Article Page From The Pastor  The Year of Growth  Lenten Season Bible Study  iWorship Sermon Series 1, 2, 3 Lay Leader’s Corner  Perfect Love  New Member Orientation 2 UMW Warm Nights 3 LENT  Corridor Churches Lenten Service Schedule  Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper 4 SHARE Life Skills Center  Are You at Risk for Heart Disease? 5 MEMBER CONNECTIONS  Welcome New Members  Sick and Shut-in  February Birthdays 5, 8 6 7 CHILDREN ACTIVITIES 9, 10 CLASSIFIED & ANOUNCEMENTS 10 CAFÉ AGAPE  The Legendary Orioles  2015 Schedule 11 Photo Page 12 Calendar 13 Join Us 14 REV. DARYL L. WILLIAMS, PASTOR Every child has at some point heard these words, “Look at how much you have grown.” It usually comes from a well intentioned adult who has not seen the child in some time and is amazed at the transformation. Last time you saw them they were six inches shorter, and 20 pounds lighter. This time, they are looking you almost eye to eye, and taking them out to lunch involves checking your bank balance on the way to make sure you can cover the bill. We ask them questions like, “How did you get so big?” and “When are you going to stop growing?” Those are questions that we can all take to heart. When we look back on our faith journey, it is also a story of growth. We can look back and ask, “How did my faith get so big?” When we first give our lives to God we are like little kids but then we grow and grow and grow. The faith that started out as a mustard seed begins to grow bit by bit. Then one day growing becomes a choice. We have to decide to grow. We decide that we are going to study the Word more, so that we keep growing. We decide that we are going to pray more, so that we keep growing. We decide that we are going to try meditation, fasting, sacrificial giving and acts of service, all so that we can keep growing. Like kids, we never want to stop growing. We want to be as big in faith as we can possibly be. While your physical stature was determined by genetics, your faith stature is determined by your desire. You truly can grow to be as big as you want to be in God. You can choose to grow into the faith that moves mountains. You can choose to grow into the faith that keeps going in bad times. Choosing to grow means choosing to keep doing the things that made you grow at first, even when you don’t feel like it. I believe that 2015 can be the year that we have a big growth spurt for the people of St. Paul Church. A growth spurt is when you grow quickly and greatly. In 2015, I believe that we will experience a growth spurt in five areas: 1. I believe we will have a growth spurt in Worship. I believe that we will grow greatly in worshiping with our whole hearts in spirit and in truth. 10 2. I believe we will experience a growth spurt in Discipleship. In 2015, I believe that we grow deeper in our love and following of God. 3. I believe we will also experience a growth spurt in Fellowship. 2015 will give us more opportunities to share with, spend time with and connect with one another on deeper levels. Continued on Page 2 1 The year of growth… Kevin West, Lay Leader continued from Page 1 4. I also believe 2015 will see a growth spurt in Service. In 2015 we will be able to grow in the ways that we serve and minister to each other and the world -- in ways that will change lives forever. Last month's Lay Leader's Corner highlighted the importance of changing habits to change character. Jesus modeled the habits that lead to the right character and ultimately to being perfected in love. Why should we strive for perfect love? Well, I'm glad you asked. 5. Finally, I believe that in 2015 we will experience a growth spurt in Evangelism. This year we will have more and more opportunities to share the gospel and the love of Christ with those in need. 2015 is going to be a great year. The year of GROWTH! Let’s GROW together!!!! At one time or another, most of us have said: "Nobody's perfect." A truer statement has never been uttered. Nonetheless, Jesus challenged us to embark on a lifelong journey to be perfected in love. One of His most notable exhortations occurred during the Sermon on the Mount, when He implored the crowds to be perfect just as the heavenly Father is perfect. This call to perfection closed out his discourse on "love for enemies." Perfect love was the high ideal Jesus taught to people from more than 13 cities at the Sermon on the Mount, and perfect love is the high ideal we must aspire to reach today. Why? Because perfect love is more life-sustaining than the food we eat, the air we breathe or the water we drink. We will know that we are perfected in love when we obey God's commands, live without fear; love our enemies; and pray for our persecutors. It's true that nobody's perfect, but a lifelong journey toward perfect love is a noble undertaking. Let's get started today. Blessings, Kevin 2014 The Living by Faith Bible study series will continue until Ash Wednesday when a study series based on The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren will be introduced. Get ready for another exciting and possibly life-altering Bible study experience. To register online, on to www.stpumcmd.org/purposedrivenreg 2 on the lower level and is open for 1 hour following Sunday worship service; from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm on Wednesdays, and by special request. The King will say to those on his right, “I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.” - Matthew 25:34-35 As we move into 2015, the St. Paul UMW has 65 members. Our purpose as a community of women is to know God and to experience freedom as w through whole persons through Jesus Christ, to develop a creative, supportive fellowship and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church. In 2014 the UMW donated clothes and a baby crib to a shelter for abused women in Prince George’s County. As a Christmas project, UMW women provided Christmas gift bags for 32 children at Flintstone Elementary School in Oxon Hill. Each gift bag contained a new coat, new shoes, other clothing items and toys. Our upcoming events for 2015 include Warm Nights in March and collaboration with the United Methodist Men (UMM) and the Youth Ministry for the West River church picnic in June. If you feel the need to help someone, we extend a hearty and warm welcome to you to join us. The UMW meet every second Saturday of the month at 9 am in the Fellowship Hall. For 140 years, United Methodist Women have been involved in mission that includes prayer, study and action. The Reading Program is a study opportunity, but it should also lead to action. The purpose of the program is to encourage United Methodist Women members to think critically about current issues through an annual selection of member-reviewed books. It offers an excellent opportunity to deepen your spirituality and to broaden your understanding of our mission work. Warm Nights Hypothermia Program March 29 - April 5 Get ready to contribute to St. Paul’s glowing reputation for offering extravagant generosity, radical hospitality, delicious meals, and the best entertainment in Prince George’s County for Warm Nights guests. We will again provide overnight shelter to individuals and families needing to escape cold temperatures during the week of March 29-April 5 by converting our education wing and fellowship hall into sleeping and dining facilities. The reading list is categorized as follows:  Nurturing for Community  Social Action  Leadership Development  Spiritual Growth  Education for Mission  Books for Children & Youth Please SAVE THE DATE and be prepared to sign up to assist a ministry and/or give generously. Additional information, with opportunities to serve, will be provided as If you have an interest in additional information about the reading list, visit the St. Paul Library or contact Ms. Ellen Amey, Church Librarian. The St. Paul Library is located we approach the date. 3 Smith-Chapel UMC 7750 Poorhouse Road Marbury, MD 20658 Host: Rever end Geor ge DeFor d Speaker: Reverend Ronald Triplett Corkran Memorial UMC (Ash Wednesday) 2 services Day Service: 12:00 PM Providence-Ft. Washington UMC 10610 Old Fort Road Ft. Washington, MD 20744 Host: Rever end Stephen Ricketts Speaker: Reverend Stephen Ricketts (Good Friday) 2 Services Night Service: 7:00 PM St. Paul @ Oxon Hill UMC 6634 St. Barnabas Road Oxon Hill, MD 20745 Host: Rever end Dar yl Williams Speaker: Reverend Bobby McClain Retired Elder, United Methodist Church Day Service: 3:00 PM Faith UMC 15769 Livingston Road Accokeek, MD 20607 Host: Rever end Geor ge Aist Speaker: Reverend George Aist Night Service: 7:00 PM Asbury UMC 4004 Accokeek Road Brandywine, MD20613 Host: Rever end Gladman Kapfumvuti Speaker: Reverend Jacques Banks Indian Head UMC Oxon Hill UMC 6400 Livingston Road Oxon Hill, MD 20745 Host: Rever end Har r y Smith Speaker: Reverend K ermit Moore Alexandria Chapel UMC Corkran Memorial UMC 5200 Temple Hill Road Temple Hills, MD20748 Host: Rever end Ronald Tr iplett Speaker: Reverend George DeFord Smith-Chapel UMC Metropolitan UMC 3385 Metropolitan Church Road Indian Head, MD 20640 Host: Rever end Geor ge Hackey, J r . Speaker: Reverend Daryl W illiams St. Paul @ Oxon Hill UMC Grace UMC 11700 Old Fort Road Fort Washington, MD 20744-2703 Host: Rever end Rober t Slade Speaker: Reverend George Hackey, Jr. Metropolitan UMC Shrove Tuesday is the day immediately preceding Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent in the Christian churches in the West. Shrove, derived from “shrive,” refers to the confession of sins usual in the European Middle Ages as a preparation for Lent. Traditionally pancakes were eaten on Shrove Tuesday because the eggs and fat used in pancakes were forbidden during the Lenten fast. 4 MENUS FOR FEBRUARY 2015 Value Package -- $20.50  Chicken Drums, individually frozen (2.5 lbs.)  Ham Steak (1 lb.)  Perch Fillet (3/4 lb.)  Steak Strips (3/4 lb.)  Potatoes, Onions and 8-12 additional pounds of fresh healthy seasonal produce. Cardiovascular disease (CVD)—including heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure—is the number 1 killer of women and men in the United States. It is a leading cause of disability, preventing Americans from working and enjoying family activities. CVD costs the United States over $300 billion each year, including the cost of health care services, medications, and lost productivity. Lovin’ that Seafood -- $22.50 Popcorn Shrimp (30 oz. ) Salmon (1.5 lbs.) Tilapia (1.5 lbs.)    CVD does not affect all groups of people in the same way. Although the number of preventable deaths has declined in people aged 65 to 74 years, it has remained unchanged in people under age 65. Men are more than twice as likely as women to die from preventable CVD. Schwann’s Pepperoni Pizzas -- $16.50  18 - 11.2 oz. pepperoni pizzas (reduced fat) Orders must be placed and paid for by Sunday, February 15, 2015 and picked up between 11:30 a.m. and 12 noon on February 28. Orders not picked up will be donated to a needy family or individual. Orders cannot be stored in the refrigerator or freezer at St. Paul. 1. Cash 3. Money Order 5. EBT card Having a close relative who has heart disease puts you at higher risk for CVD. Health disparities based on geography also exist. During 2007–2009, death rates due to heart disease were the highest in the South and lowest in the West. Race and ethnicity also affect your risk. Nearly 44% of African American men and 48% of African American women have some form of CVD. And African Americans are more likely than any other racial or ethnic group to have high blood pressure and to develop the condition earlier in life. About 2 in 5 African American adults have high blood pressure, yet fewer than half of them have the condition under control. 2. Check 4. Debit/Credit Card Many CVD deaths could have been prevented through healthier habits, healthier living spaces, and better management of conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes.     You can control a number of risk factors for CVD, including:  Diet  Physical activity  Tobacco use  Obesity  High blood pressure  High blood cholesterol  Diabetes Continued on Page 8 5 The Johnson Family joined St. Paul on January 11. L to R: Paniesa Johnson, Kendall Johnson, Kamaiya Johnson and Ross Johnson Monica L. Blake joined St. Paul on December 14; her photo was not available for the January newsletter. Not shown are the McMillons, Anthony and Marian, who joined following the worship service on January 25. They are the parents of Blessing McMillon who is active with HYPE and the Liturgical Dance Ministry. Shvonne Dennis, a member of St. Paul for many years, recommitted herself to Jesus Christ on January 11. Mary Barbour - 3420 Rickey Avenue, #243, Temple Hills, MD 20748 Cynthia Bush - 12407 Applecross Drive, Clinton, MD 20735 Shirley Butler - 1800 Palmer Road, #205, Ft. Washington, MD 20744 Ronald Carter - 11905 Hickory Drive, Ft. Washington, MD 20744 Margaret Cottman - 1923 Oak Drive, Gwynn Oak, MD 21207 Eddie Dorsey - 4326 23rd Place, Temple Hills, MD 20748 Claudette Daniels - 1912 South Addison Road, District Heights, MD 20747 Debbie Douglas - 9107 Patrick Drive, Clinton, MD 20735 Ann Johnson - 1800 Palmer Road, #217, Ft. Washington, MD 20744 Rev. Martin McKenney - 405 Jones Fall Court, Bowie, MD20721 Earl & Corrine Mitchell - 7738 London Drive, Ft. Washington, MD 20744 Landonia Tanner - 3013 Merva Court, Ft. Washington, MD 20744 Carolyn Tyson - 3420 Rickey Avenue, #350, Temple Hills, 20848 The family of Maggie Bassil who departed this life on January 21. Expressions of sympathy can be sent to the family at 902 Broderick Drive, Oxon Hill, MD 20745. 6 Louise Greer Anthony G. McMillon Wilbert Sellers, Jr. Loretta Simms Calvin Dorsey Sherdette Hankins 2 2 2 3 4 4 Brittney McMullen Arnette White Gianni Glover Louis “LJ” Tue Thelma Gwin Beverly Bland 4 4 5 7 8 9 Clayton Deskins, Sr. Erin Williams Peter Holliman Ashley Hart Ninette Macauley Riva-Niger Smith 9 9 10 11 11 12 Charles Gwin Rashida Walker Joyce T. Jones Joseph Jones Cynthia Bush Chantal Jackson 13 13 14 14 15 15 Anita Riggans Earl Mitchell Brandy Pitts Mary Chase Gloria Terrell Holder Larry Greer 15 16 16 17 17 18 Deborah Reid June Little Sydney Thompson Karoline K. Easton Wallicia Tapscott Sharrese Anderson 18 19 19 20 20 20 Vera Smith Ruth Lewis Cora Marshall Jacqueline Morton 20 21 25 27 7 Are You At Risk…? Don't smoke. Cigarette smoking greatly increases your risk for CVD. If you don't smoke, don't start. If you do smoke, quit as soon as possible. Your health care team can suggest ways to help you quit. For more information about tobacco use and quitting, see CDC's Smoking & Tobacco Use Web site andSmokefree.gov. Continued from Page 4 Try out these strategies for better heart health and try to make as many as possible lifelong habits! Work with your health care team. Get a checkup at least once each year, even if you feel healthy. A doctor, nurse, or other health care professional can check for conditions that put you at risk for CVD, such as high blood pressure and diabetes—conditions that can go unnoticed for too long. Limit alcohol use. Avoid drinking too much alcohol, which can increase your blood pressure. Men should stick to no more than two drinks per day, and women to no more than one. For more information, visit CDC's Alcohol and Public Health Web site. Manage your diabetes. If you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar levels closely, and talk with your health care team about treatment options. VisitCDC's Diabetes Public Health Resource for more information. Monitor your blood pressure. High blood pressure often has no symptoms, so be sure to have it checked on a regular basis. You can check your blood pressure at home, at a pharmacy, or at a doctor's office. Find more information at CDC's High Blood Pressure Web site. Take your medicine. If you're taking medication to treat high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or another condition, follow the instructions carefully. Always ask questions if you don't understand something. If you have side effects, talk with your health care team about your options. Get your cholesterol checked. Your health care team should test your cholesterol levels at least once every 5 years. Talk with your health care professional about this simple blood test. You can find out more from CDC's High Cholesterol Web site. Eat a healthy diet. Choosing healthful meal and snack options can help you avoid CVD and its complications. Limiting sodium in your diet can lower your blood pressure. Be sure to eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables—adults should have at least five servings each day. Eating foods low in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol and high in fiber. For more information on eating a healthy diet, visit CDC's Nutrition page and ChooseMyPlate.gov. 25 Top Heart-Healthy Foods Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese can increase your risk for CVD. To determine whether your weight is in a healthy range, health care professionals often calculate a number called body mass index (BMI). Doctors sometimes also use waist and hip measurements to measure a person's body fat. If you know your weight and height, you can calculate your BMI at CDC's Assessing Your Weight Web site. 1. Salmon 2. Flaxseed (ground) 3. Oatmeal 4. Black or Kidney Beans 5. Almonds 6. Walnuts 7. Red wine 8. Tuna 9. Tofu 10. Brown rice 11. Soy milk 12. Blueberries Nutrition experts from The Cleveland Clinic and the American Dietetic Association, put together a list of the "best of the best" heart-healthy foods. The foods listed below are all top-performers in protecting your heart and blood vessels. Exercise regularly. Physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight and lower cholesterol and blood pressure. The Surgeon General recommends that adults should engage in moderate-intensity activity for at least 150 minutes per week. Remember to incorporate exercise into your day in different ways: take the stairs instead of the elevator, or rake the yard instead of using the leaf blower. Exercising with friends and family can be a great way to stay healthy and have fun. For more information, visit CDC's page on physical activity. 8 13. Carrots 14. Spinach 15. Broccoli 16. Sweet potato 17. Red bell peppers 18. Asparagus 19. Oranges 20. Tomatoes 21. Acorn squash 22. Cantaloupe 23. Papaya 24. Dark chocolate 25. Tea 9  Got a new job, promotion, or retirement coming up? We want to know. We would also like to spread the news about jobs openings, upcoming events, or any other significant occurrences in your life that you would like to share.  Are your children/grandchildren involved in any activities (plays, recitals, sports, recognitions, etc.) about which you want others to be informed? Let us know what’s happening in your life and let’s stay connected through The Beacon.  If you have a business or enterprise that you would like to advertise, you will be able to do so on a firstcome basis. Business ads will be limited to black/ white copy no larger than 1/8-page. 10 11 12 13  The Smithsonian (National Muse- St. Paul @ Oxon Hill is a vibrant and growing Christian community located in Southern Maryland near the National Harbor. St. Paul has remained relevant in this community for over 200 years through its many outreach ministries that feed, clothe, and care for the wellbeing of people. We intend to continue doing what we do until Jesus returns. um of American History at 14th St. and Constitution Ave, NW) kicks off its celebration of Black History Month with a day of music and drama performances, arts and craft activities and other themed activities. The full day of activities is inspired by the exhibition Rising Up: Hale Woodruff’s Murals at Talladega College which features murals by prominent African American artist Hale Woodruff that portray significant events in the journey of African Americans from slavery to freedom. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.  Newseum “1965: Civil Rights at 50” This new exhibit explores the dramatic civil rights events of 1965, from the historic march from Selma to Montgomery, Ala., to the signing of the Voting Rights Act by President Lyndon B. Johnson. The exhibit also includes powerful photos that show protesters facing off with state troopers in Selma and marching to the state Capitol in Montgomery two weeks later for the largest civil rights rally the South had ever seen.  83rd Annual ASALH Black History Luncheon at the Omni Shor eham Hotel on February 21, presents keynote speaker, Michael Eric Dyson. Additional information available at www.asalh.net  King Hedley II, which mar ked the fifth and final time African American playwright August Wilson would be a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, will be at the Arena Stage Feb. 6March 8.  Black History Gospel Celebration - Saturday, February 7, 6-8 pm at Hillcrest Heights Community Center with performances and dancers from local church choirs.  Get the 28-page online brochure of Black History Month activities throughout Prince George’s County at http://issuu.com/pgparks/docs/ 2015_ bh _ brochure 14