Top 5 @ SPUMC

#1 JESUS AS A TWEEN
This past Sunday our STAR WORD of the day was Searching and we turned our attention to the story in Luke’s Gospel of Mary and Joseph frantically looking for Jesus. After discovering that Jesus was not among the post-Passover traveling caravan of family members, they return to Jerusalem to find their twelve year old son in the Temple conversing with the teachers of the law. Rev. Narae pointed out in her sermon that it’s an important story on multiple fronts. It’s the only account in the Gospels of Jesus’ life between his birth and his public ministry (which starts at around age 30); and it also humanizes him as someone who didn’t come out of the womb fully formed but who had to grow up “in wisdom and stature” (Luke 2:52). This coming Sunday our new STAR WORD will be Beloved as Rev. Ron preaches on the Baptism of Jesus by John in the Jordan and we all get a chance to renew our baptisms. Hope you’ll join us!

#2 WE ARE HIRING!
We are looking for THE NEXT FACE OF SPUMC! After being on staff for 17 years in two positions, Beth Frank is retiring at the end of the month and we will deeply miss her! We are looking for a new Office Manager to compassionately welcome guests, church members and anyone who walks in the front door or contacts SPUMC.

The position is 30-40 hours spread over 4-5 days/week and requires strong people, administrative and computer skills. If you are interested or know someone who might be great for the job, please reach out to SPRC Chair Mike Duckett.

# 3 NEURODIVERSITY PROGRAMS
The KNOW YOUR NEIGHBOR, LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR training series continues with a presentation on Neurodiversity on Sunday, January 26 and there are two options. Session 1 with Cheryl Farquhar will occur at 9:15am in the Parlor.

Session 2 at 12:30pm will feature a presenter from The Autism Society of Maryland and a panel discussion. The program will be preceded by a light Lunch in Fellowship Hall at Noon.

You can find more info on our website: severnaparkumc.org/neighbor

#4 PRAYERS FOR CALIFORNIA
Our prayers go out to all the wildfire victims, communities and first-responders in California who have lived through such fierce and sudden devastation the past two weeks.

You can read here about how the UMC has both suffered losses AND been part of the healing and recovery efforts. You can also make a donation to support the work of UMCOR (the United Methodist Committee on Relief) as they provide emergency and long-term assistance in the region.

#5 MEN’S MINISTRY NEWS
We have two active groups for men at different life stages to be part of. Over the last two years, both groups have become a great source of community and meaningful connection for the growing number of those who have gotten involved. THE MEN’S BREAKFAST GROUP (for guys 30-50ish) typically meets on the first Friday of the month from 7-8:45am (drop in/leave early or late depending on your schedule) at the Breakfast Shoppe in Severna Park. Our next breakfast will be on Friday, February 7. THE ROMEOS (Retired Old Men Eating Out) get together for breakfast at the Grill (Quarterfield Station) on Second Thursdays at 8am. Our next breakfast will take place on Thursday, February 13. And though the name suggests otherwise, you don’t have to be retired to join us (we have a couple of guys still working in that group). In addition to the breakfast meetings which provide for relaxed (and sometimes more focused) conversation each month, the MBG has had an annual Cornhole Night in the summer and Gag Gift Christmas Party in December. We did a joint Bible study during Lent last year and have plans for another starting in February. Both groups also help to serve meals at Winter Relief and for other church events. To find out more about either group or to get on our text reminder list for the latest news and breakfast reminders, contact Rev. Ron. ron@severnaparkumc.org