A Note on Cancelling Church Last Week:
Hey folks, Pastor Paul here. Sorry to cancel church last week but I had a hefty dose of the alternating sweats and chills and had no idea what was going on, so “out of an abundance of caution” (as is a common phrase we hear these days) I thought it best to set everything aside for a week. Fact: did you know grapefruit has chemical properties that are deleterious to certain prescription medicines? Nobody tells me these things. At any rate, I was worried that I had CoVid but I've figured it out and all is well…so we're back in the game with Sunday worship and Bible Study and Wednesday's mid-week soul-supporting time of prayer and conversation. And we're sharing about sixty lunches a day in front of the church, and life and ministry continue to flourish and grow. Thanks, all. Sorry to scare you. Paul
Sunday, October 11: 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 are observed. Weekly sermons are posted 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, October 12: 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. Masks required, along with hygiene observance.
Wednesday, October 14: Wednesday Evening Time of Prayer and Sharing, 6:00 pm in the Sanctuary. You are welcome to gather 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.
Thursday, October 15: AA meets in Fellowship Hall, 7 pm. Masks and hygiene protocols required.
Free Sack Lunch, Weekdays 12-2 in front of church: Volunteers needed! Every weekday:
– Set up: 10-30 – 12:00 – Serving: 12:00 – 2:00 – Clean up: 2:00 – 3:00
Contact Pastor Paul if interested.
Halloween Event? There are a number of folks interested in offering a safe alternative for a Halloween event for the community. Ideas abound. Interested? Contact Pastor Paul.
Joys and Concerns/Prayer Chain: A number of people and loved ones are facing significant medical issues right now. We do not share names on our reminders, but 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.
From Pastor Paul: Toward Sunday
“Go therefore into the main streets, and invite everyone you find to the wedding banquet.” ~ Matthew 22:9
Yeah, I was that guy at the weddings…the one who would dance like a goofball and people would circle around and cheer on and think “well, if he can do it, then I sure can!”
See, I'm a lousy dancer. My natural talent finds me little more proficient than Droopy Dog from the old cartoons. It doesn't stop me, though. I figure it this way: am I having fun? Yes…I rather enjoy the awkward boogie that arrives when that first song meets the empty dance floor (Kool and the Gang's “Celebrate Good Times, C'mon!” if I recall).
…because joy is contagious. And that's the key: I enjoy it.
So…remember: I'm a lousy dancer. But here's what I found, if I get out there, and jester/fool or not, if I show that I am enjoying myself, well, that's contagious.
Joy is contagious. I know I've written and preached that before but it bears repeating: joy…is…contagious.
Anger is contagious as well. But tell me (writes Mary Oliver) what will you do with your one wild and precious life?
What does it take for you to be filled with an honest and contagious joy? Will you dance?
And notice, I didn't ask you “can you dance” – because that doesn't matter. What I asked was: will you get out there?
Because the world longs for you.
Keep in touch, friends
Pastor Paul