Karin’s Comments

“See, the home of God is among mortals. He will dwell with them as their God: they will be his people, and God himself will be with them.” (Rev. 21:3)

The promise of Christmas was fulfilled through the manger in Bethlehem - a God that actually “came down” to earth, and by descending, redeemed the whole world. But, what’s after that - when family has gone home, when the presents are all opened, when the returns have been made?

“An opportunity to live as those redeemed, as those claimed by a God who loves us so much that God sent his Son into a hurting and violent world.”

We’ve been loved so dearly that nothing, not things present, nor things in the future, nothing at all can separate us from that love.

As we take the decorations down one more time and put them away in boxes, may the joy and the mystery of the whole season continue to bless us throughout the whole year.

May you be blessed by the love and peace brought forth into the world.

Karin

John’s Jottings

Without in any way detracting from the lofty tone of those first words from the Gospel of John, the following has been suggested as an apt paraphrase:

"In the beginning was the dream, and the dream was with God, and God was the dream.

This very element was in the beginning with God.

All things came into being through it, and without it not one single thing came into being. What really came into being through the dream was life, and that life was the light of men.

And the light appears in the darkness, and the darkness is not able to put it out… and the dream became flesh and dwelt among us, and I and we saw its glory like the glory of the father full of grace and truth."

This paraphrase by an unknown author seems to be saying that in the very dawn of the creative process an incredible dream lurked within the infinite mind. The dream persisted, and this was the heart of the Christmas message-- the dream became flesh and dwelt among us! That moment was the supreme triumph of the dream. Lives of love, lives of clean laughter, lives of joy have come into our clouded world. This miracle transcends all miracles. The idea DOES fulfill the dream of God. Christmas DOES lift us to the stars. Christmas symbolizes the greatest truth we know. Love came into being to warm the bleak loneliness of space. And the dream became flesh and dwelt among us -- to be our guide through this and all the unknown futures of our lives. May peace and love be yours.

John

The UMW Annual Christmas Luncheon was a huge success

Members of the Sanctuary Choir and Joyful Bell Ringers brought a delightful program of Christmas music. Luncheon guests joined in the singing of favorite carols. Thanks to Tom Pedersen, Keely Fraser and to the circles for providing the food, set-up, clean up and decorations. Special Mission Recognition pins were awarded to the Quartet who had brought the programs for many years. The pins were given for service to the church and a contribution was made in their names to the World-Wide Mission of the United Methodist Women. Members of the quartet are Anne Garrett, Sherri Porter, Jim Gelatt and Eric Eaton.

New officers for 2006 were installed

by Rev. Karin Walker and are:

President-Becky Scheirer;

Vice-President-Virginia Bickford;

Secretary-Ruthie Melson;

Treasurer-Jeri Rhodes;

Secretary of Program Resources-Emily Robinson;

Committee on Nominations-Elaine Neidecker, Debbie Zwick, & Jean Thompson;

Coordinations: Spiritual Growth-Nancy Foster; Social Action-Marty Bartley;

Membership-Carol Carter;

Representative: Asbury Methodist Home-Ruth Sylvester;

Board of Child Care-Marybelle Waldroff;

D.C. Methodist Home-Helen Lidie;

Church Women United-Sue Roberts

Circle Leaders; Deborah-Mabel Baker;

Miriam-Helen Lidie; Jochebed-Chris Schiponi; Lydia-Elaine Neidecker and Virginia Bickford; Prisca-Ginger Geertsema; Sarah-Ruth Ann Kuykendall.

Circles will meet in January for the annual pledge

services.

UNITED METHODIST MEN BEGIN

A NEW YEAR

A New Year brings an opportunity of renewed purpose and commitment, both as a group and as individuals within Christ’s church.

Every U.M.M. activity brings blessings to our church, world community, and special blessings of fellowship to those participating in these events. We see new faces joining the “regulars” and thank those (men and women) who have worked so hard to make the Y2005 activities so successful. Men, as your time allows, I ask you to join us in our

bi-monthly meetings or annual activities.

If you are a “regular”, please find someone not active in the U.M.M. and bring him to one of these events.

A special thank you for all who worked at the Christmas Tree Sale and all who purchased trees making this a very successful sale.

Upcoming events Schedule

Wed., Jan. 4 - Executive Committee meets, 7:30-9:00 p.m., Library

Sat., Jan 7 - Pancake Breakfast

Wed. Feb 1- General Dinner meeting (Travel Log by Jim Heins)

Working with you

Harold Moyer

~President

REPORT ON 2005 U.M.M. FALL YARD & APPLE SALES

YARD SALE:

The Fall U.M.M. yard sale is over. Thanks to all who helped make it one of the most successful ever. The profits from the sale, compared with last two sales, are as follows:

2004 - Spring $7,080

2004 - Fall $5,956

2005 - Spring $7,503

2005 - Fall $7,218 *

* This will probably go up another few hundred if two cameras sell on eBay

The U.M.M. Executive Committee designated the proceeds from this sale to the U.M.M. Van Fund for replacement of the 1985 Ford 11-passenger van. The fund now has approximately $27,000 in it. We may replace that van with a small bus that would be more comfortable, and safer. However, the cost of such a bus could be as much as $50-$55K (new). This will probably not be happening anytime soon unless some “angels” decide to intervene.

While this yard sale was not a record, the net profit was very good. The main factors that influence the profits from these sales are (1) the quantity and quality of the donated merchandise, (2) the number of customers and (3) the weather. The quantity of the merchandise for this sale may have been a little lower than usual, but the quality was a bit better as we have tried to be more selective as to what we will accept. We had a good turnout thanks to great weather.

The declining number of volunteers and the aging of those who do volunteer is a problem. With the volume of merchandise that is donated and the resulting time and effort required to pickup, transport, organize and price, the workload has significantly increased in recent years.

A very big THANK YOU for those who did volunteer and bought to help make this sale one of the most successful.

APPLE SALE:

This year we purchased 140 bushels of apples (12 varieties). This was an increase of 40 bushels over last year. At the close of business on Saturday, we still had about 40 bushels of apples. So, we reopened four days of the following week and on Saturday. We even sold a few more after the youth spaghetti luncheon on Sunday the 20^th. We took the remaining apples (about 6 bushels of golden delicious) to the Grosvenor Market, for donation to the Capital Area Food Bank.

Although the apple sale was more work than anticipated, our net profit was $3,597, the most profitable apple sale ever for the UMM.

So, another very big THANK YOU to those who worked and bought.

Harold Moyer & Jerry Watkins

~ United Methodist Men

CHURCH‑WIDE LUNCHEON - Jan. 15

On Sunday, January 15, our Youth Choir will serve a delicious luncheon in Heavener Hall. The cost is $8 per adult and $5 per child. Lunch will be available beginning at 11:30 a.m. and will be served until 1 p.m. This will be a fund-raiser for the choir tour to New York City in February. Menu will be either Spaghetti OR Sloppy Joes - come and find out which!

Please let us know that you will be coming by signing up in the church office on Sunday mornings, January 2 and 9, so that we may accurately estimate how many to plan for. Thanks for your continuing support of our youth ministry program!

ST. PAUL’S ADULT EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES:

Short Term Classes: Winter 2006

Please find sign-up sheets in the church office.

Book Discussion: God's Politics: Why the Right Gets It Wrong and the Left Doesn't Get It by Jim Wallace

Mike McCurry will lead the discussion.

Sunday, February 12, 12:00 p.m., in the Parlor, following the church luncheon. Please read the book prior to the discussion day!

A Life Worthy of the Gospels

Emily Robinson

6 Tuesdays, Jan.10-Feb. 14

7:15 - 8:45 p.m., Room 117

Ethicist Dr. Sondra Wheeler lectures via DVD, using helpful examples from Scripture and from Church history.

Fee: $6.25 for study guide

Short-Term Disciple Bible Studies: Invitation to the New Testament

Rick Buckingham

8 Thursdays, January 12– March 2,

Morning Class: 10:30 a.m. -12:00 p.m.

Evening Class: 7:15-8:45 p.m.

Using Matthew’s Gospel as a starting point, this study explores how the New Testament writers and the early Christian community wrestled with the coming of Jesus - his life, actions, mission, death, and resurrection - and the implications of his arrival for their lives and their communities of faith. Fee: $9.00 for study manual

Christians in Conversation about Homosexuality

6 Wednesdays, January 18 - February 22

7:30-9:00 p.m. alternating between St. Paul’s and Bethesda. First class at St. Paul’s.

Come and join us for a 6-week study on this important issue of our time. We will join with folks from Bethesda UMC. What a great way to dialogue and learn with others. Sign up in the church office.

Liturgical Dance

Karin Walker

Mondays, beginning January 9^th, 12:00 Noon-1:00 p.m., in the Sanctuary. Please call Meg Baker to express interest.

Spanish Class

Jim Smith, Jr.

Mondays, at 7:30 p.m. in Room 119 “All are Welcome!”

Couple’s Retreat: Twenty-Two Hours

Enjoy fellowship with one another, meet new friends, worship together, and have fun!

Guaranteed!

Karin and Mike Walker

January 20-21, at the

Best Western Westminster Conference Center, Westminster, MD

Cost: $200 per couple for room and all meals.

Begins with dinner on Friday night and ends at

4 p.m. Saturday afternoon.

Space is limited to twenty-five couples. Sign up in the church office. For information call 301-933-7933.

_____________________________________________________________

Red "Coin Stockings" Are Still Being Collected

If your child brought home a red coin stocking from Sunday School and you haven't had a chance to fill it up and return it, worry not, because we will be collecting them until the end of January.

The program is sponsored by the United Methodist Women and benefits local foster children through the Maryland Board of Childcare. Money raised will help buy food, clothing, school supplies and Christmas gifts for the 2006 season. Your donations are not too late!

Return your coin-filled stocking to the green box in the Church Office. And if you haven't had a chance to pick up a stocking (anyone can participate!), help yourself to one on the little red table in the hallway next to the office.

History Tidbits (1961)

Directions: Fill in the blanks using these numbers: 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 12, 45, 100.

About _____years ago, St. Paul's did not have any children's choirs. The Music Director at that time, Dale Harpham, sent out a call for children interested in joining a choir.

To his amazement, ______ children showed up at the designated day/time. Immediately he formed _______ choirs for various age groups and appointed directors, as follows:

Cherub Choir- Preschool- Bettye King

Carol Choir - Grades ____ to ____ - Mary Purdue

Angeles Choir - Grades ____ to _____ - Mary Purdue

Hosanna Choir - Grades _____ to _____ - Mary Catherine Brake

Do you remember singing or helping with these choirs? Do you have any stories to share?

Call Emily Robinson, Church Historian at

301-949-1055.

____________________________________

A Few Bulletin Boards Are Still up for Adoption

Perhaps you saw this notice last month, but were too busy to pursue it…you are still needed! Are you artistic? Do you want a church job that requires no meetings, a flexible schedule and just the right amount of "right brain" activity? Then consider adopting a bulletin board for a year.

Some volunteers choose to use their own art and ideas, but some are given a year's worth of seasonal art, which they change three or four times a year. Either option works. Currently, Laura Nelson handles the three boards in the preschool/nursery hallway. Alesia Peterson, not only does the Youth board in the main hallway, but also has now taken on all three boards in room 109. Ray and Molly Ruskin are responsible for the beautiful "apple of the eye" and the "dove of peace" boards in the kindergarten classroom. If this sounds like the job for you, call Robin Mayhew at 929-8185.

Come, read a popular author

Philip Yancy is a best selling author.  More than 14 million copies of his books have sold since his first in 1977.  In a recent interview, Yancy said, “My books are a process of exploration and investigation.  So, I tend to tackle different problems with faith, things of concern to me, things I wonder about, and worry about.”

We are fortunate to have several of Yancy’s most popular books in our library ’s collection.  In Rumors of Another World (call 248.4 Yan), Yancy looks at the intrusiveness of the modern world around us as he searches for ways where we may exert our faith over these contemporary demands on our time and self.  Reaching for the Invisible God (call 231.7 Yan) addresses how Christians handle disappointments in life and in relationships.  Yancy also writes on how to connect with God when faith is absent.

What’s So Amazing About Grace (call 234 Yan) is one of Yancy’s most well known books.  Yancy believes that grace is the purest example of God’s love for us and that we, as Christians, have opportunities in our daily lives to display grace to others and to ourselves.  It is our best hope to bring transformation to our lives and to this modern world.  These books and others by Philip Yancy will be on display during the month of January.  Happy New Year!

Debra McCurry

~Librarian

________________________________________

Do you like high-adventure, rapids, relying on your friends for keeping you in the boat, awesome scenery, getting wet? Then WHITE WATER RAFTING IS FOR YOU! Email Mike Walker if you’d be interested in going to the Youghegheny River this summer in July. Reservations need to be made in February. Mike’s email address is Mike.walker@cytec.com.

Adult Volunteers Needed for Sports Camp!

Want the chance to play all week long, relax at river side, have all your meals prepared and cleaned up for you, commune with nature, play with middle high kids, develop friendships with a team of counselors, and enjoy sharing the love of Christ? Some of the sports include: wall-climbing, row boating, swimming, soccer, golf, hikes, flag football, kickball, softball, and much more.

Please join me for a week of sports camp along with 50 middle high kids. The adults keep coming back because they have as much fun as the kids, and says one, "My soul is nurtured."

When: Sunday, August 6--Friday August 11

Where: West River Camp

Counselor team will meet a few times before to play and talk. No sports experience necessary.

Counselor's kids go to camp for half price.

Call or write and let me know you are interested: revkarin@comcast.net

ST. PAUL'S SPIRITS BASKETBALL

St. Paul's youth basketball team, the ST. PAUL'S Spirits, are now in their 2005-2006 season. We participate in a league of four local United Methodist Youth Fellowships. Members of the congregation are invited to attend any of our games and serve as audience/cheerleaders.

Our remaining 2005-2006 schedule is:

Sun. Jan. 8 - 2:00 p.m. vs. Jerusalem-Mount Pleasant at Woodside UMC, 8900 Georgia Avenue

Sun. Jan. 15 - 2:00 p.m. vs. Colesville at Hughes UMC, 10700 Georgia Avenue

Sun. Jan. 29 - 2:00 p.m. vs. Millian Memorial at Hughes UMC

Sun. Feb. 5 - 2:00 p.m. vs. Colesville at Hughes UMC

Sun. Feb. 26 - 2:00 p.m. vs. Millian Memorial at Hughes UMC

Remember to dress warmly for the Hughes games, as the Hughes gym is unheated!

Help our Troops in Iraq

Our troops in Iraq are requesting some fitness and health magazines. They have weights and gym equipment but would like training/body building books and magazines.

Pat Moffett has agreed to collect these. Look for a box in the Narthex. Or you could mail them directly to her son-in-law who will distribute them to the troops.

Brian G. Thornton

Bravo Co. 87th Engineer BN

2-28 BCT

APO AE 09362-9997

Another soldier would like to hear from St. Paul folks - he was a member of St. Paul's and a Boy Scout in troop 439. Now he is stationed in Iraq.

L/Cpl Art Baker III

SS PLT. WPS CO.

3/6 Marines Unit 73310

APO AE 09509-3310

OR email

sta_pumped36@yahoo.com ~ John Thompson

Justice & Compassion Ministry

A TASTE OF JUSTICE

Starting the first Sunday of January, we will be serving Free Trade coffee in the Octagon.

We hope that as we enjoy the fellowship and a cup of coffee, we will think of our purchasing habits and consider helping farmers in Latin America, Africa

and Asia earn a fairer share of income, keep food on the table, improve coffee quality and protect the environment. It's also another way for us to connect

with our sisters and brothers overseas. As you know, coffee is big business, the second most heavily traded commodity in the world. But for the majority of

small coffee farmers the benefits are small. The chain of events that leads from the coffee farms to your cup is long and expensive, often leaving the

farmer with very little to live on.

The choices that we make every day - from what we buy to where we invest our money - have a tremendous impact on the world we live in.

T R U S T E E 'S ESTIMATES FOR PARKING LOT SOUGHT

In January, the Trustees will be seeking estimates for repairing our church parking lot. The north end has become particularly hazardous where the asphalt is separating and crumbling. We will be looking at several repair options, but are optimistic that we’ll be able to secure adequate funding to select the best fix that will give us the longest life expectancy. The Trustees are working with the Finance Committee to come up with a funding plan. Look for updates in the February or March Epistle article.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS

We wish to fully acknowledge and thank everyone who has contributed to the Improvement Fund in 2005. For many years the Trustees had to struggle to make simple repairs and improvements throughout the church because of budget constraints. With the additional supplement of the Improvement

Fund we have been able to contribute to or fully fund 2005 projects such as exterior door replacements, upgrade of our security system, installation of a door intercom, interior and exterior painting projects, the Multipurpose Room refurbishment project and new fencing in front of the parsonage.

THANK YOU FOR THE SINK

Thanks to Morris and Sue Rice the sink in the ladies room on the first floor has been replaced. We had so much positive feedback about that improvement; we’re working on replacing at least three more 40-year-old-sinks and fixtures in the education wing. If you would like to adopt a sink, please contact the Trustees.

THREE YEARS WITH

MARCO PALMA CELEBRATED

This past December, our maintenance and facilities superintendent, Marco Palma, celebrated his third anniversary at St Paul’s. Marco has contributed his time and talents to most of the recent facility improvements. I’ve received so much positive feedback about how great the church looks and a lot of that credit goes to Marco. So please, next time you’re in the church, let him know how much you appreciate all that he does for St Paul’s.

Tracey Furman ~President, Board of Trustees

Spiritual Gifts uncovered!

Why not make a New Year’s resolution to take the Spiritual Gifts Class that we offer from time to time? There will be two classes offered in February. One will be held on Thursday evenings, February 9^th and 16^thfrom 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The other class will be held on Saturday morning, February 4^th from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The cost of the materials is $20. There is a sign-up sheet in the church office. Please be sure to note whether you would be available for either class, or only one of them. It gives us the option of putting everyone into one class if the enrollment is low. If you have questions, please call Kate Lewis Brown on 301-946-2008.

WINTER WEATHER POLICY

AT ST. PAUL'S

On Sundays and Saturdays: Please call the church office at 301-933-7933 for a recording advising of program cancellations. On weekdays: Generally, if the Montgomery County Public Schools close, our programs are canceled. However, if in doubt, call the church office and listen for the recorded message!

UMYF "SOUPER BOWL" PROJECT

Sunday, February 5^th, 2006

On Sunday, February 5^th, the Senior & Middle High UMYFs will celebrate Super Bowl Sunday with a "SOUPerBowl for the Hungry." Please bring an extra dollar to place in the Soup Kettles on your way out of church.. The funds will be donated to Bethesda Help. Let's remember the hungry and homeless in the midst of a cold winter. Thank you in advance for supporting this project!

Family Skiing Day Trip to Whitetail Mountain Resort, Mercersburg, PA

Saturday, January 28^th

sponsored by our Sr. High UMYF

# __ Lift Tickets only x $45 = _____

# __ Lift + ski rental + lesson x $74 = _____

# __ Lift + board rental + lesson x $74=_____

# ___Beginner Ski Packages x $62 = _____

# ___Beginner Board Packages x $62= _____

# ___Lunch Vouchers x: $8 = _____

# ___Needing Transportation x $12 = _____

Total due: $ _________

Notes: Changing equipment may incur a $5 fee.

SNOWBOARD rental may require

a CREDIT CARD for deposit!

If you would like to participate in this event and benefit from our group rate, please complete the above form, with a check made out to "St. Paul's SH UMYF," and turn into the office or to Rick Buckingham by January 15^th. For questions, contact Rick at 301-933-7933 or ricklby@yahoo.com by January 15. As room in the church van is limited and youth attending without families will be given preference, others may need to provide their own transportation.

Thank you

To the December Epistle volunteers:

Nelson Hunt, Evelyn Schaeffer, Marilyn Jenkins, John Boggess, Adda Clark, Frances Reed, Ida DeVierno, George Lehman, Gerry Hobbs, Tracey Furman, and Marco Palma.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Our heartfelt thanks to the Prayer Lift and all of our St. Paul’s family for your prayers and support during my father Budd Udell’s recent health crisis. He is home from the hospital, and although he will require supplemental oxygen from now on, his spirit is strong and he is determined to do everything he can to continue improving ‘poco a poco.’ Your prayers and good wishes mean so much to us and to my dad and mother, and it is a comfort to them to know that we are part of such a caring congregation.

Sherri, Denny, Katie and Michael Porter

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

My father is enjoying the beautiful altar flowers. He thanks you and appreciates your thoughtfulness.

Love,

Ruthie Melson

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

BIRTH:

Welcome to Brian Paul Schwartz, born on November 14th to Leo and Theresa  Schwartz.

BAPTISM:

On November 27th, Luka Daniel Maxam, son of Ms. Leslie A. Maxam

WEDDING:

Congratulations and best wishes to David Nelson Oliver and Sherri Rae Barrier, who were married on December 11th.

SICK:

THE

Kensington, Maryland 20895

http://www.stpaulsk.org
301-933-7933

Worship Celebrations in January

New year’s Day Worship and Brunch

Leadership Retreat for Committee and Team Members to Gain a New Focus

Karin’s Comments

Upcoming events Schedule

Mike McCurry will lead the discussion.

A Life Worthy of the Gospels

Emily Robinson

Spanish Class

Enjoy fellowship with one another, meet new friends, worship together, and have fun!

Guaranteed!

Karin and Mike Walker

Call Emily Robinson, Church Historian at

ST. PAUL'S SPIRITS BASKETBALL

Brian G. Thornton

OR email

Justice & Compassion Ministry

A TASTE OF JUSTICE

THANK YOU FOR THE SINK

THREE YEARS WITH

MARCO PALMA CELEBRATED

Spiritual Gifts uncovered!

WINTER WEATHER POLICY

AT ST. PAUL'S

Thank you

THE

Kensington, Maryland 20895

http://www.stpaulsk.org 301-933-7933

Worship Celebrations in January

New year’s Day Worship and Brunch

Leadership Retreat for Committee and Team Members to Gain a New Focus

Karin’s Comments

Upcoming events Schedule

Mike McCurry will lead the discussion.

A Life Worthy of the Gospels

Emily Robinson

Spanish Class

Enjoy fellowship with one another, meet new friends, worship together, and have fun!

Guaranteed!

Karin and Mike Walker

Call Emily Robinson, Church Historian at

ST. PAUL'S SPIRITS BASKETBALL

Brian G. Thornton

OR email

Justice & Compassion Ministry

A TASTE OF JUSTICE

THANK YOU FOR THE SINK

THREE YEARS WITH

MARCO PALMA CELEBRATED

Spiritual Gifts uncovered!

WINTER WEATHER POLICY

AT ST. PAUL'S

Thank you

http://www.stpaulsk.org
301-933-7933