Month: September 2020

Great interview with Kelly & Patience and their “Free Lunch Giveaway” at the Church (more details below): https://cbs3duluth.com/2020/09/24clark-family-keeps-duluths-morgan-park-community-fed-with-free-lunches/

A Note about the Front Door (presently boarded up with plywood)…here's what Pastor Paul posted on Facebook: Greetings! No, we have not had throngs of people beating down the doors in search of Coney Dogs, nor a mob of angry church members demanding shorter sermons and more respectable footwear from the pastor. We have, rather, a couple of wonderful church members with plucky spirit that have begun the process of refinishing our doors. I think they figured even if the pastor wasn't handsome, at least the church could be. Driveway entrance is open. Come say hello. (Pastor Paul)

Sunday, September 27: Worship at 10:30 am. Church doors are open and we welcome members to worship with us. Masks are required and social distancing and hygiene protocols observed. Pastor Paul posts weekly sermons on YouTube. Sermons are also available by email and posted on our Facebook page, or, if you would like a copy mailed to you, contact the church office at 218-626-2570 or office@unitedprotestantchurch.org.

Monday, September 28: Bible Study/Faith Conversation: 5:30 pm in Fellowship Hall. Join us as we explore this week's Gospel and share the stories and questions of our faith. (Sometimes we even learn a thing or two!)

Thursday, October 1: AA meets in the Fellowship Hall, 7 pm. Masks and hygiene protocol required.

**Free Produce Giveaway, every Monday, 5 pm until gone in front of the Church: The Morgan Park Community Garden Program is giving away free produce. This week (September 28) we'll have a cooking demonstration involving Kale. THe goal is to get folks to eat healthy in an area that has little access to fresh produce. All are welcome and encouraged to receive! If you are interested in supporting the Community Garden Project, contact Pastor Paul and he'll get you connected.

**Free Sack Lunch, Weekdays, 12-2, in front of the church: Kelly & Patience began giving away free lunches several weeks ago. It has now grown to over 40 lunches shared per day (with 80 lunches shared one day last week). The church is offering our resources to support them, including kitchen space and volunteers. We are in need of extra support to keep this ministry going! Your help would be much appreciated. We begin prepping at 10:30. Contact Pastor Paul for details. Or you can donate. Here is a list of items needed:  -Juice boxes, -Small bags of chips (any variety), -Small bags of snacks (cookies, crackers, etc.), -Sliced turkey lunchmeat, -Beef hot dogs, -Sara Lee Classic white bread, -lunch bags, -plastic sandwich bags. (Financial donations always appreciated!)

**Saturday, September 26: Ruby's Pantry: 11 am-12:30 pm, Mission Creek Church, 521 131st Avenue W.

**Saturday, October 3: OUTDOOR Holiday Harvest Bazaar: Norton Park UMC, 436 N. 79th Avenue W., 9 am-1 pm, crafts, Halloween treat bags, curbside lunch takeout. Wear mask and social distance.

**RetireGuide: This is a free web resource dedicated to providing useful information to help older adults fulfill retirement goals. RetireGuide recently published what they believe to be an easy-to-understand guide on the ins and outs of Medicare. This free resource highlights coverage, costs, eligibility and enrollment information, along with answers to some frequently asked questions. For further information, take a look at the following: retireguide.com/medicare/ or retireguide.com/guides/senior-benefits-discounts/  For questions, contact Juan Sousa, Outreach Coordinator for RetireGuide, at jsousa@retireguide.com.

**BEGINNING IN OCTOBER: Wednesday Evening Time of Prayer and Sharing: Wednesdays, 6-7 pm, in the Sanctuary: We welcome you to gather at the church on Wednesdays for a mid-week calming time of prayer, music, and conversation led by Pastor Paul. Music by Maria Gross on piano and/or Jim Larson on the Appalachian Dulcimer.

**Halloween Event? Even though we can't have our regular Halloween Carnival, there are a number of folks interested in offering a safe alternative for the community here at the church. Ideas abound. Interested? Contact Pastor Paul.

Joys and Concerns/Prayer Chain: We have a number of people and loved ones who are facing significant medical issues right now. While we don't share names on our reminders, please know that you and your loved ones are in our prayers and we are here to support you. If you would like to be included on the Prayer Chain, contact the office.

…”By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?”  ~ Matthew 21:23

     I've been reflecting, recently, in a big picture way, about what it means to b e a pastor and whether or not I'm honoring the full breadth of my calling. I take stock of how I was called, what I've learned from school and what I've learned along the way, my hopes and dreams, and the hopes and dreams of others. Here everything spins around…like a pinwheel, I imagine, and at the center of all this spinning is the stillness of the pin at the center. That's where God is. That's where I begin my prayer.

     But as I write this, as I reflect, the smell of pulled pork wafts through the window. It's out on the table, being served for the Free Lunch Giveaway. There's a gaggle of voices out there. There's a chance of rain so somebody showed up with a large canopy. From the Sanctuary are the sounds of Cathy and Linda practicing what sounds to be a prelude or postlude. The phone rings. It is a person experiencing a difficult time. In the meantime, I hear the sound of children laughing. I hear cars honking their horns as they pass and someone shouting: “free lunches” and “thank you” and God bless.”

     “Do what's in front of you,” I hear God say from that place in the still center.

     “Pastor Paul, do you have an extra extension cord?”

     “I'm on it!” Then back to reflection.

     Now I think I hear Cathy and Linda playing “Called as Partners in Christ's Service” – hey, that's a good one for Sunday! “Called to ministries of grace” it continues…

     So y'know what? I'm done reflecting, for now. There's a lot going on out there so I'm going to wrap this up and send it to Clarice just as it is. I'm going to get past my navel-gazing words and into the messy middle of people being fed, music being created, neighbors chatting, cars honking, kids laughing…..

     – Isn't that what God is saying?

Keep in touch,

Pastor Paul

Do what is in front of you.

Does my life reflect my call?  

A Note about the Front Door (presently boarded up with plywood)… here's what Pastor Paul posted on Facebook: Greetings! No, we have not had throngs of people beating down the doors in search of Coney Dogs, nor a mob of angry church members demanding shorter sermons and more respectable footwear from the pastor. We have, rather, a couple of wonderful church members with plucky spirit that have begun the process of refinishing our doors. I think they figured even if the pastor wasn't handsome, at least the church could be. Driveway entrance is open. Come say hello. (Pastor Paul)

Sunday, September 20: Worship at 10:30 am. Church doors are open and we welcome members to worship with us. Masks are required and social distancing and hygiene protocols observed. Pastor Paul posts weekly sermons on YouTube. Sermons are also available by email and posted on our Facebook page, or, if you would like a copy mailed to you, contact the church office at 218-626-2570 or office@unitedprotestantchurch.org.

Monday, September 20: Bible Study/Faith Conversation: 5:30 pm in Fellowship Hall. Join us as we explore this week's Gospel and share the stories and questions of our faith. (Sometimes we even learn a thing or two!)

**Free Produce Giveaway, every Monday, 5 pm until gone in front of the Church (note change of location): The Morgan Park Community Garden Program is giving away free produce every Monday from 5 pm until gone. The goal is to get folks to eat healthy in an area that has little access to fresh produce. All are welcome and encouraged to receive! Note: If you're interested in supporting the Community Garden Project, contact Pastor Paul and he'll get you connected.

**Free Sack Lunch, Weekdays, 12-2, in front of the church: Karlisha and Patience began giving away free lunches a few weeks ago. It has now grown to over 40 lunches shared per day. The church is offering our resources to support them, including kitchen space and volunteers. Note: We're in need of extra support to keep this ministry going! Your help would be much appreciated. We begin prepping at 10:30. Contact Pastor Paul for details.

**Saturday, September 26: Ruby's Pantry: 11 am-12:30 pm, Mission Creek Church, 521 131st Avenue W.

**Saturday, October 3: OUTDOOR Holiday Harvest Bazaar: Norton Park UMC, 436 N. 79th Avenue W., 9 am-1 pm, crafts, Halloween treat bags, curbside lunch takeout. *Wear mask** and **social distance**.

**RetireGuide: A free web resource dedicated to providing useful information to help older adults fulfill retirement goals. RetireGuide recently published what they believe to be an easy-to-understand guide on the ins and outs of Medicare. This free resource highlights coverage, costs, eligibility and enrollment information, along with answers to some frequently asked questions. For further information, take a look at the following: retireguide.com/medicare/ or retireguide.com/guides/senior-benefits-discounts/  For questions, contact Juan Sousa, Outreach Coordinator for RetireGuide, at jsousa@retireguide.com.

BEGINNING IN OCTOBER: Wednesday Evening TIme of Prayer and Sharing, Wednesdays, 6-7 pm in the Sanctuary: We welcome you to gather at the church on Wednesdays for a mid-week calming time of prayer, music, and conversation led by Pastor Paul. Music by Maria Gross on piano and/or Jim Larson on Appalachian Dulcimer.

Halloween Event? Even though we cannot have our regular Halloween Carnival, there are a number of folks interested in offering a safe alternative for the community here at the church. Ideas abound. Interested? Contact Pastor Paul.

Joys and Concerns/Prayer Chain: We have a number of people and loved ones that are facing significant medical issues right now. While we don't share names in our reminders, please know that you and your loved ones are in our prayers and we are here to support you. Note: If you'd like to be included on the Prayer Chain, contact the office.

“So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”   ~ Matthew 20:16

    I broke out the harmonica today…in front of the church, sitting in a folding chair, out by the road while the sun was shining. I get a little antsy when sitting still, and in between waving to passersby and chatting up the neighbors, I needed something to occupy my time. I was filling in for Karlisha, Patience, and the crew while they had to step away for a moment from their “Free Lunch Giveaway.”

    “I didn't know you played the harmonica.”

    “Oh, I'm not very good at it. I just love to mess around.”

    “Sounds nice.”

    “Thanks. I don't often play around other people.”

    Truth is, I kinda stink at harmonica. I mean, I know a few bluesy licks that I learned back in Seminary days (when I'd have to stay awake on the drive home from the Twin Cities), but if you put me in a group I'd effectively wreck whatever they were trying to play. I've tried to get better – tried to practice – but eventually I fall back to the few things I learned way back when, smile a bit, and set it back down.

    Do I need to get better? No. All I really need to do is enjoy playing the harmonica.

    So it is with so many things we do, especially when it comes to church. Here I am, distributing simple lunches to people who are greatly thankful for them. My pastor mind dreams up a thousand ways we could take Karlisha and Patience's ministry to the next level (my brain goes to rescuing food from local restaurants, hosting a free dinner, offering additional resources, on and on and on), but instead of getting out my pad and pencil and making to do lists, or sitting on the phone making connections to ramp up this ministry, I sat back, played a few happy but humble notes, and gave people some happy but humble nourishment.

    I like to think my smile and joy is a type of nourishment as well. See, I'm not here just to dole out lunches. I'm here to love people.

    Do we need to feed every resident in Morgan Park, and repair every broken system that undergirds the increasing divide between “haves” and “have-nots”? Well, it'd be nice, and I like to think that every little thing we do takes a chisel to the giant slab of concrete that is injustice….

    …but the main thing I need to do is enjoy loving them.

Keep in touch, friends,

Pastor Paul 

Sunday, September 13: Worship at 10:30 am. Church doors are open and we welcome members to worship with us. Masks are required and social distancing and hygiene protocols observed. Pastor Paul posts weekly sermons on YouTube. Sermons are also available by email, or, if you would like a copy mailed to you, contact the church office at 218-626-2570 or office@unitedprotestantchurch.org.

Monday, September 14: 

**Bible Study/Faith Conversation: 5:30 pm in Fellowship Hall. Masks and CoVid precautions required.

**Free Produce Giveaway, 5 pm until gone, at the Iron Mug (88th & Edward): The Morgan Park Community Garden Program is giving away free produce every Monday from 5 pm until gone. The goal is to get folks to eat healthy in an area that has little access to fresh produce. All are welcome and encouraged to receive! Note: If you're interested in supporting the Community Garden Project, contact Pastor Paul and he'll get you connected.

**Free Sack Lunch, Weekdays, 12-2, in front of the church: Karlisha and Patience began giving away free lunches a few weeks ago. It has now grown to over 40 lunches shared per day. The church is offering our resources to support them, including kitchen space and volunteers. Note: If you'd like to lend a hand, we could always use the help. We begin prepping at 10:30. Contact Pastor Paul for details.

**RetireGuide: RetireGuide is a free web resource dedicated to providing useful information to help older adults fulfill their retirement goals. RetireGuide recently published what they believe to  be  an easy-to-understand guide on the ins and outs of Medicare. This free resource highlights coverage, costs, eligibility and enrollment information, along with answers to some frequently asked questions. For further information, take a look at the following: retireguide.com/medicare/  or  retireguide.com/guides/senior-benefits-discounts/  For questions, contact Juan Sousa, Outreach Coordinator for RetireGuide, at jsousa@retireguide.com.

BEGINNING IN OCTOBER: Wednesday Evening Time of Prayer and Sharing, Wednesdays 6-7 pm in the Sanctuary: We welcome you to gather at the church on Wednesdays for a mid-week calming time of prayer, music, and conversation led by Pastor Paul. Music by Maria Gross on piano and/or Jim Larson on Appalachian Dulcimer.

Halloween Event? Even though we cannot have our regular Halloween Carnival, there are a number of folks interested in offering a safe alternative for the community here at the church. Ideas abound. Interested? Contact Pastor Paul.

Joys and Concerns/Prayer Chain: We have a number of people and loved ones that are facing significant medical issues right now. While we don't share names in our reminders, please know that you and your loved ones are in our prayers and we are here to support you. Note: If  you'd like to be included on the Prayer Chain, contact the office.

**To those who have been able to share offering, it truly makes a difference. We rely heavily on plate giving of Sunday offering, and expenses still continue. We have had to cancel our regular fund raising events, so what you give, again, makes a difference.

**Thanks to Mike & Marna Fasteland for decorating the church for Fall.

**Thanks to the crew that lent a hand helping a church friend move recently. You are all awesome and a good example of what church should be!

**Thanks to Dick & Sue Linde for cleaning. (Pastor's messes are getting larger. He'll work on that.) Note: It has come to our attention that Dick Linde's “ding ding” bell has once again sprouted legs and is hiding on him. If you see it, please return, so that Mr. Linde can get a good night's sleep once again.

**Thanks to Scotty Nickila for mowing! Note: It has come to our attention that there are community complaints about how loud he sings as he mows. Authorities have been notified and warrants have been issued for creating a public nuisance. We'll have a talk with Scotty…see what we can do.

“Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.”  ~ Matthew 18:26

     I've been sharing in a lot of conversations and such (in other words, repeating myself) that I'm approaching this time in our church and culture as if it were one of those Christmas snow globes – you know the ones…those little trinkets you shake up so you can watch the snowstorm overwhelm the quaint scene within. (Which leads me to wonder why, here in the North, we really enjoy watching fake snowstorms like that?) Anyway, eventually all the chaos of the blizzard settles down in a snow globe, but in the meantime, there is nothing we can do but wait for things to settle. I'm thankful to God for gracing me with that image…it was a good one to help me contemplate the virtue of patience.

     But contemplation is quite different from practice. Recently, I'll admit, I've found myself growing more than a little weary of waiting. I find myself talking about how we can find creative alternatives to be church together, including gathering in smaller and safe groups, building networks of conversation and connection over phone and email, and reimagining events like Halloween to suit the present circumstances. On and on my busy little brain goes until…I exhale. Hey God! (I pray) I know I'm not that great at this patience thing, but I'm slowly getting there. Can I…um…ask you to be patient with me?

     Thing is, while my patience may sometimes rival a sugared-up toddler's, God's patience is infinite. Or put another way: God's way of doing things, and the timeline on which it happens, is something none of us can ever pretend to understand, only honor and appreciate. “God works in mysterious ways,” we're fond of saying. Nothing is more mysterious than the response we imagine when we call out “God, why don't you just fix all of this right now?”

     Here, I was going to offer suggestions on how we can be more patient, as well as honor God's plan and timeline, but here's what I'm going to do instead: I'm going to try and practice what I preach, from now until Sunday, and see how it works for this fellow in great need of taking my own advice.

     I'll give you a full report on Sunday. Stay tuned. Keep in touch.

Pastor Paul

Sunday, September 6: Worship at 10:30 am. We will share communion. Church doors are open and we welcome members to worship with us. Masks are required, social distancing and hygiene protocols observed. Weekly sermons are posted on YouTube. Sermons are also available by email or, if you would like a copy mailed to you, contact the church office at 218-626-2570 or office@unitedprotestantchurch.org.

Monday, September 7: Labor Day. Bible Study is cancelled.

Produce Giveaway is moved to Wednesday, September 9, 5-7 pm. Location pending (either at the church or at the Iron Mug).

“For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.”  ~ Matthew 18:20

    I've already confessed this to some of you, but here goes: I rather enjoy being in places where nobody knows I am a minister: a gathering of people I haven't met, a bar or an eating establishment, a random conversation, on and on. Likewise, I like to sit quiet and listen to other people talk – morning restaurants are good for this.

    I like to do this because quite often, as soon as people discover my vocation, the tenor of a conversation changes. Often, a sort of moral reflection arrives in the person or group, with telltale signs of straightened shoulders and tightened lips. Either people attempt to carry themselves more appropriately, or people ask questions, tell stories, or speak their piece about religion. It can quite quickly take the air out of a room. In my experience (which admittedly may be quite biased) very few people are neutral about religion.

    But then (and I love this) they get to know me. “Never met a minister like you,” they say. “Well, then, you're going to wrong churches!” I reply.

    Which gets me a-wonderin': how might I behave differently if I weren't a minister? I think of the jobs I used to have, before or in-between church calls, and the conversations I had and the friendships engendered there. I always found it easy to find common ground – something of shared interest, something in common. I've also always been quick to lend a hand, share what I have, listen with empathy – those sort of things. I'm one of those fellows that believe that people deep down are all quite good, no matter the brokenness they wear as veneer…

    Because I'm one of those fellows that believe that Jesus is walking with all those people, deep down, no matter the brokenness they wear as veneer (or no matter their history with churches or religion). There is love and care in each person, though sometimes it may seem more like tarnished brass or copper. It doesn't take a shared badge of – or belonging in – Christendom to share fellowship with another person. It doesn't take a title or a role or a name. All we have to do is care about them.

Keep in touch,

Pastor Paul 

RetireGuide recently published what they believe to be the most easy-to-understand guide on the ins and outs of Medicare. This free resource highlights coverage, costs, eligibility and enrollment information, along with answers to some frequently asked questions.

For further information, please take a look at the following links:

For questions, you may contact Juan Sousa, Outreach Coordinator for RetireGuide at jsousa@retireguide.com