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Testimonials
 Like most 20 something’s I wandered away from the house of worship I attended all through my childhood. As a young adult I didn’t see a need to attend church, because I didn’t really see any benefit. I didn’t feel like I was getting anything out of going. I was 25 and living on my own when my dad suddenly passed away. I was angry and resentful towards God as I thought I “knew” why he took my dad away. I remember the memorial service and I found myself getting angrier as I sat listening. Why would God take my father away from me now? What did he do wrong? What did I do wrong?
I came to St. Paul’s as a married Methodist, with one small child. I had an open mind and an open heart about finding meaning in becoming a Christian… again. I began giving of my time to Youth Group, Sunday School, VBS and other areas where my artistic talents could be used. Deep down inside I enjoyed every moment I have given to St. Paul’s for my sake and the sake of others. I assumed my creativity was my gift, in a literal sense. What I failed to see is that I was only looking at the surface of what I was contributing to the life of the church. What I failed to see is that the relationships I have made over the last 7 years and what I have witnessed in the life of this church is the true gift.
I have become attached to the story of Daniel. I have only just begun to find meaning in the suffering we as a family have endured this last year. There have been many times in the past few months where blind faith takes over my train wreck of thoughts, when my answers are clear and unquestionable. I have felt the Holy Spirit in the bottom of my stomach when I didn’t think there was anything left to feel. I know I have been guided in my decision making and in my planning and praying. I know that He has touched my life. It is not a “spotlights and choirs of angels” kind of awakening, but a night-light in a dark house kind of awakening. I know He is there.
I have not been able to give much this past year. In fact, I would consider myself a “taker”. But for once I don’t feel bad. I know that the strength of St. Paul’s is what keeps the life of Jesus in all of our hearts. I know this is my time for suffering and my time to need. But I also know that I will learn a lot about myself and will have a much deeper understanding of what it means to give.
Wendy Wallace
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Going to Nicaragua, I thought would be a fun, cultural trip helping others. Little did I know how blessed I would be. The children are so excited that we are here. They love the crafts we provide, but more importantly they are shown that we care. These people have so little but are genuinely happy. We could all learn so much from them. My first three days have been so gratifying and I am happily anxious for the rest of the week. Psalm 100 says, "Serve the Lord with gladness", but what it should conclude with is, "and you will be the one blessed." Love to all, Charlotte Miller
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 It's been so amazing being able to come back to Nicaragua the kids are such blessing! Its almost been a year and the children still remember us as they greet us with huge hugs feels like we are being welcomed home! Thanks to all who have supported and prayed for us and made this trip possible. I am not only grateful but so are all the children--they are so grateful for everything we do! Hearing them sing songs of praise and all the smiles on their faces allow me to see how Jesus is not only working through their lives but also mine.
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 When Linda and I moved to Delaware in late 2009, we were eager to find a church to call our own. We had attended a few United Methodist churches in our earlier travels in the Midwest, but none seemed just right for us. When we retired and moved back East to be near our family, we knew that we wanted a more significant church life, so we started looking. We contacted several churches in the MOT area (phone and/or email messages initially), but, surprisingly, no one got back to us - except for St. Paul's and Pastor Karin. She was genuinely interested in us and our quest to find a church home. We met with her and the decision to join the fellowship at St Paul's became a very easy one. We first joined in the worship services and then some of the church activities and enjoyed them all. Everyone made us feel very special and wanted as church members. Therefore, after about a year, we decided to join St Paul's as members. As mentioned, we do not take this lightly and had not joined another church for many years. However, St Paul's seemed to be just right for us and we wanted to participate with the other members and show our degree of commitment. We know we made the right choice and are very happy with it. We look forward to a long and very meaningful church life with all of you. Don & Linda Mueller
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 When I met Dave one of the questions I asked him was did he attend a church? He said “Yes” and he invited me to St. Paul’s. It took me a while before I got the courage to show up at a new church as it put me out of my “comfort zone.” But I visited one Sunday morning to Dave’s surprise. After the service he introduced me to many of his friends and I began to feel a bit more comfortable. It wasn’t long before choir members were asking me to join their ranks. After Dave & I married in August 2006, I joined St. Paul’s Church as a transfer from Asbury UMC in New Castle. The congregation at St. Paul’s was a HUGE support to me even though I was a newbie on the block…what a GREAT feeling to be welcomed with open arms. Because of the warmth I felt from Pastor Karin and the members at St. Paul’s I jumped right in and began serving: liturgist coordinator, choir, Worship Arts Team, M&M chairperson, hand bells and anywhere I feel my talents can be of use.
I especially felt the warmth and unconditional love of St. Paul’s when I had to have spine surgery in 2008…the cards, prayers, visits and well wishes were what kept me going when I couldn’t get out of the house.
Then in February 2010, we got the dreaded doctor’s report that I had cancer. That was the “C” word that I was scared to death of hearing. You think the worst will happen but hope and pray for the best. The folks at church rallied around me to let me know that they were thinking and praying for my health and recovery. Due to the work of the Lord, the great doctors, the support of my husband Dave and the prayers of everyone, I am now cancer free and have been since July 2010…that’s over 15 months if you are counting like me. What a wonderful feeling to be loved and know that there are people who have surrounded you with their love, thoughts and prayers to get you through the tough times. I am truly GREATFUL for the WORK OF THE LORD. Prayers are answered.
Jan Corby
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The following witness was given by Bradley & Nate Sutton in response to a series of questions they were asked by their mom, Heather Sutton
Do you ever see anyone at St. Paul's helping others?
Bradley - Yes, we put together the stuff for Haiti.
Nate - UMMMM
Why is it important to help others?
Bradley - So they can move on with us.
Nate – (no response)
Do you feel loved and happy at St. Paul's?"
Bradley - Yes.
How? People in church are happy to see me and they give me hugs and know my name and ask me questions…also when I stand with Pastor Karin at the end of church when everyone leaves because she lets me help.
Nate - Yes.
Who besides mommy & daddy love you?
Bradley - Mom mom and Pop Pop and Grammie and Pop Pop and God
Nate - God and My Sunday school Teacher (Miss Amanda)
Do you ever put money in the yellow hat or in the gold plate at church? Do you know what the money is for?
Bradley - Yes, I don't know
Nate - Yes, I forget
Do you ever say prayers? Why do we pray?
Bradley - Yes, we say prayers because we love God and to say thank you for people who love us and help us.
Nate - Yes, because we have to.
Who else do you know besides mommy & daddy that pray?
Bradley - The Reitzes
Nate - My Sunday school Teacher (Miss Amanda)
What do you love about Sunday school at St. Paul’s?
Bradley - We learn about heaven and the Bible and we make stuff that tells us about the Bible stories and helps us learn about Jesus.
Nate - My Sunday school Teacher (Miss Amanda)
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 "I love going to St. Paul's because everyone is so nice and thoughtful. I like going to VBS and Sunday School because it's fun and I learn about Jesus and His love for all people. I like putting my money in the offering and buying gifts for Adopt-A-Family because I think about the people that don't have homes and my family wants to help them. I like praying because it gives me a chance to thank God. I like participating in the Christmas play because it helps tell the story of when Jesus was born. Lastly, I love St. Paul's because we serve the best stuff on earth."
Natalie Reitzes
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 How have I felt God's unconditional love at St. Paul's? I keep thinking back to the time that Seth came home to stay with us last winter. He was hurting physically, emotionally and spiritually. I spent a great deal of time listening to him and just being there for him. I started offering to have him join us on Sundays at church. He started attending Adult Sunday School and Choir. Each and every time he came to St Paul's he was greeted with love and hugs. He was welcomed into the warmth of this church with so much love that even writing this now, it makes me cry. He was embraced in Adult Studies and he so related to material we were studying--The Me God Wants Me to Be--it was just what he needed. Seth became part of the St Paul's Family and was loved dearly. The love and prayer he was given began to help heal his whole being and he was able to get back on his feet. Without this wonderful experience I know he would not have survived. Because of my extended family at St Paul's, Seth is doing very well today and I am thankful to everyone. Sue Holden
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I was so glad we had the chance to deliver the Adopt-A-Family gifts to Neighborhood House this year. It gave us a chance to see St. Paul's in action (in comparison to other churches who were involved). St. Paul's overflowed with generosity. The woman who accepted the gifts commented that St. Paul's always does an outstanding job. As you so often say, St. Paul's rocks!
Marcia Wheeler
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I was welcomed and made to feel at home the first day I walked into the building, and since that first day my walk with Jesus has been jump started and refreshed... Before coming to St. Paul's I went to Church every Sunday and truly enjoyed going to worship services, but before St. Paul's I would never consider going to Bible Study or Adult Church School that was for the people who needed it, NOT ME... The CHURCH of St. Paul's has changed my walk with Christ.... My new favorite saying is "Standing in a garage doesn't make you a car any more than going to Church every Sunday makes you a Christian" ....There are many times when I have felt the presents of the HOLY SPRIT here--too many to list--singing in the choir with some truly amazing people, the kids from Providence, the choir from Lincoln University and the times when we were in fellowship with other members. We are blessed with some truly amazing people at St. Paul's. The love in this place is intense--you can almost touch it. You can't touch it but you sure can see it, you can see it on the faces and in the deeds of the membership... What a special place this is! --Mark Holden
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 As I reflect on my two years at St. Paul's, I am reminded of Romans 15:7 which says, "Welcome one another just as Christ has welcomed you, for the Glory of God." I came to St. Paul's after a year of more research to find a church that would bring me the spiritual satisfaction my home church of 45 years had brought. On my first visit, I was greeted with warmth and fellowship, and this miracle of grace and kindness brought my decision to attend St. Paul's as my house of worship. The same miracle of grace is found in the many outreach programs and most importantly, the youth programs of our church. Each Sunday, I marvel at the sermons for our small children, and the impact this has on their lives. As I heard one very young child say after their sermon, "That was awesome". I believe that the constant presence of God is felt throughout all of our services, and the message we bring home. I thank the Lord for leading me to St. Paul's and the beautiful congregation that reached out to me. I have been blessed. --Ann Newswanger |
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| Karin, please thank your wonderful congregation for the warm welcome we received on Sunday, Sept. 20! You've had our son, David, on your prayer list for several weeks, and the send-off you gave him before he left for Tanzania was exactly what we needed. We needed to know that other followers of Christ were praying for him, and excited for this new chapter of his life! So many people came to introduce themselves and wish us well, and congratulate David on his decision to serve others, through the Peace Corps. From the beautiful music, to your engaging sermon about the "recipes for life" and the call from God for us to take care of one another, we could feel the presence of the Holy Spirit strengthening us for the journey ahead. Thank you, Pastor T (or "Special K" as David used to call you) for the important role you've played in David's faith journey, getting him ready to take this step! And thank you, St. Paul's, for allowing us to celebrate the joy of this moment with all of you! He flies out of JFK Wednesday @ 6pm. I'll keep you posted on how things are going! Love you, Jenny |
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Our St. Paul 's family has made a huge impact on our lives. Being members has allowed us to grow faithfully and give our daughters a great foundation. We take pride in seeing that our children know that God loves and cares for them and the world around them. St. Paul 's helps us teach them the importance of faith, love and compassion. -Apps Family
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St. Paul's is the place we worship and raise our children to have a love of going to church. We've found a home here. There are families and friends of all ages that we've grown close to through the activities at St. Paul's.
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