| By Pastor Rob Helton Silence “Silence is golden;” a well-known saying used by everybody from college librarians to overwrought parents. (I’m thinking a mother made it up while traveling with her kids in a car or covered wagon.) Whatever its origins, I think the saying shares truth. Silence is valuable. I went camping a while back. For two weeks my dog Meg and I lived in the Pisgah National Forest. I needed to get close to heaven, so I went to the mountains. While I was there, I was silent. I practiced silence as a spiritual discipline. Every morning I rose long before the sun, made my coffee, prayed my prayers and sat in silence. Every morning I was sitting in silence as the darkness slowly surrendered to the light. I think there is no time and place more void of sound than the pre-dawn hour in the middle of the woods. The temperature drops a degree or two, the nighttime creatures are going to sleep, the daytime creatures are still dreaming…and silence fills the void. It’s the kind of noiselessness that can be felt, like a heavy mountain fog. It grows into your psyche like kudzu grows into a tree until the tree disappears. It gradually fills every part of your being like rain fills the river till it overflows its banks. Then, in that silence, you sense that God has invaded every square inch of your soul. And in that space you know him. To your surprise you commune with him. In that silence you sit with Jesus. If you’re like me, you need enough silence to balance out the noise. And we hear a lot of noise! Bad noise and good noise! Media noise! Work noise! School noise! Kid noise! Spouse noise! Plenty of noise! So, may I encourage you to be intentional about finding ways to create silence. Little interruptions of silence strategically interjected into our otherwise noisy day. You may not be like me. Camping and flyfishing may not be your thing. Maybe you’re into visiting the library. Maybe eating lunch in your car is therapeutic. Maybe sitting in the coffee shop long enough to enjoy your latte is just what the doctor ordered. I believe in meeting God in the voluminous worship of the gathered church, but my intuition tells me that God inhabits the silence as much as he inhabits the praise and the prayers and the preaching…sometimes maybe even more. That’s why silence is golden. Because you will likely meet God there. If you’ve never practiced silence as a spiritual discipline, perhaps you would consider it. Maybe turn off the noise makers, put down the devices and be silent…listen…wait. You may discover just how valuable silence is! | JOIN THE BARNABAS TEAM IS A CARD MINISTRY THAT WELCOMES EVERYONE WHO WOULD LIKE TO COME. IF YOU HAVE SOMEONE IN NEED OF ENCOURAGEMENT AND WOULD LIKE THEM TO RECEIVE A CARD, PLEASE SEE MARTHA HEADRICK. THE NEXT MEETING WILL BE ANNOUNCED AFTER THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC IS OVER. (If you need to add someone to this list, please contact Martha Headrick or the church office) | MEN’S BROTHERHOOD BREAKFAST TBA AFTER THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC IS OVER. . | PRAYER CHAIN NEWS— If you have not yet signed up,please check the box located on the communication sheet in your bulletin. (If you have already signed up there is no need to sign up again) Emails will go out via internet and for those of you who do not have a computer/email, we will notify you via the phone tree. Please be aware your prayer requests from the Sunday Bulletin will be shared on the prayer chain. If you have a prayer request of a personal nature, please come to the Pastor with your request; do not put it on the comment section of your bulletin. You MUST sign up to be included on the prayer chain. We will not automatically put you on without your permission because of legalities. If you would like to be included in this new Prayer Chain List, please check the box on the communication insert in your bulletin or you may email:stpaulsreformed@gmail.com, call: 828-465-0931, or contact us through our facebook page.OR OUR NEW WEBSITE: www.stpaulsreformedchurch.org | FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS 4 GENE SKINNELL 6 ERIC DETTER 7 LINDA SHUGART 9 KEN BOLICK 10 KELSEY LITTLE 16 LINDSEY MINGUS 19 DIANE WATTS | FEBRUARY ANNIVERSARIES. 4 BOBBY & TAMI ELMORE 7 HARRY & PAT HIGHT 11 DWIGHT & PAM HERMAN 14 MATT & TINA CAMPBELL 17 GERALD & CATHY FLOWERS | HEAR AND SEE THE MESSAGE AGAIN! If you would like a DVD copy of the worship services at St. Paul’s please contact Donna Rudolph at stpaulsreformed@gmail.com or please contact the church office at 465-0931 or you may watch the Worship Service on our You Tube channel stpaulsreformed or on our website St. Paul's Reformed Church or on our Facebook page: St. Paul's Reformed Newton *We are currently live streaming our worship service on Sundays at 10 am on Facebook and our website | Prayer Requests may be sent to the Church Office: stpaulsreformed@gmail.com or you may call 828-465-0931 You may also call Donna Rudolph at 828-638-8856 We now have a phone tree prayer chain for updates (for those of you who do not have a computer or receive email.) If you would like to be included in this, please contact Donna. Office hours: Mon, Wed, Thurs. 9 AM-3 PM and Fri. 9 AM-4 PM or you may leave a message. You may also fill out the form on our web page: www.stapulsreformedchurch.org | Consistory Notes… Consistory notes for the month of January will be available in the March Newsletter along with the March notes/minutes due to illness and Covid-19 irregularities. We apologize for the inconvenience during these unusual trying times. We truly hope things return to some semblance of normalcy in the near future. _______________ Why we lament In 2020, the coronavirus pandemic struck America during the middle of Lent, a season associated with deprivation. Some people made light of the shutdowns, joking, “I didn’t mean to give up this much for Lent!” Others asked why the suffering was occurring in the first place. Professor N.T. Wright, in an essay for Time, explains that asking “why?” but receiving no answer is key to biblical lamenting. Adding to the mystery, he says, is that God also laments — grieving at the wickedness of humans, despairing over Israel’s unfaithfulness. Jesus cries at a friend’s tomb; the Holy Spirit groans in anguish. “Part of the Christian vocation,” Wright concludes, is not being able to explain why but lamenting instead. “As the Spirit laments within us,” he says, “so we become, even in our self-isolation, small shrines where the presence and healing love of God can dwell. And out of that there can emerge new possibilities … new hope.” A daily prayer Whatever happens today, dear Lord, help us remember that you are present. If we find ourselves in the shadows of disappointment or rejection or pain, let us see your comforting light. If we’re in the radiant light of success or acceptance or wholeness, may we acknowledge your providence and grace. Wherever we are, grant us the assurance of your nearness. Amen. Fasting from criticalness Most fasting involves temporarily giving up something you enjoy. When you long for a cookie or a favorite show, you instead turn your attention to God, reorienting yourself to his best. Catherine Marshall, in A Closer Walk, presents a different approach she calls fasting from “criticalness.” God dealt with her judgmental spirit by prompting her to spend 24 hours without criticizing “anyone about anything.” At first, Marshall felt rather empty when she didn’t engage in a heated political debate. But friends and family didn’t seem to miss her comments. Plus, God replaced the energy she’d spent attempting to correct others with energy and creativity to positively influence them. A critical spirit can make us lose perspective, joy and even relationships. It also can prevent the good work God wants to achieve through us. Consider what could happen as a result of your own “criticalness fast.” Pray for God to do the correcting while you focus on building up others. —Janna Firestone _____________________________ St. Paul's Reformed Church Congregational Meeting December 113, 2020 The St. Paul's Congregational Meeting was called to order by Consistory President Gary Watson on Sunday, December 13, 2020 following the Sunday morning worship service. The Congregational Meeting was originally scheduled for December 6, 2020, but due to issues with Covid-19. the service on December 6, 2020 was cancelled. Therefore, the Congregational Meeting was called to vote on the proposed 2021 Budget for St. Paul's and to vote for two deacons, Gene Hoover and Ron Williams which the Consistory presented to the Church to begin serving in January 2021. President Gary Watson asked the ushers to pass out the ballots to the members to vote for the 2021 Budget and the two deacons: Gene Hoover and Ron Williams. The Congregational was asked to give the ballots to the ushers as they exited the sanctuary. President Gary Watson then recognized Martha Headrick to make a presentation Martha Headrick dedicated to the Glory of God and to the use of St. Paul's Reformed Church, Communion pieces consisting of matching sets of 4 challises and 4 trays to be used to serve communion plus an extra challis to replace a broken one. The Communion pieces were given in loving memory of Elizabeth K (Libby) Lail, Helen Headrick Winegar, and Martha's Mother, Lilian I. Holsclaw These women were important Christian guided to Martha during her life. President Gary Watson thanked Martha for her contribution of the Communion pieces to St. Paul's Reformed Church. President Watson asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting. A motion was made by Hank Mathis and a second by Gene Hoover. | DON'T FORGET... BIBLE STUDY WEDNESDAY EVENINGS AT 6:30 PM RESUMES FEBRUARY 3 AT 6:30 PM IN OERSON AND ON ZOOM ID@ 836 6920 3339 PLEASE NOTE: OUR SUNDAY SCHOOL AND 10 AM BIBLE STUDIES WILL NOT MEET UNTILL NEXT FALL OR WHEN WE ARE CERTAIN THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC IS OVER. WE WANT TO MAKE SURE EVERYONE REMAINS SAFE, THIS IS OUR NUMBER ONE PRIORITY. | DIRECTORY UPDATE AND ADDITIONS: DON’T FORGET TO GIVE US YOUR UPDATED DIRECTORY INFORMATION IF YOUR ADDRESS, PHONE, EMAIL, MARITAL STATUS HAS CHANGED, PLEASE LET THE CHURCH OFFICE KNOW SO WE CAN UPDATE OUR DIRECTORY!! DEADLINE IS FEBRUARY 14TH. ALSO, IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADD YOUR NAME, PHOTO, BIRTHDAY OR ANNIVERSARY TO OUR DIRECTORY, PLEASE LET US KNOW, 828-465-0931 OR 828-638-8856 stpaulsreformed@gmail.com | The Corner Table Needs CREAM OF CHICKEN SOUP, CREAM OF MUSHROOM SOUP SNACK PACK PUDDING, RANCH DRESSING, POTTED MEAT, VIENNA SAUSAGE, SALTINE CRACKERS (Monetary gifts are also helpful during this time.) PLEASE PLACE ALL ITEMS IN THE CART IN THE NARTHEX. OR LEAVE AT THE DOOR IF SOMEONE IS IN THE OFFICE, YOUR SUPPORT IS ALWAYS APPRECIATED. | Instant Church Directory Mobile App NEW FEATURE!!!!! (See below for new instructions) All of our church members/visitors can now view our church directory from your iPhone, iPad, Android or Kindle Fire by downloading the free Instant Church Directory Members App. All members/visitors need to do is to search for "Instant Church Directory" in the Apple App Store, Google Play, or Amazon Appstore, or go directly to this link: http://www.instantchurchdirectory.com/app You will be able to access all of our church member/visitor information, including names, addresses, telephone numbers, email addresses, birthdays and anniversaries. (Please Note: you will be asked to make an account with your email and a password) ____________________________________ Mobile App Login Instructions for iPhone®, iPad® and any iOS Device NEW MEMBERS ▪ iOS App (Version 2.0 or newer) The instructions below are for members who have downloaded the App and are creating a login for the very first time. If you have previously logged into your church’s directory and upgraded your app, please follow the ▪ | iOS App (Version 2.0 or newer) The instructions below are for members who have downloaded the App and are creating a login for the very first time. If you have previously logged into your church’s directory and upgraded your app, please follow the | ALREADY HAVE A PASSWORD instructions below. 1. Download the App from the App Store. Search for “Instant Church Directory” and look for this icon: 2. Open the app >> Click on "Create Login". 3. Enter the email address as it is listed in the family portion of the directory. 4. Create a secure password. The password must be 8 characters long and contain at least two of the following special characters: capital letters, numbers or symbols. Retype your password to confirm 5. Check your inbox for an email from service@instantchurchdirectory.com 6. To complete the login process, you will need to verify your email address by clicking on the link sent to you in that email. 7. Once you confirm your email, close the browser window go back to the App >> Click on "Sign In" to sign into your church's directory using your email and password. 1. | Download the App from the App Store. Search for “Instant Church Directory” and look for this icon: | 2. | Open the app >> Click on "Create Login". | 3. | Enter the email address as it is listed in the family portion of the directory. | 4. | Create a secure password. The password must be 8 characters long and contain at least two of the following special characters: capital letters, numbers or symbols. Retype your password to confirm | 5. | Check your inbox for an email from service@instantchurchdirectory.com | 6. | To complete the login process, you will need to verify your email address by clicking on the link sent to you in that email. | 7. | Once you confirm your email, close the browser window go back to the App >> Click on "Sign In" to sign into your church's directory using your email and password. | UPGRADED to Version 2.0 or Newer - or - MEMBERS--ALREADY HAVE A PASSWORD 1. Open the app and click on "Sign In". 2. Enter the email address as it is listed in the family portion of the directory. 3. Enter your password and click the sign in button. If you do not remember your password or the password we supplied you in the past, select “Forgot Password?” and follow the instructions to reset your password. iOS App (Version 1.2) 4. Open the app and enter the email address as it is listed in the family portion of the directory. 5. Create a password. The password must be 8 characters long, and contain at least two of the following special characters: capital letters, numbers or symbols. 6. Retype the password to confirm it. 7. Check your inbox for an email from service@instantchurchdirectory.com. 8. To complete the sign-up process, you will need to verify your email address by clicking on the link sent to you in that email. 9. Once you confirm your email, you may open the app and sign into your church's directory. The directory will upload to your device. 10. If you already have created a password, click on “Sign In” on the bottom of the screen to log in. 1. | Open the app and click on "Sign In". | 2. | Enter the email address as it is listed in the family portion of the directory. | 3. | Enter your password and click the sign in button. If you do not remember your password or the password we supplied you in the past, select “Forgot Password?” and follow the instructions to reset your password. iOS App (Version 1.2) | 4. | Open the app and enter the email address as it is listed in the family portion of the directory. | 5. | Create a password. The password must be 8 characters long, and contain at least two of the following special characters: capital letters, numbers or symbols. | 6. | Retype the password to confirm it. | 7. | Check your inbox for an email from service@instantchurchdirectory.com. | 8. | To complete the sign-up process, you will need to verify your email address by clicking on the link sent to you in that email. | 9. | Once you confirm your email, you may open the app and sign into your church's directory. The directory will upload to your device. | 10. | If you already have created a password, click on “Sign In” on the bottom of the screen to log in. | Need help signing in? Please see your directory Administrator. Powered by InstantChurchDirectory.com | Copyright © 2018 CRI Powered by InstantChurchDirectory.com | Copyright © 2018 CRITM | Last Updated 3/13/2018 ______________________________________ ATTENTION!!! Here at Instant Church Directory, we take security seriously. And we mean it. Which is why we felt compelled to write this notice about a common scam that is running through church communities today. The Scam. Church members receive what appears to be an email or text message from their pastor asking them to make contributions through gift cards. DON’T DO IT!! THIS IS A SCAM. If you receive this message, do not click on it or open it, just delete it. Thank you!! | Serving God Through Serving Others All ladies of the church are invited to attend the Christian Women's Fellowship as we develop a closer relationship with God, make Him known to others, and fellowship with each other. | CWF News… MEETINGS WILL CONTINUE AFTER THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC IS OVER. WE WILL BE ANNOUNCING DATES AND TIMES. ECCCM VOLUNTEER DAY FEBRUARY 1 8:30 AM TO 4:30 PM CONSISTORY MEETING, FEBRUARY 9, 5 PM ASH WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 17 FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT FEBRUARY 21 SECOND SUNDAY IN LENT FEBRUARY 28 | “Today you are the oldest you have ever been, yet the youngest You will ever be, so enjoy this day which the Lord has made.” _____________________________ St. Paul’s Young at Heart Group is open to anyone in the church age 50 or over. You do not have to be a member of the church to participate in any of the activities. So plan to join us this year as we share the love, joy, and fellowship of Christ. | UPCOMING EVENTS: YOUNG AT HEART ALL ACTIVITIES ARE SUSPENDED DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC. IF ANY ACTIVITIES OCCUR, THEY WILL BE ADVERTISED. THANK YOU AND STAY SAFE DURING THIS TIME. . | The Corner Table Soup Kitchen and ECCCM need GROCERY size or larger plastic bags for their guests as extra need at this time of the year. Please place bags in the Fellowship Hall Cart. The Corner Table Soup Kitchen and ECCCM The need is greater than ever right now during this time of Quarantine and limited activities. For The Corner Table For ECCCM: CORONAVIRUS — COVID-19 RESPONSE ECCCM is stepping up as a first responder to assist our community as many hardworking people suffer a loss of income as businesses close. As you consider the many ways you can help, please know that your financial contribution, from the safety of your home, plays a big part in providing the means ECCCM uses to support our community. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTION, MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN OUR COMMUNITY! | Please bring your empty hand sanitizer bottles to the church. We can reuse them by filling them back up. Thank you! (Please give to attendants in parking lot or staff, you may also bring to the church during the week) | CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEBSITE! It is be easier to use and read. We are really excited about this new website that will be more informative and easier to find the information you are looking for! Let us know if you have any questions or comments. We encourage your feedback! stpaulsreformed@gmail.com | SCAN AND CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE!! | ANNUAL REPORTS ARE DUE... It's time once again for the annual reports!! Please be sure to have your annual reports in by FEBRUARY 14TH. DIRECTORIES AVAILABLE ON FEBRUARY 28TH. Also any updated information for our directory (address, phone, email, birthday, anniversary, etc.) | | |