St. Paul's Youth (also known as SPYs) are students in grades 6-12. We meet at the church Multi-Purpose Room most weeks on Sunday evening during the school year for fellowship, Bible Study, and short-term service projects. Senior High Youth are led by the pastors and Middle School Youth are led by a rotating roster of adult volunteer leaders, but we often bring both groups together for combined actvities. SPYs also enjoy field trips and outings, including a winter walk through the Garden of Lights at Brookside, the conference-wide weekend youth retreat in Ocean City MD in March, and summer adventures including Monster Mini-Golf, outdoor movies, and Hershey Park.  See the YOUTH page to learn more!

The Lydia Circle Sisters meet the first Wednesday of the month (September-May), in the church's Octagon room, usually 2:30-4:00 in the afternoon. Lydia Sisters help with service projects, including preparing meals for the women's shelters and packing Smart Sacks, a partnership that provides weekend food for low income students in county schools. About twice a year, the  enjoy dinner at a home or restaurant. 

The United Methodist Men (UMM) of St. Paul's serve the church and community through a wide range of activities including the monthly Pancake Breakfast and the annual fall Apple Sale. These UMM-sponsored efforts build community and raise funds to support a host of local, national, and international ministries. The UMM also sponsors Boy Scout Troop #439, Cub Scout Pack #478, and co-ed Venture Crew scouts. Remember, "We include all male members and friends of St. Paul's as members of The United Methodist Men. There are no dues or fees to join - so come and be with us!" Contact Jim Heins or Jerry Watkins for more information.

The dedicated singers in the Sanctuary Choir raise their voices in worship under the director of Director of Music Tom Pedersen and our organist Marvin Mills. Adults of all ages and teens in grades 7 and older are invited to join. Visit our MUSIC page to find this year's rehearsal schedule and to learn more about Music Ministries at St. Paul's!

Drop-in the Church Library on the second and fourth Mondays of the month to join fellow busy fingers and prayerful hearts at work with knit, crochet, and paper crafting. The Yarn Ministry supplies St. Paul's with baptismal blankets and prayer shawls for those who are homebound. Participants are invited to contribute these items to the care ministry of the church, or bring along their own projects. Beginners welcome! Members of the Yarn Ministry are also instrumental in putting on the Fall Craft Fair, usually held the first two weekends in November. All sale items are donated by crafters from our community, and all proceeds are dedicated to worldwide charities.

On Wednesdays, the Prayerwaves group gathers by telephone for this time of prayer especially dedicated to lifting up the joys and concerns shared by members of the St. Paul's community. All are welcome. Call-in instructions are posted on the Prayer page. To join the prayer team and receive the prayer request list by email, contact the church office.

We don't stop learning just because we reach adulthood!

Sermon Safari, held by Zoom, meets most weeks throughout the year at 4:00 PM on Wednesdays. During the session, participants view a sermon from a notable speaker and then engage in a guided discussion. Contact Meg Baker or the church office for the Zoom link or more information.

Short-Term Sunday Sessions are available seasonally! Pastors or other leaders from the church typically offer an in-person class or special book study on Sunday afternoons during Lent and Advent seasons. Please click to go to the Adult Education page for information about current and past offerings.

Trained volunteers serve as Stephen Ministers, walking alongside and listening to those who experience life's challenges: death, illness, job loss, relationship challenges, and other experiences that cause stress in our lives. The Stephen Ministry also sponsors occassional workshops to increase our conversations around issues like mental health, caregiving, and aging. Whether you feel called to become a Stephen Minister, or would benefit from receiving one-on-one care, we can help.

Justice and Compassion efforts at St. Paul's take many forms, including short-term projects. In the last few years, we've held a book drive to benefit the county prison library, winter coat drive for refugees, and formal-wear collections for Montgomery County Schools prom dress project. We've marched in the DC Pride Parade to support our LGBTQ+ friends, attended the Poor People's Moral March on Washington. We've cleaned litter from rivers with the Oxon Riverkeepers, packed hygiene kits for UMCOR emergency distributions, and engaged in letter-writing campaigns to support historic preservation of African American history. We screen documentary films - and remember to serve popcorn! All of these projects start with a spark of an idea from a member of the congregation! Bring your ideas to the church staff or the SAM ministry table leaders.

Join us for Taste & Sing, on the third Tuesday of the month (September-May) in the Octagon. This group begins with a casual hymn-sing - feel free to request your favorites! Then we have a short program about a specific composer, lyricist, or theme, learning a little more about the stories behind the songs we sing. Stay after the music for a tasty luncheon ($5 donation suggested) and time of fellowship. No singing experience is required!