Sunday, October 14, was a very special day in the life of St. Paul as we celebrated both our 210th Anniversary and Annual Homecoming. Bishop Felton Edwin May, Presiding Bishop of the Baltimore-Washington Conference was our guest preacher.
Bishop May preached with passion and power from Acts 4:13 as he urged us to act with "Holy Boldness" and give the world Jesus.
The Combined Choirs filled the choir loft and lifted our hearts with their music. Bishop May led both choir and congregation in a spirited rendition of his favorite hymn "Blessed Assurance."
Gwendolyn Baccus, Homecoming Chairperson, highlighted the occasion. She gave a spiritual and historical reflection of St. Paul's 210 year history and the significance of this Homecoming.
Gwendolyn Terrell, Worship Committee Chairperson, lit candles of remembrance as Gwendolyn Baccus concluded her reflections.

Various age-levels and ministries were presented in the service as Glen Wilson led the Psalter, Sharrese Anderson welcomed visitors, Kevin West gave the Children's Moment, and the Lay Leader, Clinton Black, introduced Bishop May.
The Liturgical Dance Ministry offered visual beauty, grace and prayer despite the unforeseen technical challenges.
One of our goals in celebrating the 210th Anniversary was to raise significant funds to defray the mortgage. We focused on making a "sacrificial gift" to St. Paul. For months we spoke of saving and sacrificing in order to give this gift  on Anniversary/Homecoming Sunday. The sacrificial offering was given as we followed Reverend Oliver and the choir in an offering procession singing "We've Come This Far By Faith." To date this sacrificial giving has reached $26,277.36.
Mrs. Phyllis May accompanied her husband on this day. She was introduced by Reverend Oliver and warmly welcomed by the church. Mrs. May is known for her work with children in our conference. The Phyllis May Academy located at the Congress Heights United Methodist Church is an outgrowth of her work.
During the Invitation to Discipleship period, Carolyn Bounds and her daughter Michelle Ellis were received into membership.
Shirley Harris, Co-Chair of Homecoming and Reverend Oliver gave closing remarks.
A delicious Homecoming Dinner was served in the Fellowship Hall immediately after the service. The Youth Group were an instant hit as servers wearing aprons reading "Have You Hugged a United Methodist Today?" Cora Marshall and her Dinner/Hospitality Committee did a wonderful job in planning, expediting and serving a delicious dinner.
Bishop and Mrs. May enjoyed the dinner and the time for fellowship with St. Paul members and friends. It was our special joy to have them as our guests!