Worship

Greetings Church Family,

October has quickly fallen upon us. It seems like my pastoral assignment began just yesterday, yet three months have already flown by. Leading this virtual congregation has only been made possible by God’s grace and the support of an amazing staff and congregation. Therefore, I take this Fall season to simply thank God for the many bountiful blessings that he has so graciously bestowed upon us. Even during this time of pandemic, God who has made it possible for us to labor in the vineyard. For instance, this church has continued to respond to the needs of others. Our youth, after their Summer mission trip was cancelled, continuing to do mission by assisting seniors with yard work was a blessing. It doesn’t stop there. The Saturday morning pray walk was a wonderful opportunity for the church to connect and provide a spiritual presence within the town of Odessa. It doesn’t stop there. The midweek pray service engaged between 200 and 300 weekly viewers. Mark Holden’s photography, Vicki Spence’s meditations, Duane Dillard’s piano orchestrations, Amy Brown’s organ masterpieces, Gail Garner’s sign language tutorials along with the various liturgists makes these midweek virtual services very impactful and meaningful to many. It doesn’t stop there. Carole Harmon’s Thursday morning prayer line empowers a community of weekly prayer warriors, not only in our church, but for the advancement of God’ kingdom. It doesn’t stop there. The virtual agape meal, along with the pray walk communion and outside service communion, have been creative ways that this parish has made Christ inclusive table available and accessible. It doesn’t stop there. Although this last Sunday of September concludes Deaf-awareness month, the St. Paul’s family’s participation in the ASL lessons that Gail Garner, not only supported deaf awareness but also displayed the church coming alongside and acknowledging that ASL is not just a language and communication tool but worship, celebration and honor to God. It doesn’t stop there. Church administrator: Alice Mullins, along with other church leaders, continue to work over and beyond to maintain organization and communication as we continue to navigate ministry during these unprecedented times.

Pastoral care is my passion. Parish Nurse: Ann Newswanger has organized and accompanied me on over 18 visitations. These visitations have helped me in feeling more connected to the church family. I look forward to pastoral care being the highlight of our parish ministry.

Please join me in applauding our Sunday School teachers. As our previous family life coordinator, Vicki Spence, moved into retirement, she along with the Sunday School teachers organized a virtual rotation and also made packets for children PreK to fifth grade. These lessons have been both engaging and inspiring for our little ones.

Fall small groups are presently being formed. Ryan Scott is leading the Virtual Adult Studies. Starting in October, Hap Bonham will once again be leading the United Methodist Men’s study in the grove. The Tops group are having weekly outings in the Grove. My friend, Sam Harrell, who has also provided music videos during our Sunday morning virtual service, will provide a Wednesday evening virtual bible study. This will be made accessible through the church web page. Lastly, I will present a virtual Fall study on Holy Communion. More info will be coming soon.

The music ministry will provide choral virtual music for the upcoming months. This will provide a safe process in sharing group music.

Technology is continuing to take St. Paul’s ministry to new heights. The gifts and talents of Josh Reitzes and Courtney Martin are continuing to allow our media ministry to evolve. The recent technology donations of Charlie Miller and the United Methodist Men have also been a blessing to the media ministry. Lastly, Al Schrum is in the process of mounting two 65-inch screens in the sanctuary so that in person will be touchless. Meaning that the use of technology will decrease the risk of spreading germs through touching hymn books and paper programs.

I thank everyone for their support, emails, cards, feedback, and chat responses. You have proven your genuine involvement and engagement, as not merely spectators, but worshipers.

Please be in prayer as the church moves towards in person worship starting in mid-October at 11:00 am and 4:00 pm. Virtual Sunday morning worship will continue as it is made accessible beyond our four walls to the entire world. Any suggestions or ideas that can enhance worship and ministry are always appreciated.

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Kevin