From the Pastor
I would really like for the entire St. Paul's Lawton community of faith to make this Lent a time of prayer, fasting, and devotion. We are at a time when God is calling us to new things, but we must be ready. We must prepare ourselves, so that when this call of God is discerned, we will be ready to act. Below is an article of how you can attune yourself to God through what John Wesley called means of grace and how St. Paul's is providing ways for you to observe Lent this year.
The Wesleyan Means of Grace
From United Methodist Communications
Courageous and forward-leaning mission congregations practice spiritual disciplines. Our vital work is a spiritual adventure based in John Wesley's means of grace. John Wesley taught that God's grace is unearned and that we were not to be idle waiting to experience grace, but we are to engage in the means of grace. The means of grace are ways God works invisibly in disciples, hastening, strengthening; and confirming faith so that God's grace pervades in and through disciples. As we look at the means of grace today, they can be divided into works of piety and the works of mercy.
Works of Piety
Individual Practices – reading, meditating, and studying the scriptures; prayer, fasting, regularly attending worship, healthy living, and sharing our faith with others
Communal Practices – regularly share in the sacraments, Christian conferencing (accountability to one another), and Bible study
Works of Mercy
Individual Practices - doing good works, visiting the sick, visiting those in prison, feeding the hungry, and giving generously to the needs of others
Communal Practices – seeking justice, ending oppression and discrimination (for instance Wesley challenged Methodists to end slavery), and addressing the needs of the poor
Making disciples, growing vital congregations, and transforming the world is part of a spiritual adventure that is empowered and guided by the Holy Spirit as churches engage in the means of grace. Spiritual goals are accomplished by connecting the means of grace with proven vital church practices such as planning, strategic direction, prioritization, clear focus, and alignment.
Ways St. Paul's Helps You to Observe Wesley's Means of Grace
At St. Paul's we offer ways of living into these means of grace regularly, but especially during Lent. This Lent, St. Paul's is offering the following ways to participate in works of piety and works of mercy.
- St. Paul’s is providing a special Lenten devotional called Sanctuary for Lent. You can request one with the button below.
- There are links to aps for meditation, prayer, and devotion below.
- We will have special worship on Ash Wednesday (February 14th) and during Holy Week (March 21st-28th) in addition to the usual Sunday morning service.
- A way to share your faith with others is to invite them to worship with you or other activities, such as serving or small groups, to encourage their faith.
- We are beginning HomeGroups which are small groups which meet weekly for accountability, encouragement, and support. These are forming now and if you are interested, please ask Rev. Tobey.
- Our current study on Zoom is following Season 1 of the series “The Chosen.” If you are interested in joining this, please click the button below to request one.
- We would love for you to visit with those who are homebound and unable to attend. They love to hear from their church family. If you would like more information contact Rev. Tobey or click the button to request information.
- Hungry Hearts Feeding Ministry is always looking for volunteers to work and always needs specific items donated. See below for more information.
- We take a Lenten offering each year that goes to our Love in Action ministries to aide the homeless and hungry in the Lawton community. Please mark your check or envelope “Lenten Offering” or you can give online here and click “Love in Action Ministries.”
- We are attending the March 2nd Mass Poor People’s and Low Wage Workers’ State House Assembly at the Oklahoma state capital. Let Rev. Tobey know that you are planning to attend and if you are interested in a ride. Or you can click the button below to request information.
- Potatoes
- Cabbage
- Onions
- Carrots
- Celery
- Head lettuce
- Tomatoes and cucumbers if responsibly affordable
- Eggs
- Spices
- Chicken (Cash saver has a five for $25.00 everyday for the large bags.
- Ground beef
- Tuna fish (can be purchased at Sam’s in bulk size.)
- Jiffy corn bread mix
Monday’s -Thursday’s
Monday’s 9:00am – Noon
Tuesday’s -Thursday’s 9:00am – 1:00 pm