Friday, April 25

7:00 PM

Sebrof Forbes Cultural Center (3535 University Blvd West, Kensington MD)

RSVPs encouraged: kjuneteenthfilmandartseries@gmail.com

Please join neighbors for this special screening of Ain’t No Back to a Merry-Go-Round, the story of a protest in the summer of 1960 at the segregated Glen Echo Amusement Park. 

This well-received documentary from an Emmy-winning director includes just-discovered film footage, interviews with four of the protesters still living, and voiceover work from acclaimed actors Jeffrey Wright and Mandy Patinkin, voicing the Black and mainstream presses, respectively. 

When five Howard University students sat on a segregated Maryland carousel in 1960, the arrests made headlines. When the largely Jewish community near Glen Echo Amusement Park joined the Black students in picketing, the first organized interracial civil rights protest in US history was born. 

Picketing together for these unlikely allies led to partying together, and union organizers mentored student activists. Ten 1961 Freedom Riders, including Stokely Carmichael, were incubated on the Glen Echo picket line, and the carousel arrests were challenged in a Supreme Court case. The pickets attracted Nazis, Congressman, and a press avalanche. 

With never-before seen footage, and immersive storytelling by Emmy-award winning director Ilana Trachtman, four living protesters rescue this untold story, revealing the price, and the power, of heeding the impulse to activism. 

This film screening is at the Sebrof Forbes Cultural Center (3535 University Blvd West, Kensington MD). Kensington’s Juneteenth founder Jaime Boston will be moderating the discussion after the film. RSVPs encouraged: kjuneteenthfilmandartseries@gmail.com

Read more at https://dcdoxfest.com/films/aint-no-back-to-a-merry-go-round/ or https://www.aintnoback.com/

We look forward to gathering for interfaith conversations with Pastor Joey, Rabbi Adam, and friends from Temple Emanuel in the new year.

Here is the schedule for 2025 (subject to change):

Meeting on the Fourth Sunday of the month

5:00-6:00 PM

All our meetings are family friendly! These neighborhood restaurants and local small businesses offer food and beverages (including soft drinks and alcoholic drinks) that you can purchase as you like. 

January 26 - Knowles Station - Wine & Co.

February 23 - Knowles Station - Wine & Co.

March 30 - Knowles Station - Wine & Co.

April 27 - BabyCat Brewery

May 25 - BabyCat Brewery

Contact Pastor Joey - joeyhm@stpaulsk.org - with questions or for more information!

SAM church leadership (formerly known as Church Council) meet once a month, generally by Zoom.  Church leaders serve in the SAM - Simplified Accountability Model - include those leading in Ministry and Strategy, Accountability, and Leadership areas. 

Contact chairperson Rachel Stalcup for the meeting schedule or, when appropriate, the Zoom link. If you need Rachel's contact information, please check in the Weekly News message, or email the church office at stpaulsunited@stpaulsk.org

Inspired by the magi who were guided by a star, on Epiphany Sunday “Star Words" were made available to all. Each word offers a unique way to reflect on how we might move into the new year with the intention of growing in faith and community. Please pick up a star in the Sanctuary or visit the office during the week, or email stpaulsunited@stpaulsk.org to request one by mail.

WANT TO CRAFT ALONGSIDE FRIENDS?

Bring your knitting, crochet, or other project to St. Paul's and craft alongside friends in fellowship. The Yarn Ministry group meets once or twice a month during the programming year, usually in-person in the Library at St. Paul's. If the weather is poor, Yarn Ministry may switch to Zoom. To receive Yarn Ministry updates, please contact Karen Codner directly or email the church office (stpaulsunited@stpaulsk.org) for Karen's contact information.

Meeting Schedule for 2025:

7:00-8:30 PM on Mondays

Jan 13 and 27

Feb 10 and 24

March 10 and 24

April 14 and 28

May 12

Summer break May 26 (Memorial Day) through August

Sept 8 and 22

Oct 6 and 20

Nov 10 and 24

Dec 8 and 22

CRAFT FAIR! - St. Paul’s own Yarn Ministry sponsors the Craft Fair each fall. This year, the full craft fair operated out of the Narthex in November with a bonus pop-up selection at the December Pancake Breakfast. All items are donated by members and friends of St. Paul's and all proceeds are donated to global and local charities selected by the Yarn Ministry.

The Lydia Circle sisters will typically be meeting the first Wednesday of each month at 2:30 PM, September-May in the Octagon at St. Paul's. In June and December, Lydia Circle Sisters enjoy a special trip or luncheon. Any woman who would like to join us can email Susan Schwarz (contact the office at stpaulsunited@stpaulsk.org if you need Susan's personal email address) or call 301-339-8242 for details. Plans could change month to month, so be sure to get on the Lydia Circle list for updates.

We have restocked our supplies for making new name tags! 

If you would like a new name tag, or a replacement for one that's been lost, please find the Name Tag request sheet at the Welcome Desk on Sundays or in the office during the week. Simply write your name as you want it to appear on your nametag, and select Magnet or Clip for the backing. (If you have a pacemaker or other heart condition, please choose the clip back.) 

During the programming year (Sept.-June), Still Wednesday meets on Wednesday nights, 7:00-8:00 pm to create a sacred space full of quiet, peace, and opportunities for reflection. In the summer months of July and August, we meet once a month for silent prayer and reflection in the peaceful space of our Sanctuary. All are welcome. For more information, visit the Still Wednesday page.

If you would like to discuss joining St. Paul's UMC and have not already contacted the pastors, please contact Pastor Sheridan (sallmond@stpaulsk.org) or Pastor Joey directly (joeyhm@stpaulsk.org) to begin a conversation about membership.

We are welcoming new Lay Readers who would like to assist with worship by reading the Scripture and leading the opening prayers. Guidance is provided! Please contact Erin Steele in the church office at stpaulsunited@stpaulsk.org to volunteer as a lay reader for either the 9:00 or 10:30 worship service. 

Please see our Children's Page for current information about Sunday School and other children's programming! If you have additional questions, please contact Meg Baker, mbaker@stpaulsk.org or 301-933-7933 ext 104. 

The TNT group (Teens ’n Twenties) from the 1970s has decided to postpone the 50-year reunion. It was originally scheduled for August 17. The new date has not yet been determined, but will likely be in May 2025. Additional information will be shared by organizers Clark Cochran and Don Luckett.

In the early 1970’s during what was referred to as “The Jesus Movement” (when Jesus was on the cover of Time Magazine and the musicals Jesus Christ Superstar and Godspell came out), St. Paul’s had a very large and vibrant youth group. Senior High and youth in their early 20’s were combined and nicknamed TnT (Teens ‘n Twenties). The group grew to around 60 members. Mrs. Mabel Baker (still an attending member of St. Paul’s) was our main "TnT Mom" back then. 

If you would like to attend, please contact Clark Cochran or Don Luckett. Their email addresses are available by contacting the church office at stpaulsunited@stpaulsk.org. They were teenagers on the TNT planning committee back in the 70’s and are now on the TnT alumni planning committee. TnT alumni have their own Facebook group with around 38 alumni. In 2004, TNT alumni had a 30 year reunion at St. Paul’s - some of the members are in the photo posted here. We expect around 20 alumni to make the reunion!

You can join a time of prayer by phone on Wednesday mornings at 10:00 a.m. as we lift the prayers of the people over the airwaves. Visit our Prayer Requests page to learn how.

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