpauls mid-June. The concept of Healing Circles is houston.org. Sessions will be combinations of individual lessons, group meetings, based on the Campfire. Humans In lieu of physically hosting AA, and working on the Royal School of have gathered and shared stories in Al-Anon, and other outside support Church Music’s (RSCM) Voice for Life this way for thousands of years. A groups, St. Paul’s provides a curriculum. Circle is a social structure that helps resource compiled by The Council Dates and times will be announced on Recovery. This comprehensive people come together in collabo- via the children’s Facebook page, e-let- list, accessed via www.councilon- rative dialogue and action. Healing ter, and other means. recovery.org/covid19 includes links Circles help us step out of ordinary For more information about these to help lines, online Chat Support time into a safe and accepting envi- choirs, e-mail Children’s Music Direc- Groups, Remote 12-Step Programs, ronment in which to explore our tor Anna Teagarden via ateagarden@ and Stress Management Resources. stpaulshouston.org. healing.

St. Paul’s Monthly • June 2020 • Page 7 • St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Houston • 713-528-0527 • www.stpaulshouston.org Looking Ahead Church Council Approves Re-Gathering Plan Church has not ever been closed. The building may have been but as we Dear St. Paul’s Family, different paces. It is currently our have said, we are the church. Great On June 2, our St. Paul’s Church hope to move to small groups in worship has continued online, chil- Council approved a plan for Re- mid-to-late June. dren, youth, and adults have contin- Gathering in our buildings. We are One of the interesting parts of the ued to meet in a variety of ways taking a cautious approach, moving document is the idea that we need to online, you continue to be incredibly forward slowly based on the data evaluate all of our ministries and generous in your financial gifts, you from the Texas Medical Center and determine if some that may need to keep giving to causes in our communi- public health officials. (You can see stop, continue, or grow. And it also ty, and we remain strong. the data yourself at www.tmc.edu.) gives us the opportunity to envision Please continue to keep our church We will start with small groups and new ministries for St. Paul’s future. and staff in your prayers as we begin move forward in stages as we see the Please note that it will be a while gathering together in person again, virus under control. We have not put before we gather for worship again, this always keeping our focus on loving dates on the different stages because is because we want to worship in a way God and loving our neighbor. as we watch the data, moving from that allows everyone to gather safely. Peace, stage to stage may be different, and We don’t call this a re-opening plan Jeff different ministries will move at because St. Paul’s United Methodist Rev. Dr. Jeff McDonald, Senior Pastor Some Re-Gathering Plan Highlights Pastors for new members in late June. The next stage could include Fellow- Facilities gradually add hybrid virtual/in-person ship Friday. The underlying concerns are clean- programming. The fourth stage could include ing and sanitation, signage for social Justice and Compassion Ministries socially distanced gatherings such distancing and health guidelines, Throughout the stages, provide as prayer team meetings and healing establishing protocols to ensure social food and masks to EAC and grants for circles plus limited health team initia- distancing for meetings and gatherings. housing, host blood drives, and advo- tives and preparation for telemedicine Adult Groups cate for justice for the most vulnerable. project. These will gradually move through At full re-opening the new Justice Prior to full re-gathering, the the states of the current virtual groups and Compassion Ministry Council hospitality team may be trained on to small groups at the church or will co-create with congregation new new protocols, lay visitation training outside and hybrid virtual/in-person missional opportunities. may resume, clergy may resume hospi- gatherings. Food and snacks discour- Congregational Care and Hospitality tal visits, and the telemedicine project aged at those stages. When adult Graveside and inurnment services will be initiated. programming resumes at historical are being conducted with limited Read Complete Plan: norms, virtual groups that are work- participants, and Hospitality will hold www.stpalshouston.org/stayconnected ing well should be retained and new the first “Zoomed” Coffee with the hybrid virtual/in-person options should be offered. Children (nursery through 5th grade) Most activities remain online throughout most stages, though St. Organ Pops Concert Paul’s School has resumed in a limited way. Limited childcare and children’s classes for certain situations may begin in the next to last of the six re-gathering stages. Youth (5th-12th grades) Includes virtual tour inside the organ In mid-June Youth will begin holding small group outdoor gather- ings with social distancing. They may

St. Paul’s Monthly • June 2020 • Page 8 • St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Houston • 713-528-0527 • www.stpaulshouston.org