Inquirer's Conversations
For those who want to know more about St. Paul's, the United Church of Christ (UCC), or to talk about general questions of faith and doubt - speak with or contact Pastor Tim.
Children and Youth Programs
Social Action
St. Paul is a church that is committed to service. This is reflected in a variety of programs that are part of our life together, such as:
Hospitality
One of the ways we offer welcome and hospitality is by
having a chance to gather after worship on Sunday with some
refreshments. There is no right or wrong way to host this time, just a
willingness to help us be hospitable. Help and hints are available. To
sign up, just click link below and look at available spots. Thank you!
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The Third Sacrament?
March 4, 2013
Matthew 10:42
"And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little
ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not
lose their reward."
Dwight Lee Wolter
In congregational tradition there are two sacraments: baptism and communion.
But it seems there is a third: Coffee Hour. I am not belittling the
sacraments. It simply seems that Coffee Hour is another indicator of
communion and belonging. Coffee Hour can be ho-hum or a vibrant, boisterous
and truly intergenerational extension of the service where people are
standing, sitting, eating, talking, reading, signing up for opportunities.
Often I yell "Last Call!" just to get them out so we can finally
go home. You can't fake a spiritual presence.
Members gently invite visitors for coffee and cake before they can slip out
the door. Many decline at first, feeling good to be invited, though not
quite ready or able to participate, but they usually return for church and
fellowship.
In baptism God comes to us. In communion we come to God. In Coffee Hour we
come to each other. We break a different bread and share a different cup
than we do in communion. We use different water than we do in baptism. We
touch the same souls in a different way. Do you want to feel "a part
of" rather than "apart from" the congregation? Do diligence
to Coffee Hour and watch the multiplication of the loaves and dishes.
Prayer
Be with and guide us in all we say and do, and in all the ways in which we
gather to know, celebrate and honor you. Amen.
About the Author
Dwight Lee Wolter is the pastor of the Congregational Church of Patchogue
on Long Island, New York, and the author of Forgiving Our Parents and Forgiving Our Grownup Children.
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